A Flaw in Book 1!

[jeckle_freckle]

well when they go on holidays they are given homework aren't they? ok so some it is theory work, like essays and such but surely they are required to practise the spells they are learning in class. so if she was doin spells and such, the ministry probably didn't pick up on it or bother to do anything about it seeing as she's she's only learning . also the fact that she's supposed to be a first year, they don't really learn anything except for the basics. so the ministry probably figured that her being a 'newbie' she doesn't know enough to do any harm

[Alexandra]

Harry was accused because he 'did' the levitation spell. That spell is also harmless but he recieved a warning anyway.

[Simatra]

Right, but So did hermione, she did minor spells. But that makes me wonder. Were they spells like when you reach high emotion? Did she mean she is able to control it? Because when ever she gets really mad or sad, she never really shows any magic...

[selene]

before she probably didn't realize that she was responcible for those 'freak'- accidents. now that she realizes it is her doing magic she's aware of it and avoid situations were it get out of control (at least at home)
and the minor spells she tried where probably tried on the train, since she didn't get (or mentions) any warnings

[Run Away!!!]

Yeah thats a good point there, she probably did do them on the train.

[Simatra]

Yes, she read the books and found out it was illeagal to do magic at home, read as much as she could, then on the train she couldn't resist so she practiced. Sounds good!

[Athena Appleton]

"I've tried a few simple spells myself, and they've all worked for me."

how could hermione try spells before going to hogwarts? she's a muggle-born, so the ministry would know if she tried to do magic when she's at home!

Like all young wizards and witches, she realized she could do magic (or make something odd happen) early on.

I always just assumed that the day she got her letter, she began learning about everything magical she could (she started out knowing as much -- in theory -- as Ron or any other pureblood magical person knew practically).

The way I imagined it, she got her books, and her wand, and everything immediately. After all, this is Hermione, and she would want to begin learning everything immediately. I figured she found out about how it was illegal to practice magic outside Hogwarts at her age, around Muggles, after trying out a few simple spells for herself.

I also have a theory about just how strong "The Trace" is, or how it works. It is apparently illegal to practice magic AFTER you've began to be trained in it. Before that, the Ministry didn't seem to think it was enough of a threat, or they didn't think there was a way to enforce (something any parent can appreciate -- you cannot always just MAKE your children do the right thing).

Up to a certain point, the Ministry may KNOW about magic performed by children under the age of 11, but they don't apparently DO anything about it. It's mentioned often how it's perfectly normal for the children to accidently perform magic.

However, in at least three other situations, we know of children not old enough for Hogwarts casting spells on purpose. The little boy at the Quidditch World Cup was casting a spell, with a wand, to engorge a caterpillar (or worm, can't remember).

Also, Fred and/or George cast a spell on Ron's teddy bear at a very early age, and Ginny is an accomplished Bat-Bogey Hex-er at a very young age.

There's no mention of the Ministry getting involved, or even having a problem with it.

I don't think underage magic is actually considered illegal until after they begin to be properly trained. Part of the training is in gaining self-control and respecting your magical powers.

[Ravenclaw135]

Weird aint it? I think the train ideas right.