Possession (Was:Re: Ponderables...)

[persephone_kore]

No: HPFGUIDX 83345


> > Annemehr :
> > I think it's quite a complicated subject, actually, where it may be
> > too easy to make assumptions (something Harry seems to do 
> much too often, unfortunately).  I also have to wonder about LV's 
> possession of Nagini (if it was indeed she) at the time of the 
> attack on Arthur, and whether he caused her pain or injury at the 
> time.  I can't imagine him wanting to do that to Nagini, because 
> at the very least he risks losing her trust.  Does he actually have 
> the ability to possess "gently" but is never interested in doing so 
> except for Nagini?<<

Pippin: 
> Or maybe there's something special about Nagini herself? I'm 
> thinking of the Black Riders' steeds in LOTR, able to endure their 
> undead riders though all other animals panic in their presence.
> 
> Ginny has no memory of her blacked out periods, so she may 
> have experienced pain that she doesn't remember. In fact Riddle 
> says that when he made her go down to the Chamber, she 
> "struggled and cried." 

PK:

You know, this is also interesting in that it suggests there was some
awareness on Ginny's part of what was going on. Perhaps not conscious,
but "struggled" suggests something a bit more purposeful than simply
convulsing in pain. It could still be reflexive, or I suppose Riddle
could be being misleading (he's so awkward as a source of
information!), but still.... 

I do think Nagini is special, though I don't know if it's in that way
particularly; according to the description, if I'm remembering right,
she was about the size of the large constrictors, maybe bigger -- most
venomous snakes are smaller. I'm inclined to think she's some variety
of magical serpent. 

Still, perhaps it would have been more relevant to point out to Harry
that given he'd been physically present and human in his bed all
along, it would be somewhat unlikely that Voldemort accomplished a
snake attack on Arthur Weasley at the Ministry by possessing him! 

PK