what is the missing 24 hours
How did Dobby Intercept Harry's letters in The Chamber of Secrets?
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May 15, 2024
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#3
One of the most pored over topics in not only the Harry Potter series, but Fantasy literature worldwide. I think a while back I made a forum on this in which I explain this. Let me check. . . .
I got a book recently written by three literary analysts primarily focusing on the composition evidence in the Chamber of Secrets of the Harry Potter Ring Theory. This question sparked my interest. I've composed the following timeline to explain my thoughts:
-The last week of May, 1992? - Dobby overhears Draco Malfoy complaining about Harry and his friends, and figures out where either Ron or Hermione lives. He then goes to an address and watches one outgoing letter, tracking an owl (either Errol or one Hermione hired) to 4 Privet Drive in Little Whinging (remember addresses are not printed on letters in the Wizarding World, just the name of the recipient).
OR. . . .
-The last week of May, 1992? - Dobby overhears Lucius Malfoy complaining about Arthur Weasley and gathers that the latter works at the Ministry of Magic. He then follows Lucius, undercover, to the Ministry at it's opening time. From there he finds Arthur and put a Tracking Charm on him, Apparating to the Burrow at the end of the day. He either follows Errol to Privet Drive or overhears one of the Weasley's mention Harry's location.
Within a few hours - Dobby places a Security Charm on Privet Drive (similar to the one Dumbledore placed in Godric's Hollow before October 31 of 1981, alerting him to Voldemort's presence at the Potter's. After Dumbledore was alerted he might or might not have conferred information to Professor McGonagall - analysts are still working on the details here, which tie right into the Missing 24 Hours club.). This alerts Dobby to any incoming owls. He can then go back to the Malfoy's. Anytime he realizes via the Charm an owl is coming in, he can Apparate to Privet Drive and take the letter.
July 30 or July 31, 1992 - Dobby goes to Harry's house and spies on the day's events through a garden hedge.
Approximately 7:58 P.M. July 31, 1992 - Dobby, who has been waiting on Harry's bed, meets him as he comes upstairs and relays his warning.
Several minutes later - Dobby reveals to Harry that he has taken all his letters.
Please let me know what you think of my analysis here - I'm interested to hear thoughts. Thanks for reading!