Temporal anomaly

[Godscreated]

I agree do not over-analyze and enjoy the movies. Besides how can a person go back in time that has past on, isn't that why it's called the past, it's gone right.

[Kayenneh]

I would say that the "first" Hermione picked the stone up from the ground somewhere. The stone might seem to be in a loop, but I think that we just see one possibility, one universe, where all went according to plan. There must be several instances where she didn't make it in time, didn't hit herself with the stone and so forth. But what do I know.. Just because I read the book over 20 times, it doesn't make me an expert on time travel..

[Tiberius]

This is another reason why J K Rowling shouldn't get the respect (or money) she deserves as an author. Her books are terrible examples of literature.

[edk]

There is no temporal anomaly, Hermione picked the stone up off a pumpkin. I just watched it.

[Darwinian]

Bugger! That's my over active imagination again

[downbeatplumb]

But who put the stone on the pumpkin?

[theVOID]

Here's weird thing..

Currently watching Harry Potter and while in Hagrid's home, Hermione was struck by a carved pebble which she then put into her pocket. Later on she went back in time and threw that same pebble at her earlier self who, as we now, picked up the pebble and put it in her pocket only to later go back in time.. etc. etc..

Questions:

- If the pebble existed prior to Hermione putting it in her pocket, where did it come from?
- And if it constantly gets taken back in time to be thrown then has it, from the reference point of the time after they traveled to the past, simply ceased to exist?
- Is it destined to only ever exist within that 2 hour period of time, looping over and over again?
- Did it ever have a beginning and will it ever have an end?
- The fact that the pebble is destined to be thrown at a young girl for the rest of its own lifetime must mean that it will eventually wear away to nothing. How will this affect that part of history as the past must be gradually changing everytime that pebble is thrown?

It's a paradox for sure, neither it's origin, age or fate make any sense.

[Darwinian]

But who put the stone on the pumpkin?

That doesn't matter as cause and effect are not being interfered with. It turns out that the pebble had a past and future after all. Shame really as it was a lovely conundrum

[theVOID]

I agree do not over-analyze and enjoy the movies. Besides how can a person go back in time that has past on, isn't that why it's called the past, it's gone right.

It depends on the theory of time... I highly doubt it's possible though, still, it makes for interesting fiction.

[Skeptic]

That actually ruined that movie for me. Time travel in a movie (book, etc.) never works if you actually take the time to think about it. Probably due to time travel not being possible in reality.

It's about people that can do magic and that's what ruined it for you? I've not seen it but I'd guess that time travel is one of the more plausible facets of the film.