[HPforGrownups] Re: That damn Prophecy - an alternative take

[T.M. Sommers]

No: HPFGUIDX 77737

Erika L. wrote:
 >
 > It's true that in the expression 'on either side' 'either' means
 > 'both' : There was tension on either side = There was tension on
 > both sides. However, I don't think that 'either' has this sense in
 > any other context, and the dictionary doesn't give any other
 > example of the word having this meaning. In light of this, I don't
 > see how 'either' in the context of the prophecy can meaning
 > anything other than 'one or the other'

In describing the stadium at the QWC, Rowling mentions the goals at 
either end of the field, so she is certainly aware of this usage.  I 
also don't see how the example you cite is significantly different 
from the wording of the prophecy.  I am certain that Rowling chose to 
use 'either' in the prophecy precisely because it is ambiguous.