Logistical difficulties plague efforts to get students to and from Hogwarts while adhering to the Statute of Secrecy. Minister for Magic Ottaline Gambol, who appreciates Muggle innovation, comes up with the idea of using a steam engine.
The exact origin of the Hogwarts Express is uncertain, but it is rumoured to have involved ‘one hundred and sixty-seven Memory Charms and the largest ever mass Concealment Charm performed in Britain’.
Due to its Muggle origin, many pure-blood parents disapprove of the train but can do little about it as the Ministry forbids any other method of travelling to Hogwarts. (Pm)
Ottaline Gambol personally offered the Hogwarts Express trolley witch the job she has held ever since the train started taking students to and from Hogwarts (CC1.11).
Timeline Notes
Gambol was Minister for Magic from 1827 to 1835 (Pm).
Commentary
Notes
It is unknown where the Hogwarts Express of originally based. Evangeline Orpington instituted the creation of Platform 9 and 3/4 to be the London terminus of the Hogwarts Express sometime during her tenure as Minister for Magic, which lasted from 1849 to 1855.
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Tags: government innovation Muggle technology transportation travel