Muggle-borns/Magical abilities

[what412name <what412name@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 48807

Hi, this is my first post and I was curious about the following, as I 
could not find the answers in the FAQ or lexicon.
 
Questions on muggle-born wizards/witches like Hermione:
1) How do they get Wizard money to buy their Hogwarts school supplies?
2) How do they get to Diagon Alley or Platform 9 &3/4 (1st year)?

At the end of CoS, Dumbledore told Harry that when Voldemort gave 
Harry the scar he also passed some of his magical "gifts" to
him. 
Does this mean that all wizards/witches have at least one 
magical "gift"? If so, what are their gifts (ie. Harry,
Hermione, 
Ron, Dumbledore, McGonagall, etc)?

If the purpose of the wand is to focus magical abilities, then are 
their lessons at Hogwarts meant for them to learn how to focus their 
abilities? Since Hermione is very good at charms, does it mean that 
she is very good at focusing her abilities or that she's good at 
charms?

Also, is the broomstick itself magical or the rider? In other words, 
can a muggle fly on a broomstick?


~ B.E.T.S ~