Chapter 37: Cassandra Makes an Appearance!
A middle-aged man entered with a young girl around Kael's age.
The girl had golden hair flowing over her shoulders and a pair of large eyes with an air of superiority.
Cassandra Vole?
Kael immediately recognized her.
This world just keeps getting more interesting.
"Oh, Professor Dumbledore, what a pleasure to run into you here!"
The middle-aged man's eyes lit up when he saw Dumbledore, and he quickly approached him with a warm greeting.
"Mr. Vole, it's been a while!"
The Vole family is also a pure-blood family, though not from Britain, or rather, not anymore!
They migrated to America over 200 years ago.
However, the Vole family has deep ties with Hogwarts, with many of its members having served as teachers there.
In fact, a portrait of one of their ancestors still hangs in the headmaster's office.
Thus, every generation of the Vole family has attended Hogwarts.
"I'm sorry, I wrote to explain in advance that we were delayed… We only just arrived and were planning to come to Diagon Alley to buy a wand for my niece before heading to Hogwarts to find you."
"I didn't expect to run into you here," Mr. Vole said apologetically.
"It's alright. I've already met Miss Vole during the holidays, haven't I?"
Dumbledore winked at Cassandra.
"The Sorting Hat has already assigned her to Slytherin."
Hogwarts has been established for over a thousand years, with a well-established system.
Of course, in a magical world dominated by pure-blood families, privileges are not uncommon.
In fact, Cassandra's sorting ceremony happened a few days earlier than other young witches and wizards.
"That's strange, Professor Dumbledore. Why is Diagon Alley so empty today?" Mr. Vole looked around in confusion.
It used to be bustling every time he came to Diagon Alley.
"Who knows? I'd guess it's because the young witches and wizards would have to attend school," Dumbledore fabricated an excuse.
What else could he say?
That people were scared away because he was there?
As the "greatest wizard of the century," he couldn't lose face.
"Why don't we do this, Mr. Vole? Just leave your niece with me for now."
"I happen to be here to buy a wand for a student as well."
The Vole family had recently faced some minor issues, which is why Cassandra's enrollment was delayed.
"Oh, that's wonderful! To be honest, I've been overwhelm lately."
Mr. Vole was instantly delighted. He briefed Cassandra and then bid farewell to Dumbledore and Cassandra'.
He still needed to use the portkey to return to America, which was a dreadful experience.
After the farewells, Dumbledore led the two young wizards to Ollivanders to buy wands.
"Are you also a new student at Hogwarts?" Cassandra curiously eyed Kael, finally noticing his green scarf.
"A Slytherin? What a coincident."
"I'm Cassandra. You can call me Big Sis!"
"Be my little brother, and I'll take care of you at school!"
Cassandra spoke with a touch of arrogance.
But Kael knew she was just a bit of a tsundere—cold on the outside but warm on the inside.
But that's alright…
For Kael, even if Merlin himself were resurrected, he'd still make sure to leave a few boxes behind!
(T/N: The phrase "even if Merlin himself were resurrected, he'd still make sure to leave a few boxes behind!" is a humorous exaggeration that emphasizes Kael's audacity and confidence. It implies that Kael is so bold and fearless that even if Merlin, one of the most powerful and legendary wizards in history, were to come back to life, Kael wouldn't be intimidated or hesitate. Instead, he would insist on Merlin leaving behind some sort of treasure or reward ("a few boxes") before allowing him to go.)
"Oh, really?"
"That's great! You'll be my Big Sis then. But how about calling you Cassie instead? And Don't worry 'Cassie' I'll make sure to boost your reputation later!""
Kael showed an excited expression.
"Cassie? That's a rather odd nickname, but whatever you like!" Cassandra maintained an aloof demeanor.
But inside, she was a bit thrilled.
Even before starting school, she had already gained a little brother.
Not bad!
"Alright, kids, we've arrived."
As they were chatting, they arrived at the door of Ollivanders.
Ollivanders is not only one of the "Sacred Twenty-Eight Pure-Blood Families" but also one of the three great wand makers in the wizard world.
Many foreigners specifically come to Diagon Alley to buy his wands.
The shop's sign boldly proclaims: "Ollivanders—Making Fine Wands Since 382 B.C.!"
Kael was somewhat baffled.
What mindset could lead someone to display "Specializing in Wand-Making for Two Thousand Years" on a sign?
"Professor, let me open the door!" Kael eagerly stepped forward and even winked at Cassandra.
"Alright," Dumbledore smiled.
He noticed another of Kael's shining qualities.
What a polite child!
The next second…
"Bang!"
Kael kicked open the door to the wand shop.
Then he swaggered inside.
"Everyone, get out of the way! My Big Sis Cassandra is here!"
"Where is everyone? Hurry up and come out to welcome us!"
Dumbledore and Cassandra outside heard Kael's arrogant voice from inside.
They were immediately thrown into chaos.
Feeling a surge in blood pressure.
Cassandra: "????"
[Ding! Depressed mood detected!]
[Ding! Extracting treasure chest for the host!]
[Ding! Congratulations, host, on receiving a Silver Chest!]
[Ding! Depressed mood detected!]
[Ding! Extracting treasure chest for the host!]
[Ding! Congratulations, host, on receiving a Silver Chest!]