Thestrals, death (was Re: newbie with questions)

[spookedook]

No: HPFGUIDX 159514

Carla:
If I might also venture another explanation.  Harry was a baby when
his parents died, he has no memory of it.  We also don't know if he
actually witnessed it.  The confrontation between Lily and LV might
have been outside of Harry's line of sight.

The death of Quirrell was the death of an enemy.  Harry didn't suffer
a loss there.  I think the death that must be witnessed is that of
someone you care about....a friend or relative.  The death Luna
witnessed was that of her Mother.  It must be a personal loss in order
to see the Thestrals.  Cedric was his friend.  He felt a loss.


Tinktonks:

Also just to add to a very eloquent answer I'm pretty sure that Harry
was unconscious by the time Quirrell actually died.
I dont have the books with me but doesn't Harry ask DD what happened
to Quirrell (therefore canonically stating that he doesn't see him die)

Hope that helps

Tinktonks ; )