How did Hagrid fly to the Rock in the Sea?

Just as the title states. We find out that in PS/SS he returned the motorbike to Sirius after he brought Harry to DD so how did he get to the rock in the sea which the Dursleys go to get away from all "the letters from no one"

I have always wondered that. At first I thought he flew via the umbrella, but that left a funny image in my head that left me laughing for ages, so now I'm not sure how he got to the rock. My other image in my head is Hagrid jumping across the water like the Hulk, which I know is rubish but it amused me.

some people may say that he used the motorbike because at the time Sirius was imprisoned in Azkaban so how could he return it to him but I believe he did.

Well, we actually don't know that he returned the bike to Sirius. Hagrid said he would, but it's possible he never got around to it, due to the fact that Peter Pettigrew was busy blowing up muggles and framing Sirius. I know in an interview J.K.R. mentioned that "readers who read carefully could guess where the bike was," or something along those lines.

I don't think he gave it back...I remember Sirius gave it to him because he said he didn't want it and he was kind of surprised by that, because he knew Sirius always loved his bike, but...I think he did use the motorcycle to get to the hut on the rock, and maybe it's still there...

Hehe yeah. I agree.

P.S. Hi Amelia

Hagrid may have the motorcyle (I'm 100% percent sure he dose) But I don't think he used to fly to the Rock. If he did, where did it go after he rescued Harry? It can't fit in the Boat. Also how did the Dursley's get off the Rock if Hagrid and Harry stole their boat?

I don't think he uses the motorbike, because he wouldn't have left it in a place that is occasionally visited by Muggles. Perhaps he chooses to shrink or transfigure it so it would have fit into his pockets, but he doesn't seem to be particularly good at charms or transfigurations (Dudley's tail). Maybe he uses a Thestral of the Hogwarts herd, as they are easily accessible to him, fly at an enormous speed and are able to find there way back to Hogwards, as they presumably do in OotP.

Maybe he uses a Thestral of the Hogwarts herd, as they are easily accessible to him, fly at an enormous speed and are able to find there way back to Hogwards, as they presumably do in OotP.
I agree, I think using a Thestral makes the most sense

If Hagrid used the motorcycle, he abandoned it on the island for no apparent reason in order to swipe the boat. Why would he do that? Why would he leave a flying motorcycle within reach of the Dursleys?

Hagrid may have the motorcyle (I'm 100% percent sure he dose)

I've got the feeling that Arthur has the motorbike in his garage now, where he keeps all his "Muggle artifacts" and jinxes them. Hagrid would have probably told him about it at some point (I'm sure they frequently have conversations as they are both in the order), and Arthur would have done anything to get a hold of it. But maybe that's just me. :cool:

If hagrid and Arthur did talk about the bike, I don't think Arthur would have it. He may want to get his hands on it but after the whoel flying car mess I don't think Molly would let him near anything invloved with muggle transporation. Hagrid has it stashed in the forest, or at least that is what I think.

There's a thread very similar here: Where is Sirius' Motorbike? (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=76318)
Thestrals seems the most likely option as it disappears afterward (and it would be a bit much to expect from an 11 year old to fly with a giant on an invisible horse) :)
I think Hagrid pawned the bike off at the Hog's Head!

I don't think he used the motorbike at all. I think Hagrid used a portkey to get to the rock in the sea. And I think that after they got out of the boat, Hagrid "sent" it back for the Dursleys.

Also, about the motorbike, I think it was stored at Grimmauld Place. Why not? that seems like a simple answer.

Couldn't Hagrid of just of been taught by Dumbledore, on how to apperate?

I have always wondered about this theory, because he had used Sirius's bike to take Harry to the Dursleys', but there are also two other options that he could have used to get to the rock in the sea.

Firstly, he could have Apparated to the destination. I know that this sounds a bit unlikely, because Hagrid hasn't really learnt that sort of magic, but I am sure that seeing as he had the pieces of wand in his umbrella, so he would have been able to use the wand pieces to make him get to the desired destination.

He also could have used a Portkey. I am sure that there are some pieces of Muggle trash in the wizarding world that he could have used to transport himself there.

Sirius's motorbike could also be another factor that would be used to get Hagrid to the rock in the sea. It is possible that Harry could have heard the motorbike because he was still awake when Hagrid arrived. Although the weather was stormy so that wouldn't really help matters.

the only thing that makes sence to me is thesterals

I would imagine either thestrals or possibly Sirius' old motorcycle? We don't really know what happened to it, but Hagrid was the last one to ride it...

I believe that there are four possibilites.
1. Thestrals
2. portkey
3. appatation
4. sirius' motorbike

1. Thestrals this was originally my first thought when i saw this thread because a) harry would not be able to see them and b) they have a good sense of direction so they could find their way back to hogwarts, But then i wondered is hagrid too big to ride one?

2. Portkey - harry could easily miss seeing this if the portkey looked like a rock or stick

3. Apparation we know hagrid is not very good at magic and at the time was not allowed to do it, so therefore this is unlikely.

4. Sirius' motorbike i think that this is also unlikely because harry would easily spot a giant motorbike.

i think a portkey is the most likely option here.

Sirius's motorbike could also be another factor that would be used to get Hagrid to the rock in the sea. It is possible that Harry could have heard the motorbike because he was still awake when Hagrid arrived. Although the weather was stormy so that wouldn't really help matters.

But despite the storm, there are three sounds Harry hears prior to Hagrid's arrival: a creak, something slapping against the rocks, and odd crunching noises. The last two, or maybe only the last one, are Hagrid's footsteps. Anyone have any wild speculations about what mode of transportation would creak and slap against the rocks? Other than a boat, which Hagrid didn't use?

Probably Hagrid apparated and disapparated his way to the Rock in the Sea.

Probably Hagrid apparated and disapparated his way to the Rock in the Sea.

He can't even pull off a transfiguration spell and couldn't remember how to shoot a jet of water. How is it he'd know how to Apparate?

For Thestrels, did Hagrid see anyone die? Also this is also for another thread, but thinking of Thestrels, and death, can you see a Threstal if you saw an animal die, instead of a human.

I always wondered about this. He most likely didn't fly there on a broomstick, magical carpets are illegal and we didn't see any anyway.... I don't find it likely that Fawkes took him there and then left. I finally concluded that this little bit of information must have been given just to give the reader insight as to what can be done in the magical world. Everyone thinks witches and wizards can fly, and this not only amazed Harry it amazed the reader,

He can't even pull off a transfiguration spell and couldn't remember how to shoot a jet of water. How is it he'd know how to Apparate?
Well, considering that that charm is one out of thousands - and they only learned it in the sixth year. Hagrid was kicked out in his third year. Thus, unless he did tons of studying afterwards, it's quite an accomplishment that he had a clue on what the charm was. However, he might have been allowed to take his Apparition test because it is important for wizards (remember, when Harry turned around Hagrid was gone). I do agree, though, that he would not use the term 'fly' if he Apparated.

Therefore, I am led to believe that he flew across the lake by his umbrella, via Mary Poppins.

that is a very valid point that Hagrid was kicked out in his third year thus, he wouldn't know very advanced magic (i.e. apparation) Maybe DD taught him? I don't know. The most logical explination is either a thestral or broom (but what broom would hold a giant?)

For Thestrels, did Hagrid see anyone die? Also this is also for another thread, but thinking of Thestrels, and death, can you see a Threstal if you saw an animal die, instead of a human.
Hmm...I doubt it. Everyone has seen flies and spiders die, so unless you don't consider them 'animals' then animals wouldn't count.
Also, Hagrid lived through the first war so he must have seen someone die, and he obviously has to be able to see them in OotP based on his comments in his lesson about thestrals.

For Thestrels, did Hagrid see anyone die? Also this is also for another thread, but thinking of Thestrels, and death, can you see a Threstal if you saw an animal die, instead of a human.
Didn't Hagrid see his dad die?Tthat is why I think he sees the thestrels, but I could be wrong.

I think Hagrid can definately see thestrals. Afterall, he's got the only trained herd in all of Britian.

But I don't think Hagrid would leave one of his thestrals on the island.

Maybe Dumbledore made him a Portkey.

Maybe he took the Knight Bus.

Just as the title states. We find out that in PS/SS he returned the motorbike to Sirius after he brought Harry to DD so how did he get to the rock in the sea which the Dursleys go to get away from all "the letters from no one"

I imagine he went Mary Poppins style.

I imagine he went Mary Poppins style.

By magical umbrella? :lol:

By magical umbrella? :lol:

:lol: That's what I thought, too. When I first read the scene, I got an image of him floating over the sea dangling by the handle of the umbrella.

I believe that we may want to get back on the subject that needs to be discussed. This thread is not whether or not Hagrid can see thestrals.

The most logical explination is either a thestral or broom (but what broom would hold a giant?)
Hagrid says himself that he does not fly a broom (also, he is not full giant, but I get your point):
Over...over a friend's broomstick. I don' fly, meself. Well, look at the size o' me, I don' reckon there's a broomstick that'd hold me.
Somehow I simply doubt that Hagrid rode a thestral. I doubt, for one, that the thestral would have fit on the rock - atleast safely. Also, when Hagrid says that he was aloud to use some magic to get the letters to Harry, I believe that also suggests that he used magic for him to get to Harry. It would be asking a lot of a thestral to go around and around constantly with a half giant on his back.

As I have already stated, via Mary Poppins is the way to go.

BY: Hermeneutic But despite the storm, there are three sounds Harry hears prior to Hagrid's arrival: a creak, something slapping against the rocks, and odd crunching noises. The last two, or maybe only the last one, are Hagrid's footsteps. Anyone have any wild speculations about what mode of transportation would creak and slap against the rocks? Other than a boat, which Hagrid didn't use?


Thank you for that info. I need to re-read. I thought the easiest and cleanest would be for Dumbledore to make a portkey from Hogwarts to the Island for Hagrid. But, that slapping noise against the rocks could be the wings of a Thestral. After all, that would have to be a big animal to carry Hagrid. Buckbeak never seemed large enought to carry him. There is always Faulks, who can carry heavy loads, but I still lean toward a portkey.

Well, i think it's a Threstal. it would explain why harry didn't see it the next day.

OK i personally think that a portkey is out of the question because someone needs to set up a portkey at both ends. i.e (Ministry to and from World Cup, Pettigrew in graveyard, Moody [crouch] in Triwizard tournament). So unless an actual wizard or witch apparated onto the rock to create a portkey so Hagrid could get transported to the rock a portkey is out of the question. And someone apparating to create a portkey doesn't make much sense at all otherwise they would have gotten Harry.

I do not think he flew on a broom because he has said before he wont fly on a broom. And i also dont think he would want to leave a Nimbus 2000 on a rock in the middle of the ocean.

Thestrals at first seemed pretty logical, but I'm not sure that it would be able to hold someone of Hagrids size, let alone land on a tiny landing strip of a rock.

It's possible that Hagrid can apparate, we've never actually witnessed Hagrid apparate before, but we also dont see him outside of Hogwarts that often, and everyone knows you can't apparate inside the walls of Hogwarts ("It says so, in Hogwarts, A History" Hermione Granger)

Hagrid knows many of magical creatures (obviously) so there may be another means of transportation VIA animal that we havent heard of. Perhaps he hitched a ride on a water dwelling beasts back. We don't know because JK doesnt tell us. We can only speculate

OK i personally think that a portkey is out of the question because someone needs to set up a portkey at both ends. i.e (Ministry to and from World Cup, Pettigrew in graveyard, Moody [crouch] in Triwizard tournament). So unless an actual wizard or witch apparated onto the rock to create a portkey so Hagrid could get transported to the rock a portkey is out of the question. And someone apparating to create a portkey doesn't make much sense at all otherwise they would have gotten Harry.

Hagrid knows many of magical creatures (obviously) so there may be another means of transportation VIA animal that we havent heard of. Perhaps he hitched a ride on a water dwelling beasts back. We don't know because JK doesnt tell us. We can only speculate

portkeys don't need to be set up on both ends. Look at what DD did in OOtP: He bewitched a cauldron to take them to St. Mungos (dont have specific pages, dont have my copy with me)

As to your other point: Yes, JKR doesnt tell us and we need to speculate but, itsnt that half the fun?! :-)

hagrid can apparate. just before harry gets on the train to go back to the dursleys after diagon alley, he turns back to wave at hagrid (or ask him something?) but hagrid had 'vanished'. this is also mentioned when harry is remembering how people have smiled to him on the street, but when he turns around to look again, they too 'vanish'. so i think he apparated. JKR didnt introduce all the methods of wizard transport at once but she hinted at them.
anywa he said on the boat that he 'couldnt do any more magic in front of harry' (even though he does) & as you need a licence to apparate & hagrid might not have one as he was expelled, he took the boat.

& i reckon the motorbike is probably either at grimmauld place or hogwarts, but i dont think it'll come up in book 7 really.

so...it's settled. he apparated. =]

as for the motorbike.. i dont really think it will be of that much significance in DH. although, as a side note, didnt harry inherit it from sirius?

Hagrid may have the motorcyle (I'm 100% percent sure he dose) But I don't think he used to fly to the Rock. If he did, where did it go after he rescued Harry? It can't fit in the Boat. Also how did the Dursley's get off the Rock if Hagrid and Harry stole their boat?

I think Hagrid did not use the motorcycle to get to the island. Harry heard a creak and and smack against the rocks, not the roar of the bike's engine. Also, I think Hagrid might have summoned the Dursley's boat to the harbor (Accio Boat!), rowed out to them (hence the creak and smack of the boat landing), rowed away with Harry, and then sent the boat back via magic (banishing charm). If Hagrid used a wee bit of magic to build a fire and speed the boat along, I'm sure it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to have used a wee bit more to send the boat back to the island.

Well, considering that that charm is one out of thousands - and they only learned it in the sixth year. Hagrid was kicked out in his third year. Thus, unless he did tons of studying afterwards, it's quite an accomplishment that he had a clue on what the charm was. However, he might have been allowed to take his Apparition test because it is important for wizards (remember, when Harry turned around Hagrid was gone). I do agree, though, that he would not use the term 'fly' if he Apparated.

Therefore, I am led to believe that he flew across the lake by his umbrella, via Mary Poppins.


I agree. I also believe that Dumbledore gave Hagrid a bit of extra magic on that night so that Hagrid could reach Harry where ever he may be. This may have already been answered, but I wonder if Dumbledore got special permission from the Ministry, or if he could have just bypassed that step, and found a way to give Hagrid the magic abilities without Hagrid being detected by the Ministry.

This may have already been answered, but I wonder if Dumbledore got special permission from the Ministry, or if he could have just bypassed that step,

I think Dumbledore took the liberty of his position and overlooked a few ministry guidelines there. ;)

But personally I have the opinion that he used Sirius's motorbike once more.

I don't think he used the motorcycle - IF he did, then he left it on that rock. My guess is thestral.

Apparition is out unless Hagrid had been to the rock already - need to concentrate on the place you want to go - if you haven't been there before then I would assume you need to know it Longitude and latitude OR possibly someplace famously known (like BigBen) so you could visualize it well.

Thestral is the best bet as they can take you anywhere you ask - so I presume all Hagrid needed to do was ask one to take him to Harry. And really they don't need any more landing space than a motorcycle.

As for the slap against the rocks - that was probably the boat that Harry and the Dursleys used. The creak - Hagrid stepping onto the 'porch' or whatever little bit of wood flooring that was in front of the shack?

didn't Hagrid say that he had been given some magical powers to find Harry, he said that was one of the resons he took the job of finding Harry

If we're making a complete list of possibilities, there's also Hippogriff.

I would vote for Umbrella as "most picturesque option."

On Apparation, I've always wondered why Harry didn't hear a Pop as Hagrid Disapparated. But it's hard to think how else he disappeared. So I suppose he can do it. Portkey is another possibility.

But as for "most likely," I'd vote:

Harry heard a creak and and smack against the rocks...I think Hagrid might have summoned the Dursley's boat to the harbor (Accio Boat!), rowed out to them (hence the creak and smack of the boat landing), rowed away with Harry, and then sent the boat back via magic (banishing charm).

It's always worried me how long the Dursleys were stuck on that rock and how they escaped from it. This takes care of the problem in the most economical fashion. Otherwise they might have had to hang a sheet out of the window and holler for help until someone noticed, and that might be quite a while. And I think Harry would have heard about that ordeal when he returned to Privet Drive, if the Dursleys were even able to get back home by that time. (In the book, I believe, Harry goes back to Privet Drive from Diagon Alley, not straight to the train.) Or -- if Hagrid told Dumbledore what happened -- MOM could have sent a squad to rescue the Dursleys and modify their memories. But if that had happened, surely the MOM squad would have removed Dudley's tail at the same time. So I vote Boat.

Or -- if Hagrid told Dumbledore what happened -- MOM could have sent a squad to rescue the Dursleys and modify their memories. But if that had happened, surely the MOM squad would have removed Dudley's tail at the same time. So I vote Boat.

I hadn't even thought about the tail--an excellent point for the MOM not being involved! Thanks! :tu:

Hi. He might have used a portkey or a broom to fly there, I guess.

Like said before: he doesn't fly on a broomstick. I don't think a Thestral can hold him and IMO he can't Apparate, so what's left to me are the Motorbike, a Portkey and his mysterious umbrella. And by judging what looks more "Hagrid" to me, I'd say he took Sirius' Motorbike.

But that raises another question: How did Hagrid get Grawp from the main-land to Great Britain? Broomsticks/Thestral/Apparating/Portkey/motorbike are impossible IMO, and I don't know about that umbrella.. Maybe there is more to that pink thing than we think :lol:

If Hagrid used the motorcycle, he abandoned it on the island for no apparent reason in order to swipe the boat. Why would he do that? Why would he leave a flying motorcycle within reach of the Dursleys?

That''s a good point although up until now I had been fairly sure that he must have travelled to the hut with the motorbike and left it there and later retrieved it. But seems kind of dangerous to leave an enchanted object lying around muggle territory. He could get in a lot of trouble with the Ministry if he did that. And if he had used the motorbike, he probably would have taken Harry off on it instead of stealing the boat. The fact they stole the boat though is funny :lol: because it leaves us wondering how long the Dursleys had to wait before someone came with a boat. So then, since Hagrid doesn't apparate and is too big for a broom, I think a thestral is probably the best answer.

Maybe he rode Sirius' illusive Motorbike.

I think Hagrid got there by a Threstal. It can fly, and it can probably carry him too. I'm pretty sure Hagrid saw his dad die, thats why he can see the Threstals. But the thing about Harry not being able to see them until after Cedric died always confuses me, he saw his parents die so shouldn't he be able to see them before then?

Ive always wondered about that, but Jo actually explained this oddness by telling us the death has to 'sink in' before you can see thestrals.

I think Hagrid got to the rock on a thestral too, its the only likely explanation because he couldn't leave his means of flying there, unless its alive and can get back by itself.

I don't know, but I'd kind of think that maybe Hagrid woild have used a portkey yo get to the rock island. That island wasn't really that big to land a morotrcycle on it. A portkey would seem to be the more logical choice in this instance. However, I could also agree with an earlier post that maybe Hagrid was taught secretly by Dumbledore on how to apperate so that he could apparate to the island, could be wrong on both counts though.

Ive always wondered about that, but Jo actually explained this oddness by telling us the death has to 'sink in' before you can see thestrals.



I'm pretty sure that Jo said that it was also because Harry was in his crib and didn't necessarily see his parents die. He heard it, but did not really see it or comprehend it because he was only an infant.

And I think that thestrals is a good idea. I mean he probably didn't use magic to get there. He's not supposed to use magic at all (although we all know that he does).

I always thought that hagrid bought a broomstick with him, and used it to get there, then it dissapeared...like the bike, who knows

I always thought that Hargrid just Apperated. I also thought that Hargrid was aloud to do magic to get Harry and after that he couldn't.

I always thought that hagrid bought a broomstick with him, and used it to get there, then it dissapeared...like the bike, who knows

I think Hagrid once said a broomstick couldn't hold him. And I'm not sure but I don't think he can apparate since he was expelled from school and probably never got to take apparition lessons. I like the thestral idea because Hagrid wouldfancy using a cool creature to travel with.

After learning about the thestrals I thought that was how he got there.

Isnt it obvious??? He used his umbrella...Mary Poppins stlyle!

I really like the theory that Hagrid flew to the Rock in the Sea on Sirius' motorbike. I was having another look at PS/SS, when Hagrid arrives at the Dursley's with baby Harry the noise that the incoming bike makes is described as a "low rumbling sound". Then, inside the Hut on the Rock "Dudley's snores were drowned by the low rolls of thunder that started near midnight." The two sounds are quite similar and I couldn't find any mention of lightening at the same time, which often (but not always I don't think?) accompanies thunder during a storm. The counter arguement that Hagrid would not just have left an enchanted motorbike where the Dursley's would find it though is a strong one, I suppose he could have rolled it off the rocks into the sea? Or hidden it until he could go back and retrieve it? (I think I prefer the latter option best as I like to think of it pottering around the Forbidden Forest :) ).

I also like the idea that Hagrid could have flown there on a Thestral too, as they seem to be pretty intelligent creatures and one would probably have been able to make it's own way back as they have a great sense of direction.

It had to be apparition. We know he can do it, so it makes the most sense.

How about thestrals?

Wait... Hagrid can apparate? How do I not remember that?

ETA: Oh, and if he apparated, why would he say he flew?

I don't think there's any canon that Hagrid can apparate.

I think Hagrid did not use the motorcycle to get to the island. Harry heard a creak and and smack against the rocks, not the roar of the bike's engine. Also, I think Hagrid might have summoned the Dursley's boat to the harbor (Accio Boat!), rowed out to them (hence the creak and smack of the boat landing), rowed away with Harry, and then sent the boat back via magic (banishing charm). If Hagrid used a wee bit of magic to build a fire and speed the boat along, I'm sure it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to have used a wee bit more to send the boat back to the island.


That sounds the most logical. Hagrid was not supposed to be using magic at all, so I'm sure he would've wanted to keep it to a minimum. Apparition is awfully advanced (as others have stated), there would always be the risk of being caught by another wizard.

- Kristen

I think if Hagrid had rowed the boat t the island he would've just told Harry. Hagrid said he flew there and that's what I'm inclined to believe. What he actuall flew ON is a different matter.

I think he flew there on a thestral. Harry wouldn't be able to see it, and the creak and slam could just be Hagrid dismounting.

I think he went by Portkey. If Dumbledore made it, for Dumbledore knew where Harry was, then he would be able to charm it to make it go where he wanted it to, and Hagrid could have Portkeyed his way to the hut...

But Hagrid was charged with getting Harry his letter all by himself. I thought Dumbledore wasn't helping him?

Dumbledore needed to show Hagrid where Harry was, and I think that ny doing a portkey he would have helped, but what with the Dursley's he still had a heck of a job on his hand

Why wouldn't Hagrid just take one of his beloved pets? Who says Dumbledore knew where Harry was? Hagrid was the one using magic to follow him.

It was Dumbledore's writing...Hagrid wasn't following him when all of the owls were delivering the letters to the Dursley's house, and Dumbledore had addressed the letters to wherever Harry was...

God, I need a new SS. Mine's literally in pieces. I wish the hardcovers were indestructible.
Ok, the Hogwarts letter was from McGonagall.
"I had no idea, when Dumbledore told me there might be trouble gettin' hold of yeh, how much yeh didn't know...I'm - er - not supposed ter do magic, strictly speakin'. I was allowed ter do a bit ter follow yeh an' get yer letters to yeh an' stuff - one o' the reasons I was so keen ter take on the job - "
I always took this to mean that we could attribute it all to Hagrid.

Yep, but Hagrid needed to get back to Dumbledore, or the Owls had to find Hagrid to give Harry the letters...

I'm getting confused now. All I know is that every one of the letters that were delivered were addressed with exactly where Harry was, and Hagrid didn't put in an appearance before the hut on the rock. That can't have been because he didn't want to be seen, because he wandered around London without being bothered whether he is seen or not...

Wandering around a city is a tad different than wandering around the suburbs. There's all sorts of weirdos in the city. I don't know. But I'm pretty sure Hagrid was behind the letters in SS.

God, I need a new SS. Mine's literally in pieces. I wish the hardcovers were indestructible.
Ok, the Hogwarts letter was from McGonagall.

I always took this to mean that we could attribute it all to Hagrid.

I read it to mean that after the Dursley's went on the run with Harry that Dumbledore put Hagrid up to tracking them and getting the letter to Harry.

I am of the belief that he went there by Thestral. It just makes sense - a winged horse, like the Abraxans that pulled the Beaubaton's carriage with Madime Maxime, up to 11 odd students and the weight of the carriage itself. (though I have looked and can't find how many actually pulled the carriage :shrug:) I think a thestral (or two) would be the preferred way for Hagrid to travel.

My second thought was apparation but there is no mention of a loud "pop" and somehow with Hagrid's size and magical restrictions I don't think he would be accomplished enough to make little noise.

Then there is my favourite theory the Mary Poppins theory! I have to love it for its Britishness if nothing else.:love:

I'm also for the thestrals. It makes the most sense. You don't have to worry about any theories or plans or anything. It just fits.

I think he flew there on a thestral. Harry wouldn't be able to see it, and the creak and slam could just be Hagrid dismounting.

That is my assumption as well. I believe it was also the method he used to get to Godric's Hollow when he was asked to get Harry out of the house.

I think it was a thestral. I cant remember but i think JKR might have given a little hint to this at some point, could someone check accio quote?

Anyway thestrals are ideal.
-practicaly invisible (how many people have seen someone die?)
- great navigation (i bet you could just say Harry Potter and it would take you)
- easy for hagrid (i got the impression he wouldnt be that great on brooms)

Also Hagrid says about the cake:
I mighta sat on it at some point

Meaning he must have rode a creature (brooms are narrow and it would be hard to place a cake under you bum, unless you tried os course)

I think it was a thestral. I cant remember but i think JKR might have given a little hint to this at some point, could someone check accio quote?

Anyway thestrals are ideal.
-practicaly invisible (how many people have seen someone die?)
- great navigation (i bet you could just say Harry Potter and it would take you)
- easy for hagrid (i got the impression he wouldnt be that great on brooms)

Also Hagrid says about the cake:


Meaning he must have rode a creature (brooms are narrow and it would be hard to place a cake under you bum, unless you tried os course)

Oo, excellent evidence. I didn't even think of the sitting part. I guess if you wanted to you could argue it, but I wouldn't.

Oo, excellent evidence. I didn't even think of the sitting part. I guess if you wanted to you could argue it, but I wouldn't.

Why thank you. First post as well. "Ooh I'm all of a dither"

Then there is my favourite theory the Mary Poppins theory! I have to love it for its Britishness if nothing else.:love:

I agree with the Mary Poppins theory and not just because of the theater of the mind visions it gives us.
1. Mary Poppins arrives in a storm.
2. Hagrid pulls lots of odd things out of his pockets including an owl and who could forget Mary Poppins' bottomless carpet bag.
3. Mr. Ollivander has a magical tape measure and Mary Poppins has one too.

Harry and Hagrid's conversation: SS/PS "Diagon Alley"
"How did you get here?" Harry asked, looking around for another boat.
"Flew," said Hagrid.
"Flew?"
"Yeah -- but we'll go back in this. Not s'posed ter use magic now I've got yeh."
Which I take to mean he flew but used magic, not a magical creature that has its own magic or a vehicle like the motorcycle that is already enchanted. I suppose there must be a spell to enchant brooms so I suppose the same spell could enchant an umbrella, something like Wingardium Leviosa.
SS/PS "Halloween"
"...Professor Flitwick announced in Charms that he thought they were ready to start making objects fly...since they'd seen him make Neville's toad zoom around the classroom."

okay okay i think i have a pretty good idea about the whole theory...here are my different reasons for each possible way. i will do my best to prove or disprove all of them.

1) hagrid was most likely in the area since he volunteered for the job of getting harry to hogwarts. which brings me to two...

2) i do not believe he would have needed to use a port key for the above named reason. and not only that but if we remember in gof the portkeys were set up and highly monitored by the ministry of magic. seeing as how hagrid is banned from doing magic i doubt they would have allowed this.

3) since hagrid is not allowed to do magic and was prohibited from doing it from age 13 on i do not believe he is very good at it at all. i mean look at dudley's tail. and most wizards/witches don't even like to apparate because it is somewhat complex and the risk of being splinched. so i don't believe he could apparate if he wanted to. and i'm sure he doesn't get much practice since he lives at hogwarts where it is impossible to do so on grounds.

4) i think hagrid is much too big for him to be riding a thestral. maybe an abraxan. i suppose it is possible but i really don't think he used a thestral. because the noises of hagrids arrival were described as... creaking, slapping and crunching. none of those noises make me think thestral. they do not use saddles or the like because they are wild. and if he used sirius's bike we would have heard it because it is so noisy.

5) i cannot properly remember if he had buckbeak/witherwings at that point but it is the only logical thing i can come up with and i suppose he could have kept him in the forbidden forest.


i do still think it is quite possible he accio'd the boat after he flew there and then sent it back after himself and harry for the dursley's.

if anybody has better information than this please inform me. i love the mind bogglers and trying to figure them out.

I think it was a thestral. I cant remember but i think JKR might have given a little hint to this at some point, could someone check accio quote?

Anyway thestrals are ideal.
-practicaly invisible (how many people have seen someone die?)
- great navigation (i bet you could just say Harry Potter and it would take you)
- easy for hagrid (i got the impression he wouldnt be that great on brooms)

Also Hagrid says about the cake:


Meaning he must have rode a creature (brooms are narrow and it would be hard to place a cake under you bum, unless you tried os course)

oooo good catch. I dont know how many times I read that chapter and it never clicked when he said he musta sat on it. But wouldnt someone see Hagrid flying through the air on an invisible bird? He isnt allowed to do magic...did someone help make him invisible?

Or is it possible that Fawkes helped him??? I know this might seem kinda off... but the Phoenix is known to carry immensly heavy loads. Id definetly decribe Hagrid aas immensly heavy..lol.. he was traveling for Dumbledore...is it possible? Feel free to shoot that theory down...

Thestrals is a good idea...but Hagrid never told anything to return to Hogwarts...do you understand what I'm saying? Hagrid didn't give any sort of nonsensical direction (from Harry's point of view).

Thestrals is a good idea...but Hagrid never told anything to return to Hogwarts...do you understand what I'm saying? Hagrid didn't give any sort of nonsensical direction (from Harry's point of view).

true...he didnt, that we know of anyway. would Fawkes know to return on his own?

Fawkes took him? Or a broomstick?

yea i just dont see Hagrid flying on a broomstick... hes a little large, hed need like an entire tree to fly on...

If Thestrals can pull carriages full of kids, I'm sure they could carry Hagrid. They fit more than one person on in the end of OotP, and while Hagrid is big, he's really only ten feet tall, which isn't that big. He's small enough to fit into most wizarding situations. I think he could ride a thestral.

How would we hear Hagrid give directions, espeically if he just whispered them? Or had given them previously? It was windy and stormy outside, all we could hear was thumps and crashes and general noises.

I like the Fawkes idea though. But I still favor thestrals.

We received evidence in PS/SS that Hagrid can apparate.

PG 66 UK Version - Last Paragraph of Chapter Five
The train pulled out of the station. Harry wanted to watch Hagrid until he was out of sight; he rose in his seat and pressed his nose against the window, but he blinked and Hagrid was gone.

So why couldn't he apparate to the Rock in the Sea?


Another possibility...maybe Dumbledore had a Portkey set up.

I don't think that he took a Thestral. Even though a lot of people think that they were Hagrid's ride, I can't see Thestrals being the go-to animal when it comes to transportation. With Dumbledore near his side, I'm sure that Hagrid could have come up with a more pleasant means of transportation.

Fawkes took him? Or a broomstick?

I also can't see Hagrid taking a broom...Fawkes?...Maybe...but unlikely.

Why wouldn't thestrals be the go-to for transportation? They are at the beginning of the year. And Hagrid loves them. Bred them himself.

Why wouldn't thestrals be the go-to for transportation? They are at the beginning of the year. And Hagrid loves them. Bred them himself.

lol, that's true.

Why wouldn't thestrals be the go-to for transportation?A half-giant is too heavy for them to transport? I don't think we were told what kind of loads thestrals could handle, so I don't suppose they could be ruled out on that basis. :)

yea i just dont see Hagrid flying on a broomstick... hes a little large, hed need like an entire tree to fly on...
The mental image that sentence made...
But yeah, Mary Poppins style is the way to go, portkeys are also a possibility though- I wonder if there is a weight/size limit?

I think he either used a portkey or he swam there.

am of the belief that he went there by Thestral. It just makes sense - a winged horse, like the Abraxans that pulled the Beaubaton's carriage with Madime Maxime, up to 11 odd students and the weight of the carriage itself. (though I have looked and can't find how many actually pulled the carriage )
When the Baubatons arrive it says the coach is drawn by a dozened horses.

Hagrid says he flew, and I take this to be true. So he did not swim and I don't think a Portkey or Apparition would qualify as flying.
Hagrid says in OotP 'I don't think there's a broomstick that would hold me' so I rule out brooms.
That leaves a flying Charm put on Hagrid, we haven't seen anything appropriate but that doesn't mean there is no charm to fly. Hagrid used an object
- either the umbrella flying with an umbrella has not yet been seen in the Potterverse, but it's otherwise not unheard of.
- or the motorbike, but the motorbike was supposed to be returned to Sirius. This was edited after PoA, obviously Jo had changed Sirius part. But when the scene of Hagrid arriving on the rock was written, the story was that Hagrid had returned the motorbike.
Hagrid used an animal. With his affection for magical creatures I think that's most likely (much as I like the Hagrid Popins :))
- Fawkes : he would be able to carry Hagrid, but I don't think this was important enough. Fawkes is something really special and exclusive. Not something to be ordered around to get a letter to a student.
- A Hippogriff: They seem to be strong enough. But it's very unpleasant to fly on them, we haven't heard about them being used for transportation, for all we know they are visible to the muggle eye, and we have nothing indicating that, should Hagrid set a Hippogriff loose on the rock, it would be able to find its way home alone.
- That leaves me with the Thestral. As far as I know, one Thestral pulls a Hogwarts coach with four students in it. So they should be strong enough to carry one oversized rider. They are regularly used for transportation, and Dumbledore uses them when he has a long journey and doesn't want to apperate, or so Hagrid says (OotP) and we know from OotP that they are quiet pleasant to ride. They have an amazing sense of direction, so they would find Harry on the rock and their way back home without help. They are invisible to the Muggles and are far less likely to attack anyone than Hippogriffs, so there would not be a problem with the statute of secrecy.
I think the sounds heard by Harry fit the Thestral theory as well: Hagrid dismounts with creaking joints, he slaps the beasts backside to make it leave, then Hagrid walks, his enormous boots crunching on the gravel, to the door and BOOM

he probably used a bit of magic

well, we saw in the 4th book/movie, that Harry can propel himself out of the water, so maybe Hagrid simply used that.

Jo

Thestrals pull 4 kids and a carriage up hill (I think Hogwarts is up a hill???). The winged horses a)weren't thestrals and b)were carrying over a dozens students and an entire house. That carriage housed them as well.

Dumbledore could have sent Fawkes with him to get him to the island, and then sent him on his way when he saw the boat.

Hagrid said that he flew, and that he was allowed to use magic to get Harry. Those two don't necessarily add up to the motorbike--but we know Hagrid is too big for Thestrals. If it isn't the motorbike, or an illegal flying carpet, I don't know. But I really cannot see Harry having a reason to revisit the hut on the rock to stumble across it.

Let's see, maybe he used a very large broom!

Or maybe he cast a spell on Fang and gave him wings so he could fly out to get Harry.:rotfl:

Hagrid said that he flew, and that he was allowed to use magic to get Harry. Those two don't necessarily add up to the motorbike--but we know Hagrid is too big for Thestrals. If it isn't the motorbike, or an illegal flying carpet, I don't know. But I really cannot see Harry having a reason to revisit the hut on the rock to stumble across it.

If it was the motorbike, he would have used it to leave the rock as well. I guess the same goes for a Thestral, unless it got scared and flew away. If he was allowed to use magic (I don't recall that though) perhaps he was allowed to apparate just that once. I have to agree that Harry shouldn't be wasting his time trying to figure that one out.

When Dumbledore saw the boat?

I didn't read all the posts in this thread, so if this was already mentioned, I apologize, but I got the impression that he was allowed to do magic to get to Harry, but once he retrieved him, he couldn't. I thought that he had apparated to get to the rock. I'll have to go back to the book and see if I can find the paragraph/statement that gave me that impression.

but we know Hagrid is too big for Thestrals.No, we don't ! If a Thestral can pull a coach with four students in it, it can also carry one Hagrid.

And he took the motorbike back to Sirius. Jo changed her mind about that with PoA and that sentence was removed, but when she wrote the scene on the rocks it was still valid.If it was the motorbike, he would have used it to leave the rock as well. I guess the same goes for a Thestral, unless it got scared and flew away.There is the statute of secrecy to keep in mind. As Harry and Ron demonstrated, flying in broad daylight over muggle inhabited area, you are bound to be seen.

And he took the motorbike back to Sirius. Jo changed her mind about that with PoA and that sentence was removed, but when she wrote the scene on the rocks it was still valid.There is the statute of secrecy to keep in mind. As Harry and Ron demonstrated, flying in broad daylight over muggle inhabited area, you are bound to be seen.

Good point. He sent the thestral back to Hogwarts upon seeing the boat that night. I also think a Thestral could carry Hagrid.

Good point. He sent the thestral back to Hogwarts upon seeing the boat that night. I also think a Thestral could carry Hagrid. Nice to have you on my side Cab :huggles:

Maybe a Portkey?

Maybe a Portkey?Not really flying, is it? and Hagrid said it had been an unpleasant journey.

well it could be like how he made the boat fly afterwards i guess...

He could've used a Portkey, or even a Thestral. The Portkey would've been discarded after usage, and the thestral could've been ordered to go back to the school by themself.

the question here is... how did the Dursleys leave the day after?

No boat, cant fly, it is too far to be seen. Lol... makes me smile :P

I think that he used a portkey, and just threw it away when he got there.

That's a good idea EBJ23....but don't you have to register a portkey with the Ministry or something?

Yes, but at that point the Ministry wasn't anti-Potter. They were very pro-Potter. So registration wouldn't be a problem. Plus, we know Dumbledore can do it on his own.

the question here is... how did the Dursleys leave the day after?

No boat, cant fly, it is too far to be seen. Lol... makes me smile :P

Me too. :p:lol:

I think that it must have been thestrals. I really don't see any other way. Broom wouldn't hold him, apparating isn't flying. What else could it be?