[HPforGrownups] Re: Source of Riddle's Diary Solved

[Derek Hiemforth]

No: HPFGUIDX 87457

Carolyn wrote:
>Its a puzzle and an oddity. For some reason, I believe she wanted to 
>draw our attention to a particular location in London, and did it in 
>this slightly odd way, leaving a clue or two for those with enquiring 
>minds. As to whether Tom bought the diary himself, or someone else 
>bought it for him in Vauxhall Rd, I have no idea. Either is possible.

Derek:
I do think it's also possible that the significance of "Vauxhall Road,
London" is simply that it *isn't* "Diagon Alley" or "Knockturn Alley"
or "Hogsmeade" or some such.  We know that the majority of folks in 
the WW have virtually no interaction with the Muggle world, and they
would therefore be unlikely to buy anything from any non-WW store.
Harry may deduce Riddle's Muggle (or, as it turns out, part-Muggle)
background because of where the diary *isn't* from, rather than where
it *is* from.

Of course, having said that, I must admit that -- even if she just
picked some street in London to show that it wasn't a WW street --
it would be unlike JKR to miss a chance to turn her choice of street
into a clue.  ;-)

- Derek