Dumbledore and Socks, Magical Contracts, and Bertie Botts Beans

[arrowsmithbt]

No: HPFGUIDX 109869

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "dcgmck" <dolis5657 at y...> wrote:
> 
> Magical contracts, we learn in GoF, are unbreakably binding.  When 
> Harry's name comes out of the Goblet, it is Dumbledore who asserts 
> that there is no way out for Harry, that he must now go through the 
> contest to fulfill the contract someone of greater power and 
> authority has enacted for him.  

Kneasy:
Not quite true. It's Bagman that burbles on about the need to comply
with the rules. DD listens to all the arguments and goes along.
The only time DD mentions magical contracts is earlier when he's 
explaining the seriousness of placing ones name in the Goblet.
I've never considered that there was a contract. No contract can be
binding unless you enter into it willingly. Harry did not put his name 
into the Goblet and by the adjusted rules then pertaining he was not 
allowed to enter. Where has Harry shown willingness to enter the 
contract? He hasn't - and nobody asks him if he wants to enter after 
his name is drawn. 

DD knew there was something funny going on and he knew Harry was
the probable target. What to do? If he withdraws Harry then it's likely
Harry will still be a target, but at least he now knows where and when 
the enemy will strike - during one of the three phases of the competition.
No point in getting Harry involved otherwise. And I reckon he knew who
to  watch, too. Moody was an old friend. Just because Crouch!Moody
looks like Moody doesn't mean he'd fool someone who knew him well.
Why do you think DD *instructed* Crouch!Moody to teach resistance
to the Imperius curse? To reduce Harry's vulnerability.
What did surprise DD was the Portkey!Cup. That was unexpected. 

Kneasy