Fred and George Weasley's Journey: Leaving School Early for Their Joke Shop

In the detailed world of Harry Potter, the lives and decisions of the Weasley twins, Fred and George, remain a subject of intrigue. Did Fred and George Weasley leave school early to start their joke shop, or did they graduate from Hogwarts before embarking on their adventures? The answers to these questions lie within the nuances of J.K. Rowling's narrative.

Did They Graduate?

The fate of Fred and George's academic journey is open to interpretation. While J.K. Rowling does not explicitly state whether they graduated, it is reasonable to assume they did. The N.E.W.T. (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests) examinations, which they passed in the spring of 1995, typically serve as a rite of passage for students at Hogwarts, marking the end of their education and leading to a graduation ceremony. This tradition, although not explicitly described by Rowling, is a significant part of the wizarding world.

Fred and George's Exit From Hogwarts

Fred and George left Hogwarts for good during the summer of 1994, marking the end of their seventh year. Their departure came after their successful passage of the N.E.W.T. exams. The journey to these exams, coupled with their existing OWL (Ordinary Wizarding Levels) qualifications, provided them with the necessary academic standing to leave Hogwarts.

However, it's noteworthy that they did not participate in the graduation ceremony. This omission is likely due to the turbulent events taking place within the wizarding world, particularly the internal conflict at Hogwarts caused by Umbridge's regime. The timing of their departure calls into question whether they would have attended such a ceremony, knowing the instability and conflict that could disrupt it.

Why They Left

The decision to leave Hogwarts was not made lightly. While they had the financial backing of Harry Potter's monetary winnings from the Tri-Wizard Tournament, the primary reason for their departure lay in their desire to cause maximum havoc and disruption. Under the guidance and support of Dolores Umbridge, the regime became increasingly oppressive and restrictive, pushing Fred and George to take decisive action.

Instead of pursuing a traditional career path that would require academic credentials, they opted for a more unconventional route. Their goal was to open a joke shop in Diagon Alley that would provide entertainment and, in some cases, a glimpse of the rebellion they felt compelled to express. They selected a suitable location in Diagon Alley, where they opened Weasley's Wizards Wheezes. The establishment became a hub of mischief and creativity, providing the twins with a platform to vent their frustrations and share their talent with the wizarding community.

Locations and Accommodations

The fact that they resided above their shop offers a glimpse into their independence and their intent to establish a sustainable life outside the formal structures of education. This location, nothing to do with Hagrid or any adventures in Egypt, represents their move towards a new chapter in life, one rooted in entrepreneurship and personal expression.

In summary, while Fred and George's academic attainments are clear, their decision to leave Hogwarts early was based on a combination of personal freedom, financial support, and a desire to challenge authority. Their legacy as entrepreneurs and mischief-makers continues to captivate fans of the wizarding world, reminding us of the importance of individual choices in the face of societal pressures.