floo travel, fireplace communication, secret tunnels

[darrin_burnett]

No: HPFGUIDX 41089

Nik wrote:


> OTOH, if it is already on the comm. network, why don't more 
families keep in  touch with their kids this way. There are multiple 
descriptions of the owls delivering mail, yet we never see anyone 
pulling a chair up to the common room fireplace to have a nice chat 
with mom.
> 

A couple of possible explanations

We know that floo powder has to be purchased. Molly Weasley seems a 
bit disturbed to have to buy more in CoS. Now, Molly knows buying 
anything is a problem for the Weasley household, but what if floo 
powder is an expensive thing that needs to be rationed by families 
that own some?

Think about it. Only families with kids would really need any, 
because the adults could apparate, so perhaps it's not cheap.

Now, the communications network also seems to need powder. (Snape 
uses some to hail Lupin to his office, but then Lupin travels TO the 
office. They talk and then Lupin travels, all with the same powder. 
OR maybe Lupin threw some travel powder in on his end - very 
confusing.) 

Maybe it's just too costly to use floo powder constantly to 
communicate.

Second, the owl post delivers more than just letters. It sends sweets 
and other little necessities that perhaps aren't possible through the 
communications network.


Darrin
-- Ah, ah, ah, AH-FLOO!