Portkeys Explained

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 59165

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "annemehr" <annemehr at y...> wrote:

> > ...edited out previous posts...
> 
> Annemehr:
> 
> ...edited...
>
> ... The idea is that Crouch!Moody merely *inserted* a stop at the 
> graveyard, to take Harry there first.  

bboy_mn:

One quick note on 'inserting' a destination, while a very minor point,
I think someone else had a better idea. His/Her theory was that
putting a destination enchantment on a Portkey is like wrapping it in
paper. When you unwrap it, that is, activate the destination, it's
like taking one layer of enchanted wrapping paper off the object. That
means the the first destination arrived at, is the last 'layer' added
to the object. In the computer world we refer to that as FILO (First
In, Last Out; or alternately, Last in, First Out). Example: I want to
go to the petrol station, the grocer's, and the bank; so I put the
bank on first (my last destination), add the grocer's, than add the
petrol station. That puts the petro station on top, and when they are
activated, it's petro first, grocer second, and the bank is last. Like
taking layers of wrapping paper off a present.

A minor point, but I think logically, layers make more sense than
inserting something in the middle.



> 
> The other possibility, which is what I believe, is that Crouch Jr. 
> put both stops in for a reason.  ...two possible reasons ....
> 
> ..., after killing Harry, Voldemort intended to stage an invasion of
> Hogwarts, .... (the other) ... to transport 
> Harry's dead body to the feet of Albus Dumbledore ... to announce 
> Voldemort's triumphant return ....
> 

bboy_mn:
The 'invasion' idea is intriguing, but I'm with you, if Voldemort knew
about the return trip and had a purpose for it, it was to send Harry's
body back. It's clear he intended to kill Harry, and what more
dramatic way to announce his return than by send back the body of the
wizard who orginally defeated him.

Let's remember that the war was not and will not be fought by
battalions of soldiers facing each other on the battle lines. It is a
war of terror, stealth, spys, and trickery. The uncertainty of not
knowing where Voldemort is or what he is going to do next, is
certainly more powerful and destablizing to the wizard world than
seeing him marching down the street. At least when you see him face to
face, you can stand and fight, or run away, but if Voldemort makes his
power known without this presents being know, that creates a
tremendous sense of powerlessness and helplessness amoung the citizens
of the wizard world. 

> Now, WHILE we're on the subject of portkeys, ...edited...
> 
> A portkey seems to be a kind of variation on apparation, ... a 
> different application of the same principle of magic. We know that 
> apparation is very difficult and dangerous; what if creating a 
> portkey is similarly complex?  My idea is that it is difficult to 
> *learn how* to create a reliable portkey, but once you are an 
> expert, it does not take much time to actually create one; 
> similarly, if you take a portkey that was bungled by an amateur, it
> may even splinch you!  ...edited... I like it -- what do you 
> think, Steve?
> 
> Annemehr


bboy_mn:

Well, I do like that idea now that you mention it, or at least I like
part of it. I still don't think it is enough for me to abandon my 'Two
Stage' theory, but you could have a point. 

If we look at the evolution of magical transportation, I suspect Floo
Powder came first. It's dependance on physical objects like the Floo
Powder, the need for a Floo Network, the need for fire and/or
fireplaces, plus the discomfort, dirt, and soot, make is seem very
primitive.

The next stage of development would be Portkeys, a substantial
improvement over Floo Powder and the first step toward totally wizard
 self-contained travel (apparation). It deals with direct
point-to-point travel rather than trying to find the right gate
(fireplace) amoung the hundreds of grates wizzing by. Note that when
Harry exited the Floo stream, it was because he consciously desired to
exit the Floo stream. Of course, his mispronunciation or 'Diagon
Alley' didn't help, but he exited the Floo stream at the exact moment
that he told himself he wanted to be out. When done right, a portkey
eliminates any chance of error. Far more flexible and reliable. 

Apparation is the final and most advanced stage of travel. Wizard have
finally separated themselves completely from the need for enchanted
physical object, and are now traveling on their magical intent and
their own enchanting magical power. But with the increased flexibility
and independance, and complete reliance on the wizard himself, comes
an increased element of danger. Great risk comes from muddled intent,
or a break in concentration at the moment of apparation. 

I think this muddled intent and break in concentration are why you
can't use apparation to transport another person (my theory). Imagine
a mother who decides to take her 4 year old for ice cream. She picks
him/her up and is about to apparate when the child sees a toy it
wants. Now the mother's magical intent is corrupted by the childs
counter intent; the mother intends one destination and the child
intends another. Knowing what we know about apparation, that is
without a doubt, a very dangerous situation.

Back to Portkeys. 

My point above is that I think advanced research in Portkeys
eventually lead to Apparation. They are connected.

So while I won't abandon my two stage theory of creation, I do like
the added idea that a botched portkey bewitchment can add a definite
element of physical danger to the process. That would certainly
discourage your average Joe-wizard from attempting it.  

I thought it was just difficult, but thanks to you, I now know that it
is difficult and DANGEROUS.

bboy_mn