#5 - Magic Wand

"Let's go, we'll head to Gringotts to exchange some money first, I imagine you can't wait," Professor McGonagall said, knowing Anduin had considerable savings.

"Gringotts is the only wizarding bank in Britain, run by a group of goblins. It's known as the second safest place in the world, second only to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall explained to Anduin as they walked.

Under Professor McGonagall's guidance, Anduin arrived at a fork in the road. One signpost read Knockturn Alley, while the other pointed to the main road of Diagon Alley. A white building stood at the intersection of Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley, with goblin guards in scarlet and gold uniforms standing at the entrance. After entering, they passed through a gleaming bronze door, where the goblin guards on either side bowed as they passed. Beyond the second silver door was a spacious marble hall, with about a hundred goblins sitting behind long counters, scribbling in large ledgers. Some weighed coins on scales, while others examined gemstones with magnifying glasses.

It seemed that the outside turmoil had not had much impact on the lives of these goblins.

Under Professor McGonagall's guidance, Anduin arrived at a counter, presented his Hogwarts acceptance letter, and received a grant of 12 Galleons for underprivileged students. Although Anduin had money to exchange, he figured since he'd already applied, he might as well take it. Afterwards, he exchanged pounds for 100 Galleons. For an 11-year-old, this was a fortune.

Anduin, clutching the pouch full of Galleons, walked out of Gringotts and took out a coin to examine it closely. "It looks like pure gold, but it feels different from ordinary gold."

"They're made by goblins using gold, using unique goblin craftsmanship. It's said that they also apply special goblin magic to prevent outsiders from counterfeiting them directly with gold."

"I think you're eager to have a wand of your own. In the magical world, you can't move an inch without a wand," Professor McGonagall said, amused, looking at Anduin clutching his fortune.

As she spoke, Professor McGonagall led Anduin to Ollivander's Wand Shop, a wand shop with a long history. Anduin followed Professor McGonagall into the shop.

The shop appeared to be a cramped, narrow, and dilapidated little place. A wand was displayed in the window on a faded purple cushion. Inside, the shelves reaching to the ceiling were filled with thousands upon thousands of long, narrow boxes. Behind the counter, a thin old man was quietly wiping a wand.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Ollivander, we've come to buy a wand."

"Ah, Minerva, nine and a half inches, fir wood, it's been a while since I've seen you. Time flies, it's time for new students to enroll again!" Ollivander looked down at Professor McGonagall, then glanced at Anduin beside her. "These past few days haven't been easy, did you hear about yesterday..."

"Yesterday's unrest will not continue. You must have faith in the Ministry of Magic and Dumbledore!" Professor McGonagall interrupted Ollivander, glancing at Anduin, afraid that spreading these negative messages would undermine the young wizard's faith in the magical world.

"Yes, Dumbledore, if it weren't for him holding things together, I'd probably have closed shop and left long ago. But enough of that, let me see what kind of wand this young gentleman is suited for." Ollivander did not continue the previous topic, turning to look at Anduin.

"Hello, sir, I'm Anduin Wilson."

"Hello, Mr. Wilson, there aren't many polite young people like you these days," Mr. Ollivander said with a smile, taking out a long roll of measuring tape with silver markings from his coat pocket.

"Hmm... which hand do you favor?"

"I'm used to using my right hand."

Ollivander began to measure Anduin, first from shoulder to fingertip, then from wrist to elbow. "So young, yet so strong, impressive!" Ollivander couldn't help but admire as he felt Anduin's hard arm muscles.

Anduin couldn't help but get goosebumps all over his body. Was there something wrong with this old man? Using a ruler to measure was one thing, but groping all over his body? Did buying a wand mean getting groped?

Ollivander moved quickly, and while Anduin was still lost in thought, he had already pulled a wand from the shelf and handed it over.

"Try this one, ash wood, phoenix feather, eleven and a half inches, resilient and brave."

Anduin took it and waved it gently, and a ball of fire suddenly burst from the tip of the wand.

"Well, it doesn't seem to suit you." Ollivander hurriedly took the wand away and took out a new one.

"See how this one is, elm, dragon heartstring, nine and three-quarters inches, a symbol of wisdom and elegance."

Anduin had just taken it when Ollivander snatched it away. "Looks like it's not this one either."

"Let's try this one, red oak, male unicorn hair, ten and a half inches, exceptionally agile."

Anduin took it and waved it gently, and the vase on the counter exploded directly.

"Okay, it seems you're already sharp enough, this is a bit too sensitive," Ollivander said, taking back the wand.

"Don't worry, you'll definitely find a wand that suits you here." Next, Anduin tried several more wands, but Ollivander said they were not suitable.

"Try this one, thunderstruck wood, from a stout ebony tree, Thunderbird feather, twelve and a quarter inches, firm and unwavering determination, very tough. This is still made with materials that Newt once gave me, it's invaluable. It took a lot of effort to process this wand back then, but it occasionally produces electric arcs. It's not easy to get its approval, picky customers should try picky wands." Ollivander handed over an ebony-like wand.

As soon as Anduin saw this jade-like wand, he was attracted by its depth. As soon as he took it, he felt that the wand in his hand was connected to his blood, becoming an extension of his body.

Anduin waved the wand gently, and a slight electric light flashed at the tip of the wand, flickering slightly.

"This is the one. I am sincerely happy every time a wand finds its suitable owner. I can see that it likes you very much," Ollivander said happily. He was a pure craftsman, and he was very happy to find a home for his work.

"Thank you, Mr. Ollivander, I like it very much too," Anduin said, overjoyed, playing with the wand he had just obtained.

"Ebony is very suitable for combat magic and transfiguration, I believe it will shine in your hands. In addition, the first wand for wizards is uniformly priced at 7 Galleons, and the excess will be subsidized by Hogwarts. Don't lose or damage it!" Ollivander reminded.

"Don't worry, Mr. Ollivander," Anduin paid happily, thanked Mr. Ollivander again, and walked out of Ollivander's Wand Shop with Professor McGonagall.