Hogwarts Castle: Herbology Class

The build itself is quick and easy, closer to an afternoon project than a weekend one, which fits its role as a small expansion rather than a flagship. The greenhouse frame goes together fast with basic techniques, and most of the personality comes from the finished scene rather than any tricky construction along the way. It is a good one to build alongside a kid who is still learning, or to knock out in one relaxed sitting with a cup of tea.

The real star pieces are the three brand new Mandrake elements, the first time LEGO has molded an actual root shaped Mandrake instead of printing the design on a round brick or a minifig head. They come potted in new flower pot molds and pop out cleanly for play, which is a lovely touch of design thinking. Beyond that the set leans on solid, ordinary parts, so it will not wow you on rare pieces, but what is here serves the Harry Potter theme with real care.