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Chapter 1493: Snape, in Danger
Chapter 1493: Snape, in Danger
Ever since he breached Nurmengard and acquired Grindelwald's wand, Voldemort had a hunch that the so-called "Elder Wand," wasn't the genuine article. Thus, he sought out a wandmaker who had previously fled to the Mediterranean in fear.
A visit from Voldemort was never a harbinger of good news.
Indeed, several wandmakers who had the misfortune of receiving such a visit from Voldemort had mysteriously disappeared without a trace.
One could guess their fate without much effort.
As one of the few remaining wandmakers in Europe, Ochsido knew he had to flee as soon as he heard about the plight of his peers.
However, his resolve crumbled the moment he opened his door one night to find Voldemort, cloaked in black, standing before him.
Mustering his courage, the wandmaker invited Voldemort in for a discussion, his voice shaking as he inquired about the purpose of this unexpected visit.
Voldemort produced the wand he had taken from Dumbledore's tomb and asked for its appraisal. After a careful inspection, the wandmaker, despite his fear, delivered his verdict: "It's a fake?"
"A fake?" Voldemort repeated, his anger rising despite having anticipated this outcome.
"I am unsure why you believe this to be the fabled Elder Wand," the wandmaker continued, his voice still trembling, "but I can assure you that it is merely a recently crafted wand. Any experienced wandmaker would notice the subtle signs. However, the maker of this wand is undoubtedly skilled, and such artisans are becoming increasingly rare in Europe."
Ochsido, nearing middle age, was clearly trying to showcase his value to Voldemort, hoping to spare his life. He had heard plenty of instances where Voldemort disposed of people after using them.
"I have studied Gregorovich's style, and this wand doesn't bear his hallmark," Ochsido continued. "Moreover, he retired and disappeared some time ago. As for the Elder Wand, there have been whispers among wandmakers."
Glancing at Voldemort, Ochsido proceeded to divulge more information. "Gregorovich claimed to have discovered and deciphered the secrets of the Elder Wand, boasting that he could replicate its power in other wands. This led him to bestow upon himself the title of 'Master Wandmaker,' but it was a joke among our community, and no one acknowledged him as such. It was only after many years, when his wandmaking prowess significantly improved, that he barely earned the right to that title."
"If you ever come across the genuine Elder Wand," Ochsido said, hoping to prove his worth and survive, "bring it to me, and I should be able to identify it."
"Oh? You can recognize the Elder Wand?" Voldemort narrowed his eyes at the wandmaker, who was clearly desperate to survive.
"Among wandmakers, there are whispers about the Elder Wand," Ochsido explained hastily. "I'm referring to the wand by that name, but it also goes by other names in wizarding folklore, such as the 'Wand of Destiny' or simply the 'Old Wand.'"
Voldemort then handed him the wand he had taken from Dumbledore's grave.
Ochsido took the wand, examining it closely. "Elder wood, tail feather of a Night Steed... approximately fifteen inches long," he murmured. "Indeed, this wand bears a striking resemblance to the legendary Elder Wand."
"A resemblance?" Voldemort was displeased with this assessment.
"As the story goes, the Elder Wand was crafted from elder wood and a Night Steed's tail feather, hence the name 'Elder Wand.' The word 'elder' also means 'old' in English, which is how it earned the moniker 'Old Wand.'" Ochsido explained, his voice shaking.
"This wand has existed for a long time," he continued. "Despite being well-maintained, time has still left its mark."
Ochsido attempted to point out the signs, but he quickly retracted his hand when he met Voldemort's gaze. "It is said that Gregorovich attempted to replicate the Elder Wand, but as no one has seen his replica, I cannot be certain if this wand is a copy. I do not know if it has displayed the same extraordinary power as the legendary wand."
Voldemort studied the wandmaker, certain that he was not being deceived or lied to.
"So, you cannot tell?" Voldemort asked.
"No, I believe it to be the genuine Elder Wand," Ochsido replied. "For you see, the owners of this wand have typically been..."
The wandmaker stole a glance at Voldemort and left the sentence hanging.
"Of course, you may know its authenticity better than I," Ochsido continued, forcing himself to meet Voldemort's gaze. "According to the legend, the owner of the Elder Wand cannot be a nobody. Where you acquired it, you would know better than I."
At this point, Voldemort was convinced that the wand in his possession was, in fact, the real Elder Wand. His encounter with Grindelwald had confirmed that the old man had once possessed the Elder Wand, just as this wandmaker suggested. The owner of the Elder Wand could not be some unknown wizard.
As for how the wand ended up in Dumbledore's possession, it was likely that after defeating Grindelwald in 1945, Dumbledore recognized the wand and took it from him.
Indeed, the wand had displayed its extraordinary power while in Dumbledore's hands.
Voldemort had firsthand experience of Dumbledore's magical prowess, having dueled the centenarian wizard and losing. It was unusual for someone of Dumbledore's age to possess such formidable magic.
(Grindelwald had also demonstrated his power before Voldemort, which was why Voldemort sought out a wandmaker to appraise the wand.) "How do I become the true master of the Elder Wand?" Voldemort asked hoarsely.
"Among wandmakers, there is a belief that when a wizard chooses a wand, the wand also chooses the wizard," Ochsido replied.
"The Elder Wand may be more selective in its allegiance," he added.
"There is a rumor," Ochsido said after a brief pause, "that some wands, once taken from their owners, change their allegiance and serve the wizard who won them. However, this notion lacks concrete evidence and is dismissed by many wandmakers as nonsense. Nonetheless, the legend of the Elder Wand is steeped in blood and violence."
According to the wandmaker's explanation, Snape, who had killed Dumbledore, was the true master of the Elder Wand, which was why it didn't perform as expected when Voldemort used it—because it hadn't chosen him as its legitimate owner.
(End of Chapter)
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