spoiler discussion

[percival]

I couldn't resist. Argh.

My hypothesis is: this is very much at the beginning of the book - maybe the third or fourth chapter. Harry has been attacked by the Dementors during the holidays, and has defended himself using a Patronus. (Underage magic in a life threatening situation.)

Meanwhile, a campaign is underway to frame disturbed and dangerous Harry as Cedric Diggory's murderer. (The hearing.)

Harry, at his wits' end, flees. Mrs. Weasley, powerful witch that she is, finds Harry and leads him to a house connected with the Slytherin dynasty, where Harry learns to fully unlock the power that Voldemort transferred to him that fateful night fourteen years ago.

Ron has gone for Hermione; seeing her with Krum was what it took to make him declare his love for her. Their banter in the excerpt sounds like that of a couple.

Comments

[piperx.livejournal.com]

You succumbed! Resistance is futile. You gave it a good effort, though. :-)

I agree with the first paragraph but not with the second. I think the Cedric Diggory case has been closed by the Ministry and they are not interested in opening it back up, even in an effort to discredit Harry.

Your third theory is very interesting. I agree that there could be some more things that were transferred to Harry by Voldemort that night. This provides a slew of possibilities for JKR to dip into in later books. Yeah, I definitely think she's going to go down that road again.

Part four - yep. Agree wholeheartedly.