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

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 96679

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Jen Reese" <stevejjen at e...> wrote:
> > > 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. 

What bothers me about it is that Harry didn't enter into anything. 
Can you sign a contract for me? You can not.  How can Crouch!Moody
bind Harry to a magical contract?  It's totally counterintuitive. 
It's also reality, so I had to get over it.