Nighttime in the Marvel universe brought another grueling training session, but nothing out of the ordinary. Yet George's instincts tingled—escape was imminent.
The mutant children now clutched a comic titled Uncanny X-Men.
"This universe's history makes no sense," he mused. "X-Men exist, yet so does Captain America? What timeline is this?" Answers would have to wait until after his breakout.
Wizarding World - Morning
Amidst the Daily Prophet in his mailbox lay a parchment envelope addressed in emerald ink:
"Mr. George Mortem, Mortem's Apothecary, Knockturn Alley."
Hogwarts' acceptance letter.
Magic school. Actual magic. His fingers trembled slightly.
"Time to splurge."
Breakfast devoured, George strode into Diagon Alley, supply list in hand—until a slimy voice halted him.
"Little Dora—pardon, George—off to buy school things?"
Borgin of Borgin and Burkes loomed across the street, greasy hair framing a smile like a rusted knife.
"Morning, Mr. Borgin. Just fetching textbooks." George kept his tone polite. This man was Voldemort's former mentor—Knockturn's most dangerous relic dealer.
"Heard Auror Tonks lunched at your shop yesterday?" Borgin's eyes gleamed.
George beamed brighter. "She's bringing colleagues next time! You're welcome to join, sir."
Borgin's smirk faltered. "...Another day." He slithered back inside.
"Try anything, old man, and I'll turn your shop to rubble," George thought sweetly.
Diagon Alley burst with color compared to Knockturn's gloom. Hawkers shouted promotions:
"Dragon liver—16 Sickles an ounce!"
"Self-stirring, collapsible cauldrons!"
"Nimbus 2001—fastest broom yet!"
George spared no expense:
Robes: Tailor-fit with reinforced seams (5 Galleons)
Cauldron: Pewter, self-cleaning (3 Galleons)
Wand: 11" holly, phoenix feather core (7 Galleons)
Two hours later, his cart overflowed—save for books and a pet.
Eeylops Owl Emporium
"That one." George pointed to a hulking eagle-owl towering over its peers.
The clerk blinked. "That's... 100 Galleons. And it's eaten three customers."
"Perfect." George counted out coins. A messenger that could carry him in emergencies? Worth every Knut.