Five of the Coziest Environments in “Harry Potter”
At times like these, few of us are able to get out of the house and into the world, which can be difficult since that is usually a great coping mechanism for stress. While we may be physically confined to our houses, there’s no reason why we can’t send our brains wandering. Here are five of the coziest, most comforting places in the wizarding world we can visualize ourselves in.
1. The Burrow
The Burrow is a true refuge for Harry. Its cozy messiness, constant supply of delicious, hot food, and no end of entertainment make it the perfect retreat for the weary soul. Picture yourself jostling for attention from Molly and Arthur, laughing at Errol, and listening to the buzz of the wireless at the Weasley breakfast table. Send yourself up to Ron’s room and listen to the ghoul rattle about the attic, watch the Chudley Cannons rocketing around on his posters, or lean out the window and listen to Mr. Weasley try to start the Ford Anglia. There are so many nooks and crannies in the Burrow where conversation can be had and strange wizarding inventions can be examined. That’s not to mention everything there is to soak up out in the garden or in the farm field up the hill, where Harry and the Weasleys (and even, occasionally, Hermione) gather for a game of Quidditch. The Burrow is the perfect place to send your mind for a mix of excitement and rest.
2. The Three Broomsticks
For Harry, the Three Broomsticks was exciting at first for its illicitness (we’ll never forget that year without a permission slip for Hogsmeade), and then it became a shelter from the storm, a place to get warmed from the inside out with a piping hot mug of butterbeer, roaring fires, and steamy windows. So many memorable moments happened here – Harry learned the “truth” about Sirius and his parents, he gave his interview for the Quibbler, and Draco Malfoy gave Katie Bell the cursed necklace. But beyond these revelations, so many moments feature Harry, Ron, and Hermione cozying up at a table with hot drinks to escape the wind, sleet, and snow, which gives it the feeling of a haven we all need right now. The Three Broomsticks is the perfect place to send your mind if you’re feeling a bit short on socialization – Madame Rosmerta is never short on gossip, you’re sure to encounter friends of all sorts there, and the drinks are incomparable.
3. Hagrid’s Hut
Hagrid’s hut is that non-judgmental space where Harry can express and escape all the cares and frustrations of the school year, the pressures of being the Chosen One, and the struggles that come with being best friends with two very strong-willed people. Here is where they came when Ron was belching slugs and Hermione was struggling to save Buckbeak. Truly one of the most physically cozy spaces in the books with its tiny square footage, often raging fireplace, and never-ending pots of tea (always served in a bucket-sized mug), Hagrid’s hut is like Hagrid himself – a little rugged but absolutely overflowing with heart. Send your mind here if you need a little cherishing.
4. The Leaky Cauldron
While not unlike the Three Broomsticks in its bubbling bar atmosphere, the Leaky Cauldron provides its own cozy qualities with its private dining rooms, varied clientele, and famously tasty food. This is where Harry learned the truth about Voldemort, and he sheltered here after the Aunt Marge incident. Picture yourself strolling through, having a chat with Tom the bartender (or perhaps Dedalus Diggle if you time your visit right), or cozying up in a room upstairs and having the furniture reassure you that everything will be all right.
5. The Gryffindor Common Room
And finally, here’s the coziest environment of all – the Gryffindor common room (viewed from the squashiest armchairs by the fire, of course). There is something perfectly mundane about the common room with its remains of failed homework, odd magical experiments (hello, Potter Really Stinks), and remoteness way up in the tower. Picture yourself facing down Ron over a set of wizard’s chess, lounging on the hearthrug with a new book from the library, or just curling up in an armchair and watching the Whomping Willow out the window. It’s sure to be the perfect balm for a frazzled mind.
So whether you’re stuck at home, struggling with a stressful work situation, or just trying to escape the inescapable news cycle, try sending yourself to one of these cozy wizarding spots in your mind and spend a little time in a place where comfort is king, both for the body and the soul.
