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A potential loophole came to mind when thinking of an answer to a question regarding Rita Skeeter and the Marauder's Map.

Rita is an animagus whose form is that of a beetle. She often uses this form to eavesdrop on others in her line of work, and would likely have used it in the school. Beetles are known to typically have flight and enjoy clinging to walls. The Marauder's Map shows the footprints of people on the school grounds.

Would it show, say, a wizard transformed into a beetle in flight or clinging on the wall? Does it show any airborne targets in the books or movies?

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    I believe Peeves shows up on the map, though I'd have to track down the quote.
    – F1Krazy
    Commented Sep 14, 2017 at 16:52
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    The movies show footprints. The books just show dots, including animals. So, yes, presumably Rita and the owls would all be shown. Commented Sep 14, 2017 at 17:05
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    Iirc it also shows ghosts... Commented Sep 14, 2017 at 20:45
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    Does it show Dementors?
    – Rand al'Thor
    Commented Sep 15, 2017 at 15:46

1 Answer 1

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Yes, the map could detect people whose feet don't touch the ground. It detected Peeves, and he floated.

Out in the dark corridor, Harry examined the Marauder’s Map to check that the coast was still clear. Yes, the dots belonging to Filch and his cat, Mrs. Norris, were safely in their office . . . nothing else seemed to be moving apart from Peeves, though he was bouncing around the trophy room on the floor above.

Goblet of Fire

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    maybe his dot only appears when he touches the ground.... :P Commented Sep 14, 2017 at 20:33
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    Peeves is not a "people" though
    – user13267
    Commented Sep 15, 2017 at 1:01
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    @user13267 I know he is not a "people". I just used that as a generic term to include live humans, ghosts, and poltergeists. I guess the map would show other people too, such as goblins, elves, and centaurs.
    – RichS
    Commented Sep 15, 2017 at 2:12

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