"You've mistaken us for someone else, sir. There are always people in the world who look alike, and sometimes this world is frighteningly small," one black-robed figure said solemnly.
"Yes, sir, we really don't know who these Weasleys you're talking about are," the other black-robed figure said. "As for red hair-there are plenty of redheads. The streets are full of them."
Brian looked at the red hair that even their two black robes couldn't hide, nodded with a smile, and said:
"All right, Mr. Weasley and Mr. Weasley, how did you get out of Hogwarts? As I recall, students can't go straight through the gates to Hogsmeade-a secret passage?"
Fred-or George Weasley-said indignantly, "Hey, Mr. Brian, you underestimate us.
"Couldn't we have broken through Dumbledore's magic?"
The other Weasley said proudly:
"Dumbledore's magic may be extremely advanced, but he did leave an obvious loophole when he cast it. We don't know why. Perhaps he'd had too much to drink, or perhaps he was getting muddleheaded in his old age. Anyway-we did it. Give us a cheer!"
Now Brian was certain-Hogwarts had at least one secret passage leading straight to Hogsmeade.
"Impressive, impressive. I'm sure Dumbledore will have a few more drinks over this. How wonderful. Hogwarts keeps producing talent, and two genius third-year wizards are about to become famous throughout the Wizarding World."
Brian played along.
"So what did you sneak out for? You've got detention next week, so you're hurrying out this week to enjoy yourselves while you can?"
"Sir, they actually sneaked out on legitimate business-to supply me with novel merchandise. These two entertaining boys have plenty of ideas, and they know where to draw the line. In fact, today is the first time they've slipped out of the Castle to visit my shop."
Mr. Zonko took over,