First Floor: Stone Bridge

[Wilber Winterbottom]

You will find at the end of the corridor on the first floor is a door that will reveal the Stone Bridge when opened. While it may seem like an odd place for a bridge, do note that it provides easy access to the next tower nearby and makes moving around the castle significantly easier. One will need to use this structure to get to Defence Against the Dark Arts, unless, of course, you are departing from there and need to get to the moving staircases.

It is not uncommon for this bridge to be a meeting place for students because of its prime location in between towers. It also provides a nice view of the viaduct and part of the lake down below. During the fall and spring seasons, this small bridge is a pleasant place to pause for a bit of fresh air before heading back indoors to fill your brain with more information. Though it is is a different matter entirely when it is winter, which is why you will be advised to wear your thicker robes and a scarf when trekking across this bridge in spite of the torches that are lit along the way.

[MuggleDinosaur]

Periwinkle had been dreaming of this moment ever since her sister, Thora, had described it to her in vivid detail. Autumn at Hogwarts was said to be nothing short of magical, and Peri, with her boundless curiosity and love for the season, couldn’t wait to explore. The crisp air, the golden leaves, and the promise of adventure made her heart flutter with excitement.

Her first destination was the stone bridge. Thora had always raved about it, especially in winter when it was cloaked in snow, but Peri was certain it would be just as enchanting in autumn. With a bounce in her step, she made her way down the first-floor corridor, the hem of her robes swishing lightly as she walked. She reached the door at the end and pushed it open, and there it was—the bridge.

Peri gasped softly. It was more beautiful than she could have imagined. The ancient stones seemed to glow under the soft autumn sunlight, and the wind danced playfully around her, carrying with it the scent of pine and fallen leaves. She stepped onto the bridge, her dark brown eyes wide with wonder, taking in every detail.

As she walked towards the middle, she paused to lean against the side and look out over the Black Lake. The water shimmered like liquid obsidian, reflecting the fiery hues of the trees that framed its edges. In the distance, she could just make out the viaduct, its arches standing tall and proud against the backdrop of rugged mountains. It all felt like a scene from a storybook—a land untouched by time.

“This is so beautiful,” Peri whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. She let her eyes wander to the mountains that surrounded the school, their peaks dusted with the faintest hint of snow. The landscape seemed endless, a perfect blend of wildness and serenity.

She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the cool wind kiss her cheeks and tousle her dark hair. It was a feeling of pure joy—a sense of belonging to something much bigger than herself. She couldn’t wait to tell Thora how right she had been about this spot. But as much as she loved hearing her sister’s stories, Peri knew this was something words could never fully capture. It was a feeling that had to be experienced.

With a deep breath, Peri opened her eyes again and smiled brightly. This was only the beginning of her Hogwarts adventure. There were so many places left to explore, so many secrets waiting to be uncovered. But for now, she decided to linger a little longer on the bridge, soaking in every moment of its magic.

Autumn had never felt so perfect.