Longevity in the Potterverse

[Brian]

No: HPFGUIDX 98298

Professor Marchbanks did seem phenomenal, didn't she?  Her presence 
in OOTP does a few things.  First of all, she makes Dumbledore's age 
seem less dramatic--there are people in the WW older than he who 
still work.  Second, her comments establish that, at least according 
to her word, DD was around in time to take OWLS or NEWTS.  

It's tempting to discount any drama surrounding the ages of DD and 
Professor Marchbanks.  After all, JKR did say that wizards live 
longer than muggles.  Nevertheless, she has stressed DD's age, so her 
introduction of a character who superannuates DD seems significant.  

Now I dont' have an OOTP copy nearby, so I must rely on memory.  
Didn't Marchbanks give the impression that, even back then, she was 
an examiner, rather than a Hogwarts teacher?  

As far as her age is concerned, during my first year of teaching I 
was ten years older than my students.  Some teachers are only about 
three or four years older when they start the job, so Marchbanks 
might be just old enough to be DD's older sis, but JKR does stress 
her aged appearance.

I'm not convinced that DD or Marchbanks are beneficiaries of Flamel 
association.  Nevertheless, if DD was Flamel's "partner," then it 
seems reasonable to wonder if he took some elixir.  Though he may not 
be beyond the wizard lifespan, his ability to function as a "worker" 
might be due to the elixir.

Aside from DD and Marchbanks, the only other overt reference to age I 
can think of regards McGonigall.  When she takes stunners to the 
chest in OOTP, her age is an issue.  

Just a few thoughts from one who has an interest in longevity in both 
the WW and the muggle worlds.

Brian