All three had heard of Miranda Goshawk; in fact, anyone from a wizarding family would likely know her name. She was the famous witch whose Book of Spells had been translated into seventy-two languages.
Later, the inclusion of certain dark curses in The Book of Spells sparked controversy. Under pressure from the Ministry of Magic, Miranda Goshawk revised her work, producing the Standard Book of Spells series now used by Hogwarts students in Charms class.
It was said that Miranda Goshawk was displeased—not with the editing itself, but with the wizarding world's complete rejection of the original book's darker content. She once argued that textbooks containing moderately offensive charms helped prevent students from resorting to far more dangerous magic when resolving disputes.
Albert, in fact, supported this view.
The group walked and chatted, and before long they arrived at the Barnabas the Barmy tapestry on the eighth floor, depicting him being bashed by trolls.
"Are you still looking for that vanished broom closet?" Albert asked, noticing the tapestry and immediately guessing what the twins were up to.
"We've been here many times," George whispered, glancing around to make sure no one was nearby. "It feels like you could help us find it."
"Are you really that concerned about the broom closet?" Albert's expression was odd.
George had guessed correctly—Albert did know how to enter the Room of Requirement. But he had no intention of revealing its secret just yet.
"Hmm, a little concerned," Fred admitted.
Albert walked to the wall opposite the tapestry, pretended to knock, then turned to them. "You found the door right here, didn't you?"
"Yes, right here," Fred nodded eagerly.
"At the time, there was nothing here. Then, one day when you passed by, the door appeared?" Albert pressed. "Are you sure it was a door, and not just a broom closet door?"
"Yes, it wasn't a broom closet door. It appeared without warning," George said quickly. "We were almost caught by Filch, so we hid inside."
"So you needed a place to hide?" Albert asked again.
"Yes, exactly."
"Then face the wall now, think about hiding, and try it," Albert suggested.
Fred and George exchanged glances and did as he said.
Of course, nothing happened.
"It seems not, then," Albert murmured. "Perhaps it's just a broom closet that moves around the castle… or only appears when it's truly needed?"
His words were a careful mix of truth and misdirection—perfect for misleading others.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Fred's face. They had tried many times, but still couldn't find the mysterious door.
Bringing Albert along had been in hopes that his cleverness would help them uncover the secret. And in a way, his analysis did make sense.
A broom closet that moved freely around the castle? A broom closet that appeared only when needed? A broom closet that appeared at specific times?
In truth, Fred and George didn't care too much. It was only a broom closet, after all. They simply wanted to satisfy their curiosity.
But uncovering the secret was proving difficult.
"Actually, you shouldn't focus on the broom closet," Albert said suddenly. "A moving broom closet? I think the castle's secrets are far more sophisticated."
"What do you mean?" The three turned their attention back to him.
"Didn't you say the door wasn't a broom closet door—it only led to one?" Albert reminded them.
"Right. And then?"
"Since it was a door, the other side might be a room—a mysterious room," Albert explained, running his hand over the wall. "At that time, you needed a place to hide, so the room gave you one."
Their eyes lit up. "You mean the room changes depending on the user's needs?"
Albert nodded and added mischievously, "One day, when your bladder is really full, come here and see if a toilet appears."
Lee Jordan clutched his stomach, laughing. "I think Albert's suggestion is brilliant."
"This great mission is entrusted to you," Fred said solemnly to George.
"Why not you?" George rolled his eyes.
"What are you doing here?" Percy appeared suddenly, glaring at Fred and George. "I heard some Gryffindor students were wandering the castle at night a few days ago and were nearly caught by Filch."
"Oh, those guys are impressive," Fred said lightly.
"Was it you?" Percy demanded.
The moment he heard Gryffindors were involved, Percy's suspicion fell squarely on his brothers.
"Percy, you need evidence before accusing people. Be careful, or I'll sue you for defamation," George retorted, repeating a line he had learned from Albert—always demand evidence first.
"Evidence? I heard you missed two Herbology classes on Tuesday," Percy snapped. "I don't care if it was you or not—don't be foolish again."
Albert cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "I hear Filch knows most of the castle's secret passages. No student out after hours can escape him."
"Even if Fred and George talk about sneaking out, it's unlikely they could actually evade Filch," Albert added pointedly. "We've only just arrived at Hogwarts—it's already an achievement not to get lost."
That sounded reasonable, even Percy had to admit it.
"First-years couldn't possibly escape Filch's search. Only older students who've been here for years might manage that," Albert concluded, shifting suspicion away from the twins.
Fred and George nodded vigorously. "Don't randomly suspect your brothers," they told Percy.
Lee Jordan, standing nearby, opened his mouth slightly, then looked away. He knew Albert was perfectly aware the twins had gone out at night.
But how could he lie so smoothly?
And worse—what he said made so much sense.
If it really had been Fred and George, it seemed impossible. Yet something strange had indeed happened.