Hogwarts was unusually quiet during Christmas.
The following afternoon, Morris found the twins wandering in the courtyard.
"You want to practice combat with us?"
Upon hearing Morris's request, Fred immediately asked with concern, "Has someone been bullying you?"
"Or did something trigger it?" George also cast a questioning glance his way.
Morris weighed his wand in his hand and explained, "I just want to know my true strength."
Although he subdued three adult wizards instantly in Knockturn Alley using the Bone Summoning Spell.
Ultimately, it was simply that the other side was too foolish and underestimated them.
Morris wasn't entirely confident in his combat abilities, only vaguely sensing that they weren't too bad.
"What spells do you know?" Fred asked.
"I know a little bit of everything," Morris said conservatively. "If we're talking about spells that can be used in combat, I have the Blasting Curse, Fire-Making Spell, Summoning Charm, Disarming Charm, Shield Charm... It's not a lot, but it's enough."
"Are you kidding me?" Fred looked Morris up and down suspiciously. "What normal person can learn all this in one semester?"
Morris chuckled. "I'm a genius, that's perfectly reasonable."
"..."
Fred and George exchanged a glance, speechless for a moment.
While it might sound arrogant to say that, that's truly how Morris believed it.
His talent in magic is definitely much higher than that of ordinary students.
"Alright, Mr. Genius," Fred said, crossing his arms and adopting a teasing tone, "Since you're so confident, let's see what you're capable of."
Morris and Fred stood on opposite sides of the courtyard, raising their wands simultaneously, while George acted as the referee.
"Start!"
At George's command, Morris made the first move.
He made no attempt to test the waters, swiftly flicking his wand forward, " Stupefy!"
A beam of red light shot straight into Fred's chest; its speed and accuracy were impeccable.
Fred, who had been somewhat playful, was startled by the sight and hastily waved his wand, shouting, " Protego!"
"Bang!"
The Disarming Charm struck the shield solidly, producing a dull thud.
Fred clearly felt a significant impact and staggered backward.
"Wow!" George whistled from the side, his eyes lighting up. "Seriously, Fred!"
Fred steadied himself and narrowed his eyes.
It seems the other party is serious, so he can't hold back.
"Grinning and shouting--"
He had only recited half of his incantation.
"Swish! Swish!"
Two beams of red light suddenly shot out from the side corridor, curving towards Morris and Fred.
That's too fast!
Morris didn't have time to cast the Shield Charm, which he wasn't very skilled at, so he instinctively used the Bone Summoning Spell to summon a bone shield in front of him, deflecting the spell.
Fred felt a sudden numbness in his wrist, and his wand flew out of his hand, heading down the corridor where it was caught by a small figure.
It's Professor Flitwick!
He held Fred's wand in one hand and his own wand outstretched in the other.
"Fighting is prohibited on campus!" Professor Flitwick strode quickly to the center of the courtyard and said sternly, "Gentlemen, I need an explanation."
The three looked at each other, momentarily at a loss for words, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
Clearly, Professor Flitwick believed they had some kind of conflict, which was why they shot each other with spells.
Fred quickly stepped forward to explain, "Professor, we're just practicing spells."
"Really?" Professor Flitwick turned to Morris, somewhat incredulous.
After all, many serious conflicts among students are disguised as "practicing the spell".
Morris nodded. "This is just a friendly match; George is our referee."
Professor Flitwick's expression softened slightly when he saw George not far away.
Indeed, if it were a conflict, it would most likely be two twins against one.
He handed the wand back to Fred and said earnestly, "When practicing spells, it's best to have a professor present, or in a well-protected, dedicated classroom."
Fred chimed in, "It's alright, Professor, we're well-prepared."
"Oh?" Professor Flitwick was taken aback. "What have you prepared?"
"A large bottle of Essence of Dittany," Fred said.
"And there's a fluffy, warm blanket." George rushed over and pulled a blanket out of nowhere.
Professor Flitwick sighed. "I'll be watching you. You may begin sparring now. This is a one-time event only."
He was terrified that these three students might accidentally send each other or themselves to meet Merlin.
With the professor overseeing things, Morris and Fred became even more unrestrained in their spell practice.
In an instant, the light of various spells illuminated the snow in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Professor Flitwick grew increasingly alarmed as he looked at the document.
Although Fred's theoretical grades weren't great, he was undoubtedly a top student when it came to spells.
But... what about Morris?
He knew Morris was quick to learn spells, but it had only taken him one semester.
This Ravenclaw freshman's level of spellcasting is simply unbelievable!
Judging from the current situation, the boast he made yesterday about the Three Broomsticks and Babbling is probably going to come true!
" Expelliarmus!"
Finally, Morris's Disarming Charm flew out from a tricky angle and successfully knocked Fred's wand away.
Professor Flitwick blew a whistle that appeared out of nowhere and announced, "Alright, children, training is over!"
Morris wiped the sweat from his brow, stepped forward, and chuckled, "What an interesting duel, Fred."
"You bastard..." Fred gasped for breath, rubbing his numb wrist, "Where did this monster come from?"
"Not a monster, but a genius," Morris said earnestly.
Now, he can roughly assess his own strength.
Without using the magic from the Book of the Mage, he's only slightly stronger Fred.
Is this at a third-grade level...?
It seems he still has a long way to go.
After an afternoon of spell practice, the twins returned to the Gryffindor Tower, while Morris went to the dining hall alone.
It's commendable that, although the long table was mostly empty with only a few people around, the House-elf clearly didn't just go through the motions.
The food was as plentiful as ever.
There was even crème brûlée, Morris's favorite.
"This is true enjoyment," Morris remarked, savoring the pudding.
At the Leaky Cauldron, all he could get were dry sandwiches and stews that tasted like beer.
Just as Morris was enjoying the creamy, sweet taste of the pudding, Harry approached him.
"Are you free tonight?" Harry asked. "I think you need to look at that mirror, just like I do."