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Harry Potter TV show is reportedly in early development. While not all fans of the series are thrilled with the concept, it makes perfect sense. The first Harry Potter book was released in 1997. Since then, the popularity of the franchise has only grown. Fans have discussed every aspect of the story, and, over the years, some interesting fan theories have been born. One theory suggests that Mary Poppins, the famed nanny from the book series and movie of the same name, was a Hogwarts student. So, does the theory hold water?

The theory suggests Mary Poppins was undercover as a nanny  

The fan theory is certainly an interesting one, but some critics argue that there is nothing definitively linking Mary Poppins to Hogwarts. After all, she spent the majority of her life as a nanny for young children. One Reddit user argues that her life as a nanny definitively links her to the Harry Potter universe.

Julie Andrews in 'Mary Poppins'
Julie Andrews in ‘Mary Poppins’ | Julie Andrews in ‘Mary Poppins’

The theory suggests Poppins excelled at Muggle Studies. Upon graduation, the theory suggests, she was sent into the field to work with children with the goal of identifying those who were gifted. The Reddit user points out that Poppins’ charges were told not to speak of their adventures to other people, which would be good training if they were to move on to Hogwarts after being identified.

What Hogwarts house would Mary Poppins have been in?

Fans of both Harry Potter and Mary Poppins seem to agree that it is entirely possible that Mary could have been a graduate of the school of witchcraft and wizardry. Still, they aren’t in agreement on everything. For years, fans who buy into the theory have debated which house she would have been in while a Hogwarts student. Compelling cases have been made for two houses.

One Reddit user strongly believes Poppins would have been a Hufflepuff during her time at the school. Members of Hufflepuff House value hard work, patience, and justice. They are also incredibly loyal and responsible (almost to a fault). She had all of those qualities and worked hard to ensure the children placed in her care developed them, too. Several fans also point out that Poppins’ magical bag was similar in nature to a bag described in the books. The bag belonged to a Hufflepuff. To be fair, Hermione also owned a magical handbag, and she was sorted into Gryffindor House.  

Hogwarts as seen at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood
Hogwarts as seen at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood | Mintaha Neslihan Eroglu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

While there are compelling reasons to assume Poppins would have been a Hufflepuff, not all fans are convinced. Many believe the magical nanny would have been sorted into Ravenclaw House because of her wit and dedication to education. It’s also possible that she would have been a “hatstall” since she appeared to have elements of each house, points out another fan.  

Mary Poppins as a graduate of Hogwarts would certainly explain a lot of plot holes in the classic film. It would also connect her to the Harry Potter universe, an exciting concept. Still, is there anything that definitively links the magical nanny to the school? Upon first glance, you wouldn’t think so. If you really think about it, though, there are Poppins elements throughout the Harry Potter series.

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter | Peter Mountain/WireImage
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Mary Poppins was from London and had an arsenal of magical accessories. Those accessories seem to pop up in Harry Potter from time to time. Fans point out that Mary Poppins’ bag, mirror, and umbrella all fit in with accessories described in the Harry Potter series. Mary Poppins had a magical mirror, as did Harry himself. Hagrid used an umbrella to hide his wand. As fans know, Mary Poppins had an umbrella that granted her the ability to fly, points out MuggleNet. Of course, a magical bag is also a theme in both Mary Poppins and Harry Potter.