Chapter 76: George, Not to Be Underestimated

'Once I learn alchemy, I'll definitely make a magical school bus like this for the mutant school.'

Seeing the scene before him, George couldn't help but let out a sigh.

Deep within his heart, George had always harbored an idea: to reopen the mutant school. However, it would no longer be named the "Mutant School," but rather the "School for Superpowered Humans."

The era of mutants had long passed, though they had left an indelible mark in the historical records of various powerful factions.

The students couldn't stay cloistered in the school forever; eventually, they would need to integrate into human society. This meant that the current approach could not continue indefinitely.

Reopening the mutant school as it was would inevitably evoke memories of the past. The term "mutant" itself made people think of a separate race, one that would inevitably face rejection.

Thus, George thought, why not rename it to the School for Superpowered Humans? Besides nurturing mutant children, the school could also admit children with superpowers and recruit various superheroes as teachers.

This way, the "mutant" label could be diminished, while also gaining the support of many current and future superheroes. If the school encountered trouble, teachers and students could handle it together, freeing George to focus peacefully on his magical studies without being burdened by trivial matters.

Of course, this was just a preliminary idea. Whether and how it could be implemented would depend on future developments.

Within ten minutes, the Knight Bus stopped at the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron.

"Goodbye, Mr. Shunpike."

Bidding farewell to the wizard conductor, George stepped off the bus with his luggage.

By the time he entered Diagon Alley through the Leaky Cauldron, night had fully fallen. Most of the shops in Diagon Alley were closed, leaving only a few scattered wizards on the street.

The icy wind bit at his face, hinting at the trouble that lay ahead.

Walking along the cobblestone path past Potage's Cauldron Shop, Slug & Jiggers Apothecary, and Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, George eventually arrived at Knockturn Alley, opposite Gringotts, and strode inside.

Diagon Alley was nearly deserted at night, but Knockturn Alley was the opposite; many dark wizards preferred the night for trading illicit goods.

Previously, George would never venture out at night—it was far too dangerous. But now, he no longer cared.

"Isn't this little Dorah? Back for the holidays, are we?"

Not long after entering Knockturn Alley, a gaunt old wizard blocked George's path, eyeing his luggage with ill intent.

Other nearby dark wizards, seeing the commotion, stopped to watch the drama unfold rather than stepping in to help.

Many in Knockturn Alley recognized George, knowing he was the orphan taken in by Old Merton, the potion shop owner. However, George had since inherited a significant fortune from Merton and was now attending Hogwarts. This naturally aroused resentment and jealousy—most of them weren't as well-off as Old Merton had been.

In the months following Merton's death, Aurors frequently visited the shop, and George seldom left home, giving them no opportunity to act. But now, six months had passed, the Aurors were gone, and they had run into him at night—it was too good a chance to pass up.

Killing him was out of the question. Killing a Hogwarts student would make them targets of the entire Ministry of Magic, ending their lives in the British wizarding world.

But robbery? That would be fine. Aurors wouldn't make a fuss over a mere robbery, especially in Knockturn Alley, where the victim would have to accept it as bad luck.

"I think you'd better step aside!"

In a flash, George drew his wand and pointed it at the old wizard. At the same time, a sharp blade shot out from his sleeve, stopping at the man's throat.

"So fast!"

Feeling the cold steel at his neck, the old wizard's face filled with shock, mirrored by the disbelief on the faces of the other onlookers.

The Summoning Charm wasn't an advanced spell. It was typically used to move objects in daily life or during combat to block or attack an enemy.

But George's astonishing speed at using it left them stunned.

Without any visible wand movements or incantations, the blade was instantly at the old wizard's throat. Moreover, the blade's speed was so fast that no one could react.

This level of mastery in the Summoning Charm was almost at a master's level.

Under normal circumstances, an experienced wizard would counterattack the moment they saw someone wielding a wand or casting a spell. At the very least, they could defend or dodge.

But George's speed was so overwhelming that the old wizard didn't have time to react and was immediately subdued.

If George wished, he could easily manipulate the blade to slit the old wizard's throat.

"Little Dorah, I meant no harm. I'll move, I'll move!"

The old wizard swallowed nervously, retreating to clear the path. The other dark wizards, seeing this, dared not interfere.

In the world of dark wizards, strength was paramount. If you were weak, others would tear you apart. But if you were strong, they wouldn't dare provoke you. If you were powerful enough to bring them benefits, they might even follow you willingly.

With a wave of his wand, George retracted the blade and continued forward, dragging his suitcase.

As he passed the old wizard, the owl perched on George's suitcase extended its claws and tore off half of the man's robe in one swipe.

Earlier, George had restrained it; otherwise, the owl would have crushed the old wizard's head.

Terrified, the old wizard stumbled backward, falling onto the ground. He dared not retaliate, hastily repairing his robe with a Reparo spell.

"This boy... he's not to be underestimated."

At that moment, George's small figure and his owl left a deep impression on the dark wizards.

Such magical prowess at his age, combined with his calm demeanor, was extraordinary.

Even the Dark Lord might not have been this capable at his age.

"Not bad," George thought to himself. "Showing a bit of strength should keep these pests from bothering me again."

Dragging his suitcase, George soon arrived at his potion shop.

Of course, what he had just used wasn't the Summoning Charm. Though he could perform it, his skills were only average—it was fine for moving objects but not for combat.

What he had used was his magnetic manipulation ability, with the wand merely serving as a cover.