Haven't been here in a long time... questions on transportation

[Chris]

No: HPFGUIDX 131160

Geoff:
> Using a portkey and using the fireplace Floo network to speak to 
> someone (rather than travelling there) seems to happen in a number 
of 
> places, why not Hogwarts?
> 
> Surely the only thing which cannot be achieved in and out of the 
school 
> is Apparating?
> 
> Perhaps I am missing the thrust of your question?

 Chris:

    I think where he may be leading is the general idea of safety at 
Hogwarts. The school is supposed to be one of the safest locations in 
the WW. We know people can't disapparate or apparate within the 
school grounds (although some have done it: house elves and DD come 
to mind. However, people can arrive through the Floo Network and by 
using a Portkey. So how is this safe if people can show up just as 
easily as apparating? I think that's the gist?

    The probable response is: Both usage of portkeys, and travelling 
via the Network are strictly monitored by the Ministry. Portkeys are 
to be registered and the Network is policed. However, we have seen 
gaps in this protection before. DD and Mad-Eye Barty have both 
conjured unauthorized portkeys, and of course Sirius has travelled 
the Floo Network without being caught (almost, but not quite). So 
there are gaps.
    However, I think that the school probably has protections against 
these kinds of things as well. Also, I think the reason everyone in 
the WW believes the school is safe is not due to the magical 
protections it has, but because Dumbledore is its headmaster. Just 
MHO.


Chris