A technical answer he is likely to have. Even enjoys explaining what he's doing, especially if it makes him sound brilliant.

"It's a variation on the ice magic used in combat," he begins his lecture, "only, obviously, much refined. Blizzard spells and similar are created to combine magical force, gesture, and intent in a specific, formulaic manner - much preferable in most combat situations, where time to think is at a premium." At least, so he's been told. He learned basic combat magic, but when would he ever have the need to use it? "However, there is no reason inherent to the theory why the ice should take that shape and that only; it's simply that the spell as it is taught produces that precise result. With more advanced study - you won't have started the theory necessary to back this yet - it is possible to customize spells and retain a great deal more fine control over the manifestation."