Tentative solution to Marauder's Map problem

[Indigo]

No: HPFGUIDX 16918

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., rainy_lilac at y... wrote:
> --- In HPforGrownups at y..., naama_gat at h... wrote:
> > Hi,
> > 
> > While reading PoA, I remebered that there were quite a lot of 
> > questions regarding why such and such person was not viewed on 
the 
> > map (why didn't Lupin see the second Harry and Hermione, why 
didn't 
> > Fred and George and then Harry see Peter Pettigrew? etc.). 
> > Well, I had what seemed to me like a brilliant idea, but I 
haven't 
> > checked it against all possible evidence: I think that the map 
only 
> > shows people/creatures that are moving. I thought of that when 
Harry 
> > looked at the map for the first time - it showed Dumbledore 
*pacing* 
> > in his room, Mrs. Norris walking somewhere, etc. 
> > If this is true, then the map didn't show the second Harry and 
> > Hermione because they were sitting under the trees, they weren't 
> > moving about. Also Pettigrew - it's quite reasonble to suppose 
that 
> > all the times the map was used, he wasn't moving (Ron did say all 
he 
> > did was sleep and eat, right?). 
> > 
> >
> 
> One problem with this is that Lupin DID see Pettigrew and Ron being 
> dragged into the tree by Sirius-- Pettigrew was a rat inside Ron's 
> pocket at the time and not moving at all.
> 
I don't know about that.  Scabbers was probably frantically trying to 
escape the whole time.  Which would support that he's visible on the 
map if the map indicates movement.

Also by the logic of Messrs Moony Padfoot, Wormtail and Prongs, if 
it's moving, it could be moving toward them, and catch them making 
mischief. 

> I too have mulled about why he would not see two Harrys, etc. If 
Harry 
> were just witnessing the past with no power to change things (ala 
the 
> pensieve) it would make sense. Maybe the map only shows people who 
> properly belong to THIS time? In which case I see a major 
opportunity 
> for plot twists. I suspect thought that this was an oversight.

Time magic is apparently closely regulated. It's possible the 
Marauder's Map only operates on what's happening at present. And 
Harry and Hermione of the future were technically there, but really 
from the future.  I'm guessing here :) 
> 
> I wonder: Does JKR have ANY idea of some of these things we 
obsessed 
> ones dig up? Sheeeezzz.... 
> 
I bet she does.

Indigo
[who needed a nice brisk conversation to drag her out of the brain-
damaging cuteness of NeoPets]