Anyone got a child starting at Hogwarts this September?

[MrsGPotter]

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? I'm sure he'll be fine really.

So, any other Hogwarts mums out there?

The DS would be fine, well worth watching for the PTA though, but the moving staircases are a struggle for us older ones!! I tend to use my broom stick and just land outside the court yard, and yes folks there are places on this year's quiddich team and no the strips do not cost a fortune and you can't buy them from Tesco or Asda sorry!! The administrations officer will be open for calls soon!!

Yes the hamster will be fine!!

Will Paul Daniels be back teaching the geriatric magic course next term or is he still off with that terrible head injury?

DD is only 9y so we have two more years to wait. We are a muggle family though but DD is showing some promise. We visited Olivanders recently and DD was the selected one. She tried out wands and a wand actually selected her - 11 inch, holly, unicorn hair. Could this be a really good encouraging start to her wizarding career? Having a wand actually chose her and Mr Olivander being so happy with the choice - does this mean she might have a chance of recieving the ought after letter in two summer's time?

EternalPie, I agree that the place needs modernised but fat chance of that now since Building Schools for the Future has been cancelled. The place has never been the same since that battle and the portakabins they've had to bring in completely ruin the ambience of the place.