At what time is a witch/wizard categorized as one?

[ghinghapuss]

No: HPFGUIDX 88826

> Inge wrote:
> I wondered if Petunia ever suspected Dudley to be a wizard.
<snip> Wondering also when one can know for sure if one's child is a 
> wizard/witch or not. Is it very early in the childs life or isn't 
it until the letter from Hogwarts arrives?
> In Harry's case it seems it was known wizardwide that he was 
actually born to be a wizard since his name had been in the books at 
Hogwarts since his birth.
> But what about Neville? Didn't his grandmother suspect him to be a 
> squib?
> And Hermione? Was she in the books of Hogwarts since birth or 
didn't her name show up till she turned 11?
> So when does it come clear that a wizard is a wizard?


Mandy here:
I believe that the name goes in on birth and it is very clear to the 
MoM that a child is born either magical or not.  As for latent 
witches/wizards, their names must go down too, but perhaps only when 
they reach their potential for magic. Of course it is too late for 
them to go to Hogwarts, but they must be approached and brought in to 
the WW in they desire to be. I was just reminded of the first Matrix 
movie, Neo was brought out of the Matrix much older then normal, 
(because he was the One) but Morpheus did state that the older you 
are when you come out the harder it is for you to adjust to the real 
world. But I digress....

I imagine that most magical families simply assume their offspring 
are going to be magical. Why think otherwise? And if the child fails 
to show any magical inclinations before 11, as in Neville's case, 
measures are taken to determine if the child is magical or not. Much 
like if a child is born deaf, you may not know that there is anything 
wrong with the child at first, but when you begin to suspect there is 
a problem and take the child to a doctor to determining what is 
wrong.  

The fact the Neville's family risked his life to find out that he was 
not a Squib, implies that it is either not possible, or very 
difficult, to call the ministry and find out if the child's name is 
down in 'The Book' or not. 

Interestingly the Book of Names, which is essential to the WW to 
determine and find all magical children, is itself, perpetuating 
their 'them and us' culture right from birth. It is not surprising to 
me that the Purebloods believe themselves superior when you are 
selected at birth based solely on your genes, and not on ability or 
learned behavior. 

But to all Wizards and Witches, and not just Purebloods, it must be 
devastating not to have their child listed.  After all who wouldn't 
want their child to be like itself.  Of course, most parents would 
still love and care for a squib child, but it must carry stigma 
resulting in whispers of pity from their surrounding community.  In 
much the same way the birth of a disabled child is treated in our 
communities. We admire the parents who raise and love a disabled 
child but secretly hope, and believe that it won't happen to us. 

Mandy.