A tinkling bell sounded above me as I stepped into Ollivanders for the first time. The shop was tiny, barely enough space for three people at the counter. Frosted windows muted the natural sunlight, casting a dim glow over the dusty, cobweb-laced wooden floors.
'Maybe the windows are frosted for privacy?' I thought, remembering how personal a wand was supposed to be.
"Ah, hello there." An old, scratchy voice drifted down from above. I looked up to see what looked like the reincarnation of Einstein perched on a ladder, his white hair a wild halo, piercing silver eyes fixed on me.
"Hello, Mr. Ollivander! I'm here to pick up my first wand." I deployed my best cute, child-like voice, a tactic that usually disarmed people instantly. Don't blame me; I was taller than most boys my age, around 152cm (5'), but my soft, somewhat curly black hair and almost neon-like blue eyes pretty much KO'd most people.
"Of course! Every young student comes through my store before they begin their journey!" Ollivander declared, pulling out a tape measure. With a quick tap, it shot towards me.
"Which is your dominant hand?"
"I'm ambidextrous, though I much prefer my right hand." As I spoke, I raised my arm, and the tape measure extended, taking such ridiculous measurements that I couldn't help but gape.
'How the hell is the measurement from my belly button to my crotch needed?'
"No two wands are ever made the same, just as no two people are exactly the same. Ollivanders is known as the best wand maker in Europe due to the compatibility we've found between cores and wand woods. My job is to find the most compatible partner for your journey in magical studies." He launched into his monologue, though it sounded different from what I'd expected. I guess you need to promote your business?
He disappeared into the back, and I heard boxes being moved as Ollivander rummaged between each aisle, pulling out multiple boxes.
"Try this, Holly, thirteen inches and dragon heartstring!" he said, handing me a wand. Picking it up, I felt a rush of magic surge from my hand. The moment my magic touched the wand, the piece of wood vibrated, then just… stopped responding.
"Uh, is this normal?" I asked.
"No, definitely a unique experience, young man. Nevertheless, try this one. Vine wood, nine inches with a unicorn hair." He offered, a smile plastered on his face.
Unfortunately for me, it seemed like this one died in my hands even earlier.
"Uh…"
"Try this one!"
"No, no!"
"Aha! I'm sure we'll gain some compatibility with this!"
"Please drop the wand. You'll blow up my shop!"
"Are you sure you're not a squib, son?"
Throwing the wand onto the countertop, I huffed in frustration, listening to Ollivander question my magical capabilities. With a quick flick of my wrist, the wand went back into its box before its lid snapped shut.
"Can a squib do that, Mr. Ollivander? Maybe we need something else apart from dragons, unicorns, or Phoenixes?" I questioned his credibility at this point.
Ollivander's eyes flickered with annoyance before it vanished, replaced by a grunt. "I wonder…" Before I could respond, he disappeared into the back for a couple of minutes, the sounds of boxes being thrown around echoing through the shop.
'45 minutes, and nothing yet. I have a couple guesses why this was happening, but maybe I need to consult the System?'
[Ding! Each Ollivander wand you have held since arriving has submitted to your magic. Unfortunately, the cores themselves are struggling to maintain the same output as your body.]
'So what, I can't even wield a wand now?' I yelled out internally.
[x10 Reward System will suppress your internal magic to a certain degree, to optimise compatibility. Once you have obtained your wand, please check back in with the system for alternative options.]
Sighing, I closed my eyes and scratched my neck. This was getting ridiculous.
"Here we are, thirteen and a half inches, European yew and phoenix tail feather. I had completely forgotten about this wand. Very temperamental!" he said. The wand he placed in front of me was a dark brown, simple and straight.
'Minimal and sleek. I can't complain about this one.'
Grasping the wand, I felt the same rush of magic from within me. As it passed through the wood, I could tell the wand itself was struggling, but in the end, a connection formed. With a swish of my arm, vibrant blue, silver, and red colors flowed out like a shimmering rainbow.
"Aha! See, no issues. You were just a rather difficult customer, but no matter!" Ollivander said smugly. If only he knew this wasn't due to his skill, but my handicap.
Placing seven galleons on the counter, I asked, "Do you have a holster for the wand? I don't think I should be placing this in my pocket."
Nodding, he quickly fished out a wand holster and polishing kit. "Good question, most students forget to purchase one! Here is a holster made of dragon skin, with a couple enchantments, such as quick draw and anti-summoning. Your total will be fifteen galleons, including the wand."
Handing over the remaining cost, I smiled and waved Ollivander goodbye as I left the store.
_____
"Okay, so Madam Malkin's for robes, then to the bookstore."
The rest of my journey was straightforward. Madam Malkin quickly took my measurements and said my order would be delivered to the orphanage in two days.
Walking down the winding path, I greeted Professor McGonagall in front of Flourish and Blotts. The process was simple; the store held packages for each year. You simply handed them your Hogwarts letter, and they would find the right one for you. However, I did question Professor McGonagall about additional books I could purchase to supplement my lack of magical education. She told me about five extra books that delved deeper into magical theory for each core Hogwarts subject.
After a shrinking charm and a feather-light charm, we left Diagon Alley via the Apparition point.
"Thank you for everything, Professor. I'll be sure to read in advance for your classes." Smiling, I nodded to McGonagall.
"See that you do. It never hurts to be prepared, as most students seem to think Hogwarts is more of a holiday away from home than an institution for education." With a slight upturn of her lips, Professor McGonagall apparated away from the orphanage.
_____
Walking through the building, I knocked on James' door before letting myself in.
"Hey Klaus, how was it?" James asked as he gestured to a seat.
"Not bad, but damn, can some wizards be unhygienic!" I sighed. "You wouldn't believe how long it took me to get a wand; the guy selling it was blaming me, or his wands for not being right!"
James laughed aloud, leaning back. "Aye, Ollivanders is popular, but being the only wand maker in all of Britain can make him a little too proud of his work."
We spent another thirty minutes chatting about what I had seen in Diagon Alley, with James adding his own thoughts and ideas.
"Head off to bed, Klaus. You've got about a month till you're off to school. Use that time wisely."
Agreeing, I left the office and ran to my room.
'Now, System, what the hell are we going to do with my wand?'
_____
(A/N - Last chapter for the first day of release! Please leave a review, or some comments! Much love, see you tomorrow!)