======The Hogwarts First-Year======
=====Introduction=====
A **first-year** is a student, typically eleven or twelve years of age, attending their first year of [[magical education]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. This inaugural year serves as a fundamental introduction to the [[wizarding world]], its customs, and the basic principles of [[magic]]. For many students, particularly those from [[Muggle]] families like [[Hermione Granger]] or those raised by [[Muggles]] like [[Harry Potter]], the first year is a period of profound discovery and adaptation. The entire experience, from receiving the [[Hogwarts letter]] to competing for the [[House Cup]], is designed to integrate young [[witches]] and [[wizards]] into their new life at the [[school]].
=====Biography=====
The journey of a first-year student follows a well-established, traditional path that marks their transition into [[Hogwarts]]. This "biography" details the standard chronological experience of a student beginning their education.
**The Invitation and Preparation**
  * The process begins in the summer before the [[school]] year with the arrival of a [[Hogwarts letter]], delivered by [[owl]] post. This letter includes a list of required equipment and books.
  * Students then travel to [[Diagon Alley]] to purchase their supplies. This includes acquiring a [[wand]] from [[Ollivanders]], purchasing course books from [[Flourish and Blotts]], and procuring other necessities like a [[cauldron]], [[robes]], and potion ingredients.
**Arrival at Hogwarts**
  * On September 1st, students board the [[Hogwarts Express]] at [[Platform Nine and Three-Quarters]] in [[King's Cross Station]], London.
  * Upon arrival at [[Hogsmeade Station]], first-years are traditionally met by the [[Keeper of Keys and Grounds]], [[Rubeus Hagrid]].
  * [[Hagrid]] leads them on a journey across the [[Great Lake]] in small boats, offering them their first, breathtaking view of [[Hogwarts Castle]].
  * After entering the [[castle]], they are met by the Deputy Headmaster or Headmistress, such as [[Professor McGonagall]], who explains the [[Sorting Ceremony]].
**The Sorting and Welcoming**
  * The first-years are led into the [[Great Hall]] where the [[Sorting Ceremony]] takes place in front of the entire [[school]]. The magical [[Sorting Hat]] is placed on each student's head and announces which of the four [[Hogwarts Houses]]—[[Gryffindor]], [[Hufflepuff]], [[Ravenclaw]], or [[Slytherin]]—they will join.
  * Following the Sorting, the [[Headmaster]] gives a welcome speech at the [[Start-of-Term Feast]]. These speeches often include important warnings, such as [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s notice about the [[Forbidden Forest]] and the third-floor corridor in Harry Potter's first year.
**The Academic Year and Student Life**
  * First-years reside in their [[House]] dormitories and begin attending classes. Their schedule covers a core curriculum of seven subjects.
  * They learn to navigate the vast and confusing [[Hogwarts Castle]] with its moving staircases, trick steps, and resident [[ghosts]] like [[Peeves]] and [[The Bloody Baron]].
  * First-years are not permitted to bring their own [[broomstick]] to [[school]] or play for their [[House]] [[Quidditch]] teams, though a rare exception was made for [[Harry Potter]] when he was made the [[Gryffindor]] [[Seeker]].
  * The year culminates in final [[exams]] that test the theoretical and practical [[magic]] learned. The results contribute points toward the [[House Cup]], which is awarded at the [[End-of-Term Feast]].
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
First-year students are typically eleven years old, making them the youngest and smallest students at [[Hogwarts]]. Their demeanor is often a mixture of excitement, awe, and nervousness as they are immersed in the wonders of the [[wizarding world]] for the first time. They can be prone to getting lost, breaking [[school]] rules out of ignorance or curiosity, and forming intense early friendships and rivalries.
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
The first-year curriculum provides a foundation in the core subjects of [[magic]]. Students are expected to master basic theory and simple [[spells]] and [[potions]]. The subjects and skills taught are:
  - **[[Astronomy]]:** Taught by [[Professor Sinistra]] at the top of the [[Astronomy Tower]]. Students learn the names of stars and the movements of planets.
  - **[[Charms]]:** Taught by [[Professor Flitwick]]. A key [[spell]] learned is the Levitation [[Charm]], //[[Wingardium Leviosa]]//.
  - **[[Defence Against the Dark Arts]]:** In Harry Potter's first year, this was taught by [[Professor Quirrell]]. The curriculum supposedly covered [[Dark Arts]] creatures like [[werewolves]] and [[hags]], but was largely ineffectual.
  - **[[Herbology]]:** Taught by [[Professor Sprout]] in the [[Hogwarts greenhouses]]. Students learn about magical plants and fungi, such as the [[Devil's Snare]].
  - **[[History of Magic]]:** Taught by the [[ghost]] [[Professor Binns]]. It is considered a very boring subject, covering topics like [[goblin]] rebellions.
  - **[[Potions]]:** Taught by [[Professor Snape]] in the [[dungeons]]. First-years learn to brew simple [[potions]] like the [[Cure for Boils]].
  - **[[Transfiguration]]:** Taught by [[Professor McGonagall]]. It is a difficult and precise branch of [[magic]]. First-years begin by attempting to turn a match into a needle.
  - **[[Flying Lessons]]:** Taught by [[Madam Hooch]]. This class is exclusive to first-years, who learn the basics of handling a [[broomstick]].
=====Possessions=====
First-years are required to bring a specific list of equipment to [[Hogwarts]], as detailed in their acceptance letter.
  * **Uniform:** Includes three sets of plain black work [[robes]], one plain black pointed hat, a pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar), and a black winter cloak with silver fastenings.
  * **Course Books:** A standard set of eight books, including //The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)// by [[Miranda Goshawk]], //A History of Magic// by [[Bathilda Bagshot]], and //Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them// by [[Newt Scamander]].
  * **Other Equipment:** One [[wand]], one [[cauldron]] (pewter, standard size 2), one set of glass or crystal phials, one [[telescope]], and one set of [[brass scales]].
  * **Pets:** Students are permitted to bring an [[owl]], a [[cat]], or a [[toad]].
=====Relationships=====
The first year at [[Hogwarts]] is a crucial time for social development and the formation of lasting bonds. Living in close quarters within their [[House]] dormitories, students quickly form friendships that often last throughout their [[school]] careers and beyond, as exemplified by the core trio of [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone//, the order of the [[Sorting Ceremony]] is different from the book. In the novel, the Sorting proceeds strictly in alphabetical order by surname, starting with "Abbott, Hannah". In the film, [[Hermione Granger]] is sorted much earlier than her alphabetical position would suggest, likely for dramatic pacing. (film)