Ron's Birthday Present [Archive]

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Fortescue

17-07-2005, 08:07

JKR might not have meant it as such, but if you recall our previous conversations regarding Dumbledore's watch, and now, Ron has one almost exactly like it - purchased for him by his parents. (Could this be their contribution to their sons safety and power?)

"Holding up a heavy gold watch with odd symbols around the edge and tiny moving stars instead of hands." (HBP, pg 390 US)

Could Ron now be in possession of his own personal Time-Turner like the one Dumbledore had? We have seen examples of regular watches as in Ron's prior watch and Harry's Muggle watch, but what is the significance of Ron's new acquisition?

Fortescue

17-07-2005, 09:35

I will go out on a limb and say that the gift was probably in all reality from Dumbledore. Remember his insistence to Harry that he tell Ron and Hermione about the prophecy and all that was going on with Harry's lessons - but to tell no one else?

It seemed very important to Dumbledore that Harry tell Ron and Hermione all that was happening even though they weren't allowed to be involved. Dumbledore knows Hermione is very intelligent and can figure out most things given the right clues. The watch and it's possible significance could be something that Dumbledore planned for Hermione to find it's secrets and use it in the next book.

The only difference in Dumbledore's watch and Ron's watch was Dumbledore's was a pocket watch with planets, twelve hands and no numbers - Ron's is a wrist watch with stars - the odd symbols and no hands. Maybe the odd symbols are actually ancient runes, one of Hermione's best subjects and will be deciphered by her when she notices what they are. A possible clue left by Dumbledore?

Snuffles

23-07-2005, 18:19

it's an interesting theory that Dumbledore was the one who gave the present to Ron, but it doesn't seem likely... The fact that his parents actually gave it to him sounds weird, too, because a watch like that must have cost quite a lot, right?

What I'm wondering is the purpose of the watch. A time-turner? How did Dumbledore's watch act as a Time Turner? I don't recall any parts relating to that. Enlighten me, please! :)

Alz

24-07-2005, 08:59

gumshoe

03-09-2005, 06:39

Fortescue, I thought it might be from Dumbledore too -- I noticed how Ron was just opening gifts in a frenzy (hence his mistake with the chocolate cauldrons) -- did he read the tag carefully? I love how you made the connection between Dumbledore allowing Harry to fill Ron and Hermione in, and how Hermione can figure things out given the right clues (I'll add how Dumbledore nudged Hermione and Harry to use the time-turner in PoA).

I've been wondering about time. I guess I should research what you guys have said on the subject before I even try to add anything to THAT fuzzy topic. Should we consider dragging in Harry's thought about getting to Snape and getting to Dumbledore at the base of the tower? (Echoes of PoA)

gumshoe

Alz

04-09-2005, 04:33

It seems like an odd conincidence that Ron got a watch what Dumbledore was desribed as having - be it the same one or indeed a new one, the relevance is in the piece itself.
This device obviously has a purpose, so the question is more why did it do to Ron and not, say Harry?
If this was a personal time turner - how come it went to the one person that isnt that familar with it - afterall it was Hermione and Harry that took a stroll via time in PoA while Ron was tucked up in bed.
The fact it was noted that Ron got it - then dropped from the story suggests clue placement from JKR.
I suppose it might be a worthwhile exercise if we can spot the time and occasions Dumbledore's watch was written - see if we can spot any links maybe?

Federalist_10

04-10-2005, 11:27

That is a good thought. But, maybe Dumbledore wanted Ron to have the watch because if Harry and Hermione new that Ron had it they might use it before the watch was necessary. Such as the invisibility cloak which Harry often uses unecessarily. I think something from all the books will come to play in the final book. Even moreso, in the first three than the last three. I like the fact that it does seem like it will be importatnt. Almost, like a major clue that we almost look over.

Fleur

05-10-2005, 22:10

Yah I noticed the watch as well ... makes me scratch my head ...
I dont think it was Dumbledore - I really belive it was like it said and from mum and dad ...
I liked the idea of a personal time turner before HBP - and still say the same ..
But, to add another spin - what if it is like a predictive device?
What if it's purpose is to predict events ...
With the Astrology, Divination, Centaurs and 'written in the stars' - I just wonder if the device is used in someway to make choices ... you know JKR makes a huge deal about choices in the books ...

I like the point Alz bought up about Astrology and Divination and everything. Whether Ron realised it or not he had a knack for Divination and there have been a few other points in the stories when Ron has said something and it's happened. I mean, now that I think about it, we've got Hermione with her intelligence (Potions, Ancient Runes, Transfiguration, Charms....hell most subjects), Ron with his Divination and possible pshycic abilities and, of course, brave, loyal Harry....sounds like a really strong trio dont it? But thats for discussion else where I spose....sorry lol

Alz

06-10-2005, 10:45

I think the main significance is based on the fact we saw Dumbledore with one very similar and now Ron.
That looked like clue planting to me - pretty understated but enough for us all to re-collect that Dumbledore had one just like it ... and we were never told exactly what it was used for.
I think we would be doing JKR a disservice if we just threw this to one side - co-incidence doesn't happen all that often in HP and when something like this happens - you need to pay some attention to it.
Would be interesting what a centaur makes of it - after all they live by the stars.