Phones in the wizarding world?

[Hel]

Okay- so in the fic I'm writing at the moment, ROn and Hermione need to get in contact with each other quickly and then go meet somewhere. Originally it was just a call from Ron to Hermione, 'Hey- It's Ron. I need to talk. coffee shop- five minutes. See you there.'

So- two questions. I'm guessing Hermione has (and uses) a mobile, for her parents and muggle friends, but what about Ron? Would he have mastered the use of a phone by now (three years after Book 7)?

Also- phones in the wizarding world in general. If you need to get in contact with someone, quickly, how would you? Owls seem to slow to me, and frankly patronus' seem a bit impractical... so- any other ideas?

[Rushia]

Well, just so long as it isn't a very magical place, then you could probably have Ron using a mobile if Hermione taught him how--remember, electronics don't work in very magical environments like Hogwarts and probably places like Diagon Alley as well.

There's also Floo Powder for contacting, but both parties have to have access to a fireplace.

But.

You can get creative here. Remember the mirror that Sirius gave Harry? It's one of a pair, and Harry just says Sirius's name to it, and it would connect to the mirror Sirius had. Hermione is a very clever witch--if they knew they would be having troubles and would need to get in contact with each other quickly to coordinate things, it's very possible she could have rigged something like this up as well. It would work no matter where they are, thus the mobile problem is immediately solved. It's also independent of any networks, so the problems of Order of the Phoenix with the Hogwarts fires would be completely solved, too. I don't know what's going on in your fic that makes them need to get so quickly in contact, so I'm just covering all the bases.

Other than that, there's also paintings for a limited use. Dumbledore had paintings send messages before--those in his office through their duplicate paintings. That's something to keep in mind if it is practical, but it has very limited use. But it is quick because they leave their frame and instantly appear at their other painting.

Good luck!

~ Lucia

[Hermoine Jean Granger]

I totally agree with Lucia and have a tiny little suggestion to add.
In the fifth year, Hermione cast the protean charm on galleons to inform DA members about the date of their next meeting. That charm could be used on some other object so that this would give a message to Ron. Also it would alert him because they burn hot when a new message is etched on them. This does have its limitations. Ron would have to carry the object with him all the time so that he receives the message as soon as she sends it.

I do think that Ron may have mastered the use of the mobile phone.The reasoning behind this argument is that his father was obsessed with muggle stuff. Also, in the second year Fred and George picked the lock of the cupboard under the stairs using muggle means. At this point of time, Fred says this: ""A lot of wizards think it's a waste of time, knowing this sort of Muggle trick," said Fred, "but we feel they're skills worth learning, even if they are a bit slow." The limitations of using mobiles is that they will not work in places like Diagon Alley or Hogwarts, as Lucia pointed out.

Hope that helped!!! All the best for the story!!

[Just Beyond the Veil]

So- two questions. I'm guessing Hermione has (and uses) a mobile, for her parents and muggle friends, but what about Ron? Would he have mastered the use of a phone by now (three years after Book 7)?
I have to disagree. I don't think Hermione would have used a cell phone at all. She doesn't strike me as the kind of person who would have any interest in one. She may have a phone in her house, but I really don't think she would carry a cell phone. It wouldn't be very practical, either, since they couldn't use it in magical places.

Mr. Weasley may have been obsessed with Muggle devices, but he didn't always understand how they worked. Remember Ron's phone call to Harry? Of course, your story takes place many years later, but I don't think Ron would be comfortable using a cell phone.

I think a wizarding equivalent would be the best way to go. I like the idea of using the mirrors. That would be the best and easiest way for them to get in touch quickly.

Hope that helped! :D
-Chelsea

[jecleaver2]

I have to disagree. I don't think Hermione would have used a cell phone at all. She doesn't strike me as the kind of person who would have any interest in one. She may have a phone in her house, but I really don't think she would carry a cell phone. It wouldn't be very practical, either, since they couldn't use it in magical places.


I agree with that, and another reason would be that at that time cell phones were very expensive, and only buisness associates were just about the only people that had them.

[quibblequill]

Well, even if Hermione DID have a phone in her house, I doubt Ron would ever bother to learn to use it.

However.

It it your fic, and you're free to shape it however you wish.

Although.

I myself fancy the idea of, say, a 'message pad' of sorts, with the protean charm on it, like the coins, but instead of numbers, you can send messages.....and..... presto! Wizarding IMing. ;)

[Lyratearsx]

Yeah, but this would be set in 2001, and cell phones were a lot less expensive by then.

I like the idea of the Protean Charm. It would be like texting, but the wizard way. And you could have them both wearing a necklace that has the charm on it or something. It would also be a perfect way for them to get in touch if something went wrong, because you can wear a necklace all the time.

Hope I helped!

~Lyra

[Equinox Chick]

They could send a Patronus. That's what the order used and that was pretty quick.

[MistressOfTime]

What about Minute Owls?

I know we see them in Book 3 (right?) and they say for "local deliveries only." So, depending on where Ron and Hermione are in relation to distance, Minute Owls could be used, also.

Other than that, definitely a Protean Charm. After all, Hermione can do a pretty good one!

Good Luck!

--Joy.