* Underage Magic: Using magic outside of school before the age of 11 is generally considered illegal. This is because the Ministry of Magic believes children under 11 are too young to control their magic responsibly.
* Exceptions:
* Accidental Magic: If a child under 11 accidentally uses magic, they are not usually punished. This is because they are deemed not to have had the intention of breaking the law.
* Defense: If a child under 11 uses magic to defend themselves or someone else from serious harm, they are unlikely to be punished. This is because self-defense is considered a valid reason for magic use.
* Inherited Abilities: Some children, like Harry Potter, may exhibit magical abilities before the age of 11. These abilities are often seen as signs of a powerful magical core and are not considered "underage magic."
* After 11: After a child turns 11, they are allowed to use magic outside of school as long as they are following the Ministry's laws and guidelines.
Important Note: The law about underage magic is not always strictly enforced. It's clear that some witches and wizards break the rules, especially when it comes to accidental magic. The Ministry of Magic also has a reputation for being inefficient and sometimes corrupt.
So, the age at which you can legally use magic outside of school in the Harry Potter world is 11, but the line between "allowed" and "forbidden" is a bit blurry.