#boggarts omg how could I forget boggarts? seriously Remus showing everyone else their worst fears? that’s such a break in privacy

[inkyarcturus]

One of the things I always consider within the context of the wizarding world and the consequences of having magical powers is the idea of consent within the story.

(I’m sorry this will likely be very rambly and unfocused)

Within book 6 (The half blood prince) we get introduced to the idea of love potions and the consequences of them when utilized on a person. This is a nonconsensual act using potions to force another person to “love” another, including forcing them to kiss, have sex with, and be so devoted that they would be willing to do anything for a person.

Yet, it is still treated as a joke/not that serious within the story (Romilda Vane attempting to drug Harry).

The introduction of this potion was one of the first things that made me look back at past charms, spells, potions etc. that would be in direct violation of a persons consent which is treated nonchalantly by the characters in the wizarding world.

In book 2 (the chamber of secrets) we get introduced to the idea of the oblivious charm, used by Lockhart to alter a persons memory. We are told this is wrong, but most of the moral dilemma is focused on the fact that Lockhart is stealing credit for the acts of others, NOT that it is a spell done without consent which could have devastating affects on a persons psyche.

We get a glimpse of these affects in book 5 where we see Lockhart still affected by the backfired spell, unable to remember his actions.

The reason why I am focusing on this charm in particular, is that Hermione used it on her parents. Unconsensually deleting their memories of her and moving them to another country. Essentially making the choice for them on whether or not they would be involved in the war and their daughter’s life.

I feel this is not given nearly as much focus as it should be in the canon or fanon, they could have had their memories permanently removed, if done wrong there could have been permanent brain damage?

But this also hints at the fact that other magical folk have been using memory charms on muggles forever, as seen in book 3 w Aunt Marge. Now, we all don’t like her, but that doesn’t mean someone’s memory should be altered or completely removed without their consent. The idea of someone unknowingly rummaging around in your thought, memories and overall mind is horrifying, especially when you won’t even remember it after.

There’s also the whole, Dudley’s pig tail and the twins joke candy on Dudley. Both being horrible pranks to experience and the first he had to get surgery to remove. Neither of these he consented to experiencing yet are treated as jokes. Wizards have a sense of superiority to muggles to the point that they are willing to overlook their opinions, even the pro-muggle wizards do this.

While I focused mostly on wizards not respecting the consent of muggles, this is absolutely seen between wizards as well.

We all know the scene of Snape being held upside down and stripped by James.

Draco being transformed into a ferret by “moody”

Hell, the entire idea of imperio? Which, side note, how the fuck did “moody” get no repercussions for using on a student? Even with consent, that spell makes it impossible to opt out once under UNLESS you are powerful enough to break through, which is never a guarantee.

Children are given a weapon at ELEVEN which could theoretically be made to make other people do whatever they want. These kids should absolutely be taught about the ethical and moral usage of magic!!!!

I don’t know if any of this made any sense, but just, I think more people in fanfics should focus on the idea of consent within the magical world and how it should be treated with respect.

Heir to the House of Prince mentions it, and I just need m o r e.