Hagrid in GH

[saraquel_omphale]

No: HPFGUIDX 140474

Geoff wrote: 
>So the attack was on the Monday night. Obviously the news had 
>spread overnight because Professor McGonagall was in Privet Drive 
>by 08:30. Dumbledore didn't arrive until nearly midnight. I am 
>surprised that the news reached Hogwarts so quickly. I must admit, 
>I'd never considered the school having a day off but McG must have 
>been out of the building going like the clappers to reach Little 
>Whinging by that time in the morning.

Saraquel:
I think there could be a very simple explanation as to why 
everything happened near midnight, rather than earlier.  The cover 
of darkness.

We don't know what time the deed happened, but it must have taken 
time for DD to formulate his plan, which would have taken at least 
until first light. They knew that even if Voldemort was out of the 
picture, there were still DEs out there, and secrecy and security 
were paramount.  So as when the Order picked up Harry from Privet 
Drive to take him to 12 GP, they did it under cover of darkness. 
Though why they didn't use side-along apparition, I don't know.  
Maybe there is an age limit for it, I can't imagine that a baby 
would take very kindly to having their ears pushed into their head.  

Hagrid could well have laid low in the Welsh valleys (sparsley 
populated countryside) during the day and set off after light fell.  
If it took him 4 or 5 hours, that would get him to Privet Drive late 
evening. 

McGonagall could have left Hogwarts at 08.15, walked to the school 
gates and apparated to Privet Drive by 08.30.  As an aside, how do 
you apparate to a place you have never been to before and don't know 
what it looks like.  What exactly do you fix in your head as you 
spin?

Saraquel