The morning sun spilled warmly across the street, but it couldn't dispel the chill that had settled over Diagon Alley.
Most of the shops had their doors closed, signs posted in the windows: "Closed for Christmas Holidays. See you soon!" Still, every storefront was decked out in festive trimmings—bells swaying gently in the breeze, filling the alley with a soft, tinkling melody.
"Most people have gone home for Christmas," Luna observed, hands clasped behind her back as she hopped along the cobblestones.
Flourish and Blotts was one of the few shops still open, a special table set up front and center, overflowing with all sorts of magical Christmas cards. Some jingled like tiny bells, some released a flurry of snowflakes with every opening, and others offered cheerful holiday wishes in lilting, enchanted voices.
Wyzett and Luna slipped inside, picking up a copy of Why I Didn't Die When the Augurey Cried and reading it together, heads nearly touching.
"Wyzett! Merry Christmas!"
"Mr. Bassat, Merry Christmas!"
The owner, Clotaire Bassat, approached with a broad smile. "Have you forgotten the spot I saved for you upstairs? Come, have a seat!"
Luna was utterly absorbed in the book, so Wyzett had no reason to refuse.
The second floor had been freshly renovated, the tables arranged with a tasteful elegance—like a wizarding salon. Even with the holidays approaching, a handful of witches and wizards gathered here, deep in animated conversation and debate.
Bassat brought over a set of fine china and a plate of pastries. "And this is…?"
Wyzett introduced her naturally. "My sister, Luna."
Luna replied in her dreamy, gentle voice, "Hello, Mr. Bassat. It's lovely to meet you."
She gazed around the room, unhurried. "My father says bookstores are like portals to higher dimensions. I think… ghosts would enjoy lingering here, too."
Following her instincts had always been Luna's gift.
Wyzett nodded, used to her flights of thought. "The ghosts at Hogwarts are quite learned—like the Grey Lady."
"Mr. Bassat, the Grey Lady is Ravenclaw's ghost. Whenever we're in trouble, she's always happy to help."
"Hmm…" Bassat tried to follow their conversation. "Wyzett, do you mean… I could invite ghosts to reside here?"
"That would be a truly magical experiment," Wyzett replied, glancing at Luna. The two shared a knowing smile.
He continued, "A bookstore is a place where knowledge gathers. Books can share knowledge… and so can ghosts."
"Oh!" Bassat's eyes lit up as he began to understand. "It would add character! After all, Hogwarts has so many ghosts—maybe it could bring a bit of that magical atmosphere here."
"Maybe try a different theme each month?" Wyzett suggested, recalling models from his previous life. "We're just starting out—it would help us reach a broader audience."
"Yes, yes, exactly!" Bassat nodded enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling. "Novelty is important—that way, people will keep coming back…"
Wyzett listened as Bassat outlined his plans, mostly content to play the role of attentive audience. Only when Bassat's throat grew hoarse did he pause, shaking his head apologetically. "Sorry, I got carried away. I must have bored you."
"Not at all." Wyzett smiled. "Your ideas are completely new to me—they're fascinating."
Bassat was a man of action. Seizing the moment, he left the shop at once, eager to find someone to help put his plans into motion.
Luna was still lost in her book and had no intention of leaving Flourish and Blotts just yet.
Wyzett left her to her reading and stepped back out into the alley.
With most magical shops closed, he'd have to visit some of the ordinary stores for his errands. Honestly, there wasn't much difference—he just needed to pop into Gringotts for a currency exchange.
The goblin-run bank didn't observe Christmas, but the marble hall was almost empty, and business moved much faster than usual.
There were no restrictions on exchanging Galleons for pounds, so Wyzett's spending was far more flexible.
His next stop was the wand shop. He'd been poring over wandmaker's notes lately and had a few questions for Ollivander.
To his surprise, he found not only Ollivander inside, but Dumbledore as well.
"Wyzett, you're here!" Ollivander greeted him, his head swathed in bandages that gave off a strong herbal aroma.
Those silvery eyes seemed duller than usual, a hint of confusion clouding their depths.
Wyzett hurried forward. "Mr. Ollivander, what happened to you?"
"I'm fine, just a little mishap," Ollivander waved it off. "Albus was just mentioning you—said you've been doing brilliantly at school. And then, here you are."
"Indeed, what a delightful coincidence," Dumbledore said, adjusting his half-moon spectacles. "Are you here to do some shopping?"
"Yes." Wyzett nodded. "I was in Diagon Alley and thought I'd stop by to see Mr. Ollivander…"
Dumbledore smiled. "You look relaxed—that's good."
"That's because I'm home!" Wyzett grinned. "But… what happened to Mr. Ollivander, exactly?"
"It's quite the rarity—the wand shop was burglarized," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling. "But the culprit's been caught and should be on their way to Azkaban."
Wyzett's worry deepened. "Mr. Ollivander… were you badly hurt?"
"Just a minor thing!" Ollivander insisted, waving his hand. "It only needs gentle healing, so it looks more dramatic than it is."
"Gentle healing? I could…" Wyzett almost offered to use the Mundus Totalus charm, but caught himself. "Actually, I have some bandages made from unicorn hair."
Snape's recent advice had been on his mind—best to keep the Mundus Totalus charm a secret, and not use it in front of too many people.
But for a venerable old man who'd once sworn an Unbreakable Vow to keep a secret, Wyzett still wanted to help however he could.
"Bandages… made from unicorn hair?" Ollivander's voice shot up, the confusion in his eyes vanishing instantly.
He hurried over. "May I see them?"
"Of course." Wyzett pulled the longest strip from his inner pocket and handed it over.
When it came to his life's work, Ollivander was transformed.
He cradled the bandage in both hands, eyes wide and sparkling with energy. "Merlin's beard! Unicorn tail hair! Such incredible quality!"
"Absolutely first-rate wand core material! And you've made it into bandages? It's simply… simply…"
For a moment, he was at a loss for words.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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