Sirius Animagus; Broomstick

[Alexander]

No: HPFGUIDX 40316

  Greetings!

  Two minor problems that harass my mind:

1.

  I have re-read PoA, and now a question appeared: in the
Shrieking Shack, Lupin tells the story of the Marauders to
HRH and invisible Snape. He also mentions that three of
Marauders were animagi. Snape hears the whole story.

  Yet in the GoF, ministry seems to be unaware of the fact
that Sirius is an animagus. Surely Snape would squeal on
Sirius if he was given a chance? If he didn't, then why?

2.

  A small investigation in the Quidditch information brought
the following results:

  a. Harry's broom, Firebolt, accelerates to 150 mph in 10
     seconds (PA).
  b. Quidditch field/pitch is 500 feet long.

  Adding this and a few simple formulaes from physics, we
get that, starting from one end of quidditch field and from
zero speed, Firebolt will cross the whole field in around 2
seconds. It's speed at the end of the field will equal 30
miles per hour.

  Even if we take all maneuvers, risings and divings into
account, we can probably double maximum speed achieved, but
no more. That is, maximum speed that a player on Firebolt
can have in quidditch game, is about 60 mph.

  But Firebolt has maximum speed of 150 mph. What the hell
is the excess speed for? Wouldn't it be better to put more
powerful accelerating/deccelerating spells on it instead?
Why on Earth to give the broomstick an aerodynamic form, if
it will be the player who will provide the most of air
resistance?

  Reply may seem strange, but it's logical: Firebolt is NOT
a sporting broom, it is a racing broom.

  But then... why did Irish team choose that stupid broom to
use on Quidditch World Cup?

  Questions, questions...

Sincerely yours,
Alexander Lomski,
Gryffindor/Slytherin crossbreed,
who still didn't have a chance to see PS movie in normal
translation... :-/

Tuesday, June 25, 2002, 16:54 local time (GMT+2:00)