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Chapter 567: The Joy of Night Wandering
🕑 Added 2025-03-02 14:12:32 +0000 UTC“You must have thought of this a long time ago, that’s why you didn’t want us to tell Dumbledore about it,” Fred said, excitedly patting Cedric on the shoulder beside him. “You’re much smarter than Percy, even though you’re both Prefects… But next time, you could be a bit clearer.”
Is that what I think?
Cedric felt they had misunderstood something. In truth, he simply thought they needed more concrete evidence before approaching Headmaster Dumbledore. After all, they were accusing not just anyone, but the judge and a headmaster of cheating. Without solid proof, no one would take them seriously.
Yet, as he looked at Fred and George, both glowing with excitement, he decided against clarifying. Besides, Cedric couldn’t deny that they had a point. With insider information about the Third Task, Kyle—who would enter the maze first—would undoubtedly have an edge over Krum.
The three exchanged a glance and then spoke at once, sharing everything they had just overheard.
“The plants Professor Sprout mentioned are Devil’s Snare, Fanged Geranium, and Snargaluff. They’re hidden in the hedges, so be careful in the maze.”
“There are a variety of Magical Creatures, but you should be able to handle them without much trouble.”
“The most dangerous one is the Acromantula—it’s on the wrong path. If you see it, run. Don’t waste time trying to fight it…”
They went on, each chiming in with details, none of them pausing to ask for Kyle’s input.
Several times, Kyle tried to interject, but they cut him off every time. He wanted to point out that even if Krum received the same information, it wouldn’t be a threat. After all, he could simply enlist the help of any Magical Creatures they encountered in the maze.
But they gave him no chance to explain.
It wasn’t until half past ten that Fred and George finally left the Hufflepuff Common Room, heading down the empty staircase without bothering to hide.
“I think Bagman’s bound to report back to Karkaroff,” Fred said as they descended. “We’ll need to keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn’t spill anything else.”
“Exactly,” George agreed. “If they can’t win fairly, they’ll cheat. No wonder the adults don’t think much of Durmstrang. I always thought it was because they taught dark magic.”
“They’re not getting away with it this time,” Fred said, shaking a piece of parchment triumphantly. “We’ll keep a close watch on Bagman. He won’t get the chance to pass anything else to Karkaroff.”
The pair quickened their pace, reaching the eighth floor in no time. Following the corridor would lead them straight to the Gryffindor Common Room.
“But you know,” George said suddenly, “Karkaroff did us a favor in a way. Ever since that cat disappeared from the castle, it’s been so much quieter. Blissful, really.”
“And Filch,” Fred added with a grin.
“Exactly.” George smirked. “Though I’ll admit, without them, nighttime walks aren’t nearly as thrilling. It’s a bit dull.”
They continued on, chatting softly, until they were nearly at the portrait of the Fat Lady. Suddenly, a dim light flickered at the end of the corridor.
Reacting quickly, they darted back and cast Disillusionment Charms on themselves.
Moments later, Filch appeared, his oil lamp casting long shadows as he strode toward them. His voice was sharp and gruff. “Who’s there? I heard voices. Show yourselves!”
Fred and George froze, holding their breath. The corridor was narrow, and if Filch got much closer, he’d undoubtedly spot them, even with the charm.
One step, then another—Filch came closer and closer.
Suddenly, a loud clattering noise echoed from downstairs. Filch turned sharply toward the sound, his expression furious. Without hesitation, he grabbed his lamp and hurried off in pursuit of the noise.
...
"That's what happened. The oil lamp almost hit my nose."
The next morning, Fred recounted the previous night's events with dramatic flair.
"Who told you to skip the effort of using the Disillusionment Charm?" Kyle asked, taking a bite of roasted corn. "Filch hasn’t been fired, you know. He’s still doing his rounds like always."
"Who would’ve thought?" George shrugged. "At least now we know Filch only comes out once a night during curfew. We were just unlucky to be out so late."
"Maybe he's shaped up," Kanna suggested casually.
"If that's the case, it’s not all bad," Fred replied, poking at the stew on his plate. "We kind of miss Filch."
"Without a rival like him, sneaking out at night isn’t nearly as exciting anymore."
The idea that the fun of their nocturnal escapades depended on Filch’s pursuit was, naturally, a sentiment only Fred and George could express.
"Oh, wait—Bagman’s here," George suddenly announced, glancing at the Marauder's Map.
The twins quickly shoveled down the rest of their breakfast before dashing out of the Great Hall.
Cedric, curious, had half a mind to follow them, but as soon as he reached the doorway, he stopped and turned back. "They used the Disillusionment Charm," he said with a shrug. "No way to track them."
...
In the days that followed, similar scenarios played out repeatedly. Bagman appeared to have become a magnet for the Weasley twins’ antics. Whenever he was spotted outside of lessons, Fred and George would bolt after him, sometimes dragging Cedric along.
With the Third Task looming—and Hogwarts exams nearing their conclusion—it would have been reasonable for the trio to focus on revision. Instead, much of their energy went into keeping a vigilant eye on Bagman and Karkaroff.
Even though Kyle had told them countless times that it wasn’t necessary, they remained undeterred.
"You really don’t need to worry about this, Kyle," Cedric said one afternoon, as they returned from yet another surveillance run to the Quidditch Pitch. "Sixth year is pretty easy. We’ve got less homework than we did in third year, and there’s plenty of time."
"Exactly," Fred chimed in. "We don’t need to stress over exams. Our O.W.L. results are what really matter, and Mum won’t say much if we’re a bit rubbish on the end-of-year tests this time."
"Are you sure about that?" Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well..." Fred hesitated for a moment, then waved dismissively. "Probably."
"You just focus on preparing for the Third Task," George said, pulling out an Extendable Ear. "We’re doing this for Hogwarts. If we can catch Bagman or Karkaroff cheating... Mum will definitely understand."
"And if you can’t catch them?" Kyle countered, his voice dry. "You’re fine going home with a report card stamped with Dreadful?"
The twins fell into an awkward silence.
"If it comes to that..." Fred eventually said, his tone defeated, "Kyle, how about letting us stay in your attic for a couple of months?"
