We’ve already introduced you to a few key places in the Harry Potter world, but here are some more that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Hogwarts Express: This is the train that takes all of the students to Hogwarts and back. On September 1st at precisely 11 AM, the train departs Kings Cross Station from Platform 9 ¾ and finishes its journey in Hogsmeade. The Hogwarts Express is a bright red steam engine with sitting compartments for students and a special compartment for prefects. If you’re feeling hungry, the Trolly witch comes around with sweets and snacks, like Cauldron Cakes and Pumpkin Pasties.
The Ministry of Magic: This is the governing body of the wizarding world. Led by a Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge in the first book, the Ministry is in charge of preserving and enforcing magical law. The building is located deep beneath London, and one way to access it is through a set of public toilets. Some of the departments in the Ministry are The Department of Magical Law Enforcement, where the Auror office and Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office are located; The Department of International Magical Cooperation, which was used to figure out the logistics for the Triwizard Tournament; The Department of Magical Games and Sports, which organizes sporting events like the Quidditch World Cup; and The Department of Mysteries, the most secretive department, whose purpose is to solve various mysteries surrounding magic and humanity, and is located deep in the basement.
The Burrow: This is the home of the Weasley family, and throughout the series it becomes a second home to Harry. The Burrow is cluttered and homey --- it’s composed of several stories held up by magic and it has a lovely garden, which is the home to a couple of gnomes. In the living room sits a special clock that, instead of displaying the time, shows the current location of each member of the Weasley family. Above Ron’s room is the attic, where a friendly ghoul took up residence and occasionally bangs on the pipes when things get a bit too quiet in the Weasley household.
