Just had a revelation -- I guess the "no magic outside of school" rule is voided as soon as they get on the train?
I mean, this is still technically "outside of school," isn't it?
Potterheads, anyone know?
it only works by detecting where magic is used -- in situations where underage wizards are with adults (like at the Burrow) the expectation is that parents will enforce the rule. this is why dobby's floating pudding got harry in trouble. on the train there are teachers and other wizards who are of age so there isn't a way to prove magic performed there was by an underage wizard.
But in Order of the Phoenix they knew it was Harry that performed the patronus because they stated it was "his wand" that did it and there was at least one other witch around
the other person around was arabella figg, who is a squib and can't perform her own magic. i don't remember when the ministry said to know it was harry from his wand but if it was after they had access to his wand they could have used Prior Incantato to show he had created the patronus
I mean, this is still technically "outside of school," isn't it?
Potterheads, anyone know?