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AUGUST 15, 2004 at 3:08 PM
Posted by GERI
Source: JKRowling.com
Earlier today JK Rowling appeared at the Edinburgh International Book Festival and now her official web site has been updated with the transcript
, in which she answers fans' questions.
Here is an excerpt:
Question: All the paintings we have seen at Hogwarts are of dead people. They seem to be living through their portraits. How is this so? If there was a painting of Harry’s parents, would he be able to obtain advice from them?
Rowling: That is a very good question. They are all of dead people; they are not as fully realised as ghosts, as you have probably noticed. The place where you see them really talk is in Dumbledore’s office, primarily; the idea is that the previous headmasters and headmistresses leave behind a faint imprint of themselves. They leave their aura, almost, in the office and they can give some counsel to the present occupant, but it is not like being a ghost. They repeat catchphrases, almost. The portrait of Sirius' mother is not a very 3D personality; she is not very fully realised. She repeats catchphrases that she had when she was alive. If Harry had a portrait of his parents it would not help him a great deal. If he could meet them as ghosts, that would be a much more meaningful interaction, but as Nick explained at the end of Phoenix - I am straying into dangerous territory, but I think you probably know what he explained—there are some people who would not come back as ghosts because they are unafraid, or less afraid, of death.
Read the rest of the transcript HERE.
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Witch
Points: 617
S.Black13 says:
I read most of it on her site. It was really interesting I'm glad that she did it. Still all the suspence though!
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 11:41 PM EST
Wizard
Points: 887
Magic_Ty4 says:
This artcile brings up some good questions. I hope JK will give us some more hints soon.
Posted Sep 11, 2004 at 8:10 PM EST
Points: 22
linzalot says:
I have some theories to the answers of the questions JKR said we should think about...
1. dumbledore didn't try to kill voldemort because he knew he couldn't, because of the prophesy. if he had attempted, he (dumbledore) could have died or something, because according to the prophesy no one can get rid of voldemort except harry.
2. voldemort didn't die from the reflected killing curse (when he tried to kill harry as a baby) because it was REFLECTED- ie voldemort cast it! and according to the prophesy, either must die at the hands of the OTHER- not themselves! voldemort couldn't have killed himself, because it wouldn't be allowed according to the prophesy.
so, what do you think?
Posted Oct 28, 2004 at 10:27 PM EST
Student
Points: 227
ObsessedFan says:
I always thought that the portraits could be Harry's way of communication with his parents. But JKR for clearing that up for me. Guess it's not that easy.
Posted Dec 28, 2004 at 2:10 PM EST
Head Boy
Points: 418
Yez says:
YES IT IS SOOOOOOOOOOOO HELpful i have been wonderig that for Ages.
Posted Dec 31, 2004 at 7:08 AM EST
Goddess of the South
Points: 6101
Mrs S Black says:
I love reading every line she has to say, and soak up every tease and every morsel, it helps make the wait seem a bit longer you know? But I still love the anticipation.
Posted Mar 11, 2005 at 7:37 PM EST
Rickmaniac to the Core
Points: 2564
snaily says:
They leave their aura, almost, in the office and they can give some counsel to the present occupant, but it is not like being a ghost.
That's something I hadn't known before! Thanks Jo. :)
Posted Dec 22, 2008 at 4:20 AM EST
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