Sometimes, life surprises you with the most magical things. Bryn Mawr College’s Harry Potter Themed end of term feast was no exception. This once every 4 year tradition brought the magic into the Great Hall, a 20th Century Neo-Gothic masterpiece, and filled students with inspiration and delight after facing a challenging semester.

First, students got tickets for their respective houses a week before the event. Although a Ravenclaw, I sat with friends in Gryffindor. We all lined up outside, and were escorted into the feast to sit at long tables in rows, just like Hogwarts! The initial entrance was incredible. The hall was candlelight, they had floating candles in the air, the traditional Harry Potter Music was playing.

The menu was well-rounded, and what I was used to for our holiday dinners. The rolls and roasted root veggies were my two favorites. After we were served, we sat down at long wooden tables and had pumpkin juice from pitchers. The feast was complete with faculty dressed up as all your favorite characters from the movie. To end the night, an a capella group sang Toil and Trouble, and Bryn Mawr’s President, dressed as Dumbledore, gave end of the semester announcements.

Then, we were escorted by Hagrid to the Yule Ball! This dessert festivity had bands, a hot chocolate bar, and delicious cupcakes as well as photo opportunities.

This dinner at Bryn Mawr was one of the best moments in my academic career and made me remember why I went there!