The Gamer: Multiverse Travel

The first shop they arrived at was called The Cauldron Workshop. It was a dimly lit, cluttered store filled with cauldrons of all sizes, some battered and old, others gleaming and new. The air was thick with the scent of metal and lingering potion residue.

Behind the counter, a man sat lazily on a stool, flipping through a worn-out magazine. As they stepped inside, he barely looked up.

"Standard Hogwarts cauldron, I presume?"

"You are right," Professor Sprout replied.

"Five Galleons."

The transaction was swift. The shopkeeper disappeared into the back and returned moments later, setting a sturdy pewter cauldron on the counter.

Daniel's curiosity flared, and he activated Observe.

[Simeon Woderuff – Cauldron Shop Employee – Lvl ???]

[Cauldron (Pewter, Standard Size 2)]

[A sturdy, pewter cauldron with a wide brim, ideal for potion-making. Durable and student-friendly.]

He studied the cauldron. Solidly made, as expected. But what intrigued him more was seeing the shopkeeper's title.

'I can see their titles now,' he thought. Observe was improving steadily.

After thanking the man, they left the shop and continued through the winding streets of Diagon Alley.

Their next stop was Second-Hand Robes, a cozy, well-worn shop offering pre-owned Hogwarts uniforms. The scent of fabric and a hint of lavender filled the air.

A middle-aged woman greeted them with a warm smile. "How can I help you?"

"The required Hogwarts first-year set," Professor Sprout said.

Daniel stood still as the woman began measuring him with a floating tape measure, muttering calculations under her breath. The measuring tape twitched and twisted, wrapping around his arms and legs with practiced precision.

"You'll grow into these nicely," she said, packing up the set of robes, gloves, a pointed hat, and a winter cloak.

Ten minutes later, they left the shop, Daniel now the proud owner of his Hogwarts uniform.

Next was Second-Hand Bookshop, a quaint little store nestled beside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. The shelves stretched high, crammed with weathered tomes, some of which looked like they belonged in an ancient library.

As they stepped inside, a thin man with spectacles perched on the tip of his nose glanced up from his book.

"How may I be of help?" he asked in a crisp voice.

"The Hogwarts first-year books, please," Professor Sprout said.

Without hesitation, the shopkeeper moved with the efficiency of someone who had done this a thousand times before. Within moments, a neat stack of books was placed on the counter.

"Twenty-five Galleons."

Daniel blinked at the price, but Professor Sprout paid without a second thought.

'I guess knowledge costs,' he mused as they left the shop, arms full of supplies.

The rest of the shopping followed a similar pattern, glass phials and brass scales from Slug & Jiggers Apothecary, and a telescope from Twinkle's Telescopes.

Now, only one item remained.

A wand.

The wand shop was tucked between two larger buildings, its narrow, shabby exterior almost easy to miss. Faded gold lettering above the door read:

Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands Since 382 B.C.

The display window held only a single wand resting atop a faded purple cushion, coated in a thin layer of dust.

"I will wait outside," said Professor Sprout, shooing him forward.

Daniel stepped inside.

The tiny shop was nearly empty, save for a single, spindly chair in the corner. Stacks upon stacks of narrow boxes towered to the ceiling, like forgotten artifacts waiting to be discovered.

His eyes wandered in awe, tracing the endless rows of wands, when,

"Hello there."

He jumped.

Standing right beside him was a pale man with silvery eyes. His gaze was sharp and unreadable.

A small chuckle escaped him. "First-year Hogwarts student?"

Daniel nodded, his heart still settling. He cast Observe.

[Garrick Ollivander, ???, Lvl ???]

'I could have guessed that much,' he thought, slightly disappointed.

Meanwhile, Ollivander was already sorting through a variety of wands, mumbling under his breath.

"No, no… Not that one… Ah! This!"

He turned, holding out a wand.

"This one is made from Holly, 10 inches, rigid, with a Dragon Heartstring core. Holly is known for its protective qualities, often favoring those who seek to defend their loved ones, or those struggling with inner conflict. The Dragon Heartstring provides raw power and intensity, but it requires a wizard with a burning passion. Such a core does not easily submit to the weak-willed."

Daniel took the wand.

He waited.

Nothing.

"Do I need to wave it?" he thought. He gave it a try.

Still, nothing.

Ollivander hummed thoughtfully and plucked it back. "Not the right fit."

A minute later, he handed over another.

"Try this one. Yew wood, 12 inches, flexible, with a Phoenix feather core. A wand for the bold and ambitious. Yew carries strong ties to both death and rebirth, making it a powerful choice for the daring. The Phoenix feather, though somewhat temperamental, grants immense power to those unafraid to wield it."

Daniel took it and waved.

This time, small sparks flickered from the tip.

Ollivander tilted his head. "Hmm… close, but not quite." He retrieved it again.

"I believe I have the perfect fit for you."

He disappeared into the back for a moment before returning with a new wand.

"Try this one, Yew wood, 11 inches, unyielding, with a Thestral tail hair core. Yew represents death and rebirth, while Thestral tail hair is known for its instability. Only a witch or wizard who has truly accepted death can wield its power. It is a potent but challenging core, best suited for those with strength and an understanding of life's darker truths."

The moment Daniel touched it, a faint warmth spread through his fingertips, as if the wand was responding. The connection was there, not perfect, but definitely better than the others.

He waved it, and suddenly,

Bookshelves trembled. Boxes rattled. The counter shook slightly.

He froze.

Ollivander's eyes twinkled. "Ah… Yes. This one suits you."

Daniel glanced at the wand, excitement bubbling inside him. 'This was it.'

"That will be seven Galleons," Ollivander said, stepping behind the counter.

Daniel paid and stepped outside, where Professor Sprout was waiting.

"I think we've bought everything you'll need," she said. "Time to get you home."

His stomach dropped.

'Not the apparition again,' he thought desperately.

Before he could protest, Professor Sprout grabbed his hand,

And the world vanished.