One day later …
Blake was quick to adapt to the ways of the Wizarding World. After realising many of the unexplainable events in his life were in fact explainable by magic, receiving a magic letter written by a magic old lady representing a magic school, then staying in a magic pub overnight, then meeting a giant who could use magic and had a magical umbrella (which Hagrid had assured him was actually a broken wand, but he made Blake promise to keep it a secret), not much more could surprise, so when Hagrid starting tapping the umbrella on a wall in a weird pattern and it revealed a whole alleyway, he was not surprised.
Nor did the owl store, or the robe store, or the goblins running the bank, much to Hagrid's chagrin.
"I have ter say, Blake, for a Muggle, you don't look very surprised by all this," he said, sounding slightly miffed.
"Sorry, Hagrid. It's just, a lot of strange things have happened in my life before, and know that I know they're all because of magic, I don't really find any of this impossible to believe, y'know? Besides, meeting a giant like you was quite interesting too, to say the least!" Blake said with a cheeky grin, causing Hagrid to blush. He liked that answer, Blake noticed.
As they continued their shopping, Blake collected the Hogwarts uniform, books, robes and more odd, miscellaneous items required by the school. It's not that busy here, is it? I supposed everyone else has probably already got everything they need – term starts tomorrow. Wait - scales and telescope? What's that for? Blake wondered, as they stepped into Eeylops Owl Emporium.
The store was full of owls, and noisy ones too – some ugly, some beautiful, some big, some small. As he looked around, Hagrid and the lady running the shop tried to suggest a couple of owls, but he politely declined them – none of them had particularly caught his eye – that was, until Hagrid pointed one out.
"Blake, come over here! I have a feeling you'll like this one!"
He's said that 3 times now, Blake thought, smiling. He liked people like Hagrid – kind, funny and someone that was earnestly trying to help. Those people were rare. I wish I was like that, he thought wistfully.
But upon seeing the owl, Blake's thoughts stopped. Hagrid was wrong – he didn't like the owl – he loved it.
"He's beautiful," he breathed, relieving Hagrid and the owner of much stress. Picky boy, isn't he? both thought.
The owner was surprised, to be honest - the owl was one that had been considered undesirable by many - a male, with pitch black but pristine feathers covering its entire body, with dark green eyes. Not being one to want to lose a customer, she immediately rang him up.
"Excellent choice, Mr Renshaw – he's discounted right now too. That'll be 7 Galleons, please."
Coming out of the store, Hagrid was grumbling.
"Discounted, but 7 Galleons? Corporate extortion, I tell yer, Blake. Anyway, have yer thought of a name for him?"
"Yes, actually. I'm naming him James." Hagrid's eyes softened at that.
"An excellent choice," he said, his voice wistful. Is that the name of a friend of his? He sounds almost nostalgic - maybe a dead friend or brother? Blake thought as the pair continued onto their final destination: Ollivanders.
This was the location Blake was most excited for – he had asked Hagrid all about wands, and how they worked, and wondered what type of wand he would get.
As they walked in, they were greeted by an elderly man with silver, intelligent eyes and pale white skin. Ollivander.
"Welcome, young…"
"Blake, sir. Blake Renshaw."
"Welcome, young Master Renshaw, and of course, Hagrid," he said with the smallest hint of weariness. Maybe because of the broken wand thing? Blake mused.
For a while, Ollivander simply stared at him, to the point where even Blake began to feel uncomfortable.
Finally, he retreated into the back of the shop.
"Don't worry about ol' Ollivander," Hagrid whispered to him. "A weird 'un, but gets the job done."
Ollivander re-emerged from the back of the shop, and handed him what almost looked like a sheath of a sword.
"Open it."
As Blake opened it, Ollivander continued to speak.
"Blackthorn wood - survivor of much hardship, but that will be the source of your power. A Phoenix Feather core – driven by your own beliefs and are marked for an impactful yet inescapable destiny. 12 inches long, and unyielding – you are capable of great magical power, and you will bow to no one. This wand has chosen you, Master Blake. Hold it, and feel it's power."
As soon as Blake gripped the wand, pleasant warmth spread through his fingers and to the rest of his body. Instinctively, he waved it, and to his surprise, sparks of what looked like lightning appeared were produced from its tip.
Ollivander stepped back, seemingly satisfied.
"As always, the wand chooses the wizard. My work here is done. That'll be 7 Galleons, please."
As Blake and Hagrid exited the shop, Ollivander called out one final time.
"Master Blake." Blake turned back towards the old man, looking at him questioningly.
"The wand tells you a lot about its wizard, and your wand is the most unique wand I have ever made. You will be powerful, there is no question about that, but be warned: it will not be without much pain and strife, and sacrifices will be made, regardless of if you want to or not. Be prepared." With that ominous warning, Ollivander disappeared back into the depth of his shop.
As Hagrid reassured him not to worry about Ollivander's warning, Blake thought to himself. The wand chooses the wizard, huh? He thought back to what Ollivander had said. "You are a survivor of much hardship." Could he have known about his dad, or the money situation, or was it something in the future? Was he destined for tragedy?
Whatever it is, Blake vowed, I made a promise to Dad.
I'll do whatever I need to do to take care of my family and friends.
I don't care if it's money, power or strength.
I don't care what I must do.
I don't care what I must sacrifice.
I will have it all.