Sept. 1 is the day magical students are heading back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here are 10 tips for new and returning students as they head back to Potions, Charms, Transfiguration and so much more at the famous magical institute.
First thing’s first, you need to make it Hogwarts. If the Hogwarts Express isn’t an option, try enchanting a car to fly. You can always blame whatever mess is made as a result on your best friend!
Once you get to Hogwarts, you better be quick to land an awesome magical squad. Make sure you choose brave, intelligent, cunning and creative types, whether they be in Gryffindor and Slytherin or Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.
From owls and cats to toads and rats, every student is required to bring a magical pet with them every semester. Just don’t be like Ron Weasley. His pet rat turned out to be more than what meets the eye.
Try not to talk or pass notes during class or you’ll be looking at spending your afternoons in detention. Who would want to spend time cleaning out the potions cauldrons when they could be outside playing Quidditch.
Unless you’ve got good (or nefarious) reasons to be down there, just don’t go in the dungeon. There are massive snakes and trolls and three-headed dogs. Just don’t go in the dungeon.
A magical mass of hormonal teens away at school and you forgot your breath mints? You better use your Accio spell to summon those Altoids!
Be sure to pack some formalwear. The last thing you want to look like at the ball is Ronald Weasley. Dance your way through a magical night at the Yule Ball with stylish “dressing robes” from your nearest wizard outfitter.
You’re bound to get into a little bit of trouble at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Make sure to manage your mischief by tapping your Marauder’s Map and chanting “mischief managed” to wipe away any evidence of your mischievous ways!
The O.W.L.s (Ordinary Wizarding Level exam) and W.O.M.B.A.T.s (Wizards’ Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude exam) are enough to make you go mad! Keep your cool, study hard and make sure you have an awesome memory locked and loaded for when it’s time to produce that Patronus Charm!
If there’s one key tip for returning to Hogwarts it’s this: Steer clear of Dolores Umbridge. You don’t want to end up etching bloody scars into your hands after class as punishment for speaking out against the Ministry.
