Random Fandom Rants

28 HP The Trace

The first rule of Hogwarts: No magic outside classrooms.
However, this apparently doesn't include hallways, common rooms, dorms, the Forbidden Forest, stairways, dungeons, Quidditch pitch, bathrooms...
Yep. That's Hogwarts for you.

This "no magic" rule includes at home, because underage wizards have the Trace on them, and thus can be checked by the Ministry of Magic.
Now, I have two understandings of the Trace.
With these two understandings come their own problems.

One.
That it is apon the wizard/witch him/herself and thus any spell they do is registered by the MoM.
That's why Harry got caught with Marge and the Patronus Charm, because he cast it.
But then Dobby's spell shouldn't have been registered as Harry's magic. Yes, it was in the same house as a young wizard who was supposed to be the only one there, but he might've had older wizards over sometimes. (That sounded less creepy in my head.)

Two.
It is set on the proximity of the wizard/witch.
That's why Dobby's spell was registered as Harry's. Because he was the only wizard in the Dursley's, so it must've been him.
But then, why didn't Tonks' spell in OoP show up? No one knew about Harry's collection except the Order. The MoM would have been immediately informed about magic in his house.

Also, if it's set on proximity... they must be able to turn it off, because Hogwarts is surrounded by magic. They'd get constant alerts about spells being cast. Can you imagine if they couldn't turn it off though?

*Ding!* Darius Blackwood cast Impedimenta at 3:18pm.
*Ding!* Darius Blackwood cast Ennervate at 3:19pm.
*Ding!* Darius Blackwood cast Flipendio at 3:20pm.
*Ding!* Darius Blackwood cast Protego at 3:21pm.
*Ding!* Darius Blackwood cast Aquamenti at 3:22pm.
*Ding!* Darius Blackwood cast Expelliarmus at 3:23pm.
"Shut up already! He has dueling club now! Of course he's using spells!"

*Beep!* Imogen Kirkland cast Riddikulus at 10:23am.
"Yes, I bloody well know! Her schedule says she has Charms!"

In the PoA movie, they had Harry doing his homework with Lumos. That doean't make sense if any magic he does gets caught. Then again, it doesn't make sense if it's proximity, either...
Damn producers. Get your facts straight!