[HPforGrownups] Binding magical contracts

[Christopher Nuttall]

No: HPFGUIDX 48229

Simon"What form does this obligation take? (I assume it's nothing as 
prosaic as a Muggle law court!) What would have happened to Harry if he 
had simply refused to take part in the tournament?"

I think its just an 'if you sign, you must do' type of agreement.  If Harry had not wanted to take part, he would have had to convince people that he had not managed to get round the charm defending the goblet.  

"Who is able to set up a magical contract?"

Good question.  I suspect that they can be set up by any powerful wizard to some degree, but the goblet is a very old artifact and may be made with more of the 'old magic'.

"How is it that you can force someone into a contract without them 
actually agreeing to it? (I am thinking, of course, of Harry being 
forced to enter the Triwizard Tournament without his consent.)"

I guess the magical equivilent of forging ones name.  

"Isn't there a tremendous scope for abuse by dark wizards (even more 
than we've seen so far)?"

Yes, but if the goblet is unique, it may be that more modern methods can detent fruad.  This also answers 5, as it would make a perfect solution for voldemort.

Chris




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