Riddle's Bones

[Megan]

No: HPFGUIDX 125430


Peg <pegruppel at y...> wrote:
> > Fossil bones of any species have been replaced by minerals other 
> > than calcium carbonate--very true.
> > But. Bones in general, and human bones in particular, don't 
require
> > any special treatment to remain largely intact for many, many 
years.  
  
 
> Tekay now:
> "'Bone of the father, unknowingly given, you will renew your son!'
> 
> The surface of the grave at Harry's feet cracked. Horrified, Harry 
> watched as a fine trickle of dust rose into the air at Wormtails' 
> command and fell softly into the cauldron" (GoF, US, 641).
> 
> So, what came from Riddle's grave was bone dust, not an intact 
bone. 
> Even if the bones had disintegrated, the dust is enough to make the 
> spell work.


I agree Peg and Tekay...
I think this refers to the metaphor/image  used in funereary rites of 
many cultures of:
"ashes to ashes and dust to dust", in that it shows that it is 
natural for bodies to decay and return to the earth. I think that is 
used in contrast to Voldie's attempts to stop death and even the 
process of decay/dissolution/aging... which is a denial of the forces 
of nature/natural law (depending on what your philosophical bent is).

And just so you know, the usual rule for decomp is:
flesh being totally decayed (assuming no embalming/mummification) -
one year... and bones can vary in preservation depending on temp, 
moisture, light, and soil variables (anywhere from months to [i]years
[/i]...) So while I think his bones, and mebbe even some soft tissue, 
were in the grave, the important component of the spell was 
the "dust" and/or "ashes".

Skater314159
---who is writing this quickly before she has to be on task at her 
new job being an archaeologist---