By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Not only were kiddos able to go back to school but they were also able to go back to Hogwarts! On Thursday, September 14th, the Westwood Public Library (WPL) hosted a “Back to Hogwarts: A Harry Potter Celebration” night for all to come and enjoy.
This incredible event was exquisitely detailed and included so many activities for young ones to partake in. While costumes were not required, many could be seen sporting their best Hogwarts outfits, including black robes, witch hats, and wands. To start off the night, new students walked through Platform 9 ¾ to enter into the Hogwarts Express. Upon arrival, it was time to spin the wheel to find out which house they would be in: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff. Depending on which house they landed on, coordinating paper ties were passed out for students to tape onto their outfits.
Once kiddos were assigned their house, they were ready to attend their classes. There were seven classes overall that everyone could choose from: Herbology, Transfiguration, Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, Quidditch, Charms, and Muggle Studies. Each class was set up throughout the children’s section of the library and tasks were given in order to “receive credit.”
The best part about all these classes was that they were all unique and reflected some amazing parts of the Harry Potter movies. When attending the Herbology class, kiddos were able to plant their very own Gillyweed. For the Divination class, cups were set up with fortunes printed on the bottom. Once students finished their drinks, they could see what their fortune was, whether it be love, luck, good news, danger, and more.
Perhaps the biggest hit of the night was the Care of Magical Creatures class. For this, little ones would visit Hagrid’s Hut to go on a magical scavenger hunt. Within this scavenger hunt, students had to find the swarm of flying Doxy, the Giant Squid from the Black Lake, a pair of Bowtruckles, a group of Pygmy Puffs, and more! The students with the top marks within this class received a gold coin for their Gringotts Vault.
Towards the end of this event, everyone came together to participate in a dueling club, house trivia, and a costume contest. No matter how many classes they took, or what house they were in, these new Hogwarts students had an incredible time. Those at the WPL who set up and ran this event did such an astounding job and it was easy to see just how much all who attended truly appreciated it.
