You need a bit of magic in you to really do magic. Oh, sure, I can teach you all you'd like. Doesn't mean much other than knowing if you can't actually do it.

[ Meaning: yes, he could. No, he probably won't bother. He's not one for taking in apprentices. ]

Could of been. Maybe they took the juicy bits before the place was torched. Sort of like the underground for mysterious books. Nothing to say you're right or wrong.

[ He half turns either way before smiling to himself. John takes the few strides over before grabbing one of the nearby chairs. He drags it back behind him. Then, he sets a foot on the seat and tests how heavy it is. ]