Fred and George and the Toilers of Trouble (Year 1) ✔

Chapter 10:3

An hour later, on a hill at the far end of the forbidden forest that separated the wizarding town of Hogsmeade from the great lake and castle grounds of Hogwarts School, there came a noise. Tiny beasts went scurrying in opposite directions as a forgotten pinewood slat door pushed its way open through a barrier of dead vines and green overgrowth. After a final thrust, the Weasley twins came bounding out of the tunnel, their faces covered in sweat and dirt, their tired feet crunching irritably over the twig-laden forest floor.

"That was a very long walk, indeed," coughed George, his hands on his knees.

Fred blocked his eyes from the broken rays of sun that bore down on them from the canopy of leaves above. "Next time, we'll bring brooms."

Their journey had been challenging. The mountain tunnel from the fifth floor was narrow, murky, and disturbingly silent. Aged cobwebs clung to the stone walls and ceiling, carcasses of long-deceased critters plagued the sloping ground in piles, and the air was so stale that they feared the passage was incomplete. But now, as Fred and George gazed blearily back at the hillside door, they understood why the passageway had been left off the map. It didn't want to be found.

Fred and George squinted and moved their heads back and forth. If they hadn't left the door open, it would have been nearly impossible for them to see the entrance to the tunnel. They studied the ragged hill of mossy tree roots and wrecked stone walls. The passage was expertly hidden. Without a word, they returned to close the door. The wood seemed normal enough, but as they backed away, the insignificant details of the slats mingled perfectly into the surrounding forest. Unless they knew precisely where to look, they would have never noticed the magically sheltered entrance. Turning in place, they chose the most direct path so they wouldn't lose their way. There was a break in the line of trees a few minutes later, and the twins were bounding across the supple grass, free from the sluggish bugs and crawling creatures of the forest.

Shadowed by the nearest mountain, the town of Hogsmeade was quiet for a magical village, but the Weasley twins were unfamiliar with most of the wizarding world. They had never been more than a few miles away from Ottery St. Catchpole. Here, they saw witches appearing in the streets and arriving on broomsticks. Wizards were taking strange beasts for walks along the cobblestone street. And there were shops galore, public houses overflowing with mirth, and a revolving astrological clock in the town center that splashed water at passersby.

"Right, let's ask around. See if people know where the Quidditch team could be taking us tonight."

George nodded, slightly nervous as someone in a magenta cloak smiled at them. "Do you think people will wonder what we're doing here?"

"Why would they?" Fred responded, pointing to a cluster of children who were playing in the park. "There are loads of kids here. No one knows we go to Hogwarts. C'mon, George."

Determined to explore, the twins strolled confidently up the high street. There was a jewelry store called Merlin's Amulet, a small pub named The Three Broomsticks, and Honeydukes Sweetshop, about which Charlie often raved. Next to that was another pub called The Flying Carpet, then Gladrags Wizardwear and Dervish and Banges equipment shop, with cauldrons stacked high and Quidditch supplies in bright paper packaging. Hiding in the shadows at the end of the street was the dreary and less conventional Hog's Head Inn, where Professor Dumbledore had suggested the Minister hold interviews for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. Hogsmeade was spacious, unique, and perfectly suited for the needs of Hogwarts students and staff.

Out of all the stores along the twisting street, the twins were most interested in a place called Zonko's Wizarding Joke Shop. There were dozens of colorful objects whizzing haphazardly along the walkway, and an uncountable number of wondrous things on the tables in the front window, chirping and clawing at them, snorting and snapping at them. Fred and George opened the door and walked in, their faces flooded with excitement.