What is magical power /of age/life-debt

[finwitch]

No: HPFGUIDX 139852


> Saraquel:
> 
> Magical powers
> It would appear that one is born with them, but they are not 
> necessarily inherited.  Although I remember a post some while back 
> about gene pools explaining how it could be an inherited trait if 
it 
> was a recessive gene, which would mean it wouldn't always appear.  
> JKR has said (correct me if I'm wrong) that someone would 
*discover* 
> magical abilities late in life – indicating that they are latent in 
> that person.
-- 
> There is also the fact that magical powers diminish when there is 
> depression – Tonks and Merope.  

Finwitch:

And not only them: just about everyone in Azkaban has experienced 
that as well. Sirius, too, was *weakened* by Dementor-brought 
depression. However, with Sirius we can learn more of just *why* 
depression appears to diminish magical power: It's not depression per 
se, but...

Sirius' comment of how he could KEEP his power: 'I was innocent. That 
was not a happy thought so the Dementor's could not take it away, but 
it helped me remember who I was...' - This enabled him to take the 
dog-form which confuded Dementors who can't sense an animal's 
emotions...'

And how the he regained his strength, with the knowledge of Peter 
being at Hogwarts... he became *obsessed* and this obsession - again, 
not a happy thought - but it gave him strength...

Quite apparently emotions ARE important. And so is the sense of self- 
and what does Dumbledore tell as about the power of a whole, 
untainted soul...

I also think that coming of age among wizards is a magical, not a 
cultural thing. As an ageline is not fooled by Aging Potion and keeps 
anyone under seventeen from crossing it; the ancient magic of Harry's 
blood-protection only holds until Harry is of age: seventeen. 
Besides, if I recall my history, age of adulthood was 21 (or at 
least, MORE than 18) not less.

In addition, I think that although one could claim a moral life-debt 
whenever a life is saved - it is well possible that a wizard under 17 
whose life is saved, is not *magically* bond. You know, no one said 
anything about Harry saving Ginny creating a life-debt-bond. Or 
Sirius dragging Lupin away from Ron creating such a bond... and some 
days appear to be more magical than others...

However, Since Pettigrew IS of age, he IS magically bonded. And so, I 
think, was Snape, just turned 17 I expect, when the whole Were-wolf 
incident happened. (Meaning it took place on their 6th year). This 
also makes it interesting note on Harry saving Ron's life with the 
bezoar on Ron's coming-of-age day. Hermione would know of that I 
guess - and that's why she's so timid again. She's been of age most 
of her 6th year, after all... it *could* be something she learned in 
Arithmancy, I suppose. Also, I think it's the magic of the wizard 
being saved that creates the bond - and it MUST be an adult's 
magic... That way it may even come to be if one doing the saving was 
a Muggle...

Hmm.. Harry's FF-potion saved Ron&Hermione - both of age, and coming 
to be with Harry at the Dursleys and offer to follow him where-ever 
he goes... You know, I think Hermione's offer, at least, is partly 
due to her owing Harry a life-debt...

Finwitch