[HPforGrownups] Muggle-borns/Magical abilities

[jazmyn]

No: HPFGUIDX 48811



"what412name " wrote:
> 
> 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?

They exchange muggle money for wizard money at Gringotts

> 2) How do they get to Diagon Alley or Platform 9 &3/4 (1st year)?

Likely a rep from the school or some wizard is put in charge or asked to
look for these students and help out.
Harry had Hagrid to help him, after all. I'm sure Hermione had help as
well in her first time after getting her 'letter'.

> 
> 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)?

There's nothing to indicate that special gifts, like Parseltoungue, are
common.  Some wizards might have 'gifts' they inherited, but there's
nothing to say all wizards each have some special 'gift'.


> 
> 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?

Like anything else, some kids will do better at some things then
others.  Some types of wands might make some types of magic easier, but
with an over-achiever like Hermione, the type of wand would not matter
much.  She's so good at so many things.

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

Its the broomstick that's magical.  I think possibly a muggle could fly
one, but would have to be taught how and might have problems getting the
broomstick to obey them properly.. Some muggles might be able to ride
well enough though, as like in horseback riding, there is always the
chance someone might be a natural.. Hard to tell until Rowling puts a
muggle on a broomstick and everyone assumes that whatever happens to
that ONE muggle is a set-in-stone rule for ALL of them. ;)

I for one think things are far more flexible then the books hint at,
given the whole thing with flying cars (illegal) vs flying motorcycles
(not illegal or Sirius didn't care about the laws anymore then Hagrid
follows the laws about dangerous magical creatures).  Still can't
picture a 'family broom'.  I think all the extra people would throw the
ballence off and would rather have a nice, reliable carpet.   How does
one install a baby safty seat on a broom?

Jazmyn