Beta: FlyingLovegood123
Edward had learned his way around Diagon Alley by heart but this was the first time he actually got to do any real shopping. Granted, it was fascinating enough just looking through the glass, but being able to touch the goods was still more enjoyable. He didn't have any money to speak of, but Hagrid had informed him that those who had special circumstances such as himself could receive support from school. In this case, the support came in the form of a leather bag full of coins. The gamekeeper had also explained to him how currency in this world worked and judging from the price of most displayed items, the amount he had, though considerably plenty, would only enable him to buy second-hand equipment at best. He wasn't complaining, though. Harry and Hagrid both needed to pay the bank a visit, which meant that he would be left waiting for a while. Stopping before the building of Gringotts (Edward cringed at the sight of a goblin), the gamekeeper instructed him to stand outside the white construction, but having no idea how long this would take, he insisted on buying a few things on his own first.
"Er, tha's fine. If tha's what yeh want." Hagrid said after a moment hesitation "But are yeh sure yeh can go on yer own?"
"I'm fine Hagrid." Edward waved his hand, which was holding the list of required equipment "It's all in here. And I know my way around."
"Then," Hagrid looked toward Harry, who was already in the bank "get what yeh need. We'll be waitin' for yeh at Ollivanders, 'alrigh'?"
"Yes." Edward nodded eagerly.
And he took off as soon as Hagrid disappeared behind the bronze doors. Edward took another look at the list and checked his money bag again to make sure that he divided the coins smartly. Scales, cauldrons, telescopes… Edward managed to find one of each that even though they looked quite old, they were well in working order. The Apothecary gave off a horrible smell, but somehow there was a bit of familiarity in it. He bought a second-handed robe that was patchy in several places, plus it was a little large, but it would do. Dragging himself around Diagon Alley while being weighed down with an increasing number of heavy bags, Edward wondered whether if his two companions had arrived at the wand shop yet. He would have to pass on the pet. There was no actual need for one. Besides, the money was almost used up. He still had enough for a new wand, though. Edward had actually passed the wand shop many times, but there wasn't anything so extraordinary about it, just a shabby old place with nothing but boxes. Steering himself in the direction, Edward had to stop and catch his breath several times since his mountain of equipment was so heavy. Giving it a quick glare of exasperation, Edward sighed and began to pick up the bags. He gasped in surprise. What had seemed to weigh a ton just seconds ago had now became as light as feather. But before he could contemplate the reason, the sight of Ollivander's dusty shop window erased it from his mind and he rushed forward. He could just make out Hagrid's silhouette from behind the glass. Tentatively pushing the door open, he stepped inside. A tinkling of a bell rang somewhere in the shop. Surrounded him were piles of narrow boxes that went right up to the ceiling. Harry was already standing in there with an old man whom Edward figured to be the shop owner, Ollivander. He looked so pale he could almost be glowing. Hagrid was sitting on a chair and the moment he saw Edward walked in, he waved.
"Ah, there yeh are. Come over 'ere. Jus' wait a bit, Harry's getting' his 'is wand."
There was a high pile of what looked like wooden sticks next to Harry that was still growing higher as they spoke. They must be the wands Hagrid was talking about. Ollivander kept taking one after another out of the boxes and handed it to Harry, who barely held it for a few seconds before it was snatched out of his hand. Feeling a little bored, Edward went out of the building and started an aimless walk on the street but still stayed near enough for Hagrid to be able to see him. It was quite a while later that the gamekeeper got up and signaled him to come in.
"Good afternoon." Ollivander said pleasantly. He gestured Edward to stand next to him "You must be new here."
It wasn't a question.
"Eh…yes?"
The man surveyed him with his misty eyes as he measured him with a tape measure. It was a little eerie.
"What's your name?"
"It's Edward Thompson, sir."
The tape measure was doing the job on it own.
"The wand chooses its wizard. Each wand is unique. I dare say you won't find two wands that are same."
Ollivander took down a stack of box from the shelves. A wave from his hand and the tape measure fell down onto the floor. He handed Edward a wand.
"Here, try this. Maple and dragon heartstring. Ten inches, nice and flexible. Give it a wave."
He did. The wand instantly shot out of his hand and buried itself into the opposite wall.
Ollivander handed him another one.
They quickly found out a problem. Instead of being motionless like when Harry tried them, whenever a wand went into Edward's hand, some violent reaction happened. Five minutes into it and Ollivander had got a shattered window, a broken chair and a few boxes, thankfully empty, burned into ash.
The shop owner was looking quite puzzled.
"Strange. Nothing like this ever happened before."
Edward, though not quite clear about the reason, thought that he might have an idea what was happening. The moment he held those wands, something inside him stirred and squirmed, like it didn't like being contained and thus, lashed out. It was an uncomfortable sensation. He wasn't able to grasp exactly what the feeling was, but it was there, writhing and sending out explosions. At this rate, the already run-down shop would be torn apart. Ollivander, though looking a bit stricken, was still patiently taking out new wands for him to try. Edward didn't want to create any trouble for himself and Hagrid. Moreover, he just wanted to get out of here quickly. That was why, when the next wand came in contact, he tried to clamp that something down only to be met with instant, violent protest. Raw energy seemed to be spilling out of him and the whole wand went ablaze. He only managed to drop it in surprise before the thing started to shoot small fire bolts until the wand itself was reduced to black charcoal. Hagrid had to stand up and put out the little fire that had caught his coat and Harry was stamping on the now charred box at the bottom of a pile and successfully prevented the stack from going down in flame. Edward was really in a panic.
"I'm…I'm…sorry." He stuttered, his fingers twisting together nervously, conscious that three pairs of eyes were on him. Forget about wand. Did he really need one? At that moment all he longed for was to rush for the door.
"It's all right." said Ollivander as he handed him another wand, though Edward noticed the shaky voice and the fact that the old man looked considerably more cautious as he passed the object over. This time Edward didn't take it immediately. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to suppress the strange force before-hand. It was there, he could feel it. He had to control it. Upon touching the wand, he could sense something running along the length of his arm and toward his hand. The wand began to grow hot. He struggled with the energy he was giving out and forced it back in. When there was no sound that indicated something have happened, he opened his eyes just a little and squinted at the wand to see that its tip was glowing.
"Well, I think we found your wand." Ollivander took it from Edward hand, wrapped it in brown paper and Edward sighed in relief. It was willow and unicorn hair, eight inches. The shop owner made no comment about the strange occurrences and Edward was grateful. He didn't want inquiry about something he didn't understand himself. He paid seven Galleons for the new wand and followed Hagrid and Harry out of the shop. The other boy was being strangely quiet and he had a troubled look on his face, but Edward didn't really want to inquire. They hadn't known each other that well yet. The gamekeeper was carrying all of their packages. As they finally entered the Leaky Cauldron again, Hagrid sat down at a table and gestured for them to do the same.
"Ah, Ed. I think it's time we talk about yer new accommodation."
