[HPforGrownups] Why the Knight Bus?

[Richard Thorp]

No: HPFGUIDX 45759

Thursday, October 24, 2002, 11:55:07 PM, Susan wrote:

SM> I don't understand the WW appeal of the Knight Bus. Other than a plot 
SM> device, what is the purpose?

The same as a normal public bus service, I would assume...

SM> Presumably, all adult wizards can apparate. Or is this something that 
SM> is only available to those who can prove skill and qualify for a 
SM> license? Well, that is maybe the subject of another post.  Anyway, 
SM> assuming that all adults can apparate, you would think that they 
SM> could apparate to any destination that the bus could go, even if it 
SM> might take several hops. And it would seem to me that apparating to a 
SM> destination would be quicker than going by bus. Otherwise, there is 
SM> Floo powder, broomsticks, and even magic motorcycles, not to mention 
SM> the train.

Not all adults can drive a car, or have a car to drive at all times
(which is what I equate apparation with, since a test is taken at 17,
and JKR is a UK native), broomsticks aren't the most useful things to
use for a long journey (I equate a broomstick with a bicycle really,
except theyre a bit faster :)), they could probably use muggle trains,
but this would be an imperfect solution. And as has been said,
motorcycles made magical aren't really an option as such, due to their
doubtful legality. As for floo powder, I'd say this most easily
equates itself with the trains (fireplaces as stations, use of a
'network' and not just any fireplace, only important/semi-important
fireplaces used (except the Weasellys, but they do work at the
Ministry and have a rather large family...)).

This leaves the Knight bus as provision of (as someone said) poor
people (possibly, since the Weasellys are said to be poor, but do we
see them using the Knight bus at all? Possible problem with that one I
think), people who can't Apparate for any particular reason, people
who would not like a long broomstick ride, and people who aren't
important enough to live near/on top of a Floo-networked fireplace,
people with children, and even children themselves.

Also as someone mentioned, it would mean that someone could have a
good sleep on the way to their destination :)

-Rich, going away for the weekend to the middle of nowhere!
(Aberystwyth in North Wales, to visit the University)
Yay for coming home to 200 emails! :)
msn: obbles at hotmail.com