time travel in PoA

[dicentra63]

No: HPFGUIDX 41896


Amandageist:
> > Buckbeak was already saved because H&H *did* go back in time--even
> if they
> > don't know this yet. Dumbledore knew that Buckbeak had to be part of
> the
> > equation, so he was giving H&H a clue, so that when they did go
> back, they'd
> > be able to figure it out. So Buckbeak *was* the other innocent life
> to be
> > saved.
> > 

The way Dumbledore acts immediately following the failed execution, it
seems as if he knows that Harry and Hermione have freed Buckbeak:

"It was tied here!" said the executioner, furiously.  "I saw it! Just
here!"

"How extraordinary," said Dumbledore.  There was a note of amusement
in his voice....

Buckbeak started to strain against the rope, trying to get back to
Hagrid.  Harry and Hermione tightened their grip and dug their heels
into the forest floor to stop him.

"Someone untied him!" the executioner was snarling.  "We should search
the grounds, the forest --"

"Macnair, if Buckbeak has indeed been stolen, do you really think the
theif will have lead him away on foot?" said Dumbledore, still
sounding amused.  "Search the skies, if you will...."

So does Dumbledore know that Harry and Hermione are in the forest with
Buckbeak?  Is he trying to stop Macnair from finding them?  This might
be Harry and Hermione's second trip through this time frame, but it's
Dumbledore's first.  I suppose he could have guessed they let Buckbeak
go without knowing they were travelling in time.  

But then he must have found out (or figured out) that they didn't save
Buckbeak during their first trip through that time frame, so that's
why he gives them the clue.

OR!

The first time through that time frame, Buckbeak *is* executed, which
is why Dumbledore suggests that they save him when they go back.  So
when Harry and Hermione see Dumbledore and his amused demeanor, is he
aware of the fact that H&H have changed events?  Does he know in that
moment that his future self sent them back in time?

Sure, go ahead and think about it.  Tie your brain in knots, I dare you.

--Dicey, whose brain is too small to tie into a knot