Photo credit goes to Lockhartian

The common room emits a warm, welcoming glow as you enter from the sloping passageway; a cosy nook burrowed away at the castle’s basement level. Somehow the low-ceilinged room always manages to appear as if basked in natural sunlight, even though the small round windows are barely above ground level. They’re the perfect height for watching the seasons pass by - the orange-reds of autumn leaves giving way into the white snow of winter; the daffodils and tulips signifying new beginnings in spring giving way to a pleasant grassy meadow of wildflowers come the summer.

The room, itself, is as cheerful and cosy as you’d expect for the home of the Hufflepuffs. The walls are covered in a mottled buttercup yellow with black detailing, whilst the woodwork is warm and honey-toned with a polished natural beeswax finish. Comfortable, worn in couches, ottomans and beanbags are clustered in small groups throughout the space, freely moved according to conversations being held and games being played at any given time. The main feature is of course the fireplace, with a tiled surround and intricate carved mantle of dancing badgers. Above it hangs the portrait of Helga Hufflepuff herself, holding a golden cup up in a toast to the hive of activity below.

Whether you want to relax with a book, play a game of exploding snap or finish up homework, the Hufflepuff Common Room is the perfect home from home.