importance of opals

[katienichol <katienichol@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 48309

Hi everyone, this is my first post so please be kind!  I've noticed 
something while I was rereading the series for the bazillionth time 
and I'd like to get your opinions on what it might mean.  In CoS when 
Harry accidentally lands in Flourish and Blotts he sees Draco looking 
at several dark magic items, including an opal necklace with a sign 
that says "Caution: Do Not Touch.  Cursed.  Has Claimed the Lives of 
Nineteen Muggle Owners to Date."  

In GoF when Madame Maxime first makes her appearance at 
Hogwarts she is described as wearing opal jewelry: "many magnificent 
opals gleamed at her throat and on her 
thick fingers," and again at the Yule Ball we see "her opals 
glittering in the candlelight."  There may be other references to her 
necklace as well.  The fact that Maxime wears opals must somehow be 
significant since it was mentioned at least twice, especially when we 
take the cursed necklace into consideration.  I don't know that 
Maxime's death would qualify as "horrible to write" for JKR, but it 
would certainly be horrible for Hagrid and perhaps lead him into a 
situation that causes his own death.  What do you all make of this?

"katienichol"