HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
List of Required Books and Equipment
First Year Students
Dear Student,
As you prepare for your first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, we have enclosed a list of books and equipment that you will need for your magical education. These items will be essential to your studies and are required for all first-year students.
Please ensure that you have everything ready by the start of term. You can purchase your supplies at Diagon Alley, where the best magical shops are located. If you are unsure where to find something, ask your parents, guardians, or fellow witches and wizards for guidance.
Books:
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The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)
by Miranda Goshawk
This book will teach you the basics of spellcasting, including the proper wand movements and incantations for simple spells such as the Levitation Charm and the Disarming Charm. It is an essential text for your first-year studies in Charms. -
A History of Magic
by Bathilda Bagshot
A comprehensive guide to the history of the wizarding world, this book covers everything from the founding of Hogwarts to the rise and fall of magical rulers. This book is required for your History of Magic class. -
Magical Theory
by Adalbert Waffling
Understanding the basic principles of magic is vital to your studies, and this book will help you develop a foundation in magical theory. It’s especially useful for Transfiguration and Potions. -
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
by Newt Scamander
In your Care of Magical Creatures class, you will encounter various magical creatures. This book is the definitive guide to the beasts and creatures found in the magical world and will serve as a textbook for your studies in Magical Creatures. -
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
by Quentin Trimble
A valuable book for your Defense Against the Dark Arts class, this guide provides an overview of dark magic and how to defend yourself against it. You will be studying basic counter-curses and protective charms. -
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
by Phyllida Spore
This text will be crucial for your Herbology class, teaching you the properties of various magical plants and fungi. You’ll learn how to properly grow, handle, and use plants for healing, potion-making, and other magical uses. -
The Monster Book of Monsters
by Edwardus Lima
This book contains detailed information about magical creatures—some friendly, others quite dangerous. In your Care of Magical Creatures class, you’ll encounter this book, which can sometimes be a bit... difficult to handle. Make sure to handle it with care!
Equipment:
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A Wand
All students at Hogwarts are required to have their own wand. It is said that the wand chooses the wizard, so please visit Ollivanders in Diagon Alley to find the one that is best suited to you. A wand is essential for casting spells in all of your classes. -
Hogwarts Robes
You will need a set of black robes for everyday wear and formal occasions. These robes should be of an appropriate length and fitted to your size. Be sure to include the official Hogwarts crest on the front, which can be purchased from Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions. -
A Hat
A simple, plain black pointed hat is required. You will wear this during the Sorting Ceremony and other important school events. The hat may come with a House colour ribbon or be enchanted to show your House pride later on. -
A Cauldron
You will need a standard pewter cauldron for your Potions class. Be sure to purchase one of the appropriate size, as listed in the equipment guide. Florean Fortescue’s shop is an excellent place for purchasing quality cauldrons. -
A Set of Glass Phials
You will need a set of glass phials for collecting ingredients during your Potions lessons. These phials should be durable and easy to carry. They will also be used for storing magical mixtures and potions. -
A Broomstick
First-year students are expected to bring their own broomsticks for Flying Lessons. The most recommended broom for first years is the Nimbus 2000 or Cleansweep Seven, which you can purchase at Quality Quidditch Supplies. Keep in mind that your broomstick will also be useful for playing Quidditch if you choose to join your House team. -
A Telescope
Required for Astronomy class, this high-quality telescope will allow you to observe the night sky and learn about the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies that influence magic. -
A Set of Locking Trunks
For security and convenience, you will need two locking trunks to store your belongings. These can be purchased at Flourish and Blotts or any of the various trunk shops on Diagon Alley. Remember, your trunk must be able to withstand magical mishaps!
Optional Items:
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Quidditch Gear
If you plan on trying out for the Quidditch team, you may want to purchase additional gear such as Quidditch gloves, a Quaffle, or even a Firebolt broomstick, depending on your ambitions. However, all first-year students will be provided with a standard broomstick for lessons. -
Spellbook Charms for Quick Reference
Some students like to carry a small, enchanted pocket-size charm book for quick reference during the day. These books have been specially designed to help with spell memorization and incantation practice. -
An Owl or Other Pet
Students may bring an owl, toad, or cat as a companion. Owls are highly recommended for their delivery capabilities, especially for sending letters and packages. You may purchase a pet from Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley. -
Potion Ingredients
You may also purchase additional potion ingredients at Slug & Jiggers Apothecary if you wish to experiment with potions on your own time. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully when using these ingredients!
Additional Notes:
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Muggle Items: Be sure to leave behind Muggle items such as electronics, as these are not effective in the wizarding world. Items like phones and cameras may not work at Hogwarts, and it is best to keep them securely packed.
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Personal Items: In addition to the above, feel free to bring personal items, such as photographs of your family or small mementos. These can help you feel at home at Hogwarts, especially during the first few days.
We wish you the best of luck in your studies, and we look forward to seeing you at Hogwarts on 1st September!
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry