Alohomora! Opening the doors to a world of wizardry at BracU

As someone who's spent years eagerly waiting for their Hogwarts letter (it's just delayed, I promise), stepping into this fest felt like walking through Platform 9¾—magical, surreal, and full of surprises. 

Organised by students and supported by BracU Express, the on-campus newspaper as the media partner, the three-day event (7-9 December) brought together Potterheads of Brac University to celebrate the magic and diversity of the Wizarding World.

The campus was filled with excitement, decorated with all things Harry Potter, and lined with booths run by students. These stalls sold everything from delicious food and drinks inspired by the series to handcrafted merchandise like wands, robes, and ties. 

Walking through the stalls made me wonder if this is how Harry felt when he walked through Diagon Alley for the first time.

Shafika Hussain, a BUET student making her debut as a baker with her stall, 'The Baker' had an interesting selection of treats lined up. Her menu featured items like 'Love Potion' chocolate cake, and she shared how nervous she'd been before the event. 

"My friend from Brac convinced me to do this, and I couldn't have been happier. We sold out real quick on the first day! People loved it so much they returned for more." 

Another booth that caught my eye was run by Morshed Alam Lamim, who was promoting his soon-to-open cafe near Brac. He had named his coffees as 'Potions', which was a clever and fun touch. Not only were the coffees tasty, but they were also affordable, making them a big hit with everyone who stopped by.

A stall right next to Lamim's shop entirely leaned into the theme with adorable 'Sorting House Cupcakes'. Each one was frosted in the colours of the Hogwarts houses—red for Gryffindor, green for Slytherin, yellow for Hufflepuff, and blue for Ravenclaw, which truly added a touch of magic to the festivities. 

The activities were just as enchanting. 

Day one kicked off with the iconic Sorting Hat Ceremony, and the highlight of the event was none other than Dr David Dowland, BracU's Registrar, who surprised everyone when he was sorted into Gryffindor.

After the Sorting Hat Ceremony, the Quidditch match followed which seemed to be a mixture of handball and basketball, although it would have been fun had the games included makeshift broomsticks to properly replicate a game of Quidditch. The crowd cheered, and the atmosphere was filled with energy, just like a real Quidditch match. 

Gryffindor faced off against Hufflepuff in a closely contested game, with both teams playing fiercely by giving it their all. After a few tense moments and close calls, Gryffindor gained a well-deserved victory.

The first evening wrapped up with amazing cultural performances, and everyone was left in awe by the talented singers and dancers, which made the event even more unforgettable.

The second day was all about adventure. 

The Triwizard Tournament took the form of a treasure hunt, and it was as challenging as it sounds. Teams raced around the campus, solving clues and trying to be the first to finish. 

The excitement was high, and Team Red ended up winning in a close race. Fabliha Afaf Sarwar, a member of Team Red, shared her experience with Bracu Express, saying, "The last clue led us to the MNS department because it said, 'where numbers dance.' We worked together as a group, and honestly, that was the key to victory!" 

Throughout the day, there were also magic shows, trivia contests, and poster presentations, which kept everyone entertained and engaged. 

The last day was dedicated to its roots; a full-day Harry Potter movie marathon so everyone can enjoy and relive the magic of the films once again.

Lamia Hussain, a third-year student, shares, "You have no idea how excited everyone is, even the faculties! The whole campus feels like a magical world."

This fest gently once again reminded us why we loved Harry Potter growing up. It taught us to celebrate bravery, friendship, and the idea that magic exists all around us, even in the most ordinary moments. 

"Mischief Managed" indeed!