Questions about Thestrals

[Freezair]

1. Why aren't they mentioned in Magical Beasts? Maybe they are and I've just forgotten, but I don't think they were. The book mentioned "winged horses," but the thestrals are quite a bit more than that, aren't they? They're sort of part-dragon, and very skeletal.

2. Why couldn't Harry see the thestrals before? He's seen death--he watched his parents die. Do you have to REMEMBER the death you witnessed in order to see thestrals?

3. What about ghosts? If they never witnessed a death in their life until their own, can they see the thestrals?

5. Do you have to actually be present when they die? If you were a wizard fond of Muggle TV and saw a public execution, would you suddenly start seeing thestrals?

6. Where did number 4 go? :o

[~BrandyTook~]

I was wondering about why harry hadn't seen them before. He had seen his parents die. He had seen death, but he couldn't see the thestrals. He remembered his parents death too. Well, he at least remembered the light and Voldemort laughing. Maybe he didn't remember their exact death. But now that he had seen Cedric die, he could see them. So I guess you have to remember the person dying to see them.

[Imortus]

#1: Keep in mind that "Magical Beasts and Where to Find Them" is not a comprehensive, all-inclusive guide.

#2: My best friend actually asked your #2 question right after we finished the books. I think that may be because Harry, as an infant, may not have actually seen the finishing blow from Voldemort against him mom. He was probably in a crib, wrapped in blankets and quite likely, his direct line of sight was obscured.

#3: No idea. I would think so, but really, I have no idea.

#4:

#5: Just a guess, but I think you would have to be present, or at least see it live. And there really aren't public executions broadcast live anywhere that I am aware of.

#6: Four was turning twinkies into poo.

[Gen-Eric]

1. n/a

2. Maybe you need to remember it...

3. I think they can (maybe they need to stand in front of a mirror while they die? (just an idea)


5. i think you have to see it for real, not on tv, tv is just a bunch of pixels that make it look real.

6. Inot too sure

[bubblesofdeath88]

Ya I was also wondering why he couldnt see them, because I thought that he had acctually witnessed his parents death, but I guess that he didnt.

And also, what happened to the Thestrals that they rode to the ministry? did they fly back? Because Harry didnt mention them to DD.

[RavenclawChrissie]

Originally posted by Imortus (original post)
#2: My best friend actually asked your #2 question right after we finished the books. I think that may be because Harry, as an infant, may not have actually seen the finishing blow from Voldemort against him mom. He was probably in a crib, wrapped in blankets and quite likely, his direct line of sight was obscured.

I think this is true. It makes sense that he was in his crib. Its only in the movie, I think, that Lily is holding Harry or I can possilbly making this up. I dunno its late and I can't really remember. However, if Harry was in his crib then it would make sense that he didnt seem them until now.

[Crystal]

Lovegood was a name mentioned as one killed by Lord V. but Luna is younger than Harry so chances are that she was born after Lord V dissapered so how did her mother die? It seems to lead us to think that her death was a tradgady of some sort, but Luna remembers it which means that Lord V couldn't have been involved.

[preludetoadream]

Originally posted by Imortus (original post)


#2: My best friend actually asked your #2 question right after we finished the books. I think that may be because Harry, as an infant, may not have actually seen the finishing blow from Voldemort against him mom. He was probably in a crib, wrapped in blankets and quite likely, his direct line of sight was obscured.

yeah exactly I assumed you have to litterally SEE them die and harry has only ever described seeing green light and hearing people talking when it comes to their death.

[tabby]

I think not only do you have to see them die, it has to affect you negatively. That'd explain why Quirrels death didn't cause them to be seen. Harry witnessed the death but it didn't sadden/anger him at all.

[preludetoadream]

Hmm interesting side note tabby!

[dumbleedore]

Originally posted by Crystal (original post)
Lovegood was a name mentioned as one killed by Lord V. but Luna is younger than Harry so chances are that she was born after Lord V dissapered so how did her mother die? It seems to lead us to think that her death was a tradgady of some sort, but Luna remembers it which means that Lord V couldn't have been involved.

Luna mentions that her mother died in a spell accident. Can't remember where... ach! I need my book back!

[Erich]

Originally posted by dumbleedore (original post)
Luna mentions that her mother died in a spell accident. Can't remember where... ach! I need my book back!

American, page 863

"Yes", said Luna simply, "my mother. She was a quite extraordinary witch, you know, but she did like to experiment and one of her spells went rather badly wrong one day. I was nine."

[teacup]

NO offense, but you actually believe Luna's story?

[dumbleedore]

I wonder what spell it was that backfired... if that'll be important.

[Erich]

Originally posted by teacup (original post)
NO offense, but you actually believe Luna's story?

whats offensive about your question? Its a BOOK.

And Luna is out there, but I dont think shes lying. She marches to the beat of a different drummer, but I dont think the things she says are intentional fibs.

[tabby]

Originally posted by teacup (original post)
NO offense, but you actually believe Luna's story?

Why would she be lying? She had no problem finding and mounting a thestral so she must be able to see them. What would be the point in lying about her mothers death?

There's also the fact that she mentioned her father numerous times throughout the book but not once did she mention her mother other than about her death.

[dumbleedore]

Just a quick q: is Luna Lovegood the same Lovegood's that are mentioned in GoF about having been at the cup for a week already?

[tabby]

I think so. I'd have to ask JKR to know for sure though and I seem to have misplaced her phone number.

That means she's near the Weasleys. Perhaps we could see her at the borrow sometime? Assuming the Weasleys are back there next year.

[teacup]

You misconstrue what I meant. I don't mean she's intentionally decieving Harry. I think she genuinely believes that her mum died in a spell backfiring or whatever.

Whether that turns out to be the truth, and the whole truth... well I strongly doubt it. It'd be pointless to put in if that was it. I mean yeah she could see the Thestrals, and it might contribute to her loopiness, but I feel there is a bigger story behind her than that.

[Erich]

Originally posted by teacup (original post)
You misconstrue what I meant. I don't mean she's intentionally decieving Harry. I think she genuinely believes that her mum died in a spell backfiring or whatever.

Whether that turns out to be the truth, and the whole truth... well I strongly doubt it. It'd be pointless to put in if that was it. I mean yeah she could see the Thestrals, and it might contribute to her loopiness, but I feel there is a bigger story behind her than that.

I see your point, but i think it can go both ways. Why would it be pointless? that part of the story doesnt have to be a specific forshadowing plot device. I saw it as a way to bond Harry and Luna a little more, which in itself may be a forshadowing of a future colaboration (and i dont mean romantic, honestly)