The entrance to Hogwarts castle and grounds is an impressive, massive wrought-iron gate flanked by two giant stone statues of winged boars. This entrance traditionally keeps the students inside while making sure anything (and anyone) unwanted stays out.

The winged boars' gate is the main entry and exit of the Hogwarts Grounds and the school's first line of defense; as such, it remains closed and magically locked at all times. The only notable exceptions to this include the start and end of the school year for the carriages to pass through, and during Hogsmeade weekends, when students tread under the boars' watchful eyes and head up the path to Hogsmeade.

Staff members are the only ones who can undo the complex enchantments that surround this barrier, so don't even think about trying to sneak out for a late-night rendezvous in Hogsmeade. The winged boars will know.