Why always Albania?
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What is it about Albania that makes it such a popular hiding place (Voldemort, Helena Ravenclaw) and holiday destination (Quirrell, Bertha Jorkins) for British wizards? It would not be so strange in any separate case, but Albania just pops up too often in the series.
Here is a theory I really like from SuperCarlinBrothers, but it looks like it's not supported by canon.
I know there is a similar question: Why flee to Albania? - but I feel like it does not cover the subject.
UPD: I was asked to summarize the SuperCarlinBrothers theory for those who are not up to watch it. So in short, the point is that in the times of Helena Ravenclaw there was not such country as modern Albania yet, so she would hardly tell Riddle she fled to Albania. So maybe she meant something else by Albania? And then there is this wiki article that tells us Albania may refer to Scotland. Scotland instead of Albania makes more sense in many ways (watch the video for more info).
harry-potter voldemort
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up vote
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What is it about Albania that makes it such a popular hiding place (Voldemort, Helena Ravenclaw) and holiday destination (Quirrell, Bertha Jorkins) for British wizards? It would not be so strange in any separate case, but Albania just pops up too often in the series.
Here is a theory I really like from SuperCarlinBrothers, but it looks like it's not supported by canon.
I know there is a similar question: Why flee to Albania? - but I feel like it does not cover the subject.
UPD: I was asked to summarize the SuperCarlinBrothers theory for those who are not up to watch it. So in short, the point is that in the times of Helena Ravenclaw there was not such country as modern Albania yet, so she would hardly tell Riddle she fled to Albania. So maybe she meant something else by Albania? And then there is this wiki article that tells us Albania may refer to Scotland. Scotland instead of Albania makes more sense in many ways (watch the video for more info).
harry-potter voldemort
The statement that Albania is a popular travel destination contradicts the idea in the linked question that it is a secluded area with few local population, both magical and miggle.
â TimSparrow
Sep 27 at 14:24
1
I think it may be useful for you to list a number of instances in which Albania is mentioned. It would allow the reader to try to figure out an answer without first having to confirm that what you said is accurate, and that there aren't specific answers for each separate instance.
â Misha R
Sep 27 at 14:27
2
Could you perhaps summarize the theory from the video so that other people don't have to watch it? Anyhow, please consider that the books were written long before political correctness was a thing. My personal explanation was always that Albania is not really associated with nice things in Rowling's mind. Kind of like the Black Forest is often referenced in the cannon because of stereotype and what it used to be 100 years ago and not the heavily industrialized region of today. Also bare in mind that the new movie displays the US as a haven for religious extremists. I think it's all consistent
â Raditz_35
Sep 27 at 14:56
6
@Raditz_35 - " Long before political correctness was a thing." The term was developed in the 80s and was being criticized by conservative pundits widely in the early 90s. And of course the idea itself is older.
â Adamant
Sep 27 at 16:01
1
Out of universe (maybe?). Albania has always been a physically and culturally isolated place. The People's Socialist Republic of Albania was, on top of that, was pursuing aggressively isolationist policies up until 1991. Think North Korea. Maybe Voldemort hiding in North Korea would be more culturally understandable to a modern audience. Perhaps muggle physical geography, culture and politics also affects wizarding decisions.
â Nathan Cooper
Sep 28 at 10:24
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up vote
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up vote
32
down vote
favorite
What is it about Albania that makes it such a popular hiding place (Voldemort, Helena Ravenclaw) and holiday destination (Quirrell, Bertha Jorkins) for British wizards? It would not be so strange in any separate case, but Albania just pops up too often in the series.
Here is a theory I really like from SuperCarlinBrothers, but it looks like it's not supported by canon.
I know there is a similar question: Why flee to Albania? - but I feel like it does not cover the subject.
UPD: I was asked to summarize the SuperCarlinBrothers theory for those who are not up to watch it. So in short, the point is that in the times of Helena Ravenclaw there was not such country as modern Albania yet, so she would hardly tell Riddle she fled to Albania. So maybe she meant something else by Albania? And then there is this wiki article that tells us Albania may refer to Scotland. Scotland instead of Albania makes more sense in many ways (watch the video for more info).
harry-potter voldemort
What is it about Albania that makes it such a popular hiding place (Voldemort, Helena Ravenclaw) and holiday destination (Quirrell, Bertha Jorkins) for British wizards? It would not be so strange in any separate case, but Albania just pops up too often in the series.
Here is a theory I really like from SuperCarlinBrothers, but it looks like it's not supported by canon.
I know there is a similar question: Why flee to Albania? - but I feel like it does not cover the subject.
UPD: I was asked to summarize the SuperCarlinBrothers theory for those who are not up to watch it. So in short, the point is that in the times of Helena Ravenclaw there was not such country as modern Albania yet, so she would hardly tell Riddle she fled to Albania. So maybe she meant something else by Albania? And then there is this wiki article that tells us Albania may refer to Scotland. Scotland instead of Albania makes more sense in many ways (watch the video for more info).
harry-potter voldemort
harry-potter voldemort
edited Sep 28 at 10:24
asked Sep 27 at 13:45
Shana Tar
1,150519
1,150519
The statement that Albania is a popular travel destination contradicts the idea in the linked question that it is a secluded area with few local population, both magical and miggle.
â TimSparrow
Sep 27 at 14:24
1
I think it may be useful for you to list a number of instances in which Albania is mentioned. It would allow the reader to try to figure out an answer without first having to confirm that what you said is accurate, and that there aren't specific answers for each separate instance.
â Misha R
Sep 27 at 14:27
2
Could you perhaps summarize the theory from the video so that other people don't have to watch it? Anyhow, please consider that the books were written long before political correctness was a thing. My personal explanation was always that Albania is not really associated with nice things in Rowling's mind. Kind of like the Black Forest is often referenced in the cannon because of stereotype and what it used to be 100 years ago and not the heavily industrialized region of today. Also bare in mind that the new movie displays the US as a haven for religious extremists. I think it's all consistent
â Raditz_35
Sep 27 at 14:56
6
@Raditz_35 - " Long before political correctness was a thing." The term was developed in the 80s and was being criticized by conservative pundits widely in the early 90s. And of course the idea itself is older.
â Adamant
Sep 27 at 16:01
1
Out of universe (maybe?). Albania has always been a physically and culturally isolated place. The People's Socialist Republic of Albania was, on top of that, was pursuing aggressively isolationist policies up until 1991. Think North Korea. Maybe Voldemort hiding in North Korea would be more culturally understandable to a modern audience. Perhaps muggle physical geography, culture and politics also affects wizarding decisions.
â Nathan Cooper
Sep 28 at 10:24
 |Â
show 1 more comment
The statement that Albania is a popular travel destination contradicts the idea in the linked question that it is a secluded area with few local population, both magical and miggle.
â TimSparrow
Sep 27 at 14:24
1
I think it may be useful for you to list a number of instances in which Albania is mentioned. It would allow the reader to try to figure out an answer without first having to confirm that what you said is accurate, and that there aren't specific answers for each separate instance.
â Misha R
Sep 27 at 14:27
2
Could you perhaps summarize the theory from the video so that other people don't have to watch it? Anyhow, please consider that the books were written long before political correctness was a thing. My personal explanation was always that Albania is not really associated with nice things in Rowling's mind. Kind of like the Black Forest is often referenced in the cannon because of stereotype and what it used to be 100 years ago and not the heavily industrialized region of today. Also bare in mind that the new movie displays the US as a haven for religious extremists. I think it's all consistent
â Raditz_35
Sep 27 at 14:56
6
@Raditz_35 - " Long before political correctness was a thing." The term was developed in the 80s and was being criticized by conservative pundits widely in the early 90s. And of course the idea itself is older.
â Adamant
Sep 27 at 16:01
1
Out of universe (maybe?). Albania has always been a physically and culturally isolated place. The People's Socialist Republic of Albania was, on top of that, was pursuing aggressively isolationist policies up until 1991. Think North Korea. Maybe Voldemort hiding in North Korea would be more culturally understandable to a modern audience. Perhaps muggle physical geography, culture and politics also affects wizarding decisions.
â Nathan Cooper
Sep 28 at 10:24
The statement that Albania is a popular travel destination contradicts the idea in the linked question that it is a secluded area with few local population, both magical and miggle.
â TimSparrow
Sep 27 at 14:24
The statement that Albania is a popular travel destination contradicts the idea in the linked question that it is a secluded area with few local population, both magical and miggle.
â TimSparrow
Sep 27 at 14:24
1
1
I think it may be useful for you to list a number of instances in which Albania is mentioned. It would allow the reader to try to figure out an answer without first having to confirm that what you said is accurate, and that there aren't specific answers for each separate instance.
â Misha R
Sep 27 at 14:27
I think it may be useful for you to list a number of instances in which Albania is mentioned. It would allow the reader to try to figure out an answer without first having to confirm that what you said is accurate, and that there aren't specific answers for each separate instance.
â Misha R
Sep 27 at 14:27
2
2
Could you perhaps summarize the theory from the video so that other people don't have to watch it? Anyhow, please consider that the books were written long before political correctness was a thing. My personal explanation was always that Albania is not really associated with nice things in Rowling's mind. Kind of like the Black Forest is often referenced in the cannon because of stereotype and what it used to be 100 years ago and not the heavily industrialized region of today. Also bare in mind that the new movie displays the US as a haven for religious extremists. I think it's all consistent
â Raditz_35
Sep 27 at 14:56
Could you perhaps summarize the theory from the video so that other people don't have to watch it? Anyhow, please consider that the books were written long before political correctness was a thing. My personal explanation was always that Albania is not really associated with nice things in Rowling's mind. Kind of like the Black Forest is often referenced in the cannon because of stereotype and what it used to be 100 years ago and not the heavily industrialized region of today. Also bare in mind that the new movie displays the US as a haven for religious extremists. I think it's all consistent
â Raditz_35
Sep 27 at 14:56
6
6
@Raditz_35 - " Long before political correctness was a thing." The term was developed in the 80s and was being criticized by conservative pundits widely in the early 90s. And of course the idea itself is older.
â Adamant
Sep 27 at 16:01
@Raditz_35 - " Long before political correctness was a thing." The term was developed in the 80s and was being criticized by conservative pundits widely in the early 90s. And of course the idea itself is older.
â Adamant
Sep 27 at 16:01
1
1
Out of universe (maybe?). Albania has always been a physically and culturally isolated place. The People's Socialist Republic of Albania was, on top of that, was pursuing aggressively isolationist policies up until 1991. Think North Korea. Maybe Voldemort hiding in North Korea would be more culturally understandable to a modern audience. Perhaps muggle physical geography, culture and politics also affects wizarding decisions.
â Nathan Cooper
Sep 28 at 10:24
Out of universe (maybe?). Albania has always been a physically and culturally isolated place. The People's Socialist Republic of Albania was, on top of that, was pursuing aggressively isolationist policies up until 1991. Think North Korea. Maybe Voldemort hiding in North Korea would be more culturally understandable to a modern audience. Perhaps muggle physical geography, culture and politics also affects wizarding decisions.
â Nathan Cooper
Sep 28 at 10:24
 |Â
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up vote
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accepted
Ravenclaw, the Dark Lord, and Quirrell had connected reasons.
Though itâÂÂs true that four people choose to go to Albania, itâÂÂs not a coincidence for three of them. Helena Ravenclaw, the Dark Lord, and Quirrell all have connected reasons for going to Albania. Before sheâÂÂd died and become the Grey Lady, Helena Ravenclaw chose to hide the diadem in Albania, which directly caused the Dark Lord to go there when she told him where to find it, and the Dark Lord hiding there then directly caused Quirrell to go. The only one who seems truly to have coincidentally visited Albania was Bertha Jorkins, who went there on vacation.
First, years ago Helena Ravenclaw hid herself and the diadem in Albania.
The first person to go to Albania was Helena Ravenclaw, who hid with the diadem in a forest there.
âÂÂA hollow tree?â repeated Harry. âÂÂWhat tree? Where was this?âÂÂ
âÂÂA forest in Albania. A lonely place I thought was far beyond my motherâÂÂs reach.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
She chose it since it was a secluded place and she thought her mother wouldnâÂÂt be able to find her.
The Dark Lord only used Albania because heâÂÂd found the diadem there.
The Dark Lord first went to Albania because the Grey Lady told him thatâÂÂs where the diadem was.
âÂÂSo Voldemort had managed to wheedle the location of the lost diadem out of the Grey Lady. He had travelled to that far-flung forest and retrieved the diadem from its hiding place, perhaps as soon as he left Hogwarts, before he even started work at Borgin and Burkes.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
Then, when the Dark Lord needed a place to hide years later, he returned to those same woods.
âÂÂAnd wouldnâÂÂt those secluded Albanian woods have seemed an excellent refuge when, so much later, Voldemort had needed a place to lie low, undisturbed, for ten long years?âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
The Dark LordâÂÂs reason for choosing Albania was directly because Helena Ravenclaw had first.
Quirrell went to Albania since he deliberately sought out the Dark Lord.
In the JKR Pottermore writing on Professor Quirrell, she stated he purposely sought the Dark Lord.
Quirrell set out deliberately to find whatever remained of the Dark wizard, partly out of curiosity, partly out of that unacknowledged desire for importance. At the very least, Quirrell fantasised that he could be the man who tracked Voldemort down, but at best, might learn skills from Voldemort that would ensure he was never laughed at again.
- Professor Quirrell (Pottermore)
Therefore, it wasnâÂÂt a coincidence that he went to Albania, where the Dark Lord was rumored to be.
Bertha is the sole âÂÂcoincidenceâ - but mightâÂÂve gone to see family.
The only one whose reason to go to Albania wasnâÂÂt connected to the othersâ was Bertha Jorkins, who chose to go on vacation there. This doesnâÂÂt necessarily mean that Albania is a popular vacation spot - Bertha may have chosen it because she had family living there she wanted to visit.
âÂÂShe definitely arrived in Albania, because she met her second cousin there. And then she left the cousinâÂÂs house to go south and see an aunt ⦠and she seems to have vanished without trace, en route.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 24 (Rita SkeeterâÂÂs Scoop)
Bertha has at least both a second cousin and an aunt living in Albania, as she goes missing on the way from her second cousinâÂÂs to her aunt. Because she has some family living there, Bertha would have a reason for wanting to go to Albania that other wizards wouldnâÂÂt necessarily share.
6
Bertha Jorkins is brought up more often than she would have otherwise, because she was killed by Voldemort. So there's more information about her and that's the reason for yet another Albania mention. Vacation locations of other people aren't necessarily mentioned. So it's coincidence for her, but a high chance among the mentioned locations.
â Fabian Röling
Sep 27 at 16:39
1
@FabianRöling Well yes, sheâÂÂs brought up more often because the Dark Lord kills her, but thatâÂÂs itself a result of her going to Albania. The question asks why Albania is so popular in-universe as a travel destination, and itâÂÂs a coincidence in-universe that Bertha Jorkins chose it for her vacation and was subsequently killed by the Dark Lord. Of course, out-of-universe, Bertha Jorkins is mainly significant to the plot because she ended up in Albania and once there fell into the Dark LordâÂÂs trap. The plot couldnâÂÂt have unfolded as it did without Bertha Jorkins going to Albania.
â Bellatrix
Sep 27 at 17:13
2
We know that Bertha Jorkins had a relative in Albania, as Bagman says: She definitely arrived in Albania, because she met her second cousin there. Perhaps that is part of the reason she chose that destination?
â Alex
Sep 27 at 17:23
10
I think it's fair to say she's brought up because of her connection to voldemort there. If a million vacations were had by Britons and 1000 of those were to Albania, that probably wouldn't seem so out of place. But one of those happens to get themselves murdered, and suddenly we talk about vacations to Albania way more than we would.
â PeterL
Sep 27 at 20:05
@PeterL exactly. Eventually, inevitably, someone out of a million wins the lottery, regardless of how unlikely winning was for them personally.
â Holger
Sep 28 at 11:35
 |Â
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Quirrel wasn't only in Albania.
HarryâÂÂs first Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher is a clever young wizard who took a âÂÂGrand Tourâ around the world before taking up his teaching post at Hogwarts.
-Professor Quirrell - Pottermore
To me at least Grand Tour implies more than one visiting spot. So, he may have thought it was a major landmark (a.k.a it was his opinion) that he ought to visit on his Grand Tour before coming to Hogwarts to teach. Also, he might have made this part of his tour to find the remains of Voldemort.
Quirrell set out deliberately to find whatever remained of the Dark wizard, partly out of curiosity, partly out of that unacknowledged desire for importance. At the very least, Quirrell fantasised that he could be the man who tracked Voldemort down, but at best, might learn skills from Voldemort that would ensure he was never laughed at again.
- Professor Quirrel - Pottermore
Helena was simply hiding from her mother.
"He tracked me to the forest where I was hiding. When I refused to return with him, he became violent. The Baron was always a hot-tempered man.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chpater 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
To me this quote implies several things: First, that she didnt consider Albania anything special (seeing as she refers to it as "The Forest") but probably thought it secluded and out of the way. Also, this is not certain but since Helena had traveled such a long way, from Scotland to Albania i would think that she had used other hiding spots along the way, and that she had thought that she had traveled far enough and would either be captured, or not found.
Bertha was there by coincidence.
She was simply on vacation in Albania, there are no apparent connected reasons.
Voldemort was there (at first) because that's were Helena hid the Diadem.
âÂÂSo Voldemort had managed to wheedle the location of the lost diadem out of the Grey Lady. He had travelled to that far-flung forest and retrieved the diadem from its hiding place,
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
Later he returns to those same woods because he thought them a good place to hide.
âÂÂAnd wouldnâÂÂt those secluded Albanian woods have seemed an excellent refuge when, so much later, Voldemort had needed a place to lie low, undisturbed, for ten long years?âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
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2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
49
down vote
accepted
Ravenclaw, the Dark Lord, and Quirrell had connected reasons.
Though itâÂÂs true that four people choose to go to Albania, itâÂÂs not a coincidence for three of them. Helena Ravenclaw, the Dark Lord, and Quirrell all have connected reasons for going to Albania. Before sheâÂÂd died and become the Grey Lady, Helena Ravenclaw chose to hide the diadem in Albania, which directly caused the Dark Lord to go there when she told him where to find it, and the Dark Lord hiding there then directly caused Quirrell to go. The only one who seems truly to have coincidentally visited Albania was Bertha Jorkins, who went there on vacation.
First, years ago Helena Ravenclaw hid herself and the diadem in Albania.
The first person to go to Albania was Helena Ravenclaw, who hid with the diadem in a forest there.
âÂÂA hollow tree?â repeated Harry. âÂÂWhat tree? Where was this?âÂÂ
âÂÂA forest in Albania. A lonely place I thought was far beyond my motherâÂÂs reach.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
She chose it since it was a secluded place and she thought her mother wouldnâÂÂt be able to find her.
The Dark Lord only used Albania because heâÂÂd found the diadem there.
The Dark Lord first went to Albania because the Grey Lady told him thatâÂÂs where the diadem was.
âÂÂSo Voldemort had managed to wheedle the location of the lost diadem out of the Grey Lady. He had travelled to that far-flung forest and retrieved the diadem from its hiding place, perhaps as soon as he left Hogwarts, before he even started work at Borgin and Burkes.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
Then, when the Dark Lord needed a place to hide years later, he returned to those same woods.
âÂÂAnd wouldnâÂÂt those secluded Albanian woods have seemed an excellent refuge when, so much later, Voldemort had needed a place to lie low, undisturbed, for ten long years?âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
The Dark LordâÂÂs reason for choosing Albania was directly because Helena Ravenclaw had first.
Quirrell went to Albania since he deliberately sought out the Dark Lord.
In the JKR Pottermore writing on Professor Quirrell, she stated he purposely sought the Dark Lord.
Quirrell set out deliberately to find whatever remained of the Dark wizard, partly out of curiosity, partly out of that unacknowledged desire for importance. At the very least, Quirrell fantasised that he could be the man who tracked Voldemort down, but at best, might learn skills from Voldemort that would ensure he was never laughed at again.
- Professor Quirrell (Pottermore)
Therefore, it wasnâÂÂt a coincidence that he went to Albania, where the Dark Lord was rumored to be.
Bertha is the sole âÂÂcoincidenceâ - but mightâÂÂve gone to see family.
The only one whose reason to go to Albania wasnâÂÂt connected to the othersâ was Bertha Jorkins, who chose to go on vacation there. This doesnâÂÂt necessarily mean that Albania is a popular vacation spot - Bertha may have chosen it because she had family living there she wanted to visit.
âÂÂShe definitely arrived in Albania, because she met her second cousin there. And then she left the cousinâÂÂs house to go south and see an aunt ⦠and she seems to have vanished without trace, en route.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 24 (Rita SkeeterâÂÂs Scoop)
Bertha has at least both a second cousin and an aunt living in Albania, as she goes missing on the way from her second cousinâÂÂs to her aunt. Because she has some family living there, Bertha would have a reason for wanting to go to Albania that other wizards wouldnâÂÂt necessarily share.
6
Bertha Jorkins is brought up more often than she would have otherwise, because she was killed by Voldemort. So there's more information about her and that's the reason for yet another Albania mention. Vacation locations of other people aren't necessarily mentioned. So it's coincidence for her, but a high chance among the mentioned locations.
â Fabian Röling
Sep 27 at 16:39
1
@FabianRöling Well yes, sheâÂÂs brought up more often because the Dark Lord kills her, but thatâÂÂs itself a result of her going to Albania. The question asks why Albania is so popular in-universe as a travel destination, and itâÂÂs a coincidence in-universe that Bertha Jorkins chose it for her vacation and was subsequently killed by the Dark Lord. Of course, out-of-universe, Bertha Jorkins is mainly significant to the plot because she ended up in Albania and once there fell into the Dark LordâÂÂs trap. The plot couldnâÂÂt have unfolded as it did without Bertha Jorkins going to Albania.
â Bellatrix
Sep 27 at 17:13
2
We know that Bertha Jorkins had a relative in Albania, as Bagman says: She definitely arrived in Albania, because she met her second cousin there. Perhaps that is part of the reason she chose that destination?
â Alex
Sep 27 at 17:23
10
I think it's fair to say she's brought up because of her connection to voldemort there. If a million vacations were had by Britons and 1000 of those were to Albania, that probably wouldn't seem so out of place. But one of those happens to get themselves murdered, and suddenly we talk about vacations to Albania way more than we would.
â PeterL
Sep 27 at 20:05
@PeterL exactly. Eventually, inevitably, someone out of a million wins the lottery, regardless of how unlikely winning was for them personally.
â Holger
Sep 28 at 11:35
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
49
down vote
accepted
Ravenclaw, the Dark Lord, and Quirrell had connected reasons.
Though itâÂÂs true that four people choose to go to Albania, itâÂÂs not a coincidence for three of them. Helena Ravenclaw, the Dark Lord, and Quirrell all have connected reasons for going to Albania. Before sheâÂÂd died and become the Grey Lady, Helena Ravenclaw chose to hide the diadem in Albania, which directly caused the Dark Lord to go there when she told him where to find it, and the Dark Lord hiding there then directly caused Quirrell to go. The only one who seems truly to have coincidentally visited Albania was Bertha Jorkins, who went there on vacation.
First, years ago Helena Ravenclaw hid herself and the diadem in Albania.
The first person to go to Albania was Helena Ravenclaw, who hid with the diadem in a forest there.
âÂÂA hollow tree?â repeated Harry. âÂÂWhat tree? Where was this?âÂÂ
âÂÂA forest in Albania. A lonely place I thought was far beyond my motherâÂÂs reach.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
She chose it since it was a secluded place and she thought her mother wouldnâÂÂt be able to find her.
The Dark Lord only used Albania because heâÂÂd found the diadem there.
The Dark Lord first went to Albania because the Grey Lady told him thatâÂÂs where the diadem was.
âÂÂSo Voldemort had managed to wheedle the location of the lost diadem out of the Grey Lady. He had travelled to that far-flung forest and retrieved the diadem from its hiding place, perhaps as soon as he left Hogwarts, before he even started work at Borgin and Burkes.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
Then, when the Dark Lord needed a place to hide years later, he returned to those same woods.
âÂÂAnd wouldnâÂÂt those secluded Albanian woods have seemed an excellent refuge when, so much later, Voldemort had needed a place to lie low, undisturbed, for ten long years?âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
The Dark LordâÂÂs reason for choosing Albania was directly because Helena Ravenclaw had first.
Quirrell went to Albania since he deliberately sought out the Dark Lord.
In the JKR Pottermore writing on Professor Quirrell, she stated he purposely sought the Dark Lord.
Quirrell set out deliberately to find whatever remained of the Dark wizard, partly out of curiosity, partly out of that unacknowledged desire for importance. At the very least, Quirrell fantasised that he could be the man who tracked Voldemort down, but at best, might learn skills from Voldemort that would ensure he was never laughed at again.
- Professor Quirrell (Pottermore)
Therefore, it wasnâÂÂt a coincidence that he went to Albania, where the Dark Lord was rumored to be.
Bertha is the sole âÂÂcoincidenceâ - but mightâÂÂve gone to see family.
The only one whose reason to go to Albania wasnâÂÂt connected to the othersâ was Bertha Jorkins, who chose to go on vacation there. This doesnâÂÂt necessarily mean that Albania is a popular vacation spot - Bertha may have chosen it because she had family living there she wanted to visit.
âÂÂShe definitely arrived in Albania, because she met her second cousin there. And then she left the cousinâÂÂs house to go south and see an aunt ⦠and she seems to have vanished without trace, en route.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 24 (Rita SkeeterâÂÂs Scoop)
Bertha has at least both a second cousin and an aunt living in Albania, as she goes missing on the way from her second cousinâÂÂs to her aunt. Because she has some family living there, Bertha would have a reason for wanting to go to Albania that other wizards wouldnâÂÂt necessarily share.
6
Bertha Jorkins is brought up more often than she would have otherwise, because she was killed by Voldemort. So there's more information about her and that's the reason for yet another Albania mention. Vacation locations of other people aren't necessarily mentioned. So it's coincidence for her, but a high chance among the mentioned locations.
â Fabian Röling
Sep 27 at 16:39
1
@FabianRöling Well yes, sheâÂÂs brought up more often because the Dark Lord kills her, but thatâÂÂs itself a result of her going to Albania. The question asks why Albania is so popular in-universe as a travel destination, and itâÂÂs a coincidence in-universe that Bertha Jorkins chose it for her vacation and was subsequently killed by the Dark Lord. Of course, out-of-universe, Bertha Jorkins is mainly significant to the plot because she ended up in Albania and once there fell into the Dark LordâÂÂs trap. The plot couldnâÂÂt have unfolded as it did without Bertha Jorkins going to Albania.
â Bellatrix
Sep 27 at 17:13
2
We know that Bertha Jorkins had a relative in Albania, as Bagman says: She definitely arrived in Albania, because she met her second cousin there. Perhaps that is part of the reason she chose that destination?
â Alex
Sep 27 at 17:23
10
I think it's fair to say she's brought up because of her connection to voldemort there. If a million vacations were had by Britons and 1000 of those were to Albania, that probably wouldn't seem so out of place. But one of those happens to get themselves murdered, and suddenly we talk about vacations to Albania way more than we would.
â PeterL
Sep 27 at 20:05
@PeterL exactly. Eventually, inevitably, someone out of a million wins the lottery, regardless of how unlikely winning was for them personally.
â Holger
Sep 28 at 11:35
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
49
down vote
accepted
up vote
49
down vote
accepted
Ravenclaw, the Dark Lord, and Quirrell had connected reasons.
Though itâÂÂs true that four people choose to go to Albania, itâÂÂs not a coincidence for three of them. Helena Ravenclaw, the Dark Lord, and Quirrell all have connected reasons for going to Albania. Before sheâÂÂd died and become the Grey Lady, Helena Ravenclaw chose to hide the diadem in Albania, which directly caused the Dark Lord to go there when she told him where to find it, and the Dark Lord hiding there then directly caused Quirrell to go. The only one who seems truly to have coincidentally visited Albania was Bertha Jorkins, who went there on vacation.
First, years ago Helena Ravenclaw hid herself and the diadem in Albania.
The first person to go to Albania was Helena Ravenclaw, who hid with the diadem in a forest there.
âÂÂA hollow tree?â repeated Harry. âÂÂWhat tree? Where was this?âÂÂ
âÂÂA forest in Albania. A lonely place I thought was far beyond my motherâÂÂs reach.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
She chose it since it was a secluded place and she thought her mother wouldnâÂÂt be able to find her.
The Dark Lord only used Albania because heâÂÂd found the diadem there.
The Dark Lord first went to Albania because the Grey Lady told him thatâÂÂs where the diadem was.
âÂÂSo Voldemort had managed to wheedle the location of the lost diadem out of the Grey Lady. He had travelled to that far-flung forest and retrieved the diadem from its hiding place, perhaps as soon as he left Hogwarts, before he even started work at Borgin and Burkes.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
Then, when the Dark Lord needed a place to hide years later, he returned to those same woods.
âÂÂAnd wouldnâÂÂt those secluded Albanian woods have seemed an excellent refuge when, so much later, Voldemort had needed a place to lie low, undisturbed, for ten long years?âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
The Dark LordâÂÂs reason for choosing Albania was directly because Helena Ravenclaw had first.
Quirrell went to Albania since he deliberately sought out the Dark Lord.
In the JKR Pottermore writing on Professor Quirrell, she stated he purposely sought the Dark Lord.
Quirrell set out deliberately to find whatever remained of the Dark wizard, partly out of curiosity, partly out of that unacknowledged desire for importance. At the very least, Quirrell fantasised that he could be the man who tracked Voldemort down, but at best, might learn skills from Voldemort that would ensure he was never laughed at again.
- Professor Quirrell (Pottermore)
Therefore, it wasnâÂÂt a coincidence that he went to Albania, where the Dark Lord was rumored to be.
Bertha is the sole âÂÂcoincidenceâ - but mightâÂÂve gone to see family.
The only one whose reason to go to Albania wasnâÂÂt connected to the othersâ was Bertha Jorkins, who chose to go on vacation there. This doesnâÂÂt necessarily mean that Albania is a popular vacation spot - Bertha may have chosen it because she had family living there she wanted to visit.
âÂÂShe definitely arrived in Albania, because she met her second cousin there. And then she left the cousinâÂÂs house to go south and see an aunt ⦠and she seems to have vanished without trace, en route.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 24 (Rita SkeeterâÂÂs Scoop)
Bertha has at least both a second cousin and an aunt living in Albania, as she goes missing on the way from her second cousinâÂÂs to her aunt. Because she has some family living there, Bertha would have a reason for wanting to go to Albania that other wizards wouldnâÂÂt necessarily share.
Ravenclaw, the Dark Lord, and Quirrell had connected reasons.
Though itâÂÂs true that four people choose to go to Albania, itâÂÂs not a coincidence for three of them. Helena Ravenclaw, the Dark Lord, and Quirrell all have connected reasons for going to Albania. Before sheâÂÂd died and become the Grey Lady, Helena Ravenclaw chose to hide the diadem in Albania, which directly caused the Dark Lord to go there when she told him where to find it, and the Dark Lord hiding there then directly caused Quirrell to go. The only one who seems truly to have coincidentally visited Albania was Bertha Jorkins, who went there on vacation.
First, years ago Helena Ravenclaw hid herself and the diadem in Albania.
The first person to go to Albania was Helena Ravenclaw, who hid with the diadem in a forest there.
âÂÂA hollow tree?â repeated Harry. âÂÂWhat tree? Where was this?âÂÂ
âÂÂA forest in Albania. A lonely place I thought was far beyond my motherâÂÂs reach.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
She chose it since it was a secluded place and she thought her mother wouldnâÂÂt be able to find her.
The Dark Lord only used Albania because heâÂÂd found the diadem there.
The Dark Lord first went to Albania because the Grey Lady told him thatâÂÂs where the diadem was.
âÂÂSo Voldemort had managed to wheedle the location of the lost diadem out of the Grey Lady. He had travelled to that far-flung forest and retrieved the diadem from its hiding place, perhaps as soon as he left Hogwarts, before he even started work at Borgin and Burkes.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
Then, when the Dark Lord needed a place to hide years later, he returned to those same woods.
âÂÂAnd wouldnâÂÂt those secluded Albanian woods have seemed an excellent refuge when, so much later, Voldemort had needed a place to lie low, undisturbed, for ten long years?âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
The Dark LordâÂÂs reason for choosing Albania was directly because Helena Ravenclaw had first.
Quirrell went to Albania since he deliberately sought out the Dark Lord.
In the JKR Pottermore writing on Professor Quirrell, she stated he purposely sought the Dark Lord.
Quirrell set out deliberately to find whatever remained of the Dark wizard, partly out of curiosity, partly out of that unacknowledged desire for importance. At the very least, Quirrell fantasised that he could be the man who tracked Voldemort down, but at best, might learn skills from Voldemort that would ensure he was never laughed at again.
- Professor Quirrell (Pottermore)
Therefore, it wasnâÂÂt a coincidence that he went to Albania, where the Dark Lord was rumored to be.
Bertha is the sole âÂÂcoincidenceâ - but mightâÂÂve gone to see family.
The only one whose reason to go to Albania wasnâÂÂt connected to the othersâ was Bertha Jorkins, who chose to go on vacation there. This doesnâÂÂt necessarily mean that Albania is a popular vacation spot - Bertha may have chosen it because she had family living there she wanted to visit.
âÂÂShe definitely arrived in Albania, because she met her second cousin there. And then she left the cousinâÂÂs house to go south and see an aunt ⦠and she seems to have vanished without trace, en route.âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 24 (Rita SkeeterâÂÂs Scoop)
Bertha has at least both a second cousin and an aunt living in Albania, as she goes missing on the way from her second cousinâÂÂs to her aunt. Because she has some family living there, Bertha would have a reason for wanting to go to Albania that other wizards wouldnâÂÂt necessarily share.
edited Sep 28 at 22:15
answered Sep 27 at 16:35
Bellatrix
59.2k11270307
59.2k11270307
6
Bertha Jorkins is brought up more often than she would have otherwise, because she was killed by Voldemort. So there's more information about her and that's the reason for yet another Albania mention. Vacation locations of other people aren't necessarily mentioned. So it's coincidence for her, but a high chance among the mentioned locations.
â Fabian Röling
Sep 27 at 16:39
1
@FabianRöling Well yes, sheâÂÂs brought up more often because the Dark Lord kills her, but thatâÂÂs itself a result of her going to Albania. The question asks why Albania is so popular in-universe as a travel destination, and itâÂÂs a coincidence in-universe that Bertha Jorkins chose it for her vacation and was subsequently killed by the Dark Lord. Of course, out-of-universe, Bertha Jorkins is mainly significant to the plot because she ended up in Albania and once there fell into the Dark LordâÂÂs trap. The plot couldnâÂÂt have unfolded as it did without Bertha Jorkins going to Albania.
â Bellatrix
Sep 27 at 17:13
2
We know that Bertha Jorkins had a relative in Albania, as Bagman says: She definitely arrived in Albania, because she met her second cousin there. Perhaps that is part of the reason she chose that destination?
â Alex
Sep 27 at 17:23
10
I think it's fair to say she's brought up because of her connection to voldemort there. If a million vacations were had by Britons and 1000 of those were to Albania, that probably wouldn't seem so out of place. But one of those happens to get themselves murdered, and suddenly we talk about vacations to Albania way more than we would.
â PeterL
Sep 27 at 20:05
@PeterL exactly. Eventually, inevitably, someone out of a million wins the lottery, regardless of how unlikely winning was for them personally.
â Holger
Sep 28 at 11:35
 |Â
show 1 more comment
6
Bertha Jorkins is brought up more often than she would have otherwise, because she was killed by Voldemort. So there's more information about her and that's the reason for yet another Albania mention. Vacation locations of other people aren't necessarily mentioned. So it's coincidence for her, but a high chance among the mentioned locations.
â Fabian Röling
Sep 27 at 16:39
1
@FabianRöling Well yes, sheâÂÂs brought up more often because the Dark Lord kills her, but thatâÂÂs itself a result of her going to Albania. The question asks why Albania is so popular in-universe as a travel destination, and itâÂÂs a coincidence in-universe that Bertha Jorkins chose it for her vacation and was subsequently killed by the Dark Lord. Of course, out-of-universe, Bertha Jorkins is mainly significant to the plot because she ended up in Albania and once there fell into the Dark LordâÂÂs trap. The plot couldnâÂÂt have unfolded as it did without Bertha Jorkins going to Albania.
â Bellatrix
Sep 27 at 17:13
2
We know that Bertha Jorkins had a relative in Albania, as Bagman says: She definitely arrived in Albania, because she met her second cousin there. Perhaps that is part of the reason she chose that destination?
â Alex
Sep 27 at 17:23
10
I think it's fair to say she's brought up because of her connection to voldemort there. If a million vacations were had by Britons and 1000 of those were to Albania, that probably wouldn't seem so out of place. But one of those happens to get themselves murdered, and suddenly we talk about vacations to Albania way more than we would.
â PeterL
Sep 27 at 20:05
@PeterL exactly. Eventually, inevitably, someone out of a million wins the lottery, regardless of how unlikely winning was for them personally.
â Holger
Sep 28 at 11:35
6
6
Bertha Jorkins is brought up more often than she would have otherwise, because she was killed by Voldemort. So there's more information about her and that's the reason for yet another Albania mention. Vacation locations of other people aren't necessarily mentioned. So it's coincidence for her, but a high chance among the mentioned locations.
â Fabian Röling
Sep 27 at 16:39
Bertha Jorkins is brought up more often than she would have otherwise, because she was killed by Voldemort. So there's more information about her and that's the reason for yet another Albania mention. Vacation locations of other people aren't necessarily mentioned. So it's coincidence for her, but a high chance among the mentioned locations.
â Fabian Röling
Sep 27 at 16:39
1
1
@FabianRöling Well yes, sheâÂÂs brought up more often because the Dark Lord kills her, but thatâÂÂs itself a result of her going to Albania. The question asks why Albania is so popular in-universe as a travel destination, and itâÂÂs a coincidence in-universe that Bertha Jorkins chose it for her vacation and was subsequently killed by the Dark Lord. Of course, out-of-universe, Bertha Jorkins is mainly significant to the plot because she ended up in Albania and once there fell into the Dark LordâÂÂs trap. The plot couldnâÂÂt have unfolded as it did without Bertha Jorkins going to Albania.
â Bellatrix
Sep 27 at 17:13
@FabianRöling Well yes, sheâÂÂs brought up more often because the Dark Lord kills her, but thatâÂÂs itself a result of her going to Albania. The question asks why Albania is so popular in-universe as a travel destination, and itâÂÂs a coincidence in-universe that Bertha Jorkins chose it for her vacation and was subsequently killed by the Dark Lord. Of course, out-of-universe, Bertha Jorkins is mainly significant to the plot because she ended up in Albania and once there fell into the Dark LordâÂÂs trap. The plot couldnâÂÂt have unfolded as it did without Bertha Jorkins going to Albania.
â Bellatrix
Sep 27 at 17:13
2
2
We know that Bertha Jorkins had a relative in Albania, as Bagman says: She definitely arrived in Albania, because she met her second cousin there. Perhaps that is part of the reason she chose that destination?
â Alex
Sep 27 at 17:23
We know that Bertha Jorkins had a relative in Albania, as Bagman says: She definitely arrived in Albania, because she met her second cousin there. Perhaps that is part of the reason she chose that destination?
â Alex
Sep 27 at 17:23
10
10
I think it's fair to say she's brought up because of her connection to voldemort there. If a million vacations were had by Britons and 1000 of those were to Albania, that probably wouldn't seem so out of place. But one of those happens to get themselves murdered, and suddenly we talk about vacations to Albania way more than we would.
â PeterL
Sep 27 at 20:05
I think it's fair to say she's brought up because of her connection to voldemort there. If a million vacations were had by Britons and 1000 of those were to Albania, that probably wouldn't seem so out of place. But one of those happens to get themselves murdered, and suddenly we talk about vacations to Albania way more than we would.
â PeterL
Sep 27 at 20:05
@PeterL exactly. Eventually, inevitably, someone out of a million wins the lottery, regardless of how unlikely winning was for them personally.
â Holger
Sep 28 at 11:35
@PeterL exactly. Eventually, inevitably, someone out of a million wins the lottery, regardless of how unlikely winning was for them personally.
â Holger
Sep 28 at 11:35
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
7
down vote
Quirrel wasn't only in Albania.
HarryâÂÂs first Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher is a clever young wizard who took a âÂÂGrand Tourâ around the world before taking up his teaching post at Hogwarts.
-Professor Quirrell - Pottermore
To me at least Grand Tour implies more than one visiting spot. So, he may have thought it was a major landmark (a.k.a it was his opinion) that he ought to visit on his Grand Tour before coming to Hogwarts to teach. Also, he might have made this part of his tour to find the remains of Voldemort.
Quirrell set out deliberately to find whatever remained of the Dark wizard, partly out of curiosity, partly out of that unacknowledged desire for importance. At the very least, Quirrell fantasised that he could be the man who tracked Voldemort down, but at best, might learn skills from Voldemort that would ensure he was never laughed at again.
- Professor Quirrel - Pottermore
Helena was simply hiding from her mother.
"He tracked me to the forest where I was hiding. When I refused to return with him, he became violent. The Baron was always a hot-tempered man.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chpater 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
To me this quote implies several things: First, that she didnt consider Albania anything special (seeing as she refers to it as "The Forest") but probably thought it secluded and out of the way. Also, this is not certain but since Helena had traveled such a long way, from Scotland to Albania i would think that she had used other hiding spots along the way, and that she had thought that she had traveled far enough and would either be captured, or not found.
Bertha was there by coincidence.
She was simply on vacation in Albania, there are no apparent connected reasons.
Voldemort was there (at first) because that's were Helena hid the Diadem.
âÂÂSo Voldemort had managed to wheedle the location of the lost diadem out of the Grey Lady. He had travelled to that far-flung forest and retrieved the diadem from its hiding place,
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
Later he returns to those same woods because he thought them a good place to hide.
âÂÂAnd wouldnâÂÂt those secluded Albanian woods have seemed an excellent refuge when, so much later, Voldemort had needed a place to lie low, undisturbed, for ten long years?âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
Quirrel wasn't only in Albania.
HarryâÂÂs first Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher is a clever young wizard who took a âÂÂGrand Tourâ around the world before taking up his teaching post at Hogwarts.
-Professor Quirrell - Pottermore
To me at least Grand Tour implies more than one visiting spot. So, he may have thought it was a major landmark (a.k.a it was his opinion) that he ought to visit on his Grand Tour before coming to Hogwarts to teach. Also, he might have made this part of his tour to find the remains of Voldemort.
Quirrell set out deliberately to find whatever remained of the Dark wizard, partly out of curiosity, partly out of that unacknowledged desire for importance. At the very least, Quirrell fantasised that he could be the man who tracked Voldemort down, but at best, might learn skills from Voldemort that would ensure he was never laughed at again.
- Professor Quirrel - Pottermore
Helena was simply hiding from her mother.
"He tracked me to the forest where I was hiding. When I refused to return with him, he became violent. The Baron was always a hot-tempered man.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chpater 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
To me this quote implies several things: First, that she didnt consider Albania anything special (seeing as she refers to it as "The Forest") but probably thought it secluded and out of the way. Also, this is not certain but since Helena had traveled such a long way, from Scotland to Albania i would think that she had used other hiding spots along the way, and that she had thought that she had traveled far enough and would either be captured, or not found.
Bertha was there by coincidence.
She was simply on vacation in Albania, there are no apparent connected reasons.
Voldemort was there (at first) because that's were Helena hid the Diadem.
âÂÂSo Voldemort had managed to wheedle the location of the lost diadem out of the Grey Lady. He had travelled to that far-flung forest and retrieved the diadem from its hiding place,
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
Later he returns to those same woods because he thought them a good place to hide.
âÂÂAnd wouldnâÂÂt those secluded Albanian woods have seemed an excellent refuge when, so much later, Voldemort had needed a place to lie low, undisturbed, for ten long years?âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
Quirrel wasn't only in Albania.
HarryâÂÂs first Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher is a clever young wizard who took a âÂÂGrand Tourâ around the world before taking up his teaching post at Hogwarts.
-Professor Quirrell - Pottermore
To me at least Grand Tour implies more than one visiting spot. So, he may have thought it was a major landmark (a.k.a it was his opinion) that he ought to visit on his Grand Tour before coming to Hogwarts to teach. Also, he might have made this part of his tour to find the remains of Voldemort.
Quirrell set out deliberately to find whatever remained of the Dark wizard, partly out of curiosity, partly out of that unacknowledged desire for importance. At the very least, Quirrell fantasised that he could be the man who tracked Voldemort down, but at best, might learn skills from Voldemort that would ensure he was never laughed at again.
- Professor Quirrel - Pottermore
Helena was simply hiding from her mother.
"He tracked me to the forest where I was hiding. When I refused to return with him, he became violent. The Baron was always a hot-tempered man.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chpater 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
To me this quote implies several things: First, that she didnt consider Albania anything special (seeing as she refers to it as "The Forest") but probably thought it secluded and out of the way. Also, this is not certain but since Helena had traveled such a long way, from Scotland to Albania i would think that she had used other hiding spots along the way, and that she had thought that she had traveled far enough and would either be captured, or not found.
Bertha was there by coincidence.
She was simply on vacation in Albania, there are no apparent connected reasons.
Voldemort was there (at first) because that's were Helena hid the Diadem.
âÂÂSo Voldemort had managed to wheedle the location of the lost diadem out of the Grey Lady. He had travelled to that far-flung forest and retrieved the diadem from its hiding place,
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
Later he returns to those same woods because he thought them a good place to hide.
âÂÂAnd wouldnâÂÂt those secluded Albanian woods have seemed an excellent refuge when, so much later, Voldemort had needed a place to lie low, undisturbed, for ten long years?âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
Quirrel wasn't only in Albania.
HarryâÂÂs first Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher is a clever young wizard who took a âÂÂGrand Tourâ around the world before taking up his teaching post at Hogwarts.
-Professor Quirrell - Pottermore
To me at least Grand Tour implies more than one visiting spot. So, he may have thought it was a major landmark (a.k.a it was his opinion) that he ought to visit on his Grand Tour before coming to Hogwarts to teach. Also, he might have made this part of his tour to find the remains of Voldemort.
Quirrell set out deliberately to find whatever remained of the Dark wizard, partly out of curiosity, partly out of that unacknowledged desire for importance. At the very least, Quirrell fantasised that he could be the man who tracked Voldemort down, but at best, might learn skills from Voldemort that would ensure he was never laughed at again.
- Professor Quirrel - Pottermore
Helena was simply hiding from her mother.
"He tracked me to the forest where I was hiding. When I refused to return with him, he became violent. The Baron was always a hot-tempered man.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chpater 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
To me this quote implies several things: First, that she didnt consider Albania anything special (seeing as she refers to it as "The Forest") but probably thought it secluded and out of the way. Also, this is not certain but since Helena had traveled such a long way, from Scotland to Albania i would think that she had used other hiding spots along the way, and that she had thought that she had traveled far enough and would either be captured, or not found.
Bertha was there by coincidence.
She was simply on vacation in Albania, there are no apparent connected reasons.
Voldemort was there (at first) because that's were Helena hid the Diadem.
âÂÂSo Voldemort had managed to wheedle the location of the lost diadem out of the Grey Lady. He had travelled to that far-flung forest and retrieved the diadem from its hiding place,
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
Later he returns to those same woods because he thought them a good place to hide.
âÂÂAnd wouldnâÂÂt those secluded Albanian woods have seemed an excellent refuge when, so much later, Voldemort had needed a place to lie low, undisturbed, for ten long years?âÂÂ
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
answered Sep 27 at 22:09
padfoot
1,794327
1,794327
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The statement that Albania is a popular travel destination contradicts the idea in the linked question that it is a secluded area with few local population, both magical and miggle.
â TimSparrow
Sep 27 at 14:24
1
I think it may be useful for you to list a number of instances in which Albania is mentioned. It would allow the reader to try to figure out an answer without first having to confirm that what you said is accurate, and that there aren't specific answers for each separate instance.
â Misha R
Sep 27 at 14:27
2
Could you perhaps summarize the theory from the video so that other people don't have to watch it? Anyhow, please consider that the books were written long before political correctness was a thing. My personal explanation was always that Albania is not really associated with nice things in Rowling's mind. Kind of like the Black Forest is often referenced in the cannon because of stereotype and what it used to be 100 years ago and not the heavily industrialized region of today. Also bare in mind that the new movie displays the US as a haven for religious extremists. I think it's all consistent
â Raditz_35
Sep 27 at 14:56
6
@Raditz_35 - " Long before political correctness was a thing." The term was developed in the 80s and was being criticized by conservative pundits widely in the early 90s. And of course the idea itself is older.
â Adamant
Sep 27 at 16:01
1
Out of universe (maybe?). Albania has always been a physically and culturally isolated place. The People's Socialist Republic of Albania was, on top of that, was pursuing aggressively isolationist policies up until 1991. Think North Korea. Maybe Voldemort hiding in North Korea would be more culturally understandable to a modern audience. Perhaps muggle physical geography, culture and politics also affects wizarding decisions.
â Nathan Cooper
Sep 28 at 10:24