Chapter 156: Teacher Amy

George raised an eyebrow and said, "In that case, forget it. I want nothing but Apparition."

Without hesitation, he turned to leave the small magic crash course shop.

Judging from the shop's condition and the witch's attire, George had already guessed she was likely strapped for cash, and the shop wasn't doing well financially.

It made sense—these kinds of crash course magic classes typically only attracted students during summer vacation. During other times, they might manage to lure in a few Squibs or adults with limited magical abilities.

But even among those, the pool of potential students was limited. And if they were going to enroll somewhere, they'd probably choose a more established magic training institution. Small, inconspicuous places like this had a hard time staying afloat.

Because of this, they were often willing to take on jobs that bigger training schools wouldn't touch.

So George wasn't actually leaving; he was just testing her resolve.

To ensure the act was convincing, he deliberately let the money pouch at his waist, brimming with Galleons, sway into view as he turned.

"Wait, please!"

The witch seemed to notice the bulging pouch. She vanished instantly with an Apparition and reappeared directly in front of George, blocking his way.

"Actually, we might be able to work something out," she said. "But the fee might be a bit higher!"

She hadn't had a single customer in two months. If she couldn't secure one soon, she wouldn't even be able to afford the shop's rent.

Based on her years of experience, she knew that even during peak season, her small operation rarely attracted many students.

If this student was willing to pay her more than what she usually earned over an entire summer, the risk was worth it.

"Aren't you afraid of getting caught and fined?"

George glanced at her with a hint of surprise.

He hadn't expected her Apparition skills to be so advanced.

After all, even with the same Apparition spell, the skill level of different witches and wizards could vary greatly.

First, there's the distance.

Top-tier wizards, like Dumbledore, could Apparate across countries. A select few could manage intercity travel. Most couldn't even manage that, restricted to Apparating within the same city.

While this limitation wasn't insurmountable—with enough successive Apparitions, one could still traverse great distances—it was physically taxing and impractical. Wizards who weren't masochistic rarely attempted it.

Second, there's the casting speed.

Ordinary wizards usually needed two to three seconds to Apparate.

In combat, that would make them an easy target for spells before they could complete their Apparition.

For this reason, most wizards used Apparition for travel, not battle.

More skilled wizards could reduce the casting time to under a second, making it viable for dodging attacks and countering in combat.

For example, Newt Scamander frequently used Apparition during his battles with Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts.

It was clear that this seemingly unremarkable witch had taken less than a second to disappear and reappear in front of George, proving she was an Apparition expert.

"I can avoid fines, but my fee is 100 Galleons," the witch said boldly. "And let me make this clear: if you quit midway because you're scared of the pain from Splinching, there will be no refunds!"

"Also, you can rest assured—I was once an Auror for the Ministry of Magic. I guarantee my teaching is top-notch."

"One hundred Galleons it is. As long as you can teach me Apparition by the end of this summer, not a single Galleon will be missing," George replied, his eyes lighting up when he heard she had been an Auror.

He retrieved the money pouch at his waist, revealing the glinting Galleons within.

He wasn't worried about being scammed. His only concern was whether her Apparition skills were up to par.

After all, George wasn't a weak, helpless first-year wizard. Even though he wasn't at Dumbledore's level—lacking the exceptional wands from the Fairy Tail universe to amplify his powers—he could easily overpower most wizards.

Even formidable duelists like Snape would have a tough time against him in a direct confrontation.

Besides magic from the Harry Potter world, George had nearly fully developed superpowers, Fairy Tail magic, and a body far beyond a normal wizard's physical limits.

If this witch dared to scam him, she wouldn't live to regret it—just like his adoptive father who had mysteriously vanished.

Fortunately, her Apparition skills were impressive, which was promising. Still, he couldn't help but wonder why a former Auror had fallen to running a small shop like this.

"Deal. Get ready and settle things with your family. We'll leave for Paris, France, tomorrow!"

The witch's eyes gleamed at the sight of the Galleons.

George blinked in surprise.

"Wait, what? Paris?"

"Yes," she explained. "The French Ministry of Magic is much more lenient about Apparition. Even if they catch us, they'll just give us a warning.

"America is even more relaxed, but it's too far, and the travel expenses are too high. It's not worth it."

Traveling from London to Paris and registering at the Ministry of Magic to use a Portkey only cost fifteen Sickles per person. But going to New York required two whole Galleons.

Besides, she was more familiar with Paris, having previously worked there and made connections. Lodging would be free. She had no such luck in New York.

"Alright then, Paris it is. I don't have any family—I'm an orphan—so I don't need to report to anyone."

George nodded.

Since Paris had looser regulations, it was a good place to learn. Plus, he could explore Paris's magical district, which was reportedly larger than Diagon Alley.

He might even find some rare magical books.

"By the way, my name is George."

"You can call me Amy," the witch replied, extending her pale hand. "I'll need a deposit of 20 Galleons. You can pay the remaining 80 after you've mastered Apparition."

"No problem."

George handed over 20 Galleons to Amy.

After agreeing on the departure time and place for the next day, he left the cramped little shop.

Once George was gone, Amy muttered to herself, "Since when were orphans so wealthy? Why does this kid look familiar, though?"

She thought about it but couldn't place him. Convinced she was overthinking, she let it go.

"Ha! Finally, some money! Time to drink tonight!"

Tossing the Galleons in her hand, Amy closed up shop and hummed a tune as she headed to the Leaky Cauldron.

At least for now, she wouldn't be running out of booze.