The Raven's Call

First Time at Hogsmeade

The next few Defence Against the Dark Arts classes were rather interesting, we studied Red Caps, which are nasty little goblin-like creatures that lurk wherever blood had been shed. Then we move onto Kappa's, creepy water-dwellers that looked like scaly monkeys, with webbed hands. Snape had been in a horrible mood as the story of the Snape-boggart dressed in Neville's grandmothers clothes got around the school. He was horrible to Neville ever since. Draco and the other Slytherins stopped going to Care of Magical Creatures since the 'incident', apart from Asteria and Hagrid's classes weren't the same as we learned about how to look after Flobberworms.

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Sunday, October 31st 1993

The anticipation of Halloween has been building up for weeks at Hogwarts, and it's finally here. As a third-year Ravenclaw, this is also the year I get to visit Hogsmeade, and I couldn't be more excited. The morning air is crisp as I put on my warmest robes and head to the Great Hall for breakfast. The Great Hall is decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, and floating candles, giving it a spooky yet enchanting ambiance. The Halloween feast is a sight to behold, with tables piled high with all sorts of delicious treats. I load my plate with pumpkin pasties, treacle tart, and chocolate frogs, savouring the festive flavours.

After breakfast, it's time for the much-awaited trip to Hogsmeade. "Now remember!" McGonagall calls out as the third years gather outside the main court of Hogwarts. "These visits to Hogsmeade village are a privilege. Should your behaviour reflect poorly on the school in any way, that privilege shall not be extended again." "All those with permission follow me." Filch calls out, leading the crowd. "Those without, stay put." He spoke, glaring down at Harry Potter. Poor guy. Maybe I'll bring him back something. Maybe not. I join up with Alex and Asteria, and we make our way along the bridge. The sight of Hogsmeade takes my breath away. The streets are bustling with students from all houses, each dressed in their casual day-to-day clothes. I sadly have grown out of my 'A' sweater from Molly Weasley, so I opted for a dark blue glittery sweater with silver stars.

We start our Hogsmeade adventure by visiting Honeydukes, the famous sweet shop. The moment I step inside, I'm hit by the sugary aroma of candies and chocolate. The shelves are lined with colourful packages, and I can't resist picking up a bag of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, hoping for some interesting flavours. "Can we go to Zonko's, next? I want to get something for the twins." Asteria asks. So next, we head to Zonko's Joke Shop, where the shelves are stocked with prank items of all kinds. We share a laugh at the Skiving Snackboxes and the Extendable Ears, but I decide to purchase a simple joke book to bring back to Hogwarts. The Three Broomsticks is our next stop, where we settle in for a warm butterbeer. The tavern is cozy, with the sound of chatter and laughter filling the air. I sip my drink and chat with my friends, feeling a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

As the day goes on, Alex perks up with an idea. "Hey! Do you guys wanna come see my house? It's not far from here." He suggests, a smile on his face. Asteria and I share a glance before nodding excitedly. He leads us down an off-road, and as we walk I get distracted by some falling Autumn leaves. Before I know it, we're met with a charming cottage, which sits nestled at the end of a winding cobblestone path, surrounded by a well-tended garden bursting with colourful flowers. The sight of Alex's house takes my breath away. It's like something out of a storybook. Asteria and I exchange another excited glance, our smiles mirroring Alex's enthusiasm. 

"Wow, Alex, your house is absolutely beautiful!" I exclaim, taking in the picturesque scene. Asteria chimes in, "Yeah, it's like a fairytale cottage. You're so lucky to live here." Alex blushes with pride and leads us up the cobblestone path to the front door. As we approach, I can't help but notice the inviting aroma of fresh flowers and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. It's a peaceful and idyllic setting. "I'm glad you like it," Alex says with a grin as he opens the door and invites us inside. The interior of the cottage is just as charming as the exterior. It's cozy and warm, with a crackling fireplace, and tasteful decorations that give it a rustic yet elegant feel. The afternoon sunlight streaming in through the windows casts a warm and inviting glow on the room. We explore the house, admiring the quaint details and personal touches that make it uniquely Alex and Professor McGonagall's home. He proudly shows us his book collection, a comfortable dining nook by the window, and the well-equipped kitchen. He then leads us upstairs to his bedroom.

It's a small and plain room in stark contrast to the rest of the cottage's cozy and well-decorated interior. Inside, we find a single bed neatly made, a little desk covered in books, and not much else. The bed is simple but comfortable, adorned with a neatly arranged quilt and a few throw pillows. The walls of the room are painted in a calming, muted colour, giving the space a serene ambiance. The most striking feature of the room is the little desk against one wall. It's covered in a haphazard pile of books, some open and displaying handwritten notes in the margins. There's an old desk lamp with a warm, soft glow that provides a cozy reading nook. The desk seems to be Alex's personal haven, where he spends hours lost in his own world. Despite the clutter on the desk, the rest of the room is surprisingly uncluttered. The simplicity of the space stands out in contrast to the rest of the cottage's vibrant and cozy atmosphere. As we stand in his bedroom, we can see how this little corner of the cottage holds a special place in Alex's heart, where he can retreat into his own space and find solace in its simplicity. It's a reminder that even in the coziest of homes, there are hidden nooks that reveal a person's unique personality and passions. As we spend time in Alex's cottage, it becomes clear that it reflects his personality – warm, welcoming, and full of creativity. We chat, share stories, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. It's a perfect autumn day, made even more special by the unexpected visit to this charming haven.

As the sun begins to set, we make our way back to Hogwarts, our bags filled with sweets and memories. It's been an enchanting and unforgettable first visit to Hogsmeade, and I can't help but smile as I enter the castle.