[HPFGU-OTChatter] Logistics of a Portkey

[Dina Lerret]

Saitaina said:

> Alright, the following questions are
> rather hard to form awnsers to since
> we've only seen portkey use from the
> user's point of view, but hopefully you
> guys can help me.

Hypothetically, of course...

> 1.  If one were traveling on a
> broomstick and used a portkey that was
> activated to touch, would he disappear
> from that situation instantly (like
> apparition) or fade away or what?

I'm under the impression motion is very limited--estimating that breaking
contact with an active portkey is considered impossible or could cause
'splinching'.  Being on a broom while using a portkey would be dangerous
since you'd lose control before (i.e. during the 'pull') and after
transport.

Dangers aside, I'd visualize the effect as a 'fade' based on Harry's
description of being 'pulled' from the navel... hm, the reverse effect of
birth.  While apparating creates an abrupt sound ('crack'), depending on
the wizard.


> 2.  What, if anything, would an
> observer close to the portkeyer feel?
> A backrush of wind, the use of
> magick...what?

Probably a 'vacuum' (blackhole) effect as air rushes to fill the void left
behind.  The strength would be dependent on the level of displacement
(e.g. portkey a giant versus a human).


> 3.  If the user was currently flying on
> a broom, would his forward trajectory
> keep him moving once wherever the
> portkey dropped him off?  Or would that
> trajectory change since the portkey is
> a motion of it's own (Harry and other
> stumble in GoF when they arrive at the
> Quidditch World Cup).

Trajectory would have interference and length of time in the 'vortex' of a
portkey (distance traveled) would also have an affect on prior velocity.


> 4.  Do you have to be on tera firma to
> use it?  (or could you be airborne)

Being fairly still and on the ground would be the safest but I'd think it
possible, if not dangerous, to be on a broom while using a portkey.

Then again, JKR's magical application isn't always logical.

Dina