Dinner in the Great Hall was lively, as students discussed the dramatic start to the school year.
Right as Alexander finished eating, McGonagall walked over and placed several books and a stack of notes beside him.
"These are the materials I mentioned earlier regarding Transfiguration in dueling," she said.
Alexander's eyes lit up.
"Thank you, Professor!"
McGonagall simply nodded and walked away.
The twins quickly ran over.
"So," said Fred, grinning.
"Ready for detention?" added George.
Alexander shrugged.
"As long as we're not polishing trophies again."
Soon, the three of them, along with Jordan, headed to meet Filch.
Filch stood waiting in the corridor, arms crossed.
"This time," he said with a nasty grin, "you won't be polishing trophies."
The boys exchanged hopeful looks.
"You'll be mopping the corridors."
"With no magic."
The smiles vanished.
Filch handed them old wooden mops and buckets.
Alexander dipped the mop in water and started pushing it across the stone floor.
After a few minutes, he suddenly spoke.
"Finally, something useful."
Filch narrowed his eyes.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Alexander kept mopping while talking.
"You know, Mr. Filch… as the only caretaker of this castle, you have a lot of responsibility."
He gestured around the hallway.
"This castle is old."
"Dirty."
"And full of dust."
He pushed the mop forward again.
"I'm actually glad we're mopping. There are a lot of things that need cleaning."
Filch squinted suspiciously.
"Don't try to sweet-talk me."
"And I've already asked the professors for help before."
"They won't allow it."
Alexander nodded thoughtfully.
"What if we used magic to help clean?"
Filch immediately snapped back.
"No magic."
"It's detention!"
Alexander tilted his head.
"What if we cleaned classrooms instead?"
Filch frowned.
"No one will know."
Filch hesitated.
He looked around the corridor.
Then at the dirty stone floors.
Then at the four students standing there.
Finally, he sighed.
"We'll try this once."
"If you troublemakers mess up, we go back to mopping corridors."
Alexander immediately turned to the others.
"Alright."
"Don't mess this up."
The twins grinned.
"Do you know any cleaning spells?" Alexander asked.
Fred and George looked offended.
"Our mum makes us clean all the time," Fred said.
George nodded proudly.
"We're experts."
Lee scratched his head.
"I kind of know a few."
Alexander clapped his hands.
"Perfect."
"Let's make a plan."
He quickly explained their strategy.
"I'll handle Tergeo."
"That spell removes blood, ink, grease, and other stains."
"And I'll also cast Skurge to remove ectoplasm left behind by ghosts."
The twins nodded.
"We'll handle Scourgify."
"The general cleaning charm."
Lee raised his hand.
"I'll assist."
Alexander continued.
"After Scourgify, we dry the room with the Hot Air Charm."
"Then use Exarcesco to evaporate leftover water faster."
The twins grinned.
"Perfect."
Lee nodded.
"I like this plan."
Alexander turned to Filch.
"We need cleaning supplies."
Filch grumbled but left.
A few minutes later, he returned with buckets, cloths, and brushes.
Alexander clapped again.
"Alright!"
"Let's start!"
The four students rushed into the first classroom.
Spells flashed.
"Tergeo!"
"Scourgify!"
"Skurge!"
Dust vanished.
Stains disappeared.
Ghost residue dissolved instantly.
The twins dried the room with hot air spells while Lee followed up with Exarcesco to evaporate the remaining moisture.
Within an hour, the classroom looked completely different.
Spotless.
Alexander reached into his pouch and pulled out a small bottle.
"What's that?" Lee asked.
Alexander sprayed a fine mist into the air.
A gentle floral scent spread throughout the room.
Then Alexander cast a small wind charm that circulated the fragrance across the classroom.
He stepped back proudly.
"Perfect."
Filch walked in.
He stared around the room.
The desks were spotless.
The floor shone.
The air smelled fresh.
Alexander smiled.
"Well, Mr. Filch?"
"Efficient, clean, and the room smells better."
Filch looked both impressed and annoyed.
As a Squib, he could not perform magic himself.
He snorted.
"Decent job."
"Let's go to the next classroom."
Alexander blinked.
"No more mopping?"
Filch ignored him.
"Grab the supplies."
"Hurry up."
"We've got another classroom."
For the rest of the detention, they cleaned classroom after classroom.
By the time they finished, the twins were exhausted.
Fred leaned against the wall.
"This is more tiring than polishing trophies."
George nodded.
"Much worse."
Alexander stretched.
"It's still better than mopping."
"At least we're practicing spells."
Then he added thoughtfully,
"Tomorrow I'll make a lesson plan."
"So you guys can become stronger wizards."
The twins laughed.
Lee shook his head.
"You're turning detention into training."
They all headed back to their dormitories.
Meanwhile, Filch walked to Professor McGonagall's office.
He brought her to inspect the classrooms.
She looked around, clearly impressed.
Each classroom was spotless.
The air smelled fresh.
"This is excellent work," she said.
Filch nodded proudly.
"They cleaned everything."
McGonagall folded her arms thoughtfully.
"Keep them cleaning."
"They are doing a great job."
Filch hesitated.
"Maybe we can get more students to help?"
"The castle could look new before Christmas."
McGonagall thought for a moment.
"Maybe."
"But for now, keep them cleaning."
Filch sighed.
He nodded and walked away.
Defeated.