Hogwarts: Rise of the Dark Legacy

Chapter 48: Chapter 48:A Twist in Hogsmeade: Dreams, Plans, and Summons.



Both Fred and George were a little surprised, knowing that their dream of opening a prank shop was still only a vague idea, and there was no concrete plan at all. The twins, known for their endless energy and knack for mischief, weren't usually caught off guard, but this moment managed to do so.

"Are you really going to sponsor us?"

The question lingered in the air, their disbelief evident in their widened eyes and slackened jaws.

"Of course, don't forget that we have the ability to predict, so we are naturally optimistic about your future. Investing in you now is a profitable business."

Jamie nodded with a confident smile, his tone unwavering. He seemed to exude a certain aura of certainty that made the twins look at each other in astonishment, then back at him. For once, the usual twinkle of mischief in their eyes was replaced with the spark of curiosity and intrigue.

"Oh, Fred, what are we going to do?" George turned to his twin, his brow furrowed in confusion, his fingers scratching at his chin as though an answer might magically appear there.

"George, I don't know either," Fred replied with an exaggerated shrug, clearly just as perplexed as his brother.

Fred and George looked at each other in blank dismay. After all, they were only third-year Hogwarts students and had no solid plans for the future beyond pranking and wreaking cheerful havoc wherever they went. Their dreams of opening a joke shop were little more than a whimsical notion discussed in whispers late at night in the Gryffindor common room.

"Well, you can think about it carefully after you go back, or write a plan. Anyway, you are only in the third grade now, and you are still several years away from graduation. It is enough for you to plan," Toby said with a calmness that contrasted their lively demeanor. His practical approach seemed to ground the conversation.

"Oh, that's great, we really should go back and make a good plan," Fred said, the realization dawning on him that this was indeed a serious opportunity—one they couldn't afford to treat lightly.

"Yes, it's a big deal," George agreed, nodding firmly, his expression unusually serious. The twins put away their hippie smiles, their faces now reflecting the gravity of the situation. For the first time, the dream of their shop felt tangible, and the weight of its importance settled on their young shoulders.

"Then, why don't you accompany us to Zonko's Magic Joke Store? We are not familiar with those prank products. You are experts in this field, right?" Jamie laughed, his eyes gleaming with amusement and a touch of admiration for the twins' expertise.

"Of course, when it comes to pranks, we are professionals."

"Let's go, we'll take you to have a good look," Fred and George chorused, their grins reappearing. The idea of exploring Zonko's—their personal haven of mischief and inspiration—was enough to reignite their cheerful spirits. As for opening the prank shop, they temporarily put it aside. After all, it was not a short-term matter, and they knew they had time to work it out.

Just as the twins accompanied Toby and Jamie to Zonko's Magic Joke Store, several professors from Hogwarts also arrived at Hogsmeade Village. The sudden presence of authority figures seemed to shift the atmosphere in the otherwise lively streets.

"Those students are indeed here," Professor McGonagall observed, her sharp eyes scanning the bustling crowd of Hogwarts students. Her tone carried a mix of exasperation and determination, her brows knitting together in a thoughtful frown.

"Minerva, now we should hurry up and gather all the students," Professor Sprout suggested, her kind voice tinged with urgency.

"Yes, then Professor Snape, Professor Sprout, let's split up and gather all the little wizards," Professor McGonagall agreed with a curt nod, her mind already organizing the most efficient way to accomplish their task.

Professor Snape didn't speak, just nodded, his expression as dour and unreadable as ever. The three professors moved with purpose, spreading out across Hogsmeade to locate and gather the scattered students. Their familiarity with the village proved advantageous, as they headed straight to the places students frequented most.

For young wizards, Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop and The Three Broomsticks Bar were among the most popular spots. The former was a cozy haven for couples seeking a romantic atmosphere, while the latter offered a lively and welcoming space for relaxation.

"Crack! Crack! Crack!"

Standing on the streets of Hogsmeade, Professor McGonagall raised her wand and fired several fireworks into the air. The colorful explosions punctuated the crisp winter sky, the crackling sound drawing the attention of everyone nearby.

"Ahem!" Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, her stern expression further accentuating her commanding presence. With a flick of her wand, she cast a "Sonorus" spell to amplify her voice.

"All Hogwarts students, including first-years, please gather in front of the Three Broomsticks!"

Her voice rang out three times, echoing through the village. It was impossible to ignore, and all Hogwarts students—wherever they were—heard the announcement loud and clear.

"Oh, the voice... is Professor McGonagall!" a student exclaimed, his face paling as he exchanged worried glances with his companions.

"Merlin's beard, Professor McGonagall is here in person. Let's go; Professor McGonagall is very strict," another muttered, his tone a mix of respect and apprehension.

"The professors from Hogwarts are here, and they came too fast; we didn't have a good time!" someone else complained, though the protest was half-hearted at best. No one dared to disobey Professor McGonagall's authoritative command.

In Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, Professor Sprout made her entrance, interrupting the hushed conversations of several young couples. The warm, sweet atmosphere of the tea shop felt almost at odds with the serious expression she wore.

"Oh, dear, please go outside and gather. There is no time for you to go on a date here now," Professor Sprout said firmly, though there was a hint of gentle understanding in her tone.

"Professor Sprout!" The startled exclamations of the students filled the room, their wide eyes betraying their surprise at being caught so directly.

"Hurry up and gather; don't delay," she added, her voice leaving no room for argument before she turned on her heel and moved to the next shop. Her schedule left no time for lingering pleasantries.

Meanwhile, Professor Snape's approach was markedly different. Entering the Quality Quidditch Supplies Store, Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, and Scribbulus Writing Implements Store, he surveyed the students with his usual sneer.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if your hearing is still normal and your ears are not filled with earwax, you should have heard the announcement," he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm and derision.

"Yes... yes... Professor Snape!" The students, terrified of the Potions Master, scrambled to obey.

Even those from Slytherin, who often felt a measure of kinship with their Head of House, were not exempt from his cutting remarks.

"Hurry up and assemble!" Professor Snape snapped, his scowl deepening as the students hastened to comply. Their retreating forms nearly tripped over one another in their eagerness to escape his icy glare.

With the efforts of the three professors, all the Hogwarts students were eventually summoned outside the Three Broomsticks bar. The gathering was large, with a dense crowd of young wizards murmuring in low voices, their curiosity piqued by the unexpected assembly.

"Hey! Toby, Jamie, we're here!" Harry's familiar voice called out, his hand waving enthusiastically as he and Ron squeezed their way through the throng to join their friends. The sight of familiar faces brought a sense of relief amidst the commotion, though questions about the purpose of the gathering lingered in everyone's minds.

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