Muggles in the Wizarding World

[Wendy]

No: HPFGUIDX 85137

Last night, I was pondering some things about the Wizarding World, 
and came up with some questions. I don't think these are actually 
answerable conclusively with what we have so far in the canon, but I 
would love to hear what others think seems likely about them.

Mostly, I'm wondering about Muggles interacting with the Wizarding 
World. We know that they can get into Diagon Alley somehow 
(Hermione's parents are there in CoS), but *how*? Could they have 
gotten through the entrance without Hermione and her wand? 

I'm also curious about transporation. Obviously, Muggles can't 
apparate. It appears that not even all wizards can apparate. But 
what about Floo Powder? Is it the powder that holds the magic (in 
which case a Muggle should be able to use it), or does the hand that 
throws the powder need to have magic, as well (in which case, 
Muggles would just get very warm and not go anywhere if they tried 
to travel by Floo)? <g> Same question for Portkeys - it is the 
Portkey that is magical, or it is the combination of Portkey and 
magical person that matters? I tend to think that anyone could 
travel by Portkey (including Muggles). I'm less certain that Floo 
could be used by Muggles, though. And what about broomsticks? Is the 
enchantment on the broom enough to keep a Muggle afloat, or does the 
person riding it need magic as well, to make it work?

I'm also curious about how Muggles would fit into the Wizarding 
justice system (such as it is). Would the WW have jurisdiction over 
a Muggle who committed a crime in a magical place (Diagon Alley, for 
example), or against a Witch or Wizard? Could a Muggle be sent to 
Azkaban? Or given a Dementor's Kiss? OoP would indicate that a 
Muggle could receive a kiss (in terms of the soul being sucked out), 
but I'm wondering if the Wizarding court would believe itself to 
have the authority to sentence a Muggle to that fate. 

Looking forward to hearing some thoughts about these things. :-)


Cheers!
Wendy