THE ALCHEMIST OF HARRY POTTER

The weather on Sunday was dreary, and a steady drizzle continued to fall over the Hogwarts grounds, making the castle feel even more enclosed than usual.

At seven o'clock in the morning, when the sky had just brightened, Albert, having finished washing his hands, yawned as he was practically dragged down to the Great Hall for breakfast by his overly excited roommates.

"I really don't understand. What's so exciting about this?" Albert protested, breaking free from Fred and George's grip before straightening his Gryffindor robes.

"That's Hogsmeade Village, the only all-wizarding village in Britain," Lee Jordan declared dramatically, throwing his hands up as if Albert had committed some great blasphemy.

"All of Britain?" Albert sighed, rubbing his temples. He felt that his enthusiasm for the trip wasn't quite on the same level as his three friends.

On the way to the Great Hall, the twins, unable to contain their energy, pulled out their wands and attempted the Lumos spell while walking. Unfortunately, they were caught in the act by Argus Filch, who seemed to materialize out of the shadows like a particularly vindictive ghost.

As a result, the unlucky George found himself dragged off to Filch's office.

Filch gleefully unrolled a large parchment from his drawer, spread it out before him, then took a long black quill and dipped it into a grimy ink bottle:

Name…George Weasley.

Crime…Using magic in the corridors.

Suggested Punishment…

"Ahem, I only used Lumos because the hallways were dim. You know, it's still early…" George started, trying to sound as innocent as possible.

Filch's lips curled into a sinister grin. "Cleaning the chamber pots in the hospital wing. They haven't been scrubbed all summer."

George's smirk disappeared instantly.

"You can go. But if I catch you using magic in the halls again…" Filch warned, looking delighted as he shooed George from his office.

Albert, hearing the story at breakfast, couldn't help but chuckle. He clapped George on the shoulder. "Don't worry. I know a simple scouring charm. It'll be quick work. Besides, Filch can only suggest punishments—he can't enforce them himself."

"That Squib is insufferable," George muttered, glaring in the direction of Filch's office.

"Don't be too down. I'll treat you to a butterbeer later," Albert offered before changing the subject. "By the way, what did you see in Filch's office?"

"Drawers—lots of them. And manacles on the wall," George said with a shudder. "That old codger has some serious issues."

Albert smirked. "What else? He must have confiscated plenty of interesting things."

"Yeah, actually," George said, perking up. "There was a cabinet labeled 'Confiscated and Highly Dangerous Items.'"

"That must be where he keeps all the best stuff," Fred said, his eyes gleaming with interest.

"If it were truly dangerous, it wouldn't just be sitting in a drawer," Albert mused. He recalled something from his reading—the Marauder's Map, which had been confiscated years ago, might be in there.

"We were thinking the same thing," the twins said in unison, grinning.

"You're not seriously planning anything, are you?" Albert asked. "If you get caught, you'll be in serious trouble."

Fred and George put on identical looks of innocence. "Us? Plan something?"

Breakfast at Hogwarts was as extravagant as always. Albert helped himself to a bowl of porridge, added a fried egg, two slices of bacon, toast, a sausage, and a small portion of salad.

"Morning!" a cheerful voice greeted them as a boy walked by.

"I know you… You're in Hufflepuff…" Lee Jordan struggled to recall his name and turned to Albert for help.

"Cedric Diggory," the boy introduced himself.

"Didn't expect you to end up in Hufflepuff," Fred said, surprised.

"I don't think Hufflepuff's bad," Cedric replied coolly, clearly used to such comments.

"We didn't say it was bad," George said quickly.

"Just that Gryffindor is better," Fred added with a grin.

"Typical," Cedric muttered, shaking his head.

"It's been a while, Albert," another student approached, greeting him. "Didn't think I'd find you in Gryffindor. That was a shock."

"Good to see you, Gabriel," Albert smiled, recognizing his pen pal.

Cedric looked between them in curiosity. "You two know each other?"

"Of course," Gabriel answered, smirking. "We met over the summer."

Cedric's eyes widened slightly. He'd heard Gabriel talk about someone before, but had never realized it was Albert. "You're the one he mentioned…"

After Gabriel walked off, the twins exchanged a glance, then spoke simultaneously. "It has to be…"

"What has to be?" Lee Jordan, still out of the loop, asked.

"The thing," the twins said cryptically.

Lee frowned. "What thing?"

"Cough, you know… Just keep it quiet," Albert said, feigning nonchalance. "Or no Christmas gifts for you."

"We'll be quiet," the twins promised, making exaggerated zipping motions across their lips.

"Oi! Don't leave me out," Lee complained, feeling excluded.

"Ahem," Fred cleared his throat. "Remember what we talked about on the train?"

"Fifty Galleons," George supplied.

Lee's eyes widened. "Oh! That thing!"

"Keep it down," Albert warned, glancing around. "I'd rather not have the entire school finding out."

Fred and George nodded, impressed. "No wonder you bet all your winnings."

"You won't necessarily lose," Albert said confidently, smirking. "Do you know why wands made of redwood are so highly sought after?"

"They bring luck?" George guessed.

"Exactly." Albert leaned in conspiratorially. "When I placed that bet, I had a feeling I'd win big."

The twins exchanged knowing looks, their respect for Albert growing.