Hogwarts Express

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 97578

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "jemnilla28" <Janicem211 at a...>
wrote:
> ...edited...
> 
> Is there any way that students are required to ride the train because 
> there is some type of magic done to them while on their way to school?
> (I mean, one that kind of "debriefs" the kids from the "real" 
> world...) Before you flame me, please consider my reasons why.
> 
> ...edited...
> 
> Just a thought..
>
> Jemnilla


bboy_mn:

Well, we are deeply into the relm of speculation, so I can't say wrong
or right.

My speculation is that you have the right idea but for the wrong reason.

First of all, I'm sure it is a long standing tradition like the boat
ride across the lake for first years. It has no truly utilitarian 
function, but at the same time does serve a purpose. 

I think, indeed, the train trip allows student to re-focus themselves,
to forget about family and holiday fun, and start focusing on school
again. So, in that sense, there is a de-briefing, a transition in the
student's mental state, but I don't necessarily believe that is a
forced magical transition. It just gives them time to put the summer
behind them and concentrate on school again.

As far as students from say Scotland having to travel south to London
only to turn around and go back to Scotland again on the Hogwart's
Express, I don't see that as a problem. All it really requires is
about 10 seconds of time and a pinch of Floo Powered. 

Travel is much earier in the Wizard World than the Muggle world; far
simpler that trains, plane, and automobiles. The trip to London, in
most cases takes second, while oddly the return trip by train takes
hours because the return trip mimics muggle transportation. Because of
this, I don't see the trip to London as being a hardship on anyone.
And it provides the kids with this de-briefing or transition period
where they settle down from their summer fun, get re-aquainted, and
focus their minds on school.

So, I agree with the de-briefing, but for different reasons.

bboy_mn