Magical protection -- the Dursleys -Misc

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 44997

First let me say that I am aware that I am replying to this post in a
round about way. While I don't necessarily address peoples comment
directly, I think I still make some valid points.

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Barb P <psychic_serpent at y...> wrote:
> 
> marephraim wrote:
> 
> However, does your reply address the point that Dumbledore doesn't
appear to care how Harry's treated, even after knowing about it?
> 
> 
> Barb P replies:
> 
> I didn't address the point because I think Dumbledore isn't
concerned about it.  

bboy_mn with rambling thoughts:
First, I don't think Dumbledore really know what happened to Harry at
the Dursley's in detail. I'm sure he knows it's not pleasant, and I'm
sure he knows Harry is not happy there. But I don't get the idea that
he as knowledge of a lot of specific events.

Next, Dumbledore has a high opinion of Harry. Harry destroyed Voldie
at age one. Out smarted him at age 12. And generally, made a fool of
Big_V at every encounter. The boy who stood cold and (sort of)
fearless in the face of the greatest force of evil, can surely handle
a drill salesman and his fat son. So, I think Dumbledore has
confidence that Harry has a strong enough character to deal with 2
month of misery a year.

Plus, things are getting better for Harry at the Dursley's. As he
realizes his true self, he is less willing to take crap from them. And
the Durley's are becoming aware that Harry isn't a helpless little boy
anymore, so they are backing off if for no other reason than they are
afraid of Harry. So while Harry's desire to escape the misery is
greatly increasing, the misery itself is decreasing.

Harry is protected at the Dursley's, even Big_V admits he can't touch
Harry there, so the question Dumbledore must ask himself, is it better
for Harry to die happy, or to live miserable for a couple of month out
of the year? Seems like an easy choice.
-end bboy_mn-

> Barb P quotes canon:
> 
> Voldemort also used this phrase to refer to the protection Harry has
on Privet Drive.  In the same chapter you site, he says,-

 "...  For he has been better protected than I think even he knows,
protected in ways devised by Dumbledore long ago, when it fell to him
to arrange the boy's future.  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..."

bboy_mn replies:
Based on Voldemort's statement, it would seem that Harry's location is
not a secret. Voldemort knows Harry is at the Dursley's, he just can't
do anything about it. Notice that Voldemort said he can't TOUCH Harry
their. He didn't say he couldn't see, find, or detect him there.
Admittedly, one could say that the turn of a phrase doesn't create
absolute truth. But the implication seems to be that he can't harm
Harry, not that he can't find him.

While people have made good arguements for the possibility of a
Fidelius Charm, I think it's a stretch. Some ancient and powerful
magic is definitely protecting Harry there, but he is too easy to
find, and has been seen by too many wizard people for him to be
protected by a 'secret'. 

Personally, and not supported by canon, I think it is some kind of
shield charm; some type of barrier that prevents Voldemort from
getting to Harry even if he knows where he is and can see him. I do
see some weaknesses in this theory and I can also see how it could be
twisted to  imply a Fidelius Charm, but I'm still having a hard time
accepting something as limited as the Fidelius Charm.

I know I haven't back up anything with real evidence, but I just don't
see Harry being at the Dursley's as being secret enough to be
protected by a Secret Keeper Charm. 

It's going to be interesting to find out what that 'ancient magic'
really is.
-end bboy_mn- 

Sorry, just a few rambling thoughts.

bboy_mn