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

[Robert Jones]

No: HPFGUIDX 96687

I'm still unconvinced.

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. 

     Bobby: if it were only a matter of some dire consequences to 
Harry if he tried to back out of the tournament, why didn't JKR just 
say that?  I'm still sticking to my belief that Harry wasn't 
obligated and JKR just kind of glossed over the point.

                               * * *

Jim: 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.

     Bobby: I couldn't have said it better myself.  Hey, Jim, want 
to buy Jen's car for one dollar?  She doesn't seem to mind if two 
people agree to something that obligates a third party.

Bobby Jones