First-Year

A first-year is a student attending their first year of magical education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Typically eleven or twelve years of age, these young witches and wizards are new to the formal, structured environment of the school. Their first year is a foundational period defined by their introduction to core magical subjects, the Sorting Ceremony that places them in their Hogwarts house, and their initial navigation of the social and physical landscape of Hogwarts Castle.

The “biography” of a first-year follows a distinct and traditional path, marking their transition into the wizarding world's premier educational institution. The journey begins upon receiving their Hogwarts letter by owl post during the summer before their eleventh birthday. This letter includes a list of required equipment and books, which are typically purchased in Diagon Alley. On 1 September, first-years board the Hogwarts Express from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters at King's Cross Station. Upon arrival at Hogsmeade Station, they are uniquely escorted to the castle by the Keeper of Keys and Grounds. This journey involves crossing the Great Lake in small, enchanted boats, a tradition exclusive to first-years that offers a breathtaking first view of Hogwarts Castle. Once inside the castle, they await the Sorting Ceremony in a small antechamber off the Great Hall. During the ceremony, each student is called forward to wear the Sorting Hat, which delves into their mind and proclaims which of the four houses—Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin—they will belong to for the duration of their time at school. The school year is a period of immense discovery. First-years are guided by house prefects to their respective common rooms and dormitories. They begin a set curriculum of magical subjects, learn to navigate the confusing and ever-changing castle, and are introduced to the school's rules and traditions, including the House Cup competition. Their year is punctuated by events like the start-of-term and end-of-term feasts, Halloween, and Christmas. The year culminates in a series of end-of-year examinations that test the knowledge they have acquired.

First-years are typically eleven years old, turning twelve during the school year. As per the school's dress code, their primary physical appearance is dictated by the Hogwarts uniform, which consists of three sets of plain black work robes, a plain black pointed hat for day wear, and a pair of protective gloves (made of dragon hide or similar). They also possess a black winter cloak with silver fastenings. The collective personality of first-years is generally marked by a mixture of awe, excitement, and nervousness. For many, especially Muggle-born students like Hermione Granger, it is their first deep immersion into the magical world. They are often impressionable and can be overwhelmed by the wonders and dangers of Hogwarts. As the youngest students, they are at the bottom of the school's social hierarchy and are expected to show respect to older students and prefects. They are frequently a target for the poltergeist Peeves.

The first-year curriculum is standardized and provides a fundamental grounding in various branches of magic. They do not choose elective subjects.

• Core Subjects:
  • Astronomy: Taught by Professor Sinistra, involving the study of stars and planets from the Astronomy Tower.
  • Charms: Taught by Professor Flitwick, focusing on spells that add properties to an object or creature. Key spells include the Levitation Charm (Wingardium Leviosa), the Unlocking Charm (Alohomora), and the Wand-Lighting Charm (Lumos).
  • Defence Against the Dark Arts: Taught by Professor Quirrell during the 1991-1992 school year, the curriculum was rudimentary, focusing on topics like vampires and werewolves, though the professor's true purpose was sinister.
  • Herbology: Taught by Professor Sprout in the Hogwarts greenhouses, involving the study of magical plants like Devil's Snare.
  • History of Magic: Taught by the ghost Professor Binns, a notoriously boring subject detailing goblin rebellions and other historical events.
  • Potions: Taught by Professor Snape in the dungeons, involving the brewing of magical draughts such as the Cure for Boils.
  • Transfiguration: Taught by Professor McGonagall, the difficult art of changing the form and appearance of objects, such as turning a match into a needle.
• Other Skills:
  • Flying lessons: First-years receive flying lessons with Madam Hooch on the school grounds, learning the basics of broomstick control. Exceptionally skilled first-years, like Harry Potter, could potentially join their House Quidditch team, though this was historically very rare.

First-years must arrive at Hogwarts with a specific list of equipment and books.

• Uniform:
  • Three sets of plain work robes (black)
  • One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
  • One pair of protective gloves
  • One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
• Required Books:
  • The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk
  • A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
  • Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
  • A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
  • One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
  • Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
  • Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
  • A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
• Other Equipment:
  • 1 wand
  • 1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
  • 1 set of glass or crystal phials
  • 1 telescope
  • 1 set of brass scales
• Optional: Students may also bring an owl, a cat, or a toad.

A first-year's place in the Hogwarts community is clearly defined. They are newcomers who must learn to integrate into a complex social system.

• With Professors: They are under the direct authority of the school's professors, particularly their Head of House, who acts as a primary guardian and disciplinarian.
• With Prefects: Fifth-year prefects are assigned to guide the first-years of their house, showing them to their common room, explaining rules, and providing general assistance.
• With Other Students: As the youngest members of the school, they are often seen as naive or ignorant by older students. They form their closest bonds with other students in their year and house, with whom they share dormitories and classes.
• Within the House System: A first-year's primary allegiance is to their house. The Sorting is a pivotal moment that defines their social circle, living quarters, and their team in the ongoing competition for the House Cup.

The term 'first-year' is a standard compound noun in English used in educational contexts to denote a student in their first year of study. Its usage in the wizarding world is a direct parallel to its Muggle counterpart.

In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, first-years are shown learning spells that are not explicitly mentioned as part of the first-year curriculum in the book. For example, Hermione Granger performs the Mending Charm on Harry Potter's glasses on the Hogwarts Express, using the incantation Oculus Reparo, which is a film invention. (film)