Wand

Harry untied the red cloth string and unfolded the parchment, which read:

Dearest Harry, I hope this letter finds you well. You must have had quite a surprise this evening, didn't you?

Do you know? The first time I saw you at school, I recognized you as the famous Harry Potter of the wizarding world. Children in the magical community grow up hearing your name, and I am no exception. Admittedly, I paid more attention to you because of this, but please do not doubt the sincerity of our friendship. At first, I only intended to watch over you silently, not wanting to interfere with your life. It was your sincerity, your bravery, your kindness, and your steadfast persistence that prompted me to approach you and let us become good friends. I am sure you can feel the genuine bond between us, can't you? I hope our friendship will not be affected by my well-intentioned concealment.

You have received your Hogwarts acceptance letter, haven't you? I have received mine as well. We need to go to Diagon Alley to purchase the items on the list. I will be going tomorrow; if you need to come with us, you can have Edward bring me a letter. If not, please tell me when you are going, and I will go on that day as well.

Your loyal friend, Allen

At this moment, Harry felt a complex mix of emotions. On one hand, he was pleasantly surprised to be able to continue his studies at the same school as Allen; on the other, he felt hurt that a friend he considered as close as a brother had hidden such a massive secret from him. But as Allen had said, one can always feel whether a relationship is built on genuine sincerity, and Harry was particularly sensitive to such things.

Harry borrowed a quill from Hagrid and wrote directly on the back of the parchment:

Dearest Allen, I am very happy to continue my studies at the same school as you. I believe there must be a reason why you hid the existence of the wizarding world, and our friendship will never change.

Hagrid (the Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts) will take me to Diagon Alley tomorrow to buy my supplies. Let's meet tomorrow and talk in detail.

Your best friend, Harry

After finishing the letter, Harry noticed that Hagrid had groomed the owl until it was dry and fluffy and was currently feeding it corn kernels.

"I'm quite good at looking after animals. I take care of many of the creatures at Hogwarts; Dumbledore trusts me very much," Hagrid said with a proud look, noticing Harry watching him.

Harry walked over and held out the parchment. Edward the owl immediately extended his left leg, signaling for Harry to tie the letter on. Hagrid pushed open the window; the wind had died down, and a few stars were even flickering in the sky. Edward flapped his wings and took flight into the night. Carrying Allen's anticipation and Harry's joy, he became the bridge that extended their friendship.

The next day, Mrs. Harris rose early to prepare breakfast and urged her family to get up.

"Hurry up, hurry up! Lenn, Daisy, there are so many things to buy today!" When it came to shopping, women were always particularly enthusiastic.

After breakfast, they passed through the magical lamppost to Diagon Alley and Gringotts. After withdrawing their gold coins, Mrs. Harris assigned tasks to the older children: "Lenn, you go buy all the potions ingredients; Daisy and Dad, go buy the books and cauldrons; Allen, we are going to buy your wand. Then everyone meet at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. You all need new school uniforms, and Madam Malkin is the best!"

Heading straight toward Ollivander's, Allen had reason to suspect that Mrs. Harris just wanted to save time so she could spend longer browsing at Madam Malkin's.

Ollivander's was small and shabby, with the gold-lettered sign peeling off the door, reading: Ollivander, Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C. In the dusty window, a single wand lay on a faded purple cushion.

As they entered the shop, a chime of bells rang out from somewhere in the back. The shop was tiny, containing nothing but a single chair. Thousands of narrow boxes were stacked almost to the ceiling—presumably all wands.

There were no other customers, and the shop was deathly quiet, causing Allen to unconsciously hold his breath.

"Good morning, you are the first customers to arrive today," a soft voice said. An old man suddenly appeared before Allen, peering at him with his large, pale eyes. He seemed quite pleased.

Seeming to sense Allen's confusion, Ollivander complained, "In most cases, people tend to visit other shops first and come to choose a wand last. It's truly strange; I cannot understand their thinking. For a wizard, the wand is the most important partner!"

"Dark, deep brown walnut, ten and a quarter inches long. A particularly beautiful wand, and a fine one for spellcasting. If I recall correctly, Mrs. Harris, it has been a long time!" Ollivander suddenly turned to ask Mrs. Harris.

"Oh, of course, your memory is as excellent as ever." Although she had already answered the same question three times, Mrs. Harris was happy to play along to show her respect for the master wandmaker.

"Remember, polish it with wax often!" Ollivander's gaze suddenly sharpened.

"Of course, of course, I take great care of it. This is my youngest son, Allen. We are here to choose a wand for him today." Mrs. Harris pushed Allen forward, eager to divert Ollivander's attention.

"Oh, very well. Allen, let me see." He pulled a long tape measure with silver markings from his pocket. "Which arm do you use for your wand?"

"I'm right-handed," Allen said.

"Hold out your arm. Good." The tape measure operated on its own, measuring from shoulder to fingertip, then wrist to elbow, shoulder to floor, and knee to armpit, finally measuring his head circumference.

Ollivander scurried between the shelves, busy pulling down various long boxes.

"Right," he said, the tape measure sliding to the floor in a heap. "Now, Allen, try this one. Beechwood and dragon heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible. Give it a wave."

Allen had barely taken it in his hand before Ollivander snatched it back.

"Definitely not that one. Try this one: rowan wood with unicorn hair, very flexible." Allen took it and gave it a wave, and a blast of sound erupted, shattering the shop window.

"Reparo," Ollivander said calmly, waving his own wand to restore the window.

"Clearly not that one." Ollivander had Allen try one after another. Although Allen could use each one successfully and cause quite a commotion, none seemed to be a perfect match.

Ollivander, who had been high-spirited at the start, now had beads of sweat on his forehead. "A truly picky customer," he thought, before heading to the back room to bring out a box wrapped in silky satin.

"Try this wand: mahogany, phoenix feather core." Ollivander carefully produced the wand, which radiated a purplish-red luster and had a texture like rhinoceros horn.

As Allen gripped the wand, a marvelous feeling rose in his heart. The wand seemed to become a part of his body. With a flick of Allen's thought, sparks flew from the tip of the wand, as if cheering for their meeting.

"Truly miraculous. You are destined for great achievements. The wood for this wand came from the German Muggle royal family in the early 20th century. It has been here for nearly a century, ever since I found a suitable core and crafted it. You are the first person who has been able to wield this wand with such ease." Ollivander stared at Allen with his pale eyes, looking quite astonished. Allen decided that unless absolutely necessary, he would never come to this shop again.

After paying Mr. Ollivander thirteen gold Galleons for the wand, the old man bowed them out of the shop.

[Invincible Scholar System Notification: Would you like to craft a unique, growth-type wand with your own hands? Complete the limited-time emergency quest to obtain the Alchemy Manual of the ancient alchemist, Geber.]