Marietta nudged Cho Chang lightly with her elbow and whispered in her ear, "He said you're pretty."
Qiu Zhang's face flushed slightly, then she shook her head. "Stop joking, Marietta. I don't think Morris was talking about that."
Having been in the same hospital as Morris for so long, she could somewhat sense that this dark-haired boy's way of thinking and focus always seemed to be subtly different from others.
What I just said was not a compliment.
"Could you hand me the package? Thank you," Morris said.
"Okay."
Qiu Zhang snapped out of his daze and quickly picked up the bag on the table and handed it over.
During the handover, her fingers inadvertently brushed against the loose hemp rope at the bag's opening. The rope wasn't tied tightly, and before she knew it, some of the contents spilled out and landed on the table.
It consisted of fine white powder and granules.
"Oh, I'm sorry."
Qiu Zhang hurriedly apologized, frantically trying to gather the fragments together with his hands.
"Don't touch it."
Morris's voice was calm, and his wand was already in his hand.
He gently tapped the scattered white fragments with the tip of his cane, and they quickly gathered together and floated back into the bag.
"Luckily, nothing got on the food." Morris tightened the bag again.
Qiu Zhang asked instinctively, "What is that? Is it poisonous?"
Marietta, standing nearby, also cast a curious glance.
"It's just the ingredients for Potions, not poisonous," Morris explained, "But it will leave you feeling strange."
These are actually just ashes.
Even if accidentally ingested, it will not harm the human body.
He had almost used up all the ashes of those who had died with hope of life, which he had previously requested.
After inquiring with Frick, he learned that the other party had stock of such ashes, so he bought some.
According to Frick, the ashes had been sitting in his warehouse for nearly ten years without being sold.
The last person to buy it was Morris's professor, Snape.
No wonder he's Potions Master; he adds all sorts of things to Potions.
Having brewed so many Draught of Living Death, Morris had a fairly thorough understanding of the recipe and even had many ideas for improvement.
He planned to find some time to discuss with Snape whether he could modify the formula to enhance its effects, allowing Snape to stay in the Gap World longer, or reduce the cost.
After all, the ingredients for a Potions are quite expensive.
For example, Sopophorous Bean; it would be great if a cheaper alternative could be found.
Around noon, in the corridor on the first floor of the main castle.
Morris found Snape on his way to his office.
Snape's face was cold, and he walked quickly, seemingly in a bad mood—which was understandable, given that Gryffindor had just won the game yesterday.
When Morris offered his idea, Snape smirked sarcastically, "What a pipe dream. Black. The formula for the Draught of Living Death is nearing perfection. If you don't want to get hurt by being too clever for your own good, you'd better put away these foolish ideas for now."
"But Professor, don't you think Sopophorous Bean can be replaced?" Morris completely ignored Snape's impatient expression. "For example, Valaka Beans, perhaps they can mimic some of the properties of Sopophorous Bean juice to some extent? Theoretically..."
While Snape and Morris were having a heated discussion.
In the empty classroom next door, three figures were pressed against the wall, eavesdropping on the two people's conversation.
"Did you hear what Snape was saying, Ron?" Harry lowered his voice, pressing his ear even closer to the wall.
"I heard it, but I didn't quite understand," Ron frowned. " Snape seemed to be swearing the whole time."
Hermione glanced at him helplessly. " Morris and Snape are discussing the recipe for the Draught of Living Death."
She paused, a clear look of confusion on her face. " Morris is suggesting alternative materials. Sopophorous Bean... Varaka beans..."
Okay, I don't understand either. Our textbook hasn't covered this part yet.
Harry breathed a sigh of relief, his tense shoulders relaxing slightly.
It's not unusual for Morris and Snape to discuss academic issues.
He knew that Morris, like Hermione, was extremely serious about his studies, perhaps even more so Hermione, on the other hand, would never proactively seek out Snape to discuss Potions improvements during her free time.
Gradually, the conversation became clearer, then gradually faded away, as if Morris was asking a final question, to which Snape gave a brief response.
Then they heard footsteps walking away.
Just when they thought everyone had left, the door was suddenly pushed open.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were startled and turned around abruptly.
Morris was standing in the doorway, smiling and greeting them, "Hello."
An awkward atmosphere instantly filled the empty classroom.
Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the dust particles dancing in the air, making them Winky.
"Uh... hi, Morris." Harry gave a dry laugh.
"Don't be nervous," Morris shrugged. " Snape didn't notice you were eavesdropping, and I knew you were in there from the beginning."
Ron couldn't help but step forward, his face full of confusion. " Morris, why do you insist on asking Snape about Potions?"
Morris gave him a strange look. "Who else can I ask if not him? Hogwarts doesn't have another Potions Class professor."
Ron was speechless at this obvious question; he opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.
" Snape is dangerous," Hermione interjected, her expression serious. "Trust us, Morris, it's best not to get too close to him."
Morris leaned against the door, arms crossed. "At least tell me why."
The three glanced at each other, exchanged a look, and ultimately reached a kind of consensus.
Harry took a deep breath and said, "Let's tell you step by step, Morris. Do you remember what Dumbledore said at the beginning of the school year? The fourth floor of the castle, the right-hand corridor, is off-limits to students unless they want to die a horrible death."
Morris nodded. "I know, there's a Three-Headed Dog in there."
"How did you know?" Ron blurted out, his eyes wide.
"I think quite a few people want to know," Morris shrugged. "Although Dumbledore it, there are definitely curious students who have secretly gone to check it out."
He was certain that there were many more people at Hogwarts who knew about Three-Headed Dog than just himself, the twins, and Harry.
Those older students with strong curiosity probably also tried to explore.
"So what are you trying to say?" Morris asked.
So Harry told Morris his judgment:
The fourth floor of the castle houses Nicolas Flamel's Philosopher's Stone, which Snape is attempting to steal and has coerced Quirrell into helping him.
In addition, Snape also cast a curse on his broom during the Quidditch Match last semester.
"Now you know, Morris," Ron said, waving his arms excitedly, " Snape is a dangerous guy, stay away from him."
Morris paused for a moment, then slowly nodded. "I'll be careful. Thank you for reminding me."