Although he had no alarm clock, Morris's good sleeping habits had him waking early.
After washing up, he glanced at the clock on the wall. It was only six. Breakfast at Hogwarts was at half past seven, so he had plenty of time to himself.
Guantou was already nowhere to be seen, presumably having slipped outside through the window.
Morris was not particularly worried. His cat might be mischievous and very playful, but he was also extremely clever and could always find his way home.
So what should he do on his first morning at Hogwarts?
Book of the Mage.
At his silent thought, the Book of the Mage slowly appeared in his mind.
As usual, he checked its contents.
But today, a brand-new section had appeared on its pages.
Gate of Two Realms?
There was something indescribably strange about the name. It sounded like some sort of passage or door.
The description consisted of just one line: grants entry to the gap between life and death.
The details consisted of a diagram of a magic circle, somewhat similar to the Undead Creature Transformation Magic Circle, except for the runes at its center.
What stood out most was the warning on the last line: the Gate of Two Realms must be used while dead.
At this, Morris unconsciously frowned.
Used while dead? That didn't sound very good.
He was a mage who studied the undead, but he had no intention of becoming one himself.
He did not want to give up his life so soon.
It reminded him of what that ghost had said yesterday-even if you had to die, you ought to at least choose a more romantic way to go.
...Dying for magical research seemed pretty good too?
No, no, no!
Morris hurriedly shook his head, casting aside that dangerous thought.
It seemed he could not try this magic for now. He gave a soft sigh.
What sort of place was the gap between life and death?
Being unable to satisfy his curiosity left him feeling strangely uncomfortable, like an itch from the brush of a feather.
Forcing down his curiosity, Morris composed himself, sat on his bed, and began his daily meditation.
He had now discovered that meditation not only improved his success rate when casting curse magic, but also helped him learn Hogwarts magic.
That was also why he had been able to master the Transfiguration Spell so quickly.
About an hour later, Morris opened his eyes.
The brief meditation was enough to clear his thoughts.
Outside the window, the sun was fully awake, and the outline of the distant forest stood out distinctly in the morning glow.
Pulling on his robes, he decided to explore the castle before breakfast.
When he pushed open the dormitory door, he unexpectedly spotted a grayish-white, ethereal figure.
It was a wild female ghost.
"Hello," Morris greeted her politely.
The female ghost merely glanced at him before sinking silently through the floor.
It seemed she was not in the mood to talk.
Morris shrugged indifferently and went down the stairs.
The Ravenclaw Common Room was still quiet in the early morning. Only Prefect Robert and another student were by the window, discussing something in low voices, wands in hand.
Morris vaguely caught words such as "Dark Magic," "jinxes," and "curses."
Perhaps noticing Morris's gaze, Robert looked up with a gentle smile. "Morris! Did you sleep well?"
"The beds at Hogwarts are much more comfortable than I imagined," Morris replied as he approached. "What are you discussing?"
"Last year's O.W.L.s," Robert said without missing a beat. "I didn't get Outstandings in everything. A bit of a shame. If only I could take the exams again."
Morris keenly noticed the unnatural note in his voice, but merely nodded. "Exams are very important."
He had no intention of prying into other people's secrets, though what he had just heard certainly aroused his curiosity.
The student beside Robert gave him a meaningful look. "We need to get to the library to claim seats."
"There's never enough time," Robert quickly added, slipping his wand into his robes. "Goodbye, Morris."
"Goodbye."
After saying goodbye to the two of them, Morris left the Ravenclaw Common Room.
Following yesterday's route, he headed straight for the Marble Staircase.
He had not noticed it yesterday with Robert leading the way, but now the staircases seemed to have come alive, changing direction at will before him.
A staircase that had led to the first floor a moment ago turned in a completely different direction in the blink of an eye. Another flight kept rotating slowly, and some steps even vanished just as he was about to step onto them.
Morris considered this a design intended purely to annoy people.
It seemed his plan to explore the castle would have to be shelved. Just getting stuck on these staircases would waste a great deal of time.
Just as a staircase drifted in front of him and he prepared to step onto it, a voice sounded behind him.
"If I were you, I wouldn't take that staircase. The one that actually leads to the first floor is on your right."
Morris drew his foot back and turned toward the voice. "Oh, thank you, Hermione."
Hermione Granger stood a short distance away, holding a book, watching the moving staircases with a slight frown. "These staircases are always like this. I suggest you memorize how they move-there is a pattern, actually. You just need to observe them."
"Good advice." Morris nodded. "Have you already memorized how they move?"
"Most of them." There was a hint of pride in Hermione's voice.
"Impressive," Morris said admiringly.
Hermione's eyes narrowed in a smile-no one disliked sincere praise, and she was no exception.
Even if the praise came from someone she did not particularly like.
"So, have you had breakfast?" Morris asked next.
"Yes." Hermione adjusted the book in her arms and said excitedly, "Actually, I was just going straight to the Charms classroom. Oh, I've never looked forward to lessons so much."
"Me too."
Morris replied casually. Just as he was about to step onto the staircase Hermione had said led to the first floor, it suddenly vanished.
"What a shame, you missed it," Hermione said. "Just wait another half minute. This staircase will turn back soon."
Morris drew back the foot that had met empty air, feeling rather helpless.
Just then, a revolving staircase beside them slowly came to a stop, and three female students came up, chattering away.
Judging by their robes and appearance, they were three Gryffindor students, and first-years at that.
"Did you really see it? That talking portrait?"
"Of course! It even bowed to me..."
They seemed to be discussing amusing things at Hogwarts.
They really were full of energy, Morris could not help thinking.
It inevitably reminded him of his school days in his previous life. How nostalgic.
Now, he was already a wretched adult-at least in soul.
The three girls walked cheerfully toward them.
As they passed Hermione, she smiled and greeted them. "Hello."
However, the three merely gave slight nods before hurrying past her.
The smile on Hermione's face stiffened slightly.