JKR's World vs. the Real World (WAS Shadows from Voldemort's wand)

[cindysphynx]

No: HPFGUIDX 32118

srbeers wrote:

> 
> I read the other responses to this post and there is one flaw
> in everyone thinking. You are all trying to resolve this
> problem using the physical mortal world as a frame of 
> reference. Asking,'How can this happen in the real world?' But
> this isn't occurring in the mortal world, it is all occuring in
> the magical, mystical, spiritual, intangable, non-physical world.
> 
> In magic, all things are possible.
> 

I disagree that we're asking the question "How can this happen in the 
real world?"  Sadly, I understand that these books are just works of 
fiction, and that there is no such thing as magic in the real world.

But as Heidi mentioned, JKR has built her world based upon a set of 
rules and assumptions.  She knows all of these rules; we only know 
some of them.  Much of the discussion on the board is an attempt to 
discern the internal logic of various plot devices, 
characterizations, and fantastic elements.  It's fun, so we play the 
game.

In fact, I think JKR's world is consistent with many things in the 
real world.  When you might normally expect a situation to generate 
wind, JKR will have Harry report the scene as windy.  An example is 
being transported great distances quickly by portkey.  Another 
example is the idea that falling off of a broomstick will cause the 
rider to plummet to the ground.  JKR didn't have to write these 
scenes consistent with what the reader might expect, but she did. 

I think it is an overstatement to say "[the books are] all occuring in
the magical, mystical, spiritual, intangable, non-physical world."  
JKR has written a magical world that intersects to some extent with 
the real world.  The muggle and magical world have many things in 
common.  Examples include basic needs (sleep, food), emotional needs, 
certain social structures (family life), notions of morality.  As a 
result, I think it is reasonable to try to work out mysteries in the 
books by connecting the rules we know about with reasonable guesses.  
It helps pass the time until OoP, anyway.

Cindy