[HPforGrownups] How Sirius Might "Survive"

[Richelle Votaw]

No: HPFGUIDX 72553

Caius Marcius wrote:

> Supposing that there was a portrait of Sirius painted sometime in his 
> teens, before he was totally estranged from his family. Even if such 
> a portrait were created, it well might have been just as ruthlessly 
> expunged as the references to Arthur Weasley in the Black family 
> tree - but if it survived, and if Black endowed it with the necessary 
> magic, then it might well turn up. And if Harry inherits the Grim Old 
> Place, he might become the owner of the portrait of the teenaged 
> Sirius Black.......

I think this senario is a lot more likely than having a painting "commissioned" as had been discussed earlier.  There's bound to be one around somewhere, even if it was a much younger Sirius (preAzkaban).

However, this bothers me.  Everytime Harry talking to a portrait of Sirius is mentioned I can't get away from what Dumbledore told Harry about the Mirror of Erised--that men have wasted away, gone mad in front of it.  I realize that was the mirror, not a painting.  But in Harry's case what he sees in the mirror involves family, and I'm sure if he looked in the mirror now he would see Sirius as well.  Dumbledore apparently talks to portraits all the time.  However, Dumbledore is 150 something and talking with portraits that are for the most part past headmasters and so on.  Equivalents, so to speak.  Harry, on the other hand, is 15 and searching desperately for a father figure. I would hate to see him pouring out his heart to a portrait.  He really needs a living, breathing person.  Lupin is my choice.  And, quite frankly, the more sensible person all along.  

Now, back to Sirius.  I've thought for a while about whether or not Harry really loved Sirius.  I was originally of the "He barely knew him, how can he love him" camp.  But I've changed.  When put into perspective, he spent more time with Sirius than nearly any other adult (teachers aside).  Dumbledore's little office visits were informative, that's about it.  Harry has no memories of his parents(his own memories, I mean).  The only thing he has other than photos are the subconscious memories the Dementors brought up of screams and "Don't kill Harry," etc.  He knew Sirius for basically two full years.  Sirius did risk himself several times to see or talk to Harry.  He proved he cared about Harry, and I really don't think even Harry knew quite how much he loved Sirius until he was gone.  I also don't think Sirius knew just how much Harry depended on him.  Sirius's frequent response of "did you tell Dumbledore" leads me to believe he didn't know how much Harry wanted to talk to him.  

Richelle


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