Happy Hogsmeade: Every Wizard’s Favorite Hang Out
“Do you know much about Hogsmeade?” asked Hermione keenly. “I’ve read it’s the only entirely non-Muggle settlement in Britain. . .”
Greetings! It’s your Quibbler Creative Editor once again with another installment of A First Year’s First Steps. (Title finalized.) I must say, it was a stroke of Dumbledore’s genius to use Universal Studios as a portal to Hogwarts. Even if a muggle happens to see some magic, they’re likely to pass it off as “special effects,” so we don’t even have to obliviate anyone!
Last time we discussed Diagon Alley – how to find the entrance, where to get your wand, conducting your banking, the pygmy puff adoption process. . .you know the boring but important things.
We left off relaxing in the Leaky Cauldron, but now it’s time to really dive into the Wizarding World! But before we get to Hogwarts, we’ll be stopping in Hogsmeade – a pleasant haven for witches and wizards (including Harry Potter himself!) just outside of the school’s walls. To get there from Diagon Alley, you’ll need to board the Hogwarts Express.
The Hogwarts Express
“All you have to do is walk straight at the barrier between platforms nine and ten. . .Best do it at a bit of a run if you’re nervous.”
Mrs. Weasley
To find Platform 9 3/4, you’ll head out of Diagon Alley the same way you came in, then head into Universal’s replica of King’s Cross Station. Just try to keep a low profile as you mingle with the muggle crowd and keep an eye out for fellow witches and wizards disappearing into a brick wall – for those in the know, it’s impossible to miss. Find an opportune moment when the muggles aren’t looking, then follow along behind them and – poof! – you’ll find yourself on Platform 9 3/4. (You’ll know you’ve gone through the correct wall if you see owls among the luggage.)
You’ll get your first look at the Hogwarts Express as it rolls to a stop at the platform. The sight of that gorgeous, red locomotive will always be an exciting one, for it means you’re about to go home. You’ll need a ticket to board the Hogwarts Express – something muggles inexplicably refer to as a “park to park pass” – and once you’ve shown it to the conductor, you can find your seat. Prepare to watch the Wizarding World go by from your window!
Rubeus Hagrid, the friendliest half-giant you’ll ever meet, and Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts, is always excited to greet the incoming students. He often flies alongside the Express on his magical motorbike, so be sure to give him a wave!
However, I should warn you. He’s not the only one who accompanies the Hogwarts Express. Dementors sometimes slink through the corridors, searching for escaped prisoners from Azkaban, and they aren’t always good at distinguishing the difference between fugitives and first years. . .but don’t worry, there’s usually someone aboard who can cast the Patronus charm!
When the Hogwarts Express finally rolls to a stop, you’ll find yourself at Hogsmeade Station. I hope you’re ready to explore!
Honeydukes
“I just want to get inside Honeydukes! . . .It’s the sweetshop,” said Ron, a dreamy look coming over his face.
One of Hogsmeade’s must-stop shops is Honeydukes – especially if you’re spellbound by sweets. Here you can restock on chocolate frogs (they tend to get loose on the Hogwarts Express) or invest in a few boxes of Fudge Flies or Fizzing Whizbees. Even if your chocolate frogs didn’t escape on the train, you might still want to purchase more as each one comes with a collectible card featuring a famous witch or wizard! If you find yourself with doubles, talk to a Honeydukes attendant – they may just be willing to trade! (Unless you’ve got Gilderoy Lockhart. No one wants him.)
Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans are also found here at Honeydukes at Hogsmeade and are extremely popular amongst Hogwarts students, especially unsuspecting first years. While these look like standard muggle “jelly beans,” beware: they really do have every flavor, and not all of them are sweet. We’re talking earwax, rotten egg, black pepper. . .and no enchantment can cleanse your palate after that. Ever since I had the misfortune of biting down on a skunk bean, I’ve not had the stomach for them anymore. . .
Once you’ve loaded up on your favorite candies, you may want to purchase an official Honeydukes candy jar to hold them all. Even if you decide to fill your jar with something totally muggle (like M&Ms), it will still look magical!
The Three Broomsticks
“Shall we go for a butterbeer in the Three Broomsticks?”
Ron Weasley
Hogsmeade seems to be perpetually snow-covered, but you can get warm and cozy at the Three Broomsticks tavern! The Three Broomsticks has a medieval flare Merlin himself would enjoy with its vaulted ceiling, roughhewn wood, and rustic chandeliers. Take a seat and order some delicious British fare, and maybe – if you’re lucky – eradicate the aftertaste of that inevitable bogey bean!
Like the Leaky Cauldron in Hogmeade, the Three Broomsticks has crispy good fish and chips, but if you want a more unique culinary experience from “across the pond,” I recommend the beef pasties! They’re a bit like portable pot pies with a pastry crust full of tender ground beef, veggies, and potatoes. (I think the chefs must enchant the crust to get it so flakey!)
You can also imbibe on some more butterbeer here, or if you find yourself in more of an autumnal mood, you can order a tall glass of sweet, spiced Pumpkin Fizz.
Once you’ve had your fill, it’s time to cover the last leg of the journey from Hogsmeade to home: Hogwarts.
The Forbidden Journey
“Yeh’ll get yer firs’ sight o’ Hogwarts in a sec,” Hagrid called over his shoulder, “jus’ round this bend here.”
Hogwarts Castle is hard to miss. You’ll see it sitting atop the cliff where it overlooks the beautiful Scottish countryside. Like all first years, you’ll enter through the dungeon, then make your way through the castle’s corridors. You’ll pass by a plethora of moving portraits as you go – which is the norm in the Wizarding World. Some even speak! (Just ignore them if they get cheeky.)
Pass through the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom and Dumbledore’s grand office (which has a literal griffon door) before reaching the Sorting Hat. This raggedy old chap might not look like much, but he’s a whiz at reciting poetry and reading people. Listen to his rhymes about the Houses of Hogwarts as you pass by. Which one do you belong in? (I’m a Hufflepuff, myself!)
Once you’ve walked through the castle, you might be wondering about the rest of the expansive grounds. Well, luckily for you, Hogwarts alum Harry Potter himself has offered to take you first years on a flying tour around the Quidditch pitch!
Although, you should be warned, traversing certain parts of the property could be considered a forbidden journey. . .
Feel the rush of wind in your face as you fly alongside Harry, but watch out for those pesky dementors – they really have no sense of personal space. Oh, and maybe be on the lookout for Hagrid’s dragon, too. Sometimes Norbert slips the leash, in which case you best be ready to take evasive maneuvers during Harry’s flying tour. Just pitch from side to side, then maybe try spinning to confuse the dragon. Your best bet will be to mimic the movements of a muggle “rollercoaster,” but without a track, of course!
Most importantly, try not to think about the gross Bertie Bott bean you had earlier. . .
Harry will return you safely back to the castle – he usually doesn’t lose anyone – and then you’re free to leave the Great Hall and go back to exploring Hogsmeade. Of course, there’s still some more of the Hogwarts grounds to see. . .if you dare.
In our next installment of A First Year’s First Steps, we’ll be joined by Hogwarts’ Keeper of Keys and Care of Magical Creatures professor, Rubeus Hagrid! But until then, let us know in the comments below what Hogwarts House you belong to and if you’ve ever eaten a Bertie Bott bean!
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Photo: Unsplash
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