Harry's $$$

[Goddlefrood]

No: HPFGUIDX 166375

> > tkjones:

> > Is it ever mentioned what Harry's parents did? Why does 
he have so much money? Do wizards have life insurance? I 
mean since they were killed I could see that money going into 
Gringotts and growing interest for 11 years while he was not 
in the wizard world. But this doesn't seem to be explained 
anywhere. So anyone have any theories?

Goddlefrood, with a tiny interjection ;):

Even though partially in concurrence with Steve/bboyminn on 
this one I present a little expansion on unanswered portions
of thread starter ;)

It is not mentioned exactly what Harry's parents did in the
books, although as alluded to by Steve / bboyminn there has 
been mention in interviews relative to this issue.

This, for instance:

"Q: What did James and Lily Potter do when they were alive? 

JKR: Well, I can't go into too much detail, because you're 
going to find out in future books. But James inherited plenty 
of money, so he didn't need a well-paid profession. You'll 
find out more about both Harry's parents later."

>From America Online chat transcript, AOL.com, 19 October 2000.
Available in full here:

http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2000/1000-aol-chat.htm

To me the language used by JKR in her response is suggestive 
of leading to the conclusion that James did work, but not in 
any well paid profession or job. Possibly a wage slave to
someone. No further speculation by me, leave to others.

Busy with other issues of import ;)

I have seen suggestions that James may have worked in a joke 
shop as some kind of developer of jokes, but I couldn't commend
it to you ;)

On Life Insurance now. There are few insurers that pre-date the 
International Wizarding Statute of Secrecy (1692 - ). Lloyd's
of London, even though it does not in the strictest sense
provide life insurance, is perhaps the world's oldest insurer.
You don't have to believe me, so here's a link:

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/LONlloyds.htm

My conclusion on this point then is that they could have life 
insurance, but we will neither find out nor will it prove
important in DH.

There is no material in canon or intervies that I have been 
privy to that suggest Gringotts gives any interest on its
accounts. I repeat the paragraph preceding this in respect of
interest accrual, to which it would equally well apply.

Some may find this of use

Goddlefrood, back to business, literally, as business to run