Chapter 32: The Price of Choices
David stood in Ollivander's wand shop, gripping the new wand handed to him. It felt different from the previous ones he had tried—smooth and perfectly balanced, as though it were an extension of his own hand. He gave it a light wave, and a red glow burst from its tip, dancing in the air before dissipating gently.
Ollivander's silver eyes sparkled. "Ten and three-quarters inches, English oak with a unicorn hair core. A most loyal wand. Its owner is often deeply connected to creatures and plants—a brave and kind soul. I believe you will become a master of magical creatures as great as Mr. Scamander someday."
David felt a surge of pride as he clutched the wand. It was his.
Newt handed over ten gold Galleons for the wand. Hermione, who had already purchased her wand for seven Galleons, raised an eyebrow. "So, the bigger the scene you make, the higher the price?" she teased.
David chuckled. "Seems like it."
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With their wands secured, the group set off to buy the rest of their school supplies. The Grangers quickly found their arms laden with packages—cauldrons, potion kits, and other necessities. By the time they reached Flourish and Blotts, the bookstore, Hermione was practically buzzing with excitement.
As soon as they entered, her eyes lit up. "Look at all these books!" she exclaimed, darting towards the towering shelves.
David, amused, approached the counter and asked the clerk, "Where can we find the first-year textbooks for Hogwarts?"
The clerk smiled and pointed. "Third row on the left. We've bundled them together for your convenience."
David grabbed a bundle of textbooks for himself and Hermione. He turned to call her, but she was already nearby, holding several thick books in her arms.
"Are these the required books?" she asked eagerly, already flipping through pages.
"Yes," David confirmed, "but those in your arms aren't on the list."
"I know," Hermione replied with a dreamy look. "But they're fascinating!"
David couldn't help but laugh as he helped her carry the books to the counter. She continued adding more and more books until the pile grew taller than her.
The clerk behind the counter smiled broadly, clearly pleased with the enthusiastic shopper. "Anything else?"
Hermione paused, catching her breath. "No, I think that's it!"
After packing her books in parchment, the clerk handed Hermione a form. "Fill this out with your address, and we'll have the books delivered to your home by owl."
Hermione filled out the form and stepped aside. Her parents exchanged a knowing glance and paid for her extravagant haul.
Newt, visibly exhausted from the day, suggested, "Let's take a break."
David shook his head. "We still need an owl, Grandpa!"
Newt sighed. He rarely used owls, relying instead on his magical creatures for deliveries, but Hogwarts rules were clear: students needed a proper owl for correspondence.
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The group arrived at Eeylops Owl Emporium, a dimly lit shop filled with the soft hoots and rustling of feathers. Dozens of owls, of various colors and sizes, perched inside cages or on rails.
"Why is it so dark?" David asked.
"Owls prefer darker environments," Newt explained as they stepped inside.
The owls immediately grew animated, flapping their wings and calling out, eager to be chosen. However, David's attention was drawn to a large, majestic snowy owl in the middle of the shop. Unlike the others, it stood calmly with its eyes closed, ignoring the commotion around it.
"That one," David said, pointing to the snowy owl.
Newt raised an eyebrow. "A snow owl? I didn't expect to see one here."
The shopkeeper approached with a smile. "Ah, a fine choice! Snowy owls are rare and intelligent. This one is discounted for the school season—30 Galleons."
David nodded eagerly.
Newt handed over the payment, and the shopkeeper carefully handed David the owl's cage. "She's a bit proud," he warned, "but with time, you'll build a bond."
As if to prove the point, the owl opened one eye, glanced at David, and promptly closed it again with an air of indifference.
Newt chuckled. "Well, David, let's head home now. This has been quite the day."
They said their goodbyes to the Grangers, and with a firm grip on David's arm, Newt apparated them back home.
David looked down at his snowy owl, feeling a mix of excitement and pride. He had his wand, his supplies, and now his first magical companion. Hogwarts was starting to feel very real.