John landed on the ground roughly. The world spun around him and he had to balance himself on Dumbledore. Once the world was right side up again Dumbledore commented, "The first time is always the worst, but at least you didn't throw up." He said pleasantly as if appearing on the opposite side of London was completely normal. "Why are we going to this old pub?" John asked, wondering how this related to his school supplies. Dumbledore, however, looked surprised at his statement. "Do you mean to tell me that you can see this pub?" he questioned. John nodded his head slightly confused. Dumbledore got excited and enquired further, "Have you always been able to see this?" "Yea," John replied warily, "its just some old pub, never mentioned it because I'm too young to drink. What does this have to do with Hogwarts?" John noticed that it always seemed as if Dumbledore knew something he didn't, but he soon explained; " This is the entrance to Diagon Alley, where we'll get your supplies. There are some heavy charms surrounding the building so that non-magical people just see an empty lot." He explained, "The interesting thing is that most magical children who don't know that they have magic or have it pointed out to them don't see the building, so the fact that you saw it means that you have a strong mind." Before John could ask any questions Dumbledore swept into action, striding towards the door. "Oh what have I gotten myself into?" he mumbled as he chased after the tall wizard.
John rushed up to meet Dumbledore as he made his way through the back door of the pub. "Why are we going to an alleyway?" he asked himself, but kept his mouth shut. They walked to the back wall and Dumbledore turned around to make sure that John was there. "Okay, now this is how we get into Diagon Alley, watch carefully." With those words he whisked his wand out of his robes and tapped on the blocks, until suddenly, the wall seemed to be parting forming a doorway. Dumbledore walked through the wall smirking at John's amazement, and John simply followed behind, still slack jawed at the Wizarding world.
John followed Dumbledore down the long and winding road to Gringotts bank. When they got there John couldn't help but stare at the creatures that were working the desks. "Mr. Dumbledore" John began, "I don't have a key or anything for my dad's money. How will I get it?" "Ah, you see, John your father was apart of a very powerful wizarding family that had a lot of money, and he was it's only heir, so you can imagine the shock when he decided to abandon our way of life for a simpler existence. You can get in your vault as long as you pass the blood test. They'll just prick your finger and put it on parchment." Dumbledore explained as they approached the main desk. "We'll be needing to get into young Mr. Watson's vault today. His father changed his name when he left the Wizarding world, should be under the name Malone. Vault number 3 I believe." Dumbledore recalled. The Goblins eyes widened at mention of the vault number. After the blood test had been completed and the vault was changed to be under the name Watson, they made their way to the carts and down to his vault.
Upon arriving to the vault, the goblin used his finger to open it and John first witnessed what Dumbledore meant by a powerful family. Stacked from the floor to the ceiling were countless piles of gold coins. John gulped, "Is this all mine? I mean am I…rich?" Dumbledore chuckled a little, "Well I suppose in terms of money, you are very rich, John." "But, why would my dad keep this hidden?" John asked recalling a lot of nights spent hungry. "Well, John" Dumbledore began, "I'm guessing that your father wanted a life of his own, and if he used his family's money he would feel indebted to them some how." John nodded half in understanding at his father's desires, but half in anger at all of the paint that could have been avoided. Maybe he wouldn't have gone off to war. John collected a sum of money, having no idea how much he actually needed, and again they were racing to the surface.
When they exited the shop Dumbledore turned to John, "Now where would you like to start?" "Can we go to the book store first? I have so much to learn before I go to Hogwarts," John replied. With a twinkle in his eye Dumbledore lead John to Flourish and Bots bookstore. "I'll go and collect your school books and allow you to browse, meet me at the ice cream shop next door when you are done, I do quite like pistachio." And with that, Dumbledore was lost in the crowd of people in the store. John had no idea where to start, staring at the store in amazement. He quickly decided to limit himself to two books so as not to spoil himself, and he would need time to read his new textbooks as well. After searching through the store John chose, "Common Magical Ailments and Afflictions " by, and "Practical Household Magic". He had been tempted to get a few others that looked interesting, but these seemed the most practical. The former he hoped would help him to understand his healing ability, and the second to help his mother around the house. After purchasing his books he made his way to the ice cream shop to find Dumbledore eating as he promised a double scoop pistachio ice cream.
After the two had reenergized on ice cream, Dumbledore informed John that he had already been to the potions shop to get his supplies and they would now have to get his robes fitted. After getting poked in the side multiple times and getting three new sets of robes, John and Dumbledore headed to the owl emporium. John noticed one owl immediately. It was mostly white with a speckled breast and rust checkered wings. "Oh, no, you don't want her," The owner commented, "I've had three people return her already." But, as soon as he said that the owl swooped down off of it's perch in the shop and landed on John's shoulder nibbling his ear affectionately. The shop owner's chin practically hit the floor at the sight. Dumbledore, however, smiled widely and cheerfully declared, "I think we'll take her none the less." John smiled and nodded quickly. After purchasing the necessary supplies for her they left the shop, the owl still on John's shoulder. "So, what are you going to name her?" Dumbledore questioned curiously. John's eyes widened, he hadn't thought about it. After a moment of silent contemplation he settled on, "Arya." He had recalled the name from one of the many books he read as a child and knew that it was perfect. "Her name is Arya," he said firmly.
"Well, all we have left is to get your wand, and then we can take you home." Dumbledore exclaimed. Despite how much fun he was having, John felt relieved to hear that he was almost done, and about to go home where he would be able to process the new information. John gulped however at the mention of a wand. This was the part of the day that he feared most. John relented and allowed Arya to be put in the cage, much to her disdain so that he could focus solely on getting his wand. He jumped in surprise when an old man seemed to appear out of nowhere from the back. "You, you must be Ollivander" he stammered. "I'm John Watson," he said feeling slightly surer of himself. Ollivander scrunched his eyes and said, "Watson, hmm haven't heard of that name, but you look far too much like someone I once knew." John was shocked, he knew he looked like his dad, but he didn't know that much. "Ah, well my name was changed from Malone." He offered hoping that it would help the old man. "Ah!" Ollivander screamed, "That's where I knew you from. Your father, Dragon heartstring, red wood, 11 and three quarter inches, I remember it well. Strong wand." After taking John's measurements and talking to himself a lot Ollivander went to the back and fetched a few wands. He opened one of the boxes and looked at john, "Just give it a wave." John picked it up and suddenly the lights shattered. "No, no not that one" Ollivander wheezed.
John had tested fifteen different wands and even Ollivander seemed exasperated at the length of time it was taking, most people only took three maybe four times max to find their fit. Dumbledore, however just looked amused as ever laughing every time a wand didn't work as if it just added to the mystery surrounding John. "I wonder" Ollivander remarked scurrying to the furthest depths of his store.
He came back choking from the dust that layered the wands in the back. "Let's try this one. It's one of my odder combinations, many would have considered me a fool to make it, much less sell it, but you do seem to be a unique one don't you, Mr. Watson." John picked up the wand and everything that he had previously broken was automatically fixed and the wilting flowers in the corner were sprung anew with life. John could feel the magic coursing through his veins and he couldn't help but let a smile spread ear to ear. "Interesting, very interesting. I never thought I would find a match. That is a very unique wand indeed, Mr. Watson. It's Beech wood with Thestral tail hair, twelve and one-quarter inches. This is the only wand I've ever sold with that core, Mr. Watson, take care of it." John was just happy that he found a wand that suited him, but Dumbledore's happy demeanor turned to one of silent contemplation.
When they exited the shop Dumbledore turned to John. "I was going to take you home, but why don't we go and get dinner first? I have some questions for you." John feared that he was going to get in trouble, but Dumbledore sensing the boy's fear added, "Oh no, you aren't in trouble, John. I just think that your talent needs further examination, besides, I'm famished." John nodded but still nervously followed Dumbledore back to the pub that they had entered through. Once they had sat down and ordered Dumbledore turned to John and drew in a deep breath as if he was looking for a place to start.
After a few moments Dumbledore found his place and asked carefully, "I know that this will not be an enjoyable question, John, but I need for you to recall for me the people that you have seen hurt or dying. You seem to have a strong nature to heal, which believe me, is a fortunate outlet for your power, but I need to know where it comes from." Dumbledore looked pained to have to ask so much of the young boy. John was taken aback at the question, but did his best to recall everything to his best ability. "Well, when I was five my best friend, Katie and I were out playing in, a tree trying to see who could climb the highest and she fell out, but I couldn't save her." John replied, pained. "Ever since then I take home every hurt bird that I can, because I want them to fly and not fall. My dad also died when I was seven. He was killed in the war in Afghanistan, but my mom wouldn't tell me how. She just cries a lot, but I didn't like to see her like that so I always tried to make her feel better." John replied looking down at the table. He hated having to relive the memories that haunted him.
Dumbledore could tell that John was upset and he felt a deep sorrow for the boy. No one should have to suffer that much, the boy was only eleven after all. "Thank you, John. I know that was very hard for you, but I appreciate you letting me know. That explains why you were suited to a Thestral core. You see, Thestrals can only be seen by someone who has seen death, and seeing that most people get their wands when they are your age, Thestral cores do not suit them." John looked down at the wand in his pocket. How was it that death seemed to follow him throughout his entire life? "I think that it's best we go now, your mother will be wanting to hear all about your day." Once they were outside Dumbledore held out his arm for John to hold on to. Dumbledore said that he had sent his new school supplies ahead of him. And with that, John was being sucked through another straw.