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Other Wizarding Schools

Two magical schools other than Hogwarts are mentioned in the Harry Potter series. Both are seen in Goblet of Fire during the Tri-Wizard Tournament, when Durmstrang and Beauxbatons came to Hogwarts to participate in the competition.

Durmstrang

Durmstrang, founded over 700 years ago, has always been noted for its value on the Dark Arts, and its policy of admitting "pure bloods" only into their institution. Their school is unplottable, hidden from Muggles as well as wizards from other rival schools. However, its location is thought to be in Northeastern Europe, because the last names of all the students sound Eastern European, and the climate is persistently referred to as extremely cold.

The Durmstrang robes are thick, blood red, and covered by fur capes for the cold weather. Their castle is described as dimly lit, and it is most likely not as nice as Hogwarts, because the Durmstang students were very impressed with the enchanted ceiling in the Great Hall.

Durmstang's headmaster, Igor Karkaroff, was a former Death Eater. He fled at the end of Harry's fourth year when Voldemort returned, leaving his students without a leader.

It is interesting to note that when Durmstrang came to Hogwarts, they associated themselves with Slytherin House, due to their similarities in the Dark Arts and their dislike of non-pure bloods.

The one famous student of Durmstang is Viktor Krum, who is an international Quidditch player for the Bulgaria team. He played in the World Cup and caught the snitch, but Ireland had too big of a lead, and thus held on to win.

Beauxbatons Academy of Magic

The school of Beauxbatons (translated in French to mean "beautiful wands") is inferred to be newer and nicer than Hogwarts castle. Students of the Academy enjoy the unique food of Southern France, and a climate warmer than that of Hogwarts.

Their robes are plae blue silk, and the school crest is two golden wands crossed, each shooting three stars. The Academy is over 700 years old, having participated in the Tri-Wizard Tournament since its founding. It is unplottable for Muggles and wizards of rival schools, and is also disguised so no one can see it unless they know exactly how to look for it.

The Beauxbatons headmistress is Madame Maxime, a half giant. She and her students take much pride in their reputation and their studies. The students remain standing until their headmistress sits, and they associated themselves with Ravenclaw when arriving at Hogwarts. Additionaly, the students put their name in the Goblet of Fire in an orderly fashion, and were most disapointed when Fleur Delacour was selected champion of their school.

The school arrived at Hogwarts in a light blue carriage pulled by twelve huge, golden, winged horses. The door to the coach held the school crest, and it opened to show several golden steps. The students stayed in this carriage for the entire year they were there.

The only known students from Beauxbatons are Fleur and Gabrielle Delaour, the champion of the Academy and her sister, respectively. When Fleur failed to rescue Gabrielle from the lake in the second task, Harry took the responsibility and helped Gabrielle, along with Ron, out of the lake.



Some of the information courtesy of Mugglenet.

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