OOP A thought about portraits

[happyduck1979]

No: HPFGUIDX 63723

Up until now I was uncertain about portraits and there mental 
capacities.  It now appears though that, although they might be 
required to serve someone in particular, they do appear to be at least 
somewhat sentient.  We have heard (I think) that in the anteroom 
behind the great hall there are portraits of past head girls and 
boys.  Would Harry not then be able to go there to 'talk' to his 
parents?  Is there maybe a portrait somewhere of Sirius that Harry 
can go to 'talk' to?  

IS it possible that portraits are sentient and photographs (like the 
ones in Harry's album) only like mini movies?  But if this is the 
case, how can Moody prod people out of the way when showing Harry 
an old photo of the order?  One presumes they were not being prodded 
when the photo was taken.

Rachel (who needs this list so she has someone to talk to cause her 
husband will not be done for ages!!!)