All rights to J.K.Rowling

1

Weeks passed after that unforgettable day, when Professor Dumbledore visited the Winchesters and managed to convince them to let their son to study in Hogwarts. Since then, things changed in the Winchester home.

Firstly, was Falco's relationship with his parents. He confessed his insecurity and his fear of being alone. And being the wonderful parents they are, they had a long chat with him.

They assured him that, even if they're gone, he has no reason to fear solitude. They said he will always be loved and cared for. After all, they will always be with him, even when they're gone.

Second, there's the letters.

Apparently, Jacob transferred his savings and made an account for his little brother. He wanted Falco to have a bright future, and he's sorry for not being there to see it. He apologised to his parents, saying he loved them dearly.

After they read it, they cried and hugged each other for minutes.

Finally, there's the enigmatic letter to Falco. He read it in the next morning, and frowned. Unfortunately, he will have to expect bullying in Hogwarts. But that's the least of his worries.

The messed writing and the blood in letter brought an uncomfortable feeling in his chest. Something bad happened to Jacob.

Initially, Falco thought about showing it to his parents, but choose to respect his brother wishes. Jacob wanted his little brother to find. In other words, Jacob is alive, somewhere.

However, this gave Falco some doubts, too. Where is he? Why did he sent it to him, and not someone else? Did he went back to seek the Cursed Vaults?

These questions only increased his curiosity. Then, Falco found himself in a complicated situation. He couldn't show it nor talk to his parents. Also, there's no way he could back down now.

Jacob is alive. Stuck in someplace, perhaps. He knew it. But one thing is certain: the Cursed Vaults is connected to his disappearing.

And Falco will not stop, until he find his big brother.

2

At last, the day has come. The day Falco Winchester will visit the Diagon Alley for the first time. He heard amazing stories about this place, when Jacob was around. But now, it's Falco time to see it.

Before dinner, on the previously night, Falco stated to his parents he will be the first to wake up. After all, Falco routine made him used to wake up early.

Bur for his own surprise, he wasn't the first to wake up. Actually, his mother had to drag him out of bed, because they're going to be late. How Nigel loved to tease him for it.

They left home early, before dawn, to not get morning traffic jam. They have to drive to London, where they will buy his stuff for school.

Falco was bouncing in his seat, even though he was very tired. His parents, however, do not shared his excitement.

– Calm down, Falco. – Artemis asked, tiredly.

– I'm so excited, you Sorry

Nigel looked at his son through the mirror. He took a sip of coffee, before handing it to his wife, who took a sip herself.

– Falco, please. Listen your mother, son.

– Sorry, mum. – Falco blushed.

Falco yawned and scratch his eyes, tiredly. Artemis turned to him and smiled.

– It's alright, dear. – she said, gently. – We know you're anxious, but take a nap, please. It's obvious you are tired.

Falco couldn't disagree with her. He was really tired. Muttering inaudible words, Falco put his head phones and fell asleep.

Three hours later, the loudness of London rudely woke him. Yawning, Falco asked if they're close. Nigel said only a few more minutes, but he had to get ready.

Falco nodded, grinning. His sleepiness was dragged away and his excitement returned. But after parking, Nigel gave a bad news to his son.

Unfortunately, Nigel won't be joining them in their shopping trip. He had to deal with something in London, for his job. This made Falco sad, of course. But Nigel promised to make it up for him, later.

– Do you have everything you need? – Artemis asked her husband, while picking her blood red purse.

– Yes, baby. – he answered, kissing her cheek.

– EW! Please, not in front of me! – cried the boy, covering his eyes.

His parents exchanged looks and laughed. Then, ignoring the glare from their pouting son, they continued talking.

I will pick you both between 12pm and 13pm. If you two finish before me, then you better eat without me. But meet me here at said time, alright?

– Okay, Mr. Bossy. – Artemis replied, rolling her eyes in a playful way. – I kind of missed this. This bossy attitude of yours, I mean.

Giving her a mocking glare, Nigel pretended to be angry.

– Oh, my dear Huntress. – he said in a fake villain voice. – You see nothing, yet.

Okay, Falco had enough. Not giving time for his mother reply, he cried. He closed his eyes and covered his ears. Why is he being forced to see this?

– Agh! Traumatized child in the back seat! Thanks to you two, now I will need therapy for my whole life!

Instead of apologizing, they laughed it off, annoying him even more.

Finally, Falco and his mother got off the car. They were in front of an abandoned building. They waved goodbye to Nigel, who was driving away, and started they shopping trip.

3

Artemis and Falco were standing in front of an abandoned building. Apparently, it looked like some kind of pub or something. Like a shy little boy, he tugged his mother left hand, and asked her what they were doing there.

But her response never came. Instead, he saw his mother frown in a melancholically way.

Her fears have come back, scaring the woman called Artemis Winchester. Her maternal instincts screamed at her, ordering to take her baby and run from that place.

Seeing her like this was like a punch in his hearth. Grabbing both her hands and squeezing them, Falco smiled at her. He was trying to show her he was there. To show her he's going to be okay.

Snapping back to reality, Artemis blinked in confusion for a moment. Then, with teary eyes, she saw her little bird, giving her that adorable goofy smile of his. The same smile he inherited from her.

"Everything is going to be fine. Falco will be safe."

Taking a deep breath, she wiped the tears and gave the pub a narrowed and confident look. It was like she was having mental battle with that place. But in reality, she was fighting her fears.

"I have to be strong for him."

After freeing herself from her own fears, she smiled back at Falco. He's waiting for her. His heterochromatic eyes looking at him.

" My eyes. And Nigel eyes"

– Hey oh, let's go! Right, little bird? – she grinned at him.

Falco nodded, grinning back.

4

Now, free from her own fears, the mother guided her son towards the, apparently, abandoned pub.

But as soon they reached the door, Falco saw something appear in the sign. Instead of a blank sign, a witch and a broken cauldron took it place. And right bellow the cauldron , a name appeared: THE LEAKY CAULDRON.

When they entered the pub, they saw many people inside. Some of them had robes and pointed hats, while others were dressed casually like muggles.

– Hello, there! Welcome to the Leaky Caldron. – a wizard greeted them. – Came for Hogwarts supplies, right?

He was an elderly man, with white hair and a bald spot on his head. He also yellow teeth, and was hunchback. He seemed to be a good person. He reminded Falco of Quasimodo. He introduced himself as Tom, the owner of the pub.

– How did you knew? – the boy asked, tilting his head.

– Why, my boy. Every year, muggleborn students and their families visit my bar, as it is the only way to cross to Diagon Alley. – he explained, smiling at the boy. Then, he added. – So, it has become a kind of tradition for me.

Falco nodded.

He also said they could rent a room, if they wanted to spend the night. Artemis politely denied, and explained they only came for school supplies.

Respecting her choice, the man nodded and asked them to follow him. He led them through the bar and out into a small, walled courtyard.

The only thing there was a brick wall, above a trash can and some empty boxes. Muttering to himself, Tom grabbed his wand from his pocket and tapped the wall, as if he's counting bricks.

– And here we go.

Thunk

The suddenly noise startled the boy. Widening his eyes, Falco saw the bricks moving around, as if it was alive. Then, a small hole appeared. It grew wider and wider, until finally forming an archway onto a cobbled street.

– Welcome – said Tom, smiling to the Winchesters. – to Diagon Alley.

5

Falco could only mutter a weak 'wow'. His eyes were so widened, that almost hurt. As they crossed, the archway instantly shrunk back into a solid wall.

Hypnotised, Falco was led by his mother through the street. Like angry bees, his eyes travelled through the many coloured shops. He saw cauldrons and broomsticks. Owls were screeching somewhere in the background.

Unfortunately, due to his small stature, the people doing their shopping blocked his view, ruining the experience.

Anyway, he was in a trance, totally distracted and oblivious to the world. He didn't even noticed his hand slipping out his mother's grasp, nor the boy walking in his direction. Said boy was also distracted.

Naturally, the two boys bumped into each other, like in the Looney Tunes. They comically fell on the ground, in the middle of the street. Luckily, the people around dodged them, not giving chances to more accidents.

– Ah, forgive me! – said the boy, fixing his glasses.

– Sorry, mate. – said Falco, blushing.

Exchanging apologies together was something else. Their mutual embarrassment turned into a chortled laughter. They got up and shook their hands, trying fake their embarrassment.

– Falco! Watch where you going! – the exasperated Artemis berated her son, who groan in shame. –How many times do I have to say it? Apologise, young man.

Redder than a tomato, he faced the ground, wanting to crawl into hole and disappear. He could few many eyes on him, making him wish to disappear quicker.

– I already did. – the boy muttered, half angry and half embarrassed. – I'm fine, by the way.

– I-It's alright, ma'am. I was distracted, too. So, no harm done, right?

Preventing the things to escalate, the boy came to Falco defence. Judging by his voice tone, he sounded nervous. He pushed his glasses with his thumb and said:

– My name is Rowan Khanna. It's a pleasure meting you.

Rowan was an Indian boy with messy dark hair. He was slight taller than Falco and wore glasses. His robes were elegant, but not in a snobbish way.

– Rowan, dear? Are you alright?

A woman approached them, calling for Rowan.

– Yes, mother.

– Dear, you must be care... ah, forgive my son. It's his first time here, so he's a bit excited. My name is Sonia Khanna.

She was a beautiful woman. Her long and silky dark hair was tied in a dark purple lace. She had shiny jewels in her neck and wore a purple dress.

– Oh, don't worry.

Like a switch, Artemis sternly demeanour changed. Her lips twisted into a small grin. Then, she added:

– We, mothers, have to control our little boys, after all. Don't you agree?

This teasing earned a chuckle from Sonia, who nodded with a smirk of her own. The two boys could only roll their eyes.

– Well, my name is Artemis. And this little one is my baby, Falco.

Blushing hard, Falco glared at his mother in betrayal. Is she really wanting to make him look bad?

Ignoring her son's glare, she slapped his back to encourage him. Facing the ground, the boy said:

– My name is Falco. Falco Winchester. It's a pleasure.

For a moment, Rowan and his mother widened their eyes in surprise. This wasn't unnoticed to Artemis, who frowned in annoyance.

Seeing this, Mrs. Khanna smiled.

– W-Well, I hope our boys become great friends, Mrs. Winchester.

Though her words sounded kind, she was obviously trying to not start an argument with the muggle woman.

– I can see we are pretty famous. – Artemis narrowed her eyes at the woman, crossing her arms.

A hostile feeling was about to form around them. Artemis tightly gripped her son's shoulders, as if he was going to disappear.

Noticing this, Mrs. Khanna raised her hands.

– Ah, please, forgive me. It wasn't my intention to offend you.

– Yeah, sure you did not. – Artemis said bitterly, not buying it.

Sighing, Mrs. Khanna walked into Artemis personal space, not fearing the angry muggle woman glare.

– Forgive me, but it's true. Yes, your family is infamous, unfortunately. And yes, we are surprised. For that, forgive my rudeness. But we didn't mean in a bad way.

"If I may, you two look exactly what we once thought: just regular and good people, not the rubbish that viper published."

Mrs. Khanna words, while genuine, carried resent to someone else, which brought confusion to Artemis.

– Elaborate...? – asked her, raising an eyebrow.

With a sad smile, she continued.

– Unlike some families, me and my son, from the Khanna family, are not foolish to believe in rumours. Especially regarding people we don't even know.

She gazed around them, watching the crowd in the street with a blank face. Then, with a apologetic smile, she added:

– I'm sorry for the bad impression I gave you two. But I mean it. We know better than jump into conclusions. We prefer to know someone before judge them.

– Those who believe the Prophet, are fools. – Rowan commented, bitterly.

The uncomfortable silence clouded the quartet. Artemis didn't what to say. Her eyes widened a bit, as if she was slapped.

– L-Look. How about we, uh, start again? As if this never happened?

This time, Falco broke the silence. He stepped between Mrs. Khanna and his mother, saying words his father probably, if he was here.

– Y-Yeah. – Rowan nodded.

– That's a wonderful idea, dear. – Mrs. Khanna agreed, smiling gently at the two boys.

Three pairs of eyes turned to Artemis. The puppy-like look of her son made her sigh in defeat.

– Sure. I'm sorry for overreacting. My name is Artemis Winchester. And this munchkin here is my son, Falco.

– Mum!

– Do not apologise, my dear. My name is Sonia Khanna.

Rowan offered his hand to Falco, smiling at the muggleborn boy. Falco shake Rowan's hand, giving him his shark like grin.

– Sorry for bumping into you, Rowan.

– It's okay. Must suck to be tiny.

– Oi! I can put down if I want!

And so, the two boys laughed and started their friendship. The tension was gone.

Watching this, Artemis could only smile. She felt a motherly pride for her son, who was laugh was with his new friend.

"He's going to be okay."

6

After putting their differences aside, Mrs. Khanna offered a tour through the Diagon Alley. Artemis accepted. It's been years since her last visit here.

Their first stop at Gringotts, the wizarding bank. Artemis had to see this account Jacob made, and why they only have been informed now.

Mrs. Khanna also have her business to deal with.

The quartet had reached a snowy white marble building with golden pillars in the front. The building easily towered the little shops, as if showing its superiority.

As they reached its burning bronze doors, something caught Falco's attention, almost making him scream in fear.

Beside the doors, he saw two very small creatures, wearing red and gold business suits. They had pointed ears and bald heads. The eyes were like black buttons.

One of them was smoking a cigar, holding it with its long, sharp claws.

– That's the Goblins of Gringotts. – muttered Rowan, moving closer to Falco. – While they run the bank, they might not be so friendly.

As the goblins noticed them, the one's smoking grinned wickedly, showing its pointed teeth.

Scared, Falco squeezed his mother's hand, tightly. Noticing this, she pulled him closer and kept walking, forcing herself to not glare at the creature.

Seeing the fear in the boy's eyes, smoker goblin huffed satisfied, but turned grumpy as his colleague shot him reprimand look. Then, the goblins bowed lazily to the quartet.

With a loud sound, the doors opened by itself. And once again, Falco was amazed by what he saw.

– Wow!

Not even the other goblins around scared him. After all, his attention was focused on the bank itself, not the scary creatures.

His eyes travelled around the bank, noticing various wizards and goblins working together. In the end of the bank, a pure gold statue stood proudly.

Thankfully, the issue in Gringotts ended quickly. Otherwise, all his excitement would be turned into boredom.

The amazing part about the bank was the cart. A female goblin by the name Sëknr led them through a maze cave, bellow the bank. The speed of the hurtling cart was breath taking.

Sëknr was unfazed by the fearsome speed, as if used to it. And in the human side, Falco was the only one not flinching or turning green. Actually, he was laughing like a crazy maniac.

– This is like a roller-coaster! – the boy laughed.

– How can you even enjoy this madness?! – asked a green-face Rowan.

Reaching his vault, Sëknr demanded the key and the lamp, in a rude way. She opened the vault and showed the treasure inside, making the Winchester's gasp.

Falco saw at least six little mounds of gold coins. Artemis advised him to not pick everything, just enough for a couple of terms. Sëknr gave him a quick explanation about the currency.

Finished their own affairs in Gringotts, Mrs. Khanna led them to buy school supplies. But first, they would buy their uniforms at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.

When they entered the shop, Mrs. Khanna couldn't help but complain about having to buy pointed hats. In her words, the hats 'It's a waste of money, as they only use it three times of the year'.

Next, they bought cauldrons, quills, ink and potion's supplies. They also bought brass scales, a telescope and a black medium-sized trunk.

Their next stop was for school books. As they walked towards Flourish and Blotts, Rowan told a bit about himself. Artemis and Mrs. Khanna following them, watching their interactions.

– My family owns a tree farm. – he said, pushing his way through the crowed book shop. Noticing Falco' confused look, Rowan added. – Trees with magical properties, I mean. Many merchants buy our woods for Wand Making or enchanted objects.

– Amazing! I bet y... –

– Books! – Rowan interrupted the muggleborn, grinning to himself.

Some adults turned to him, frowning. Mrs. Khanna gave her son a look, which made him blush.

– Sorry. Its just... I love reading. I usually don't help much in the farm like my elder siblings, I pass my days reading. Because of that, I never made friends. I'm new in this subject.

– I know how you feel. But don't worry, mate. We are friends, right?

Rowan beamed at him, nodding shyly.

Easily forgetting this moment, the two boys begun picking their books. Rowan took this chance to give him a few tips on books.

But their time at Flourish and Blotts wasn't so great. The idiots stomped at Falco's feet. And they didn't even apologised.

Besides the crowd in the shop, some kind of event was prepared for the next day. In the banner, was a photo of blonde woman with glasses. She was smirking in the banner, winking at everyone.

"Rita Skeeter will be signing copies of her new biography! Sunday, 11:30. P. 14:30.M."

– Heartless, liar viper!

Rowan made a face, as if he was smelling dirt socks, but said nothing else.

"What did she do to deserve this hate?" Falco thought, confused.

After making their way to the casher, they left the book shop and went to their next objective: buying a familiar.

In the letter, it's said students are allowed to bring an animal along. Falco had three options: a cat, a toad or an owl. Of course, Falco already made his choice.

Woo!

Grinning ear to ear, Falco left the shop carrying a bird cage. Within the cage, was a pretty obsidian owl. In his pockets, was a small book: "EASY SPELLS FOR YOUR FAMILIAR!"

Mrs. Khanna didn't bought a animal for her son. Apparently, they already have a owl in their family, and Rowan owned a cat named Fuzzclaw.

Reaching the final shop on their list, Falco grinned ear to ear.

– It's time!

Finally, came the most important shop. This one almost made Falco jump on his feet. He was about to buy his own wand!

– Well, now we part our ways. – Mrs. Khanna said.

The Khanna's finished their own shopping, but escorted the Winchester's to the wand shop named Ollivanders. Mrs. Khanna said Rowan already have a wand back home.

– I'm going to buy a scarf first, then we'll return home by apparating. – Rowan said to Falco.

Falco didn't understand what he said, but nodded.

– We could meet at Leaky Cauldron one day, perhaps?

– I-I... well, I suppose. I'm not really into beer, but we could have a girls day. Wow, it's weird talking about this. It's been ages since I suggested a 'girls day'.

The two women chatted in a friendly way, as if the awkward moment never happened. Now, they seemed to get along. While the two mothers exchanged plans for a 'girls day', the two boys shook their hands.

– I hope to find you on the train, Falco.

– Likewise, Rowan.

– I can't wait to show you my scarf.

Falco chuckled, letting go of his new friend's hand. Yeah, he has a interesting year ahead.

– Huh?

Looking around the Alley, something odd caught Falco's attention.

A dark, creepy street, contrasting every thing about Diagon Alley. He could see a few cloaked figures standing there, talking to each other.

– See you in Hogwarts, Falco!

Rowan's happy voice brought him back to reality. He was going with Mrs. Khanna to buy his scarf, leaving the Winchester's alone. Falco waved at him, before they disappeared into the crowd.

Turning back to the shop's door, Falco was about to enter. But his mother called for him. She had dropped his things on the ground.

After he saw her watered eyes, he put his own bags on the floor and went to her.

– Mum, wha... Uh!?

He was engulfed into a hug, cutting his words by surprise. Looking up, he saw her smiling at him. Confused, he asked her again if everything is okay. To his surprise, she nodded.

– Yes, dear. Everything is fine. I'm just happy you finally made a new friend. That Rowan kid seems like a good boy.

Falco hid his face at her belly, not wanting her to see his red cheeks.

– Oh. Yeah, he is. Wait a minute! Why did said finally?

Outraged, Falco glared at him mother, puffing his red cheeks. To his annoyance, his mother gave him a teasing smirk.

She cleaned the tears with her left arm and cupped his cheeks. Then, in a teasing tone, she said:

– Why? Well, my little bird. For a moment, I thought you'd scare the poor boy away with the, uh, 'Infamous Winchester Wicked Sense of Humour'.

Falco pouted at her words.

– That's not true. And if it was, you have it too.

Artemis laughed at her son accusation. But, yes, he's right. They both share the same sense of humour. She behaved like this when she had his age, much to her parents annoyance.

Despite enjoying this moment of teasing with her son, she have to tell him the true reason why she was crying. She had to tell him why she could enter the shop.

– Anyway, teasing aside... I... – she tried to say it, but failed. Her voice cracked, suppressing a sob.

She grabbed his shoulders, and closed her eyes. Her tears on her cheeks. Sobbing, she said:

– I'm sorry, my dear. But I can't go inside with you. I will wait for you here. Can you forgive your mother?

She knows how important it is, when a wizard buy his first wand. It is an amazing feeling. A unique moment in a wizard life, one she wanted to be there for him. To look at him with a proud motherly smile.

But she just can't. And she felt horrible for it. Despite everything good they saw today, her memories from her first time here with Jacob came back to haunt her mind.

For her little Falco's sake, Artemis ignored it. During the whole tour with the Khanna's, she ignored this pain in her chest. She couldn't break down in front of her son new friend, nor worry him even more.

– It's okay, mum.

A soft kiss on her forehead, along with the warm words, made her cry even more. She opened her wet eyes, and she saw her son smiling at her.

– You don't have to apologise, neither explain your reasons. I know how hard it is to you, so I will be strong to you and dad, like you two are for me.

Falco hugged his mother, and she hugged him back. His hands caressing her hair.

– I can go there on my own, and you can wait here. Please, don't worry about anything. I can wait until you calm down. You are more important than a silly stick.

Her son was an angel. Here she was, denying a important moment in his life, because of her traumas. And yet, he didn't held it against her, but calmed her with his words. She felt so grateful for having such angel in her life.

– Thank you, honey.

Artemis wiped her tears, and nodded. She kissed his forehead, and put his money bag in his pocket. Finally, she let go of his shoulders.

– I'll wait for you here. – she said gently. – Now, go there and buy your wand, mister.

Falco nodded and smiled. Then, he gave her a quick kiss on her cheek, and said:

– I'll be back soon, mum.

With that said, Falco entered the shop. A ring bell announced his presence, welcoming him to the shop. Artemis never saw the frown in her son face.

7

Falco would be lying to himself if he didn't feel disappointed. Yes, he wanted his mother there for him. Actually, he wanted not only his mother, but his father and his brother, too.

So yeah, he was a bit disappointed, he just not showed it to her. Falco lied to his mother, again.

His disappointment turned into jealously as he saw a red haired Asian girl smiling at her parents. They smiled back to her, and she showed them her new wand.

– Ungrateful. – he cursed himself.

His envy quickly turned into something else: shame.

– She have done enough for me. – he mumbled. – I'm such shitty son.

His mother was crying out there, because of her trauma. She is in pain, fearing of his safety. But still allowed him to go there, for his own safety. Yet, here was Falco, disappointed at his mother, because she couldn't sacrifice more for him. He felt so ashamed at himself.

– Good morning, Mr. Winchester.

– UH?!

Falco jumped at the suddenly voice, his focus back to reality.

The first thing he noticed was that the girl and her family already left. So, who...

– Fuck!

Widening his eyes, Falco finally noticed the shopkeeper standing before him, frowning.

He was an old man with messy grey hair. His wide, pale grey eyes made Falco shiver. The fact he wasn't blinking, and knew his name, made things worse.

– My name is Garrick Ollivanders. I was waiting for you.

– Not fucking creepy at all. – he thought aloud.

Mr. Ollivanders, still frowning, cleared his throat.

– Mr. Winchester. – Mr. Ollivanders told him, sharply. – Please, I ask you to remain from saying obscenities within my shop.

Blushing, Falco nodded and apologised.

"Then don't act so creepy!"

Mr. Ollivanders accepted his apology. Then, he asked the boy to come closer and which is his wand arm. Confused, Falco asked what he meant, and the older wizard explained better.

– Oh, I'm right-handed.

– I see. Please, hold out your right arm. Now, excuse me.

Falco did it, and felt uncomfortable when the wizard measured his arm, then his fingers, shoulders and even his head.

Thankfully, the measuring ended quickly and the wizard turned his back at him, entering further in the shop. Falco took a deep breath, and tried to relax himself.

He never liked human touch, especially from strangers. Made him felt uneasy.

– It seems only yesterday your brother first came into my shop, buying his first wand.

"He was a well-educated and polite young man. And from what I have heard, he also was an exemplary student. Eleven inches, phoenix feather, made of Maple. Swishy. An excellent wand for charms and duelling, a little tricky in Transfiguration, though."

– Unfortunately, his wand was snapped, when he was expelled.

While searching for a wand, Mr. Ollivanders expressed his compliments about Jacob. But Falco interrupted the older wizard, showing his anger towards the events during Jake expulsion.

Mr. Ollivanders returned, carrying three different boxes from the thousands piles in his shop. Noticing the anger in his voice, Mr. Ollivanders just nodded at him.

– Yes, unfortunately.

Then, Mr. Ollivanders opened the first one of the boxes, taking a brown wand from inside. He handed the wand to Falco, whose eyes widened a bit.

He took the wand in his hand, expecting to feel different or powerful. But nothing came to him, making him frown.

Confused, he turned to Mr. Ollivanders. The wizard simply told him to give it a try.

Nodding, Falco pointed the wand to his left, swinging his arm. His hearth was beating fast, expecting something to happen. Oh, boy. Something happened, indeed.

Thump! Crack! Break!

The suddenly noises made Falco jump, like a scared kitten. Looking at the noise direction, he saw many boxes on the ground. Next, was a broken vase, dripping water at the boxes. There's also a large crack in the wall.

"I did it?!"

Widening his eyes, Falco dropped the wand on the counter, as if it was burning. Looking at Mr. Ollivanders, in fear, Falco could only imagine the damages his parents would have to pay.

– My late grandmother gave me that vase, as a congratulation for finishing Hogwarts. – said a calm Mr. Ollivanders.

Okay, now he's so fucked. Emotional treasure is something unique. Something no one could exchange or buy, no matter how much money they offer you.

So, when Falco noticed Mr. Ollivanders raising his wand, he gulped. Stuttering, a pale Falco tried to apologise.

Mr. Ollivanders, however, noticed the boy's anxiety, just raised his hand. He told him to calm down, and that is a normal situation.

Then, swinging his wand, he repaired the damages. After that, he picked the wand and put it back in the box, putting it aside.

– How about... this one?

He showed the next wand. A short black one with red tips and silver in the end.

– Alder. Phoenix feather, ten inches. Swishy. Loyal to its owner, this one. Perfect for powerful spells and dangerous in combat, I suppose.

A loyal wand? Dangerous for combat? This statement made Falco imagine he's carrying some kind of revolver. Reluctant, Falco grabbed the wand. And then...

– Woah!

... He felt strong. No, he felt invincible. It was like he was connected with the wand, becoming one. All his hidden power and potential, given into the wand as a vessel. In exchange, the wand would help him to achieve his objectives. Mainly...

"Don't worry, Jake. Your little brother will find you. "

He has the power, now. He only need to arrive in Hogwarts. Then, he will seek for clues about his brother. Hell, he will even look for the damn Vaults, if have too.

"Well, then. Nothing is going to stop me now, brother. I wi..."

– Mr. Winchester, I know how excited you are right now, so I don't wish to sound rude. But other people also wish to buy their wands, just like you.

Falco was in his own world, smirking smugly. So he didn't noticed the angry girl behind him, about to yell at him.

Thankfully, Mr. Ollivanders words brought him back to reality. Blushing, Falco apologised to both of them. Mr. Ollivanders just nodded. The girl, however, just sneered at him, as if she was disgusted.

Not noticing her, Falco paid for him wand, thanked Mr. Ollivanders and left the shop. Smiling, he showed the wand to his mother, who gave him a fond smile.

As they crossed back to Muggle London, Falco imagined how amazing and perfect his school year would be. A naïve mistake of his part.

Unfortunately, Falco was living his last days of normality. He will learn how harsh and cruel the world can be.