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

[cindysphynx]

No: HPFGUIDX 32159

srbeers wrote (about debating how and why the shadows understood the 
duel):

> What I am saying is that you are trying to use common logic to
> explain very uncommon illogical events. It was asked, how these
> 'echos' could know what was going on when they came out. No 
> common logic can explain that, but uncommon logic tells me that
> these 'echos' came out with some degree of concious awareness,
> some degree of mortal conciousness and pre-awareness or instant 
> intuitive awareness of the events unfolding. I know that sounds
> like my answer is simply restating the question, but that's the 
> magic of it. The same magic and logic that allows Harry to enter 
the 
> physical tangible world of a 50 year old memory.

Actually, it does sound a bit as though you are answering the 
question with the question.  The question was how the shadows were 
aware of the events of the duel.  Your answer sounds essentially 
like, "Because they were aware of the events of the duel."  

If we take this approach to its logical end, the end point of 
every "plot hole and mystery" discussion on this board would be a 
collective virtual shrug and chorus of "Hey, it's magic!"

Why did Lupin fail to transform when the boggart turned into the 
moon?  Hey, it's magic!

Why did Lily come out of the wand after James?  Hey, it's magic!

Why can owls find Sirius but MoM cannot?  Hey, it's magic!

Personally, I don't think it is unreasonable to use logic to attempt 
to understand these things.  Certainly, JKR tried to use "common 
logic" in writing the books, which explains why she corrected the 
wand order rather than shrugging off the controversy.  She certainly 
doesn't answer questions about plot holes by saying, "What do you 
want from me?  It's magic!"  If she thinks everything in the HP world 
ought to make logical sense to readers in the real world, then the 
folks on this list ought to be able to take her at her word and see 
if her books hold up to "common logic."

On the other hand, there are *a lot* of people who wouldn't enjoy a 
list like this for exactly the reason you mention.  Why bother 
analyzing a fictional, magical world using the only tools we have -- 
our experience in the real world?  It's a perfectly legitimate 
question, really.  People who feel that way won't enjoy this list.  I 
suspect they also might not enjoy other rather fanciful hobbies that 
lack tangible value, either.  To each his own, I guess.

Cindy