The Ghost of Tom Riddle

[AnitaKH]

No: HPFGUIDX 173689

Yeah, yeah, I know Tom Riddle's not a ghost.... or is he?  Well, of course I don't know for sure, but we have no reason to believe he is one.  However, having been informed in OOP that, 
   
  'Wizards can leave an imprint of themselves upon the earth, to walk palely where their living selves once trod.... I was afraid of death,' said Nick softly. 'I chose to remain behind...in fact, I am neither here nor there...' He gave a small sad chuckle.  'I know nothing of the secrets of death Harry, for I chose my feeble imitation of life instead. I believe learned wizards study the matter in the Department of Mysteries-' (pp. 758-759, Bloomsbury)
   
  I began to wonder if someone as death-averse as Tom Riddle would choose to stick around any way he could.  I brought this up with a friend, and she thinks he would see no value in it, because ghosts don't appear to have power, Moaning Myrtle's harrassment of Olive Hornsby notwithstanding.  
   
  So, what thinkest ye, would Tom be so attached to Hogwarts that he'd want to stay?  If he chose ghosthood, would it be as a fetus?  Would a soul as fragmented as LV's fail to qualify for ghosthood?  I'm imagining Tom Riddle popping up through the chicken wings at Slytherin table on the opening day feast.  Hmm, that might explain why they haven't reached equal status yet...
   
  akh, who's been humming "Tom Riddle's dead/ Ol' Tommy Riddle's dead," to the tune of "Poor Judd is Dead" from "Oklahoma!"


Anita K. Hillin
Director of Development
Roycemore School
640 Lincoln Street
Evanston, IL 60201
847-866-6055
Fax: 847-866-6545
Mobile: 773-412-9236
Yahoo IM: anita_hillin

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