Chapter 20

Jamie collapsed onto the ground after she had administered the last potion, her energy spent. Tony lay there, blinking as the effects of the potions began to take hold.

"Jamie, what... what just happened?" Tony asked, barely able to muster the strength to speak.

Jamie looked up at him with a mixture of relief and exhaustion. "You were about to succumb to the dark magic, Tony. I had to do everything I could to stop it from consuming you."

Slowly, Tony sat up, his head still spinning from the ordeal. "But how? I couldn't control it, Jamie. It was overwhelming, like a storm inside me."

Jamie sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I've seen it happen before, with others who possess powerful magic. Sometimes, the magic can become too much to handle, and it starts to corrupt the caster. You were dangerously close to losing yourself to it."

A shudder rippled through Tony as he recalled the dark thoughts and emotions that had swept over him. "I didn't even realize it was happening. It felt like I was being pulled into a nightmare."

"That's the danger of magic, Tony," Jamie said softly. "It can be a powerful and wonderful force, but it can also be incredibly destructive if not controlled. You have a gift, but you must learn to harness it and keep it in check."

Tony nodded, his gratitude for Jamie's intervention clear in his eyes. "Thank you, Jamie. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Jamie waved off his thanks. "It's not a big deal." Rising to her feet, she continued, "Are you feeling better now? I think we should leave."

Tony took a moment to recover and stood up, surveying the furniture and books scattered on the floor. He quickly arranged for someone to clean up the mess before turning to Jamie. "Where are we going?"

In response, Jamie extended her arm to him. "Grab my hand."

After what felt like a tumultuous journey through a narrow tube, the two suddenly reappeared in Jamie's living room. She glanced down at the dust that had settled on her dress and sighed in annoyance, before refocusing on Tony. "So, what's your plan now? You have magic, but you can't control it. This could spell trouble down the line."

Tony, still somewhat shaken, plopped down unceremoniously on the couch and gazed up at the ceiling. "How do people even learn to control this stuff?"

Jamie paused, deep in thought, before responding, "Usually, enrollment in a magic school begins around the age of eleven. However, you're well past that age."

Tony let out a heavy sigh, a mixture of frustration and desperation in his voice. "Are there any other ways to learn?"

A wave of conflicting emotions engulfed Jamie, leaving her uncertain about the right course of action. Their relationship was nothing more than a client and consultant, making it difficult for her to determine whether helping him was justified. Nonetheless, she couldn't just walk away and leave him hanging.

Considering her circumstances, Jamie cautiously inquired, "Is there any way you can make it to London?"

"My plane is quite fast," Tony responded, a smug grin on his face.

A sense of resignation washed over Jamie. She couldn't help but release a weary sigh, realizing what she had to do. "Then gather your belongings; we're heading to England."

Tony sprang into action, rising from his seat with a newfound purpose. But just as he was about to make his preparations, a sudden realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. He turned back to Jamie, urgency lacing his voice. "Oh, I almost forgot. Do you need a shop assistant? Yinsen is being targeted because of me, and I've been protecting him. You're the only one I trust to keep him safe."

Jamie's tired eyes flickered with consideration as she leaned against the counter of her ground floor shop. Most of the time, her shop was watched over by Koby, unseen by prying eyes. Having an assistant would certainly simplify matters. "Bring him along when you come."

Tony's response was swift, his face lighting up with eagerness. "No problem at all. Just let me know if you need any help." With those parting words, Tony turned on his heels and exited the shop.

Outside The Enchantress, Tony found himself staring in bewilderment at the empty parking space. He had driven here with Jamie, but now an unexpected problem had arisen—how was he going to get home?

He quickly dialed Happy's number and requested a pickup. Then, he contacted Pepper, urging her to arrange a flight to London as soon as possible, all the while emphasizing the importance of keeping this trip a secret.

By the time Tony arrived back at Jamie's shop with Yinsen, the moon had taken over the evening sky. He approached the door and rapped his knuckles against it. The door swung open almost immediately, revealing Jamie, who had been patiently waiting behind the counter.

Regarding Yinsen's arrangement, Jamie asked Koby to stay behind and assist Yinsen in running the store. Koby looked teary-eyed as he watched Jamie and Tony leave.

Exiting the airport, they found themselves in London, and they found the weather bad as usual. Jamie took Tony to an isolated corner, pulled out a large cloak from the suitcase, donned it, and pulled up the hood to obscure her face. She also handed one to Tony. They stood by the roadside, and Jamie raised her wand.

BANG! A purple double-decker bus showed up out of nowhere and came to a halt in front of them. "Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for stranded witches and wizards. Where to?" asked the conductor as he lazily stood at the door.

"Two tickets to the Leaky Cauldron," Jamie said, handing over two galleons before boarding the bus with Tony and settling into the last row. To Tony's confusion, Jamie suddenly cast a spell that resembled a seatbelt on herself. In a low voice, he asked, "Why did you do that?"

Jamie only had time to say, "Hold on tight!" when the bus abruptly jerked forward, causing Tony to tumble from his seat onto the front windshield. Then, with an abrupt brake, he was flung back into his seat.

The distance from the airport to the Leaky Cauldron was remarkably short. Tony's relief was palpable as he disembarked from the bus, and he wasted no time rushing towards the nearest trash can. "I'm never riding that again," he muttered to Jamie, his face still a shade of green after emptying the contents of his stomach.

Once Tony had fully recovered from the harrowing Knight Bus experience, Jamie led him with purpose through the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron. Inside, Jamie seemed intent on avoiding any unnecessary interactions, not even exchanging greetings with the landlady, Hannah. She steered Tony straight into the back room.

Tony eyed the trash can resting against the empty brick wall "So, what's our next move?"

Jamie, with an air of excitement, removed her hood and greeted Tony with a warm smile. "Welcome to Diagon Alley."

Tapping the wall a few times with her wand, the entire wall shifted, accompanied by the melodic sound of bricks sliding smoothly against each other. Finally, a hidden corner of the magical world revealed itself before Tony's eyes.

Jamie took the lead and stepped onto the cobblestone street. She turned back to Tony, her enthusiasm undiminished. "Come on then. Luckily, Koby already exchanged some galleons for me. We won't need to visit Gringotts."

With Tony in tow, they began their leisurely stroll down the enchanting streets of Diagon Alley. On either side, they passed stalls showcasing a dazzling array of magical items. Tony remained in awe, still struggling to wrap his head around the surreal world he had just entered.

Their first stop was Flourish and Blotts, where they purchased several first-year books that Jamie's library lacked. They immersed themselves in the rich scent of aged parchment and ink, absorbing the knowledge of this new world.

Next, they made their way to the apothecary, where they acquired a potion-making kit and a selection of rare ingredients. Tony's eyes widened at the colorful vials and mysterious herbs, each holding the promise of endless possibilities.

Finally, they arrived at Ollivanders, the most renowned wand shop in Great Britain. The moment they entered, an elderly man with white, wispy hair suddenly emerged from behind the shelves, his presence almost ethereal.

"Welcome, ah, Miss Black, you..." Mr. Ollivander began, but Jamie quickly interjected, "Hello, Mr. Ollivander, my friend here needs a wand."

Ollivander shrugged, his tone casual. "Very well, Miss Black. If Harry doesn't ask, I won't tell. Agreed?"

Seeing Jamie nod with satisfaction and stepping aside, Ollivander turned his full attention to Tony. "So, which hand do you typically use?" A measuring tape on the table sprang to life and began measuring Tony's body 

While Ollivander rummaged through the shelves, he attempted to strike up a bit of small talk. "Now then, Miss Black, what brings you back to Britain?" His voice was gentle and inquisitive as he turned his attention briefly to Jamie. "Could it have something to do with your friend here?"

Jamie leaned in closer, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Indeed, it does," she confided, a playful twinkle in her eye. "And, just between you and me, his mother happens to be a seer." As she revealed this intriguing tidbit, Ollivander's eyes suddenly gleamed with interest.

. . .

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