Ghosts

[finwitch]

No: HPFGUIDX 60343

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, yellows at a... wrote:
> 
> I've heard that JKR suggested we'll learn soon why some people 
become ghosts and some don't. That makes me think the death of Book V 
will be related in some way. Either that, or the room that Harry will 
keep visiting in his dreams will hold the answer. 
> 
> But I can't make a good guess about what it is! Nothing come to 
me.  :)
> 
> Brief Chronicles

Also, what's in common with...

Binns - a slave of habit. One who won't change his habits just 
because he dies(at least I think so)... Boring - except when he's 
telling about Chamber of Secrets, and finds it pleasant but 
_shocking_ that the students actually listen with enthusiasm.

Bloody Baron - blood stains. Probably stabbed by a knife a few times. 
Only one Peeves the Poltergeist fears...

Sir Nicholas or the Nearly headless Nick. Executed by a dull axe, so 
he can drop his head aside, but not take it away. Gryffindor ghost, 
desires to join the 'headless haunt' but is denied.

The ghosts in headless haunt (killed by a sharp axe or sword - cut 
off head).

Moaning Myrtle - killed by Basilisk. Wants to haunt Olive, who teased 
her, but Ministry department has denied this of her, and she's to 
haunt the toilet in which she died. Moans and gets offended about 
everything except to be asked how she died, which she considers a 
compliment.

Fat Friar - ?

Grey Lady - ?

Any other ghost mentioned...

Hard to say, but to contrast Binns and Myrtle (the two we know most 
of as in past) - it seems they both

1) want to be ghosts: Binns because he doesn't wish to change, Myrtle 
because she wants avenge Olive for teasing her. This also goes for 
Sir Nicholas, who also WANTS to be a ghost - a member of headless 
hunt, at least...

2) Neither had _really_ lived - Binns merely followed a custom, 
Myrtle moaned and found no joy in life...

-- Finwitch