Anyways, I think in most cases, there are different ways to get around it, so long as the author is careful.
I agree. I think it can work if writers use a little common sense.
I find it hard to believe that if Harry had a long lost sibling he or she hasn't been mentioned once by any of the characters. I also find it tough to believe that if Hermione or Ron had a long lost sibling they haven't once been mentioned in the six years they've know each other.
That's not true for all characters though, since the books are in Harry's POV I can think of several reasons why he wouldn't know about someone's family.
McGonagall could have a husband or adult children that we haven't heard of because I can't see her talking it over with her students.
Same for Snape if he does have relatives he's close with why would he tell it to a student he dislikes?
Trelawnly could have parents or siblings that she hasn't mentioned [maybe because they don't have an 'Inner Eye'] and so forth.
From D_S
I agree. I think it can work if writers use a little common sense.
I find it hard to believe that if Harry had a long lost sibling he or she hasn't been mentioned once by any of the characters. I also find it tough to believe that if Hermione or Ron had a long lost sibling they haven't once been mentioned in the six years they've know each other.
That's not true for all characters though, since the books are in Harry's POV I can think of several reasons why he wouldn't know about someone's family.
McGonagall could have a husband or adult children that we haven't heard of because I can't see her talking it over with her students.
Same for Snape if he does have relatives he's close with why would he tell it to a student he dislikes?
Trelawnly could have parents or siblings that she hasn't mentioned [maybe because they don't have an 'Inner Eye'] and so forth.