Chapter 5: The Lucky Wand
Chapter 5: The Lucky Wand
"Are you here to purchase Hogwarts school uniforms, dearie?" As soon as they stepped into the tailor's shop, a short and stout witch with a beaming smile greeted Albert.
"Yes, ma'am," Albert nodded. "We're in your hands."
"What a polite young man. Come now, let me take your measurements." With a flick of Madam Malkin's fingers, a measuring tape, pins, and scissors flew towards them and began taking Albert's measurements automatically, leaving Herbert dumbfounded.
Tailoring clothes was a tedious process, and it took them half an hour. Madam Malkin asked them to return for the package after they finished shopping.
"Ma'am, in addition to the school-mandated clothes, I'd like to place a separate order for a black pointed hat and a plain black cloak, made to my measurements but without a name tag. Please package it separately," Albert said, straightening his slightly disheveled clothes as he spoke to Madam Malkin.
"A black pointed hat and a plain cloak?" Madam Malkin looked at Herbert, repeating Albert's request with a puzzled expression.
"Yes," Herbert nodded. He knew these were gifts for Nia.
"Alright," Madam Malkin didn't ponder this strange request further and nodded to indicate her understanding.
After paying a deposit in galleons, the duo left Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions and headed to a nearby shop, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, where they purchased a brass scale, brass telescope, and glass vials from the list.
In fact, Albert merely handed the list to Mr. Wiseacre, indicating that he needed to buy the items on it.
It took Mr. Wiseacre just a few minutes to gather all the items on the list and pack them neatly.
With the shop owner's directions, Albert easily located Potage's Cauldron Shop and bought a pewter cauldron there.
Through the assistance of the store manager, Mr. Potage, they found the apothecary and restocked on potion ingredients for their Potions class.
The apothecary was certainly not a pleasant place. As they drew near, a nauseating odor assailed their nostrils, as if it were specially prepared to drive customers away.
The shop was filled with peculiar items—jars of herbs, dried roots, and brightly colored powders lined the shelves.
Bundles of feathers, strings of fangs, and fluffy claws hung from the ceiling.
Good heavens, how did wizards manage to brew these things into potions and drink them?
Herbert dared not think further when he spotted a jar of bogeys.
It was simply revolting.
This father was starting to question his life choices.
Perhaps sending his son to that place called Hogwarts wasn't such a wise decision after all.
In addition to the potions, Albert also purchased some tools used in potion-making.
After settling the payment, he dragged a conflicted-looking Herbert out of the shop.
"Albert, let's give up," Herbert said earnestly as he pulled Albert away from the apothecary. "Let's go to Eton College instead."
Albert's face twitched, and he shook his head.
"But... the more I think about it, the more unreliable it feels. Maybe Daisy is right," Herbert said, his expression complicated as he looked at his son.
"We still need some books, a wand, and an owl," Albert said, looking at Herbert. "At least, let's not jump to conclusions before we understand more about the wizarding world."
"Alright," Herbert nodded reluctantly, a bit glum.
At Flourish and Blotts Booksellers, they purchased the books on the list, and Albert also bought some extra books on the history of the wizarding world.
Actually, Albert wanted to linger in the bookstore, but considering the time, he gave up on that idea. Instead, he obtained a book list from the store manager, making it convenient to order books by owl in the future.
Then, at the Diagon Alley Stationery Shop next to the Quidditch Supplies store, he bought a large quantity of parchment, quills, and ink.
With the shop owner's enthusiastic help, they located Eeylops Owl Emporium, situated conveniently on the north side of Diagon Alley, easily recognizable by the multitude of owls hanging outside.
Buying an owl was essential, as it would be Albert's only means of communication with his family while at Hogwarts.
Hebe also helped by purchasing a bag of owl treats and owl nuts.
Pushing their cart, Hebe diligently ticked off each purchased item on their list, leaving only the wand to acquire.
They learned from the witch selling owls that Ollivanders Wand Shop was located on the south side of Diagon Alley.
It was a small and shabby store.
As Albert pushed open the door, a ding-a-ling bell rang, announcing their arrival. The interior was sparse, containing only a long bench.
Hebe entered with the cart, immediately feeling like he was overcrowding the tiny space. He sat on the bench, munching on a pumpkin pastry he had bought from a street vendor, while the cart held some sweets intended as gifts for Nia.
Albert, too, held a pumpkin pastry in his hand, as he was equally hungry.
"Is anyone here?" Albert called out.
"Good afternoon," a gentle voice replied, and Mr. Ollivander emerged from the back of the store.
"Hello, sir. I'd like to buy..." Albert said, setting down his pastry.
"A wand, of course. Off to Hogwarts, are we?"
"Yes, sir."
"And what is your name, young man?" Ollivander inquired, perhaps noticing the confusion in Albert's eyes. "You see, every witch or wizard who buys a wand from me has their information recorded with the Ministry of Magic."
"Albert Anderson," Albert introduced himself.
"Very well, Mr. Anderson." Ollivander pulled out a measuring tape from his pocket. "And which arm do you use most often?"
"My right arm," Albert replied, raising it.
Ollivander proceeded to take Albert's measurements, starting from his shoulder to his fingertips, and then from his wrist to his elbow. The intricate measuring process left both father and son wondering if Ollivander was a wand maker or a tailor.
"Each wand I craft is unique, and every witch or wizard can find their perfect match here," Ollivander said as he measured, though Albert was now having his doubts, as the tape measure was now automatically assessing the distance between his nostrils.
Albert reached out and pushed the tape measure away, then walked over to the counter.
Ollivander had already taken a wand from the shelf and introduced it: "This one is made from holly and phoenix feather. It's seven inches long and quite flexible."
Albert reached for it, but Ollivander pulled it back.
"Try this one instead. It's made from hornbeam and unicorn hair, measuring eight and a half inches. An extraordinary combination with excellent flexibility."
Albert took the wand and waved it, but nothing happened.
"Seems it's not the one," Ollivander said to himself. "Let's try another one..."
Albert tried wand after wand. Occasionally, a wand would display immense power, shattering the vases on the counter and startling Hebe.
"I enjoy serving discerning customers," Ollivander said with a smile as he brought out another bunch of wands. "This one is made from redwood and phoenix feather. It's nine inches long and quite flexible."
As Albert took the wand, he felt a gentle warmth on his fingertips. With a light tap, the wand tip emitted red sparks, like miniature fireworks exploding within the shop.
"This is the one," Ollivander declared happily, placing the wand into a box. Smiling at Albert, he said, "Legend has it that wands made from redwood bring good luck to their owners."
"Do you believe that?" Albert asked.
"Not really," Ollivander replied. "I believe that redwood wands are drawn to certain witches and wizards, and those individuals already possess the ability to turn dangerous situations into favorable ones."
"So, it's not that redwood brings luck, but rather that its owners create its lucky reputation?" Albert asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You could say that," Ollivander acknowledged with a nod. "That'll be ten galleons, thank you very much."
(End of Chapter)
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