Chapter 33

The Gryffindor quickly devoured their breakfast after the two Hufflepuff boys left. They hurried towards the mirror on the fifth floor. Albert opened the passage and got his wand out and turned to face the other boys.

"So, who's going through it first?" Albert asked as he looked at each boy, waiting for a response.

"Why can't you go first?" Lee Jorden asked.

"Because you guys have been through it already, so you'll know where and where not to step," Albert said.

No-one moved. They were contemplating whether they should go first until george stepped forward.

"I'll go as I've already got in trouble today, so I won't mind if I get handed more," George said while not being sure of himself.

"We'll it looks like you've got a strange kink for getting punished," Fred said, trying to little the mood.

"Wish me luck," George said as he got his wand out and entered the passage while casting the Wand Lighting Charm. After him, Lee Jorden went in, then Fred and finally Albert.

It filled the four boys with a sense of excitement and trepidation as they made their way through the winding stone passageway.

"I hate this. It's so cramped and it smells here," Lee Jorden whispered.

"Don't start complaining now, keep up," George said while trying to maintain his Wand Lighting charm.

"George, should we switch who's using the Wand Lighting charms so we all have time to practice?" Albert asked.

"If you guys want, but we'll have to swap positions," George said.

"I'll go first," Lee Jorden said as he tried to get past george and go to the front.

"I'll go next and Albert's last," Fred said while Albert nodded.

The journey, which lasted for a full hour, was fraught with danger, as no-one had not traversed the ancient path in many years, except yesterday, was thick with cobwebs and other signs of neglect. There were cracks on the stone which almost made Lee trip over twice and there was a pop up figure hidden near the middle of the path which scared Albert. Albert used the Fire Making charm to destroy it, so they would never have to see it again.

Despite these challenges, the boys remained undaunted, their curiosity and ambition driving them forward. As they journeyed deeper into the heart of the passageway, the air grew colder and the sound of their footsteps echoed off the walls, adding the feeling if mystery and adventure. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they emerged from the shadowy tunnel and into the bright, bustling village of Hogsmeade. Albert was awestruck by the sights and the sounds of the charming hamlet, feeling as though he had been transported to a different world entirely.

Unfortunately, it was raining, and the dark grey clouds had moved closer to Hogsmeade. Though it was unexpected, Albert made sure to pack any essentials he might need. He got out his umbrella and started to walk forward. He noticed he did not hear any footsteps from behind him and turned to see the three Gryffindor still in the tunnel.

"Why aren't you guys coming out?" Albert asked as he walked closer to them.

"It's raining, and it looks like it's going to rain cats and dogs later," Fred said.

"And we don't know the Water Repelling Charm," George said.

"So we'll get wet and ill from this," Lee Jorden said.

"Do you want an umbrella?" Albert asked. The three boys nodded and looked apologetic. He cast a | Geminio | on his umbrella and handed on each to the boys. "There you go. Don't worry about it."

"What is this and how do we use it?" Lee asked.

"That is a collapsible umbrella created by the germans a couple of years ago. You press the button as you pull the stick out and you have your umbrella." Albert said.

"This is cool. Can I keep it?" Fred asked as he went ahead of the group, followed by Lee and George.

"Yeah, go for it," Albert responded.

Albert looked at the ground and saw it getting wet and mud beginning to form. He decided to cast a Water Repelling charm on himself and the umbrella as well as the Warming Charm on these clothes. Albert tried to put one on his umbrella handle so his hand doesn't get cold, but he was interrupted by Fred, who shouted, "Be careful" really loudly. He turned to see Lee on the floor all muddy and george helping him up. Albert went over to help.

"Do you know the Drying Charm?" George asked.

"No, why would I know it?" Albert questioned George.

"Because you know the most magic spells out of us four," Fred responded.

"I don't wash my clothes and I don't live in a magical household, so I didn't bother learning it. I know the Cleaning charm which would get rid of the mud but your clothes will remain wet." Albert said.

"That's fine, you can use that on me," Lee Jorden said, and Albert used it. "You should have seen Hogsmeade yesterday. It wasn't raining, and it was much busier than this. We should go to the Three Broomsticks Inn first so I can dry off."

They walked along the cobblestone path until they reach the inn. They enter and as soon as they do, all the attention turned to them. Lee ignored their stares and went to the seats that were available closest to the fireplace. He took off his robe and placed it near the fireplace to dry.

"I'll buy us some drink," Albert said as he left the twins to go to the counter.

"Excuse me miss, but please may I have four mugs of Butter Beer please," Albert requested.

The waitress over-the-counter look annoyed as I have interrupted her conversation with the wizard at the bar. The wizard turned to look at Albert and chugged his drink. She put on a smile and said, "Anything else?" to which Albert shook his head. She went out to the back to fetch the drink. The wizard stood up, took his wand out and walked towards Albert.

"No fighting in her lad," said a burly voice, and the wizard backed off. Albert turned around to see an enormous man staring at him. He nodded in appreciation of his help and the man nodded back and went back to talking. The back door opened and an older woman, Madam Rosmerta, if he remembered correctly, came back with four mugs.

"Are you a student from Hogwarts?" Madam Rosmerta asked, to which Albert nodded. "8 Sickles, please, and to get a refill, put 2 Sickles in the coin slot and then place it under the dispenser."

Albert handed her the money and took the try back to the table. He preferred the Inn to the Leaky Cauldron. The inn was cleaner and had more natural light coming it through the window. The colour plate of the establishment was much brighter, and the smell of beer was non-existent.

"Go on, have a tate and tell us what you think," George said.

Albert took one big gulp and placed the mug down. "I can taste a hint of butter and something bitter. It's less bubbly than I had thought."