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Original poster

Anyone got a child starting at Hogwarts this September?

55 replies

MrsGPotter · 17/08/2011 19:55

I'm finding it all a bit of a nightmare. Obviously uniform has already been ordered from the school, the shoes I just got from Clarks. Wand we're getting next week and the books DS can buy when he gets there.

Now what are you all doing about pets? DS wanted an Owl but EVERYWHERE has sold out which is a shame as DH had an owl when he was a pupil there and he was kind of hoping it would become a family tradition. Will a Hamster be ok?

Also, is anyone else's DC worried about what house they'll be in? DS has his heart set on Gryffindor but it seems so difficult to get in? Would extra tutoring over the holidays help?

I'm just so worried about him being there on his own. It's such a huge school and so far from home. But then what exactly could go wrong at such a well regarded school? Smile I'm sure he'll be fine really.

So, any other Hogwarts mums out there?

OP posts:
KeepingUpWithTheCojones · 17/08/2011 20:07

I was shocked regarding the lack of pastoral care for muggle-born first years tbh.

Especially since I read a very interesting article based on evidence from Beauxbatons that muggle-borns only achieve 48% of their full potential in the first three years Angry

Original poster
MrsGPotter · 17/08/2011 20:07

oh yes, be careful buying the robes from Tesco - apparantly the new head at Hogwarts will only accept the kids wearing official school merch. Bit of a con really as it's twice the price.

Not sure if the pet has to be magical, can't they just turn them magical when they get there? He wanted to take the (non magical) corn snake but DH was concerned it would increase his chances of being put in Slytherin house.

BTW, are you giving your DS any money for the train? apparantly they can buy sweets etc on there for the journey?

(Stabvest high has a bit of a reputation so glad you got him out of that one!)

OP posts:
AtYourCervix · 17/08/2011 20:05

DD1 is just going into her OWL year. We have been very pleased with the teaching standards and also the pastoral care.

DD says that 'No one has owls anymore' with a roll of the eyes. She's been saving for a new bat which is apparently what the 'cool kids' have now.

DD2 didn't get in. we were mortified and have had to send her to live with Great Aunt Araminta in the north of scotland.

MrsHWeasley · 17/08/2011 20:05

Didn't you read the leaflet that came with the letter?
Owls, cats and toads are permitted. I had a cat, myself.
Normally you can get owls in Diagon Alley, but there is also a very good magical creatures shop in Hogsmeade.

DinahRod · 17/08/2011 20:02

It was a bit of a surprise as we had ds down for Stabvest High until the letter in green ink arrived. Was thinking of starting a thread saying I was incandescent with rage that Tesco didn't do 3 for 2 on wizarding robes.

Ds wants to take the cat, but think it has to be a magical one rather than just any old moggy.

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