b_sen comments on Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality discussion thread, February 2015, chapters 105-107 - Less Wrong

6 Post author: b_sen 17 February 2015 01:17AM

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Comment author: b_sen 17 February 2015 10:00:29PM 2 points [-]

What could Harry use to get out of this pickle?

  • His mind, obviously, especially since negotiation is a possible action.
  • Wandless magic? (Presumably learned from Bacon's diary.) Probably not anything requiring lots of magical power, but recall from the Azkaban arc that he could dispel his own magic almost effortlessly even back then. Now that he finds second-year spells easy, he just might be able to wandlessly manage that or other spells requiring very little magical power, such as Somnium, Innervate, and the TPC. Or possibly very small transfigurations (like a millionth of a gram of botulinium toxin), since he's had so much practice with that branch of magic.
  • Anything he's already transfigured and is carrying with him. Sulphuric acid chips?
  • His control over Dementors, which he doesn't need spells for.
  • Ritual magic? He may not need a wand to perform a ritual.
  • Possibly a backup wand / Time-Turner / other useful device?
  • Mastery over his Cloak? He didn't give it to anyone as a possession.
  • Mastery / ownership of other objects? Perhaps the Philosopher's Stone also has an "owner" property?
  • Summoning a phoenix? Even if he can't get a phoenix of his own, he may be able to call one to aid him in a selfless act of heroism.
  • Plans (for help or otherwise) already set in motion? Someone might look for him at the Quidditch game (probably as part of the debate about the Snitch), realize that he's not there despite setting up the banner and being interested in the outcome of the debate, and go look for him. Or maybe he's hidden someone in his pouch, or told Cedric about what he's doing. Or due to the Bayesian Conspiracy, Draco will realize that he's been Obliviated and help Harry.

I've probably missed something, so feel free to add more in the replies.

Comment author: ChristianKl 18 February 2015 05:34:47PM 5 points [-]

I don't think its something he'll do alone.

Flamel + Dumbeldore aren't stupid. Especially Flamel's game plan is not known to us.

Comment author: b_sen 20 February 2015 07:59:14PM 0 points [-]

Snape may also have an unknown game plan.

Comment author: TobyBartels 23 February 2015 06:28:45AM 0 points [-]

Especially since Snape's loyalty to Dumbledore may be weaker now that Harry has talked to him about Lily.

Comment author: SilentCal 18 February 2015 07:00:38PM 2 points [-]

Well, it doesn't take a Seer to tell us the best hope is with capabilities V doesn't know about. Other things could still play a part, but don't expect them to make the decisive difference.

What does that leave us? * Aspects of Harry's mind other than raw intelligence/creativity. In particular, V seems to have a hard time modeling goodness. * More accurate prophecy interpretation (Dark Lord is death) * Possibly control over dementors; V may not know the full extent, though he knows about the scaring and that Harry survived Azkaban. * Partial transfiguration. Dumbledore flagged this possibility way back, and I'm definitely calling Chekhov's Gun on the shaping exercises. The problem is how Harry will get to do any transfiguration. And in the event he does get a chance to do one "harmless" transfiguration, V can just ask him in Parseltongue if he's planning anything.

It's also possible V won't be able to fully predict Harry's intelligence because he's never faced a copy of himself before, but Moody is a pretty good practice opponent. In particular, having fought Mad-Eye means V won't be caught of guard by the extent of Harry's precautions.

Comment author: UnclGhost 17 February 2015 10:19:42PM 1 point [-]

As for the last possibility, he doesn't leave from the Quidditch game until around a quarter past 11, so that can't help him for another five hours or so.

Comment author: b_sen 18 February 2015 05:41:55PM 0 points [-]

True, but that doesn't mean it won't help him eventually, and he may be able to hold out for those five hours.

Or Draco might have ordered Crabbe and Goyle to come find him if he doesn't return, or set other backup plans in motion.

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