themostepotente: (iSnape -- PenandUmbra)
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I've been thinking a lot about the time turner and am wondering if there is a similar device that allows travel into the future? Of course there is the argument that since the future hasn't occured yet, how can one travel ahead? But this is fiction, so I suppose we're allowed some leeway?

I've always loved the idea of time travel. The past, the future, matters not. Just the idea of being able to travel backwards or forwards in time is fascinating to me. I'd be very interested to see a brief glimpse into the future, however, and how the characters develop. I have conjured this image in my mind of a post-apocalyptic setting after the War where things aren't so easily put right by magic.

I'm thinking there has to be some correlation between magic and quantum physics, although I'm fairly certain that Rowling didn't go and research Hawking. But at least she had the sense to consider paradoxes, and well, the same matter can never occupy the same space.

Basic theory is that space-time is a four-dimensional construct. A four-dimensional 'worm', whose ends represent the events of your birth and death, is what your life forms in space-time. An object, seen any instant, is a three-dimensional cross section of this worm. The line along which the object lies (ignoring its thickness) is that object's worldline. At any point, the angle your worldline makes with the time axis is a measure of your speed.

Relativity requires that worldlines be timelike. Massive objects distort space-time and bend worldlines. Suppose space-time becomes so distorted so that some worldlines form closed loops. These worldlines would be timelike all around. Locally, they would have all the properties of space and time, but yet they would be corridors of the past. This construct is called a closed timelike curve (CTC). By following a CTC, theoretically we could meet ourselves in the past, or if the loop were large enough, visit our ancestors. How this would allow time travel into the future is frankly, beyond my feeble comprehension :P

I think the time turner was a wonderful plot device though, and one has to wonder now that Harry knows of its existence, how often he considers getting his hands on one. It's really opened up the door for writers to explore an AU with characters that Rowling has killed off without the time period constrictions. So much to explore here, and the possibilities are limitless, really.

So that brings me here. What are everyone's thoughts on time travel and time turners?

Do you have any time travel fics to rec?

--P

Date: 2005-03-22 07:09 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] themostepotente.livejournal.com
I don't think you can travel into the future, as it hasn't happened yet. Other than that, I'm not sure.

There are arguments to both sides. Realistically, I wouldn't think you could, but I'm allowing for scientific leniency since we are doing with fantasy here.

Leave it to [livejournal.com profile] painless_j! Her lists are legendary. Thank you for the link!

Date: 2005-03-22 07:22 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rosefyre.livejournal.com
Well, I agree that there are scientific issues, and I honestly am not completely sure. I've seen some very good time travel fics, but almost all of them involve the past. That's one of my favorites - I read it in one night when I was supposed to be doing homework, and then reread it at least three times in the next week.

And no problem on the link - [livejournal.com profile] painless_j makes very good lists, and I saw no reason to try and find a list of all of my favorites when it's, you know, right there.

Date: 2005-03-22 09:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] themostepotente.livejournal.com
Christ, that should be 'dealing with fantasy here.' Me and my typos.

I will definitely give your rec a look. Thanks again!

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