Harry's Protection

[Bill Corey Jr.]

No: HPFGUIDX 48551

"pickle_jimmy <kemp at arcom.com.au>" <kemp at arcom.com.au> wrote:

> If Harry is so protected (by ancient magic) at the Dursleys, why
> could Sirius (the dog) find him so easily in PoA??
> I know that when Harry saw Sirius!Dog he wasn't at home - he had just
> escaped Aunt Marge - but surely the protection isn't just over
> Privett Drive or he'd be vunerable while at school (muggle not
> hogwarts).

> And, why not extend this ancient magic to include Black (if it was
> specific to Voldemort), and/or why not extend it to include Hogwarts
> as well as Privett Drive - rather than use dementors?

> And, if it only protects Harry against those that mean him harm, use
> it on Hogwarts and if Black does get in it is obvious he isn't a
> threat to Harry.

> Any thoughts

> Pickle Jimmy

Now me:

LV says in canon: "Dumbledore invoked an ancient magic, to ensure the boy's
protection *as long as he is in his relations' care.*  Not even I can touch
him there..."  (GoF p657, emphasis mine)  This pretty clearly indicates that
the protection being discussed can only apply to Privet Drive, because
that's the only place where he has relations.  It also pretty clearly
implies that LV *does* know where Harry's been staying, because he knows
he's been with his relations and is therefore safe... and since LV took
pretty drastic steps to shorten Harry's family tree a few years back, that
leaves the Dursleys (and, if you count godfathers, Sirius).  Which brings up
an interesting point all its own: would the ancient magic cover Harry going
to stay with Sirius?  Hmmmm...

It's also repeatedly mentioned throughout the series that the only person LV
truly fears is DD... so why would extra precautions need to be taken at
Hogwarts unless DD isn't there?

Hope that helps!

Bill
(still pretty new to the list and waiting ever-so-patiently for Book 5...
*sigh*)