The Old Magic

[Ali]

No: HPFGUIDX 72416

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "jakedjensen" 
<jakejensen at h...> wrote:

<<< There is good reason to believe that one of the major secrets of 
the HP series will be that mugbloods are capable of stronger magic 
than purebloods.  Without going on and on, here are a few reasons to 
think this:
 
 1) Lily uses the "old magic" to protect HP from VD.  If this old 
 magic is so powerful, why is it not still in regular use.  Since it 
apparently can block the AK curse (which is unblockable using 
 conventional magic) why would this magic every fall out of use?  
 Reason: only mugbloods can use it/or only some mugbloods or 
something  like that.>>>

Ali responds:-

I think that Dumbledore explains the use of this ancient magic - 
Voldemort doesn't understand the concept of love and sacrificing 
yourself for loved ones. It is Voldemort's failure here that gives 
the magic such potency as he failed to anticipate it.
 
>>> 2) Purebloods hate mugbloods.  Historically, hate is often 
disguised fear. <<< 

Ali:-

I agree with this, and the use of the word "Mudblood" reflects this. 
As an aside, I never quite understand why posters use the insulting 
nickname for Muggle-born wizards, when it is clearly meant to be 
derogatory. People are often scared and suspicious of the unknown. 
Wizards are no-different. Muggle-born wizards aren't brought up in 
the wizarding customs, and unless they are put firmly in their 
place, could challenge some of the traditonal ways of life - like 
Hermione's action against House Elves. It sometimes takes an 
outsider to challenge the ways that those enjoying them don't even 
think about.


>>>> 3) From the beginning, the pureblood/mugblood theme has been 
hammered home.  If JKR repeats a theme, it is most likely very 
important.>>>

Ali:

I think the issue of blood is very important. I see it as an 
allegory for the wider issues of racism and intolerance within our 
own societies. Both of which are going to become even more important 
in Book 6 and 7 - and will broaden to include the different species 
that wizards have kept down trodden.

>>>4)  Both VD and HP are mugbloods.<<<

Ali: 

It is true that Voldemort and Harry aren't purebloods, but although 
both of them are brought up as Muggles until they go to Hogwarts, 
they are Half-bloods. Tom Riddle's mother was a witch, and James 
Potter cam from a wizarding family.

Ali