08: Mr. Ollivander

"Let's go pick out the first-year textbooks!"

Hermione couldn't wait to pull Ivan towards the rows of bookshelves.

They didn't choose to buy second-hand books.

Some people may think that the notes of senior students on second-hand books can better assist learning. But it only limits the understanding to the level of the previous student who made the notes.

For the two, second-hand books are really unnecessary except for saving money.

Especially Hermione, she needs new books because it gives her more space to take notes and highlight key points.

"Please pack Miranda Goshawk's Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4 for me."

Ivan bought all the textbooks that a young wizard would need in the next few years at once, which made Hermione envious.

Unfortunately, Hermione's gold galleons were not enough for her to be so generous.

Fortunately, Ivan promised the little witch that he would lend her those advanced textbooks, which greatly improved Hermione's favor and completely let go of the last bit of grudge in her heart.

Both of them were born as Muggles, but Ivan was more talented than her.

Not only that, Ivan's modesty, gentleness, strength, and wisdom won the little witch's admiration.

Ivan had read the original book and knew the little witch's personality.

Hermione at this time was a typical person with high IQ and low EQ. She was domineering and rigid and didn't know how to adapt.

Fortunately, Ivan had his own way~

As long as he regarded the little witch as a somewhat willful sister, Ivan found her much more tolerable.

For a young girl, a bit of petulance was no big deal.

"Ivan, you know a lot."

Had it been anyone else, Hermione might not have been so receptive.

But facing Ivan, a boy of her age who was both more knowledgeable and mature, Hermione instinctively chose to trust him and sought to amend her own shortcomings.

Because Professor McGonagall hadn't returned yet, Hermione stayed in Flourish and Blotts with Ivan to read books.

However, Ivan learned faster than Hermione. Whenever she struggled with a concept, she found that asking Ivan resulted in simple and clear explanations.

Of course, it wasn't a one-way street.

The two had different learning styles and focuses.

Hermione preferred to memorize texts verbatim, ensuring she missed no details.

In contrast, Ivan focused on understanding the key points and essentials, which often led Hermione to point out details that Ivan overlooked on his first pass.

This approach brought them closer together, and they became good friends who shared ideas and studied together.

"Ahem."

It was unclear how much time had passed when Professor McGonagall, returning from her errands, observed this congenial scene. She cleared her throat and smiled: "It seems you two are getting along quite well."

"Yeah."

Ivan praised: "Hermione is the smartest girl I have ever seen."

'S.. Smartest..!!'

Being labeled as "the smartest" by Ivan made even Hermione blush a little.

"T.. Thanks..(˵¯͒〰¯͒˵)" The young witch, fighting back her embarrassment, declared proudly, "I mean, Obviously! ..But Ivan, you are the smartest one."

Growing up, Hermione had never conceded that anyone was smarter than her, and Ivan was the only exception.

"Is that so?"

"Now, now," Professor McGonagall was delighted that they had become such good friends. "My clever little sir and lady, pack up your things; it's time to choose our first wands."

Wands are tools used by wizards to aid in casting spells.

One of the defining features of wizards in the Harry Potter universe, as opposed to other magical realms, is their reliance on wands for spellcasting.

However, this need isn't absolute.

The function of the wand is to channel the wizard's magical power, allowing it to more accurately achieve the intended effect.

"Professor," Ivan inquired as he followed Professor McGonagall, "Is it possible to cast spells without a wand?"

"Many young wizards ask the same question," Professor McGonagall responded, glancing at Ivan. "Casting spells without a wand is known as wandless magic, which requires very advanced magical skills."

She continued to explain, likening the young wizard to a newborn baby. The magical power within them is akin to 'the ability to speak,' and using a wand to cast spells is like mastering a language.

In simple terms, if casting spells with a wand is comparable to speaking in one's native tongue, then wandless magic is like learning to speak a foreign language.

The same is true in reverse.

When African wizards, who are accustomed to casting spells with gestures, suddenly use a wand, it does not necessarily enhance their spellcasting. Instead, they might find it cumbersome and even risk losing control of their magic.

Casting spells without the aid of spells or wands is considered the pinnacle of magical ability in this world, representing the ultimate realization of one's desires.

With Ivan's current level of magic, he isn't yet ready to achieve such feats. His ambitions, while commendable, are somewhat premature.

"Ivan, you must understand that not every young wizard can wield such power," Professor McGonagall cautioned. "The safety and stability of magic are more crucial than its convenience."

The risks of magical mishaps are significant. There have been instances where even seasoned wizards have fallen victim to their own spells.

"I understand, Professor," Ivan responded.

Though Ivan possessed substantial magical power, aside from the Obscurus and his inherent blood magics, his abilities were largely limited to simpler spells, such as summoning objects from afar or making things vanish.

Professor McGonagall looked at Ivan with a mixture of relief and fondness. She appreciated his intelligence and level-headedness, which made her more inclined to provide him with detailed guidance, unlike her approach with other young wizards.

Soon, they arrived at a modest, somewhat dilapidated shop.

The gold lettering on the door was flaking off, proclaiming: Ollivander: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C.

In the shop's dusty window, a lone wand rested on a faded purple cushion.

The interior was simple, furnished with nothing more than a bench.

"Oh, good morning, Minerva."

In the dimly lit room, a soft, aged voice emerged from among the wand boxes stacked nearly to the ceiling. The elderly man approached the counter and smiled: "Nine and a half inches, fir wood, dragon heartstring core, hard texture."

He was recalling the wand that Professor McGonagall had purchased there years ago.

"Your memory has always been so sharp, Garrick."

"Memory? No, no, no, I always believe that it is the wand that chooses the wizard," Mr. Ollivander replied.

He sighed: "I still remember that day, it was just after I had taken over the shop from my father, and then I met a particularly discerning witch."

"Isn't that considered having a sharp memory?"

Hermione whispered into Ivan's ear, but Ivan coughed softly, signaling that Ollivander was watching them. The slightly embarrassed young witch stuck out her tongue and lowered her head.