5 Wand and Goodbyes

Unable to put Gray into his bag, Art had to carry him around Diagon Alley. His last stop was Ollivanders to get his wand. This is what Artland was most excited for, getting his wand. A wizard without a wand was like a car without an engine. Artland walked up to a narrow and shabby shop that read in gold letters Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC. Entering the shop Artland a bell rang, he looked around the shop and saw thousands of narrow boxes stacked to the ceiling.

"Hello." a soft voice called out. An old man with pale eyes looked at him with a distant look. "Judging from your eyes I would say you are a Cason... " he paused as to think of something before continuing. "Your father's wand was 12 inches Blackthorn, rigid with dragon heartstring. A rare wand and powerful wand but suited him quite well. Your mother on the other hand favoured a 10 inches willow, flexible, heartstring from a particularly fierce Hungarion Horntail if I remember correctly."

Art looked at him in shock, not knowing how he could remember his parents wands.

The old man smiled at him, "You see yong man, I remember every wand I ever sold, everyone. Your parents choose their wands here, more accurately the wands choose them. They grew up to be fine wizards themselves and I expect the same from you. Now let's find you the perfect wand."

The old man asked Art to put out his arms as he took measurements of him.

"Start off nice and easy, 11 inches. Maple and unicorn hair. Supple." he said giving Art a wand.

Before Art could do anything the old man snatched the wand back and quickly gave him another one. "8 inches. Yew and phoenix feather. Whippy."

Art grabbed the wand but just as quickly the old man took it back. This went on for awhile causing Art to feel bad for the old man. Much to his surprise the old man got happier and happier with every wand that was turned down.

"Tricky, tricky. Now let's try this wand, odd combination but why not." he mumbled handing Art a beautiful deep red wand with intricate markings on it.

When Art touched the wand, a warm feeling coursed through his fingers and up his arm. A white mist came out from the tip of the wand and formed the shape of a dragon.

"Interesting… interesting. 13 inches. Red oak and dragon heartstrings. A particularly bloodthirsty Hebridean Black Dragon that killed a few wizards before being brought down. Not surprising considering your mother ancestry... I can expect great things from you Mr. Cason." the old man said mysteriously.

Artland also bought a wand holster and cleaning kit. After paying, he left the store, the wand still hadn't left his hand because the warm feeling was still spreading throughout his body. Finishing his shopping Artland headed back to the Leaky Cauldron to wait for Amelia. He didn't wait long, Amelia showed up quickly and glanced at Gray and showed displeasure.

"The school only allows owls." she said seriously.

Art scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. He knew that Amelia followed the rules strictly. Seeing Art's face she rolled her eyes and walked back to the car, Art following her. They made their way back to the Sullivan's where Amelia said she would pick him up tomorrow to take him to Hogwarts.

Finally back at his house, he released Gray into the air. Screeching happily he took off high into the air, flying around the house before landing on Art's shoulder. He winced at the sharp talons but gave Gray a mouse and patted his head. He explained to the Sullivan's that the magical world used owls or other birds to deliver messages. So anytime they want to talk to him they can write a letter and attach it to Gray's leg. He would take it straight to Hogwarts for them.

Though they were shocked they both nodded their heads. Tim took Art out in the backyard and they started sparring again. Though Art had drastically improved over the last few years, he was still a far cry from Tim, who had years of actual combat experience. At the end of the session, Art wiped off his sweat and thanked Tim. Though Tim was a man of few words and fewer emotions he pulled Art into a hug.

"Always keep your guard up and if you can find someone to watch your back… make sure you do the same for them." he told Art in a rough voice.

Art hugged him tightly. "You saved me. Thank you." he said with a thick voice.

The two of them walked into the house together, Bella was setting the table. It was there last meal together until Christmas so Bella made all of Art's favourites which included pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches. Art quickly dug into his food, relishing it. The Sullivans smiled at him and ate slowly.

At the end of the meal, Art helped Bella with the dishes in silence. After the dishes were done he went upstairs. Art sat on his bed and cradled his wand in his hands. The warm feeling had finally stopped but he could feel the magic in his body had improved. His gold eyes shined a little brighter than before. Although his wand was brand new he still took out his wand cleaning kit and started polishing it. He also organized his school books and other books into his charmed bag. He tried his robes on and looked at himself in the mirror, seeing if there was anything wrong with them. Not finding anything, he turned his attention to the books he bought and started to go through them. He had mastered the majority of the Standard Book of Spells with wandless magic already but still found some he wanted to try.

Restraining himself he put the book back and polished his wand some more. Sleep didn't come easy as he laid in his bed, tossing and turning. He had the itching feeling to cast some spells with his new wand but resisted the urge. Finally, late into the night, sleep came to Art.

Brilliant lights filled Art's vision as he looked around. Powerful spells and curses surrounded him making the impossible possible. Art saw lots of wizards and witches battling each other around him, he seemed to be invisible to them as he stood and watched. Everything suddenly vanished and a giant, 40 foot long black dragon stood in front of Art, glaring down at him. Facing the dragon, Art held no fear and approached the dragon was a smile. The dragon growled and sent some flames towards Art why easily walked through them. The dragon's head approached Art and looked like it was about to eat him whole. Art placed his hand on its snout, causing the dragon to pause. A second later the dragon disappeared into smoke and Art woke up.

Art found himself sweating and still clutching his wand which was hot to the touch. The heat slowly subsided and he let out a relieved sigh. Sitting up in his bed he saw the sun started to shine through his window. Taking a shower and getting dressed, Art then headed downstairs where the Sullivan's were already up. Sitting down at the table, Bella brought him some steaming waffles and syrup.

After eating there was a knock on the door which Tim got up and answered. Shortly after Amelia walked in, dressed in her dark blue wizards robes.

"You ready?" she asked Art.

"I'll change and grab my bag." he said darting upstairs to change.

He arrived downstairs shortly after in his black Hogwarts robes. Amelia nodded her head in satisfaction.

"Umm… Aunt Amelia, how are we getting there?" Art asked not seeing a car outside.

"Floo Network." she said with her stoic expression.

"Our fireplace?"

"Yes I connected it this morning."

Art turned around and faced the Sullivans, his face heavy with emotions. He ran up and hugged Bella who gently ruffled his hair. "Be safe. We will see you at Christmas." she said sweetly.

Unable to trust himself to speak, he nodded his head. Tim placed a knife in his hands and said, "This was my fathers. He used it in the Second World War."

The knife was a trench knife that had a small inscription on it. 'The fight never stops.'

Art hugged Tim and put the knife in his bag, which earned him a glare from Amelia as weapons were not allowed at school. Pinching a bit of Floo Powder, Art approached the fireplace and looked back before saying, "Thank you… mom and dad. Hogwarts Express!" he said before jumping into the fire and disappearing.