Wizards Lack Common Sense Part 4

by Boy-Who-Hates-Hyphens

There are things that make absolutely no sense in Harry Potter. Some are serious plotholes. Some are not plotholes per se, but more like events that are supposed to be impossible. Some are more along the lines of hypocrisy, self-contradiction and not using an obvious spell at a time of need. This story resolves the ones in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. COMPLETE!

5. In Which Signs Are Ignored

Chapter Four: In Which Signs Are Ignored

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"So go on — how d'you hide a place like Hogwarts?"

"It's bewitched," said Hermione. "If a Muggle looks at it, all they see is a moldering old ruin with a sign over the entrance saying DANGER — DO NOT ENTER, UNSAFE."

"And that's supposed to keep Muggles from finding out?"

"Well, yeah —"

"Huh. Turns out the Wizarding World isn't that secret after all. . . ."

"Harry, what did you mean when you said the wizarding world wasn't secret anymore?" she asked frantically.

"Do you really think not one guy out of the several thousands that visit the Scottish Highlands tried to climb to the ruin? Especially one that says DANGER! on the front door? That's practically an invitation for adrenaline junkies, y'know? They would find themselves in front of a large castle that's not an abandoned ruin, but rather a school for witches and wizards! It must happen several times a year, I guess. Obliviators have a really frustrating job!" mused Harry.

Hermione stared at him in horror.

"What about satellite images? Satellites have mapped the whole world, and chances are that at least one guy noticed Hogwarts or Diagon Alley!"

"I don't know, Harry, I don't know . . ." Hermione trailed off, shivering at the implications.

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Based on speculation by fanfiction writers and Potterheads such as me —

"Maybe the enchantments make sure satellites don't notice anything unusual? Kind of like camouflage, or maybe it looks like a ruin from top too! And maybe there are Muggle Repelling Charms on Hogwarts so adventurers will forget what they came there for and remember some important thing to do, just like at the World Cup!"

"Yeah, maybe. JKR wasn't very clear on which of those protections are used for Hogwarts and whether cameras are bewitched by the DO NOT ENTER thing. I don't really know for sure, but I think it's safe to assume that Hogwarts is protected by at least Muggle Repelling Charms. I'm 30% confident the Muggle Government keeps the existence of magic under wraps. . . ."

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AN: It is quite weird that wizards think a sign is going to keep our kind out. Seriously?