In a freezing cold sea, there lies a rather small rock (in comparison to the sea). On the rock, there is a dilapidated hut. Inside the hut, there are two rooms, and always, the incredibly wet smell of seaweed. The hut isn't very warm, although there is a fireplace, albeit of not much use since there is no wood and it's already wet. Just like the sea.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
Many young wizards, such as the famous Harry Potter, eagerly await the trip to Hogwarts from Platform 9 3/4. In order to do that though, they must go to King's Cross Station in London, by way of muggle transportation since it is a muggle train station. Between Platforms 9 and 10, there is a barrier. To any muggle this wall seems perfectly solid. But to Hogwarts students; however, it is the gateway to getting away from home and getting to Hogwarts. Through the barrier one goes, and then they find themselves among a horde of students, all saying goodbye to parents. Such is the bitter sweetness of platform 9 3/4.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
Home to the wonderful red-headed Weasleys, the burrow apparently "isn't very much" to wizard standards. But to muggles it's fascinating and filled with magical creatures and accessories. It is several stories high, and rather cramped, but that makes it all the more cozy. Outside are chickens and gnomes, and various remnants of magical equipment and clothing. The kitchen is where you will most often find Mrs. Weasley, cooking for the many members of her family. There is a ghoul in the attic, and creaking stairs, and loud noises come from Fred and George's room. Here, Harry feels at home, and so do Ron, Fred, George, Percy, Ginny, Bill, Charlie, Arthur and Molly Weasley.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
In Diagon Alley lies Flourish and Blott's, the wizard bookshop. They carry every kind of wizard book, autobiographies, and history books, spell books, etc. Hogwarts students come here to buy their books before the start of term. Often, famous authors can be found here amidst the endless number of fans vying for their autograph.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
Another shop in Diagon Alley, Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions makes good business come start of Hogwarts term. Sometime Madam Malkin herself will assist you. In any case, she and her employees make beautiful robes for all occasions, and for nice prices too.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
The Great Hall of Hogwarts is where all the meals, parties, and feasts are held. Normally, there are four long tables laid vertically, for the four houses of Hogwarts. A staff table lies horizontally at the head of the hall. Almost any kind of food is served, and the food is never terrible tasting, for it is made by excellent and obedient house elves. The food appears magically, and the candles hang in mid-air. The ceiling is enchanted to look like the sky outside and it is often filled with the loud hubbub of students stuffing themselves silly.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
The Shrieking Shack scares the creeps out of little children who hear about it. It is the most haunted location in Britain, and adolescents enjoy teasing each other about the violent spirits who allegedly reside there. But, the Shrieking Shack no longer shrieks or shakes with horrifying noises. In fact, it has remained silent for years. Under the Whomping Willow, there is a secret passage that leads to the inside of the Shrieking Shack. The interior of this foreboding little shack is perhaps like any other house inhabited by a werewolf. The curtains are torn, it's awfully dust, and the bed is a mother's worst nightmare. Back in the day, a werewolf (young Remus Lupin) used to come in there and destruct the place after he transformed from a person to a werewolf. After that, three other rowdy boys would come in after him and they would have the time of their life. They were known as the Marauders: Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
The brilliant red train is one of the many treasured ways of transportation for Harry Potter. He can fly on his broomstick, travel by Floo Powder, get hurled by a portkey or nearly fall out of a flying Ford Anglia. In any which way, young Harry enjoys traveling on the steam engine the most. Mainly Hogwarts students ride it, as the only three adults ever to be reported on board are the food lady, the Hogwarts Express conductor and former Professor Remus J. Lupin. There have also been reports of missing toads, biting rats, and scary dementors on the wonderfully huge train.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
In Diagon Alley, you can find this ice cream parlor. Any kind of ice cream is sold here, ranging from sundaes to double-scoops. All are sold by the magical and knowledgeable Florean Fortescue.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
Every wizard or witch needs a wand. And no one sells finer wands in Diagon Alley then Ollivanders, in business since 382 B.C. The place is dusty and quiet, but that shouldn't ruin its reputation. Ollivander's has sold wands to famous and powerful wizards, such as Lily and James Potter, Harry Potter and even He-who-must-not-be-named. The wands comes in a narrow box, and there are seemingly thousands of wands, piled high to the ceiling. A very lovely selection of wands indeed, but you must remember: The wand chooses the wizard.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
Known to be one of Hogwarts' strictest teachers, Professor McGonagoll is not someone to cross. She can change her furniture into farm animals. And if that doesn't shock you, you should see what she gives to students when they are in trouble. You shouldn't be late to her class, or else she might turn you into a pocket watch. So I suggest you take a seat in one of the many tables and pay rapt attention to her teachings of Transfiguration, sometimes shown on the drawing board.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
06-25-2004 03:03 AM
