Ghosts

[Rach]

No: HPFGUIDX 70713

zumbetti83" wrote:

<<<Only wizards can become ghosts.
"Nearly Headless Nick hesitated, then said, 'Not everyone can come 
back as a ghost.'
'What do you mean?' said Harry quickly.
'Only...only wizards.'
OOP, page 860 American version.>>>

Annemehr asked: 
<<<Can anyone think of a reason *why* this would be so, though?  It 
really puzzled me as soon as I read it.  Do you suppose it goes any 
further, that a wizard who dies and "goes on" does not go on to the 
same "place" as a muggle who dies?  I wouldn't write it that way, 
myself, but then I wouldn't have had all ghosts being ex-wizards, 
either.

I'm going to be really discontented until I know the reason behind 
this, but I'll feel better if someone could come up with a plausible 
theory!>>>

I've thought about this one too, I don't have a plausible theory, but 
I got impression from Nick that a wizard can 'choose' to become a 
ghost. Perhaps there is an actual process. Snape in PS boasts that he 
can teach the students how to put a stopper in death - is he 
referring to becoming a ghost?  

Unfortunaltey all of my plausible theories about wizards becoming 
Ghosts through potions, charms and even the Veil in the Department of 
Mysteries are thwarted by Moaning Myrtle. I think I need to read CoS 
again, but her description is pretty much along the lines of "I saw 
two great big eyes and then I died" she then goes on to explain how 
she waited in the toilet for someone to find her.  This completley 
thwarts my notion that a fully trained wizard is able to make 
themselves become a ghost by some actual process or action. 

Sorry, I've probably added to your question - but you're not alone!

Rach