New Member and question

[usaixoise]

No: HPFGUIDX 160596

Hello all fellow HP fans,

I'm so pleased to have found a forum where I can discuss my obsession
without feeling embarrassed for not being in the under 15 set.  I am
actually 33, married for almost 11 years to my husband (who doesn't
share my love of movies never mind the Potter series)and mom to two
girls, 7 and 4, who would very much like to receive a Hogwarts letter
come their 11th birthdays.  Although the books are "too long" (their
quote, not mine)for them to get into, I have reluctantly let them
watch HP 1-4.  My initial hesitation was that it would give them
nightmares(especially my 4yo) but they've handled them beautifully
thanks in part to lots of discussions about what was happening,
things from the book that were omitted in the films and guesses about
character's motivations.

I've spent quite a bit of time scanning through the humungous file,
FAQ's and recent messages.  One thing that has perplexed me for
sometime is the issue of underage wizards performing magic outside of
Hogwarts.  Doesn't Hermione say she's tried some spells with success
on the Hogwarts Express in Book 1?  She performs "Oculus Reparo" on
the Hogwarts Express and in Diagon Alley.  And doesn't Harry
practice "Lumos Maxima" at the Dursley's?  We of course know about
blowing up Aunt Marge and the Patronus to save himself and Dudley,
but how did they get away with the others?

Sorry if this has been discussed before but it's been nagging at me
since Book 1 and I've only just now found the proper avenue to
discuss
it!

Looking forward to chatting with you all!
Stacey