newbie with questions

[Stephen and Angelique]

No: HPFGUIDX 159213

Hey. I just joined this group today. Both my husband and I are Harry
Potter fans. As are our children and even my dad! I have a few questions
that I'm hoping somebody might be able to answer.

First, I believe it's in the 5th book that the Thestrals are first
mentioned. They say that only those who have witnessed death can see
these creatures. Well, once you enter your 2nd year at Hogwarts you
travel up to the school in these Thestral drawn carriages. In the 1st
book, Harry has witnessed the death of not only his parents when he was
a baby, but also the death of Professor Quirrell. Why does he not see
the Thestrals until his fifth year?

And, it is well-known that you cannot apparate inside of Hogwarts, so
why can the house elves do it? I don't remember Rowling giving any
reason behind this.

Also, I think that Crookshanks the cat might turn out to be an animagi
but my husband thinks not. Does anybody else think this cat might be
something besides just a cat?

mrnmrswatters