By: Essa Nazari
It’s here again, the start of the school year. We all have some amount of fear and trepidation of the up and coming school year. There is always some sort of something new that is happening. New professors. New classes. New friends. New rooms. And for some of us, it is literally a whole new world, something that is shining, shimmering, and splendid…well, most of the time.
Let’s face it. For the muggle born, the magical world is something that was only a part of their dreams and now, it is frankly, probably one of the most overwhelming changes in your life. But, that’s okay. I’ve been there. A lot of us have been there. It’s a hard road to travel but with a few hints and tricks, you will be managing the castle and the magical world in general with relative ease.
Expect the unexpected.
The castle is alive. Well, maybe not breathing and speaking alive, but there is an element of magic that makes the castle feel like it is alive. The staircases move on their own and rooms vanish and appear with no pattern to it. The portraits speak and can move around even to the point of leaving their canvas to visit with their friends. The castle even grew a pipe organ last year–but we don’t talk about it much.
This tip also applies to the interactions with your classmates and professors as well. Many of our professors thrive in making our classes interesting but bringing the unexpected upon us. This means that they will push you to your limit in your beliefs, in your actions, in your skills–but here’s the deal. They do this with a purpose. To grow you as a person mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Have an open mind.
Just like in the muggle world, in the magical world you will meet a wide variety of people who have a wide variety of beliefs and stances. Some people will not like you just because of who your family is. But that is their loss. I have found that some of the most fascinating people at Hogwarts to get to know are the polar opposite of me and some of my closest friends help me see the world through different eyes.
Live for the moment.
This is a new and slightly terrifying world for anyone to be thrown into with little to no preparation. You will experience all sorts of new things. The magical world is overwhelming. We almost speak a different language. There will be new sports, animals, and plants that you will encounter. But, do not give up. In fact, live for the moment. Embrace each and every passing second that happens because you will never get it back
Do not freak out.
As previously mentioned, there are a lot of things that are changing for you and for a lot of muggle borns this leads towards panic attacks and freak outs as things that you once thought were a myth are real. Please. Do not panic. These are completely normal emotions and reactions. Just go with it and know that if there is any real danger, the older students and professors have your back.
Do not be afraid to ask for help.
A lot of students and professors at Hogwarts have walked this path that you are starting on, so we have been there. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. A former headmaster once said that help would be granted to those who ask for it at Hogwarts. Everyone needs help and that’s important to know that you are not alone. You’ve got this.
Just remember, if you bring things with you from the muggle world into the magical world (primarily technology) it won’t work. But do not panic. This is just a part of the amazing part of Hogwarts is being able to disconnect from the technology. Embrace it. Know that yes, you are going through some big changes in how your world works but it is a good thing. Your past is what made you who you are, so do not throw it away. Treasure it. But also be willing to change and see how amazing this whole new world truly is. And who knows, maybe you will find yourself flying on a magic carpet…or broom amazed at everything that you see. I know I am amazed every day and I am going into my sixth year. Magic and everything that comes with it truly is amazing.
[Editor’s note: Magic carpets are illegal in the British Isles before you start getting any crazy ideas. Let’s not bring the attention of the ministry on the school, shall we?]
