OOP Spoiler - Question about ch1/ Question - OOP spoiler

[Richelle Votaw]

Response to two questions here, one from CBeMe, one from Alla. CBeMe is
first, since that one applies only to Chapter one, anyone not wanting to
read spoilers past chapter one, stop after the first part (I've added
spoiler space between).

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> Ok, in chapter 1 when the Dementers came after Harry and Dudley,
>  Harry said the Lumos spell while looking for his wand. The wand lit
> enabling him to fine it nearby. If one can't do magic without a wand
> why did the spell work while Harry wasn't holding his wand? Was it
> because it was nearby? I need ideas... anyone?

Serena Moonsilver added:

> Actually, if you read it carefully, he's groping around on the > ground
looking for it and finds it--or at least that's what's > implied.

No, it's not.  It's specifically stated that Harry was NOT touching his wand
when it lit up.  From page 17, US edition:

     "Lumos" He said the spell automatically, desperate for light to help
him in his search--and to his
    disbelieving relief, light flared inches from his right hand--the wand
tip had ignited.  Harry snatched it up,
    scrambled to his feet, and turned around.

Harry was not touching the wand or else he wouldn't have had to snatch it
up, he'd have simply had to close his hand around it.  It was inches from
his right hand.  He was near it, but not touching it. I think it's another
clue at Harry's ability to do wandless magic.  He's done it before, even
before he knew he was a wizard.  I think JKR just dropped that in there to
remind us.  It's like blowing up Aunt Marge, the cupboard door flying open,
unlocking itself, and so on.  He seems able to do wandless magic in
desperate situations.  The example in Chapter 1 is certainly a desperate
situation.

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Alla wrote:

> I have a question. Did Snape mention to Umbridge that he had been
> teaching at Hogwarts for fourteen years, or am I imagining things
> (which is very possible too :))
> If yes, it means he came to Hogwarts right after Voldemort killed
> Potters. One more evidence in support of Severus being the spy who
> alerted Dumbledore about the attack?

Yes, he did say fourteen years.  Which means one of two things.  One, it
means he had already completed fourteen years (and was currently in his
fifteenth) at Hogwarts.  If that is true, then he started at Hogwarts 2
months before Voldemort was defeated.  Or the other option is that Book 5 is
Snape's fourteenth year at Hogwarts, which means he started at Hogwarts 10
months *after* Voldemort killed the Potters and disappeared.  Personally, as
a teacher, I prefer the first choice.  I would never tell someone I've been
teaching for five years, I'd tell them I'm starting my fifth year of
teaching.  See what I mean?  It's all in how you look at it.  But I do think
it's evidence of Snape spying for Dumbledore, and I also think that's why
didn't go to the Ministry to help.  He still can't be found out by the Death
Eaters.  That, and he was the only one of the Order left at Hogwarts, he
couldn't really leave, I guess.  But I like to think it's because of his
mission, which we still didn't learn about.

Richelle





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