Every Harry Potter fan has dreamt of walking the halls of Hogwarts, or performing complex spells that will turn any enemy into a bat or mouse. But we’ve begun to grow up. Our minds have moved on to reality, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has been tucked away on to a dusty shelf of our subconscious. But now, I invite you to step inside that mansion, to once again go through the maze-like corridors of the castle. Embark on a journey with me, into a world that can only exist for those who believe. Come now, and let your imagination run free as you enter the seven-book series by J.K. Rowling.

Kings Cross station, London

So you’ve just received your letter to Hogwarts (delivered by owl) and you realize that on September 1st you will be boarding the train on platform 9¾. After several hours of running around the house in excitement, you may start to become a little worried. A magical school unfortunately has many hazards, from a giant three-headed dog and its even larger owner to a nose-less antagonist (inside joke for those who haven’t read/watched it yet). The question is, what items should you bring to survive your first term at a school for wizards and witches? Luckily, while at the Harry Potter Studio Tour just outside London, England, I found a few items that could be helpful.

Aragog, the Acromantula

Luckily, it was restrained from the crowd.

If you can get over the fact that acromantulas are giant spiders who have a sweet tooth for human flesh, they can make good pets. Anyone bothering you? Someone trying to steal your glass of pumpkin juice? Just introduce them to your new pet, and your problem should be solved. That is, of course, if your spider doesn’t eat you first.

A Snitch

Snitches are wicked fast, so you’re lucky I managed to ‘catch’ a picture of this one.

Not only are snitches fun to play with if you’re in a rather dull history lesson, but they’ll help you improve your reflexes. Plus, if a Quidditch captain notices you making an impressive catch, you could get on the team! Just make sure you keep a close eye on the snitch when it’s out of the case, or it’ll fly away and you won’t be able to find it again.

Harry Potter’s Invisibility Cloak

It doesn’t look very invisible now, but that’s just because there’s no one inside.

Do I really need to explain this one? Having the means to become invisible at any time is very useful on occasion, and until you’ve mastered the Disillusionment Charm (a spell that will make you take on the colors of the object behind you, effectively turning you invisible) a cloak is as good as any to use when you’re about to be caught out of bed past curfew.

The Sword of Godric Gryffindor

When you acquire it, make sure it isn’t the fake one that’s been floating around for a few years. Of course, a sword is a sword whether or not it was made by a goblin.

If you have been placed in Gryffindor house, this could be yours. All you have to do is be in mortal peril, usually one that you can only get out of by pulling this goblin-made blade out of the sorting hat and slashing something to bits. Then, you have your very own sword. Feel free to keep order in the hallways as you see fit, or challenge your friends to a duel. Either way, just make sure the teachers don’t catch you!

A Giant Enchanted Chess Piece

Make sure you do the spell properly, or your bodyguard could turn on you.

Imagine if a witch or wizard from a rival house was bothering you, and then, all of a sudden, a mace crashes down between the two of you. Next, you get to enjoy the attraction of watching the previously mentioned witch or wizard being chased down the hallway by the chess piece. All this could be yours, if you have a giant chess piece with you. Just make sure you know how to do the spell, and then you’ll have your own, personal bodyguard.

So there you have it - several magical objects that could help you during your time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Now that you’re packed with the necessities, it’s time to go. Take a leap through the Kings Cross Station wall, and let your imagination show you the way. And remember - you’re safe as long as Aragog doesn’t try to eat you.

Sarah Albom is a member of the Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program

All photos courtesy and copyright Sarah Albom