Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======First-Year====== =====Introduction===== 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]]. =====Biography===== 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 room]]s 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. =====Physical Appearance and Personality===== 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]]. =====Magical Abilities and Skills===== 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. =====Possessions===== 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]] * //[[The Dark Forces: 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]]. =====Relationships===== 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]]. =====Etymology===== 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. =====Behind the Scenes===== 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)
