Magical Contracts and Ancient Magic

[rtbthw_mom]

No: HPFGUIDX 190669



--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Bart Lidofsky <bart at ...> wrote:
>
> On 6/27/2011 10:03 PM, Steve wrote:
> > But, specifically what does it take to make a casual contract a 
> > MAGICAL Contract.
> > RON: Get me cup of coffee will you?
> >
> > HARRY: Sure.
> >
> > RON: Where's my coffee?
> >
> > HARRY: Oh...sorry, I forgot.
> >
> > On the most casual level this could be considered a contract.
> 
> Bart:
>      Nope; no consideration on Ron's part.
> 
>      Bart
>

Pat:
Exactly - there is the essence of "making a deal" here: Snape, by asking Voldemort to spare Lily, was asking for a deal. In other words, do me a favor here, spare the girl. And Lily, by pleading for Harry's life, is offering another deal, which is accepted when V kills her first. So these can definitely be seen as contracts. 

"Get me some coffee" on the other hand, in no other context, is just a request. Snape's and Lily's requests were not nearly so casual.

Pat