Mark Evans!

[Inkwolf]

In Chapter One, Harry accuses Dudley of beating up Mark Evans.

Evans is Lily's maiden name--coincidence? Distant relative? What do you think?

[Weatherby]

Nice catch! :)
I'm not sure. It's a possibilty but a connection Dudley is probably unaware of. Does he know his mother's maiden-name?
It's characteristic of Harry not to wonder either.

[Anne]

Bravo, Inkwolf! I didn't notice that...I bet he is related to Lily. Some sort of cousin.

[rotsiepots]

I think Dudley would know if he was beating-up one of his cousins.

Petunia was an Evans too, remember. ;)

[Weatherby]

Dudley is a bit daft though.
I don't think he knows his mum's last name is my point. :)

[emikkime]

Yeh I got that. Also, did anyone else notice the fact that he was described as a 10 year old? That would mean if he had magical power, he would be strating Hogwarts in Book 6! Coincidence? I doubt it.

[harp230]

I doubt that it is a coincidence. There must be a loophole somewhere though. I think that the only intrepretation of Harry's family tree( at least of who has discussed / mentioned it) would be Dumbledore's intrepretation. Unless I have forgotten some refrence, then he has specifically said that Harry has no family left and that he has only the Dursley's as relatives on his Mom's side. So that indicates that he could have "relatives" on his father's side, or perhaps parents of this Mark Evans have disowned Harry's branch of the family tree and the charm would have not worked because of that (Mrs. Dursley must care about Harry/ etc on some level) or Mark's parents have died an he is an orphanege or something and could not guarentee a permenant home with the two of them together. This could get very interesting....

[Rounded Buddha]

Evans is a VERY common British name but I don't think JK likes coincidences

[Hpmons]

I was trying to think how Mark Evans rang a bell...

As far as I know, NO person in the HP books has had the same surname, unless they have been related. Regardless of whether its a common name or not, I think it has a link.
I dont see why it would though; I mean a distant relation of Lilys would make things complicated...And as other people say, for various reasons it wouldnt make sense.

[ibecarly]

ok i am so glad someone else caught that-- i remember reading it and went back to find it to look at it again and couldn't find it. i was wondering about that too! maybe htat had something to do with something "huge about lily potter"... i dunno.. i dont wanna wait 3592375987 years for the next book.. i want it tomorrow :yawn:

[FatalBeauty]

I was just rereading the first chapter about 15 minutes ago, and when I saw Mark Evans' name (which I hadn't noticed before), and my jaw dropped. I don't think JK would have put that in the book if she didn't intend to bring it up later. JK has also said (I think) that we'll find out more about Harry's relatives in later books. I think it's very likely that emikkime is right and Mark will start at Hogwarts in the next book.

[ibecarly]

omg.. i know.. ok so like there are always owls in the neighborhood and they could be for figg cause shes a squib.. but.. what if theyre for this mark evans family? and he goes to hogwarts next year? could it possibly be a cousin.. of harry's? a... second cousin? some sort of family member? that woudl be cool...

[Silver Phoenix]

alright in the chapter "The Hearing" the following is stated:

"We have no record of any witch or wizard living in Little Whinging other than Harry Potter," said Madam Bones. "That siuation has always been closely monitored, given...given past events."

Then you have McGonagalls quill that records the name of a witch/wizard the moment they are born so they are put on a list for Hogwarts. I would assume that would be as good as being a registered wizard. Obviously a registered wizard doesn't mean they are out of school if Harry is refered to.

So, because of the evidence given I really don't think Mark Evans will pop up at Hogwarts next year. But, as has been said, JKR doesn't drop names for nothing. So i'm sure we will be seeing Mark Evans in the the future, for some reason or another.

[harp230]

But does he have to live in Little Whinging , maybe he is just visiting or family alias, or lives in the next town over. I know it is very complicated for him to be a relative, but I just do not buy it being a coincidence.

[whizbang121]

Wow! You guys are good.
He might be from the next town over. Or perhaps he's a very distant relation. If Petunia had muggle family, wouldn't she acknowledge them? Unless, of course, they thought Lily was cool, too. Hmm..........
There's a 5 year age difference between Mark and Harry and Dudley. Perhaps, if Mark's parents are very young, they would have been underage when Harry needed a guardian?
Really interesting.

[MadMagic]

That was a good catch! It is unlike JK to put something like that in the book without it meaning anything. But I'm pretty ure that DD said that Petunia was Lily's last blood relation, which is why he has to stay with the Dursleys. If Mark Evans was related to Lily, then he would also be a blood relation. I don't know if we will see him again, but it is a very curious coincidence.

[ArchChancellor]

it's very odd that the Dursleys would not have mentioned a cousin by now, and i dont see how the link would be joined by any other route than via the dursleys. As mentioned before, the evidence against Mark being a wizard is quite solid... i see no contingency which would involve their meeting and having something to talk about. Seeing as Mark is only ten years old, he could not have any direct connection with Lily potter. I think this is just a coincidence, perhaps even a deliberate one to throw off all us theorists, eh?

[silveria]

OK, but what if thew reason that they never mentioned relatives of Petunia is that Petunia is a squib? I know it sounds far-fetched, but think about it. We never hear anything about her family except what she chooses to reveal. She has already made it clear that she knows more about the wizarding world than she lets on, and Dumbledore also made it clear that he didn't want Harry growing up famous and spoiled... If her bitterness toward Lily comes from jealousy over not being a witch, it makes sense. Or maybe I just need a hobby.

[lunalovegood03]

I was just rereading and noticed that too. If he is a cousin or something that has powers and goes to hogwarts next year that would be so cool. It could still make since for harry to go to the dursley's even if there is other family b/c w/ the dursley's he was living outside the wizarding world and safer like dumbledore says at the begining of book 1.

I still wanna no why all the potter's and evan's are dead if they are? We haven't actually been told yet.

[Bill]

I like the theory that Mark Evans' parents were either under age when James and Lily died, therefore making them inappropriate guardians, or he too is an orphan.

I can guarentee it is no coincidence. They do not exist in Harry Potter.

[Blah]

Mark Evans is Harry's brother. His parents gave birth to him as ghosts, 5 years after they died. Think about it. All the pieces fit.

[moon_lit_raven]

how is harry godmother? cause we know that sirius was is godfather but we don't know who she is. Petunia knows more about the wizarding world then she lets on, so she could be a squib, Lily and petunia could have had another sister or brother who was a witch/wizard aswell, but they got killed and left mark on his own. Or they could be alive but were not allowed to tell Harry that they are alive cause Mrs figg wasn't allowed to tell harry that she was a squib.

and if dumbledore wanted to keep harry away for all the magic. and the howler, i now dumbledore sent it but what does "remember my last" mean.

[Max]

But it is unusual, isn't it, if you do the math. Mark Evans in 10, Harry's 15 -- Harry's parents died when he was just 1. So, assuming that Lily and Petunia did not have any other brothers or sisters, we can only assume that Lily's mother had a brother, so Mark Evans could possibly the son of Lily and Petunia's cousin. Considering the fact that Lily is Muggle-born, it is unlikely that Mark would have any magic in him. But it is interesting, isn't it, that Mark's family lives in Little Whinging. Do the Dursleys know about them?

[familiar]

I wonder how Harry knows about Mark Evans. He only talks to the Dursley's and Mrs. Figg. He probably over-hears other conversations when he is out walking, or perhaps Mrs. Figg mentioned it since apparently she keeps asking him over for tea.

Perhaps when the ministry said there were no other wizards in Little Whinging, they would not consider a 10 year-old in that list because of age and inexperience, and because he was not in a wizard school. This could only happen if his parents were muggles, or they were visiting for the summer from another town.

[IThinkNot]

Somehow I am finding it hard to believe this. It's hard to come up with names in books. It's entirely possible that she just simply needed a name and came up with one that sounded decent.

I really, really don't think this has anything to do with the story. Seriously. This is like the whole Professor-Binns-Calling-Ron-Perkins-Means-Something theory.

This is just too far out there for it to be credible.

[SethEvil]

Originally posted by Silver Phoenix (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=390621#post390621))
alright in the chapter "The Hearing" the following is stated:

"We have no record of any witch or wizard living in Little Whinging other than Harry Potter," said Madam Bones. "That siuation has always been closely monitored, given...given past events."

Then you have McGonagalls quill that records the name of a witch/wizard the moment they are born so they are put on a list for Hogwarts. I would assume that would be as good as being a registered wizard. Obviously a registered wizard doesn't mean they are out of school if Harry is refered to.

So, because of the evidence given I really don't think Mark Evans will pop up at Hogwarts next year. But, as has been said, JKR doesn't drop names for nothing. So i'm sure we will be seeing Mark Evans in the the future, for some reason or another.


You weren't paying attention. Mark Evans doesn't live in Little Whinging, he lives in the neighboring county, where the park is. I think it was called Surrey or something like that. Also when they say where the attack occured Harry Potter was also not in Little Whinging either. He was in the Alley between Little Whinging and this other county.

[jerb]

I think there is something to this. This is the first book in which Lily's maiden name is mentioned (I am sure we only knew it before because of interviews). As for Dudley not making a connection, Harry didn't know what L.E. stood for in Snape's memory.

[vickygirl4]

I don't JKR would ever accidentally make him have the same last name as Lily, this is NO coincidence.

But, what could it mean? I haven't the slightest idea!

[lunalovegood03]

Originally posted by Silver Phoenix (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=390621#post390621))
alright in the chapter "The Hearing" the following is stated:

"We have no record of any witch or wizard living in Little Whinging other than Harry Potter," said Madam Bones. "That siuation has always been closely monitored, given...given past events."

Then you have McGonagalls quill that records the name of a witch/wizard the moment they are born so they are put on a list for Hogwarts. I would assume that would be as good as being a registered wizard. Obviously a registered wizard doesn't mean they are out of school if Harry is refered to.

So, because of the evidence given I really don't think Mark Evans will pop up at Hogwarts next year. But, as has been said, JKR doesn't drop names for nothing. So i'm sure we will be seeing Mark Evans in the the future, for some reason or another.


when is the quill talked about I don't remember??????

anyone have any idea what the "past events" that happened in little whinning are? Their not just talking about what Harry's done right b/c this monitoring sounds like other witches/wizards did things in the past?

and just because the ministry doesn't have any record of other witches/wizards living in the area doesn't mean there aren't any. They could say there aren't any animagi they don't know about but we know that's not true and they still claim Harry did magic in his second year and we know dobby did that.

[animagus1369]

Originally posted by Silver Phoenix (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=390621#post390621))
alright in the chapter "The Hearing" the following is stated:

"We have no record of any witch or wizard living in Little Whinging other than Harry Potter," said Madam Bones. "That siuation has always been closely monitored, given...given past events."

Then you have McGonagalls quill that records the name of a witch/wizard the moment they are born so they are put on a list for Hogwarts. I would assume that would be as good as being a registered wizard. Obviously a registered wizard doesn't mean they are out of school if Harry is refered to.

So, because of the evidence given I really don't think Mark Evans will pop up at Hogwarts next year. But, as has been said, JKR doesn't drop names for nothing. So i'm sure we will be seeing Mark Evans in the the future, for some reason or another.


What if the Evanses aren't registered there as a form of protection for Mark (if they're related to L and P Evans, he might be a target as well)?

And really, the Ministry under Fudge is fully capable of manipulating any piece of information to its (MoM's) best advantage, isn't it?

[Earendil]

This is an interesting catch. I don't buy that "Evans" was a coincidence, because there are umpteen other last names that she could have picked that would have sounded all right if she just wanted to drop a random character name for effect. Nor do I buy the fact that he's ten and could be on his way to Hogwarts next year as just being a coincidence either. I might have to, though...it definitely doesn't add up that DD & Co. wouldn't know about another wizard living near Harry, even if it was in the neighboring village. We'll see, hopefully.

[SherbertLemon]

I've just noticed something after reading the book a second time. Lilly Potter's maiden name was Evans. In the first chapter of the book before Dudley it attacked by the dementor, Harry is taunting him and trying to make him mad. When I re-read this chapter this caught my eye:

"So who've you been beating up tonight?" Harry asked, his grin fading. "Another ten-year-old? I know you did Mark Evans two nights ago---" -From page 13 of the U.S. version.

There may be nothing to it at all but do any of you think there is a connection between Lilly and Mark?

[crazychick0762]

There was a discussion about this in a different thread but yeah I dunno...JK always drops subtle clues like that so maybe he is a relation of Lily's, or maybe she just wants us to think that...or....something.

[Nickel]

There's a thread about Mark Evans in the Predictions and Theories section.

Here's the link:

http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?threadid=11262


Thanks for the merge!

[harry-james-potter]

Never noticed! JKR always puts in little things like that! I'll Bet this is another of her schemes...I'll go bug the sanity out of her now...

[Cheetah]

I noticed it too, even reread the part a few times. Although it completely escaped my mind by the time I was done with the book and until now. Then again, I've always been horrible with names. Maybe I should go back to every single book and record all the names and whe they are...

[MagpieOnaga]

I hope somebody asks JKR about Mark Evans, because I really don't know what to think, and I'm a little weary of getting over-excited about it, in case it turns out to be a coincidence.

[whizbang121]

Originally posted by Cheetah (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=397326#post397326))
I noticed it too, even reread the part a few times. Although it completely escaped my mind by the time I was done with the book and until now. Then again, I've always been horrible with names. Maybe I should go back to every single book and record all the names and whe they are...


Save the trouble. The lexicon has already done it.

http://www.hp-lexicon.org/

Wonder if they have already covered the new book?:)

[LionHeart14]

I was JUST going to post something about this. If indeed this Evans boy is related to Lily (and therefore Harry) ... WHY didn't Harry go live with those people rather than the Dursley's? We don't know what happened or even WHO Lily AND James' parents ... hmm ... I think it's a clue!

[Tarawyn]

I'm going to merge this with a similar thread. :)

[Mutant for Hire]

My personal feeling is that Mark is a second cousin of Harry. The charm that Dumbledore cast would require a near blood relation. Petunia is Lily's sister, whereas Mark's father would be her first cousin, not much of a near relation there.

As for why Harry hasn't heard of them, do you think that the Dursleys would encourage Harry to socialize? They've done everything in their power to isolate Harry so that no one gets close enough to find out how strange he is. They didn't have to spread those rumors about Harry being mad or a criminal, they just did it to spite him and to keep him friendless.

From the flip side, if you had a cousin like Petunia, would you go out of your way to socialize with them? The Dursleys are a pretty awful lot. And with the rumors about Harry spreading around on top of Dudley being a known thug, everyone would assume both boys were criminal.

As for the coincidence, the fact that we are finally given Lily's maiden name as Evans in this book, the same time that this new person is introduced, I find it stretching things a bit. And for that matter, that Rowling gave Mark's age as ten in the book was suggestive as well. Why not older? Why not younger? But exactly a year ahead of the age to go to Hogwarts. Of course I could be reading too much into this like everyone else.

I would not be surprised to see book six opening with Dudley coming in with some horrible magical complaint that Harry automagically gets blamed for, when in fact Dudley had tried to beat up Mark and Mark threw some sort of wild curse. Harry finally gets the Evans connection and realizes he does have some blood kin at last.

In some ways it would bring Harry full circle and drive into him how far he's really come. And in fact Harry taking on some responsibility for his young cousin could help reinforce the adulthood theme in these last books. Harry having a young cousin to keep an eye on and protect from people like the Slytherins.

[Koki]

I think that this Mark Evans is a son of like Lily's and Petunia'a cousin (is that second cousin 'cause I don't know how all that works). But yeah maybe Mark's parents are muggles too so there wouldn't be any record of wizards and whatnot in that area, because mark wouldn't even know himself that he was a wizard!

[whizbang121]

Originally posted by harp230 (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=389306#post389306))
I doubt that it is a coincidence. There must be a loophole somewhere though. I think that the only intrepretation of Harry's family tree( at least of who has discussed / mentioned it) would be Dumbledore's intrepretation. Unless I have forgotten some refrence, then he has specifically said that Harry has no family left and that he has only the Dursley's as relatives on his Mom's side. So that indicates that he could have "relatives" on his father's side, or perhaps parents of this Mark Evans have disowned Harry's branch of the family tree and the charm would have not worked because of that (Mrs. Dursley must care about Harry/ etc on some level) or Mark's parents have died an he is an orphanege or something and could not guarentee a permenant home with the two of them together. This could get very interesting....


If Petunia is Lily"s only living relative and there is an Evans kid on the block, and we know that JKR never wastes a name, couldn't this bring us back to the idea that Lily and Petunia were adopted by muggles named Evans?. Mark Evans could be a major clue to something big about Lily, (and her sister).

[harp230]

hmm... I have been going around and around with the adopted thing. The more I think about it the more I am convinced that Lily and Petunia are adopted. I have been tinkering with the idea that they were adopted into a muggle family from a pureblood wizard family. Could be an interesting spin if this Evans kid was a relative of the adoptive family and not a blood relation to Harry, that would save a lot of contradiction of the story so far.....

[Koki]

I do hope that mark evans is important or something, I think it would be fu and a good twist to the plot, it would be very interesting and i also think it would fill a little bit of the whole he has with sirius, just a little. Becasue then harry would have a real somewhat of family that is like him and would accept him. you know. i think it would make harry very happy, and I sure want to see harry happy

[whizbang121]

It could even be that a muggle named Evans married a woman (or witch) with two small daughters from a previous relationship and adopted his new wife's children. Or perhaps, Petunia and Lily only share one parent? What if Lily was the older child and had a different father?

Either way, the point is that the Mark Evans hint indicates that Lily is not a blood relation of the local Evanses, who apparently are muggles.

So, there is a special power in Harry, Lily's eyes are special, and who is more amazingly special than Dumbledore? Is this "something special" inherited? I thought Lily was Tom Riddle's daughter. Now, I wonder if she is Dumbledore's granddaughter, or some such. We know nothing of her parents or Dumbledore's relatives. Mark Evans is either a huge clue, or a frustrating red herring.:sigh:

[ali_jane]

I'm sure that Rowling noticed she was using the name Evans, but like whizbang121 I'm not sure that she didn't just want to drive us nuts with a red herring!
Since kids born when their parents aren't married are given the last name of the mother, for a moment I thought maybe it was something along the lines of Lily having the baby in a muggle hospital (who wouldn't have records of the Potters since its a wizarding family) and then hiding him for safety because of the attacks they knew would be coming on Harry. It doesn't work at all though because the child would have to be about a year younger than Harry, not five! Plus I don't think Dumbledore would knowingly keep Harry in the dark about a relative that close. Oh well!

[whizbang121]

She uses first names, too. And the word mark seems to have the same meaning in AmerEnglish and British, but it seems like it can mean more in Britain, too. I think it can also mean to remember something or call attention to something that needs to be remembered. (Help! American in trouble here!)

It's also how Voldemort made Harry his equal.

[Padfoot_Uk]

yeh i wondered this i thought it was a bit too much of a conicedence to have a 10 yr old boy named evans just dropped into the story, either that or JK is putting the coincedence in there on purpose to keep us guessing! :??:

[gred&forge4ever]

I have a couple of different thoughts/ theories about Mark Evans.

1. When Lily and Petunia's mom dies, there father marries a much younger woman. The sisters cut him out of their lives, so he is "dead" to them. Later, Mr. evans and his new wife have son whom they name Mark. Mr. Evans is old at this point and kicks the bucket, not knowing about Harry . Thus Mark is really Harry's uncle, not his cousin. I think that he will be at Hogwarts next year.

2. McGonagall's pen shows when and "magical child" is born. A magical child is not a witch or wizard until they start Hogwarts, so except in Harry's case, due to his defeat as an infant of Voldie, Mark would not be registered.


3. Theory about Mark's parents being underage and not being able to care for Harry makes sense too.

4. Dumbledore has shown in the past that he doesn't know EVERYTHING(the Maurauder's Map, that the Maurauders are unregistered animagi), so the fact that Mark Evans exists could have escaped him. Or he could have said that Harry has no other blood relations to protect Mark .

[Doggy]

This Mark is (if a relative at all) something like a second cousin. This would explain why Dumbledore left Harry with (horrible) Dursleys and not with the Evans; since the Dursleys are closer relations, and Petunia and Harry share the same blood, the protection would be stronger.

I definately think that there's a strong possibility that Mark is a wizard, at least if you think of the fact that J.K. Rowling never puts something in without a meaning behind it; it feels like more than a coincidense. Wouldn't it be fun if Mark started Hogwarts and Harry and he were (however little) related.

About Dudley and Harry knowing; I don't think Dudley would care who he was beating up; possibly if their parents knew eachother and there was a chance of them talking about it but otherwise, no... Besides his parents does let him get away with murder...
Harry didn't know his mother's maiden name then. He learned it in the pensieve; otherwise he would have understodd who "L.E." stood for when James doodled during the OWLs. Besides, do you really think Aunt Petunia (the only one who could have told him) would freely tell something like that. The less discussed about Lily, the better!

[SnapesHouseElf]

I just finished reading OotP... So back to the theories!!! :D

About Mark Evans, I've got two:

* The existance of a "Mark Evans" who may appear in Hogwarts next year ties in with the old theory Lily's father was a squib. His "wizard family" side didn't have much contact with him, and that's why the Dursleys don't know they're related to young Mark.


* If you put together Mark Evans and the old theory Perseus Evans it results clearly that young Mark is related to our good Snape; perhaps his son?. Even the name matches! (Mark).

Just two knuts.:)

[whizbang121]

Originally posted by SnapesHouseElf (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=414886#post414886))

* If you put together Mark Evans and the old theory Perseus Evans it results clearly that young Mark is related to our good Snape; perhaps his son?. Even the name matches! (Mark).

Just two knuts.:)


That's an interesting thought. But Snape had those horrible memories in OotP about his childhood. Hopefully, Lily and Petunia didn't grow up in this same environment. They could possibly have been cousins. But that would make Snape a blood relative of Lily and Dumbledore says that Petunia is the last.

How about this. Lily is the older sister. Her mother was a muggle and her father a wizard. Her mother was widowed when Lily was very small. Mom married again, a muggle named Evans who gave Lily his name, possibly to protect her. Together, they had Petunia. So, the Evanses are not Lily's blood relations. Lily is raised by muggles who are somewhat knowledgable of the magical world and supportive of Lily. Petunia grows up in the shadow of her sister and in terror of the evils in the magical world. She is not only jealous of Lily's power, she blames Lily for putting the entire family in danger. We have no idea, for example, what became of their parents. Petunia shuns all Evanses because they have knowledge of the magical world she desperately denies. So, Harry and Diddykins don't know they have relatives in the neighborhood.

In this scenario, Petunia is not a squib. :bite: Darn. And Dudley was awfully affected by the dementor's for a muggle. But the dementors were sent on a mission to destroy Harry. Still ...........

And then we have Dumbledore admitting to being extremely proud of Harry and not wanting Voldemort to know how much he cares about the young man. What is this telling us?!!?
When is book six coming out?

[Silk E Smooth]

Evans is an important name just like Potter. I doubt she would have another character with the last name Potter and have it be no relation at all. So I think we are on to something here. Mark Evans could very will be a distant relative.

[SnapesHouseElf]

Originally posted by whizbang121 (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=417616#post417616))
They could possibly have been cousins. But that would make Snape a blood relative of Lily and Dumbledore says that Petunia is the last.
You know, I strongly think even Dumbledore doesn't know all of my master Snape's past secrets......:D

[whizbang121]

Originally posted by SnapesHouseElf (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=418598#post418598))
You know, I strongly think even Dumbledore doesn't know all of my master Snape's past secrets......:D


Fair enough. Collect 200 knuts and advance to "A Tale of Two Worlds";)

[NeedAM!nT]

Originally posted by rotsiepots (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=387967#post387967))
I think Dudley would know if he was beating-up one of his cousins.

Petunia was an Evans too, remember. ;)


That is true, but if this Mark fellow's father/mother or if he is a wizard, then Petunia wouldn't mention him to anyone.

[whizbang121]

I'm still working on Petunia is Lily's younger sister. Her parents were the muggles named Evans. But maybe their mother was the widow of a wizard who was actually Lily's father. This would explain why Petunia is Lily's only blood relative, even if there are Evanses down the block. If Petunia felt that associating with them would endanger her family or spill the beans to Vernon, she would avoid them and the boys wouldn't know that Mark was related to them.

[Mirkwood]

As mentioned the word Mark means sign. JKR is very good as using names to say something. Almost all names in the book have an extra meaning describing the character.

Furthermore, the prophecy mentions:
The Dark Lord will MARK him as his equal.

Or is it all just coincidence..

[whizbang121]

Originally posted by Mirkwood (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=424672#post424672))
As mentioned the word Mark means sign. JKR is very good as using names to say something. Almost all names in the book have an extra meaning describing the character.

Furthermore, the prophecy mentions:
The Dark Lord will MARK him as his equal.

Or is it all just coincidence..


Yeah, I think that was mentioned at the "significance of names" thread. Interesting point.

[Ellen]

Long post. Sorry.

Mark actually comes from Marcus and means something along the lines of a warrior or one dedicated to Mars (which has been getting brighter), although JK could have been thinking of the English meaning. While I'm at it, I might throw in Lord of the Rings with the Lords of the Mark (young Mark is a Horse Lord? Connected to centaurs? Am I making ridiculous stretches of logic?).

Here's the thing, suppose Mark Evans, related or not, gets his letter and goes to Hogwarts. This means a kid from Harry's neighborhood, one who knows Harry from the Muggle perspective, will be going to Hogwarts.

What does he think of Harry? Is he going to be shocked to find out the truth about the supposedly disturbed and dangerous kid who's supposed to go to a school for the criminally insane? How will he feel about going to the same school, even if it turns out to be something different?

Harry knew Mark had been beaten up. Did Harry find him afterwards or just hear it through the grapevine? If he found him afterwards, was he able to help Mark? In other words, does Mark already think of Harry as a protector? If Harry wasn't able to help him, does Mark know of Harry only through rumors (mentally disturbed, criminal, and a Dursley family member) and think he's probably just another bully like Dudley?

Let's go one step further. Could Mark have seen Harry's confrontation with Dudley? It may be a stretch, but think about this possible chain of events.

1. Mark is beaten up by Dudley.

2. Mark is found and helped by Harry.

3. Whether or not Harry says anything about dealing with Dudley, a couple nights later Harry confronts Dudley. If Mark (unknown to either of the boys) was a hidden witness to this, then he heard Harry confront Dudley about what he'd done. He would have also seen Harry threaten Dudley with a WAND and would know that Dudley really was afraid of what Harry could do with it.

4. Mark may have heard something about Cedric although I'm not sure he could have followed it. I can't guess what it would mean to him to know in this context that Harry has seen someone die and has nightmares about it, but it's worth mentioning.

5. Mark, as a wizard, would have been able to see the Dementors and may have felt the effects of their attack, depending how close he was.

6. Mark would have seen Harry use magic and would have seen that he could drive off the Dementors and rescue Dudley.

7. There are good odds Mark knew Harry wasn't allowed out of the house after this incident.

8. I'm assuming Moody would notice a young kid watching the house but, if Mark was going to make any attempt to contact Harry about these strange events, the night the Dursleys were lured away would be his best chance. He may have seen enough to realize Harry took off on a broomstick with a bunch of people who can do the same thing.

9. Mark at Hogwarts: Yes, I expect Harry to take Mark under his wing, especially if he's already helped him in the past. If Mark has a positive view of Harry (and I think he does), he'll be talking about Harry as nonstop as Colin Creevey ever did.

How would this effect Snape? Mark would be presenting a view of Harry very different from the one Snape has. Even if Mark is as uninsightful as Hermione accuses Ron of being, he can't help but know the basic facts - the lies the Dursleys tell about Harry and some of the more obvious aspects of how he is treated by them. He would also be describing Harry as something Snape hasn't imagined him to be, the complete opposite of everything Snape hated about James, a Harry who confronted his own cousin to protect a small boy he barely knew but who also wound up saving that cousin's life a few minutes later.

This could get really interesting.

[whizbang121]

Umm....
As near as I can tell, absolutely none of that is even hinted at in the books. But it's a great idea and may turn out to be dead on true. Still, I don't see how Mark can be a wizard going to Hogwarts if the Evans are muggles.

Looks like the makings of a great fanfic and such as these will be the staple of the waiting period to the next book.

[Elektra]

Originally posted by ali_jane (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=410283#post410283))
I'm sure that Rowling noticed she was using the name Evans, but like whizbang121 I'm not sure that she didn't just want to drive us nuts with a red herring!


In the Albert Hall interview about Book 5, Rowling said the following:

"Um... I will say this. I... I had to put in some things because of what's coming in six and seven, and I didn't want anyone to say to me, "What a cheat, you never gave us clues....Because if I didn't mention certain things that happen in Order of the Phoenix, I think you could have said to me, "Well, you sprang that on us." Whereas, I want you to, to be able to guess, and you've got your wits about you. " (http://home.byu.net/~mdj7/transcript.html)

Now, yes, it's true that Rowling likes to surprise her readers with new twists and turns, but she obviously has some big surprises coming and wants us to be reasonably prepared for them so we don't feel like she just pulled it out of nowhere to keep the surprises coming. She's fair about it, and I'd say that the Mark Evans kid, with all the interesting little coincidences about his name and age and relationship with Dudley, are definitely one of those clues she's dropping.

Elektra

[whizbang121]

I agree and yet ... she's so deliberately misleading. I don't know what to make of her anymore.

But Mark Evans has to be something (or someone) that will pop up again. That and Neville's gum wrappers.

[MagpieOnaga]

Yes...makes me wish I had tracked down the kids who had a chance to ask questions during her only interview (I believe she said she would not be conducting anymore anytime soon?). I would have BEGGED them to ask about Mark Evans. Honestly, it's driving me insane -- I want to tell myself this is just a coincidence or red herring or something, but a tiny voice tells me it's not...it can't be. I want to know, blast it!

[Daveydee]

Agreed - this is quite possibly one of the most frustrating concepts yet to have arisen in the whole world of HP theorising.

One half of me says this is a huge red herring, and that JK is probably laughing at our agonising right now. The other half of me says, that given the way she drops her clues into the text, it has to be building towards something.

The problem is, unlike with other theories, there is absolutely nothing else in canon to help sway the argument one way or the other, and I find myself unable to come down on either side of the fence.

How frustrating! How could JK do this to us?

[whizbang121]

Originally posted by familiar (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=395926#post395926))
I wonder how Harry knows about Mark Evans. He only talks to the Dursley's and Mrs. Figg. He probably over-hears other conversations when he is out walking, or perhaps Mrs. Figg mentioned it since apparently she keeps asking him over for tea.


Harry went to elementary school with Dudley before Hogwarts. He probably knows lots of neighborhood kids even though he doesn't socialize with them.

It seems as though most red herrings come from interviews, fewer actually make it into the books. The books seem a safer source of information.

[psychofan]

i wanted to revive this because i was just rereading Chapter 1. i think the reason Dudley and his gang beat up Mark was because of some perceived weakness on Mark's part (glasses, height, etc.) could this be a physical resemblance to harry?

[whizbang121]

Dudley said Mark "cheeked him". American here who thinks that means Mark mouthed off at Diddydumkins. If he did and Dudley wasn't just making it up, then the kid has courage. Very Gryffindor of him.
But I don't think he's a wizard. I think the Evanses really were muggles and either Lily had a different father, or perhaps Lily and Petunia both did. But it seems so much has been made about Lily being a mudblood that it must be important for everyone to think the muggles Evans were her biological parents. Time will tell.

[bluecherry]

Well, he obviously isn't Harry's brother because Mark is 10 and since Harry's Parents dies 15 years ago... he can't be his brother, but a cousin maybe....

[Summergurl]

dont think it is a coincidence....out of all the names in the world why choose one that is the same as his mothers????????

maye its Harrys second cousin. Lily's father had a brother. he had a son who had Mark...maybe lily's father and his brotherdidnt keep in touch or werent close...or like othes said...Petunia is closer in blod then they would be since she is lily's sister. thats why Harry hasta live with petunia

[Ellen]

Since we were talking about what the name means - the symbol of St. Mark is a winged lion. Is Mark Evans a future Gryffindor?

[whizbang121]

St Mark and Gryffindor. Interesting.

[Inkwolf]

Muahahahaaaaa....

I'm about to be very annoying.

Okay, we know the theory about how Severus Snape is an anagram for Perseus Evans.

MAYBE this implies a relation to Harry, and maybe not.....

Buy MAYBE Snape secretly has a Muggle wife and kid, and P. E. is the alias he uses as a Muggle during the summer. :D

[You-Know-Who]

That's a little bit Far fetched Inkwolf :yup:

[whizbang121]

yeah, but it's great fun. And with JKR ......

Someone should write a series called Perseus Evans, Evil Professor by Day, Suburban Cowboy by Night.

[kittyboy]

That's funny Inkwolf, But If Snape/Evans did happen to be
married and with a kid and living soo close to Privet Drive Harry
would have run into him long before he went to Hogwarts and I'm sure Ron and the twins would have teased him about it. But I can't image Snape Marrying a muggle unless she was a "hot babe" that he just had to have for his own ! :wow:
Kittyboy

[Scarlet Tears]

Wow, you guys who noticed that are pretty observant! Well done! Here's a little of my take on this issue:

I think the theory of Mark being Harry's first cousin can be ruled out, since there is no evidence indicating that Lily and Petunia had a brother (who would have kept the last name of Evans while traditionally, a woman would have taken their husband's last name after marriage). One could suggest that the brother was killed, but this would also be highly unlikely, considering the fact that Mark is ten and would have been born five years after Harry, thus saying that Harry did have living relatives (i.e. Mark's father) besides the Durselys when his parents were killed.

As for Mark being a second cousin, there is no evidence that has come to my attention that would push the argument either way. I guess we poor fans are left with mere speculation at this point! :sigh:

[whizbang121]

I'm still liking the idea that Lily is the older sister and from her muggle mom's first marriage to a wizard. He died when Lily was very small. Mom then married a muggle named Evans who gave Lily his name to protect her, but when Lily got her letter, they were supportive.

For some reason, it's important for everyone to believe that Lily is from a completely muggle family. Petunia, terrified of the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters, completely rejected Lily and all connections to the magical world and entered into denial. We do not know what became of the Evanses.

While it seems very likely that the Evanses in the neighborhood are related to Petunia, if they are knowledgable of the magical world Petunia will shun them rather than risk them spilling the beans to Vernon. So, the boys would not know their mothers' maiden name or that Mark is a relative.

But, when Dumbledore needed to leave Harry with someone who shared his mother's blood, there was only Petunia. She is the only family he has, at least on his mother's side.

So, in this scenario, who is Lily's father?

[juliweasley]

HI ALL I finally get to post although my daughter stole my e-add and I can't seem to be able to change my ID back to AJJA!

OK Inkwolf I absolutely love this whole Mark Evans thing. I think he is defininitely distantly related to Harry, is a fledgling wizard, has green eyes, and will be mentored by Harry. What better way to get Harry to GROW UP? He will be important to the last two books. How I don't know.
Keep in mind I almost bet 100 bucks that Hagrid was a goner!!

[FredRocksMySocks]

ok...didn't they say that there were no known wizards residing near harry's house? and as none of them are old enough to drive, mark would have to live nearby for old duddy to have fought him or whatever, right? so, no, i don't think that mark can be related to harry unless he is a squib, in that case. and i'm not sure JK would spring another squib on us so soon.

[juliweasley]

No KNOWN Wizards. He wouldn't be known to the ministry until he started Hogwarts. I stick to this being a good way to give Harry a Family and agood reason to keep fighting

[whizbang121]

ok...didn't they say that there were no known wizards residing near harry's house? and as none of them are old enough to drive, mark would have to live nearby for old duddy to have fought him or whatever, right? so, no, i don't think that mark can be related to harry unless he is a squib, in that case. and i'm not sure JK would spring another squib on us so soon.

Fredrocksmysocks,

I think up a page or two there is a discussion about that. There are no known wizards in Little Whinging, but Mark apparently lives in another nearby neighborhood. Of course, I'm playing devil's advocate because I don't think Mark is a wizard.

[Darjeeling Teacup]

You guys are totally awesome. And when I say "awesome", I do mean that you inspire "AWE".

Your theories and speculations are amazing! :clappy:

So, how about this one:

L & P's dad WAS married before and was divorced. So the girls have a half-bro out there.

This would allow for the non-existence of Mark (as some kids after a divorce lose touch with a parent) in Pet's life.

She hasn't mentioned him cuz she herself doesn't know. Neither does she know about the whereabouts of her father's child from his first marriage. Could've been a boy or a girl... Petunia doesn't know or care!

So, maybe this half-bro has a whole passel of kids and Mark is the youngest who also shows signs of magic...

jmho!
:clappy: :clappy: :clappy:

[Darjeeling Teacup]

<img

just checkin - ignore me

[Ellen]

While there are some things I like about the idea of Snape having an alter ego under the name of Evans, can anyone see Dudley surviving after he'd beaten up Snape's son?

[whizbang121]

Originally posted by Ellen (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=440892#post440892))
While there are some things I like about the idea of Snape having an alter ego under the name of Evans, can anyone see Dudley surviving after he'd beaten up Snape's son?


:rotfl:

How true! I want to be there for that "disagreement."

[drummer]

Does Mark Evans have a middle name?

[whizbang121]

Not one that we know, yet. We may find out in the future. He's only mentioned in passing.

[Muthagal]

Wow! You guys are the most creative thinkers. I love reading all these theories.

I don't think there's any way Mark EVANS is a coincidence.

1..Maybe if he was mentioned in passing a few books ago but no way if it's in the same book where we first learn Lily's last name.

2. He's 10 - what a perfect set up for showing up at Hogwarts next year!

3. I don't think it matters that there are no other wizards in the area - the Evanses were a muggle family. There's a wizard strain of blood running through them somewhere, but basically they are mostly muggles with it coming out every few generations. I bet he's a distant relative but still it will be a nice connection for Harry to have and hopefully Mark's parents will be very accepting of the wizard world.

4. I do think Petunia may know of them although she might not know they live near and she likely doesn't know the names of all the kids in the neighborhood. Plus, she doesn't seem like she's very tied to her family anyway.

I'm really looking forward to seeing how Mark might play a role. I'm sure we'll see him being sorted early in book 6 and of course Harry will recognize him.

[juliweasley]

EXACTLY!
I think, though, we will see him before the sorting. Profeesor Magonagall would have to make the name connection, possibly the address as well.
I'd love to see Harry show Mark Diagon Alley and introduce him to his world and his friends. What better way to recap the previous books than to bring in a character who wants to learn all about Harry?

[Draco is Hot]

Do u think Mark Evans is part of the Potter secret yet to be revealed??? oh my gosh!!!! the suspense is definitely killing me. i know it's just a name but i'm pretty sure JK has her purpose for the character.

Remember Nicholas Flamel in Ps/SS?? his name was mentioned in the chocolate frog cards but the stone that he made played an important role in the book! ahhh!!! oh my God INKWOLF!!! u are bloody brilliant!!!!!

[Ellen]

There was some speculation a while back about how Muggleborns are informed about Hogwarts. Even with an owl delivering it, it must be hard not to think the letter is some kind of joke. It would make the most sense for adult wizards to have the job, but what if older students living near a Muggleborn are given it? They'd have to have permission to use magic (or the parents would never believe them), but we saw Hagrid get permission when he'd lost his wand over actual criminal charges.

I can just see Harry repeating everything Hagrid told him.

And what will Mark Evans think when they go to Gringotts if Harry has to get something of Sirius' out of the high security vault number 711 and can't tell him what it is or why he's getting it?

[Don' eat raw hagis]

I am not sure but what if it is like the name Johnson, that most people have as a last name. It might be a name JKR likes or it could be a cousin twice removed.

[Ellen]

I just noticed, when Harry confronts Dudley, he says he knows it was Dudly and his gang who did Mark Evans two nights ago.

Later, we find out the Dementor attack happened on the 2nd of August.

That means Dudley's attack on Mark happened on Harry's birthday.

I have no idea what it means, but that can't be a coincidence.

I'd also like to know how Mark cheeked him. Did he say or do something that made Dudley think of Harry?

[Amylou]

I noticed this too. If he is magical in some way, he would be receiving a letter from Hogwarts this summer! So we might find out in Book 6. This is completely far-fetched and I have no proof, but I'll say it anyway. What if Lily and Petunia's mom had another daughter or son that no one is aware of, possilby up for adoption or whatnot. Totally far-fetched, but I'm just trying to think of ways that they could be related....

[whizbang121]

Mr. Evans had a brother? He was married before?

[Don' eat raw hagis]

Didn't Dudley say it was a 15 year old but we can't take his word. If he was 15 it would mean it would be another Evans not a blood relative or/and not a wizard because Lily was the only witch in the family.

[Summergurl]

Originally posted by Don' eat raw hagis (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=451867#post451867))
Didn't Dudley say it was a 15 year old but we can't take his word. If he was 15 it would mean it would be another Evans not a blood relative or/and not a wizard because Lily was the only witch in the family.


page 17 UK edition "So who've you been beating up tonight? Harry asked, his grin fading "another ten year old? I know you did Mark Evans two nights ago-"

[psychofan]

Originally posted by SnapesHouseElf (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=414886#post414886))
I just finished reading OotP... So back to the theories!!! :D

About Mark Evans, I've got two:

* The existance of a "Mark Evans" who may appear in Hogwarts next year ties in with the old theory Lily's father was a squib. His "wizard family" side didn't have much contact with him, and that's why the Dursleys don't know they're related to young Mark.


* If you put together Mark Evans and the old theory Perseus Evans it results clearly that young Mark is related to our good Snape; perhaps his son?. Even the name matches! (Mark).

Just two knuts.:)



i think you're right...and maybe another reason that Snape is so grumpy is that Mark is a squib...

[whizbang121]

I don't understand what the name "Mark" matches. And why do you think Snape would leave his son, (if he has one, which I doubt) anywhere near the Dursleys? Especially Dudley?! And if Dudley beat up Snape's son, wouldn't Snape have set the Dementors on him?

If Snape had a family, which I don't doubt, Voldemort killed them all long ago. That's part of what makes Snape, Snape.

[Auri DeMeer]

Originally posted by whizbang121 (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=453302#post453302))
I don't understand what the name "Mark" matches.

I think SnapeHouseElf is referring to the fact that Snape wears the "dark mark" in his arm.

As I understand it, the Dark Mark is the worst thing that Snape may have done and what he most regrets having done. So, to wipe this dark meaning off his life, he names his son Mark as well:

That is, the son may be the best thing for Snape in his life (like every son for every father), so the son Mark wipes off the dark meaning of the other "mark" in his life.


And why do you think Snape would leave his son, (if he has one, which I doubt) anywhere near the Dursleys? Especially Dudley?! And if Dudley beat up Snape's son, wouldn't Snape have set the Dementors on him?

Good points whizbang. Snape wouldn't want his son (or nephew or whatever) any close to Dudley for anything in the world, because he knows what it's like, to be bullied by stronger boys.

[Amadeus]

there must be some sort of connection but then again, isn't Petunia the only living relative of Harry as Dumbledore has said?

[Max]

Originally posted by lleugenell (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=457516#post457516))
there must be some sort of connection but then again, isn't Petunia the only living relative of Harry as Dumbledore has said?


Petunia may be Harry's closest relative that's still alive, being his mother's sister. Even though Mark may be related to Harry, they may be just cousins, or even second cousins. Perhaps the protection that Harry acquires from staying with Petunia may be weaker if he stayed with any other relative that isn't as close to him.

[Ellen]

If something happens to Petunia or if Privet Drive is no longer Harry's home, what happens if someone else steps into the spell to take her place? Harry at age 11 was capable of jumping inbetween Voldemort and what he wanted without wasting too much time on the "This is crazy, it isn't going to work, and I'm going to die," aspect of it. What if another 11 year old did the same?

[superviln]

this is one of the most interesting threads I have come across so far bravo great reading I think there is no way JKR has put any coincidences into any of these wonderful books .

[d3m3nt0r]

I don't know if anyone said this because I didn't read all the pages, but in OOP mark Evans is mentioned again as being beat up by Dudley. When dud and Harry are talking. Chapter 1 page 13 American:
" 'So who've you been beating up tonight?' Harry asked his grin fading. 'Another ten-year-old? I know you did Mark vans two nights ago---'"

[whizbang121]

Originally posted by lleugenell (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=457516#post457516))
there must be some sort of connection but then again, isn't Petunia the only living relative of Harry as Dumbledore has said?


Just an idea. Lily's mom, a muggle, was married to a wizard who died, (or was killed) when Lily was still an infant. Her mom then married Mr. Evans, a muggle. He gives Lily his name to protect her from who knows what. For some reason, it is important that Lily is believed to be muggleborn.
The Evanses become the proud parents of Petunia. Notice Petunia and Lily don't look much alike. Perhaps there is also a son, or more likely, Mr Evans has brothers.
When Lily gets her letter from Hogwarts the Evanses are delighted. Being somewhat knowledgable of the magical world, they are able to be supportive of Lily and her education. .
But Petunia is terrified of the magical world and the Dark Lord who terrorizes it. She blames Lily for putting the family in danger, (we have no idea what became of the Evanses) and turns her back on all connections to Lily or magic.

If Mark Evans is related to Petunia, she would shun him and his family if she thought they were involved in the magical world or might somehow spill all the beans to Vernon. So the boys don't know they are related to Mark, or at least Dudley is. They may not even know their mothers' maiden names.
And when Harry is orphaned and Dumbledore's protection charm requires his mother's blood relative, Petunia is the only one who qualifies.

[aphelion]

I don't think Dumbledore would be fooled by Petunia, Whizbang. he would have more reliable methods of finding Harry's relatives.

[whizbang121]

Originally posted by aphelion (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=462291#post462291))
I don't think Dumbledore would be fooled by Petunia, Whizbang. he would have more reliable methods of finding Harry's relatives.


According to this theory, Petunia is Harry's only blood relative on his mother's side.

[tree guardian]

What House do you suppose Mark Evans would be sorted into?

Yeah, I'm all over the Mark Evans is related to Harry, thang. I've thought so ever since my second read which was a while ago, now I'm on my 4th...

Let's see...there is a theory that Snape is really an Evans somewhere and that Mark Evans's father could be Snape's little brother. Now, if that were true then would it be possible for Mark Evans to be sorted into Slytherin? I think the only way he'd be sorted into Slytherin is if something about his life was extremely awful, which I don't think is true, so I say Gryiffindor for the Evans boy.

;D Have a good one!

[whizbang121]

Well, it's possible Mark is a young wizard, but it's not possible for him to be related to Harry. Petunia (and thus Dudley) are Harry's only blood relatives on his mother's side.

[fred_and_george]

Originally posted by whizbang121 (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=425816#post425816))
Still, I don't see how Mark can be a wizard going to Hogwarts if the Evans are muggles.


Right. And did you know that Hermione doesn't actually go to Hogwarts either, since her parents are both muggles . . .

[whizbang121]

Well, my track record is not good, and we should seek the counsel of the wise, being, of course, Katze.

But now I think we are reading all together too much into Mark Evans. I think the name is dropped less to introduce a new wizard and more to prove that Petunia is a muggle, not a squib. It's just currently my favorite future wrong theory.

So, if Mark goes to Hogwarts, it's as a muggleborn?

[S'up Figgy?]

Wouldn't it be interesting if Mark was sorted into Slytherin!?

[Hpmons]

Please. Stop the anagrams. Stop the "---- is ---- great grandfathers nieces step brothers son"

But, I do believe Mark Evans is related to Harry. Well here are the fors and againsts.

FOR - JKR cant have put it in their by coincidence could she? There have never been surnames that are the same, when they havent been related.

AGAINST - JKR cant have put it in their by coincidence could she? Shes probably trying to mislead us. Evans is a common name after all.
Petunia is Harrys only living relative on his mums side.
That just makes it too compicated...

[tree guardian]

It's like a Soap Opera. Really.

H: I thought you said the Dursley's were my only living relatives?

DD: Well they were the only ones who'd give into having anything to do with you.

H: Oh. So Mark's my cousin?

DD: Yep. You see, Snape Lilly's half brother and Mark's father is Snapes younger brother making Mark a cousin of yours, of somekind. It's quite simple and clear, you see...

H: Er...hmm. Do I have any grandparents?

DD: Don't ask me that question. You know the saying, ask me no questions I'll tell you no lies.

H: I'm related to Snape?

DD: Don't worry, he doesn't claim you either. :)

[animagus1369]

Nothing wrong with a little soap opera now and again, but it *does* sound a bit like a really inventive fanfic.

Harry and Snape, related. Hmmm. I suppose it's a good thing for Harry he's from the non-sinister-looking, hair-washing branch of the family. lol

Seriously, Snape and Harry are two of my favorite characters, but I really don't want to see them end up being related. While it's a nice thought, it gives me nightmares about the plotline of the series.

[superviln]

Petunia is the last blood relative.
But does last mean only is this another play on words?

[S'up Figgy?]

I think you have really hit on something here.

We saw how Snape hated his father and what a horrible childhood he had. If his father left he and his mother and remarried a woman who was a Muggle - Lily could conceivably be Snape's half sister.

Like Voldemort - ashamed of being related to his father - Perseus Evans changed his name to Severus Snape. Lily and Snape really could be in the same year - Snape could even be older. But if Snape and Lily's father was a horrible person - he would make no beans about treating his daughters unequally... he would lord Lily over Petunia and cause jealousy and strife. Especially if he was as cruel to Lily and Petunia as he was to Severus as a child.

Snape looking for a father figure may have latched on to Tom Riddle who was foremost in the Dark Arts while he was on the rise - changed his name anagram style and then hated Lily because he knew her for what and who she was so when she offered to help him as we saw in the pensieve - he would call her a mud-blood and tell her he didn't need her help.

I really think Snape is Harry's Uncle and that he would be safe with Snape in the summers but then that would blow Snape's cover.

Mark doesn't have to be Snape's son. Mark could be related to the Evans' (Snapes Father via Snape's Father's Brother - an Uncle and Harry's Great Uncle).

Especially since we know Snape is Slytherin and Harry was almost sorted into Slytherin. If Lily and Snape were half brother and sister then there would be a legitimate claim to the Slytherin house in Lily's blood.

Anyway... I think Mark will make an appearance and be the one that Harry latches on to like a brother...

in his memories. If Snape's father left his mother

[Nurika]

Originally posted by S'up Figgy? (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=463702#post463702))
I think you have really hit on something here.

We saw how Snape hated his father and what a horrible childhood he had. If his father left he and his mother and remarried a woman who was a Muggle - Lily could conceivably be Snape's half sister.

Like Voldemort - ashamed of being related to his father - Perseus Evans changed his name to Severus Snape. Lily and Snape really could be in the same year - Snape could even be older. But if Snape and Lily's father was a horrible person - he would make no beans about treating his daughters unequally... he would lord Lily over Petunia and cause jealousy and strife. Especially if he was as cruel to Lily and Petunia as he was to Severus as a child.

Snape looking for a father figure may have latched on to Tom Riddle who was foremost in the Dark Arts while he was on the rise - changed his name anagram style and then hated Lily because he knew her for what and who she was so when she offered to help him as we saw in the pensieve - he would call her a mud-blood and tell her he didn't need her help.

I really think Snape is Harry's Uncle and that he would be safe with Snape in the summers but then that would blow Snape's cover.

Mark doesn't have to be Snape's son. Mark could be related to the Evans' (Snapes Father via Snape's Father's Brother - an Uncle and Harry's Great Uncle).

Especially since we know Snape is Slytherin and Harry was almost sorted into Slytherin. If Lily and Snape were half brother and sister then there would be a legitimate claim to the Slytherin house in Lily's blood.

Anyway... I think Mark will make an appearance and be the one that Harry latches on to like a brother...

in his memories. If Snape's father left his mother



First of all, I love your username. It great! =P

Well, knowing JKR, she didn't put Mark Evans name in there on accident, like she didn't put Sirius's and Figg's name in the first book on accident. He is obviously some sort of relative that Harry will get to know next year. Oh, I can't wait!

About Snape...he could be Perseus Evans. They never call him Severus or Snape....so hey, it's possible.

You know, for any other book I would say this plot is way too thick and complicated, but then I remember, this is Harry Potter we're talking about...

[whizbang121]

Except we are all forgetting that the Dursleys are the only family Harry has. Petunia (and presumably Dudley) alone have the same blood as Lily and Harry. Dumbledore tells this to McGonagall and later to Harry. So, while Mark Evans may very well be related to Petunia, he can't be related to Lily. So, either Lily and Petunia are only related through their mother, or they were both adopted and neither of them is related by blood to anyone named Evans.

[Katze]

Lily and Petunia perhaps have this particular entity that keeps Harry safe through their mother. Which means Mark Evans will have no blood relation to Lily and Petunia's mother because she wasn't an Evans, except by marriage.

[whizbang121]

Originally posted by Katze (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=464256#post464256))
Lily and Petunia perhaps have this particular entity that keeps Harry safe through their mother. Which means Mark Evans will have no blood relation to Lily and Petunia's mother because she wasn't an Evans, except by marriage.

Do you think Mrs Evans might have been a witch?

[Katze]

I used to entertain the idea that Petunia was a squib, but I've decided that Lily is Muggle born. Rowling has been very consistant with this, and it helps the story for Lily to remain Muggle born.

However, I've always thought that Lily's family had previous experience with the wizarding world. I found it odd that people who are supposed to have no knowledge of the wizarding world would be pleased to have a witch (Lily) in the family.
Curiosity note: I wonder about that accountant cousin on the Weasley family that no one talks about. Could be that accountant is related to Lily in a way.

We learned how intertwined the families are by seeing Sirius' family tree. So while I think the Evans side of the family is definately Muggle, there may be a witch somewhere in Lily's mother's side.

If we believe that Harry's protection comes through the females in the family, then it's feasible to believe why no one else, besides Petunia, could protect Harry. If Petunia's mother and grandmother are dead, then she's the only one left.

[Hammi]

Originally posted by Katze (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=464256#post464256))
Lily and Petunia perhaps have this particular entity that keeps Harry safe through their mother. Which means Mark Evans will have no blood relation to Lily and Petunia's mother because she wasn't an Evans, except by marriage.


this still wouldn't explain why Harry has no knowllage of these relatives or even Dudley at that:bigtu:

[Katze]

Originally posted by Hammi (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=467547#post467547))
this still wouldn't explain why Harry has no knowllage of these relatives or even Dudley at that:bigtu:


I would think it's because Petunia never speaks about them.

[whizbang121]

Is this a little contrived? Or is it too late for me to be here? Hmmmmm ..... let's see.

Dudley beats up a 10 year old named Mark Evans.
Neither Harry nor Dudley seem to be aware that Mark may be a relation or recognise his name as being their mothers' maiden name.
Petunia is Lily's last blood relative and the Dursleys are the only family Harry has.
Petunia is more knowledgable concerning the magical world than she ever lets on.
:banghead:
There has to be a way to make sense of this. I think.

[Spana]

My theory on the whole Mark Evans thing.

Petunia and Dudley are Harry's only blood relatives within the Evans family as Lily and Petunia were adopted. Petunia who always wanted to be normal was disgusted by the fact that not only was she adopted but because she also had a witch for a sister.

When Lily died Harry had to go and live with Petunia because she is the last blood relative he has left. Maybe all of Petunia's and Lily's family are dead, or not known about, maybe they are evil wizards and Harry wouldn’t have been safe with them, who knows but JK. Anyway Mark Evans could be Harry's relative not by blood but through marriage and name. Petunia who seems to be a cold and heartless woman probably abandoned her family and doesn’t talk about them simply because she is ashamed by them.

I know this may seem sketchy or unbelievable but it’s the best my poor brain could come up with to explain the whole Mark Evans thing.

[Inkwolf]

Maybe the Mark Evans family are very distant relations...ninth cousins or something.

Maybe Voldemort will murder the Dursleys (can't believe he hasn't thought of that already) to remove Harry's protection, and maybe he'll be able to shelter at the Evanses.....

Or maybe JKR just threw Mark Evans in to yank us around. :D

[ChrisWeasly]

Ok I have a few theories where it concerns Mark Evans.
1. My first theory is that Mark Evans is distantly related to Harry in someway which is the popular support here.
2. My second theory is that Lily and Petunia had a brother that was also a wizard. Now I thought over this and over the whole pack or blood thing with Harry and Petunia and I have come up with a couple of ideas. First off I thought well Mr. Evans was probilly already dead when Voldermort attacked the Potter, but then I considered the fact that Mark Evans was ten and that would mean that he would of been born about four years after that Potter's attack. Well then I thought mayber Mr. Evan's life was in danger from Voldermort and the Death Eaters too and he went well into hiding and not even Dumbledore knew where he was, and didn't even know if he was dead or alive, so Dumbledore had to leave Harry with the Dursley's. Or second Dumbledore wanted Harry away from the wizarding world until the time came that he were to go to Hogwarts. Seeing as Petunia was always not acknowleging Lily's exitance when Lily was still alive, and if Petunia did also have a wizard brother I am sure that she would feel just the same.
3. The thrid theory is that Lily and Petunia had a brother that was a muggle, and when Dumbledore had to chose a home for Harry he chose the Durlsley's over Mr. Evans's home for one reason or another i.e. Mr Evans wasn't in a position to take care of Harry financially as Veron or Petunia were. I would say that I think one way or another Petunia was is some way at odds with Mr. Evans as that is why Harry and Dudley would not know that Mark Evans was their cousin.

[Ashkins]

My feeling is.. Lily's brother blood would not do the trick. I think it has to be a female's blood. Make sense?

[Freezair]

OK, here's my crazy two knuts:

Ms. Whatshername marries a man, a very nice one--we'll call him Mr. Peters. They have their two children, Lily Peters and Petunia Peters. Lily looks more like her mother, Petunia more like her father. So they look different. But, Mr. Peters dies. So maybe their mother marries his cousin, who has a different last name(Evans). Subsequently he gives his cousin's two children his last name. Evans has a brother who also has a child, later in life he is the father of Mark Evans. Wait, no, then Mark is still related... OK, scratch this.

<wild speculation>

Perhaps Snape is really a cousin of Lily and Petunia, and his name really IS Perseus Evans. Well, after repealing from the Dark Lord, he wanted to make up for what he had done to muggles, and ends up meeting a gorgeous, intelligent, witty, all-around wonderful muggle woman, and they get married. They have a son whom he names Mark, along the way to becoming--dare I say it--a NICE Snape, until one of Voldie's old supporters comes around to his house. Not very happy with Snape's fleeing Voldie after his supposed "downfall." Snape only barely manages to smuggle Mark away, but his wife gets the Avada Kedavra right in the heart. And he gets right back to being Sir Bitter again.

Mark never seems to display and magical talent, so Snape's fairly sure he's just a Squib. Or, err, half-squib... hmm, how'd that work out? Well, we'll just say he ot his mother's blood. Snape starts working at Hogwarts, having Mark stay with someone nearby while he works. Snape tries to live as Muggle as possible, and doesn't tell Mark who or what he really is. Because Snape really, REALLY doesn't want Mark to know what a jerk he is to the students at school, because he's pretty nice to Mark at home, and because he'd just prefer it if Mark knew nothing about wizards. But of course he gets a letter...

</wild speculation>

OK, Ok, more like the plot of a crazed fanfic than anything else, but hey--we can have our theory fun, can't we?

[whizbang121]

theory fun is what seperates us from the unaware. ;)

[Ki890]

uh, couldn't Mark Evans be a Squib? That would make things kinda interesting. I think she might have introduced Mark in a kinda subtle way, just like she did with Sirius... yeah. Here i go... raving again...

[whizbang121]

You know, anything is possible, but not everything is logical. But this is also irrelevant, because I don't think anyone actually has a mind link to JKR. (I'm working on it, but I'm not there yet. ;))

[Max]

Interesting, Freezair, very interesting.

Originally posted by Ki890 (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=471775#post471775))
uh, couldn't Mark Evans be a Squib? That would make things kinda interesting. I think she might have introduced Mark in a kinda subtle way, just like she did with Sirius... yeah. Here i go... raving again...


If Mark Evans is a Squib, that would mean that he was born to magical parents, which sort of ties in with the whole Snape/Perseus Evans thing, though it's still quite a longshot. Mark Evans may be distantly related to Harry, but frankly, there's no way for us to know, unless someone asks her in an interview or something, and even then, JK'll still be rather vague with her answers. His importance in the future books is still left for speculation.

[whizbang121]

Originally posted by Max (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=475169#post475169))
Interesting, Freezair, very interesting.



If Mark Evans is a Squib, that would mean that he was born to magical parents, which sort of ties in with the whole Snape/Perseus Evans thing, though it's still quite a longshot. Mark Evans may be distantly related to Harry, but frankly, there's no way for us to know, unless someone asks her in an interview or something, and even then, JK'll still be rather vague with her answers. His importance in the future books is still left for speculation.


Okay, I'm not against this idea. In fact, I'd be happier if Mark were a full blown wizard. But if that's the case, then chances are Lily is not muggleborn as we have been told, and Petunia is not Lily's only remaining blood relative. Two major inconsistencies.

[Fortescue]

Just a thing I just noticed: We've never met any of Petunia's relatives, only Vernon's. We really don't know if Mark Evans is related to her, and I doubt Dudley would notice that Mark Evans has the same last name as his mum even if it were written on a bulletin board tacked in front of his bed.

[dnez]

yes

[aphelion]

yes, and that would be because Petunia's side of the family is also Lily's family. This leads me to believe that Petunia is estranged from her side of the family as they supported (in her view) Lily over her.

[Ashkins]

During Harry's trial they say there are no known witches or wizards in the area Harry lives. That its a place very closely monitored by MoM.

That leads me to beleive even if Mark Evans is related to Harry he doesn't have any magical blood in him.

And if he is 10 then his parents would live in the area and they would be registered as living there.

[whizbang121]

Yes, but wasn't Mark from a different neighborhood? I don't think he's from Little Whinging. There was a discussion about it on page one or two of this thread.:)

[Elektra]

Originally posted by whizbang121 (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=477993#post477993))
Yes, but wasn't Mark from a different neighborhood? I don't think he's from Little Whinging. There was a discussion about it on page one or two of this thread.:)


...in which we also pointed out that the Ministry doesn't keep the best registration records. Just look at how many animagi there are in the series that are supposed to be registered, but aren't. I don't think the Ministry is omniscient about these things, even though Fudge would like to think they are. You have to take into account that when a character says something in the story, they're speaking from their own perspective. Rowling doesn't always make what they say completely true, especially when it comes to Fudge.

Elektra

[AvadaKedavra]

If Mark is related to Harry, then the "Evans" name has to come from Lily and Petunia's father. Lily and Petunia's father could be Mr Evans, and he could have a brother, also Mr Evans.

To make things easier, we'll call this "new Mr Evans" Lily's uncle.

So we have two male Evans- one is Lily's father and one is her uncle. If her uncle has a son (has to be- in order to carry on the Evans name). This could easily be Perseus Evans. Perseus could have had a son, Mark, and changed his name after Mark was born, hence Mark not being called Mark Snape.

The reason why Dumbledore lies and says to Harry that he has no other living relatives is because he is STILL protecting Harry. Harry doesn't need to know that Snape is related, especially after his ordeals and their mutual hate. :D

To explain why Snape calls Lily a mudblood:

Lily's father could have been a squib, who then married a muggle.

Lily's uncle (father's brother) was totally magicial, and to no surprise, his son was also magicial (Perseus).

Snape might have called Lily a mudblood because her parents were NOT magicial at all, whilst his were.

[Elektra]

[i]Originally posted by AvadaKedavra
So we have two male Evans- one is Lily's father and one is her uncle. If her uncle has a son (has to be- in order to carry on the Evans name). This could easily be Perseus Evans. Perseus could have had a son, Mark, and changed his name after Mark was born, hence Mark not being called Mark Snape.


I think the Snape-as-Perseus-Evans theory is a little too farfetched and complicated to be plausible. We really don't need more reason than Rowling has given us in the Pensieve to explain Snape's actions, and I'm willing to believe that the simplest explanation is the most likely in this situation. Not to mention, Dumbledore decided to stop protecting Harry from the truth in Book 5 and tell him "everything," which would have reasonably included any information he had on Harry's familial relationship to Snape, especially after the Occlumency fiasco. I do appreciate your line of thought regarding the genealogy of Mark Evans, however. Let's look at it this way:

Mr. Evans (1) is the brother of Mr. Evans(2)
Mr. Evans(3) is the son of Mr Evans(1)
Mark Evans is the son of Mr Evans (3)
Lilly and Petunia are the daughters of Mr. Evans(2)
Harry Potter and Dudley Dursley are the sons of Lily and Petunia, respectively.

This would make Harry second cousins with Mark's father, and third cousins with Mark himself. Clearly, this would still make the Dursleys his closest living relatives, while still establishing a familial relationship to Mark Evans. However, it is distant enough that Petunia might not really know these relatives, and thus neither would Dudley or Harry, and that's putting aside the theory that Petunia doesn't have much to do with her natural family, anyway.

This would also confirm my theory that wizarding IS hereditary, but due to occasional intermarriage with Muggles, both by wizards and squibs, there are plenty of "Muggleborns" who have no apparent wizarding genealogy. These families only produce wizards and witches once or twice every few generations because the "magic gene" isn't as prevalent in their lines as in "pureblood" families, and since the wizarding world is so secretive and these Muggleborns are so rare, few people really notice that they actually come from lines with magic progenitors. I suspect, for instance, that at least one of Lily's grandparents was a witch/wizard/squib, and that's what accounts for Lily and Mark being Muggleborns. A major theme in the War with Voldemort is the status of Muggles and Muggleborns. If Harry discovers his connection with Mark, and what that means in terms of what constitutes a "Muggleborn," it could provide an important lesson in the plot, i.e., the ultimate brotherhood of both Wizarding and Muggle-kind.

And one more thought: Red hair is obviously one of Rowling's favorite plot devices. Lily had red hair, and so do the Weasleys, but there aren't many other characters who do, making it rare enough to be notable. Ron said his mother (a redhead, from a pureblood family) has a cousin who's an accountant, who they don't really talk about. Wouldn't it be interesting if the genealogy looked like this:

Mr. Evans(1) is an accountant. The father of Mr. Evans(1) and Mr. Evans(2) was the brother of Molly's Mum or Dad, making Mr. Evans(1), Mr. Evans(2), and Molly Weasley first cousins. If Harry's grandfather was the elder brother (which is likely, since Harry is a little older than Mark), and Molly was a little younger than Mark's grandfather, this would make the generations line up perfectly.
Mr. Evans(3) is the son of Mr Evans(1)
Mark Evans is the son of Mr Evans (3)
Lilly and Petunia are the daughters of Mr. Evans(2)
Harry Potter and Dudley Dursley are the sons of Lily and Petunia, respectively.
Meanwhile, Molly Weasley is the first cousin of Mr. Evans the Accountant and Ron Weasley is Molly's son.

This would not only make Harry and Ron 4th cousins, and might explain why Harry was so easily drawn into the Weasley family, since they are his distant relatives, but it would also explain where the Evans magical abilities come from.

Elektra

[AvadaKedavra]

Excellent analysis by Elektra!

A little confusing though. For now, I like the first one to keep it simple, and having red hair doesn't necessarily mean that they are related. However, it is totally plausible.

:clappy:

[HarryLass]

I like the theory that Snape is really Perseus Evans, but i don't think that it is his birth name, because all of the Marauders refer to him as Snape, not Perseus.
This is my pet theory that I have been nuturing for some time:

Facts:
Severus Snape is an anagram of Perseus Evans.
A young boy named Mark Evans, who is 10 years old, lives near Harry because Dudley beat him up on July 31.

Theory:
Severus Snape (birth name) joined the Death Eaters and wreaked havok on Muggles. He decided to switch sides halfway through the mayhem and joined Dumbledore. Seeing as those who oppose Voldemort don't live very long, he makes up a new name for himself. He uses the last name of a Mudblood he hated (Lily) and came up with Perseus Evans. This is safe for hiding under, because what Death Eater would even associate themselves with a muggle-born? He lives in a Muggle neighborhood and changes his outward appearance when outside there (remember the oh-so-subtle hints that you need POTIONS to become a Metamorphmagus), again, hiding in the last place a Death Eater would be seen. He marries and settles down, and has a child under his fake surname.

This fits with Dumbledore's statement that there are no living relatives of Harry's other than the Dursleys.

And if Snape could hide from Voldemort for 15 years, don't you think that hiding from the MoM would be a cinch?

Far-fetched? Yes. Convoluted? You bet your boots. But plausable? Perhaps...

[Elektra]

[i]Originally posted by Parvati Patil
This is my pet theory that I have been nuturing for some time:


I like this theory. It's elegant. It explains the anagram, but without too many convulted plot twists. Bravo!

I still have a hard time imagining Snape living among Muggles, though, much less raising a "mudblood" family (or having a kid who'd take beatings from the neighborhood bully). He's obviously nurtured the typical Death Eater hatred of Muggles from a very young age, and it seems to run very deep. He is extremely pompous about his magic abilities. It seems like Snape could find a more appeasing way for him to hide than to pose as a Muggle. Not to mention it means Mark isn't related to Harry, and I want him to be really badly. ;)

But like you say, it's possible. I remember an interview with Rowling when someone suggested Snape might find love, and she seemed surprised that someone had asked and hinted that might indeed be a future plot twist. So who knows?

Elektra

[HarryLass]

Quote (posted by Electra):
I still have a hard time imagining Snape living among Muggles, though, much less raising a "mudblood" family

He might have married a witch, but my point was that they were incognito.

Quote (posted by Electra):
(or having a kid who'd take beatings from the neighborhood bully).

Well, again, he's hiding out, and you don't really want to advertise to prim and proper Muggles that you can kill with just a flick of your wand or the drop of a potion. Then again, if Mark does go to Hogwarts and Snape puts all the pieces together (ie. "Harry Potter let his cousin beat up my son!"), there might be a Snape vs. Dudley showdown...and however that ends, it's bound to be entertaining and not very pretty.

Quote (posted by Electra):
I remember an interview with Rowling when someone suggested Snape might find love, and she seemed surprised that someone had asked and hinted that might indeed be a future plot twist. So who knows?

What kind of lady falls for Snape? That should be fun to watch as well.

[whizbang121]

Originally posted by Elektra (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=479108#post479108))
I think the Snape-as-Perseus-Evans theory is a little too farfetched and complicated to be plausible.

I agree, so far. I'm willing to be convinced that Snape is Persues Evans, but I'm not there, yet.
I do appreciate your line of thought regarding the genealogy of Mark Evans, however.
Mr Evans1 and Mr Evans2 are the first generation.
Mr Evans3 and Lily, Petunia are the second generation.
Mark Evans and Dudley and Harry are the third generation.

This makes Mr Evans3 and Lily and Petunia first cousins, and they are respectively first cousins once removed from the third generation. In the third generation, Harry and Dudley are first cousins and they are both second cousins to Mark.
Clearly, this would still make the Dursleys his closest living relatives, while still establishing a familial relationship to Mark Evans.

This would also confirm my theory that wizarding IS hereditary, but due to occasional intermarriage with Muggles, both by wizards and squibs, there are plenty of "Muggleborns" who have no apparent wizarding genealogy. These families only produce wizards and witches once or twice every few generations because the "magic gene" isn't as prevalent in their lines as in "pureblood" families, and since the wizarding world is so secretive and these Muggleborns are so rare, few people really notice that they actually come from lines with magic progenitors. I suspect, for instance, that at least one of Lily's grandparents was a witch/wizard/squib, and that's what accounts for Lily and Mark being Muggleborns. A major theme in the War with Voldemort is the status of Muggles and Muggleborns. If Harry discovers his connection with Mark, and what that means in terms of what constitutes a "Muggleborn," it could provide an important lesson in the plot, i.e., the ultimate brotherhood of both Wizarding and Muggle-kind.

My daughter agrees with this theory, but I see no real basis for it in the books. Nevertheless .....


And one more thought: Red hair is obviously one of Rowling's favorite plot devices. Lily had red hair, and so do the Weasleys, but there aren't many other characters who do, making it rare enough to be notable. How about Dumbledore and Mundungus Fletcher? There were enough redheads that it's been noted that people with red hair were believed to be witches in the middle ages.

Ron said his mother (a redhead, from a pureblood family) has a cousin who's an accountant, who they don't really talk about. Wouldn't it be interesting if the genealogy looked like this:

Mr. Evans(1) is an accountant. The father of Mr. Evans(1) and Mr. Evans(2) was the brother of Molly's Mum or Dad, making Mr. Evans(1), Mr. Evans(2), and Molly Weasley first cousins. If Harry's grandfather was the elder brother (which is likely, since Harry is a little older than Mark), and Molly was a little younger than Mark's grandfather, this would make the generations line up perfectly.
Mr. Evans(3) is the son of Mr Evans(1)
Mark Evans is the son of Mr Evans (3)
Lilly and Petunia are the daughters of Mr. Evans(2)
Harry Potter and Dudley Dursley are the sons of Lily and Petunia, respectively.
Meanwhile, Molly Weasley is the first cousin of Mr. Evans the Accountant and Ron Weasley is Molly's son.

Molly and Mssrs Evans 1 + 2 are the first generation.
Ron and Mr Evans3 and Lily and Petunia are the second generation.
Dudley, Harry and Mark are the third generation.

This would make Molly first cousin to Lily and Petunia's father and Ron et al would be second cousins to Lily and Petunia and second cousins, once removed, from Harry, Dudley and Mark. Why wouldn't Molly have mentioned any of this? I'm not from a very large family, but I know a second cousin when I run into one at the mall.

This would not only make Harry and Ron 4th cousins, and might explain why Harry was so easily drawn into the Weasley family, since they are his distant relatives, but it would also explain where the Evans magical abilities come from.

Elektra


Well, Molly might have reasons for not talking to or about her accountant cousin, and all if this is possible, but...
As with Perseus Evans, I'm willing to be convinced. I'm just not, yet.

[Ellen]

Most recent crazy theory:

A Death Eater decides to quit the gang. Other DEs try to kill him. He survives, perhaps with the help of another DE who's had enough. He establishes a Muggle identity, using the last name that is both common (easier to hide with) and commemorates a DE victim, Evans.

He may have some limited contact with Molly Weasley (who we are told is his distant cousin). Ron did overhear some mention of him once, but was told never to repeat it. He thought this was because of the shame of having a Muggle relative, but the truth is because Perseus Evans' life depends on no one knowing about him.

He chooses the name Perseus because he has a twisted sense of humor and the only other relative he respects is his cousin Andromeda.

That's right. Perseus Evans is Regulus Black.

[NiCk RiDdLe]

i really think that he did beat up his own cusin. look at it. JKR never throws in something that leads u to the main story of the book. ok so she does it sometimes to lead u off but i'm 100% sure she wouldn't make a mistake about names. i bet he comes into the story in the 7th or early 6th book. he'll probably help Harry and Neville defeat Voldemort.

[aphelion]

Ellen: If Mark Evan's father isn't Snape, then why would he be called Perseus Evans? Couldn't he be called something else instead. If he is Snape, and hence has a chance to the Perseus Evans name, then he definitely isn't Regulus Black. All your theories are crazy, and I'm willing to bet, not true.

[thrillkillkate]

I've mentioned Mark Evans before on the forums, finally someone decided to take notice!

I think that Petunia probably decided to disown her family, being that they weren't "normal" enough for her. We never hear a thing about them, only Vernon's side, so I wouldn't doubt Mark Evans is a relative, blood or not. Just because Dumbledore says Harry has no living family left, doesn't make it true...I'm sure he doesn't know every single detail, especially when it happens to be about muggles.

[superviln]

Where did you guys come up with the name Perseus? I'm just wondering I cant remember where it was mentioned.
:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[aphelion]

Its anagram of Severus Snape. You rearrange the letters and you get Perseus Evans. Its a fairly popular theory, but I think its complete coincidence. Just because Voldemort's name is an anagram doesn't mean Rowling has time to make anagram for every single character.

[whizbang121]

Originally posted by Ellen (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=479958#post479958))
Most recent crazy theory:

A Death Eater decides to quit the gang. Other DEs try to kill him. He survives, perhaps with the help of another DE who's had enough. He establishes a Muggle identity, using the last name that is both common (easier to hide with) and commemorates a DE victim, Evans.

He may have some limited contact with Molly Weasley (who we are told is his distant cousin). Ron did overhear some mention of him once, but was told never to repeat it. He thought this was because of the shame of having a Muggle relative, but the truth is because Perseus Evans' life depends on no one knowing about him.

He chooses the name Perseus because he has a twisted sense of humor and the only other relative he respects is his cousin Andromeda.

That's right. Perseus Evans is Regulus Black.


Perseus Evans only exists as an anagram of Severus Snape. There is no character in the books with that name.
However, I find Regulus Black an interesting character.

[Ellen]

Perseus Evans/Regulus Black is just a wild idea, I admit.

But he does have a cousin named Andromeda. In Greek myth, Perseus is the one who slays the monster that was trying to eat her. Come to think of it, I seem to remember one version that said his own people thought he was dead about then. Of course, the way he killed all the bad guys was a bit gruesome and also a bit more Snape-like ("Oh, you want proof I've killed Medusa?").

Mark Evans can't be a coincidence, but I'm not sure I buy him being a relative. I can't see Snape living secretly in the same neighborhood as Harry or having an ex and son living in the same neighborhood as Harry. So, I got to thinking of other wizards who might be in hiding who might have a reason to use the names Perseus and Evans (who, I know, exists only as an anagram). Perseus would be a very likely name for Regulus and Evans would be a moderately likely name.

And the Weasleys aren't the kind of wizards to be embarrassed by having a squib in the family. In fact, I can see Mr. Weasley going to see him all the time to ask about plugs and so on. So, why would they have a cousin who's an accountant who's existance Ron isn't even sure of except as someone not to talk about?

As for living in Harry's neighborhood (which is getting crowded), until Harry fell out of favor with the MoM, it was probably one of the safer places in the Muggle world as far as being protected from DEs goes. If Regulus is a Metamorphmagus and never uses his wand, he's at low risk of being spotted and recognized.

In other words, I think it's a crazy theory. I also think it's a bit much for odd people Harry's neighborhood even if I come up with a couple of motives for him to be there. But it does hang together logically.

[GryffindorSeeker]

You know what? This reminds me of the Book Five prediction threads that were about five thousand pages long and full of longer posts! (Okay, I'm exaggerating)
Any way... I'm not going to write out a whole genealogy chart thingamabob like the rest of you, but I am going to say this...Mark Evans is probably related to Harry and Dudley, just not close enough for Dumbledore to have taken Harry to them, as they probably don't know that Lily was a witch, making Harry a wizard, so Dumbledore probably didn't want to have to go throguh with more trouble than necessary to explain every thing that they would need to know in order to understand at all who Harry is. Mark's probably like a second cousin or what ever to Harry. I don't really think that the weasley's are related to Harry, but if they are, it is proablby quite distantly. I'll think about this somemore and come back later with some odd theory to confuse a few people with, and in the end, confusing me. ;)

[Elektra]

Originally posted by Ellen

And the Weasleys [I]aren't the kind of wizards to be embarrassed by having a squib in the family. In fact, I can see Mr. Weasley going to see him all the time to ask about plugs and so on. So, why would they have a cousin who's an accountant who's existance Ron isn't even sure of except as someone not to talk about?


1) The accountant is not a cousin of the Weasley family, he is a cousin of Molly's natural family. We know that Molly's family is pureblood; she is first cousins with Sirius by marriage, which suggests that her family might not be as accepting of non-magic folk as Arthur and Molly are now. I imagine Molly is one of those few "good eggs" from a family of Slytherin-esque wizards, like Sirius himself. This might also explain why she holds the ideals of Gryffindor in such high esteem and encourages them among the children, and why Percy's betrayal of the family in favor of Fudge's pureblood philosophy is such a bitter disappointment to her. She realizes from her own experience that following these ideals is a choice the children must make, and she wants them to choose it just as she and Arthur did. Not to mention judging from the housecleaning scenes Molly has an above-average understanding of the Dark Arts. Like Sirius, this could come from her upbringing around pureblood wizards. She is also a lot less accepting of Muggle technology than Mr. Weasley; remember the incident with the stitches? This could indicate that although she believes Muggleborns should be accepted into wizarding society, and that Muggles should not be preyed upon by wizards, due to her upbringing she still isn't as excited about Muggles as Mr. Weasley is.

2) This is also assuming the break came from Molly's side of the family, which isn't necessarily the case. The cousin, being a squib, and finding a life as an accountant among Muggles more to their liking, might have disowned his family and severed all ties with the magical world, especially if Molly's family were of the sort I theorized above. Think of it like Percy, except the animosity goes both ways; the squib decides to live as a Muggle, his family already dislikes him for his lack of magical ability and disowns him, and he in turn severs all ties with the magical world. If such a situation did occur, it would explain why the Weasleys, who would otherwise be accepting of a squib, do not speak of this person, and why they don't have anything to do with him. Molly is only his cousin (and judging from her relationship with her cousin Sirius, this doesn't always imply a close relationship), so she might not have known him very well in the first place, and if the cousin doesn't want anything to do with the magical world, and felt all his wizarding relations didn't want anything to do with him, I doubt he would be amenable to contact from the Weasleys, and the Weasleys probably wouldn't try to bother him. The fact that Ron has heard at least part of this story suggests the Weasleys might have mentioned the cousin at some point, perhaps in discussing whether Mr. Weasley could go speak with him, but Molly vetoed the idea and Ron sensed the family tension around the person.

Elektra

[Spana]

I have read so many posts about Mark Evans and I am just becoming more and more counfused by each thread I read. I can't believe I may have to wait years to find out who exactly is Mark Evans and if he plays any significance. I just people won't be disapointed if Mark Evans turns out be a trick that JKR placed in the book to confuse us Potter fans and keep forums such as this filled with threads and theorys about Mark Evans.

[SnapesHouseElf]

I think SnapeHouseElf is referring to the fact that Snape wears the "dark mark" in his arm.

Yes I was referring to that :agree:

As I understand it, the Dark Mark is the worst thing that Snape may have done and what he most regrets having done. So, to wipe this dark meaning off his life, he names his son Mark as well:

That is, the son may be the best thing for Snape in his life (like every son for every father), so the son Mark wipes off the dark meaning of the other "mark" in his life.


How very sweet and romantic! ;)

[Sirius Padfoot]

I really don't think Mark is Snapes son. I do think he will be important to the story. Maybe not the the part of the story where Harry has to defeat Voldemort. But that Harry will find a member of his family (very distant, yet a member of his family) who does not hate him. I think Mark will be very important to Harry and vice versa. Just my thoughts.

[aphelion]

That is WAY to much to put into Snape's character in the last two books. I seriously doubt that it is going to happen.

[Elektra]

I have read so many posts about Mark Evans and I am just becoming more and more counfused by each thread I read. I can't believe I may have to wait years to find out who exactly is Mark Evans and if he plays any significance. I just people won't be disapointed if Mark Evans turns out be a trick that JKR placed in the book to confuse us Potter fans and keep forums such as this filled with threads and theorys about Mark Evans.

To be fair, I don't think Rowling intentionally misleads her readers. Indeed, in the Albert Hall interview she indicated that she left a lot of hints for us in Book 5 so we would not be blindsided by events in 6 and 7. She might surprise us sometimes, but I think we can attribute that to our own failure to correctly interpret the hints she gives us, moreso than her desire to throw us "red herrings." Most of us have our pet theories, and when they turn out to be contrary to the story, we like to think all that evidence we had piled up in our favor is really just an attempt of Rowling to mislead us. Helps us feel less silly and all that. ;)

Keeping this in mind, then, we have two possibilities that I can think of regarding Mark Evans,

1) He's just a random kid Rowling put into the story to illustrate Dudley's habit of beating up the neighborhood kids. This is possible, since as someone already pointed out, the name "Evans" in England is a lot like being named "Smith" in the US. Giving the name to some faceless character you're throwing in just to make a point would be a reasonable choice on Rowling's part.

2) Mark Evans is actually a relation of Harry's mother, and might even be a wizard entering Hogwarts next year. I find the second possibility far more likely, for two reasons. First, Rowling has never repeated a name in the story without good reason, and it would be odd for her to repeat the name Evans, especially surrounding the Dursleys, in the same book where she reveals Lily's maiden name and much of the story of Harry's family, without leaving it there as an aforementioned clue for us. There is also the way it was put in. It reminds me of the first mention of Mrs. Figg in Book 1; kind of an aside, not really important to the story, but prominent enough to make you say, "Easter Egg!" Second, Harry singles this boy out among all of Dudley's victims. He obviously feels some sort of kinship with him; I suspect he identifies with him since he himself was Dudley's punching bag at that age. I think the parallel this draws is intentional on Rowling's part; she didn't have to put it in, but she did, and this leads me to believe, especially after the Albert Hall interview, that it's a clue. There is also the issue of Mark's first name. Of course Harry has always been special because of the mark on his forehead, but in this book we learned exactly what it means when Voldemort "marked" Harry. Perhaps the Evans kid will be a positive Mark (again from his mother's blood) to counter the weight of Harry's negative mark from Voldemort?

Elektra

[whizbang121]

Honestly, I don't think JKR is misleading in the books, but she does seem to try to put us off the scent in her interviews.

And there is definitely something we will learn from or about Mark Evans. Whether Mark will play a part in the story, or be a connection to the past is yet to be revealed, and there will no doubt be hundreds of pages in this thread before the next book is released. :sigh:

[kiten_magic]

I dunno Dudleys not stupid enough to forget he saw the Evans kid at Christmas... although what if the Evans are Wizards??? That would explain why dudleys parents didnt tell him that they were related...

[Sirius Padfoot]

Question, when did Dudley see the Evans kid at Christmas? I thought the only time Mark was brought up was that one time in Ootp

[whizbang121]

Again, i think Petunia is afraid of Dark Lords and Death Eaters. We don't know what happened to her parents or what terrors she grew up with. She probably wouldn't tell the boys about their Evans relations because it might reveal things she doesn't want them or Vernon to know. Denial seems the safest route.
And it seems a safe guess that Harry didn't know his mother's maiden name. In the pensieve scene, he didn't react to the initials LE that his father was doodling.


Question, when did Dudley see the Evans kid at Christmas?


I think was a reference to the suggestion that Mark would be the boys second cousin, not 4th or 5th and thus closely enough related for them all to be aware of the family relationship.

[wally576]

try this one for size...

Petunia can not be a squib, because her parents were muggles... notice all the times its mentioned that lily was muggle born. However, that does not mean that there is no magic in the family.

In the SS, Ron says that his mom has got a cousin whose an accountant or something.... someone who is non-magic. They never mention his name, but his last name could be Evans. (Notice the red-hair coincidence) Some poor squib who grew up in a magic family, and had to go out on his own and start a family.

A little down the line two girls are born... lily and petunia. Petunia is jealous because lily has magic, but she knows too much about it, because the evans still keep in touch with their wizard relatives.

Mark could be a cousin of sorts that starts at Hogwarts, because he's not from little whinging, just the town over, and dudley and his gang are out late, so that means they could have driven over there and beat him up... even if dudley knows about him... he always beat up on his other cousin. Now DD may say that there are no other relatives of harrys to keep him from going away from number 4 looking for them... keeping him safe. Its not like DD has kept things from him before.

Also.... the reason he stays with the dursleys is the P is L's sister and therefore the blood line is much closer. The protection could just be better there...


what do you think

[Elektra]

what do you think

I think there's an echo in here...;)

Elektra

[whizbang121]

I think there's an echo in here...;)

Elektra
:lol:

Get used to it. The echoes in this cavern are sometimes scary. But occasionally one hears the echo of something new. And it was a really good summary.

[Rosie B.]

I really think Snape is Harry's Uncle and that he would be safe with Snape in the summers but then that would blow Snape's cover.

:rotfl: Could you imagine the look on Harry's face after being told he had to go live with Snape for the summer? I think he'd choose the Dursleys.

I really don't think that Snape changed his name. In the 5th book the Mauraders called him Snivillus. That is a variation of Severus. So what does the anagram mean? I have no idea. But I doubt he is a blood relitive of Harry's.

I do believe that Mark is one. I think he will be coming to Hogwarts next year.

[Sirius Padfoot]

I definitly agree Mark is on his way to Hogwarts.

[whizbang121]

I don't know. I think Mr. Evans was Lily's stepfather and so while Mark is related to Petunia, he's not related to Harry or Lily.
Is he going to Hogwarts? Maybe. Sometimes I'm convinced that Petunia is a closet witch, too. Maybe she went to Durmstrang.

[Fairydust]

maybe petunia had magical ability but she didn't want to pursue it. she doesn't like magic.

[whizbang121]

But why? What is she afraid of?

[Fairydust]

she is probably afraid of being labelled a freak or what not. you notice the way she cares about what her neighbours think. she probably didn't want the kids she did know to think she was some weirdo.

[whizbang121]

maybe. Have to wait until book 6, I guess.

[Fairydust]

i hope she discovers magic, though. it would be really cool if she did.

[superviln]

try this one for size...

Mark could be a cousin of sorts that starts at Hogwarts, because he's not from little whinging, just the town over, and dudley and his gang are out late, so that means they could have driven over there and beat him up... even if dudley knows about him... he always beat up on his other cousin. Now DD may say that there are no other relatives of harrys to keep him from going away from number 4 looking for them... keeping him safe. Its not like DD has kept things from him before.

what do you think

The only thing wrong about this line of thinking is in OOTP DD said he told Harry every thing so I think DD will not keep anything from Harry any more.

[whizbang121]

The only thing wrong about this line of thinking is in OOTP DD said he told Harry every thing so I think DD will not keep anything from Harry any more.

Well, Dumbledore did tell Harry everything, more or less, about why Voldemort, is after him, (I think.) But he didn't tell him EVERYTHING. We still know nothing about Harry's family or what happened to any of them, or what the power is that Harry has so much of. Point is, there are still lots of pertinent questions. And while Mark Evans might not be important to the fulfillment of Harry's destiny with Voldemort, he must come into the story somewhere or JKR would have had Dudley beating up some kid named Hughey Quinn. But who knows? :sigh:

[Sirius Padfoot]

Maybe Dumbledore doesn't know about him. Dumbledore is an extremly smart wizard, but if Marks father was a distint Evans who never had any contact with Lily, then maybe he doesn't know. Or maybe he wants Harry to find out about Mark on his own, that seems weird. Just my thoughts.

[Oo bUMbLE bEE oO]

I think we all have to keep in mind of how characters will affect the plot because without the plot, there is no need to add characters. What is the purpose of Mark Evans?? However, I truly think he will be a wizard, his purpose however, i don't know about. MARK Evans, hmmm...Perseus Evans will become important too I think. Evans are tricky tricky. But Rowling had made the point so clear that Harry doesn't have any more living relatives. Aww confusing haha.

[imfnoa]

Wow ! :wow: :wow: I know all the characters names and i didn't even but that together. Yes i think its possible that JKR might have sliped that name in
on purpose. :agree: :agree: He could very will be harry's relative. Maybe nephew?
Or cousin? they never said how many siblings lily had right. But then we would have to wonder why dumblrdore didn't place harry with his other relatives . So this theroy could span on forever. :cool:

[rachael_22090]

i think there is a very good chance that mark evens is somehow related to lily harry and petunia. look at the black family tree... i mean the weasleys and the malfoys are distantly related, so with magical familys it looks like there are always very good chances of being related to one another. he probley is such a distant cousin of lilys maybe that even though they are related petunia doesnt notice... i like the thought someone had above that he would be starting at hogwarts in the 6th book. i guess we will just have to wait and see

[A_Reck]

My theory on Mark Evans:

I do not think that he will be going to Hogwarts, and I do not think that he is related to Harry in anyway. At least I hope not (it just doesnt seem right if it were... I dunno)

When JK finished the 4th book she admited that she had only been on the internet 2 times because she found it scary. After OotP, she said that she had been on a while ago, looking at fan sites and was amazed at how much people analyzed the books (or something like that). I think that she added Mark Evans just to make us think he was related to Harry, and make us over analyze it.

In book one, Dumbledore says that the Dursleys are the only family he has.
Also in book one, when Harry looks into the Mirror of Erised, he sees his family. If he knows Mark Evans, (Does it say he accually knows who he is, or was Dudley just talking about beating him up?) Wouldnt he have recognized him for the mirror?

[AvadaKedavra]

Snape uncle thing/ Mark evans being his son or whatever- OUT OF THE WINDOW. Lupin calls Snape by his first name, "Severus" in POA.

MY personal inclination is that Lily and Petunia's dad had a brother, and the grandson of that brother is Mark. Or the stepfather thing.

[whizbang121]

I think Lily and Petunia had different fathers and the same mother. So Mark may be related to Petunia, but not Harry.

[Tessa]

You have to look at it logically.
a) Everyone is right saying that Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley are Harry's only family. Dumbledore confirms this in Book 1.
b) If the Mirror of Erised shows our deepest desires and wants, and Harry looks into the mirror and sees his family - they are all dead.
c) We know that both James' and Lily's parents are dead.
d) However, Petunia and Lily's parents' (most likely their father in this case, with 'Evans' being the last name) had a brother and that brother had a son, and the son had a son - Mark Evans.
e) we know that there are no other magical people living in Little Whinging. But around.... who knows?

I love all these theories and speculation. It makes the waiting less hard. :grumble: :agree:

[whizbang121]

What if Lily and Petunia's mother, a muggle was married twice. Her first husband, possibly a wizard or a squib, is Lily father. He died when Lily was very small or before she was born. Lily's mom then married Mr Evans, a muggle. Lily was given his name, possibly to protect her. They have Petunia. The Evanses seem to have some awareness of the magical world and are pleased and supportive when Lily gets her letter. Petunia, however is terrified of magic, Dementors, and Dark Lords and blames Lily for destroying her happy normal childhood with all these exotic dangers. She feels her parents' support for Lily leaves her even more vulnerable. And we do not know what became of Mr and Mrs Evans. Did Voldemort get them, too?
Unable to defend herself in such a world and overwhelmed by fear, she chooses denial as the safest route and shuns all magic and magical folk.

But she does know lots more than she lets on, doesn't she? And I thought Dudley was far more affected by the dementors than a muggle should be. I could be wrong, but I though muggles only felt dementors as a passing wave of depression or sadness. Dudley needed a trip to the Hershey factory after his encounter. Odd. The other odd thing is that neither of them recognized their mothers' maiden name. They don't seem to know that Mark is probably a relative. (Harry also didn't seem to recognise his mother's initials when he was in the pensieve, later.) Maybe the Evans family is still somewhat knowledgable about the magical world, and Petunia avoids them so they won't spill the beans to Vernon and and expose her. Another oddity is the flower names, Petunia and Lily. Hmmmmm ...... several women from dark families, (Slytherin types) have flower names.

Anyway, early on in this thread, someone suggested that Mark doesn't actually live in Little Winging, but rather nearby. The boys wander around. And with a scenario like this, Mark can easily be related to Petunia and Dudley, but not be a blood relative of Harry's. Thus Petunia is still Harry's only blood relative on his mother's side.

[Hermy121]

You have to look at it logically.
a) Everyone is right saying that Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley are Harry's only family. Dumbledore confirms this in Book 1.
b) If the Mirror of Erised shows our deepest desires and wants, and Harry looks into the mirror and sees his family - they are all dead.
c) We know that both James' and Lily's parents are dead.
d) However, Petunia and Lily's parents' (most likely their father in this case, with 'Evans' being the last name) had a brother and that brother had a son, and the son had a son - Mark Evans.
e) we know that there are no other magical people living in Little Whinging. But around.... who knows?

I love all these theories and speculation. It makes the waiting less hard. :grumble: :agree:

About e)Hes only 10 and u dont start school till your 11 so mabye the minstry just dosent know about him yet. He dosent have powers so there might not be any record of him yet.

[YouKnowWho]

When JK finished the 4th book she admited that she had only been on the internet 2 times because she found it scary. After OotP, she said that she had been on a while ago, looking at fan sites and was amazed at how much people analyzed the books (or something like that). I think that she added Mark Evans just to make us think he was related to Harry, and make us over analyze it.

I don't think that's the reason because it wouldn't help that much.

I think we'll see more of Mark Evans, because we learned Lilly's maiden name in the same book as in we ''met'' Mark Evans.

Though, I don't believe in the Perseus Evans theorie. It's to far-fetched.

I agree with the people who said Dumbledore doesn't know yet about Mark. Do you think he learned the whole Potter/Evans tribe out of his head? Maybe Petunia was needeed because she really had Lilly's blood in her veins, and Mark's parents had to few of Lilly's blood.

There doesn't have to be a wizard connection because there are Muggleborns, so it's very easy to make Mark a very far relative of Harry, without putting a wizard in the story.

It also seems to me that it is indeed to much to be a coincidence. Mark is 11 at the start of book 6, the age to go to Hogwarts. Maybe Harry knows of Mark's powers when a strange accident happens when Dudley attacks him again, on the other hand, maybe Harry hears about him at the sortinghat's ceremony. I'm positive, if Mark is one of Harry's relative's, that he is a Gryffindor. The courage he had to cheek Dudley. (Mark is much weaker and younger than Dudley.)

Mark can be important to the plot because he is one of the last relatives that Harry likes... (Mark could be an orphan, living in an orphan house outside little W. That explains why the ministry didn't mention him..) Mark will be the little brother he never had, and it is important for Harry to protect him.

[Boopers]

I realized it too. Maybe Aunt Petunia is a Squib, and does not claim ANY family member. Others may say that if Harry had other relatives why did he not go live with one of them. If Lilly named Petunia Harry's godmother then many she thought that would be safest. Maybe she got it from Dumbledore that she would be safest for him. Maybe they thought the less he knew the better, too much fame as a little boy. Tell me what you think.

[lunalupe18]

I'm not sure if I'm repeating anything, but Dumblodore in SS (PS) said that the Dursleys were the only family Harry has got or something similar to that. If Lily and Petunia had a brother (to carry on the Evans name it would have to be a brother) couldn't Dumbledore have taken him there?

[whizbang121]

I realized it too. Maybe Aunt Petunia is a Squib, and does not claim ANY family member. Others may say that if Harry had other relatives why did he not go live with one of them. If Lilly named Petunia Harry's godmother then many she thought that would be safest. Maybe she got it from Dumbledore that she would be safest for him. Maybe they thought the less he knew the better, too much fame as a little boy. Tell me what you think.

How could Lily have helped Dumbledore make that decision?

[venus1818]

Well, having read all of your theories, mine seems really stupid. But here it goes anyway:

Mr. and Mrs. Evans had three children: Petunia, Lily and a boy. The boy was the oldest of the three. Let's say that he was a lot older than his sisters. At some point, before the Evanses knew that their younger child was a wizard that boy had a fight with his family for some reason and run away from home. He went to a far away place (the UK is a big country) and never heard of his family again. He eventually gets married and has a son named Mark. Since he never got in touch with his family again he never knew what became of his sisters; so, he never knew to whom they got married, or if they had children, or even that his younger sister died. By an amazing coincidence he moves near the place where is older sister lives with her son and husband, and by another amazing coincidence his nephew (Dudley) beats up his son quite often. Dudley never realizes the name coincidence (in fact, it’s possible that he doesn’t even know his mother’s maid name; Petunia is somewhat ashamed of her family, so it’s possible that she never told her son her name and he never really cared). Mark is too afraid of Dudley to say anything to his father and so he never knows what is happening. If Mark did tell his father he would say "Dudley Dursley beats me!". His father would probably want to talk to Dudley’s parents and would therefore recognise his sister.

You must be thinking: "But if Petunia lives so close to her brother, wouldn't they have met already?" Not necessarily. First of all, we don’t know exactly where Mark Evans lives, we just know that Dudley beats him up. He might live in the other side of town. Trust me, it’s possible to live near someone and never meet that person. Secondly, we don’t know for how long Mark and his family had been living there; they might have moved just a few weeks ago. Besides, Petunia barely gets out of the house, and when she does, it’s by car with her husband.

Dumbledore says that Petunia is Harry's only living blood relative. Well, Dumbledore might know everything. If the Evans brother run away from home and Dumbledore only knew about the Evaneses existence when Lily went to Hogwarts, he wouldn't know about her brother. But wouldn't Lily had talked about her brother to someone at school? Well, maybe she did, but Dumbledore never knew it. Or maybe she was so young when he left that she didn't even know he existed...

So, what will be Mark’s part in future books? I don’t know. It might just be a name coincidence. It’s possible that we will never hear from him again. However, JKR is constantly giving us small clues to future events. My guess is that this is one of them.

But i really liked some of your theories...

[whizbang121]

It's plausible. But I keep coming back to the Dursley's being the only family Harry has.
I don't think Dumbledore misses much. He'd know if any relatives of Harry's mother alive.

[Mutant for Hire]

I think we all have to keep in mind of how characters will affect the plot because without the plot, there is no need to add characters. What is the purpose of Mark Evans?? However, I truly think he will be a wizard, his purpose however, i don't know about. MARK Evans, hmmm...Perseus Evans will become important too I think. Evans are tricky tricky. But Rowling had made the point so clear that Harry doesn't have any more living relatives. Aww confusing haha.
It's a very good point. Rowling wouldn't introduce a new character without some reason for it. Why would JKR introduce a new character at this point, one that will pretty much be doomed to be too weak to be of much use in the series (at best he'll be second year in the last book of the series).

On the other hand, it would give Harry a relative, and in some ways, more trouble as Mark is young and weak and someone Harry would worry about. It also gives Harry the chance to mentor someone else. Harry has always been guided and trained by older people, now is his chance to do the same for someone younger and less experienced.

I think that a second cousin is distant enough to make true the claim that the Dursleys are the only family Harry has, at least for the purposes of the protection spell. A sister is a lot closer than a first cousin after all.