I was walking down the street after school on a monday afternoon. The side-walk was wide, the shops fancy, and as always there were some people busking and begging - not that many and they were always at least reasonably clothed - and I failed at not making eye contact, as one does. I had prepared, however, and had a 5$ note ready to give to the weird white bearded, cloaked guy with a wizard staff who might have been taking the piss. Or on the piss. Well. Didn't matter. I looked him in his eye sockets, smiled, and said my, "Hello, this isn't much, but I hope five dollars helps you." bit.

The (discount) Gandalf guy - with yellow stained teeth and a dozen zigzag papers lying around - grinned and took my cash. "Thanks, kid. You know what? I can teach ya magic, kid. I got a book to give you to take home too, if you want." His eyes glinted with some hidden assessing glintingness.

"Umm. Sure, yeah! magic sounds good? so, umm, wanna sit at that table over there? I think I could shout you coffee too so the shop person can't complain." This was awkward. Awkward. With a capital A. This guy was cray-cray and I was in a bit too deep. I rolled my shoulders a little. Politeness, and, like. Adventure. Why not? this would be a fun tale later. He might even have some intriguing magic idea that wasn't generic trash. 

"How generous, my young acolyte." yellow grin. "My name is Gan Dolf. Heh heh. Well, that's what I say anyway ya see. Lead the way." He dusted his rather grubby, calloused hands on his faded robe. Him standing up? pretty sure I heard some crackling of his joints. Rough guy. 

I firmly resisted shuddering or wincing or any major reaction. Poker face, Jack. Poker face. I waited a second before waving him to follow you to one of the many bistros along Queen Street. Coffee place? whatever. Oh god. These coffees, even a tall black were 5 dollars. That made my charity be 10 dollars now plus 5 for myself. Joy, joy, please be not full of shit Gan Dolf - more like Gan DOLT BUGATTE! GOTTEM! I smirked to myself as he was settling in.

Order awkwardly done, I prepared myself for disappointment. Gan Dolf pulled out a tattered but suitably mysteriously covered and titled 1B5 sized book. Sorta like I had in my school bag. Gan Dolf - okay "GD" - steepled his fingers, looked me in the eyes and informed me seriously.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"I am a disgraced former Magister of the Queen Street Battle Mages. For 30 long years I studied, trained, practiced and worked hard busting my ass for my guild. Guild they say. Guilds are a thing of the past. A hold-over of the Royal British Expeditionary Commonwealth Magician Guild Branches. Pretty much all of the greatest were recalled by the parent chapters and guilds over back in the homeland. Well, that's what they ALSO say. Bunch of idiots who never felt at home outside of Britain. Oh right. Where was I? yes. I said some things, and might have punched the "Lord Magister of the New Zealand Commonwealth" in my role as the head of Queen Street Battle Mages. Lost my Magister rank. I am still mad about it but I won't die mad."

I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing. "What the heck dude? that's pretty goddamn hilarious."

GD glared at me, but I could tell he was only half offended. Fellow must be pretty used to this sorta reaction.

"Okay okay, sorry bro. Gan Dolf? really? so you wanted to teach me magic? I need to get home, already missed a couple of buses, no biggie. Oh, wait a moment." I quickly texted my mum I was just chatting to a homeless dude and would be home late but not to worry. I also chucked it on silent to focus, as focusing was polite, you see.

"Okay." I quickly finished the coffee that was getting a bit less hot so not as good. I composed myself a little. "Okay yeah. Teach me magic please." This was gonna be good.

GD smiled, beginning his speel. "Repeat after me, concentrating fully: Magic is real." I did so, focusing properly, too. "okay so whilst you do that, I will show you magic." He flipped his palms open and up. I noticed some rune-like patterns, though maybe more like Full-Metal Alchemist? hard to tell. A mix of FMAB and Nordic or Celtic. "You fully focused? remember: Magic is Real." I nod profusely. "I am going to now channel mana/qi/essense what have you wanna call it. It's real okay?" I nod again, slower.

This was gonna be the make or break of this demonstration. Better be good.

GD hummed a tune, and his palms lit up for a couple of seconds, and a soft but distinct light emanated and coalesced into a sphere of flame that emanated warmth. "Woah. Nice."

"I told you magic was real! Here's one of my spare spell books. It explains things more indepth. Stuff like glowing lights and seeing in the dark or lobbing fire-balls." I took the book.

"Now shoo! go home! study for yourself, I will see you around. Good luck, Jack." Wait why does he know my name?

"Bye, thanks Gan... Dolf!" I waved at him as I hastily fled the scene. People were looking at me funny, too. Aghhh!