Unforeseen
Diagon Alley in the afternoon is more hectic than Hermione has ever expected. It over flowed and doubled in population as shoppers bustle in between shops doing some last-minute shopping needed for Hogwarts. Witches pulling their children behind with a parchment clutched in their hand while others roam around the alley minding their own businesses. Hermione had also noticed several older students meeting their friends, catching up.
Because of the increase in customers flooding the cobbled street, the heat of the sun glared above them, causing them to sweat profusely and get warmer. Despite the cooling charms Hermione's mother is placing upon her, it didn't ease the warmness and the way her sweat trickle behind her under her clothes.
Even little Carina, the kitten that sat on her lap meowed in discomfort. She's been moving around her lap trying to cool her skin under her thick fur. Hermione had urged her little kitty in her carrier to relieve her from the increased temperature of the outside. As expected, Carina had been right stubborn as she is and clung to her with little claws out. It amused her a lot because clearly, they both compliment each other well in personality.
Carina is a half-kneazle and half-ragdoll cat with a pair of gorgeous cerulean eyes. Her soft coat is dominated by white color that sparkles under the shine of the sun as its fur caught and reflects it. Carina's face and tips of the ears have a faint grey tone that is commonly seen in ragdolls.
The first time Hermione laid her eyes upon Carina back in the Magical Menagerie, the two had instantly formed a connection and instantly bonded. Hermione had cooed at her as she petted her lovely fur making the little kitten purr in response.
She had to beg her mother to let her have Carina, which by the way, ended with an argument. Fortunately, the little kitten seems to know what was happening and was quite ferocious and appears to be against being separated from her, hence they bought her.
Hermione heard the boys grumble again, and looked up as they infuriatingly make an effort to get themselves comfortable. With their day robes removed, they still felt sticky in their skin as their sweat clings on their dress shirts. Hermione could see their backs dampen with it. She could relate to them as she too has been feeling warm and sticky in her wheelchair.
"Are we going there now?" She heard Sirius murmur beside James. His black short curls tied behind his head as he rolls his sleeves. Making James unconsciously copy him, alleviating the heat they're currently feeling.
Harry and Draco perked up at his question, looking expectantly at James for a response. Hoping he has an answer for them.
However, James had only shrugged. Causing all the boys to grumble again, disgruntled.
Hermione rolled her eyes because she too is feeling very impatient. She couldn't blame them at all. Hermione had waited patiently and desperately want to own a wand as soon as possible. The young ones are itching to have one.
She understands the purpose of the wand as the last thing on their list to purchase. The thrill and all those non-sense. But seriously?
Every time their group passes Ollivander's, Hermione and the boys get all excited by sharing a look at each other, thinking they were finally having a wand in hand.
But no! Emma, Lyra and Miranda had to ruin their excitement by pulling and leading them away from the shop!
The boys' couldn't even enter the Quality Quidditch Supplies because a lot of customers and onlookers are crowding the front shop where a newly released broomstick is displayed.
"Can we now get our wands?" Hermione huffed in her wheelchair. She heard her mother chuckle quietly behind her as she carefully pushes her around down the alley.
The four boys looked over their shoulders at her, surprise evident in their faces. Making Hermione wonder if they ever remembered she's with them.
She rolled her eyes again as they gave her varying degrees of gratefulness shining in their eyes.
"We are," Lyra exclaimed over her shoulder, leading their group towards the path where Ollivander's shop is standing.
The boys in front of her hollered in excitement and ran. Even Sirius, whom James befriended almost instantly upon meeting at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour after their book shopping, raced with them shouting that who ever makes it first in front of the shop will be the first in line to get their wands.
And since the boys were dying to get their wands, they accepted Sirius's challenged. Causing Hermione to sulk a little while patting the fluffy fur of her newly adopted kitten. She wants to join them too.
The adults laughed in amusement and merriment. Boys really are predictable.
"Can we go any faster, mama?" Hermione asked, lower lips protruding in a pout. Looking up at her mother, "I want to get it too, ASAP."
Emma looked down her eyes still sparkling in honest joy watching children's innocence. "You'll get it dear. Just a little more patience."
Carina meowed in annoyance, causing Hermione to agree with a nod. Glad that Carina's on her side.
Finally, the women made it to the group of boys who were all bent over panting.
"So who made it first?" Lyra asked, looking slightly amused at the appearance of her son, dripping with more sweat. Miranda, bless her, took it upon herself to freshen each one of the boys with just a flick of her wrist, summoning four towels from her satchel.
Emma on the other hand had proceeded on buying them gillyweed water from a vendor across the street to hydrate them. She then offered the bought beverages to the boys and the ladies, prompting the boys to thank her for the drink.
Hermione's eyes turned to Sirius who's currently leaning on the shop's banister. Wearing a smirk as he watches the boys collect themselves from their mini race. She guessed that he beat them.
"Well?" Hermione blurted since they hadn't responded to Lyra's question. She watched the four greedily drink their water first, then looked down when she felt little paws pawing her and helped Carina drink from hers.
James, Harry, and Draco—who's not very pleased with the outcome of their race—pointed at the smug figure gulping his own gillyweed water.
Hermione only watched them in amusement, before commanding the boys to make it faster. "I swear to Merlin if we stay under this heat another minute… Merlin, help me."
The boys had the grace to look sheepish at her tone as they gulp down the rest of their drinks. Once they were quenched, with Sirius shooting her a mocking salute before throwing his bottle in the nearest bin following the others, they eventually made it inside in just a matter of minute.
Upon entering, the first thing Hermione noticed was the cooling charms placed around the interior of the establishment. It helped a lot in balancing their body temperature from the afternoon sun's glaring heat. And of course, Hermione's ever scholar side, began processing how a charm could act like air conditioning units invented by muggles.
The second thing she noticed, is they were the only customers inside the shop. Hermione then figured that this was the reason why their chaperones insisted that they take their wand shopping last.
Lastly, the interior of the shop is remarkably victorian designed. Shelves upon shelves adorn the walls of the shop. Some were covered in glass and some were just accumulating bags of dust. Hermione could trace the hundred of boxes marked with numbers on different shelves. She had to squint every now and then as her eyes wander around reading each detail.
At the corner, opposite them stands a counter. Behind the counter, a wall that probably divides the back of the shop from the front is dominated with varying designs and quality of wand holsters hooked on a nail.
In simple terms, the shop really is for wands. As it is abundantly obvious with its contents.
Hermione was broken from her observations when she felt familiar magic providing her a cooling sensation roving up and down her body, making her look up at her mother who's helping her get more comfortable. Hermione smiled gratefully at Emma. Now, she can sit on her 'wheeled throne'—according to James—feeling a little bit more refreshed.
Miranda walked up to the counter, ringing the service bell. Announcing their presence to the shop owner who's nowhere in sight.
Just like her, the boys were also quietly looking around the shop waiting patiently for the owner to arrive.
"Ah, I see. At long last, your escorts has sent you here," clapped the owner of the voice.
Hermione was greeted by the sight of a very eccentric old man whom she could name now as Mr. Ollivander. He has greying hair and distinct icy blue eyes that held wisdom and knowledge brought by his age and experiences.
"Mr. Ollivander, it's always a pleasure to see you," Lyra said from her place behind Miranda. A genuine smile painted across her features.
"Lyra, my dear, it is always a pleasure to do business with those who I've sold their wands," he beamed. "Now, as what I've told you from the very beginning, you may call me Garrick."
"Of course Garrick, forgive me," Lyra responded with a guilty smile.
"None taken dear," waving off her worries, before turning his attention to them.
"Now what do we have here! A huge crowd of course," he chuckled as he scans them individually with his trained eyes. "My, my, you lots are surely going to take hours before a wand picks you."
Hermione's brows furrowed at that statement.
Ollivander went around behind his counter searching for something while conversing at the same time, "these children going to Hogwarts as first years?"
Emma, her mother, answered from behind her. "Yes, Garrick. They'll be joining Hogwarts in two days."
Ollivander looked up at her mother, "ah yes, Emma Bach, ten inches willow wood, and unicorn hair as your wand core."
Hermione watched this peculiar interaction curiously. Her mind's gears working, figuring out Mr. Ollivander's words.
"You remember the components of my wand?" Emma asked in total surprise, her hand cradling the wand lovingly. Hermione could see that her mother's remembering the time she the first time she had her wand judging by the way she wistfully stares at it.
Mr. Ollivander motioned Sirius into a platform to stand, then looked at Emma as if offended by her question. "Of course I remember all the wands I make and to whom I sold it," he said while waving his wand conjuring a measuring tape and then tapping the paper on top of his counter causing it to float beside him; watching it write down Sirius's measurements.
"You can remember every wand you've made by just recognizing their owners?"
Hermione slapped her mouth shut, not realizing she'd voiced out her question out loud.
Ollivander paused in reading Sirius' measurements, looking at her over his spectacles. Acknowledging her presence.
"I do," he answered. "Miranda Potter's wand is composed of mahogany as its wood and a core of dragon heartstrings. Making it quite supple at eleven inches," he stated while looking at Miranda if what he said were correct.
Hermione's eyes widened in amazement when Miranda confirmed it.
"Lyra Cecilia, on the other hand, has almost the same components and size as Miranda but only differentiates on the wood. Lyra's wand wood is Spruce," Mr. Ollivander added. "That wand was hard to create and very picky in finding its owner. I'm not even surprised that it has chosen young Lyra here."
"What do you mean by that, Mr. Ollivander?" Harry asked, from his seat. Jolting Hermione.
Garrick Ollivander shot him a smile while he measures James next on the platform. Sirius was now beside her, half perched on her wheeled throne's armrest. Joining her watch the on-goings of the conversation while waiting for his wand.
"Spruce is a difficult wood to produce as a wand. Working on that kind of wood requires a firm hand because it often appears to have its own ideas about what magic it ought to be called upon to produce," he explained while reading James' scans floating beside him. "However, when a spruce wand chooses its owner—which, in my experience, is a bold spell-caster with a good sense of humour—it becomes an excellent helper, intensely loyal to their owners and capable of producing particularly flamboyant and dramatic effects."
"That makes sense," Draco said from his place next to his mother. "What?"
Lyra fixed a glare on her son, "what do you mean by 'that makes sense,' Draco Astin Malfoy?"
Hermione bit her lower lip fighting the urge to grin as the horror slowly creeps on Draco's face.
Sirius though had to chuckle beside her, resulting for her hand to slap towards his mouth so it won't be heard. Shushing him. It was hard enough for her to maintain a straight face. Feeling slightly bad for making fun of Draco's current situation.
"You are sometimes overdramatic, Lyra. With all those overly striking, sensational, unforgettable flairs you've shown us," Emma agreed, saving Draco from his mother's dramatic wrath—for sure.
"Don't even start when you and Bastien cooled off for three months, before hitting it again on his birthday back in France," Miranda added, clucking her tongue as she remembers the days. Emma, who now sat on a stool behind Hermione, hummed in agreement. Both nursing a contemplative look.
Lyra winced at the memory, her irritation receding. "No need to bring back memories of old times ladies."
"You're a Gryffindor. So it's expected that a wand choosing you with almost the same personality as yours, does make sense." Emma pointed out, lips quirking upwards.
"Now give that a wave, James."
With the occupants busy conversing at each other, they didn't notice Mr. Ollivander leave them on their own devices while he ambled deep in between shelves searching for wands that would match James and Sirius.
Sirius immediately straightened from his perch upon recognizing the boxes of wands Ollivander has placed over his counter.
Hermione watched from her chair, both Harry and Draco now standing on both sides of her wheelchair.
James gave his wand a wave and suddenly they heard a glass explode somewhere behind the counter. Hermione couldn't see it, but she did saw the sparkling fragments rain behind it. She believed it was a vase.
"Sorry," James said wincing and slowly brought down the wand from his hand over the counter, looking mortified and struck at what happened.
"Obviously not yours," Mr. Ollivander stated. Not even bothered by what happened.
The old man must have seen her face as he shot her an understanding smile, "it happens all the time, dear. You shall not worry over this. It's easily mended with just a flick of my wand." And he did so by fixing the vase and levitating it over its rightful place. "See?"
The children sighed in relief. Comforted with the idea of not being blamed if they caused destruction in the shop.
"Now try this one," Mr. Ollivander offered another wand to James.
With hesitation, James reached for the wand. Slowly, with his fingers wrapped around it, he gave it a little wave, and suddenly, a rush of warmth overwhelmed him causing his eyes to widen as its tip released red sparks.
Hermione and the three boys gazed in wonder. Now buzzing with excitement and pride as James grin at them. Holding his wand proudly.
"Congratulations, Mr. Potter," Mr. Ollivander exclaimed, smiling at him softly as the boy stares at his wand in astonishment. "As expected from a Potter. Eleven inches Mahogany, and dragon heartstrings as its core. A wand perfect for someone who's very loyal and extremely protective to those whom they care a lot."
Aunt Miranda, she noticed, gave her nephew a squeeze on the shoulder. Her pride shining in those hazel eyes. James smirked up at her and gave her his wand for safekeeping standing beside her as he waits for the others to get their own wands.
It was now Sirius' turn to get his. Draco had to nudge him forward by pushing him towards the wand being offered to him by Mr. Ollivander. It had only taken him three wands to test before finding his perfect match. Just like James', the tip of his wand gave off a spark but with a different color. Maroon.
Hermione was surprised by the wand he got. According to Mr. Ollivander, Cypress wood represents those who don't fear confronting the shadows in their own and others' nature. And they often pair with wizards or witches who are brave, bold, and self-sacrificing. Hence its known association with noble users who died in heroic deaths.
She eyed Sirius' in a different light and saw a man. A man who sacrificed himself and died protecting his godson, as they battled side by side against an insane woman. A man who fell over the archway, leaving his godson alone and petrified of the future he's not comprehended yet. His godson whom she—her other self—cared for deeply fell into pieces infront of her. Emerald orbs that were devoid of emotions and clarity.
Hermione felt her eyes burn and immediately swallowed down the tears she was sure to come.
No, not in this timeline, she thought shaking her head.
Movements beside her snapped her from her journey to the memories of her other-self. Hermione saw Draco and Harry approach Mr. Ollivander preparing for their turn. Harry went first on the elevated platform. Same procedures as before. Measuring tape hovered around him.
Amber eyes lingered on the bespectacled boy she now recognizes as Hermione Jane's Harry Potter... Raven black untamed hair, with distinct brilliant emerald eyes... Same boy, yet not the Harry Potter...
This boy is hers. Hermione Primrose's Harry Potter.
"What is it darling?" Emma asked from beside her. Her mother had seen her lapse of silence during Sirius' claiming of a wand. "New memory?"
Emma had crouched down beside her whispering, as she observed her in worry. It was a symptom of hers. After gaining Hermione Jane's memories, Hermione frequented in lapsing, as if having an out-of-body experience, reliving new memories she has yet to know.
This is the reason why Hermione had told her mother she needed to increase the security of her Occlumency, and opted on creating a vault of some sort. Emma obviously was reluctant at first, not sure how it will affect Hermione's mind if she delved deeper into the subject. But she agreed nonetheless and gave her daughter an advanced Occlumency booklet. Which introduced Hermione to the concept of creating Mind Palace.
"No mama. It's not a new memory," she spoke softly at her mother, her eyes watching her hands as she gently pets her Carina. "Just remembering something."
Emma didn't ask for more and just nodded. She knew her daughter's hiding something but still, it didn't make Emma feel better. She knows Hermione will approach her if she needed, yet sometimes Emma's patience warred within her at the thought of her daughter feeling helpless and burdened by the knowledge the fates have bestowed upon her.
"Should I take your measurements next, Ms. Granger?"
Hermione looked up at Mr. Ollivander and found him regarding her with something akin to confusion and skepticism. Her mother noticed this too.
Hermione couldn't fathom the tone behind his question before nodding to herself. She glanced up at Emma, offering her a reassuring smile before plucking the purring Carina from her lap and gave it to her mother.
She was about to push the wheels forward when someone went on first behind her and helped her move.
It was James who offered a cheeky smile.
Hermione though only smiled at him in acknowledgment, her focus intent on the way Mr. Ollivander watches her approach him. He's currently behind his counter with the recording parchment floating on his chest level. She noted the way his attention seem to flicker under the countertop before sliding back at her and the two boys he had measure before her.
Whatever is behind that counter, hiding from plain sight, is making Hermione uneasy.
Gulping, she let the measuring tape do its job as it adjusts itself from her new position. Hermione worried for a moment if the measuring tape could accurately measure her from her seat. Before she could even raise this issue, the measuring tape already packed itself from her, ending the procedure.
Mr. Ollivander hummed from his place. Eyes reading intently at the parchment floating infront of him. Hermione assumed the parchment held not only her measurements but also Harry's and Draco's.
By the way Mr. Ollivander glance at them, she knew it's true.
"I'll be back in a moment," with one last glance at whatever it is near him, he shuffled silently inside the towering shelves. Deeper and deeper until they lost sight of him.
"Weird," said Sirius.
Well, that's saying something.
The occupants fell into tensed silence, waiting for Mr. Ollivander to bring the trio's wands. Everyone had noticed the shift in Mr. Ollivander's attitude as he'd measure them and were bemused by his sudden change of behaviour.
Hermione wriggled in her wheelchair uncomfortably, trying to escape the slowly creeping suffocation she's sensing. Stilling her trembling hands by lacing them together and kept herself calm on her seat while the anticipation prolonged on every sound of Mr. Ollivander's muffled footsteps.
It took Mr. Ollivander only fifteen minutes before he arrived at the main area of the shop, carrying an armful of wand boxes. But for Hermione, the waiting game took an eternity.
"We'll begin with Mr. Potter first," Mr. Ollivander said while carefully placing the wands he procured from his stockroom.
Emma helped Hermione give way for Harry by pulling her wheelchair.
Harry stepped forward infront of the counter. His right palm probably sweaty as he kept on rubbing it over his black slacks. Hermione observed that she's not the only one who's feeling anxious about obtaining a wand. She was glad by this, immensely.
She then turned her attention to Draco whose eyes are wide and focused as he watches the proceeding happening in front of them. Hermione's very familiar with that calculating look often worn by his father whenever he was faced with a complicated subject.
Boxes of wands fell from their shelves aggressively when Harry waved his first test wand.
"Nope, not this one," Mr. Ollivander murmured, plucking the wand from Harry's hand.
Miranda and Lyra both helped Mr. Ollivander quietly from the sidelines returning the boxes to their shelves. Since it looked like Mr. Ollivander's too busy assisting them.
In the end, the fifteen wands that Mr. Ollivander picked for Harry didn't respond to him at all. Harry, the poor boy, looked dejected every time he failed to connect with a wand.
Draco had even tested together with Harry by the time they reached for the sixth wand. It had the same results as Harry, making them both feel relieved that neither was a hopeless case. Hermione of course, watched from the side confused, wondering why would Mr. Ollivander let them test the same set of wands?
What is it he's looking for?
And why does he keep on looking under the counter?
Since the tested wands failed to choose a master between Draco and Harry, Mr. Ollivander merely nodded resolutely without saying anything and silently collected them all. After doing so, he left and went back inside his stock room.
Hermione's questions were answered when Mr. Ollivander returned with two identical midnight blue boxes and a soft glow coming somewhere from behind the counter.
She gasped. It almost looked like…
Emma clutched Hermione's shoulder tightly, causing Hermione to whip her head up to look at her mother wearing the same surprised expression as hers. Recognizing that soft golden glow very much.
Hermione could feel it in her magic. Its enchanting allure of the glow harmonized with her magic and whatever Mr. Ollivander had brought with him, triggered such reaction from her and whatever it is under that counter.
The others seemed to not notice this phenomenon though, except for Mr. Ollivander.
When Mr. Ollivander chanced a glance their way, Hermione could've sworn she saw a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. His eyes glinting so much as if he finally figured out a very complex puzzle.
Mr. Ollivander opened the lids of both boxes with so much gentleness and reverence, and carefully presented to the boys their wands in front of them.
"Go on," Mr. Ollivander urged them. His voice was soft and tone lacing with a touch of awe.
Harry and Draco looked at each other for a moment. Shrugging, they both simultaneously reached for the wand that calls them.
Harry's wand was polished in a color that almost resembles his eyes, but a darker shade. Draco's, on the other hand, was pure black. Both wands looked almost identical in design except Harry's looked rougher and masculine due to its rugged texture, while Draco's looked elegant and handsome. Befitting his character.
Not that Harry isn't handsome or elegant… Hermione thought.
Their wands emitted silver and gold sparks at once upon giving it a small wave.
Hermione beamed with delight at the look of pure satisfaction on their faces. Finally, they've found their wands.
"Remarkable. Truly and utterly remarkable," Mr. Ollivander said in front of them. "For you two to be chosen by these twin wands, means that we would be expecting great things from you. Especially, knowing who the owner of that core, I presume you'll also meet your mate for life."
"What do you mean by that, sir?" Hermione asked. Taking a hasty mental note of his last statement. "Are you saying that their cores came from the same mythical beast?"
"Well, these magnificent wands were one of my cherished projects. For you see, these wands were made out of griffin's feather as its core. So yes, it came from a majestic creature who's generous enough to bestow my great-grandfather his precious feathers," Mr. Ollivander explained.
"With Harry's wood as holly and Draco's, hawthorn, together with the griffin's feather, it creates an incredibly powerful wand ever created in a millennium. Now, you may wonder how was I able to get my hand on two griffin feathers? I inherited this from my great-grandfather before he passed years ago. And tasked me to create and serve these feathers with my utmost honor and respect.
"These cores were tremendously difficult to pair with common woods as it's terribly picky and tends to backfire if not handled with gentleness it deserve. What's intriguing was that, during my fifth trial, both feathers somehow chose their compatible wood on their own," Mr. Ollivander shared in amusement. "Hawthorn together with a griffin feather exemplifies outstanding spell-work and casting. Owners of this wand tend to be proficient in healing magic as well as curses. But with its core, not only it makes your spells potent, but it also creates disastrous consequences if badly handled. Therefore, it perfectly serves those who are conscientious, cunning, and compassionate at heart.
"With the Holly wand paired with the griffin feather, is strangely volatile and conflicted in nature, yet perfect for those who may need help in overcoming their tendency to anger and recklessness. Holly wood—famously known for its traditional protective streak—with griffin as its core is an excellent balance to help its master who's faced with several dangerous conquests in life and of course, its power to spell-casting increases twofold," Mr. Ollivander explained when he noticed Hermione's questioning look.
Draco was still staring at his wand when Harry asked something from Mr. Ollivander. Hermione was still processing Mr. Ollivander's words. Searching for something that tugged her magic. Wondering what it could be.
"Regal—that's what my great-grandfather named the griffin—met him during his exploration somewhere in Germany. My great-grandfather had noticed that the griffin is nearing its dormancy and was shocked it had approached him, offering him two feathers without much of a word."
"Why would it give him feathers?" Hermione asked curiously, not even realizing she's moved her wheelchair near Mr. Ollivander.
Mr. Ollivander once again flicked his eyes over the counter, where Hermione noticed the glow brightened. She heard her mother made a sound behind her.
"Sometimes, mythical creatures such as the legendary Gryphon could sense great power within the very fabric of the magic's existence. Due to their exceptionally ancient magic, in some cases, they could perceive disruption that stresses Lady Magic. And because of this, they make their presence known in some form and will do everything they could in finding out a way to ease whatever it is that causes Lady Magic's distress," he replied, while Mr. Ollivander observes her curiously that makes Hermione squirm in her seat before he continued. "Nevertheless, a griffin intentionally and willfully imparting such rare gifts, meant that someone will need all the help in achieving something great. No matter what their journey may entail. Bad or good. The griffin knew they'll need his help."
"Her Supremeness needed help, hence she reached out to the only griffin existing, as a tool to deliver us her troubling message," Hermione said in a toneless voice, eyes drifting far away. "Or maybe an instrument."
The adults looked at her in astonishment, while the boys only stared at her in confusion. Hermione shook her head when she noted the silence and felt her face heat at the looks she's receiving, "did I say something wrong?"
Lyra and Miranda glared at Emma. "Don't blame me. I didn't tell her anything about that."
"What is it?" James and Harry asked at the same time.
"Nothing," was the women's instant reply.
"Wait, aren't you twins?" Sirius asked, pointing at Harry and James. "Then why does Draco got the other twin wand?"
"That means Harry and Draco have a very intimidating quest to do, that requires intellect and courage," Hermione answered, basically repeating what she understood from what Mr. Ollivander had told them. "Same thing with everyone's wands. We all have different purposes in life. And I guess wands are more than just representing the character of their master," when Hermione said this she looked at Mr. Ollivander for assurance if her assumption is correct. When she saw the old man inclined his head, she continued. "I'm guessing that wands could distinguish what our magic may need from it in order for us to accomplish our purpose in life. Magically.
"James didn't have the other twin wand because his path differs from what Harry will take. Yet there's a great distinction between their character as both individual wands chose a master who's brave and has the ability to protect those whom they consider precious to them."
"Now in the case of Draco having the other wand almost identical to Harry's meant that the wand recognized not only his character but also could sense indistinguishable magical purpose. Because of this, his magic requires something powerful to help him and the wand chose him because it knows it'll serve Draco a lot. The same goes with Harry," she paused. "I'm not saying James isn't powerful! It's just our magic recognizes them both as someone who carries a huge purpose and decided to pick Draco instead of James, as Harry's twin with regards to wands… I'm not sure, it still, could be something else." she hastily added.
"Anyway, as what Mr. Ollivander said, in simple terms, Harry and Draco were chosen by these magnificent wands because their magic deemed they destined to do great things… noble and heroic deeds."
Hermione gasped for air when she finished explaining… or was she rambling? Her face painted red when everyone just stared at her. She looked up at her mother who's watching her with little amusement and approval. She shrugged shyly not sorry at all.
"Very well said, Ms. Granger," Mr. Ollivander said softly.
"Heroic?" Draco made a choking sound beside his mother, staring gobsmacked at his own wand. His eyes looked at each of them, his face paling. Then finally landing on Mr. Ollivander.
"Does this mean I'll be a Gryffindor then?" He asked his face turning green at the idea of wearing burgundy and gold colors.
Lyra hit him at the back of his head making his hair ruffling a little, and Draco…
"MOTHER! That's the second time you did that!" he exclaimed, horrified at the action his mother so freely do in public for the second time!
"Draco Astin Malfoy! Stop that nonsense already! Or are you forgetting that this very mother of yours was sorted in Gryffindor?!"
The others watched on shocked by the unanticipated reaction.
"These two really are mother and son with all these dramatic arguments," her mother murmured ironically beside Miranda.
That made Hermione crack, she laughed loudly at her mother's statement. This set off the others to join her.
"But mother! I wish to be sorted in Slytherin! And if this wand hinders my sorting, then I'll be…" It seems like Draco didn't even hear them laughing at his reactions.
"Stop being overly dramatic Draco! If you think you have all the traits of Salazar Slytherin's house, then be sorted in Slytherin. I don't even care if you were sorted in Hufflepuff either..."
Draco paled further causing him to break a sweat at the onslaught of images of him in Hufflepuff colors. Hermione couldn't resist the tears forming as she giggles uncontrollably towards Draco. She's trying to stop it! But she couldn't help it!
"Oh my—I'm so sorry, Draco," she gasped when Draco finally noticed and glared at their reactions.
Lyra sighed quietly at his firstborn once their laughs died down. "Love, you need not worry about which house you'll be sorted into, okay? You may have come from a line where a majority of the Malfoys were sorted in Slytherin, but let me remind you that not everyone in your family joined in this educational institution. Your relatives here in Britain could go eat their arses if they even try cutting you off just because you're sorted from another house."
"But cousin Lucius said—"
Hermione winced when Lyra's eyes flashed. "Don't ever listen to that bigot. You know very well why your father doesn't interact with his British relatives."
Draco nodded his head in understanding before gathering himself. "I promise not to foster any sort of their abhorrent conduct nor heed all of their unsavory teachings and ways, mother."
Lyra nodded gently, approving. She gave her son a smile as she fixes his trademark Malfoy hair. "That's my dragon. You're the true and sole heir of the Malfoy House and one day, you're going to be its Head and Lord. Thus, you must make sure to keep our line on the right path. And by doing so, we must do this at the earliest time."
Draco scoffed, "sure, no pressure mother."
"Remember this dragon," Lyra said, her tone hard with determination.
Draco wet his lips and nodded. "I acknowledge and honor my duties, mother."
Once Draco said that statement Hermione saw the other boys straighten. Sirius, James, and Harry all looked firm and unyielding. She figured it has to do with their upbringing; trained to be a respectable Lord one day. Sirius though, she noticed, was staring at Draco's mother with something that resembled longing.
"Regardless of your house, know that your father and I will always cherish and love you, and support you with whatever course you might take in the near future."
Hermione's heart tugged at this and felt sympathy over Sirius who now turned sour and grim. His eyes now darting everywhere except the Malfoys. The girl gave her mother a look and flicked it over to the figure of Sirius, then to the Malfoys before sliding back to hers.
Emma, fortunately, understood her meaning and nodded discreetly.
The mother and son smiled at each other, before being broken by Mr. Ollivander's voice.
"Now, that only leaves our Ms. Granger without a wand," Mr. Ollivander clapped excitedly. He reached out behind his counter, before placing a pristine glossy white box on Hermione's lap.
"This wand was given to me by a German squib whom I curiously forgot their name," he trailed off. "I've had this for two years already and had unsuccessfully opened the box. Curious and quite vexed by this enigmatic box, I've left it hidden under the counter hoping that one day, whenever a customer steps in my shop and is in the vicinity of its location, it would, in some way, respond to whoever rightfully owns it," Mr. Ollivander recounted. "And when I saw the glow, I knew it was someone in your group and hazarded a guess on what it contains."
"Glow? What glow?" Harry asked.
"I charmed it to only let the legitimate owner or whoever it is, may see it respond to them, and me obviously because I'm the caretaker of this treasure." Mr. Ollivander waved his wand over the box, removing the charm that prevented other people to see the glow.
"It's closed though," Sirius pointed out, once the others got their bearings at the sight of the soft glimmering white box. The other boys nodded, staring at Mr. Ollivander and Hermione curiously.
"And you didn't let her swish a few wands…" James also pointed out another glaring discrepancy.
Mr. Ollivander nodded eagerly, not bothering to answer the boys' questions. "Go on, dear. Sing to it."
Everyone, except Hermione and Emma, looked incredulous at this request. Emma had to coax Hermione by giving her a delicate nudge on her right shoulder when she hesitantly held the box in both hands.
"But the secret, mama," she whispered at her mother.
Mr. Ollivander heard her though, "don't worry dear. Everyone's aware of its tune, but the words of the incantation are unknown and usually inscrutable to understand. So we'll only hear its melody."
"Are you saying that—" Miranda started, but was immediately cut off by Emma with a pointed stare. "You'll have a lot of explaining to do, Emma."
Lyra, who's had enough with the suspense, snapped. "Can we just proceed with this? I want to see what's inside, this whole anticipation is making me agitated. And you Garrick, your mysterious persona shall end today!"
Mr. Ollivander's only reply was a belly laugh, before looking back down at Hermione again. Gesturing for her to continue.
Hermione sighed. With one last uncertain glance on everyone, with her eyes lingering on Harry, she began singing.
Hermione Primrose had always seen Hermione Jane singing to Harry Potter with this song many times in her memory. Often times it was him woken up by nightmares or in deep pain and unable to sleep. Hermione Jane will always sing this incantation to him as a lullaby. Without comprehending that the lullaby she sang was an ancient healing incantation.
Now, that she's recognized the Harry Potter, she too created a memory of her own with the emerald boy.
A memory of their first encounter.
Because of her personal connection with the memories of Hermione Jane, Hermione was unable to withstand the swift connection she had with Harry—the courage, care, understanding, friendship, and...
This notion fueled the magic behind her song and the occupants of the shop felt their magic rejoicing and lifting from the melody Hermione's producing. Like a phoenix, she sang with comforting magic, easing their fears, doubts, pains, stress, and anxiety.
As they listen to her melodious voice, they watched with amazement as Hermione's soft curls changed in color. Like water flowing in the river, from honey-colored, it shimmered to a golden glow. Everybody was too stunned to even think and speak they never let their eyes wander from the girl and box she's currently singing at.
When the incantation ended, everyone witnessed the box's lid glimmer from the view, exposing the wand that lay inside.
Everyone stared in awe. The melody Hermione had sung a while ago resonated within the very walls of the shop. Soft, gentle, and guiding.
"Is that… No, it can't be…" Lyra whispered hoarsely.
"Why is the wand glowing like that?" James asked quietly, curious at the reaction of the adults. He also noticed Sirius, Draco, and Harry were wearing the same expression as him, though their absolute astonishment over what occurred is ever-present. Except for Hermione, whose eyes were now shining with tears. "Hermione are you okay?"
This question snapped their attention from the wand to Hermione, who's now hastily wiping the tears in her eyes. She croaked a laugh before replying, "yes James, I'm fine."
Hermione shot them an assuring smile before letting her fingertips gingerly touch the wand's length. "It's gleaming."
"Gleaming tree," Mr. Ollivander agreed solemnly. His face, just like the others, was illuminated by the gleaming golden hue the wand is emitting. "I didn't know what it was, but I had my suspicions."
"You mean you didn't know what's inside?" James asked. Hermione noticed that both Draco and Harry were now staring at her and the wand with earnest expressions she couldn't discern. Then something flashed at the front of her mind.
"Mr. Ollivander, why did my wand reacted to Harry and Draco's wands when you presented it to them?"
Emma gasped loudly her jaw slacking. "Don't you ever say it, Garrick!"
Hermione was shocked at the vehement of her mother's voice, "Mama!"
Mr. Ollivander obviously noticed the warning behind Emma's tone and nodded at the recognition behind her eyes. He simply offered Emma a smile and understood her concern with regards to that crucial information.
"That is going to be a discussion for next time, Hermione Primrose," Emma said upon noticing her daughter's crossed look.
The owner of the glowing wand merely nodded and huffed. Knowing her mother, it would probably take Hermione months to obtain that information from her.
Setting aside her increasing exasperation, she ignored the adults talking among themselves and instead focused her attention on the wand on her lap. Eyeing it carefully; drinking in the sight of its gleaming wood with thin vines wrapped around its length.
Hermione had never thought of herself falling in love at first sight, but this is different, her magic did. It instantly felt a connection. Giddy and eager for it to mate with the magic the wand carries.
"Glasir tree," she whispered and inhaled sharply when she wrapped her finger around the base. Her body stiffened as memories of long-lost forgotten magic flashed before her. Her mind racing like a speed of light, striking and conjuring each and every vital knowledge she ought to become familiar with.
"Hermione?" Harry asked worriedly, beside her. His emerald eyes scanning her face for anything foreign that might hint him to what caused her to suddenly jolt upright.
"Hmm?"
"Are you okay? Do you feel any pain?"
Pain? Do I feel pain? Hermione asked herself mentally. Then out of nowhere, as if her magic heard her thoughts, it began coursing in her veins, scanning—buzzing. Searching for the pain her mate was concerned of...
Wait... What mate?
Just like the strike of a lightning bolt, Hermione was snapped back to reality. "Oh, I'm perfectly fine, Harry," Hermione responded, shaking her head. She offered him a timid smile before inhaling deeply and exhaled softly.
"Never better."
I'm so terribly sorry for postponing this chapter last week. I had to revise this chapter many times as the trio's wand is significant for me. I had to research a lot and I know I barely achieved in providing you their importance to their characters. (Had to really improve that part)
I also am looking for a new laptop since the one im currently working on has the tendency on dying in front of me. It's probably the machine. Don't worry I'm saving the chapters I made here on ffnet.
But anyway as compensation for not updating last week, I'll be posting a very short chapter on Sunday! (Probably 3k words in length!)
Thank you everyone for taking an interest in my story! I hope you enjoy this one!
P.S. I'm looking for beta/s willing to volunteer in improving this story!
All rights reserved to J.K. Rowling.