A dead man's house

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 122772


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "bizaw169" <bizaw169 at y...> wrote:
> 
> 
> ...I noticed something I didn't before. I read the books in french, 
> so I don't have the exact quote, but when Harry enter Sirius's house 
> for the first time, it says something like 'Harry felt as though 
> he'd just entered a dead man's house' ... so I see this and I'm like
> 'Whoa, Jo is a wicked woman!' ... anybody noticed that bit too? Do 
> you think JK put it there on purpose, as foreshadowing?
> 
> ...edited...
> 
> Sorry if this subject has been discussed before, I just think it's 
> interresting to wonder about =)
> 
> Tsuta

bboyminn:

First, let's set the mood...

-OotP - Am Ed HB pg 60-
Harry stepped over the threshold into the almost total darkness of the
hall. He could smell damp, dust, and a sweetish, rotting smell; the
place had the feeling of a derelict building.


now to the point.... (same page)

The others' hushed voices were giving Harry an odd feeling of
foreboding; it was as thought they had just entered the house of a
dying person.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

I think it is a case of the somber atmosphere and the hushed voices
that give Harry this feeling. When you are in the house of someone who
is dying or who is dead, people generally talk in politely quiet and
respectful voices so as not to desturb those who are grieving.

I think part of the reason for this 'foreboding' is to help create the
sense that this is a /dark/ house, the house of a dark wizard. Perhaps
not truly a Dark wizard's house, but that the house had that general
feel. 

So, I think JKR is just setting the mood for the house.

Of course, we learn very quickly that part of the reason for the
hushed voices is so that no one wakes up Mrs. Black.

Just a thought.

Steve/bboyminn