CHAPDISC: DH26, Gringotts

[Carol]

No: HPFGUIDX 184053

> CHAPTER DISCUSSION: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
> Chapter 26, Gringotts
<snip thorough summary except for one bit>

> Hermione hears people coming and uses the shield charm to part the
water and clear their path.  <snip>

Carol responds:
I've always found Hermione's use of this particular spell rather
confusing. However, after rereading the section carefully, I think I
understand it. They've already gone through the waterfall, which has
washed away their disguises and knocked the cart off the track,
causing them to fall a long way down to the floor of the passage.
Rather than parting the water and clearing their path (which Protego
wouldn't do, anyway), I think the spell is intended to somehow
backfire on their pursuers (which is what a Shield Charm often but not
always does). It might have been better to turn it into a solid wall
(something like the way she creates a barrier for the DEs chasing them
down the Hogwarts stairs in a later chapter). In any case, the Goblins
appear to be running down the same passageway that HRH and their two
Goblin attendants are riding down in a cart. (I suppose that the carts
are faster and enchanted to find their way through the labyrinth.) The
water from the waterfall would naturally fall to the floor of the
passageway and downward. By sending it *up* the passageway, Hermione
turns it into an obstacle for the pursuing Goblins (at least until the
Vanish it or undo their own spell).

Anyway, I'd appreciate other poster's thoughts on this particular
spell, which confused me when I read (and reread) this chapter, maybe
because I didn't picture the carts as running along passageways, and
yet they'd have to in order to reach the vaults.

Nice to have an action-filled chapter for a change! I really want to
answer the questions, but I have an appointment with my optometrist,
so I have to wait till I get back.

Carol, wishing that she could get new glasses this very day rather
than waiting at least a week