We found the Ollivander shop just near the entrance to knock turn alley. It was quite a desolate place being so close to the end of Diagon Alley. We opened the door and there was a gentle jingle of a bell. Seeing no one around we placed our bags down near the entrance of the door. My owl hopped over and sat on my luggage as though guarding it.
Inside the shop was quite a tranquil place, the shop has only a counter and bench. We reached the wooden counter which looks like it has survived through ages and rang the bell which was placed on it. Immediately we hear some shuffling sounds coming from deep inside the shop. I looked over at my dad who was looking around many isles inside the shop filled with boxes.
"Good Evening, and who might you be" A voice drifted over from the shop. I looked confused glancing at every aisle again but could not spot anyone there. Suddenly an old withered hand was placed on my shoulder which made me nearly jump from shock.
"Hello, you must be Ollivander. I am Jack Granger and this is my father, I am here to buy ..." I replied unable to determine how this old fossil was able to ambush me.
"A magic wand, of course, a freshman from Hogwarts"
"Yes sir"
"So Mr. Jack which arm do you usually prefer to use" Ollivander asked while going to the nearest isle.
"I prefer my right hand over my left" I replied while raising my arm. Ollivander threw tape at me which immediately starts to take my arm measurement starting from shoulder to fingertips and then from wrist to elbow before returning back to him.
"Every wand I make is unique Mr. Jack, and each wand here chooses the most suitable customer inside my shop" Ollivander said to me while collecting some boxes from the isle.
"You mean customer select wand more suitable to him" my dad asked confused.
"I mean what I say, Mr. Granger. The wand chooses the wizard not the other way around" He replied while bringing many boxes with him and setting them up on the counter. He unpacks the first box and hands it over to me. I know from fanfics that he wants me to try it out so I swung it around and it produces a very high-pitched squeal making Ollivander immediately snatch it away from me.
"Not this one," he said while taking out another wand. I tried many wands and from time to time they showed adverse reactions. Some of them destroyed nearby furniture while others screamed or produced flames that light the shop on fire. Ollivander was ready and each time he snatches the wand away before taking care of the shop. I was totally spent and my arm felt like a noodle. On the other hand, Ollivander was more excited with every failed try. Time flew by and he went deeper and deeper into the shop to bring in more exotic wand.
"Try this one, 12¾ inch long, dragon heartstring from Norwegian Ridgeback, most aggressive of his kind and elder wood." He said while giving the wand to me. I was surprised at first because elder wood for making wands is not easily found.
I took the wand from Ollivander and flicked it around. immediately sparks burst out from the tip of the wand.
"Powerful wand, this one. Best for improving the power of spells and increasing their efficiency, though elder wood makes their holders are prone to more danger" Ollivander replied while staring at the wand.
"Thank you, Mr. Ollivander, how many galleons for the wand?" I asked. It took a long time to find it and I appreciate him for taking his time for helping me get a compatible wand.
"That would be ten galleons Mr. Jack, Hope" I immediately hand over the money to him. I also asked for a holster which cost another galleon.
As I was heading out I saw Hermione and my mother coming towards the shop. Seeing that they have most of the items with them I waited to check out Hermione's wand. Hemione had a look of a lost puppy and after she saw me she brightens up immediately.
"You got your wand.. and an owl?" She asked looking at the wand and owl "I want to come here before you but mother had to buy those magic cream and lotions"
"Now dear, I already bought several things for you too" Mom replied while glaring at Hermione as though she sold her out.
"Go ahead and go get your wand" I said while leaning over the wall. Hermione's wand was much easier to find than mine, as after the fourth try there were sparks from the tip.
"10¾" long, made of vine wood, and possessed a dragon heartstring core" Ollivander said. "Great for transfiguration and protects the holder from danger, That will be seven galleon Mrs. Hermione"
My father paid the money as he was sure most of the galleon on my mother's hands will be gone by now." Next, let's go buy books you both need for this semester." My father said while leading us to one of the most populated store in the alley.
I looked over the name 'Flourish and Blotts Bookseller' written over the shop in blue ink. Inside we saw many isles filled to the brim with many books. Hermione immediately found the isle where 'Hogwarts, a history' books were kept. We already agreed to buy different books and share it with each other except for course books. My father went ahead and bought two sets of the course books and waited for us near the counter. Soon we were back with a handful of books.
I was more interested in healing arts that were not properly explained in the series. Healing arts was not even a course taught in Hogwarts so I was hoping to learn by myself. Other than that I bought a book on the laws of the wizarding world to know more about the shitty laws that were explained in different fanfics. I wanted many more books but I left them alone for one very important book every reincarnated person tries to get their hands on. Yes, I am talking about Occlumency books. Their prices were through the roof. Each book was priced at forty gallons. For comparison, other books cost less than two gallons each.
Unlike what told in other fics, the occlumency books were readily available to learn with a high price tag. From what I gather talking to the manager, the prices were surged by different aristocratic families in the market to prevent muggle-born from purchasing it.
I brought only three books over while Hermione brought a whole pile of them and placed them on the counter. My father looked at her as if she was trying to make him bankrupt but when they started billing the books, my books came out a lot higher. I can see my father started to fawn over Hermione while making sure I don't go back and bring any more books.
The total bill came out to be eighty-three galleons. My mother regretfully gave up leftover galleons to my father to settle the bill. We went back to Madam Malkin's to get our robes and then hailed a cab from the front of the leaky cauldron back to our home.
At home, I went ahead and placed all my stuff on the bed. I placed all the course books to study later and took out occlumancy books and started reading them. Hermione did the same but she took out Hogwarts a history.
And so started my journey to become a wizard.