Daily Life at Hogwarts - Chapter 25

“Filch is spoken of as if he’s some major dark lord or something,” Albert laughed, amused by the twins’ assessment of Filch. It reminded him of old tales where students would treat stern matronly figures as if they were old witches.

“No, everyone hates him,” Fred said seriously. “Even Percy says so. I can’t think of any reason not to believe it.”

“What do you mean ‘even Percy’? Isn’t he your brother? Is it really okay to talk about family like that?” Albert restrained the urge to retort. He pulled a pocket watch from his pocket and glanced at the time. Turning to the trio, he said, “Alright, it’s about time. Let’s head to the Great Hall for breakfast first, and then take a walk around the castle.”

They took the path Albert had walked in the morning. The twins showed great interest in the secret passageways. When they reached the moving staircases, they didn’t have to wait and smoothly made their way to the entrance hall.

Entering the Great Hall for breakfast, they found the four long tables mostly empty. The enchanted ceiling was overcast, indicating that it might rain soon.

“I reckon we’re among the earliest to wake,” George Weasley mused as he sliced potatoes on his plate, looking around the near-empty hall. “I can’t even remember the last time I woke up this early.”

“Three years ago,” Fred suddenly remarked.

“You actually remember that?” George stared at his twin incredulously. “Are you just guessing?”

“Of course, I am,” Fred laughed. “You really believed me?”

“I knew it.”

“What are you sketching?” Lee Jordan asked.

“I’m mapping out Hogwarts based on where we’ve been,” Albert explained, flipping the parchment to show them.

“I’m more curious about that in your hand,” Fred said, pointing at Albert’s pen. He noticed Albert had been sketching without dipping it in ink, which was quite unusual.

“This? It’s a pen. Muggles use it to write. Quills aren’t as portable or convenient,” Albert explained, handing his pen to Fred. It was a birthday gift from Herbert and though not a luxury item, it had served Albert well for many years.

“It feels a bit like a quill,” Fred commented, examining the nib.

“Indeed, the principle is similar. The advantage is that it stores ink and can be used continuously,” Albert said, presenting the map on the parchment. “Here’s where we are in the Great Hall. Exit and you’ll find the entrance hall. Go up the marble staircase to reach the moving staircases. Filch’s office is nearby. There are two doors leading to the basement; the left one goes to the kitchen (if you’re coming down from the staircase). I haven’t been to the right side. The kitchen is about here, the entrance is marked by a massive silver bowl full of fruit. Touch the big pear, and it turns into a doorknob.”

“You’re very detailed,” Lee said, looking at the map.

“Where are we heading next?” he asked, passing the map to one of the twins.

“I plan to locate the classrooms first so we won’t get lost during lessons,” Albert explained as he folded the parchment returned by George. “Then, let’s see if we can find any secret passageways. They’re often hidden behind tapestries, sculptures, stone walls, or even paintings.”

“By that logic, it should be easy to find these passageways,” Fred said eagerly after finishing his baked potatoes.

“No, some passageways require specific passwords or touching particular places,” Albert clarified. “I only found the kitchen because I touched that entire painting. It was pure luck.”

“Why did you think that painting had a secret?” a girl’s voice interjected. It was Angelina, a fellow first-year from their house whom Albert had spoken to the previous night.

“It was suspicious. The size of that fruit painting is almost identical to the Fat Lady’s. It’s as if it’s openly revealing there’s a secret passage,” Albert explained matter-of-factly.

The group looked puzzled by Albert’s logic.

But as it turned out, Albert was right.

That kid really does have a sharp mind.

“Johnson, are you here alone?” Albert asked with a puzzled expression. “Where’s your roommate?”

“You actually remember my last name,” Angelina said, a surprised expression on her face. Even her roommate struggled to remember her name properly.

After all, everyone had only recently met and barely spoken a few words to each other. Forgetting would seem normal.

“I’ve always had a good memory,” Albert said with a smile. “This is Lee. And these twins are George and Fred. But don’t ask me which is which. I can’t tell them apart either.”

“I’m George, George Weasley.”

“No, no, no, I’m George, he’s Fred,” the other twin countered.

“A lot of twins like playing these tricks, dressing the same way, making it difficult to tell who is who,” Albert mused, suddenly turning his attention to an owl flying toward them.

“You forgot to introduce yourself, Albert,” Lee Jordan pointed out.

“Oh, sorry, I see my owl,” Albert replied, tearing off a piece of bread to feed to his owl, Snowy, who had landed in front of him. “My name’s Albert Anderson.”

“Anderson, aren’t you eating?” Angelina asked, making herself a sandwich.

“I already ate in the kitchen. Just call me Albert,” he replied, patting his owl. “I need to send something home this weekend. Remember to come to the Great Hall in the morning.”

Snowy hooted, indicating her understanding.

Another owl entered the hall, dropping a copy of ‘The Seer’s Daily’ on Albert’s table. However, its aim was off and nearly knocked over George’s pumpkin juice. If it weren’t for Fred’s quick reflexes, it would’ve been drenched, and with a bit of jam, ready to be consumed.

“May I take a look?” Angelina asked, picking up the paper. “I want to check out the Quidditch section.”

“Oh, sure,” Albert replied.

“You’re a fan of Quidditch too?” The twins chorused.

“Of course! Sadly, first years aren’t allowed to try out for the team,” Angelina sighed.

“You could, if there’s a spot on the Quidditch team and you can get Professor McGonagall’s approval,” Albert, noticing everyone’s eyes on him, shrugged and said, “I know first years aren’t typically allowed to try out, but there are always exceptions. Rules are made to be broken after all.”

“Never mind,” Angelina said, doubting her ability to persuade Professor McGonagall. “I heard that Gryffindor will have a Seeker graduating next term. I plan to try out then. What about you guys?”

In unison, the twins replied, “Being Beaters suits us more.”