Magical developments and queries - Unbreakable Vows

[bimbledor]

No: HPFGUIDX 138485

Edis <A.E.B.Bevan at o...> wrote:
> OK so what magic have we had revealed in HBP?
> 
> The obvious new spell is the Unbreakable Vow. How this actually 
> works we don't know. But is it a Dark Art? <snip> And what is 
> the effect of taking incompatible Vows? And what happens to the 
> other participant in the vow when one party fulfills? <snip>
> 
> And what happens to the 'Bonder'? Are there consequences for 
> this witness when the act is carried out? <snip>
 

bimbledor here:

Concerning the Unbreakable Vow, IMO it has to be a Dark Arts spell. 
First, and most importantly, because the breaking of it causes death.
Second, because of what Ron says about his dad's reaction. 

(p. 325-326 HBP U.S. edition:)

 <"An Unbreakable Vow?" said Ron, looking stunned.  "Nah, he can't
have....Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure," said Harry. "Why, what does it mean?"
"Well, you can't break an Unbreakable Vow...."
"I'd worked that much out for myself, funnily enough.  What happens if
you break it, then?"
"You die," said Ron simply. "Fred and George tried to get me to make
one when I was about five.  I nearly did too, I was holding hands with
Fred and everything when Dad found us.  He went mental," said Ron,
with a reminiscent gleam in his eyes.  "Only time I've ever seen Dad
as angry as Mum.> 

But I too wonder about all the other implications, for the Bonder and
the Vowee.  Perhaps we'll find out in book 7.