Chapter 82: Chapter 82: A Wand and a Partnership
Out in the bustling crowds of Diagon Alley, Percy took charge. "Alright," he ordered crisply. "Everyone in the same year, group up to get your things. We'll be more efficient that way." With that, the young wizards dispersed.
Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Aiden made their way to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
"Last year's robes are already too short," Hermione lamented. "I'll have to buy new ones again."
Harry and Ron nodded in agreement, but Ron paused to size up Aiden. "Aha! Aiden, you haven't grown at all," he declared, confidently placing a hand flat on top of his own head to compare.
'Well, it is true that young wizards at this age...' Aiden's thoughts were interrupted by the System.
[Ding. Do you recall the discussion regarding life levels and the Visionary Pathway?]
'So, my growth is slowing down?'
[Ding. Why else do you think your ancestors pursued dragonification?]
Aiden shot Ron a dark look and clicked his tongue. "Tsk. Keep it up and I'll make sure you stop growing altogether."
He pushed open the door to Madam Malkin's. Two young witches were already waiting inside.
"Aiden!" one of them called out, waving. He looked closer and saw it was Arsesi.
"Oh, Arsesi, long time no see," Aiden greeted her.
"Indeed," she said, her tone full of mock resentment. "It feels like a very long time since my treatment ended."
"Ahem, well, let me introduce you," Aiden said, pulling his friends forward. "This is Harry Potter, my cousin Ron Weasley, and this is Hermione Granger."
"Hello," Arsesi said, her voice formal. "I am Arsesi. Arsesi Greengrass." She emphasized her last name, her gaze lingering on Hermione with a hint of wariness.
"Hello," the three of them replied.
"Oh, and this is my sister, Daphne Greengrass," Arsesi added. "Sister, this is—"
"No need for introductions," Daphne interrupted, her voice cool and aloof. "I recognize them. The Savior, a Weasley, and... a Muggle witch." The way she said "Muggle" was dripping with disdain. She then turned to her sister. "Alright, Arsesi, you've been clamoring to find Aiden every day. Now that he's here, let him take you shopping. I've finished buying my things; I'll wait for you at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour."
"I wasn't looking for him," Arsesi said coquettishly. "I was looking for his cat. I'm telling you, Daphne, his cat can talk!"
Daphne simply rolled her eyes. "Why don't you say his cat can do backflips while you're at it?" With permission granted, Arsesi ran to Aiden's side.
And so, the team of four became a team of five.
"Alright, Ron, you take Harry and Hermione to buy the rest of your things," Aiden instructed. "I'll go shopping with Arsesi. We'll meet you all at Flourish and Blotts later."
"Hmph," Ron scoffed, giving Aiden a look of pure contempt.
Aiden pretended not to notice and led Arsesi out of the shop.
"Aiden, where's your cat?" Arsesi asked immediately. "Why didn't you bring her?"
"I left her at home," Aiden replied. "I was afraid she'd say something she shouldn't if I brought her out." He paused, then attempted some small talk. "So, how have you been?"
"Just so-so," Arsesi said, pouting. "And I did write many letters to you, but someone didn't even bother to reply."
"I was busy," Aiden pleaded. "As an apology, how about I treat you to ice cream after we're done shopping?"
"Then it's a deal," she said, her mood instantly brightening. She put her hands behind her back and leaned in to look at him with a smile.
Next, Aiden took Arsesi to buy a new cauldron, crystal phials, a telescope, and brass scales. Finally, they arrived at Ollivanders.
The moment they stepped inside, the old wandmaker rushed forward and grabbed Aiden, his eyes gleaming with frantic enthusiasm. "Mr. Prewett! You've finally come! Let me tell you, this new type of..."
"Alright, Mr. Ollivander," Aiden chuckled, gently extracting himself. "We can talk about the new wands later. Could you first help this young lady find a wand?" He stepped aside, making way for Arsesi.
"Ah, a Greengrass," Ollivander observed, his pale eyes studying her. "Your family's honey-colored eyes are very recognizable. Let me think... your father's was ebony and dragon heartstring, ten inches."
"Yes, Mr. Ollivander," Arsesi said, impressed. "Your memory is as good as ever."
"Well then, let's begin," the old man said. "Remember..."
"It is the wand that chooses the wizard," Aiden and Arsesi finished in unison, exchanging a smile.
"Good, good," Ollivander said, pulling a box from a high shelf. "Try this one. Vine wood and dragon heartstring. All the clever little witches are fond of this model these days." He presented it to her like a seasoned salesman.
Arsesi picked up the wand and gave it a wave. A burst of uncontrolled flame erupted from the tip. Aiden's staff appeared in his hand in an instant, a hexagonal crystal barrier manifesting around the flames just in time to prevent a major incident.
"Oh, what a beautiful staff," Ollivander murmured with infatuation, before quickly shaking his head. "Oh, no, no, that wand is not for you, miss." He snatched it back and offered another. "Try this one. Black walnut and unicorn hair."
Bang! A nearby shelf exploded.
"This one. Red oak and dragon nerve."
Clatter! All the surrounding wand boxes tumbled to the floor.
"How about..."
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Miss Greengrass," Ollivander sighed, looking utterly exhausted. "To be honest, I have never seen such a picky little witch in all my years." He straightened up, his professional pride returning. "However, for the sake of the Ollivander family's century-old reputation, I swear I will find you a suitable wand today!"
"It doesn't really matter if there isn't one," Arsesi said with a shrug. "I'll just ask Aiden to make me a staff later. At most, I'll pay him a bit more money."
Mr. Ollivander shot Aiden a deeply accusing look.
"Ahem, let's try again," Aiden advised quickly. "A wand is still very important. To craft a staff, I need your short wand's spellcasting data. I can't collect that if you don't have one."
"Alright," Arsesi sighed, and reluctantly continued testing wands.
After what felt like an eternity of chaos, she finally picked up a wand that sent a shower of warm, golden sparks into the air.
"Apple wood and phoenix feather," Mr. Ollivander marveled. "A rare combination indeed. I believe we can expect..."
"Great things from me, right?" Arsesi interrupted with a grin.
'You've said all my lines!' Mr. Ollivander seemed to think, giving Aiden another look of deep betrayal. 'What's left for me to say?'
Aiden quickly turned his head, pretending to study a crack in the wall.
Arsesi pulled out her purse and counted out seven Galleons, handing them to the wandmaker. As she did, Ollivander grabbed Aiden's arm.
"Mr. Prewett," he said urgently. "Now can we talk about our business? The alchemically modified staves you mentioned in your letter..." He produced a large roll of parchment covered in Aiden's notes.
"It's about Perthro (ᛈ) intrinsic magic, Mr. Ollivander," Aiden began, his voice taking on a persuasive, almost hypnotic quality. "Just imagine, if we could put the entire spellcasting process into our minds, wouldn't the efficiency of casting in reality be multiplied?" He was painting a grand picture for the old man who had dedicated his life to the art of wandmaking.
"Hmm, indeed," Ollivander conceded. "But how do you ensure that a less-skilled wizard can construct spells properly in the Distorted Illusion without going mad?"
"Training, Mr. Ollivander," Aiden explained. "I have constructed a stable location within the Illusion where wizards can enter and practice. At the same time, by using the intrinsic power of Nauthiz (ᚾ), a wizard can generate their own anchor, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of mental acceleration even after they leave my field of influence."
The two of them began discussing the possibilities excitedly, while Arsesi leaned against a shelf and yawned. In the end, they reached an agreement: Aiden would teach the new magic, and any wizard who needed a compatible focus could come to Mr. Ollivander to purchase a specially crafted staff.
"And the price?" Aiden asked.
"If we keep the design simple, I can use wood for the body, which would be extremely low-cost. And since wood has a limited lifespan, it might even provide a steady source of repeat business for my shop," Ollivander mused. "So, based on the costs of mass production, my price will be three Galleons."
"That is indeed an acceptable price," Aiden said. "Then I wish us a happy cooperation."
They smiled and shook hands. Then, Aiden led a very bored Arsesi out of the wand shop.
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