children

Children in the Wizarding World

Introduction

In the wizarding world, a child is defined as any witch or wizard under the age of seventeen, which is the legal age of majority. The experiences of magical children, from the discovery of their abilities to their formal education and societal roles, are central themes throughout the *Harry Potter* series. Their legal status, protection, and vulnerabilities are governed by specific laws and societal norms, which are particularly significant during times of conflict like the First Wizarding War and Second Wizarding War.

Legal Status and Rights

The Ministry of Magic has several laws and regulations specifically concerning underage witches and wizards to control the use of magic and ensure the secrecy of the magical world.

  • Age of Majority: A witch or wizard is considered an adult upon their seventeenth birthday, at which point they are free from the restrictions placed upon minors.
  • Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery: This fundamental law prohibits witches and wizards under the age of seventeen from performing magic outside of school. The primary purpose is to prevent Muggles from discovering the existence of magic. The only stated exception is for life-threatening situations.
  • The Trace: An enchantment placed upon all underage witches and wizards that allows the Ministry of Magic to detect magical activity performed in their vicinity. It does not identify the specific caster, only the location, which can lead to false accusations if an adult performs magic near the child, as seen with Dobby's Hover Charm at Number Four, Privet Drive. The Trace breaks automatically when a wizard or witch turns seventeen.
  • Hogwarts Attendance: While attendance at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is the standard for British and Irish magical children, it was not strictly mandatory until the Second Wizarding War. During Lord Voldemort's control of the Ministry, a decree was issued making attendance compulsory, allowing the Death Eaters to control and indoctrinate the magical population and persecute Muggle-borns.

Education and Development

The journey of a magical child begins with the emergence of accidental magic and culminates in formal education.

Role in Society and Family

A child's status is often heavily influenced by their family's blood status and societal standing.

  • Pure-blood Children: Children born to two magical parents with no known Muggle ancestry. Some Pure-blood families, like the Malfoys and Blacks, hold a strong prejudice against those of other blood statuses and instill these beliefs in their children from a young age.
  • Half-blood Children: Children with both magical and Muggle ancestry. This is the most common blood status, and includes prominent figures like Harry Potter, Severus Snape, and Lord Voldemort.
  • Muggle-born Children: Children born to non-magical parents. The discovery of their magical ability can be a startling experience for their families. They often face prejudice and are pejoratively called “Mudbloods” by blood purists. Under Voldemort's regime, they were systematically persecuted, stripped of their wands, and falsely accused of having “stolen” magic.
  • Squibs: Non-magical individuals born to at least one magical parent. The existence of a Squib is often a source of shame for prejudiced families.

Threats and Dangers

Magical children face unique dangers, particularly from the forces of Dark Magic.

  • Lord Voldemort's Rise: During both Wizarding Wars, children were primary targets. Harry Potter was marked for death as an infant. Children of Order of the Phoenix members or those who opposed Voldemort were at constant risk.
  • Recruitment: Dark forces actively sought to recruit young witches and wizards. Draco Malfoy was forced into service as a Death Eater in his sixth year.
  • Obscurus: When a young magical child is forced to suppress their powers through physical or psychological abuse, they can develop a dark, parasitic force known as an Obscurus. This entity is incredibly destructive and will eventually kill the host child. It is strongly implied that Ariana Dumbledore became an Obscurial after being attacked by Muggle boys (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them).

Notable Children in the Series

The *Harry Potter* series revolves around the lives and actions of its child and teenage characters.