A Wizarding World Theory Reveals the Identity of Harry Potter’s 'Science Wizard'

As a potential identity for Harry Potter's "Science Wizard" comes to light, it reveals one of the Wizarding World's most mysterious characters.

The realm of magic is as intricate as it is enchanting as fans continue to raise their wands and dig deeper into the lore crafted around it. Despite a fleeting appearance, the enigmatically labeled "Science Wizard" raises countless questions about the Harry Potter series and reveals greater truths about the mysteries of its universe. Thankfully, after sparking immense curiosity and countless debates, a theory within the Wizarding World finally unveils the identity of Harry Potter's enigmatic "Science Wizard."

Adapted from the third book and debuting in 2004, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban stands out among the series as a polarizing adaptation of its source material because of its creative choices. However, viewers of the third Harry Potter movie noticed a curious addition to the story that simultaneously sparked intrigue and the birth of a popular social media meme. Dubbed the "Science Wizard," the character (played by musician Ian Brown) concisely foreshadowed the film's time travel twist by reading a copy of Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time at the Leaky Cauldron. But in the process, it raised questions about who this unconventional sorcerer was and what role they played in the Wizarding World.

Who Is Saul Croaker?

With only a few moments of screentime and nothing much said about Brown's character, much of the character's identity has been a mystery, but no less fascinating. Although at first glance, there seems to be no evident counterpart for Science Wizard within the Harry Potter books. However, eagle-eyed readers and Pottermore scholars may have noticed the character's unorthodox abilities and unusual interest in quantum mechanics seem oddly in line with Saul Croaker, a minor character with a major impact on the Wizarding World.

First introduced in the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire book, author J.K. Rowling initially depicted Croaker as a Ministry of Magic Unspeakable. However, it wasn't until Pottermore and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child that this character became expanded upon. Giving rise to what is now known as "Professor Croaker's Law," Saul devoted his life to unraveling the intricate nuances of time magic. Croaker's in-depth research at the Department of Mysteries led him to the discovery that venturing more than a few hours into the past could result in significant repercussions, affecting both the time traveler and the fundamental fabric of time itself. With theorists concluding that the Science Wizard's wandless magic, a rare ability, stemmed from his advanced understanding of space and time, compounded with his unusual interest in Hawking's works, Croaker emerges as a compelling candidate for being the identity of Brown's character.

Why Science Wizard's Existence Is So Interesting

Muggles and Wizards in the Harry Potter series have different insights into the mysteries of time, space and nature. While many witches and wizards struggle to understand the scientific advancements made by Muggles, such as planes, electricity and the like, countless Muggles are kept blissfully ignorant of most magical things. The alleged Croaker hints that perhaps the universe's greatest secrets do not solely lie within the extravagant world of magic nor the incredible realm of the scientific and that both are two different parts of a bigger picture.

Despite his mysterious identity, Science Wizard is perhaps a lesson that knowledge really is power and a living testament to what an open mind and greater understanding can achieve. The conflict between the Muggles and Wizarding communities, characterized by misunderstandings and resulting segregation, is perhaps one of the most tragic aspects of the Harry Potter series. It's clear that the cosmos is bigger than most people can comprehend, and it's a sad realization that whether Muggle or Magical, so many wonders will go unappreciated, questions unexplored and discoveries unrealized until the two worlds can overcome their differences.