Chapter 157: Instructor Amy
George raised an eyebrow:
"In that case, forget it. I only want to learn Apparition."
Without hesitation, he turned to leave the magic cram school.
From the shop's condition and the witch's clothing, he could tell she was likely short on money and the business wasn't doing well.
After all, such magic cram schools usually only attracted students during summer vacations. The rest of the year, they could only fool some Squibs and not-too-bright adult wizards.
But there were limited numbers of such wizards, and even they would choose larger magic training institutions. For a small cram school like this, attracting students wasn't easy.
Precisely because of this, they were more likely to agree to things that larger training institutions wouldn't do.
So he wasn't really leaving—he was just stringing her along.
To this end, he deliberately revealed the pouch at his waist filled with golden Galleons as he turned.
"Wait, student!"
Apparently spotting the bulging pouch at George's waist, the witch disappeared with a pop of Apparition and reappeared directly in front of George, blocking his path.
"Student, it's not completely impossible to discuss... though the fee might need to be higher!"
She hadn't had a single customer in two months. If this continued, she wouldn't even be able to pay the shop's rent.
Based on her experience over the years, even during peak season, her small shop wouldn't attract many students.
If this student could pay more than what she usually earned all summer, then taking this risk might be worth it.
"Aren't you afraid of being fined if caught?"
George looked at the witch, a hint of surprise on his face.
He hadn't expected this witch to be so skilled at Apparition.
The difference in Apparition ability between wizards of different skill levels was significant.
First was distance. The most powerful wizards could Apparate across countries, like Dumbledore.
A very small number could Apparate between cities.
Most couldn't even manage intercity Apparition, limited to moving within a single city.
But this wasn't a huge problem—one could simply Apparate multiple times. Apparating a hundred times could theoretically cross countries, though it would be extremely taxing on the body.
Most sane wizards wouldn't do that.
Next was the time taken to Apparate.
Average wizards needed two to three seconds to complete Apparition.
In a duel, that would mean being hit by spells multiple times before disappearing.
Thus, normal wizards' Apparition was only suitable for travel, not combat.
But more skilled wizards could reduce the time to under one second, allowing them to use Apparition to dodge spells and counterattack.
Like Newt in Fantastic Beasts, who often used Apparition in his fights with Grindelwald.
Clearly, this seemingly unimpressive witch had just demonstrated Apparition in under a second—she was undoubtedly an expert.
"I have ways to avoid fines, but the tuition will be one hundred Galleons."
"And let me be clear—if you quit out of fear of splinching, no refunds!"
The witch made an exorbitant demand.
"Also, you can rest assured—I used to be an Auror with the Ministry. My teaching is absolutely reliable."
"One hundred Galleons it is. As long as you can teach me Apparition this summer, you'll get every last one."
Hearing she was a former Auror, George's eyes lit up. He took out the pouch, revealing the gleaming golden Galleons inside.
He wasn't afraid of being scammed—his only concern was whether her Apparition skills were up to par.
He was no ordinary first-year. At full strength, he probably couldn't defeat Dumbledore without his Fairy Tail world's premium wand, but against average wizards—even someone like Snape—he stood a good chance in direct confrontation.
Besides magic from the Harry Potter world, he also had fully developed psychic abilities, magic from the Fairy Tail world, and physical prowess far beyond normal wizards.
If this witch tried to cheat him, he could make her disappear without a trace, just like his adoptive father.
And she'd just proven her competence with that flawless Apparition.
He just couldn't figure out why a former Auror had fallen to such a state.
"Deal! Get ready and inform your family. We leave for Paris tomorrow!"
The witch's mouth watered at the sight of the gold.
George was taken aback:
"What did you say? Paris?"
"Yes, the French Ministry is more lenient about Apparition. Even if caught, it's just a warning."
"America's even more relaxed, but it's too far. The travel costs would be too high."
From London to Paris, registering with the Ministry and taking a Portkey would cost just fifteen silver Sickles per person. New York would cost two Galleons.
Plus, she knew Paris well, having worked missions there before. She had contacts and could stay for free, unlike in New York.
"Fine, we'll leave tomorrow."
"I'm an orphan with no family, so no need to inform anyone."
George nodded.
Since the French Ministry was more relaxed, learning there made sense. He could also visit Paris's magical district—reportedly larger than Diagon Alley—and maybe find rare magical books.
"By the way, I'm George."
"You can call me Amy."
The witch extended a fair-skinned hand:
"First, a twenty-Galleon deposit. The remaining eighty after you learn Apparition."
"No problem."
George handed over twenty Galleons.
After settling on departure details, he left the tiny shop.
Only after George left did the witch murmur to herself:
"Since when do orphans have so much money? And why does he look familiar?"
After a moment's thought, she shrugged it off as imagination.
"Hahaha! Money at last! Time to drink my fill tonight!"
Jingling the Galleons, Amy closed shop and headed to the Leaky Cauldron, humming a tune.
At least she wouldn't go thirsty for a while.
(End of chapter)