Bending the rules in the wizarding world

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 127281


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Emma Hawkes <ehawkes at i...> 
wrote:
 
Meri:
 
> Was his borrowing the car from work without permission? I assume
> you're talking about PoA where he and the other Weasleys escorted
> Harry to King's Cross? I'm pretty sure he called in a favor for 
those
> to keep Harry safe from Sirius.

Geoff:
That's what he said, but there's an interesting bit of canon to go 
with this....

'"How're we getting to King's Cross tomorrow, Dad?" asked Fred, as 
they tucked into a sumptuous chocolate pudding.
"The Ministry's providing a couple of cars," said Mr.Weasley.
Everyone looked up at him.
"Why?" said Pery curiously.
"It's because of you, Perce," said George seriously. "And there'll be 
little flags on the bonnnets with HB on them - "
"- for Humungous Bighead," said Fred.
Everyone except Percy and Mrs.Weasley snorted into their pudding.
"Why are the Ministry providing cars, Father?" Percy asked again, in 
a dignified voice. 
"Well, as we haven't got one any more," said Mr.Weasley, "and as I 
work there, they're doing me a favour..."
His voice was casual but Harry couldn't help noticing that 
Mr.Weasley's ears had gone red, just like Ron's did when he was under 
pressure.'

(POA "The Leaky Cauldron" p.52 UK edition)

Harry has a "hmmm" reaction. He suspects that Arthur is not being 
exactly truthful. And later, after he overhears the conversation 
between Ron's parents, his "hmmm" reaction is taking firmer shape in 
his mind.

'So Sirius Black was after him. That explained everything. Fudge had 
been lenient with him because he was so relieved to find him alive. 
He'd made Harry promise to stay in Diagon Alley where there were 
plenty of wizards to keep an eye on him. And hew as sending two 
Ministry cars to take them all to the station tomorrow so that the 
Weasleys could look after Harry unitl he was on the train.'

(ibid. p.55)

This doesn't look like Arthur pulling in favours. That is a front for 
the family; I think Harry has got nearer to the truth of the matter 
than he is supposed to.