Breaking Magical Contracts (Re: The names in the Goblet)

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 96671

> > Tyler:
> > 
> > I can't help but wonder though...if Harry had refused
> > to participate,  what would the consequence have been?
> > What is the penalty for violating a magical contract? 
> > Expulsion?  A fine?  Jail time?  I'm amazed Harry
> > didn't think to ask.  If it was nothing severe,  I
> > think I would've just taken the penalty as opposed to
> > jumping through hoops for LV.

Sue:
> What if the penalty was the forfeit of all magical power?  It 
seems 
> to me the kind of penalty that would cause all of the adults 
around 
> to know the kids had no choice.  Perhaps, if you stretch this, the 
> reason Voldemort lost his power was in the breaking of a "binding 
> magical contract": "Take me, take me instead!"
> 
> There's a theory for you, and there isn't even an ESE in it!

Jen: This could explain why everyone just accepts Dumbledore's 
explanation at face value. Even Karkaroff & Madame Maxime, when 
arguing over two Hogwarts champions, don't suggest Harry can just 
back out. You'd think from the concern DD shows over Harry competing 
that if he *could* get out of it, DD would insist he do so. 

I definitely don't think the consequences are related to the 
Ministry of Magic, but answer to a Higher Order, so to speak. Ooh, I 
like this theory the more I think about it, Sue, that LV lost his 
powers because of breaking his pact with Lily. That would explain a 
lot.

Watch out, Wormtail! If there are severe consequences to breaking a 
magical contract, then Peter better get on the ball with his life 
debt.

> Sue, who stinks at theories and would be very sad if Lupin or 
Sirius 
> turned out to be evil (whimpers piteously).

Jen, who's right there with you and wants to add Dumbledore to the 
list.