Hagrid's Missing Diploma

[dcgmck]

No: HPFGUIDX 106709

<chinaskinotes at s...> wrote:
> 
> > Even though Hagrid's name was cleared, he never received a 
magical education. 

dcgmck replies:

I don't know about that.  Dumbledore arranged for Hagrid's 
apprenticeship and eventual succession to Keeper of the Grounds and 
Keys for Hogwarts.  Before the current system of education came into 
being, apprenticeships were the standard means of educating young 
people.  In addition, between sympathetic classmates and Dumbledore, 
Hagrid clearly has not grown up entirely ignorant.  We have also seen 
that he seems to have free access to the library.  Clearly he has 
been provided with many opportunities to learn.  What's more, much 
learning occurs outside of classrooms.

I always assumed that without the Hogwart's degree or whatever, 
> > you wouldn't be able to use magic... 

Hagrid's not allowed to use his or any other wand.  All magical 
creatures seem able to do some magic even without a focusing 
implement.  Now, being allowed is another matter . . .

> Yes, but what about the children who have only a small amount of 
> magical ability - 
> What about the kids that don't make it through Hogwarts - 
> What about those that only get 1 or 2 OWLs?  
> I don't think having the diploma makes a difference - F&G won't 
have one, will they?

dcgmck writes:

There does seem to be some standard in place to determine who gets 
educated and to what degree.  As with a number of school systems, 
there seem to be "college prep" as well as "vocational" tracks for 
students of varying abilities.  As with all societies, there are a 
number of niches to be filled, not all of which require great 
knowledge or provide great prestige.  Someone has to drive the Knight 
Bus.  Someone has to work in the shops in the Alleys that serve as 
the equivalent of wizarding malls.  Surely London doesn't have the 
only one...

If one doesn't wish to work in government, in academia, or as a 
corporate cog, then post-high school education does seem very 
optional, even a luxury.  Fred and George have no desire to work in 
the Ministry of Magic or teach at Hogwarts, so staying in school was 
just a means of pleasing beloved parents.  That's over.  If they do 
eventually get degrees, those documents will probably be honorary.  
Like a handful of trailblazers in a variety of fields, they'll 
actually deserve such recognition.  Didn't Flitwick start that ball 
rolling by preserving and cordoning off a bit of their "swamp" as a 
notable example of charm work?