Nagini's size (was now Nagini)

[Amanda Lewanski]

No: HPFGUIDX 15653

Chained By Freedom wrote:

> >JKR seemed to make somewhat of a miscalculation with lengths with the
>
> >basilisk- she mentions something about the skin of the basilisk in
> >CoS- "the creature that had shed it must have been twenty feet long."
>
> I think perhaps JKR described it like that on purpose. Remember, we're
> reading the books as if from Harry's viewpoint. To Harry, it looked 20
> feet. He was 12 when this happened, correct? Most 12 year olds can't
> accurately pinpoint something's length or size. Even if he could, I
> don't think he was at a state to when he found it. That's just my
> opinion, however. :)

Also remember that the basilisk is close to a thousand years old. It
*has* been out other times in the past than this week. It's conceivable
that the skin is old, from a molt say, fifty years ago? Or further. The
length of time it takes things like basilisk skin to crumble to dust
might be affected by the fact that they're magical.

--Amanda, muddying the waters as usual


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