[HPforGrownups] Flying and Apparation

[Amber]

No: HPFGUIDX 20609


--- pigwidgeon37 at yahoo.it wrote:
> 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. 

I rather agree with you. I remember thinking to myself, "Hm, no more
flying lessons? Did everyone learn in one go?" But I can see why JKR
doesn't put more references in. As Amy Z said, if she did the book
would be really long (not that anybody on this list would mind!). 

Besides for Quidditch purposes, is there a reason to fly on a broom?
Apparation is so much easier. Well, I suppose you would fly on a broom
to places where you couldn't Apparate. Maybe Apparation wasn't always a
talent that wizards/witches could do? Maybe they mutated and developed
the ability over time? In which case, they "invented" brooms for
transportation? I shouldn't say anything, I'm sure that these
"questions" are answered in Quidditch Throughout The Ages, which I
haven't read yet (Bad Amber, Bad! <slams ears in oven door and hops
away cursing>). I'm sure somebody with a photographic mind and keen eye
for detail will enlighten me...

Although, I know *I* would love a broomstick ride. Flying through the
air...<sigh> I must admit, though, I can't imagine sitting on a broom
can be that comfortable. If I had a broom, I'd rig a pad on it so I
could ride side-broom. 

Another question on Apparation: can you Apparate to a place you haven't
been to before? Seems like it, 'cause part of the Weasley can Apparated
to the World Quidditch Cup and I think they probably wouldn't have been
there before. Hrm, wonder how it works, I always imagined you would fix
a picture of where you wanted to go in your mind and then Apparated.
Maybe you could just say "To Diagon Alley!" or something like when
wizards/witches travel by Floo powder. Geez, I can't wait until Harry
gets to upper level magic!

~Amber


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