broomsticks vs. flying carpets (was: It's all Lucius Malfoy's fault....)

[Devika]

No: HPFGUIDX 55342

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Tom Wall" <thomasmwall at y...> 
wrote:
> Steve wrote:
> <snip>
> In fact, unlike usable carpets, magic brooms are absolutely
> worthless for sweeping.
> 
> Brooms - make by wizards for wizards with no appliable
> muggle use. In fact, if a muggle found a flying broom, 
> the only thing they could think of using it for would be 
> kindling for the fireplace.
> END QUOTE.
> 
> I reply:
> Well, on the first point, we don't know that. I mean,
> it's never stated in canon that a flying broom
> *couldn't* be used for sweeping. <Chuckles at idea of 
> Ron and Harry finding out that this is actually happening.> 
> 
> I don't think it's ever mentioned that they're even *not* used
> for sweeping. I do think it's reasonable to assume that a
> magical family wouldn't use an expensive broomstick for this 
> purpose, but we don't know that they *couldn't* be used that way, 
> and we don't know what muggles would do either.

The following is from PoA, chapter 11, "The Firebolt:"

[after Harry has shown Hermione the Firebolt:]

"I don't think anyone should ride that broom just yet!" said Hermione 
shrilly.

Harry and Ron looked at her.

"What d'you think Harry's going to do with it--sweep the floor?" said 
Ron.

That shows that although Ron was being sarcastic, he is at least 
aware of the possibility that brooms can be used for sweeping 
floors.  Obviously, it would be a waste to use a perfectly good 
flying broom, especially a Firebolt, to sweep a floor, but at least 
it's possible.

About carpets:  

Everyone has made some good points about magic carpets and whether 
they are or are not specially made for flying.  I won't add to them.  
However, I just want to take this opportunity to say that I firmly 
believe that a flying carpet, legal or not, will make its appearance 
in OoP or later.  There's just been too much mention of flying 
carpets for them never to be seen again.

Devika