Tracking Magic

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 79771

Apologies for cutting everything from the previous post; I just wanted
to make some general comments on magic tracking that are part of an
old theory of mine.

I think general magic tracking is like weather radar. There are mild
magic 'fronts' or instances going on all the time, but they barely
register on the Magic Radar. Mainly, the Ministry is monitoring and
looking for large surges of magic that would indicate the possibility
that a magical reversal team may need to be sent to the location.

Also, we find out in the latest book that the home location of wizards
and witches is kept in some type of Registry. In the court scene when
Mrs. Figg testifies, Fudge says they have no record of a witch living
in that location. That implies they DO have record of the home
location of all the other people. 

So, if they detect an unusually strong surge of magic in a particular
location, they check that against the Registry, and determine if there
are normally wizards in that location. If things look suspicious, they
may send someone to check it out. 

I must also assume that deeper analysis of what they detected can
yield the specific spell or the specific nature of the spell that was
cast. In that sense, it would be more like military radar, where ship
and plane to a limited extent can be identified by their 'blips' on
the radar screen. 

This could also allow the basic detection of underage magic. But I
don't think underage magic in the wizard world, is monitored as
closely as we are trying to imply that it is. In the wizard world, in
wizardly places, and at wizard homes, underage magic is not bid deal.
True it is against the law, but it's more of a mischief law; very
misdemeanor. Underage magic in the muggle world is a very big deal
from a legal perspective. In a sense, we are talking about a big time
crime that undermines the secrecy of the whole wizard world. That must
be deal with severly. But Fred and George at home, in their bedroom,
somewhat under their parents supervision is no big deal, and the
Ministry has far more important things to dedicate their resources too. 

Student who consider violating the Restriction for Underage Wizardry
are more the thought or the threat of what might happen if they do
perform magic, than they are by the actual likelihood of that
punishment happen. Think about how many times Harry and Ron have been
threatened with expulsion? Then consider how many times it has
actually happened. As with many rules, fear of punishment is the
deterrent and not the actual punishment itself.

Harry, however, is a very special case. Even if the Ministry doesn't
know the details of the prophecy, they definitely know that Harry is a
very special case. A special wizard, with special powers, who has
special needs, and who is facing very special and extraordinary
threats. The Ministry keeps a very close and detailed eye on Harry
because a sudden surge of magic at Privet Drive could signal the
return of Voldemort, or the presents of Death Eaters acting on
Voldemortt's behalf. 

They also know to some degree that when Voldemort returns, they are
definitely going to need Harry for the fight. They may not know why,
but I'm certain they realize that Harry is vitally important to the
wizard world and it's future. Because he is watched closer, they see
magic at his location in more detail. That means he is much easier to
catch doing magic than most students. 

Just a few thoughts.

bboy_mn