Ghosts

[drjuliehoward]

No: HPFGUIDX 90318

<snip
 What I meant was that they give a atmosphere. Then the first thing 
to 
> my mind was a pet-atmosphere... Not meant like that they ARE pets 
of 
> Hogwart ;).... So I didn't mean that the students had to "walk 
their 
> pet-ghost" ;);)....
> the reason I ain't so good at explaining msyelf... is that my 
English 
> isn't THAT great... As you may have discovered ;)
> 
> 
> - GartZen

I understand.  I had the same experience when I lived in France.  
You are right...they do give Hogwarts an atmosphere.  I'm just 
wondering if their presence is MORE than atmosphere.  About 
protection, a couple of thoughts:
1) They could be part of a "stealth network" so to speak, 
functioning somewhat like DD's portraits.  I don't think leave 
Hogwarts, but I do not have canon evidence for that.
2) Could their presence be part of a larger spell protecting 
Hogwarts, or could these particular ghosts be at Hogwarts for THEIR 
protection?

Julie