[HPforGrownups] Re: Petunia's Eyes/Snape, Snape, Snape

[Janette]

No: HPFGUIDX 169951

>
> Ken:
>
> Merope is never called anything but a witch, sure. She isn't called
> much at all in that period when she lost or gave up her power because
> the period is brief and it is seldom mentioned. I don't think it would
> be cheating at all for JKR to call Petunia a Muggle if she had in fact
> been born with magical power and then blocked it as soon as she became
> aware of it. She did not actually have to "perform" magic to become
> aware of it. For example if she were in London and realized that only
> she and Lily could see the Leaky Cauldron she would know she had
> magical power.


montims:
I don't believe that is the case - muggle families must accompany their
wizard children there often - viz Hermione's parents in the shops and the
bank.  That does not give them "magical power"

Ken:
>
> The meaningful dividing line between muggle
> and witch is magical power. If you don't have it you are a muggle, if
> you do you are a witch. Canon gives at least one clear example of
> someone who lost their power and mentions that there are others. It
> does not give a special name to these people. To me, they have become
> muggles. If you want to continue to call them witches or wizards you
> are of course free to do so. They are odd sorts of witches that can't
> do magic though.


montims:

they are squibs, surely...


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