Magic on Privet Drive

[lesley]

No: HPFGUIDX 168347

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Tandra" <tkjones9 at ...> wrote:
>
> Ok so I've just stared reading OoTP again. (for the second time in
> a month and a 1/2 lol) And IDK why I didn't see it before, but if
> Harry's house is under such surveillance, then how did his Guard
> get away with all the magic that was being done in the house?
>
> Yes I know they were all of legal age, but shouldn't the ministry
> have detected the use of magic in the house at that point?
> Especially after Harry had just done magic not too long before.
> Wouldn't it be undercloser scrutiny?

Lesley:

Hi,

I don't think the MOM keeps an active watch on magic done by underage wizards because with all the wizarding families they couldn't tell who did what and it would be a complete waste of time.  When Dobby visited Harry in COS, he had been popping to and from Privet Drive for a while when he was magically removing mail and keeping an eye on Harry and maybe created enough magical vibes (or whatever!) to arouse suspicion.  And as no other wizarding families live near it probably drew their attention enough so they kept a closer eye on things which was why the hover charm got noticed.  I don't think they could have missed the spell that blew up his Aunt Marge as she had to be deflated and have her memory altered!! Bless!!  With the Dementors though it was a different story as the MOM desperately wanted to discredit Harry and Umbridge was the one who sent the Dementors there to force Harry's hand.  All she had to do was watch for vibey things from that area and they had all the evidence they needed to get rid.

Despite all that, DD must have told the MOM to keep an eye on the area from when Harry was a baby because any Magical vibes may be movement from the Death Eaters so I expect there was someone regularly checking in.  Dumbledore (despite the rows) would have kept the ministry informed of the fact that his friends were also keeping an eye on Harry because all the comings and goings of the guards would cause more vibes which the MOM would notice and he also probably informed them that the guard was sent to move Harry but not to where he was going.

What will I do after book 7??? I need to get a life!!!

Lesley