Underage Magic Discrepancy

[kjubinski]

No: HPFGUIDX 119349



I am just a little confused by the consistency of "reprimands" for
underage use of magic.  I get the fact/theory that the "unintentional"
things done PRIOR to attending Hogwarts cannot be cause for reprimands
as many of the kids don't know they are wizards or are not officially
using it with any type of direction/studies.

However, I don't get the fact that Harry was reprimanded for some
things (details in a moment) but not others.  Harry received a letter
of reprimand when Dobby destroyed the dessert in CoS, would have been
in trouble for Aunt Marge in PoA were it not for the whole "protect
Harry from Sirius Black" thing and the entire court/judgement fiasco
for the Patronus in OotP.  HOWEVER, both he and Ron are able to use
the "lumos" spell (i.e. MAGIC) in GoF and not only receive no
reprimand but have no mention made about it being wrong or not allowed.

Are there "levels" of accepted magic?  Why?  While I agree that using
lumos for a bit of light is not nearly as involved (to other people)
as disarming them, immobilizing someone, and so on it is still magic
that includes the use of the wand.  It would violate both underage and
secrecy usage.

Help?

Thanks!