JKR's Single Biggest Error (GoF portkey)

[Kristen]

No: HPFGUIDX 124058


 
> I always thought it was obvious - The portkey was set up because 
then
> after killing Harry, Voldemort and co. could then portkey right on
> back to Hogwarts and then surprise and kill his biggest enemy, Albus
> Dumbledore. With Dumbledore gone, Voldie would have little trouble
> conquering the entire WW.
> 
> The error with the whole GOF portkey thing, IMHO, is that in the
> beginning of the book JKR makes a big deal of explaining that 
portkeys
> work by setting them up to work at a specific time and then going 
and
> making the triwizard cup portkey work simply by touching it. I know 
it
> can be explained away, it's possible they can work both ways - but 
why
> make a big deal of the whole teleporting at a prearranged time?

Madeyesgal:

I understood that the portkeys were set up at the pre-set times so 
the landing areas at the Tri-Wizard Tournament weren't bombarded with 
wizards & witches arriving at the same time and out of control. 
Wasn't there a complaint that the muggle working at the campground 
was constantly needing a memory adjustment because wizards were 
apparating willy-nilly? Anyway, JKR also explained that the portkeys 
were left in plain site so muggles wouldn't take notice of them. If a 
muggle were to inadevertently pick it up, he/she would be instantly 
transported, hence, the specific time for activation. There is no 
mention that a portkey couldn't be activated at non-specific times, 
nor that they only work one-way.

Kristen