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We started off in the same hypothermia-inducing cave-glacier-hole that you did. Isn’t it creepy? I decided to take our friends from Mahounoshiro and Dormunstrad into the tunnel to try and find the exit, but the unsettling atmosphere sent us flying back to the warmth of our temporary dormitories as soon as we found our first dead end.
Step through with me, and we’ll head to the right. That building at the top of the hill is the infirmary. That’s where I headed as soon as I was done with my tour. I was half-convinced that my fingers had frozen off!
Most of the first buildings you see are the classrooms. They are really cool, both figuratively and literally, so try and sit in on a class while you are here, but do mind the chill. I have no idea how the students here can stand walking through the billowing wind of the fjord between each class. I was hanging out with the kids from École du Monde Occulte, and they will barely leave their dormitories without four layers!
The Mythology classroom ahead of us is absolutely gorgeous if you get the chance to visit; there are artefacts spread throughout, and you can really tell how much they care about stories here.
On the other hand, the Wandlore classroom up ahead is my least favourite. Sitting in on my new Galdrakademia friends’ classes is already difficult enough with them switching into Mandarin and Old Norse, but the view in that classroom is literally blocked by a tree. I have no idea how they communicate with their professor around that behemoth.
The really important classroom on the right is ahead of us now: the History of Life classroom. Professor Brigitte is usually there, and I have to say as a Beauxbois student that she is absolutely stunning. It’s no wonder she leads students on the subject of life because she is brimming with it, just like her classroom. It is open-air, however, so critters of all shapes and sizes are always milling about in the heating charm’s warmth.
There are also dormitories past this classroom, but they’re halfway up the mountainside. I have to trek miles every time I visit a friend in their temporary accommodation, let alone the Galdrakademia students, who seem to have all taken over the uppermost dorms.
All the way at the bottom of these mountains is a stunning star-gazing platform that makes up for all of that silliness. We’ll have to get our group together for a family photo one of these days. It’s the best view on campus if you ask me, with those towering guardian statues and the boathouse across the way.
If you turn around with me, you can see where the Quidditch Pitch is– Oh, you can’t? That’s because it’s UNDER THE BLOODY MOUNTAIN! Not only do these half-frozen people hike from their homes each day, but they also keep their pitch in a cavern. It’s just as insane as it is delightful.
Let’s make our way to the other side. Ahead, there’s this huge cavern that I’ve only heard about from other students. It’s full of towering plants, and someone told me there’s a place where students go to duel. If that’s your thing, you should check it out, but there’s no way I’m going to head in there with my pollen allergies.
The History of Tragedy classroom is on this side, too. It’s marked by the gnarled, angry-looking dead tree beside it. Professor Elunore teaches there, and I have to say, their classroom is pretty spectacular.
The whole building teems with life despite the in-house graveyard and the Dark Arts classroom. It’s impressive how well the students here embrace mortality. Ever since I stepped in, I’ve wanted to live in these halls.
There are so many dimly lit study nooks and intimate private rooms spread throughout the building that one can hardly be surprised at the proposition of a romantic holiday rendezvous taking place here over the course of the waltz. I, for one, will be betting on it.
Up above, there are even more dorms, but we’ll pass them by to reach the Great Hall. Outside, there are the usual stands hawking goods for the students at the Winter Waltz, and through these doors, you’ll find their cozy hall. I was surprised by how small it was, but considering the student population, I suppose it makes sense. We’ll just have to get to know each other a little better, shoulder-to-shoulder.
If you squeeze past the throngs of students with me, though, you’ll get to see our last amusement: the library. Don’t trip down these stairs– the students here will never let you live it down. Isn’t it decadent? I think I might need to put in for a transfer just for this one room. The trickling water moving past is so peaceful, and the naturally hewn stones are so pretty I could cry!
But look at the time! We must hunt down the rest of our friends. The Winter Waltz hasn’t truly begun until we’re together again. Thank you for indulging me in this little tour.
