After trying over a hundred wands, Wayne had become something of an experienced novice. If incompatible, his magical power would reject it violently, producing wild, unstable magic. If the match was mediocre or completely lacking, it might spray some water or shoot off a few fireworks just for show.
When somewhat suitable, the magic produced was mostly Transfiguration.
But never had any wand felt like this one—the moment it touched his hand, it felt like a perfect fusion.
Like finding the most beautiful companion in a KTV, it eagerly displayed its splendour.
Instinctively, Wayne raised the wand high.
Silver-white mist billowed forth, swirling in the air before gradually coalescing into form.
Professor McGonagall, initially confused, suddenly realised what was happening and displayed rare astonishment. "Impossible!"
Ollivander's lips trembled. "The Patronus Charm... It's actually the Patronus Charm."
Not to mention that the Patronus Charm was an extremely advanced defensive spell against dark magic, one that many adult wizards couldn't master.
But what young wizard would spontaneously cast a Patronus Charm upon receiving their first wand?!
The silver-white Patronus finally took full shape, and both McGonagall and Ollivander stared intently before their expressions turned utterly dumbfounded. "Is that... an egg?"
Wayne too fell into deep speechlessness. 'What the hell!'
'Whose proper Patronus takes the form of an egg? Is he supposed to throw it at Dementors to knock them out? Hurry up and hatch already! Hmm?'
A thought struck Wayne—'could this be related to the Pokémon Egg currently incubating at home?'
As the wand lowered slightly, the Patronus dissipated, allowing Ollivander and McGonagall to finally recover from their shock.
"A perfect performance, Mr Lawrence," Ollivander said, taking a deep breath. "This moment shall be permanently recorded in the annals of Ollivander family history.
"Legend says the rowan tree was what Hercules used to honour his father, Zeus, known as the sacred tree in ancient Greece.
"The feather of a unicorn is also the purest material, extremely loyal to its owner, and stable.
"I believe you will achieve great heights in Defence Against the Dark Arts in the future, perhaps even become the next Dumbledore."
Wayne laughed heartily and teased, "You don't say that to every young wizard, do you?"
Ollivander smiled without answering.
He did tend to say nice things while selling wands, but that was just for KPI—nothing to take seriously.
But this time, he genuinely meant it.
After paying 7 Galleons for the wand and another 15 for the full set of advanced wand care tools, the two finally left Ollivander's shop.
What a ruthless business.
Only now did he realise why such an important piece of magical weaponry as a wand was sold for as little as 7 Galleons.
On one hand, the Ministry of Magic subsidised every young wizard's first wand, and Ollivander would claim reimbursement for the difference.
On the other hand, the real money was in after-sales services—just like the "printer-and-ink trap" in the Muggle world, the profits came later.
There was little time to celebrate acquiring his wand. Having already wasted too much time, they had to hurry now.
Bookshop, robe shop, cauldron shop, and the astronomy store.
After making the rounds, Wayne finally bought everything Hogwarts required, along with several books that piqued his personal interest.
Fortunately, Flourish and Blotts and the other shops offered owl delivery services for just 3 silver Sickles, making Wayne marvel at how affordable things were in the magical world.
3 silver Sickles—it was practically free shipping.
The only regret was that with Professor McGonagall accompanying him, Wayne couldn't conveniently buy many of the more amusing items, like Itching Powder or Dungbombs—classic prank tools.
Before parting ways, McGonagall asked once more if Wayne wanted to purchase a pet.
First-year students were allowed to bring owls, toads, or rats as pets.
Wayne had little interest in any of these creatures, even the adorable Scottish round-faced chubby chickens—he didn't feel the need.
Owls were generally used for sending letters, and he didn't have any magical friends to correspond with yet.
If he ever needed an owl in the future, he could always borrow one from a classmate or use the school's.
"Mr Lawrence, my task here is complete. The next time we meet will be at the start of term."
After Apparating Wayne back home, Professor McGonagall prepared to leave—she had another young wizard's home to visit that afternoon.
Before departing, McGonagall added, "While the Ministry doesn't permit underage wizards to cast spells outside school, there are always exceptions.
"Over the next month, you may try previewing your coursework and learning some less dangerous spells. If you have any questions, you can send me an owl via Diagon Alley."
After witnessing the scene in Ollivander's shop, McGonagall now held high hopes for Wayne's potential and was more than willing to offer whatever help she could.
Hearing her words, Wayne's eyes lit up. "Would that not trouble you, Professor?"
Though his talents were now at their peak and he even had a cheat, mastering magic was not something that could be achieved overnight. Turning talent into skill required extensive knowledge and practice. With the guidance of a master like McGonagall, Wayne could avoid many detours.
"Of course not, I'm always happy to help eager young wizards with their questions," McGonagall said before waving her hand again and Apparating away.
Wayne watched her leave before turning back to his house.
Though grateful for McGonagall's kindness, Gryffindor? That wasn't the house Wayne wanted to be in.