FF: Speculation - a matter of perspective; Perspective in the Potterverse

[mdartagnan]

No: HPFGUIDX 38829

*delurking*

Penny wrote:
> Hmmm.... so is this another case of "There's one way, and only 
one way, to interpret any given character in a work of literature?"  

*snip the rest of the discussion*
I've been following this whole discussion (as I followed the 
previous ones that Penny quoted, and just as I follow almost 
every fanfic-themed discussion regardless the fandom), being a 
fanfic writer myself. And I have a question, though it might seem 
a quite stupid one.

First of all, I indeed believe that fanfic *can* broaden someone's 
perceptions of JKR's characters. I also believe that it *might* 
change your perception as reader.
Case in point: in the Transformers fandom, some fanfic writers 
are completely pro-Decepticon, so they claim that the characters 
are noble brother-like warriors that fight for their race. After 
reading some of their stories, yes, I can see some of the 
pro-Decepticon fans points (like the friendship between 
characters), but , while watching the animated series, I can't find 
their nobility anywhere. Hence, my perception was broadened, 
yet it wasn't completely changed.
 In HP, a possible equivalent are the Slytherins and, especially, 
Draco Malfoy —in part the origin of this thread.

Second, speculation is *fun* and very valid, especially when so 
much time is passing between books. I *believe* that Neville will 
become a great wizard, that Snape was in love with Lily, that 
Dumbledore, by letting Harry face each book's challenge, is 
actually training him for the final showdown, and being a 
slash-fan, I actually believe that Sirius and Remus were 
you-know-what in their youths. 
BUT that's only what I *believe*. JKR hasn't confirmed any of the 
above yet, nor in canon (the books), nor in interviews, nor in 
chats (though she has contradicted herself a couple of times on 
this media). Some of my theories might be right, others might be 
wrong and others might never be solved. 
For example: being a Sirius/Remus shipper, I might come up 
with many reasons for Remus to trust Sirius immediately in the 
Shrieking Shack scene. But, if I am discussing canon and try to 
leave fanfic and speculation behind, the answer is simple: "he 
saw Peter's name on the Map, learned that Peter was the Secret 
Keeper and put all the pieces together".

So, on to my question. Is it completely possible to separate both 
speculation and fanfic-broadened perception when discussing 
canon? 
BTW, I think it *is* possible. The reader needs to be concious of 
it, and sometimes that isn't easy, but it is possible. At least for 
me, anyway.


Take care,
Marijose /Altair
Excusing herself for her English