Flying

[pigwidgeon37 at yahoo.it]

No: HPFGUIDX 20600

There's that strange thing about flying lessons at Hogwarts: In 
Harry's 1st year, few weeks after school has started, the Gryffindors 
have their first flying lesson together with the Slytherins. After 
this lesson, which seems to have been inserted only for plot reasons 
(how else would McGonagall have discovered Harry has got a natural 
talent for flying?), there is no more mention whatsoever of flying 
lessons, other students flying (except for Quidditch training and 
matches)or, indeed, anybody flying. In CF, Mr. Weasley says that 
Apparating is quicker than going on a broomstick, even if no one has 
ever been mentioned using a broomstick as a means of transportation.
So, I'm of the opinion that Rowling has made one of her very rare 
errors, in not mentioning flying lessons again (by the way, nobody 
would have time to do them, as time tables are already full with all 
the other subjects).

Another word as to Apparating in the grounds of Hogwarts not being 
possible: In CF, Sirius black does some kind of Apparition, when his 
head speaks to Harry from the fireplace. I presume that the fireplace 
has to be connected to the Floo network in order to allow people this 
kind of communication, and I can't imagine that, for mere security 
reasons, Hogwarts fireplaces are connected- much too easy for 
intruders. BUT: There must be some kind of "Floo interphone" at 
Hogwarts, as in PA, Snape calls for Lupin in order to show him the 
Marauder's Map, and Lupin come swirling out of the fireplace.

Any suggestions????
Susanna