Chapter 476 "The First Stage"
Although they know that Mr. Ollivander is Stephanie's grandfather, this still surprises them.
Just like just now, when he tested Krum's wand from Gregorovitch, although he didn't show it much, everyone present could feel his feeling. It just feels like the wand would be even better if he did it.
Today, Mr. Ollivander praised his granddaughter so much. Although there may be because of their family bonds, others have not forgotten that Stephanie has been using this wand since she was in the first grade.
In other words, she built a wand herself before she entered Hogwarts and even used techniques that other famous wandmakers would not use.
This talent is good enough. People have already thought that if their wands can be further modified and enhanced in the future, they may find her later.
Stephanie's wand talent is so good that when they first met, she wanted to create a wand club. Sean scratched his head in embarrassment because he tried to make one, but it was subpar.
For her grandfather's praise, Stephanie didn't show any joy. She just nodded slightly.
In the end, it was Sean's turn. Out of trust in Stephanie, Sean handed over the wand. It doesn't matter if it is found that his wand is not the original one and he has not registered with the Ministry of Magic. He just wants to make sure the wand is fine.
After taking the wand from Sean's hand, Mr. Ollivander raised the wand and looked around in front of his eyes. Immediately afterward, only Sean saw the obvious shock in his eyes.
Mr. Ollivander caressed his wand anxiously with his hands and finally returned it to Sean with great reluctance.
"Elm, thirteen inches, with a dragon heartstring core. When you bought it with me, this was my earliest work," Ollivander said with emotion, "Elm wands tend to be elegant and magical. In my experience, elm is the least accidental of all wand woods, the least prone to foolish mistakes, and the smoothest one in spells. I think you should also have a deep understanding of it."
It seems that Mr. Ollivander has received a signal from his granddaughter and is hiding it from Sean.
Sean replied politely, "Yes, sir, it is a very useful wand."
"However, I have to mention," Ollivander showed a rather meaningful expression, "The wand should be well maintained regularly."
"Of course, I haven't taken care of it recently, and I will do it later." Sean replied with some embarrassment.
After the wand was tested, Ludo asked everyone to gather around to take a photo. Sean stood behind Daisy and Stephanie, like their brother. The Weasley twins put their arms around their shoulders with a smile on their faces, and Cedric stood at the end and gave a thumbs-up with a bright smile.
The delegates from other schools also stood together in a mess. When Dumbledore stood in the middle, huge smoke and flashes covered everyone.
"This thing is too noisy..."
The group photo was not finished, and everyone was dragged to take a lot of solo photos. Several people in Durmstrang almost clashed with the photographer because they felt that he was too close.
When everything was over, Sean, Daisy, and Stephanie went downstairs to eat together. When they reached the corner where no one was there, Stephanie said softly, "He told me secretly that he wanted me to ask about it. Of course, these are just some of his curiosities."
Sean shrugged, "What?"
"How on earth did unicorn hair and phoenix tail feathers get combined?" Stephanie asked, clearly doubting herself. "He couldn't figure it out. He was curious, and so was I."
"Uhh, how should I put it?" Sean was a little embarrassed when she asked such a direct question.
Although he was able to gain a keen eye for wand wood and core material when he used his ability on the panel, the ability to mix the two cores is not his own.
Seeing Sean's expression, Stephanie immediately said, "I understand."
Sean smiled awkwardly. If he knew it himself, he wouldn't mind teaching it to his friends, but the problem is that he really can't explain it.
Seeing his expression, Stephanie thought that Sean had misunderstood his meaning and added, "I know you are confused, and I didn't mean to mock you. The question is also because of my grandfather's and my own curiosity. We're just curious about the answer."
"I know, but I really can't explain the principle clearly." Sean said sincerely.
"Well, it's normal. There are so many things about magic that we can't explain." Stephanie was very understanding at this time.
Daisy suddenly bumped into Sean, "Sean, can you change our wands?"
"Well, a little bit, but not much."
"Can you transform both me and Hermione's wand?"
"My success rate is very low; most likely, I would break your wand."
"Then I'll wait until your success rate is high!" Daisy said with a smile.
"That's not a problem." This was originally Sean's idea. As he became more proficient, he helped his friends transform and strengthen their wands.
Stephanie also said beside her, "I can help, and the wand coating can also enhance the wand's power later."
"Okay. Oh yeah, Stephanie, can you show me your wand? Because it's really nice."
"Of course, take it." Stephanie handed over the wand readily.
"Wow, it's so beautiful. Hey, what's the effect of this coating?"
"There are a lot."
Seeing the two chatting happily, Sean scratched his head with some doubts.
When did they get to know each other so well?
----
Time passed quickly, and soon November 14th came.
During this period, Skeeter's article for the Tournament was published in the Daily Prophet, which caused Sean some trouble. Skeeter did not dare mess with the interview. But that day, the cover of the Daily Prophet was not the group photo but a single photo of Sean.
The interview with Sean alone occupies the entire report, and at least five other students' photos are being put there. Despite there were 15 contestants.
The students who received the newspaper all looked at Sean with surprised and slightly weird eyes, which made him quite distressed.
The colors that represent Ravenclaw are embellished on the badge. In the center of the badge is a portrait of Sean's head, and there is a line of words below: Sean Wallup, the most outstanding contestant from Hogwarts.
With one click, the badge will also rotate and transform into a picture of Sean holding a cup.
Every time students tried to show him this, he felt like he wanted to give them double the homework. It was unbearable for him. But it's unrealistic for this group of kids who adore him to get rid of it, so Sean simply didn't do anything else.
On the second day, the images of all Hogwarts students were spread. Except for the Weasley twins, who enjoyed it, everyone else expressed a certain level of shame, which made Sean feel much better.
However, to Sean's surprise, the specific content of the first stage was not given until the competition day. It seems that the confidentiality measures were well done this time.
On game day, after lunch at noon, the professors sent all the students to the paddock, leaving only the delegates from each school. The professors from each school led their respective teams toward the competition field.
Professor McGonagall led Cedric's team, and Professor Flitwick led Sean's Ravenclaws team. Under his leadership, they walked up the steps, crossed the gravel road, and circled towards the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
"Three Ravenclaws, this is amazing." Professor Flitwick murmured excitedly all the way.
However, he didn't seem at ease, and when he was about to arrive at the location, Professor Flitwick turned around and asked, "Listen, if there is any danger, you must make sure you are safe yourself. No matter what the result is, you will always be the proudest Ravenclaw I've ever had."
"Of course, Professor."
Sean held Daisy's hand all the time, and she was so nervous that she was about to faint when the day was approaching. By the time they entered a huge tent, where the rest of the students were already waiting, it looked like they weren't much better off.
Krum stood there without saying a word, frowning. Reinhardt and Leon both showed anxiety. Fleur and her teammates sat together, constantly taking deep breaths. Even the Weasley twins could only laugh to relieve their stress.
"Cedric, take it easy."
"Cedric, don't be afraid."
"We can protect you." The two said in unison.
After playing tricks together, Cedric found that he was not so nervous anymore. Sean grabbed Daisy's hand and walked to a corner, then patted her head.
"Sean, I'm already in the fourth grade..." Daisy said lowly.
Looking into her eyes, Sean smiled softly, "Yes, you are already in the fourth grade. You got rid of the most terrifying thing in your body, you have a best friend, you have learned so much powerful magic, and the Patronus that shocked many professors. I think from the bottom of my heart, you are one of the most outstanding girls I have ever met."
Daisy stared blankly at Sean, her face gradually warming up.
Sean pulled Stephanie over, "And we're all here."
Looking at their expressions, Daisy took a deep breath and nodded heavily, "I can do it!"
"Good."
Just as they were talking, the tent was lifted. Sean leaned over when he heard a gloomy voice.
"Come here, Miss Potter."
It was Snape. Daisy was a bit startled and quickly raised her head. After realizing that no one was paying attention to her, she walked quickly and saw Snape outside the tent.
"Professor, you are here?" Daisy shouted in surprise.
"Yes..." Snape Replied.
He was confused about what to say but finally made out a sentence: "Stay safe."
"I will, Professor!"
Snape took a deep breath, "Wallup, take care of her."
Sean nodded seriously, "I promise, Professor."
Snape was silent for a moment, "Good."
After that, he left.
Immediately after, Hermione sneaked in, "My God, I just saw Snape. Oh, Daisy."
The two girls just bumped into each other, and after looking at each other, Hermione couldn't help but hug Daisy tightly.
"Daisy..."
"Hermione..."
When the two hugged for a while, Hermione let go of Daisy and looked at Stephanie.
"You must also be careful." She took the initiative to grab her hand for the first time.
Stephanie was slightly surprised. Subconsciously, she wanted to walk away, but she held back. "I will."
"Sean." Hermione looked over.
"You don't even give me a hug?" Sean laughed.
Hermione hesitated for a moment and finally hugged him. She was too forceful as if she was trying to rub herself into Sean's body.
"I trust you…"
Her whisper was interrupted by Ludo,
"Okay, come here, students." He looked weird in an old jersey. I gotta tell you about the first game. Ooh, the audience can't wait."
He pulled out a purple cloth bag in his left hand, and five magic ropes of different colors appeared.