Castles, Ships, and Skybound Dreams - Choosing Your School's Form
By Harry Potter
Now that your plans are starting to take shape on parchment, it's time to ask one of the most exciting questions in this whole journey: What kind of school do you actually want to build?
When people think of wizarding schools, their minds usually jump straight to castles—and for good reason. Hogwarts is a prime example of that grand, enchanted style: towers, secret passageways, enchanted ceilings. But that's just one way to do it. Magic isn't limited by bricks and stone—and your school doesn't have to be, either.
Castles are a solid choice, of course. They're traditional, defensible, and full of character. A castle gives a strong sense of history, even if it's brand new. There's something comforting about thick stone walls and high towers when the wind howls outside during your first Advanced Charms exam.
But maybe you want to break tradition. How about a school built on a giant ship, sailing a magically protected sea? Constantly moving, never in the same place twice. That would give your students a taste for adventure—and learning to cast spells on a rocking deck would certainly sharpen their focus.
Or you might dream even bigger. Picture a floating school that drifts above the clouds, suspended by ancient sky magic or flying beasts. The sky's quite literally the limit here. Just make sure your anti-fall charms are airtight—and that students don't forget their broomsticks.
On the other hand, some witches and wizards are drawn to modern styles. A collection of sleek buildings hidden deep in a forest, with enchanted glass walls and high-tech magical systems. Think moving walkways powered by spells, voice-activated spellbooks, and classrooms that shift shape for each subject. It's bold, and it might attract a new kind of magical mind.
You could even go underground, into deep caves or crystal catacombs. Cold? Maybe. Mysterious and brilliant for teaching earth and shadow magic? Absolutely.
The form your school takes should reflect its heart. Is it meant to be a haven? A place of challenge? A hub for magical innovation? Let that vision guide your choice. Don't be afraid to mix styles, either. Maybe your school starts in a castle but expands to a sky tower or forest dome later on.
One thing's for certain: wherever and however you build it, your school will carry your spirit. Let it be a place that tells your story before a single spell is cast.