The Snitch (was Could Quidditch really work?)

[Steve <bboy_mn@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 47876

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, kelly broughton 

...previous posted edited...
> 
> All these mentions (both in these posts and in the books) of the 
> snitch "not being around" and "making an apperance" makes me wonder 
> if the snitch can become invisible. I do have QTTA, but it bored me 
> to tears. I'm one of those people that would rather watch it, I guess.
> 
> I also have other questions: why doesn't Harry just simply keep his 
> eye on the snitch once it is released, and then go after it 
> immediately? 
>
> ...edited...
> 
> -kel

bboy_mn:

Unless I'm mistaken, Md. Hooche lets all the balls except the quaffle
go while the players are on the ground. When she starts the game, the
game isn't officially in play until all the players are in the air and
someone has the quaffle (in my estimation). It's possible that the
Snitch and Bludgers have been released before Harry and his team even
get on the field (I only check the first three books, but they seemed
consistent). So, even it he sees it when he comes on the field, with
having to mount his broom and getting both teams in the air, I don't
think 'keeping your eye on the snitch' is as easy as it sounds. Also,
we don't know the range of movement allowable to the Snitch. I may not
necessarily have to stay within the same boundaries as the players. I
could be hiding in the stands with the spectators. Plus it is small,
highly manuverable, and fast; you could lose sight of it very easily.
It could be sitting motionless in the grass, or hiding behind a goal
post or hovering 100 ft above the game. How hard is it to keep track
of a golf ball, both in the air and on the ground. I don't play golf,
but I think a lot of people lose site both in the air and on the
ground. Now picture a golf ball that is metallic gold istead of bright
white, and one that never stops moving. I don't think it's really that
easy to   'keep your eye on'.

Short version, I think the Snitch is already lost before the game even
begins.

Just a few thoughts.

bboy_mn