Written by Muriel Maple
Dear Gentlest Reader,
It’s me again! I hope your herb baskets are full and your cauldrons are bubbling happily. I’ve brought you one more foraging guide before the snow covers our beloved castle. But don’t worry — I’ll return with more gathering tips once winter arrives, and we’ll explore the snowy wonderland together.
Until then, be sure to stock up on what you can! Remember that after the winter holiday, we’ll need to provide most of our own ingredients for Potions class. Enjoy the rest of autumn and have a bountiful harvest!
Preparations
Same as always! Bundle up in warm clothes, slip into your sturdiest boots, grab your trusty dragonhide gloves, and don’t forget a sturdy basket for your finds.
A word of caution, though: no matter how tempting a sprig of aconite or a particularly plump flobberworm might look, never leave the castle grounds. No rare forageable is worth missing out on all the autumns to come! If you struggle to identify or harvest a plant, don’t hesitate to ask an older student or a professor for help.
By the Water’s Edge
Last time, we stopped by Professor Oreyn Fox’s memorial. After paying our respects, let’s head down the hill toward the small island — the one with the lovely campfire spot near Professor Dumbledore’s grave. We’ll stay close to the water for this one.
This area is usually teeming with life in the warmer months — an excellent spot for Asphodel, Cowbane, Gurdyroot, and Hemlock, or for checking below the docks for leeches (but do try not to fall into the lake!)
At this time of year, however, you’re most likely to find Valerian growing there. Both the sprigs, with their delicate white flowers, and the roots are useful in potions such as the Dreamless Sleep Potion and Sleeping Draught. (There are other uses, but I’ll refrain from mentioning them — some are far too dangerous to attempt without supervision!)
Valerian is a delicate plant, often hard to distinguish from other late-blooming flowers, and even more difficult to harvest without crushing. Be gentle!
Since this little island sits so close to the lake, you might spot the Giant Squid waving a friendly tentacle or see Dragonflies buzzing about. Check around the logs and benches, too — you may find some Horklumps hiding beneath them. Around the trees, you can still find sprigs of Burdock.
It seems more and more students have mastered conjuring bubbles, which is just the spell you’ll need to make your own Dandelion and Burdock soda. I don’t know about you, but this author has grown quite fond of the taste — especially when it’s homemade!
Across the Bridge and Cobblestones
Before we strip that little island of all its biodiversity, let’s make our way back up the hill and cross the Wooden Bridge.
If you have a few minutes, pause to enjoy the ambience of the ancient fountain in the Clocktower Courtyard. Between the old tiles, you might spot some Knotgrass or Lovage growing. As the weather turns colder, you’ll also notice bugs migrating toward the castle — a plump Flobberworm on the benches or railings, or the occasional Red Spider or Horned Slug trying to sneak into the cracks of the stone walls.
To make an almost full circle around the castle, enter the Grand Staircase, pass the Great Hall, and head down toward the boathouse. Like the other courtyard, it offers a few lingering herbs, as well as the usual slugs and spiders.
Once you return to the top of the stairs, you can cross the stone bridge toward the Transfiguration Corridor and Greenhouses, or circle back to the Great Hall for a well-deserved cup of tea and some scones.
With that, we’ve made a full circle around the castle! I hope you’ve enjoyed these foraging guides — and that you’ve gotten your steps in along the way.
Come December, I’ll be back with a new route and fresh spots for your next batch of potion ingredients. Until then, stay warm, study hard, and keep practicing your spells!
