J. K. Rowling: Harry Potter Was Almost Harry Batt

Another tidbit from J. K. Rowling’s talk at Exeter College has been revealed: Harry Potter was nearly named Harry Batt.

Rowling’s “Mortality and Morality” talk filled the Sheldonian Theatre. Students who attended said that the author revealed interesting details about their much-loved series, such as her initial plan to name her central character Harry Batt instead of Harry Potter, as well as her love for Albus Dumbledore ’ a character she always saw as morally flawed.

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Rowling reportedly told students that death and morality will play a major role in all her future works. There was little mention of the author’s recent revelation that she partly regrets pairing characters Ron and Hermione together. The comments, given to Potter actress Emma Watson, caused outrage among fans, with Rowling adding that Ron and Hermione would probably have needed marriage counselling.

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Many thanks to SnitchSeeker for the tip.