[HPforGrownups] Harry's grandparents

[Penny & Bryce Linsenmayer]

No: HPFGUIDX 4599

Hi --

eggplant88 at hotmail.com wrote:

> Well we know one of Harry's grandparents is named Potter and another
> Evans, I'll bet one of the other two is named Granger. Maybe that's
> why Harry and  Hermione seem to love each other but not romantically,
> they're cousins.

Well, first off Amanda's right -- the Dursleys are Harry's only living
relatives.

But, even if you believe JKR could be "fudging" on that issue, consider
genealogically how it would have to work & it's clear that Harry &
Hermione could not possibly be first cousins.  At best, they might be
second cousins but even that is a bit far-fetched if you believe that
the Dursleys are his only living relatives.  In any case, it's
impossible that they have a blood relationship that would prevent them
from marrying.

It'll be hard to draw a genealogical chart into this email but I'll try
to explain narratively --

1.  Harry's paternal grandparents are the Potters.  His grandfather's
surname was Potter.  His paternal grandmother --- we will call X.

2.  Harry maternal grandparents are the Evanses.  His maternal
grandfather's surname was Evans.  His maternal grandmother -- we will
call Y.

3.  The Evanses have 2 known children -- Lily & Petunia.  Even if Y's
maiden name is Granger, that would mean that Y was a sibling of the
Hermione's paternal grandfather.  This would make Hermione's father a
first cousin to Lily & Petunia.  Hermione would be Harry's 2nd cousin if
that were true.

4.  The Potters only have one known child -- James.  Same analysis as in
#3 if X's maiden name were Granger.

Don't know the rules on that in England, but it would be highly doubtful
that such a tenuous relationship would prevent them from marrying.

Nice try Eggplant!  :--)

Penny



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