Quills, Parchment, and Possibilities - Putting Ideas on Paper
By Harry Potter
Before a single stone is levitated or a staircase enchanted to move, everything starts with a quill and a bit of parchment. This chapter is all about dreaming big—then organizing those dreams into something you can actually build.
When I first sat down to imagine what my own wizarding school might look like, I didn't think I'd have much to write. But once I got going, the ideas came faster than a rogue Bludger. Towers for astronomy, underground tunnels for potions, a library that rearranges itself... before I knew it, I had a stack of sketches taller than a stack of Chocolate Frog cards.
Here's my advice: start messy. Doodle. Scribble. Write down everything, no matter how far-fetched. Want a classroom that shifts dimensionally based on the lesson? Write it down. A Quidditch pitch that hovers above the school? Sketch it. This phase is about imagination—not limitations.
Then, once your ideas are flowing, begin to sort them. What's essential for your school's mission? What fits the land you've chosen? What's more of a "someday" feature? It helps to break things into sections: academic buildings, student housing, common areas, and magical specialties. Think about how students will move from place to place. Will they walk, fly, teleport? (Word of advice—maybe don't make all the stairs move.)
One thing I learned from watching Professor McGonagall run Hogwarts: the best magical places aren't just practical—they feel magical. So when you plan, leave room for wonder. Hidden corridors, talking portraits, enchanted gardens—these aren't just extras; they're the soul of the place.
If you can, talk to magical architects or spellwrights. There's a whole branch of magic that deals with structural enchantments, and you'll want to make sure your ideas are actually buildable—or at least won't collapse if a student sneezes too hard.
In the end, don't rush this phase. Let your school take shape on parchment before it ever rises from stone. Trust me, it's better to change a blueprint than to un-Transfigure an entire tower.