Portrait theory

[owlery2003]

No: HPFGUIDX 68224

I've been thinking about the various portraits in the series. The 
characters within them are not static. They converse with the living 
on contemporary subjects, apply logic, display the same personality 
traits as in life - for all purposes, the same as if the person was 
really there. The Fat Lady serves a useful purpose. The portraits of 
the headmasters interact, and go between their portraits in other 
places. They can interact with each other (the threat to force 
Phineas Nigellus to obey DD). Are portraits "windows" for characters 
who've passed beyond the veil? We don't know when or how the magical 
portraits are created, but we know the Fat Lady's was restored (by 
Filch, no less!). We also learn they can be moved from place to 
place (Sir Cadogan). It would be great to see Sirius become a 
permanent "fixture" in Harry's life again.

Owlery 2003