[HPforGrownups] Re: Life debt

[Mrs. Hermione Snape]

No: HPFGUIDX 136657

Caro wrote: 
> Sorry, I have forgotten where I heard of this (was several year ago),
> but I am very sure that this does/did exist (even forgot about the 
> region and the time of the culture). Does anybody else have a clue 
> about this?


Mrs. HS:
In the movie "Holes" (haven't read the book yet-sorry) there is some
reference to a life debt.  The boy who is sent away to camp constantly
has bad luck, as does his whole family, because one of his ancestors
fell through on a contract/promise.  When he saves his friend's life,
who happens to be a decendant of the person who was crossed by the
main character's family, the curse is lifted.  I wish I remembered
more details, but I haven't seen it in about two years.

Anyway, the point is, these "debts" can continue for generations.  If
Snape was really concerned for his life-debt to James, and was trying
to save Harry to fulfill it, I'd imagine that this is the case here. 
The only thing I can't understand is what would happen if an entire
family dissapeared.  I doubt Peter Pettigrew has any decendants to
save Harry's life.

--Mrs. HS