[HPforGrownups] Thestrals and Quirrels Death

[weildman]

No: HPFGUIDX 105389

~Mo wrote:
> We all know that if you witness death, you can see
> thestrals. Harry can see the thestrals after Cedric's 
> death.  It has been debated before about seeing his 
> parents' deaths, but not having full knowledge as a 
> baby.
>
> Well, didn't Harry see Professor Quirrel die in PS/SS?
> So, Shouldn't he be able to see Thestrals by book 2?


While this is covered under the groups FAQ, I believe this to be a valid
argument and misconception because this is a major series plot-point
mistreated by the first film.  In the canon, Harry passes out before
Quirrell dies.  The pain of touching LV is too much and he faints. In the
film however, Harry attacks Quirrell's face, Quirrell disintegrates, Harry
retrieves the stone, LV (Spirit form) passes through Harry, and Harry passes
out.  The change of sequence creates a problem with the canon Thestral
expiation.  The filmmakers obviously had not read OoP while making SS/PS (as
it had not been released) nor did JKR insure the correct sequence of events.

Furthermore, the question was avoided in CoS because Harry, along with Ron,
arrived not by the Hogwart's Express but by the flying car.  I do not
believe that the horseless carriages appeared in PoA(film) but given that
the film was shot post release of OoP I would think the filmmakers would
avoid dealing with the mistake until the fifth book.

Trevor