Yes, magic in the Harry Potter universe has limits. The limit being the power of plot.
If necessary for the story, a wizard literally has infinite power. If not, he is so susceptible to this limit he is likely to forget the very existence of certain spells, charms, or potions.
That said, if that universe is the setting, I can’t imagine a hostile muggle receiving the impetus of plot over a wizard. Unless they also have another one as an ally. In which case this discussion becomes pointless. Oh, wait…
Now in the later books, dont we see some communications or some time of crossovers with muggle government leaders? For example isnt there sort of wizard ambassador to say the American president?
I imagine over time the CIA or the NSA would figure out that something isnt right and start an investigation.
Actually, this discussion brings to mind a rather entertaining and cathartic scene in Doctor Who, where an FBI agent faces off with the terrifying alien of the week. The alien makes some intimidating speech about how they’re everywhere and all-powerful and have no need of weapons thanks to how much they already control Earth.
The FBI agent cuts him off by quick-drawing a revolver and putting three rounds center-of-mass and dropping the alien on the spot.
“Welcome to America.”
The FBI agent was played by an English actor, of course. So hard to find Americans to play Americans in action roles.
Thing is, we have to know how magic works works in the Potterverse (just as a start, could Protego stop rifle bullets? Does it require being directed at a particular threat, or is it general-purpose protection (in other words, would the witch need to know where the soldier is and what she’s doing?) Can a wizard cast a different spell without undoing Protego? (and if the last two answers are ‘yes’, is there some other drawback that explains why witches don’t always cast Protego at the beginning of any duel?)).
And of course the best answer to how Potterverse magic really works is from, I’ll call him, Tim
IIRC, the series presented Protego as a momentary shield, i.e. the wizard needed to identify the danger and cast Protego to shield themselves from the incoming attack. I don’t think we ever see a wizard casting Protego as a preventative measure, where it hangs around for a while or until it blocks something.
Most wizards don’t seem to know what guns are or what they do, and bullets fly faster than spells. I’m not convinced that a Potterverse wizard is guaranteed to survive an encounter with a trained gun user. Could be the soldier draws and fires before the wizard can get their shield up. Wizard dueling seems to be largely based on the recognition and countering of telegraphed spells, not using stealth or cover.
My impression from the books was that the muggles were in danger from Voldemort and his crew mostly because they weren’t predisposed to believe in magic. That, and the initial attacks looked more like disasters than murders. Had Voldy won the day, I’m not positive that he would have been able to kill all muggles.
In the end, I think it’s either the wizard in all cases due to the amazing power of magic, or it’s whoever gets the drop on the other due to action beating reaction.
Before Buffy actually meets the demon (think he’s called “the Judge”), she’s told “No weapon forged can defeat him”. So Xander (who for complicated reasons has enough military weapons to steal one) steals her a rocket launcher. When the Judge repeats to Buffy the line about “no weapon forged”, she tells him, “That was then. This is now.”
