Chapter 4
June 23rd 1991
Harry was dreaming that he was riding a flying Motorcycle when he was awoken by the soft whispers of his best friend.
"Harry, come on, wake up. Oh, I wish I could pick up this water to dump it on you."
"Watch it Tom, or I'll call a priest exorcise you." Harry mumbled sitting up.
The Ghostly figure of Tom Riddle gave a smug grin."Your confusing me with a ghost. I am a Wraith remember?" Tom liked to rub that in his face, quite often.
Harry rolled his eyes as Tom followed him down the hall to the bathroom."What's dad making for breakfast?"
"He pulled out all the stops. I think he's more excited about today then you."
"Why? We're just going shopping?" Harry said splashing some water on his face.
After that whole fiasco almost five years ago. It was decided that Tom would stay in the house while Lucius tried to hunt down the other Horcruxes. The hunt had not been going so well. He had found the Gaunt family ring in the old Gaunt shack, but it couldn't be transported due to the protective enchantments on it in parsletoung. Since every one felt that it was to risky to send Tom to the U.K whith Dumbledore still there, it was decided to lock it in a vault until such a time that the problem could be solved. The others were another issue. Hufflepuff's cup was in the Le'strange Vault, no chance of getting in there. Ravelnclaw's Diadem was in Hogwarts, that was a no. The Locket could not be removed Safely by anyone but Tom, And Nagini was in Hiding, most likely with the Base soul. For the time being, they settled for Tom just hanging out with Harry. The only time Tom really had to hide was when someone From the magical community came. Technically speaking Tom was bound to his Diary, but so long as no one tampered with it he was free to move about whatever building it resided in. It had taken some time for Tom to ease up a bit, but when he did, he told Harry the truth. Then had hid in the Diary for a month until Carl finally sat Harry down with Tom and explained (for the umpteenth time) that nothing Tom did as Voldermort was his fault. The two had been nearly inseparable ever since..
Tom looked at Harry like he was nuts. "Yes you're going shopping, for you're school supplies! It's like a rite of passage for a wizard!"
Thankfully The U.S had it's own version of Diagon ally. It was called 'Spell-Bound Ave.'
Harry was once again trying in vain to tame his hair. "Yippee, a bunch of school books on charms that I've already read about. I just want the wand."
Tom grimaced. "That reminds me, Carl wanted to talk to you about that. Apparently you might have some trouble with that today."
"There's always something." he said giving up on his hair and walking towards the stairs.
Once he hit the fist stair, he was struck by the smell of breakfast and ran downstairs. Upon entering the kitchen, he saw all his favorites laid out on the table. There where Mexican omelets, french toast, pancakes, waffles, bacon, cinnamon buns, and Harry's absolute favorite, chocolate Croissants. Carl was off to the side fixing a pot of coffee.
"Are we trying to feed an army dad?" Harry asked going to the fridge and grabbing the orange juice.
"Just covering all the bases. It's a big day today."
"Tom said you wanted to talk to me. Something about getting my wand?"
"Right, well, it seems we might have a bit of an issue. You remember Tom and I telling you about Dumbledore right?"
"You mean the one you called-"
"If you dare use that language at this table I'll wash you mouth out."Carl warned. " but yes, him. Apparently he's guilted Garrick into letting him tag along. I just got the owl this morning." he explained putting an omelet on Harry's plate.
"Why is that a big deal? It's not like he can make a move with you there."
"No, not directly. I just want you to be careful. And ware that pendent I bought you. That should keep any compulsion charms off you. And avoid eye contact."
Harry rolled his eyes and took a bite of a pastry. "Is Mr. Fremont going to be there?" Harry asked with a mouthful of Croissant.
"Swallow child, before it ends up back on your plate. And no, he's busy getting ready for the coming year."
Arthur J. Fremont was the headmaster of Salem Academy. His son owned and ran the Wand shop on the Avenue. Carl usually helped out when he could. Harry wanted his dad to make him a wand, but Carl had said that it was better to have a Wand choose you and then build yourself up as a wizard with that wand. Most of the wands in the Shop were made by that headmaster still.
"What wand do you think I'll get dad?"
"Plywood, with troll whisker." he said with a straight face. This led to Harry throwing a pancake at him.
"I looked that up the last time you told me that. Plywood isn't even a wand wood, and troll whisker? Really? The book said it was one of the weakest cores in history." said Harry licking his fingers free of syrup as his father laughed pulling the Pancake of his face.
"I was only kidding. Oh yeah, and Draco wanted to come with us today. Do you mind?"
Lucius had made several journeys back and forth. on a few of them he had brought his son and some times his wife. Narcissa was nice, and always brought sweets for Harry when she came. Draco could be a little annoying at times but he was great fun when he wasn't prattling on about his money.
"Sure that's fine." said Harry digging into his omelet.
Draco came into his dinning room to see his father conversing with a ghostly owl patronus. Choosing to wait to ask. He seated him self in the center placing between his parents.
"-Thank you Carl, I'm sure Draco will be thrilled, and you must teach me how you keep the link open with messaging Patronus." Lucius said as the owl faded away with sound of joyful laughter.
"What was that father?" Draco asked after having a sip from his water glass.
"Carl has agreed to let you join he and Harry when they go to get his things for school. You can also get your wand while your there." Lucius explained with a small grin. He had made plans to take Draco to the ally next month for his school supplies, but he supposed letting him get his wand early wouldn't hinder those plans.
Draco brightened, but maintained his composure. "Will you be coming Mother?" he asked glancing over at Narcissa who was dabbing her lips with a napkin.
"Yes Dragon, I will be. After all, I have a bet running with your Father." she said eyeing Lucius with a slight glint of Challenge in her gaze.
"I still say he'll get Dragon heartstring."
"And I say Unicorn hair, so we'll just have to wait and see won't we?" she said taking a sip of her tea.
Draco just rolled his eye's. His Parents had a bit of a competitive streak in the house. Especially where he was concerned. That was a big part of the reason he he'd been spoiled so much growing up. His parents attempting to bribe him to lean more towards their idea. At least with a wand it wasn't something he could control.
Later that morning, Harry and Carl were waiting outside Carl's workshop for Draco and his Parents to arrive via international portkey, and Harry was starting to get antsy. The more he thought about getting his wand while Dumbledore was there, the more stressed out he became. Tom had offered to let harry take the diary so he could tag along for moral support. But Carl had shot them down. He didn't want to take a chance on Dumbledore finding out they knew what he did to Tom. And without any real proof, he couldn't publicly discredit him on it either. So, Harry was forced to wait till that afternoon. But he had this sinking feeling, Dumbledore was going to try something.
"They'll be here any minuet." said Carl looking at his watch.
"Hey Dad?" Harry ventured a bit quiet. He wanted something to distract him.
"Yeah?"
"What do you think the strongest wand would be?"
Carl Furrowed his brow for a few moments while he thought about that. "If I had to choose one combination, I would say either Cherry and Dragon Heartstring. Or, Cherry and Ashwinder fang. Either of those would make a strong wand. Why?" Carl asked looking at his son curiously.
"I was just looking through some of the books, but all the different authors seem to differ on the subject of strength." said Harry honestly, to which Carl nodded.
"When one talks about strength of a wand," he started, going into lecture mode. "What they mean is the capacity for the amount of magic the wand can produce. The wood has to be resilient enough to take the force of the magic, while the core acts as the conductor to draw and focus it." while he was talking he did not noticed the Malfoy's portkey in. so they stood off to the side and listened to the mini lesson. "at the same time, different woods and cores have different limits and temperaments, which is what allows them to 'chose' their owner. The length and flexibility play a large role in that as well. But that can get a bit complicated. Basically, a wand with a weaker wood and core that is matched well, can still easily defeat a wand of superior materials that is matched poorly." Carl finished with a smile, then turned when he heard Lucius clapping.
"You should be a teacher." Lucius said with a smile
"I don't like being the center of attention. I avoid it whenever I can." Carl said honestly.
As Carl spoke with Narcissa and Lucius, Draco walked over and shook hands with Harry.
"You alright there Harry?"
"Fine...little nervous is all." Harry responded. Draco was a good friend, but he wasn't privy to all the happenings around Harry.
It was Decided that Harry should be fitted for his school robes first. Which had Draco very jealous.
"You're robes have a velvet lining? And you get a cloak for outside? Why do the Hogwarts robes have to be so drab?" He complained to anyone in the group that would listen.
"Now Draco, the Hogwarts robes are traditional-"
"Dear, I have to agree with our son. The Hogwarts robes are overdue for a makeover..." Narcissa said cutting off her husband.
"His robes are actually only for formal functions where there are official visitors to the school. The rest of the time he can dress casually." Carl explained smirking in his sons direction.
"What? But I thought you said you were getting three sets?" Draco questioned suspiciously.
"Long story, You'll find out later." Harry said dismissively.
The truth was that after a lot of thought (and yelling matches with Katelyn who Carl was now dating) Carl had decided to reveal himself as the Arch Mage in a more formal setting. Unfortunately this meant that he would have to attend a lot of different functions, and Harry as his Adopted Son would have join him. Most of those functions would be taking place Europe. Harry was not looking forward to regular international portkey travel. He didn't like regular portkey travel, never mind the international variety.
After he got his robes it was already half past noon and it wasn't quite time to meet Mr. Ollivander at the Wand shop. So, they walked around a bot and did some light pleasure shopping as well as Harry's schools hopping. But eventually all they had left was the wand and so thy made their way to the shop. The wand shop was actually an old Victorian styled house that had been re-purposed into a shop. Once inside Harry noticed two Older looking men sitting in chairs off to the side as they spoke to a younger man standing behind the counter. That man, Harry new.
"Hey uncle Mike!" he said Happily ignoring the older men for his surrogate Uncle.
"Hey Shrimp, you ready to get a wand? We have quite a selection here today." Mike said looking over to the older men with a smile. "Mr. Olivander was kind enough to bring a few options as well."
"Just a few odds and end's. I am curious to see what his wand will be knowing the peculiar wand his father owns." said the one that Harry figured had to be Mr. Olivander. When he glanced at Dumbledore he noticed he was frowning, but said nothing.
"Lets see, I see you brought a friend. Are you looking for a Wand as well?"
Draco nodded. "Well lets see your wand arm."
as soon as his arm was in the air there was a measuring tape taking measurements, left and right on Draco. Everything from the length of his arm, to the width of his Nostril.
"I never understood the need for that..." Lucius stated looking at the Tape quizzically.
"Oh, it's all part of the experience. They only play a minuscule part in the actual choosing." he said as the tape measured Draco's right ear lobe.
"Ok I think that's far enough. Don't want a repeat of last year, right Harry?" he said with a wink to Harry as the tape went flying to a shelf off to the side. Harry just blushed.
"What happened last year?" Draco asked confused.
When Harry didn't answer Carl explained. "Harry thought it would be a good idea to get his measurements out of the way, problem was that Mike was busy and forgot to lift the charm on the tape. If it's left alone, it measures everything. And I mean everything. Good blackmail material for when you bring home a date." Carl finished eyeing his son who glared. Ollivander seemed to find this amusing.
"That happened to my own son once when I was looking through the wands for his. I was to excited I suppose." he said picking up a bag at his feet that Harry had missed.
"I have a wand here that may suit you well." he said rummaging in the bag until he removed a long box.
"Hawthorn 10 inches, with unicorn hair. Reasonably pliant" he said holding it out.
When Draco went to place it in his hand he quickly drew it back as if he was shocked.
"No? A pity..." he said but his eye's seemed calculating, like planning their next move.
"My turn!" said Mike running in back before returning with a velvet bag.
"Apple, 11 ¼ inches, with unicorn hair. Flexible." Mike said with an almost feral grin as Draco took the wand in hand.
It didn't shock him this time and when he waved it tiny golden sparks sprouted from the end.
"YES! And on the first try too!"
"Apple hmm? I wouldn't have thought to try that..." Ollivander said with an almost hungry look at the wand.
"Harry, check it out!" Draco said showing off his wand.
It was thin and bright, with tiny leafs carved along the length. Harry smiled at his friend, he was happy for Draco, though he had hoped that it would take awhile longer.
"That's great Draco."
"I wonder what yours will be." Draco said anxious to see Harry's wand. (A/N: Harry Draco Fans get a drink and cool down, that is not a preempt of a pairing.)
"Same as before Harry. Mr. Ollivander will go first, then me."
Harry only nodded as he turned to Mr. Ollivander who had already drawn a new wand from his bag.
"Blackthorn, 11 inches, Dragon heartstring, a bit bendy." he said handing the wand to Harry.
Sadly when he waved the wand it shattered a display on the other side of the room. He quickly handed it back as Mike repaired the damage. The strange thing though was that Mr. Ollivander seemed almost Happy about it.
"Try this Harry," Mike said reaching under a table he retrieved another wand. "Dogwood, 10 ¾ inches Phoenix feather. Pliant" he said handing it to Harry, then taking it back before he could wave it. He looked pretty happy to.
And so it went and neither was doing very well. A small pile of wands had started to accumulate behind Mike as his wands didn't match Harry. After almost an hour both wand makers looked at one another with glee.
"I haven't had this much fun in ages!" Ollivander said with a chuckle pulling out another wand.
"This is the last one I brought with me."
"I have one wand that might fit...but I hesitate to get it...my grandfather made that one..." Mike bit his lip before shrugging and walking to a door. "I'll be right back." he said before walking through. Apparently there were stairs behind the door because he could be heard walking down them by the others. When he came back he had an old box under his arm.
"Dad always said this wand would find a home nearby, never really believed him, but I guess we'll find out."
Harry noted how Dumbledore seemed more interested in these wands then any of the others but paid it little mind. At this point he wanted out.
Both wands were laid out on the table in the center of the room.
"This one," said Ollivander placing his first on the table. "Is Holly and phoenix feather, 11 inches, nice and supple."
"This," Said Mike holding his up for Harry to see before placing it down. "Is Cherry with the hair of a wood Nymph. 10 ½ inches slightly bendy."
Harry looked at both wands in front of him. He could feel a slight pull but wasn't sure he should follow it. He reached down and picked up the Holly and phoenix feather, a small warmth ran up his arm. Not unpleasant, but not what he though he was looking for. Placing it back down he picked up the Cherry wand. Immediately a warm light emanated from the wand and a tiny golden flame ignited at the tip before disappearing into sparks.
"A perfect match." said both wand makers with a smile.
A/N: ok so it's 2 in the morning as im posting this and i'm wiped. for all those hardcore HP fans, the wand change is due to the difference in their upbringing. others will still be relatively the same. also Harry/ Luna is in the lead with 3 votes. keep voting people ;D