Wands and spells

[pcaehill2]

No: HPFGUIDX 109435

Mandypandy <mandyallen286 at f...> wrote:
[snip]
> Correct me if I've missed something, but having just 
> read GoF for the eighth time I realised that Harry,
> when he is in the alleyway with Dudley, casts a 
> spell without his wand in his hand.  Is this right? 
> He says 'lumos' and the wand tip lights up.  I have 
> always assumed the wand has to be held my the person
> casting the spell, otherwise why have a wand in the first place?

Pam ponders:

Wands may be a tool that focuses and directs magical power, but I 
don't think that they are always necessary for spells, etc.  After 
all, we see DD doing quite well without a wand, as (I think) do some 
other professors. And wizarding children "do odd things" without 
wands all the time (think Harry on the roof of the school when 
chased by bullies, and of course Aunt Marge).

I think students are usually a good deal more dependent on wands 
than Harry seems to be.  This, to me, underscores his power, which 
is considerable (more than even he comprehends, as yet); it also 
underscores his skill level (which is considerably more advanced 
than most students his age).