6

Chapter 6: Fifteen Inches, Yew Trees, And Thestral Tail Feathers

"Blackthorn wood, thunderbird tail feathers, eleven and two-thirds inches. A potent wand, unique to warriors and particularly adept in Transfiguration, though its power is challenging to control," Ollivander explained, carefully handing Ethan a dark wand from a dusty box.

He noticed Ethan's affinity for powerful wands.

Dragon heartstrings were proactive and subservient, eager to perform.

Phoenix feathers shared similar traits, considered more cooperative.

Only unicorn hair proved less suitable.

Zap! Electric currents danced over Ethan's body the moment he gripped the wand, yet Ethan felt no discomfort.

As he waved it, magic flowed smoothly through the wand, almost feeling like an extension of his own body. "Mr. Ollivander, I think this might be the one," Ethan declared confidently.

After trying numerous wands, this one resonated best with Ethan—suited not only for combat but also for Transfiguration.

"No, not this one," Ollivander disagreed, shaking his head.

With a lifetime devoted to wandlore—from materials selection to craftsmanship to finding the right wizard—Ollivander's experience and keen perception discerned the wand's and wizard's mutual suitability.

Like before, the blackthorn thunderbird wand earnestly expressed itself when held by Ethan, hoping to be chosen.

While a good match, Ollivander believed Ethan deserved a more fitting wand.

"Alright," Ethan shrugged, placing the wand back in its box.

He wondered which wand would ultimately choose him.

"Aspen wood, horn of a horned water snake, twelve and a half inches. A duelist's wand, potent and capable of warding off serpent tongues," Ollivander introduced another wand, omitting a price that exceeded Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts allowances by fewer than 5,000 gold galleons—something he wouldn't negotiate.

With rare materials and his craftsmanship, it justified the cost.

For standard wands, like those with unicorn hair, a 10 to 20 galleon increase sufficed, pricing based on wand materials.

Dragon heartstrings were pricier, varying by dragon breed.

Phoenix feathers, costlier than dragon heartstrings.

Thankfully, he had stock, though phoenix feather wands were picky and seldom chosen, necessitating Dumbledore's phoenix's swift renewal. (Twin wands, Harry and Voldemort shared the same phoenix. Although unclear, they likely molted simultaneously. Other wand cores marked different phoenix life cycles, each reflecting rebirth. Just two phoenixes reside in the wizarding world, too few. Either Phoenix Feather Wands are discontinued or exclusively twin.)

America's horned water snakes were rare, their horns taking over ten years to mature fully.

Demand for horned water snake wands was high in America, linked to Ilvermorny's founder's choice and rarity.

Ollivander, though, faced no such concerns. His shop's Hogwarts and Ministry of Magic ties dated centuries, contracts mere years after the Ministry's founding.

Control over wand quality compelled most wizards to choose Ollivander. (Across Great Britain)

Following a brief trial of the aspen horned water snake wand, Ollivander sighed regretfully.

"Nor is this wand most suited for you."

Without needing to see it, Ollivander knew—Ethan, too adept in combat or dark magic, had found another wand that recognized its master at first touch.

"Garrick?"

Concerned, Professor McGonagall looked at Ollivander, stunned. She lacked insight but knew this was unusual for him. Prior, Ollivander calmly matched picky young wizards to suitable wands.

How could Ethan study magic without a wand?

"No issue, but Mr. Adrian's talent astounds me."

Ollivander packed away all wand boxes, searching beneath the counter.

"Try this—yew wood, thestral tail feathers, fifteen inches."

"My most successful creation for a time."

Specifically, Ollivander's collection. Unexpecting a fitting wizard, he took a chance.

Ethan, assuredly talented, wielded a wand superior in combat and dark magic.

In midlife, Ollivander felt adept and strove to craft the mightiest wand, asserting prominence among wandmakers.

The template—the Elder Wand, universally 15 inches. Initiated with elder and thestral feathers, yet perennially flawed.

Future trials tested elder and other cores, thestral feathers with other bodies.

Years, expenses culminated—failing. The Elder Wand isn't within mortal skill.

Still, the yew thestral feather wand was his finest work.

Ollivander and Professor McGonagall watched as Ethan hesitated, grasping the yew thestral feather wand.

Though Ollivander gave no detail, Ethan understood. Yew wood, akin to Voldemort's wand, favored dark magic. Thestral tail feathers, grim creatures—Elder Wand's core.

Magic surged. The wand prior was easier but less substantial than this.

Ollivander and Professor McGonagall saw Ethan's wand's tips sprout with deep, dark light, swirling about his arm.

"This is it, Mr. Adrian," Ollivander contented, finding the right wand for a picky wizard and his treasured wizard.

Talent for dark magic—Ollivander cared little. Without issue, the Ministry of Magic intervenes. He vends wands.

Seven gold galleons secured Ethan's wand. With Professor McGonagall, he left Ollivander's Wand Shop.

Subsequently, under her guide, Ethan visited Flourish and Blotts, Madam Malkin's Robe Shop, and Partridge's Cauldron Shop.

In total, sixty-eight gold galleons and nine Sigs were spent, textbooks a significant cost.

Freshmen also acquired pets—owls, toads, mice.

Ethan refused, skipping Eeylop's Owl Emporium.

Toads and mice bored Ethan. Hogwarts' owls sufficed.