website SPOILERS . Who goes to Hogwarts

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 119851


Kjirstem: 
IMO there was another variable left open by the phrasing of JKR's
answer, which was kids who show magic ability *after* the age of 11. 
She says, "Everyone who shows magical ability before their eleventh
birthday will automatically gain a place at Hogwarts;..."
I vaguely recall JKR saying something about magical ability usually
showing up in young kids, but surely there are some kids whose 
ability isn't shown until after their eleventh birthday.  What 
happens to them?  Neville only showed his ability under pretty 
extreme conditions IMO.  I wonder what would have happened if his 
family hadn't been so bent on testing him to destruction.


Alla:

Oh, but what does it mean "to be magical"? I stated earlier that I 
imagine magic as essential part of the child's soul. I don't think 
that Neville's family was worried for a right reason. 
Remember "magic quill" which records the birth of magical kid, then 
Minerva looks in the books and sends admission letters.

Theoretically the quill recognises the child as magical, when he/she 
was just born. Clearly child can not do any magic yet, wandless or 
otherwise.

I think Neville had magic in himself from birth and his family was 
just acting crasy. :o)