What triggered ancient magic? WAS: Re: James and Intent

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 186999

> Carol responds:
> I agree with Montavilla47. In fact, I thought it was canon that Snape's request to Voldemort to spare Lily's life followed by Voldemort's broken word was what distinguished her sacrifice from any other mother's--and from James's. As Dumbledore insists to Harry and Voldemort also tells him, Lily could have lived. <SNIP>But then Voldemort, who could have kept his word and merely Stunned her, decides to kill her as well. And that decision, as I understand it, triggered the ancient magic that made her sacrifice, her exchange of her own life for Harry's, into ancient magic. <SNIP>

Alla:

Well, what can I say it is news for me, but I will happily eat my words if this is indeed what triggered the magic. Again, what happened as you described, factual circumstances of Lily's death, I am aware of them of course. But my point is that I do not remember that this is what triggered the magic, I thought it was left vague and I thought it was done on purpose, because Voldemort could never understand that Love could be so powerful, etc. I thought she did not want to give us how magic happened, what there the reasons besides it.

But if you say that Snape's bargain and Voldemort's agreement are what triggered the ancient magic, I would certainly appreciate some canon about it.

Thanks,

Alla