======First-Year Students======
=====Introduction=====
First-year students are eleven and twelve-year-old [[witch]]es and [[wizard]]s who are beginning their magical education at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. This inaugural year is a foundational period defined by the introduction to the magical world, the pivotal [[Sorting Ceremony]], and a core curriculum of fundamental magical subjects. The experience of being a first-year, particularly that of [[Harry Potter]]'s cohort, serves as the reader's primary introduction to the rules, traditions, and daily life of [[Hogwarts]].
=====Arrival at Hogwarts=====
The journey to [[Hogwarts]] for first-years is a highly traditional and structured process, marking their formal separation from the [[Muggle]] world and entry into the wizarding community.
  * **[[Hogwarts Express]]:** The journey begins at [[King's Cross Station]] in London, from the magically concealed [[Platform Nine and Three-Quarters]]. The train departs at 11 a.m. on September 1st.
  * **Arrival at [[Hogsmeade Station]]:** Upon arriving at [[Hogsmeade Station]] in the evening, first-years are greeted by the [[Keeper of Keys and Grounds]], a role held by [[Rubeus Hagrid]] during Harry's time at school.
  * **Crossing the [[Black Lake]]:** In a tradition exclusive to them, the first-years are led by [[Hagrid]] to a fleet of small, enchanted boats. They cross the [[Black Lake]] in these boats, which provides them with their first, spectacular view of [[Hogwarts Castle]].
  * **Entrance into the Castle:** After docking in an underground harbour beneath the castle, the students are led up to the [[Oak front doors]] and into the [[Entrance Hall]]. There, they are typically met by the Deputy Headmaster or Headmistress, such as [[Professor McGonagall]], who explains the [[Sorting Ceremony]] before leading them into the [[Great Hall]].
=====The Sorting Ceremony=====
The [[Sorting Ceremony]] is the first official event for new students and is arguably the most important of their school careers, as it determines which of the four [[Hogwarts Houses]] they will belong to for the next seven years.
  * The ceremony takes place in the [[Great Hall]] in front of the entire student body and staff.
  * The ancient [[Sorting Hat]] is placed on a stool. It traditionally sings a new song each year, describing the qualities of each [[House]] ([[Gryffindor]], [[Hufflepuff]], [[Ravenclaw]], and [[Slytherin]]).
  * [[Professor McGonagall]] reads the names of the first-years in alphabetical order. Each student sits on the stool and the [[Sorting Hat]] is placed on their head.
  * The Hat delves into the student's mind to assess their qualities and announces its decision aloud, placing the student into the most suitable [[House]]. Upon being sorted, the student joins their new [[House]] table to applause.
=====Academics and Curriculum=====
The first-year curriculum is designed to provide a broad introduction to the core branches of [[magic]]. All first-years study the same set of required subjects, with no electives.
  * **Core Subjects:**
    * [[Astronomy]] (with [[Professor Sinistra]])
    * [[Charms]] (with [[Professor Flitwick]])
    * [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]] (with [[Professor Quirrell]] in Harry's first year)
    * [[Herbology]] (with [[Professor Sprout]])
    * [[History of Magic]] (with [[Professor Binns]])
    * [[Potions]] (with [[Professor Snape]])
    * [[Transfiguration]] (with [[Professor McGonagall]])
  * **[[Flying]] Lessons:** First-years also have weekly [[flying]] lessons with [[Madam Hooch]] to learn how to control a [[broomstick]]. This is the only time [[flying]] is a formal part of the curriculum.
  * **Examinations:** At the end of the school year, first-years must pass practical and written exams in each subject to advance to their second year.
=====Rules and Restrictions=====
First-year students face the most restrictions of any student group at [[Hogwarts]], primarily for their own safety.
  * They are forbidden from visiting the nearby wizarding village of [[Hogsmeade]].
  * Students are not typically allowed to own their own [[broomstick]]. An exception was made for [[Harry Potter]] when he was made the [[Gryffindor]] [[Seeker]], a highly unusual occurrence for a first-year.
  * First-years are subject to all general school rules, including curfews and being forbidden from entering the [[Forbidden Forest]] or other out-of-bounds areas.
=====Notable First Years (1991-1992)=====
The class that entered [[Hogwarts]] in 1991 is the most documented group of first-years. Their year was exceptionally eventful due to [[Lord Voldemort]]'s attempt to steal the [[Philosopher's Stone]]. Key students and events include:
  * **Students:** [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], [[Hermione Granger]], [[Draco Malfoy]], [[Neville Longbottom]], [[Seamus Finnigan]], [[Dean Thomas]], [[Parvati Patil]], [[Padma Patil]], [[Lavender Brown]], [[Crabbe]], and [[Goyle]].
  * **Significant Events:**
    * The defeat of a mountain [[troll]] in the girls' bathroom on [[Hallowe'en]].
    * [[Harry Potter]]'s first [[Quidditch]] match.
    * The discovery of [[Fluffy]], the three-headed dog guarding the third-floor corridor.
    * [[Rubeus Hagrid]] hatching a dragon, [[Norbert]], in his hut.
    * Serving a detention in the [[Forbidden Forest]], where Harry first encountered [[Voldemort]] drinking unicorn blood.
    * The trio's descent through the trapdoor to protect the [[Philosopher's Stone]] from [[Professor Quirrell]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone//, the alphabetical order for the [[Sorting Ceremony]] is not strictly followed. [[Hermione Granger]] is shown being sorted much earlier than her place in the "G" section of the alphabet would suggest, likely for narrative pacing. (film)