The Wand Dispute

An explosion like fireworks rang through the classroom. Luo Bin closed his textbook and looked behind him.

A cloud of gray smoke reeking of rotten eggs surrounded Ron and Neville. Professor McGonagall strode down from the platform and flicked her wand. The smoke swiftly cleared.

The two unlucky young wizards looked at Minerva McGonagall, aggrieved and frightened.

Gray dust covered their wizarding robes. Their faces were as black as beetles, with only their eyes and teeth untouched. Their hair stood straight up like broom bristles, and the four beetles on their desk... had died heroically.

"Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom, you ignored classroom rules and failed to follow the proper procedure for Transfiguration. Ten points from each of you!"

"P-Professor McGonagall, it... it was all Ron! I... I had nothing to do with it!"

Poor Neville looked ready to cry.

"Professor McGonagall, I followed the steps you told us to, but... my wand... isn't really listening to me!"

Ron sounded less certain with every word. Professor McGonagall's face remained stern as her gaze settled on the wand wrapped in magical tape around its middle.

"Ron, you should write to Mr. Arthur and Mrs. Molly and explain that your wand is damaged. Otherwise, you'll waste an entire term!"

"Yes, Professor McGonagall. I'll think about it!"

When Ron said he would think about it, he meant he wouldn't.

"Luo Bin, Ron's too proud. No matter what we say, he won't accept help from Harry and me. If we pool our pocket money, we should have enough for a sixth-hand wand. It would get him through a term."

Pool their pocket money?!

Little Pepper, you have no idea how rich Harry Potter is!

"Don't worry. We'll find a way!"

"How can I not worry? Ever since his wand broke, Ron hasn't cast a single