Harry's Protection (was Re: Questions)

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 118967


Geoff: 
> I think it is possible that his protection was kicking in because 
it 
> seemed that Vernon was threatening his life - although I doubt 
that 
> was his intention. it might have been the innate wandless magic 
magic 
> that had operated previously - the hair, the Zoo, the school roof 
etc.

Jen: I read this scene as wandless magic, like with Marge, but now 
realize Fudge would have taken great pleasure in issuing a warning 
or expulsion notice right away if it was.

Protection at the Dursleys is one of my favorite unsolved mysteries. 
Mainly because Harry doesn't *seem* very protected there. The 
protection definitely doesn't involve the area around the house 
because Dobby, the Dementors and Sirius were all able to approach 
Harry on the streets. So that leaves the house. But then *inside* 
the house, Dobby was able to enter and Mr. Weasley connected the 
house to the Floo Network. I don't think the protection would have 
been lifted in order for those things to occur if the house itself 
was protected.

But if it's Harry himself--that answers some questions! He's not 
protected from everyone, though. The Dementors almost soul-sucked 
him in POA, and the Basilisk certainly had a go at him. 

But then, when you think about all the instances Harry was in a 
tight spot, he was always able to save himself with somewhat 
extraordinary measures. His skin saved him in SS/PS, his loyalty to 
Dumbledore (his choice) saved him in COS; his time-turned self cast 
the Patronus in POA; in GOF his courage and strength pushed the 
beads back, creating the Phoenix song which 'increase courage in the 
pure of heart.' FBAWTFT (This last example is a little iffy, but I 
can't believe that every set of brother wands would create the 
protective light and Phoenix song. I think only Harry is able to 
make that happen).

OOTP is the only time Harry doesn't save himself, and this is after 
Voldemort has his blood. 

I don't know about the Vernon incident, though. Was he really trying 
to kill Harry? Maybe Harry thought so, and that's all it takes for 
the protection to kick in. Harry never really thought Dudley and 
gang were trying to kill him. Presumably Petunia and Dudley *would* 
be able to kill Harry if they tried, just as Voldemort was able to 
possess him in OOTP and Harry couldn't protect himself. He certainly 
though LV was trying to kill him there and couldn't defend himself.

Jen Reese