The names in the Goblet

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 96644

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Robert Jones"
<jones.r.h.j at w...> wrote:
> I can't see how Harry could be obligated to enter the tournament.  
> The middle sentence of the rules -- "The placing of your name in the 
> Goblet constitutes a binding, magical contract." -- cannot be read 
> out of the context of the other two: they are all being addressed to 
> those wishing to enter.  Harry did not try to enter and so he is not 
> obligated by the results.  Two parties cannot enter into a contract 
> obligating a third party.  Of course, for the plot to advance Harry 
> couldn't get out of it, but that's not the point.
> 
> Bobby Jones

bboy_mn:

I suspect there may have been ways around Harry having to compete, but
I also think the 'path of least resistance' was to just let things
move forward. Alternative solution may have taken time and held up the
tournement, or any one of many other possible speculations.

However, they, the promoters, feel the tournement will be reasonably
safe, and the simplest path is to just let Harry tag along with the
other champions, and do the best his can. Which is based in the
assumption that Harry wouldn't really do very well since he is up
against very talented, and more educated and experienced competition. 

So, he just rides it though to the end. No shame in losing when you
are out manned and out gunned. Unfortunately that course of action
doesn't take Harry's personality into consideration. Harry is not one
to make a half-hearted effort just to get by and get it over with.
He's going to try and win, something Dumbledore and McGonagall didn't
anticipate.

Just a thought.

bboy_mn