konnichiwa readers
Disclosure
I do not own the work of Harry Potter or any of the subsequent work related to Harry Potter or any woks by the author called JK Rowling, the characters used in this story are borrowed for the sake of enjoyment and not meant to portray any offense to the original work.
The only characters whole owned by me is the OC
Story information
Okay it's finally time for some wand action! I know I have been waiting for it! This chapter will concluded the shopping trip and go a little more into Aris's goals. If you feel like the Malfoy introduction was a little off pleas tell me I'm not sure my self, and I currently don't have a beta-reader yet (if that ever changes then this sentence will change too) so I'm currently working solo.
Regardless of all that I hope you are prepared for a wand adventure and maybe not even in the way you would think ( not to worry I'm not give the OC an OP wand but it's still creative) besides that let's get to it!
Walking further into the street of Diagon Ally. Aris thought about what he still needed.
'I need to get books and a wand. Well I could get a pet but why would the school even give the option for one? And why limit the animal?' Aris thoughts were clouded and from all the different things he had learn and saw today, he wanted to clear his mind in case there would be any more surprises. With his mind made up he called out to his professor and guide.
"Professor Snape why is it that Hogwarts give the option of a pet and why limit it so much? I just can't see the point sir" his tone was even and attempting to be respectful.
Snape slowed his pace allowing Aris to start walking beside him. Severus glanced down at Aris seeing his puzzled expression. It would be forever unclear if it was because of pity or an absence of annoyance but Snape did give a response, "I suspect that it would be to teach children responsibility, as for the animals I personally only see owls having a use for mail. The other creatures besides the ability to practice transfiguration in later years I wouldn't say the is any use" his voice didn't reveal the reason for answering either.
The response gave Aris some food for thought. Questions lingering, 'why owls for mail? Is there a magical reason?' Not wanting to push his luck Aris didn't ask another question no matter how much it danced in his head. The silence returned as they walked side by side. The simple act gave Aris a warm feeling. He wouldn't identify the reason till many days later, that it was the first time in his memory that he walked with someone and not behind them.
Walking for a few more minutes before arriving to a quaint old building with a red sign with two quills on it, the sign was also labeled Flourish and Blotts. When entering the store there was a chime signaling their arrival. The interior was quite large, Aris assumed it was common for magical establishments to be bigger on the inside. The walls were more colorful than any other store with seemingly no pattern only the occasional strip of wood separating colors. Bookshelves dotted the interior reaching high above his head. Looking closer at the walls Aris realized that the walls were actually covered in similar shelves that reached the ceiling. Fighting the urge to run off and look through the books, Aris followed Snape to a beautiful crafted mahogany wood counter that had many packages wrapped up on top of it.
The counter was manned by an elderly man who had large spectacles hanging around his neck. The man wore a brown vest and gray dress shirt, he had an angular face with peppered gray hair neatly combed over. The man looked extremely proper but not necessarily fancy. Aris had to assume that this was Flourish with how neatly he looked. His assumption was proven false once Snape greeted the man, "Blotts one set of Hogwarts first year book send the package to St. Mungo's recipient Aris Ruamont" While Snape's words told no nonsense his tone could be teetering on friendly.
"Ah certainly, will there be any other purchases? Or perhaps you will finally let me publish your work?" Mr. Blotts replied in a clearly friendly manner.
The knowledge that Professor Snape has written a book was a surprise but soon made sense given his profession. Aris wondered about the level of knowledge Snape had about potions. Aris had no baseline but guessed it must have been extremely high.
"Richter I believed that we had reached an agreement that that particular work would not be published till I had secured the Dark arts position, you wouldn't be breaking that agreement now would you?" Snape's response leaked venom, hinting at a punishment should this agreement be broken.
Shocked that Snape would practically threaten a store owner so quickly, Aris didn't even register for a few moments that Snape hinted at switching focus from potions. He was so shocked that he completely forgot about asking if the store allowed people to barrow books.
Money was quickly exchanged and Richter apologized with hands up in a placating manner claiming that he wouldn't dream of crossing Snape, only hopeful of adding another book to the collection. Snape actually had a small smug grin, agreeing that one shouldn't cross him. The slime feel from view as they left the store.
Only a single stop remained. Taking a much longer walk this time. Aris saw that they actually ended up passing by a lot of stores they previously visited.
'Is there a reason why he saved the wand for last? I don't really even know why I need one, I am able to use magic and I don't have one' pondered Aris. Perhaps it was because wands were somehow special, or maybe you made it yourself. Aris had noticed that when people used their wands at the hospital, everyone had a different unique wand.
The walked continued until they arrived at a small old shop. Half of the wall was cobble stone, the other half was an old worn black wood with a round glass display with a wand resting on an equally old velvet pillow. The label of the store was written in frayed golden letters. It read Ollivanders and was tagged with makers of fine wands since 382 B.C. It somewhat reminded Aris of his shack. They walked into the store and saw it was empty of any occupants. Walls reaching far back filled with small long boxes. A short staircase leading to an upper section that Aris assumes was the same. A dark wood counter closed off anyone from walking back into the rows of boxes. As Aris was looking around his snakes saw some movement from a side wall that otherwise went unnoticed.
"This is a man by the right wall" warned his serpent quietly in his ear.
Aris turned at the same time as the man. On guard as he didn't notice that man himself, Aris immediately asked, "who are you sir?"
The question seemed to surprise the man. Giving Aris a moment to study him. The man was very old, had messy white hair that proved to be white at his eyes were a startling silver. His face was clean shaven holding few wrinkles, but the one he did have were clearly defined. The man was wearing burgundy coat over a frilly white shirt that was tied together at the neck by a thin scarf. He led a broom and seemed to have been sweeping some glass into a corner.
"Ahh Mr. Ruamont how clever of you to spot me. Most people caught unaware when they find me in my shop" the elderly man answered an a joyous tone, as if Aris told him a good joke.
The mention of his name was all Aris could now think of. Desperate to learn any information about himself, He asked in an almost pleading tone, "you recognize me?Do you know anything about me?"
The smile on the man's face quickly dropped, responding "ohh no my boy I am sorry, I only know your name" speaking softly almost regretful.
Disappointment was clear on Aris's face. He clenched his fists in rage, it was so tight Aris almost drew blood. Angry at having hope of an answer only to have it ripped away instantly.
"Calm yourself Aris"
"Breathe Aris, breathe" they hissed.
They were brushing against his cheeks. Their comfort brought him back down to a manageable state, and with a deep breath he pushed his emotions down. Aris had learned from his time alone that emotions don't help you complete a task, they just make things complicated.
"Mmm I do wonder what wand will pick you Mr. Ruamont?" He said smiling once again, unconcerned with the snakes in full visibility.
"Pick me? How would a stick pick a person?" Aris voiced his suspicion.
"The boy is new to the magical world Mr. Ollivander" Snape interrupted. Taking a seat in a chair against the window's wall.
"Ahh I see. Well then let me tell you Mr. Ruamont, wands are a truly fascinating thing! No two wands are ever the same. Not only do they allow a wizard to focus magic but wands have there own sort of magic" Ollivander spoke with such fervor, "For you see each wand is carefully crafted from the finest pieces of wood. Each wood has its own unique properties and strengths" as he continued the smile grew wider as did the passion in his voice. "Not only that but each wand has a core. Cores are made from parts of magical creatures such as Dragons, Unicorns and Phoenixes. I personally use those three as I find it makes the best wands" winking as he commented on his accomplishment. "Through the combination of the woods and cores a new type of sentiences is born, not like you or I, but alive nonetheless. Some wands won't even allow a wizard who is not its master to cast a spell with it. Some say that their wands were able to cast a different spell than was intended, but saved their lives by doing so. The feeling that happens when you connect with your first wand is indescribable but clear and amazing"
The twinkle in his eye as he spoke was intoxicating, Aris found himself leaning in as he hung into each word. The way he described their sentience reminded Aris a bit of his snakes.
"Well than let's get started and introduce you to some wands mmm?" Speaking with a knowing smirk.
Aris eagerly nodded. From the way Ollivander spoke about wands Aris knew he must have one.
Ollivander walked back to the rows of boxes and seemingly choice particular ones occasionally looking back at Aris as if to confirm something. After gathering up a dozen or so boxes he came back to the counter and placed them down. Grabbing the one on top of the stack, open the box carefully as if he was dealing with a wild animal. Gently taking the long black wand from the case and presenting it to Aris handle first.
Aris grabbed the wand and... didn't feel anything. It was disappointing. He frowned and before he could verbalize anything, Ollivander snatched the wand back.
"Mm no" he said simply before placing it back in the box then off to the side. The next one went similarly only it was shorter and a reddish brown. After that one it was light brown and short. Again and again Aris was handed wands and felt nothing. Each time he grew more and more worried that no wand would connect with him at all.
Each time a wand wasn't working Ollivander's excitement grew, as if he was in bliss solving a complex puzzle. At the same time Snape's displease grew to the point a vain could be seen on his forehead.
This next wand was a dark brown that petered on black at the tip. Once Aris held the wand he felt a type of connection but he somehow felt sad. He looked to Ollivander and told him, "sir I think I feel something from this one, but...I think I feels...sad?" Aris's tone was hesitant.
"Sad you say?! Mmm perhaps we found a baseline?" Ollivander said shocked. He took the wand back held it to his ear and looked over it once more before placing it down on the counter rather than its box. He then explained what the was was, "10 inches, English Oak and Unicorn hair" nodding his head all the while. He walked back into the rows before coming back with another handful of boxes.
They repeated the process before figuring out that the ones that hand any connection was English Oak wands. Sadly none of them felt right. They had been at the process for at least an hour or so. Aris him self was starting to get more annoyed rather than disappointed.
After one more failure with an Oak wand, dragon heartstring. Aris finally voiced his concerns, "Sir this doesn't seem to be working. The Oak feels nice in my hand but none of the cores seem to like me at all. Are there any other types of cores I can try?"
Ollivander stopped in his tracks. Speaking out loud to no one in particular, "mmm another core...maybe...yes it could be...interesting yes this could be very interesting" after speaking he paced around for a couple of seconds muttering to him self. A wide range of emotions ran through his face, before he sighed in resignation. Muttering, "I can only hope he isn't at the store...no he shouldn't be he retired"
"Yes well sadly I only carry the three main types of cores. And the few older wands I have that have different cores are not Oak. But there is actually one more location we can go, that location will hopefully have your wand" Ollivander seemed very regretful that he could produce a wand that matched with Aris. "While I lament being unable to bring your wand to you, I hope that you will allow me show you this other store. Hopefully I can even learn more from your wand once you have it within hand" his eyes started to widen and sparkle with the idea of learning more about this strange situation.
Thump. A book in Snape's hand snapped shut.
"Very well enough time has been wasted today. You may accompany us to Gregorovitchs'. I hope you learn enough from today to not repeat your failings today Ollivander" Snape said with a pointed look.
Ollivander either didn't notice the look or didn't care. He nodded eagerly, taking out a long wand made from hornbeam that had a slight bend in it. He waved the wand and a sign in the door flipped over and the doors leading to the back halls closed.
All three of them exited the building, Ollivander turned back to it waved his wand once more and said something under his breath.
The two men started to walk briskly, Aris having a to make sure he kept up. The walked for a fair bit before turning down a street into a very different section of Diagon Ally. The sky was now covered by metal framing, the light still clearly coming in through the glass between the metal beams. Ahead in the middle of the street was a gothic spire that had water spraying from some spigots, Aris saw some people drinking from the spot. They walked pass and eventually arrived at a single story building with a dark purple exterior. While there was windows on the sides there was nothing on display. In bright gold letters the store was labeled Wands by Gregorovitch. The store didn't seem busy and there was sign by the door saying that the business was closing soon.
Waking inside showed a much more modern, newer wood and lights showed walls lined with wand boxes with no separation like the counter in Ollivanders. There was two people in the store already. A middle aged man behind the counter with short brown hair and a black vest and white shirt beneath it. The other was a much older man, probably around Ollivanders age. He had a woven dark blue coat and had white hair just slightly less wavy than Aris's own hair.
"Oh dear he is hear" Ollivander disrupted the silence.
The older man turned quickly seeming to recognize Ollivander's voice, "Ollivander what in world are you doing in my store?" His voice showed nothing other than confusion. His face now in view showed it as well but also displeasure as his mouth was set into a thin line and eyebrows quickly furrowing.
'He said it was his store so he must be Gregorovitch' Aris surmised.
The man had a thick brown vest under his coat and a gray dress shirt beneath that. Besides age and hair color Gregorovitch also shared his choice to wear a scarf. His was tucked into his vest. The man also had thick gray facial hair. The hair brought out the lights blue eyes that would have been otherwise looked gray.
"Well I have brought an interesting case with me, Mr. Ruamont here was unable to connect with a wand at my store" Ollivander reluctantly answered.
The response brought a smug smile to Gregorovitch's face. Taking joy in Ollivanders failure. The relationship between the two was very clearly complicated and competitive. He spoke with a slight Russian accent that didn't impeded any of his words, "see your stupid three core method fails, it was insane to think you could exclude so many magical creature cores in favor or strength"
"It wasn't strength, but temperament! Other core are much harder to match with wizards and even then some reject certain woods" Ollivander bit back. This was the first time any sort of displeasure was seen from Ollivander.
"Hah that a laugh it just means you couldn't work the wands well enough of cores were rejecting woods, probably poor craftsmanship" Gregorovitch barbed in response.
"What are you even doing here I though you retired to spend time on your insane dream wand?" Ollivander quipped.
"It's not insane I will make a even greater wand, and I did retire I'm just checking how much stock is still left before business is finally finished" Gregorovitch spoke with passion before ending in offhand manner.
"It is insane, we both know the reason you retired is because you couldn't keep up with my sales, your limited stock couldn't complete with my supply" Ollivander hastily replied.
"Why you-" Gregorovitch replied with renewed vigor.
The verbal jousting that was happening in the store was a sight to behold. Aris thought it was genuinely funny that two old men were bickering like children. He couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. Said chuckle brought both men out of their argument.
"Mm boy you went able to connect with any of the wands correct?" Gregorovitch asked.
"Well the Oak wands seemed to have some connection but he said felt like there was active rejection" Ollivander added in.
"Mmm boy follow me, we'll start off with an Abraxan feather and work our way down. Over here is where the Oaks are stored" Gregorovitch said as he beckoned Aris over to a wall. "Run your finger along the boxes and see you feel a pull" he directed.
As Aris started to run his finger along the boxes he was hovering over a kelpie box, when he felt a pull but not from this box. Aris couldn't tell where it was coming from. Luckily he didn't have to find it alone as his snakes started to hum in pleasure.
"Mmm Aris this way"
"It call for you, it begs for you" they hissed almost hypnotically.
Aris was so consumed with the feeling that he didn't even notice the gasps of surprise or comments of intrigue. He just let his snakes guide him to the box calling for him. He moved down the rows and arrived at a black box. Once he touched it the calling stopped and breath was caught in his throat. Pulling out the box he gingerly opened it, revealing the wand inside. The wand was beautiful, it had a dark brown almost black tip that thickened slightly as it traveled down the shaft to the handle. The handle was a smooth transition from the shaft as the colors lightened to a brownish red. The shaft seemed to split into three parts that twisted around creating an amazing grip until the united back at the end into a domed bottom, once again shifting back to the dark brown. Aris picked up the wand and immediately felt the connection. It was surreal, like he found a missing piece of himself. Aris turned around grinning, as he did so the wand let out a silver stream that coiled around Aris's waist before it continued all the way to his head. The display signifying the connection.
What Aris was unaware of, happening at the same time his eyes turned into slits and glowed eerily. His transformation only lasted a few moments before it left along with the silver light.
"It's perfect!" Aris exclaimed in utter delight unaware he had slipped into Parseltongue. When he said his praise the wand warmed in appreciation.
"Your a gorgon aren't you boy?" Gregorovitch asked, bringing Aris out of his dreamy state.
"Mmm...hm oh yeah I'm a half-breed sir" Aris replied absentmindedly. A sudden fear erupted from Aris, the idea that he would be denied the wand due to what he was. The fear was consuming. Aris clutched the wand to his chest, he pleaded "you won't take the wand back will you!?" His fear was clear to all.
His plea surprised both wand-makers. As they hadn't seen such as strong connection many times.
Gregorovitch grinned especially wide walking up to Aris and looking down at the wand in fascination. Ollivander had also walked up and was looking over Gregorovitch's shoulder. After a moment Gregorovitch spoke up, "amazing that wand is English Oak, 9 and a half inches and has a Runespoor's tongue as it's core. Truly a perfect match!" Overwhelming pride and joy dripped from his voice.
"A Runespoor? What is that sir?" Aris asked full of curiosity, wanting to know everything about his wand.
"A Runespoor is a three headed snake. They are native to Africa. Many Indian Parselmouth scholars describe them as very interesting creatures as each head has a different personality but identify as a single entity" Gregorovitch explained. He further explained about the specifics about Aris wand, "I have created two other wands with tongues from the same Runespoor and I sold one of them many years ago to a American fellow, the other I gave to a Indian tribe of Parselmouths"
Overjoyed with the information Aris reared up. Mumbling, "then it's like me... and there are groups of people like me!" Aris turned to look up at Gregorovitch, tears falling from his face and thanked the man "thank you! Thank you so much!"
Serpents started to wipe away his falling tears and Aris wand pleasantly warmed in his hand providing additional comfort.
"Mmm how interesting. Three wands, three heads on a Runespoor and a owner with two snakes on his head. Quite the trinity" Ollivander added, also smiling. The wand maker was so intrigued by the situation, that he couldn't help but be happy at the wand knowledge he was learning.
"Mmm now that a wand has been found the shopping is finally done. How much will that be Gregorovitch? And You can ship the wand to St. Mun-" Snape entered the conversation with a tired voice, but was cut off before he could finish.
"NO! I mean no can I please just leave with it Professor?" Aris pleaded while shaking with fear at having to separate from the wand.
Aris's interruption earned him a harsh glare from Snape. Luckily Gregorovitch again was the one who provided Aris with an answer to the problem. He replied Snape first, "seven Galleons and I think the boy earned the right to carry the wand Severus don't you, hell I will even throw in a wand-holster for free so his doesn't have to brandish the wand. That sound acceptable to everyone?"
Snape huffed in response before agreeing reluctantly. Seeing that he would be able to dissuade anyone.
Aris couldn't help himself as he was overcome with emotion and hugged Gregorovitch who was still crouched down. It was all Aris could do to explain his thankfulness to the man. Aris gave him his first hug from memory.
The man was taken aback from the raw emotion and said nothing, he attempted to give Aris a pat on the back. He was unable to as Aris released a second before and stepped back giving the man a large smile with his eyes closed and told Gregorovitch, "sorry about that sir. And for the record I think you already made the greatest wand in the world and it in my hand"
Gregorovitch took the compliment in stride before turning his head over his shoulder and with a roguish smile told Ollivander, "hear that Ollivander I am the greatest wand-maker in the world!" Ending with a hearty laugh.
After a few more words of thanks coming from everyone but Snape, the interaction came to an end. The worker in the store came over with a leather strap, instructing Aris on how to attach the holder to his hip and thigh.
Aris said his good byes to everyone before exiting the store with Snape. Letting the wand-makers get back to bickering.
Once outside Snape turned to Aris and harshly told him, "seeing as you will be keeping your wand on you. Know that it's improper to brandish a wand unless you are about to cast something. But most importantly you may not cast any spells with your wand outside of Hogwarts until you graduate less you be expelled and your wand snapped. Am I clear boy?!" Snape's words made it clear this was a serious matter.
Aris nodded quickly while responding, "yes Professor Snape sir, I understand clearly sir" in a tone that showcased his seriousness.
The rest of the trip back was in a still silence. They traveled back to the floo-port. But before entering the building a louder than normal ruckus was happening around Gringotts in the distance. Snape watched for a moment before narrowing his eyes muttering something under his breath that Aris couldn't hear. Snape shook his head once before grabbing Aris shoulder and telling him to head back to the hospital. Aris nodded as he felt completely drained from today, not caring about what happened at Gringotts. The tow parted Aris heading inside the Floo-port and Snape marching over to Gringotts.
Aris traveled back to the hospital and quickly checked himself in before heading to his room with an escort. Once he had reached the safety of his room, Aris saw all the supplies were already inside. He walked over to his bed and flopped down onto it. Grinning to himself before he felt his eyes slowly close. A single thought passed through before sleep claimed Aris.
'I am a wizard'
End of chapter
Ollivander-wand guy- excited with knowledge about wands.
Richter Blotts- manager- comes from a family of book lovers.
Mykew Gregorovitch- retired wand guy- overjoyed that he got one over Ollivander.
O-O-O-O
Please leave a review or comment. If you see anything that you thinks need changing please tell me. Or anything that you especially enjoyed. I have been siting in this chapter for so long (believe it or not but this was the chapter that sparked this whole story)
Other than that thank you for reading and look forward to everyone's favorite chu-chu... no I don't mean Thomas. Hints aside thank you and look forward to next time.
