"Well, I'm off."
After giving Great Aunt Bathilda a gentle hug, Klein grabbed a handful of Floo powder and tossed it into the blazing fireplace.
In an instant, emerald-green flames roared to life!
"Diagon Alley."
He clearly and slowly named his destination, then stepped into the flames and vanished in an instant.
Diagon Alley, Ollivanders Wand Shop.
"This wand is simply dreadful. I really have to wonder why it was ever made."
Young Master Draco Malfoy scowled as he tossed a gray wand into its velvet-and-silk-lined box, his tone distinctly unfriendly.
Beside him, Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy frowned as well. She looked at the somewhat embarrassed wandmaker, old Garrick Ollivander, her displeasure almost palpable.
"That was my mistake. Now, let's try this one."
After putting away the gray wand, Mr. Ollivander took out another box.
"Hornbeam, ten and a half inches, Dragon Heartstring. A rather classic combination. In fact, my own wand is made the same way—"
Before he could finish, Draco snatched the box from Mr. Ollivander's hands and began another attempt.
Unfortunately, this wand was no better suited to him.
"Mr. Ollivander, my husband and I both bought our wands from you. Your fine craftsmanship is beyond question, but I would still like you to show a little more effort. Of course, price is no object."
Meeting Ollivander's helpless gaze, Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy spoke slowly, her expression supremely haughty. But when she turned to her only son, her face softened into a doting smile. She gently stroked Draco Malfoy's glossy, pale-blond hair.
"Darling, could you be a little more patient?"
"But—!"
Draco Malfoy had to admit that ever since they had left Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, he had been in a bad mood.
But it wasn't his fault. That bespectacled boy had ruined what should have been a lovely day.
"Ding."
Just then, the shop's welcome bell rang.
Ollivander and the Malfoys instinctively looked toward the entrance, where a boy in a light linen hunting outfit and a short ponytail had just walked in.
"Mr. Ollivander, I'm here to collect the wand I ordered."
Composed in bearing, unhurried in tone.
The boy effortlessly became the focus of the little shop.
"Oh, Mr. Grindelwald. It's a pleasure to see you. I'm afraid you'll have to wait a moment, though. Mr. Malfoy is choosing a wand."
It would have been easiest simply to fetch the box, but Ollivander politely declined.
Clearly, he had principles of his own.
Ollivander bowed slightly to Klein and gave him an apologetic smile.
"I'm not in a hurry. I can wait a little."
Klein returned the greeting with a nod, then quietly sat on the little shop's only bench.
"Hey, are you starting at Hogwarts too?"
There was something about Klein's unusual air that made Draco Malfoy feel an instant kinship with him. After only a moment's hesitation, he raised his chin slightly and greeted him as if it were nothing. Young Master Dekola thought he had been quite restrained, but his wide eyes still couldn't hide his excitement at meeting someone his own age.
"Before speaking to someone, I think a simple introduction is the most proper way to begin."
Hearing the greeting, Klein looked up at the pale, oval-faced little boy and straightened slightly.
"Uh..."
Draco Malfoy was at a loss for words, vexed and annoyed.
A cutting remark rose instinctively to his lips. His pale cheeks flushed faintly, but when he met those sapphire-blue eyes, he inexplicably held his temper. Instead, he cleared his throat and began his introduction, deliberately drawing out his words.
"Ahem. I'm Draco, Draco Malfoy. This is my mother, Narcissa Malfoy."
"Klein Grindelwald."
Klein rose to greet them. His manner was neither overly familiar nor distant, and his etiquette was impeccable.
Narcissa Malfoy's eyes lit up.
"Yes, I'm starting at Hogwarts too. Draco, it's a pleasure to meet you. Your name makes me think of those mighty and extraordinary dragons. I'm sure Mrs. Malfoy and Mr. Malfoy have high hopes for you.
"Now, could we let Mr. Ollivander get back to work? Being a nuisance isn't a good habit. I think we should show proper respect to masters of their craft."
Without missing a beat, Klein had complimented everyone in the shop, his expression unchanged.
After all the practice he'd had in his previous life, his people skills were nearly catching up with his magical talent. He had seen the scheming among the Empire's ministers; a little situation like this was child's play.
"Oh, of course. I mean, I might be choosing for a while yet. I don't mind Mr. Ollivander serving you first."
Perhaps Klein was too smooth a talker for even Draco, who had been pampered all his life, to handle. Uncharacteristically, he grew self-conscious, and the blush on his face deepened.
"Would that be all right?"
Klein smiled faintly and looked to Narcissa Malfoy for confirmation.
"Of course."
Narcissa Malfoy nodded without thinking. A kind smile appeared on her somewhat sharp-featured face.
Who could refuse a child like that?
"Thank you."
Klein nodded his thanks to the Malfoys, then addressed Ollivander.
"Then, Mr. Ollivander, my wand?"
"Not so fast, Mr. Grindelwald. It's right here."
Ollivander's spirits had been on quite a roller coaster that day.
First, he had been honored to choose the perfect wand for the famous Harry Potter. Then Draco Malfoy had given him a hard time, leaving him dejected. Now Klein's arrival had finally lifted his spirits.
The old man deftly picked out a pure-white brocade box from the pile of wand boxes and opened it himself.
"Rosewood, twelve and a half inches, Spirit Crow tail feather. I must admit, it's the most beautiful and unusual wand I've ever made."
The wand looked like a work of art. It was black with a hint of purple, long and slender, and gave off a faint fragrance. A Mandrake Flower bloomed at the end of the wand, mysterious and haunting. The owner's name was neatly engraved on the shaft in tiny gold letters.
"Klein Grindelwald."
"Wow!"
At the sight of the wand, Draco Malfoy's eyes widened. He looked so astonished he could have fit a lightbulb in his mouth.
He had never imagined a wand could be so beautiful.
Klein said nothing. He simply beckoned to the wand in the box.
"Whoosh."
As if drawn by some unseen force, the black-and-purple wand flew out of the brocade box, spun through the air a few times, and settled neatly in his right hand.
The instant his fingers touched the wand, black-and-purple light filled his jewel-like eyes!
At the same time, a line of hidden writing quietly appeared on the wand.
"My Eyes Hold No Secrets"
"Excellent."
A satisfied smile touched Klein's face. He withdrew his magic, and all the wondrous signs vanished, as if none of it had ever happened.
"Here's the remaining payment, Mr. Ollivander. Thank you for making such a perfect wand for me."
He pulled a large bag of gold coins from his charmed pocket, nodded to Ollivander, then looked at the Malfoys, who were still reeling from the shock.
"Well, Mrs. Malfoy, I'll be off now. See you at Hogwarts, Draco."
Still observing impeccable etiquette, Klein turned to leave.
When he reached the door, he suddenly looked back. After thinking for a few seconds, he spoke to Draco Malfoy again, softly.
"If you're having trouble choosing, try Hawthorn Wood. I think it would suit you."
Without waiting for a reply, he stepped out of Ollivanders Wand Shop and disappeared into the bustling crowd outside.
Before you continue