Book 7 theories - by Miss Ann Elk (ahem)

[Menolly]

Beorn and I were talking about the issue Jenn raised regarding Hermione saying she was practicing spells once she got her letter inviting her to Hogwarts and the conflict with the rules against underage magic.

Beorn points out that in the intial letter, no mention of such a rule is ever made. He suggests that until a student is taught some of the rudimentary spells at Hogwarts the ministry disregards any attempts by underage wizards and witches as futile?

[Cameraman Jenn]

Ok, Menolly, I buy that. Excellent explanation.

[Menolly]

Heh.

Leave it to a 13 year old aspie...

[Cameraman Jenn]

Well, if you think about it, it works quite nicely. It goes even further to explain why Harry didn't get called out for making his hair regrow, shrinking a sweater, ending up on the roof of the school kitchens or setting the snake free. It also explains why Tom Riddle wasn't called to task for whatever he did to those muggle kids in the orphanage or for any of the times he used his commanding voice control thing or for whatever he did to Binky the rabbit. Nice call Beorn. You rock.

[Menolly]

Thanks Jenn. I'll show Beorn your post when he comes home from school.

However, it makes me wonder about those wizards and witches who don't attend any 'school of Witchcraft and Wizardry,' for whatever reason. Are their attempts at magic disregarded only until a certain age? Or are they totally disregarded forever?

Did Tom Riddle, Jr.'s mother and uncle attend a school as kids? I can't remember...

[Cameraman Jenn]

Hmm...interesting question. I think the wizarding community must be able to detect wizard potential regardless and thus the letter of invitation to attend Hogwarts or another school of wizardry depending on location. However, just because a person gets an invite I guess it doesn't necessarily mean that they choose to attend. (Interesting food for thought Menolly) It never states specifically whether or not Merope or Morfin attended a school or not and my guess is that we only encounter them after they have come of age. I think they or at least Merope probably had some training somehow since I don't think she learned how to make a love potion from Marvolo or Morfin and HBP theorizes that she must have used a love potion on TR Sr to trick him into marriage. Also, Morfin casts a hex on TR Sr so he must have some training. Perhaps he could have learned the hex from Marvolo. Hrmmmm.....

[Menolly]

Hmm...interesting question. I think the wizarding community must be able to detect wizard potential regardless and thus the letter of invitation to attend Hogwarts or another school of wizardry depending on location. However, just because a person gets an invite I guess it doesn't necessarily mean that they choose to attend. (Interesting food for thought Menolly)

Well yeah, that's what I meant.

I seem to recall in Sorceror's Stone Hagrid goes out of his way to assure Harry that the galleons in his vault is more than enough to pay for his tuition at Hogwarts. And I know the Weasleys struggle to afford school books and robes.

From what is described of the financial situation of Marvolo's family, I doubt they could have afforded tuition without assistance, and I have a gut feeling assistance would have been turned down.

[Cameraman Jenn]

I can certainly see Marvolo turning down tuition assistance. I'm still wondering how Merope managed a love potion if she hadn't any formal training. Perhaps there was a witch or wizard living nearby that helped her learn?

[Menolly]

Perhaps she travelled to shops in Knockturn Alley and learned things there, or purchased a ready made potion?

[Cameraman Jenn]

Good point. Menolly, are you coming to Elohimfest? In Albequerque? I would love to be able to sit down with you and trade theories in person.

[Menolly]

Has one been set? When? Without being employed, I have no idea how I can afford to get out there.

[Cameraman Jenn]

It's June 1-3 in Albequerque. Guns is trying to see if he can make it too. We could split off from the main group and have a good old time swapping theories and ideas. Not that this thread isn't fabulous for that. But it would be cool if you could go.

[A Gunslinger]

here here!

[Cameraman Jenn]

If you can't make it then I will make sure to record my theory banter with Guns and provide you with a full transcript. ....actually I am serious about that.

Oh, and a mini movie when the fistfight breaks out over the Lily/Snape love theory argument!

[Menolly]

I replid in the Elohim thread, but with trying to get financing to send Beorn to camp again this summer, I just don't see how I could do it. Airfare isn't bad out of JAX to Denver, $198 round trip on Southwest plus fees and taxes. But I just don't have that on hand.

And I would have to rely on others to get me to and from the airport, go hungry, and sleep in one of the tents.

All worth it to meet all of y'all (and the man himself), but unless something drastic changes in our living style, not at all feasible for me.

[Cameraman Jenn]

Well, that is a total bummer. I understand sticky financial situations. I will seriously record and provide you with a transcript of the DA club meeting I am planning with Guns.

[A Gunslinger]

Let's do it via video! I'll dress like Snape!

[Menolly]

If you record it to DVD, I'm all for it. We don't have any video players here.

[storm]

Any chance y'all could do a podcast of this theory bantering...I would so love to hear the discourse.

[Menolly]

<--- doesn't own any sort of mp3 or mp4 player...