"Let's go. We'll exchange some money at Gringotts first. I imagine you're eager to get started," Professor McGonagall said, knowing Anduin had a substantial amount of savings.
"Gringotts is the only wizarding bank in Britain, run by goblins. It's considered the second safest place in the world, after Hogwarts," she explained as they walked.
Under Professor McGonagall's guidance, Anduin arrived at a fork in the road. One sign pointed to Knockturn Alley, while the other led to Diagon Alley's main thoroughfare. At the intersection stood a white building, guarded by goblins in scarlet uniforms trimmed with gold.
After passing through the first set of gleaming bronze doors, where the goblin guards bowed as they passed, they entered a spacious marble hall through a second set of silver doors. About a hundred goblins sat behind long counters, hastily scribbling in large ledgers. Some weighed coins on scales, while others examined gemstones through magnifying glasses.
It seemed the turmoil in the outside world had little impact on the lives of these goblins.
Guided by Professor McGonagall, Anduin approached a counter, presented his Hogwarts acceptance letter, and received 12 Galleons from the Poor Student Assistance Fund. Although he had enough money to exchange, he figured he might as well take what he was entitled to. He then exchanged British pounds for 100 Galleons, a substantial sum for an eleven-year-old.
Clutching the leather pouch brimming with Galleons, Anduin stepped out of Gringotts. He pulled out a coin and examined it closely. "It looks like pure gold, but it feels different from ordinary gold."
"That's because they're minted by goblins using their unique craftsmanship," Professor McGonagall explained. "It's said they're imbued with special goblin magic to prevent counterfeiting."
"I imagine you're eager to get your own wand," Professor McGonagall said with a smile, watching Anduin clutch his newfound fortune. "You can't get far in the Wizarding World without one."
As they spoke, Professor McGonagall led Anduin to Ollivander's Wand Shop, a venerable establishment steeped in history. Anduin followed her inside.
The shop appeared cramped, narrow, and dilapidated. A wand lay on display on a faded purple cushion in the window. Inside, floor-to-ceiling cabinets were crammed with thousands of long, narrow boxes. Behind the counter, a gaunt old man silently polished a wand.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Ollivander. We're here to purchase a wand."
"Ah, Minerva! Nine and a half inches, fir wood. It's been a while since I last saw you. Time flies—it's already time for the new students again!" Ollivander lowered his gaze to Professor McGonagall, then glanced at Anduin beside her. "These past few days have been rough. Did you hear about yesterday's..."
"Yesterday's unrest won't last. You must have faith in the Ministry of Magic and Dumbledore!" Professor McGonagall interrupted, shooting a warning glance at Anduin, fearing that such negative news might undermine the young wizard's confidence in the Wizarding World.
"Indeed. If it weren't for Dumbledore holding things together, I'd have closed shop long ago. But enough of that. Let's see what kind of wand suits this young gentleman." Ollivander abandoned the previous topic and turned his attention to Anduin.
"Hello, sir. I'm Anduin Wilson."
"Hello, Mr. Wilson. It's rare to see such a polite young man these days." Mr. Ollivander smiled and pulled a long, silver-scaled measuring tape from his coat pocket.
"Hmm... Which hand do you prefer?"
"I'm right-handed."
Ollivander began measuring Anduin, starting from his shoulder to his fingertips, then from his wrist to his elbow. "Remarkably robust for your age!" Ollivander exclaimed, feeling the firm muscles of Anduin's arm.
Anduin's skin crawled with goosebumps. Is this old man a pervert? Measuring is one thing, but groping me? Do I have to get groped just to buy a wand?
Ollivander moved swiftly. Before Anduin could fully process his discomfort, the wandmaker had already pulled a wand from the shelf and handed it over.
"Try this one: ash wood, phoenix feather core, eleven and a half inches. Resilient and courageous."
Anduin took the wand and gave it a gentle wave. A burst of flames erupted from its tip.
"Ah, not a match." Ollivander quickly snatched the wand back and retrieved another.
"How about this one? Elm, core of Fire Dragon heartstring, nine and three-quarters inches. A symbol of wisdom and elegance."
Anduin had barely grasped it when Ollivander snatched it back. "No, not this one either."
"Try this one next. Red oak, male unicorn hair, ten and a half inches. Exceptionally agile."
Anduin took it and gave it a gentle flick. The vase on the counter shattered instantly.
"Well, you're certainly sensitive enough. Perhaps a little too sensitive," Ollivander remarked, retrieving the wand.
"Don't worry, you'll find the right wand here eventually." Anduin tried several more, but Ollivander deemed each unsuitable.
"Now, this one... Lightning-struck wood from a mighty ebony tree, thunderbird feather core, twelve and a quarter inches. Unwavering resolve and exceptional resilience. I even used materials Newt gave me once—it's truly extraordinary.
This wand was a real challenge to craft. It occasionally sparks, and earning its allegiance won't be easy. A discerning customer deserves a discerning wand." Ollivander presented a wand as dark as polished obsidian.
The moment Anduin saw the jade-like wand, he was captivated by its profound aura. As soon as he held it, he felt as if the wand had become an extension of his own body, connected to his very blood.
Anduin lightly flicked the wand, and a faint electric spark flickered at its tip.
"This is the one," Ollivander said with a cheerful smile. "I'm always delighted when a wand finds its perfect match. It's clear this one has chosen you." As a true craftsman, Ollivander found immense satisfaction in seeing his creations find their rightful owners.
"Thank you, Mr. Ollivander. I love it too," Anduin replied, happily twirling his newly acquired wand.
"Ebony, also known as black ebony, is particularly suited for combat magic and transfiguration. I'm confident it will shine in your hands. The standard price for a wizard's first wand is seven Galleons, with Hogwarts covering any additional costs. Just don't lose or damage it!" Ollivander cautioned.
"Don't worry, Mr. Ollivander," Anduin assured him cheerfully as he paid. After thanking Ollivander again, he and Professor McGonagall exited Ollivander's Wand Shop.