"Is that enough?"
George pulled out a bulging cloth bag, revealing over four hundred Galleons.
He had chosen such a large owl for two main reasons. First, an owl of this size already had considerable offensive capabilities, which could come in handy if he faced danger. Second, its flying ability made it a potential flying mount. A normal magic owl could carry about ten pounds, but this one could easily lift over a hundred. If he ever got into trouble, it could even carry him away. This owl was not just a pet—it was practical, versatile, and worth every Galleon.
The clerk noticed George's wealth and certainty and eagerly helped move the massive eagle owl onto a cart, worried he might change his mind. The owl ate a lot daily, and if it wasn't sold soon, it would become a financial burden.
With the pet purchased, George moved on to the last and most important stop: Flourish and Blotts. Today, he needed not only all the first-year textbooks but also several advanced books, particularly on wandless casting. Without mastering wandless magic, his main body in the Marvel world would not be able to utilize his magical abilities before acquiring a wand.
It was August 3rd, eighteen days before Gilderoy Lockhart's book signing, so the bookstore wasn't crowded. Finding the books was easy; he could simply ask a clerk.
"Wandless casting? We don't sell those anymore. Everyone uses wands now. Who wants to learn an outdated method?" the clerk said, shaking his head.
George did not relent. "I'm very interested in wandless casting. Could you help me get a copy? I'm willing to pay extra."
To demonstrate his sincerity, he took out twenty Galleons. The clerk hesitated, then held up four fingers.
"It requires a special order, and it's expensive—forty Galleons."
"No problem." George placed the forty Galleons on the counter. He knew he was overpaying but didn't care; the book was worth far more.
"Three days. It will definitely arrive in three days," the clerk said, smiling and accepting the payment.
George confirmed, "I'll pick it up in three days."
After another round of browsing and buying more books, George pushed his fully loaded cart, humming an unfamiliar tune as he returned to the potion shop in Knockturn Alley, ready to start self-study. On the way, his enormous eagle owl drew curious glances.
"Be good and don't make noise," George said gently.
At the shop, he placed the owl on his bedroom table, fed it a wild rabbit from the owl shop, and gave instructions. To his surprise, the owl nodded obediently.
For most young wizards, an eagle owl was too large and dangerous to manage. But George was different. His body was stronger than an average adult's, so handling the owl was easy. Moreover, his psychic ability, inherited from Professor X, allowed him to communicate with animals and influence their behavior to a certain extent.
Sometimes, George thought that if he dedicated time to magical creatures, he could rival Newt Scamander or Hagrid someday. He could even become a master of magical creatures.
"Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1, and Magical Theory. Let's start with these two," he said, pulling the most important books from his pile. Right now, mastering practical spells was his priority; subjects like History of Magic, Herbology, and Potions could wait until the crisis in his Marvel main body was resolved.
He studied until evening, rubbing his dry eyes. "As expected, it's not that simple."
Putting the book down, George picked up the bread he bought in Diagon Alley and nibbled while reflecting. In movies, it seemed that wizards could cast spells effortlessly by waving a wand. But learning it himself, he realized it was far from easy—much like cooking. The steps looked simple, but executing them correctly was another matter entirely. Even when followed precisely, results could vary.
According to the magic books, a successful spell required several key elements. First, a wizard must have magical blood; without it, no technique would work. Second, the incantation had to be enunciated clearly. Speed, emotion, and intent all affected a spell's success. Deviations weakened or nullified the effect, and occasionally, unexpected outcomes occurred. Finally, wand movements were not random—each spell had a specific trajectory.
These rules were for beginners. Once a wizard thoroughly understood a spell and its principles, casting it wandless or non-verbally became easy. Top-tier wizards could cast most spells instantly without wand or words.
George decided to focus on a few basic spells first: Softening Charm, Severing Charm, Alohomora, Levitation Charm, Locking Charm, and Repairing Spell. He prioritized learning Alohomora, as it would allow his Marvel universe body to bypass the Mutant ability inhibitor around his neck, unlocking his powers. It would also let him access high-tech lab doors and escape if necessary.
Although Deformation Curse seemed more useful against technology, George wisely avoided it. The curse was complex, and even Hermione, a genius, couldn't master it before school started. Attempting it alone would be too risky, and the results might not justify the effort.
Finishing his bread, George opened the page on Alohomora in the "Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1." First-year spells were basic, easy to learn, and low in power. For example, Severing Charm could only cut something as fragile as a napkin; it wouldn't harm a person. Alohomora, however, was practical, immediately useful, and essential for his objectives.
He studied carefully, noting that even simple spells demanded precision. Each incantation required the correct tone and rhythm. Wand movements were deliberate, almost artistic. Missteps reduced effectiveness, and repetition was crucial for mastery.
By evening, George's eyes ached, but he continued. Magic wasn't about waving a wand aimlessly—it required focus, patience, and discipline. The books emphasized understanding principles over rote memorization. Knowledge alone wasn't enough; practical experience was indispensable.
The eagle owl occasionally observed him, tilting its head curiously. George had begun to appreciate its companionship. Not only could it serve as a mount or a weapon if needed, but its presence also offered a sense of reassurance during long study sessions.
George reflected on his progress. With discipline, he could master basic spells quickly. Wandless casting remained a challenge, but the special books he ordered would bridge that gap. He resolved to devote himself entirely to self-study, balancing theoretical understanding with practical application.
By the end of the evening, George had internalized the first steps of multiple spells, particularly Alohomora. Success was incremental, but even minor victories reinforced his confidence. The reality of magic—complex, demanding, precise—was slowly becoming clear.
George realized that magic, while powerful, was not instantaneous or easy. Even geniuses required rigorous practice. Wandless casting and non-verbal spells would come later, after he mastered the fundamentals. But for now, he focused on tangible results: opening locks, practicing small charms, and preparing for the day when his Marvel universe body could finally unleash its full potential.
As he arranged his books and checked his notes, George felt a sense of quiet satisfaction. Today was productive. Tomorrow promised more challenges, but also more progress. The path to becoming a powerful wizard was long and difficult, yet every step forward was a victory.
He looked at the eagle owl, which now perched silently beside him. "Good work today," he said. The owl blinked slowly, as if acknowledging him.
Magic was not simple. It required patience, strategy, and diligence. But George had the determination and tools to succeed. And with that resolve, he returned to his studies, ready to face whatever challenges awaited in both the magical and Marvel worlds.