Since Amy had once been an Auror, Apparition wasn't the only spell Rowan could learn from her. There were others worth asking about. One in particular stood out: the Patronus Charm.
Next term, Dementors would become a real problem. Rowan suspected his light-based magic could harm them, but that was still untested. The Patronus Charm, however, was proven. It was considered one of the strongest defensive spells in existence, not only blocking ordinary magic but also resisting mental attacks. More importantly, it directly countered creatures like Dementors and Lethifolds. A corporeal Patronus could even deliver physical force and carry messages over long distances.
Rowan had read in a historical text about an ancient Greek wizard named Andros, who once summoned a giant Patronus and became the most feared wizard of his era. Even centuries later, his name still appeared on Chocolate Frog cards. Yet despite its fame, very few witches or wizards could truly master the spell, especially in its corporeal form.
"That's perfect," Amy said enthusiastically when Rowan brought it up. "Any spell you want to learn, just ask. If I know it, I'll teach it."
At that moment, the front door opened. A witch with long brown hair and warm hazel eyes stepped inside, carrying a large bag of baguettes. Her features vaguely resembled a famous French actress, elegant and striking.
"Oh, Lina, you're back from work," Amy said brightly, taking the bread and pulling her into a hug.
Lina sighed as she returned the embrace.
"I've told you before, you don't need to keep running that crash-course shop. I can support you. You could just live here with me—"
"Cough. Lina. We'll talk about that tonight," Amy interrupted quickly. She gestured toward Rowan. "This is the student I mentioned. His name is Rowan. Rowan, this is Lina."
"Nice to meet you, Miss Lina," Rowan said politely, offering a small smile.
He couldn't help noticing that Amy and Lina didn't behave like ordinary friends. Still, he said nothing.
Lina stepped closer, bent slightly to look him over, and smiled warmly.
"Hello, Rowan. You're adorable. I wish I had a child like you."
"Alright, dinner time," Amy said quickly, rummaging through the bag. She beamed when she pulled out two large bottles of sherry. "You really do understand me."
Dinner consisted of roast lamb, cheese, bread, and generous amounts of wine. Afterward, while the two women sank into animated, increasingly tipsy conversation, Rowan quietly excused himself and went out to explore the magical street.
He planned to visit every bookstore he could find, hoping to uncover something worthwhile.
"There really are a lot of Beauxbatons students," he muttered as he walked, spotting groups of young witches and wizards still wearing their blue uniforms.
After circling the district, he entered the largest magic bookshop on the street. It was impressive in size, but disappointing in content. Most of the useful texts were things he had already seen. Between Hogwarts' library and Diagon Alley, he had effectively covered most of Britain's magical literature.
Then one title caught his eye.
Legends of Ancient Magic.
It wasn't a spellbook or a formal theory text, but a kind of speculative magical history. It described an era before Merlin, when magic was said to be overwhelming in scale. Mountains moved. Seas parted. Meteors fell from the sky. The cost was time. Casting a single spell could take twenty minutes or more, which made such magic impractical once faster spells like Disarming and Stunning Charms became widespread.
Still, the book argued that ancient magic possessed qualities modern spells could not replicate. Hogwarts itself, according to legend, had been built using remnants of that lost art. Its ability to block technology, resist mapping, suppress Apparition over vast distances, and sustain countless unresolved enchantments hinted at something deeper.
"Whether this is true or not…" Rowan thought, adding the book to his purchase stack.
He suspected ancient magic did exist. Lily Potter's sacrificial protection felt nothing like standard spellcraft. Neither did Voldemort's long-standing curse on the Defence Against the Dark Arts position. If ancient magic could be learned, even partially, it might be invaluable. Not every battle was a fair duel. For ambushes or large-scale conflict, raw power still mattered.
By the time he left the shop, it was nearly nine. The street was still lively. Unlike Diagon Alley, where shops closed early and the night belonged to darker elements, this district was residential. Wizards strolled after dinner, street performers cast harmless spells, and vendors sold enchanted sweets and fireworks. It reminded Rowan of a magical night market.
He returned to the apartment around ten.
The moment he stepped inside, he froze.
"…What?"
From the master bedroom came unmistakable sounds. Amy's voice. Lina's voice.
He winced, then sighed.
The apartment was well soundproofed. Ordinarily, he wouldn't have heard anything. Unfortunately, his senses were sharper than most.
"French witches really are… open-minded," he muttered, retreating quietly into his bedroom.
That explained the atmosphere he'd noticed earlier. The way they looked at each other. Both attractive. Both single. It all made sense now.
Everything, suddenly, made perfect sense.
...
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