Burning questions

[prefectmarcus at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 23689

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "Mindy" <mindyatime at y...> wrote:
> I found this on the i2k site:
> 
> Why change the Triwizard Cup into a Portkey? Wouldn't it have been 
> easier for Moody to just change something else--a book, for example-
-
> and get Harry to touch it at some point? Why all the elaborate 
> charade with entering Harry into the Triwizard Tournament, helping 
> him to win, etc.? 
> 
> And this question is really bugging me. WHY INDEED did it have to 
be 
> in such a roundabout manner, when any little item cold've been 
turned 
> into a portkey -- why specifically the cup, and make it so 
elaborate?
> 
> Can a nyone answer?
> 
> If it was already answered earlier, sorry, I just joined the group, 
> direct me please to the anser. thanks.

Yes, Mindy, it's been asked quite often, and -- as you say -- not 
just on this board.  It's likely the second most asked question 
concerning GoF; after "the Gleam", of course. 

In spite of all the brain electrons used up on it, there isn't really 
a definitive answer.  For wbat it is worth, here's my thinking:

If Bart Jr. had made something else the portkey, how would he 
guarentee that it would be touched by Harry and only Harry and in a 
manner that did not immediately expose Pseudo-Moody as the fink?  Now 
if ol' Barty didn't mind being a martyr, then he could easily have 
sent Harry on his way any time he wanted.  However, if he cared for 
his own skin at all, it makes things a whole lot trickier.  How would 
you propose he do it?

Marcus