Chapter 162: The Owl's Letter
In the blink of an eye, over a month had passed.
George stood in the living room, wand in hand, concentrating as he channeled his psychic power. He recalled all the happy memories from his past and present lives, across his original self and clones.
Then, he slowly incanted:
"Expecto Patronum!"
As the spell completed, strands of white light began emerging from his wand tip, gradually coalescing into a silvery, translucent creature.
"A panda? Is it because one of my clones is a panda?"
Seeing his Patronus take this form, George showed a hint of surprise.
Across from him, Amy—wearing underwear and clutching a wine bottle—leapt up from the sofa.
"George! A corporeal Patronus! Looks like I really do have teaching talent!"
She gulped her wine.
"Maybe I should send Dumbledore my resume—apply to teach at Hogwarts!"
In just over a month, George had not only mastered Apparition but also learned the Patronus Charm under her guidance. This made her confident in her teaching skills.
Those previous students? Clearly, they were just too stupid. A bright pupil like George truly showcased her instructional prowess.
"This year? Probably no chance. Next year, maybe."
George guided his Patronus to circle the room.
This year's Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was Lupin—Dumbledore had likely already decided. Any application now would be futile.
As for next year's post: while "Mad-Eye Moody" would apply, it'd actually be Barty Crouch Jr. in disguise, aiming to resurrect Voldemort through the Triwizard Tournament.
Would George allow that?
Absolutely not.
At the very least, he wouldn't let Voldemort's resurrection proceed smoothly. It served no benefit to him—a stable wizarding world meant more time for magical study.
Thus, Peter Pettigrew wouldn't escape as in the original timeline.
With Pettigrew in Azkaban, he couldn't aid Voldemort's spirit or free Barty Crouch Jr., eliminating the fake Moody plot entirely.
Without Moody applying, Hogwarts would need a new Defense teacher—and Amy, with her Auror and tutoring experience, stood a strong chance.
"Owl for you, George. Popular at school, aren't you?"
Amy flopped back onto the sofa, tossing her empty bottle aside as an owl fluttered through the window.
This scene had repeated over thirty times this month. Clearly, George got along well with his classmates—why else so many letters?
"I suppose."
George turned just as the owl slammed into the windowpane before sliding down.
"The Weasleys' Errol?"
Only one owl was clumsy enough for that.
With a wand flick, he levitated Errol inside, offering water and treats before unwrapping the package: a letter and an ornate box.
The letter was from Ginny.
Her father had won the Daily Prophet prize, funding their Egyptian vacation. To thank George for his bookmark gift (which he'd actually reclaimed when stealing the diary), she'd sent rare magical texts from Egypt.
Included was a moving photo: all nine Weasleys waving before a pyramid—plump Mrs. Weasley, tall/balding Mr. Weasley, six sons and one daughter, all flame-haired.
Ron stood center, pet rat Scabbers on his shoulder, one arm around Ginny.
Tucking away the photo and letter, George opened the box to reveal three ancient-looking books:
1. Secrets of the Soul
2. Creating Inferi
3. The Theban Book of the Dead
All unavailable in Hogwarts or Diagon Alley.
Pleased, he penned a quick reply, attaching magical trinkets from Paris for Errol to carry back.
"Oho! Presents? Little girlfriend, is it?"
Amy teased, noting this was his first reciprocal gift.
"I'll be a second-year. Don't be absurd."
George rolled his eyes as Errol departed.
Amy smirked, crossing her legs. "So? I had my first girlfriend in second year."
"Girlfriend?" George raised an eyebrow.
"Friend who's a girl!" Amy backpedaled. "No early romance—bad for grades!"
She cleared her throat. "About that Disillusionment Charm you asked—"
The door burst open.
"Amy! We've found One-Eyed Jack!"
Lina rushed in, breathless.
Amy vaulted over the sofa. "Jack? Alive?"
"Our smuggling case—he's the mastermind!" Lina gripped Amy's hands. "Tonight, he's trading banned artifacts here. Catch him, and your name's cleared!"
George listened intently.
Over the past month, he'd pieced together Amy's past:
Once among Britain's top Aurors, she'd been framed during a raid on One-Eyed Jack's human-trafficking ring.
When their duel ended with her defeat, Jack used her wand to murder fifty Muggles—and Fudge needed a scapegoat.
Dishonorably discharged, she'd drowned in alcohol since.
Until now.