Noise Filter: Fantasy

A massive fireplace dominates the space in the Gryffindor Common Room. Settle yourself in an overstuffed chair in front of the dancing flames and allow the cares of the day to recede. This space is serene. The quiet turning of book pages sounds loud here, even though down the corridor you can hear lively voices celebrating yet another victory on the Quidditch pitch. Crimson and gold tapestries adorn the walls in the House of Gryffindor, representing the element of fire. The sturdy furniture, now comfortably worn, has served many generations of future wizards. Restful and secure, this room feels like home. Draw a mug of Butter Beer and relax.

Tap out the rhythm “Hel-ga Huff-le-puff” on the middle barrel, second row from the bottom, of the stacked barrels in the Hogwarts kitchen corridor, and you will be admitted to the Hufflepuff Common Room. Of the four common rooms at the school, this one is the most intimate and cozy. It is low ceilinged, round, reminiscent of a badger’s sett. That spirit animal is a reoccurring theme here, as the wooden fireplace mantel is carved with cavorting badgers. Small round windows provide sunny views of green grass and dandelions, and, occasionally, the shoes of people passing by outside. This room is partially below ground but gives the impression of being perpetually cheerful. The soothing sounds of birdsong, a crackling fire, and the activity of a bustling kitchen surround you. Good-natured Hufflepuffs have a strong work ethic; busy and optimistic is their mantra. Sit down and stay awhile. You are always welcome here.

Ravenclaw Tower hosts the magnificent Ravenclaw Common Room, a domed chamber grandly decorated in shades of blue and bronze. By day, students have a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains through the graceful, arched windows; by night they gaze upon the dome’s interior, decorated with glowing stars. A white marble statue of the house’s namesake, Rowena Ravenclaw, keenly surveys the students, arguably the most intellectual group at Hogwarts. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, filled with lively conversation and the rustle of turning pages while scholars pursue greater knowledge. Birds chirp in the trees as the breeze wafts gently through the expansive room. It is a relaxed space that encourages learning and personal growth for future witches and wizards.

Welcome to the Slytherin Common Room. This chamber is submerged under the Black Lake, and the cold, blue-green light from the windows ripples on the walls, undulating with movement. The fire in the grate is largely ineffective against the chill, but it’s crackle is a distraction from the silence in this underwater dungeon. Your studious classmates chase away sleep with a strong brew, their spoons clinking against the porcelain cups. The smell of coffee competes with the distinctive odor of Slytherin House, a mixture of peppermint, wintergreen, and pine with damp, earthy undertones. Despite the chilly air and the stiff, formal furnishings, you find yourself drowsy after hours of attention to the history of magic. Do your best to remain awake – the Slytherin Common Room is known to be a favorite haunt of the Bloody Baron, who takes evil pleasure in terrorizing inattentive students!