What happens after death (Was Re: Death, where is thy...?)

[Goddlefrood]

No: HPFGUIDX 167231

> Barry

> Another thing that's been bothering me is death. When a W or W 
dies, they (all?) move into picture frames and seem to maintain
their existence. Does it mean that they all have a picture frame
horcrux? Or is it that JKR can't really bring herself to kill her
characters?

Goddlefrood:

It is one of the continuing mysteries of the series. In respect 
of ghosts we are apparently to learn more of them in book 7. The 
portraits, so JKR tells us, repeat catchphrases only, more or 
less, from when they were alive. My opinion, fwiw, is that the 
portrait that we have seen the most of in the series to date 
(Phineas Nigellus) does rather more than simply repeat 
catchphrases.

The portraits had been a useful part of DD's spy network by being
able to keep an eye on matters elsewhere. It may transpire that a
portrtait was DD's original informant for the happenings at 
Godric's Hollow when Harry's parents were kiled. 

This also suggests more than just catchphrase repetition to me, 
but JKR has said it is simply catchphrases in an interview (the
joint Mugglenet / Leaky Cauldron one I believe).

OTOH it could have been by patronus or another form of 
communication altogether that he found out seemingly so quickly.

The pictures, in terms of photographs, seem only to be able to
wave, or scowl in Sirius's case, and smile. There is also no 
kind of Horcrux at work for the creation of any of these things,
otherwise the WW would be split between those killed to create
a Horcrux and those doing the killing to create one. :). My view
is that only LV and possibly Grindelwald of the wizards and 
witches named in the serties so far have or had a Horcrux or
Horcruxes.

Of course, Barry, as you suggest, it may just be a case of JKR
having difficulty letting go of her characters. This seems to
be reinforced by the shades appearing on the US cover that was 
recently released. Not much sting to death at all :). This will
hopefully change in book 7 when we see the real consequences of 
death :>.

The other small point I make is that, of the characters who have
died so far few have actually been met again. Quirrell would be 
one example of this. The title of book 7 would suggest that we 
will be spending some time with those who have died at points 
during the story's course, and perhaps at the same time some 
further light will be shed on this matter. This is all I can 
tell you,  off the top of my head anyway ;)

Goddlefrood