Everyday Magic

[Tracy Hunt]

No: HPFGUIDX 91222

During a current re-read of the series (I'm about 2/3 through OotP, 
now), several little things have occurred to me.  The one I currently 
can't get out of my head concerns the use of everyday magic by some 
characters.  

Hermione immediately comes to mind as someone who uses everyday magic 
quite often.  She starts fires, repairs glasses, bewitches knitting 
needles, unlocks doors, clears footprints, etc.  Harry comes 
springing to mind as one who rarely uses everyday magic.  Sure, he 
uses spells in classes, the Tri-Wizard Championship and in defense of 
his life...but not too often in day-to-day life.

Is there a reason for it or is just a function of the point of view 
of the story?  I mean to say, is it just that the story is told as if 
from Harry and his own practice of such mundane magic isn't 
noteworthy?  At first, I thought it had to do with his upbringing - 
having never been able to rely on magic for things...but then 
Hermione wouldn't use it for the same reason, as she, too only found 
out about her abilities at age 11.  So what do you think?

Tcy
(who will now return to lurking - because I realize that with a post 
like this, it's where I belong)