We solemnly swear that they were secret hard workers

When the twins revealed the existence of the Marauder’s Map to Harry in Prisoner of Azkaban, the reader never questions how the twins actually figured out how to use the map. Fred and George were almost the ‘Marauders’ of a new generation, after all.

But when you think about, it must have taken Fred and George no small amount of investigating, testing and spell-casting to discover that the phrase ‘I solemnly swear that I am up to no good’ was the key to unlocking the map. Did they stay up ‘til the early hours just saying various rebellious catchphrases until they fell upon the right one? This all just goes to show that Fred and George were able to apply themselves and work hard on the things that really mattered. Like spying on people.

‘And you know how to work it?’

‘Oh yes,’ said Fred, smirking. ‘This little beauty’s taught us more than all the teachers in this school.’



Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

They had creative solutions for their problems

Some wizards just shout ‘stupefy’ whenever a problem comes their way. (Harry, we’re looking at you.) But if Fred and George were to write a curriculum vitae, there’s no doubt that ‘creative problem-solving skills’ would be listed under personal attributes. The twins had a way of coming up with chaotic, incredible solutions to problems that no one else would even want to tackle.

For example, when faced with a problem such as Professor Umbridge, what could be a more logical response than placing a Portable Swamp in the hallway outside her office?