Harry Potter and the Mysterious Thestrals: A Missed Plot Point?

One of the most intriguing and mysterious elements in the Harry Potter series is the existence of the thestrals. These creatures only those who have witnessed and understood the concept of death are able to see. However, a closer look at certain plot points in the series reveals a potential gap in the story's consistency. Specifically, why wasn't Harry able to see the thestrals immediately after witnessing his mother's death at the hands of Lord Voldemort?

Writing Mistakes and Plot Consistency

Technically, in the first and second books or movies, Harry should have been able to see the thestrals after his mother's death. This would have added a poignant layer to the narrative, deepening the emotional impact of the event. However, the series employs various plot devices to explain the inconsistency. One such device is the Dementor on the train, which causes Harry to remember his mother's death, suggesting that witnessing it in this fashion should have made him capable of seeing thestrals.

However, this isn't entirely sufficient, as the thestrals are a specific case where one must witness the death directly, understand it, and then accept it. Even with the Dementor's interference, Harry's experience on the train does not satisfy all these conditions. Additionally, his encounter with Professor Quirrel's death, while tragic, does not meet the necessary prerequisites either since he fainted before the actual death.

Key Points and Character Development

Even in books, Harry does not witness Quirrel's death. He only learns of it days later in the hospital wing. Moreover, the requirement to witness, understand, and accept death is a key point that merits examination. According to the series, one needs to have a clear and direct experience of death to see thestrals. This is an aspect of character development meant to represent a specific level of maturity and emotional maturity.

Harry's Maturity and thestrals

The turning point for Harry in seeing the thestrals comes after he witnesses Cedric Diggory's murder, a clear and traumatic event that no child his age would be expected to encounter. At this moment, Harry understands the gravity of death and accepts it, thus becoming aware of and seeing the thestrals.

Interestingly, even though Harry does witness Quirrel's death (albeit briefly and without prior understanding), the event doesn't immediately enable him to see the thestrals. This is because the experience of death by association, such as through a Dementor, does not equate to a direct witness. Additionally, killing or even witnessing the death of a basilisk, while significant, does not necessarily meet the criteria for understanding and accepting death.

Conclusion and Analysis

The requirement for witnessing death directly and comprehending its meaning before seeing the thestrals introduces a valuable layer of depth to the Harry Potter series. It reflects the importance of maturity and emotional understanding in the context of such a profound event. While this element might seem like a writing mistake, it serves to highlight the challenges of understanding death and the strength needed to face such a drastic realization.

Through the lens of these events, Harry's journey from innocence to a deeper understanding of the world around him is further emphasized. The thestrals themselves serve as a metaphor for the darker aspects of reality that one must face to continue growing.

For fans of the franchise, this analysis invites a reevaluation of past events and underscores the profound consistency in J.K. Rowling's storytelling.