Morris's grades in History of Magic weren't ideal, but he still managed to secure first place in his grade in the final exams.
After all, aside from the History of Magic, he got almost perfect scores in all other subjects.
Hermione disagreed.
Even as she stood on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters at King's Cross Station, she was still chattering away with Morris about the exam.
"Stop it, Hermione," Ron said, rubbing his ear. "We all know you're upset, but we're going home now. Holidays! Relax! Think about the days without homework!"
Harry nodded in agreement.
"Oh, okay." Hermione pouted, her gaze falling on the small suitcase in Morris's hand.
" Morris, where's your luggage?" she asked, puzzled.
Morris replied, "I had the owl send some back first."
"Your owl is so pitiful," Hermione said.
Morris didn't refute, he just smiled.
In fact, all his belongings were stored in this box.
Just a few days ago, he learned the Undetectable Extension Charm and used it on his suitcase.
Although he couldn't expand the space to a very large extent with his skill level, the space, which was close to the size of a dormitory room, was enough to fit all his belongings.
More importantly, the box still feels as light as when it was empty when I carry it in my hand.
Such convenient magic made him regret not having studied it sooner.
After saying goodbye to his friends, Morris walked out of the station alone, walked along the street for more than ten minutes, turned into a quiet and deserted alley, took out his wand, and summoned the familiar Knight Bus.
Now that he knew about this mode of transportation, he didn't ask Harold to pick him up, since the other man also had his own life to live.
After paying eleven Sickle, the bumpy magic bus carrying Morris arrived at the Leaky Cauldron.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will be staying here for the rest of the summer.
Upon entering Diagon Alley, Morris did not linger. He walked straight through the bustling crowd and turned into a dark side street, while a white bone mask materialized on his face.
Knockturn Alley is still the same as I remember it. The sunlight seems to deliberately avoid this alley, and it is dimly lit even during the day.
Humming a song, Morris arrived at Frick's shop and pushed open the door to enter.
" Frick, are you there... Oh, it's you, Madam Caroline."
Behind the counter, Madam Caroline sat elegantly in a high-backed chair, toying with a slender pipe inlaid with a dark purple gemstone.
Do skeletons smoke?
Morris removed the mask from his face, blinked twice, and looked somewhat bewildered.
"Long time no see, little one." Madam Caroline nodded gently when she saw his face.
Morris asked solicitously, "Are you satisfied with the Skeleton Dog I sold you before?"
Although Caroline wasn't human, she was still a wealthy woman, so he naturally wanted to have more contact with her.
You know, he's desperately short of money right now.
"Fantastic!" Madam Caroline said with delight. "It made me the star of the tea party; my sisters were green with envy."
"That's wonderful, madam." Morris offered a sincere smile at the opportune moment.
He was considering whether he could try selling some other undead creatures to Madam Caroline at a high price.
Just then, the door to the lounge opened, and Frick carefully walked out, carrying a crystal bottle emitting an eerie green steam.
" Madam Caroline, your medicine is ready."
"Very well, put it there." Madam Caroline didn't even turn around, but simply tapped the counter casually with her finger bone.
After Frick did as he was told, he noticed Morris standing to the side.
He rushed up excitedly and gave him a big hug. "You're here, Morris! What brings you here today?"
Morris was taken aback by this sudden enthusiasm. "What kind of Potions did you take?"
Frick released him, a near-excited smile spreading across his face, and whispered, "Listen, Morris, I haven't told you yet, but a customer ordered twelve Skeleton Dog last week! Twelve! I even negotiated a higher price—a full three thousand five hundred Galleon!"
Morris nodded in sudden understanding.
No wonder Frick was so excited, now I understand.
Who doesn't like money?
And they even raised the price by 500 Galleon; they're blatant profiteers.
Who is the buyer?
Frick waved his hand dismissively, "Who cares... he seems to be a bestselling author?"
Bestselling author?
Morris suddenly thought of the book he had bought last semester, " Wanderings with Werewolves ".
What was the author's name again?
"What are you talking about?" Madam Caroline suddenly interrupted, her face smeared with the green liquid that Frick had just given her.
Frick quickly turned around, a wide smile plastered on his face. "It's nothing important, madam. Ah, how was my Potions?"
As he spoke, he carefully observed the greenish, mask-like substance on Madam Caroline's skull face.
"It feels wonderful!" Madam Caroline exclaimed.
Morris couldn't help but ask, "What kind of Potions is this?"
Seeing that Madam Caroline was in a good mood, Frick explained with a hint of pride, "Its main function is maintenance, making the bones more beautiful and shiny, while also providing some strengthening and magical moisturizing effects."
"Very effective," Madam Caroline said, leaning back in her chair, "But human wizards can't enjoy it unless you're willing to take the bones out."
"I can help," Frick said eagerly. "I promise I'll put it back exactly as it was, with absolutely professional technique, and it won't hurt at all."
"Please allow me to refuse."
Morris was speechless.
He had a feeling... Frick wasn't joking.
Is this the art style of the Wizard?
That's really something.
"Oh dear," Madam Caroline exclaimed softly, glancing out the window, "It's almost time. I should be going. The carriage should have arrived by now."
She hurriedly got up and left.
After watching Madam Caroline disappear through the doorway, Frick turned and rubbed his hands together. "Very good, Morris, now we can properly discuss the Skeleton Dog order."
"If you have enough material," Morris shrugged, "I'm fine with that, but you'll have to arrange a room for me."
He pointed to the suitcase at his feet, "I'm homeless now, I need somewhere to sleep."
"Of course," Frick readily agreed. "I happen to have a spare basement here, it's fairly clean, and only Madam Caroline occasionally comes to stay for a few days."
"?"
Morris tilted his head.
Maybe he should just go stay at the Leaky Cauldron; it's kind of scary.
But in the end, Morris decided to stay here temporarily.
It's free, after all.
He had a feeling that he would be very busy in the coming period, and there were some things that were not very convenient to do at the Leaky Cauldron.
Having gathered the magic power emanating from the Philosopher's Stone, the second advancement ritual for the Guantou and Yanhua can now be attempted.