"Do you know what's inside?" Lee Jordan pointed to a square box on the table. "When I came in, I smelled food."
"I don't know. But it smells so good—should we open it?" George leaned closer, staring at the box with Lee.
"Do you think… this might be a late-night snack Albert brought us from the kitchen?" Fred guessed, eyeing the box.
"Where is he?" George asked.
"He's taking a hot shower," Lee reminded them.
"How about we open it and see!" The three exchanged looks and spoke in unison.
George was quickest. He flipped the lid, and a strong aroma filled the room.
They leaned in eagerly.
A plate of… something? A dish they'd never seen before—but it smelled delicious.
"I'll taste it first." George grabbed a piece with his hand, tossed it into his mouth, and chewed. "Eggs… and those green bits… garlic?"
"You scoundrel, use the fork!" Fred scolded. "Let me try. I bet Albert's made something strange again."
"Did he cook it himself?" Lee asked curiously.
"Most likely a house-elf did," the twins said together.
"It's good," Lee admitted, eating with the fork. "Should we leave some for him?"
But by then, the plate was empty.
"It's too late," George muttered.
The dormitory door opened. The three froze, forks down.
"What's wrong with you?" Albert asked, confused. His gaze dropped to the empty box. His face twitched. "You finished it?"
"Couldn't help it," Fred said awkwardly.
"What's this dish called? It was really good," Lee tried to change the subject, but George clamped a hand over his mouth.
"Sorry," they chorused.
"Scrambled eggs with garlic," Albert said flatly.
"Garlic… scrambled eggs?"
Fred glanced at the pot of garlic on the windowsill—and froze. His garlic was bald.
"Garlic… could it be?" Fred pointed at the plate.
"Hmm."
"You used my garlic?" George stared at the bare pot, speechless.
"I saw you eating happily," Albert said, annoyed. "Don't worry. It's spring. The garlic will sprout again."
The three were silent. The dish had been delicious.
"Did you make it yourself?" Lee asked.
"I asked a house-elf to stir-fry it," Albert said. "They're excellent cooks. I wonder if I can kidnap one after graduation to help with chores."
"Mom always wanted a house-elf to cook and clean," George sighed. "But we don't have one."
"Only old wizarding families, and rich ones, have house-elves," Fred explained.
"My family doesn't either," Lee added.
"Perhaps, if you pay enough Galleons…" Albert mused, jotting a note in his notebook.
"You wouldn't…" the three said suspiciously.
"As long as there are Galleons, most problems can be solved," Albert replied. "Anyway, help me with an experiment."
"What experiment?" George asked.
"Throw a pillow at me." Albert raised his wrist, showing a wooden bracelet.
"Are you sure?" They all hurled pillows. Each flattened against an invisible barrier.
"How did you do that?" They crowded around.
"This." Albert removed the bracelet. "I made it. A unique amulet with a Shield Charm. It resists curses and objects, and repels Dark creatures."
"I feel like you're tricking us again," Fred said, examining it. "But undeniably, it's magical. Is it the effect of the runes?"
"I'm not sure yet," Albert admitted. "It needs more testing."
"My turn," Fred said. "How does it work?"
"Wear it or hold it. Either should work."
George threw a pillow. It bounced off Fred.
"That's so cool," Lee said, amazed. "Imagine—someone casts a spell, you raise your hand, and block it. Awesome."
"Let's test a curse," George said eagerly. "Use the Impediment Jinx."
Albert motioned them aside, raised his wand, and cast. The spell rebounded before hitting George—straight into Lee, who was thrown back onto the bed.
"You scoundrel, that hurt!" Lee rubbed his back, glaring. He'd seen George deflect it toward him.
"So cool," George said.
"Hard to believe," Fred added.
"This could sell for several Galleons," the twins said together.
"Help me up!" Lee complained.
"Sorry, I was too excited," George said. "Are you okay?"
"Now my turn," Lee said, grabbing the bracelet. He stood, eager.
"Stupefy!" Albert cast, testing the limit.
Lee's luck failed. The bracelet did nothing. He collapsed, stunned.
"The protection failed?" Fred asked.
"It might have reached its limit," Albert said, crouching beside him. "It's just a prototype. Normal for this to happen."
"Lee's luck is terrible today," Fred said, smirking.
"What now?" George asked. "Can you wake him?"
"Better to let him sleep until morning," Albert said.
"I think so too."