Chapter 33: 33. Mulan’s Mishap
The streets of Hogsmeade bustled with activity as Arthur and his group wandered through its charming lanes. The dim glow of shop windows, the enticing aroma of freshly baked pastries, and the cheerful chatter of wizards and witches created a lively atmosphere.
Arthur took it all in, marveling at how magical the village felt in person. The reality of being here, walking these streets and experiencing it firsthand, far surpassed any depiction he'd seen in books or movies.
Taliesin and Hecate, however, had quickly immersed themselves in the sights and wares of the village. Arthur noticed them moving between stalls and shops, examining trinkets, sweets, and enchanted oddities with childlike curiosity.
It wasn't long before Arthur noticed Taliesin happily munching on a chocolate frog, while Hecate examined a delicate silver bracelet she'd slipped onto her wrist. Neither of them, to Arthur's knowledge, had any galleons or wizarding currency.
He approached them, eyebrow raised. "Hey, not to pry, but… where exactly did you two get the money for all this?"
Hecate looked up from her bracelet, entirely unfazed. "We looted it," she said nonchalantly, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
Arthur blinked. "You… looted it?"
Taliesin grinned, swallowing a piece of chocolate. "From the poachers. We thought you knew. Isn't that just basic practice?"
Arthur's expression twisted into mock betrayal. "And you didn't invite me? I was right there!"
Taliesin laughed, clapping Arthur on the back. "Oh, come now, lad. We assumed you already knew the fundamentals of treasure hunting. You're always so focused."
Arthur groaned, shaking his head as Hecate smirked.
As they continued exploring, Arthur noticed Mulan admiring a finely crafted teacup in one of the shop displays. She picked it up delicately, her face softening with a rare look of affection.
"This will make a good gift for my brother," she said proudly, showing the cup to Arthur.
Arthur leaned closer, his curiosity piqued. "Oh, let me see!"
Mulan carefully took the cup out of its packaging, but as soon as it was exposed, it sprang to life. The cup tilted upward, its handle snapping like a jaw as it lunged toward her face.
With lightning-fast reflexes, Mulan drew her blade and sliced the cup into clean halves midair. The two pieces clattered to the ground, still twitching faintly.
For a moment, there was stunned silence. Then, laughter erupted from a group of nearby wizards and witches who had witnessed the scene.
"Zonko's Nose-Biting Teacup!" one of them called out, tears of laughter streaming down his face. "Classic prank product!"
Arthur knelt beside Mulan, his concern immediate. "Are you okay?"
But Mulan wasn't looking at the laughing crowd. Her head was bowed, her gaze fixed on the broken pieces of the teacup at her feet.
Arthur's jaw tightened. He was about to confront the onlookers when he heard her soft voice. "Oh no… my gift."
Arthur froze, the tension melting away as he processed her words. For the first time, he saw Mulan's stoic expression falter into a pout—a genuine, childlike pout—as she mourned the loss of her intended gift.
Taliesin, Hecate, and Arthur exchanged glances. The sight of the composed warrior lamenting over a broken teacup was too much to handle. They burst out laughing, their mirth filling the street.
Mulan glanced up, still pouting. "It's not funny."
That only made them laugh harder, even as Arthur patted her shoulder. "We'll get you another one, Mulan. Maybe one that doesn't bite this time."
The moment became a shared memory, one that lightened their hearts and brought them closer as a team, even in the midst of their mission.
After satisfying their curiosity and appetite for adventure in Hogsmeade, Arthur stretched and turned to his companions. "You know," he said thoughtfully, "I just realized—I don't even have a wand. I never got around to buying one."
Taliesin raised an eyebrow, smirking. "No wand? Lad, that's like walking into a battle without a weapon."
Hecate arched an eyebrow. "You've managed well enough so far without one, but if you're serious about learning this world's magic, you'll need a proper wand."
Arthur with a smile says "And there's no better place than Diagon Alley."
Mulan nodded, adjusting her cloak. "Lead the way, Arthur."
The group arrived at The Leaky Cauldron, its weathered exterior blending seamlessly with the muggle buildings around it. Inside, the pub was warm and lively, with wizards and witches scattered about—some quietly reading the Daily Prophet, others chatting animatedly over tankards of butterbeer.
Arthur took in the sights, the hum of magical life filling the space. He exchanged a smile with Taliesin before leading the group toward the back alley.
Hecate tapped the brick wall with her staff in a rhythmic pattern, and the bricks began to shift and rearrange themselves, revealing the bustling street of Diagon Alley.
They walked through the lively thoroughfare, weaving past shops selling cauldrons, robes, and enchanted trinkets, until they stopped in front of a modest but iconic building: Ollivander's Wand Shop.
Arthur stared at the crooked sign, the weight of its legacy dawning on him. "This is it," he said softly.
Hecate smirked. "Don't look so nervous. It's just a wand."
Taliesin chuckled. "It's the wand, my dear Hecate. The one meant for our lad here."
Arthur pushed open the door, the bell above jingling softly. The shop was quiet, its shelves towering and filled with thousands of slender boxes. The faint smell of wood and parchment filled the air.
From above, a voice rang out, rich with curiosity and a hint of amusement. "Well now… I don't believe I recognize that voice."
The group looked up to see an older man sliding down the ladder attached to the towering shelves, his silver hair catching the light. He landed gracefully and turned to face them, his pale eyes sharp and discerning.
Ollivander tilted his head, studying Arthur with interest. "Hmm… That's peculiar. I usually remember every wand I've ever sold. But yours, I don't seem to recall."
Arthur smiled sheepishly. "That's because I've never bought one."
Hecate stepped in smoothly, her tone light and matter-of-fact. "He's from America, you see. While we were doing some field research, his wand got snapped by a magical beast and… well, it turned to dust."
Ollivander's expression shifted from curiosity to a polite, understanding smile. "Ah, I see. Quite the misfortune. Wands are remarkably resilient, but under the right—or rather, wrong—circumstances, they can indeed be destroyed." He gestured toward Arthur. "Well then, we'd better rectify this immediately. Come along, young man."
Ollivander led Arthur to the counter, pulling out a tape measure that floated on its own. "Dominant hand?" he asked, already jotting notes in his mind.
"Right," Arthur said, holding out his hand.
The tape measure sprang to life, stretching along Arthur's arm and even measuring the width of his shoulders. Ollivander studied each measurement intently, murmuring to himself.
Once satisfied, Ollivander flicked his wrist, and the tape measure vanished. "Let's begin," he said, moving swiftly to the shelves. He plucked a slim box and opened it, presenting a wand made of cherry wood. "Cherry wood, with a unicorn hair core. Flexible and elegant. Try this."
Arthur took the wand, but before he could even flick it, the wand emitted a faint hiss and vibrated sharply in his hand. Ollivander snatched it back quickly. "Ah, no, no. Not the right fit."
He tried again, this time with a wand of yew and phoenix feather. Arthur gave it a wave, and a stack of boxes tumbled off the nearest shelf.
Ollivander frowned, muttering to himself as he replaced the wand. "You've got quite the energy, young man. These won't do at all."
Finally, he stopped, his pale eyes narrowing slightly. "Hmm… Perhaps…" He moved to the back of the shop, running his fingers along the shelves as though searching for something long forgotten.
When he returned, he held a box that looked older than the others. Opening it carefully, he revealed a wand that seemed to gleam faintly in the dim light. "Ebony wood, with a thunderbird feather core. Quite rare. Powerful and versatile—if it accepts you."
Arthur reached for the wand, and the moment his fingers brushed it, a warmth spread through his arm. He gave it a small wave, and a soft golden light filled the shop, swirling gently before fading.
Ollivander smiled, his pale eyes glinting. "Ah, yes. A perfect match. That wand will serve you well, but remember—while the wand chooses the wizard, it is the wizard's actions that truly matter."
Arthur nodded, gripping the wand with newfound confidence. "Thank you."
Ollivander bowed slightly. "Take care of it, young man. Wands like these are as rare as the connections they forge."
As the group left the shop, Arthur couldn't help but glance at the wand in his hand, feeling its quiet hum of magic. With this wand, he felt more connected to the magical world—and to his growing purpose—than ever before.
The group then meandered through Diagon Alley, the magical thoroughfare alive with activity. Each shop they passed seemed to offer a new marvel, and Arthur couldn't help but feel like a child again, wide-eyed and eager to see everything.
They stopped at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, where the shop's namesake, a plump witch with a cheerful demeanor, fussed over several Hogwarts students getting fitted for their school robes.
"Look at the quality of those robes," Mulan remarked, noting the precise stitching and enchanted durability.
Arthur nodded, though his gaze lingered on the other items—a dress robe with shimmering fabric and a display of hats charmed to repel rain.
At Flourish and Blotts, Taliesin immediately gravitated toward the towering shelves of magical books. He ran his fingers over their spines, muttering titles under his breath. "Hexes for the Overconfident… Theories of Transubstantial Transfiguration… Oh, what's this? Hogwarts, A History. Seems light on flair but might be interesting."
Hecate, meanwhile, browsed the potions ingredients at Mr. Mulpepper's Apothecary. "These are remarkably basic," she murmured, holding up a jar of crushed moonstone. "Avalon's stores have better stock, but I suppose this will do in a pinch."
Arthur trailed behind, smiling at his companions' enthusiasm. The day felt like a proper adventure, filled with discovery and a growing appreciation for the magical world.
Arthur stopped in his tracks, a thoughtful look crossing his face.
"I've got an idea," he said, turning to the group.
Taliesin raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Do share, lad."
Arthur rubbed the back of his neck. "If we're going to operate in this world, we'll need access to resources. And for that, we'll need to register at Gringotts."
Hecate smirked. "Finally thinking like a proper wizard. Lead the way, then."
The imposing white building loomed before them, its marble steps glowing faintly in the fading light. Arthur led the group up the steps, his excitement tempered by the intimidating sight of the goblins bustling within.
Inside, the grandeur of the bank hit them like a wave. The vast hall was lined with counters where goblins worked diligently, their sharp features illuminated by the glow of enchanted lamps. The clink of coins and the rustle of parchment filled the air.
Arthur hesitated for a moment, but Hecate nudged him forward. "Go on. They don't bite… much."
At the nearest front desk, a goblin looked up from his ledger, his sharp, calculating eyes narrowing slightly. "Yes?"
Arthur cleared his throat. "We'd like to register."
The goblin's expression didn't change, but he glanced at the large clock on the far wall. "It is quite late," he said curtly, his tone clipped. "We're nearing closing time. Come back tomorrow."
Arthur glanced around, noting that several goblins were indeed packing their ledgers and bags, preparing to leave for the day.
Before he could protest, Hecate stepped forward, her expression calm but her voice laced with subtle authority. "Surely you can make an exception," she said smoothly, sliding a handful of gleaming Galleons onto the desk.
The goblin's eyes flickered with interest, his fingers twitching toward the coins. After a brief pause, he gave a toothy grin. "Well… a bit of overtime can be beneficial for me."
He pocketed the Galleons in one swift motion, then gestured for Arthur to follow. "This way, please."
The goblin led them down a quieter corridor, away from the bustling main hall. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings of goblins crafting treasures and casting spells.
As they reached a smaller office, the goblin opened the door and gestured inside. "Sit," he instructed Arthur, motioning to a chair in front of a polished desk.
Arthur complied, the others standing behind him.
The goblin seated himself, retrieving a long quill and a thick ledger from a nearby shelf. "Now then," he began, his voice brisk. "Will it be all of you registering, or just this one?"
Taliesin grinned, nudging Arthur's shoulder. "Only this lad here. He's the one who needs to establish himself."
The goblin nodded, his sharp eyes locking onto Arthur. "Full name?"
"Arthur Pendragon," he replied, feeling a slight flush at the weight of the name.
The goblin arched an eyebrow but said nothing, instead scratching the name into the ledger. "Date of birth?"
Arthur answered, and the goblin continued with a series of questions, jotting everything down with precise strokes.
"Purpose of the account?" the goblin asked, looking up.
Arthur hesitated, then said, "To store funds and access resources for travel and… fieldwork."
The goblin's quill paused mid-stroke. "Fieldwork?"
Hecate stepped in smoothly. "He's an independent researcher," she said, her tone firm but polite.
The goblin regarded her for a moment before returning to his writing. "Very well. Do you have an initial deposit?"
Arthur reached into his pocket, pulling out a pouch of coins he had exchanged earlier. The goblin weighed them carefully, his calculating eyes scanning each coin before nodding in approval.
"Your account is now registered," the goblin announced, closing the ledger with a snap. "You may access it with this key."
He handed Arthur a small, ornate key that felt strangely warm to the touch.
Arthur took it, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. "Thank you."
The goblin stood, gesturing toward the door. "Business is concluded. If you require further services, return during regular hours."
As the group left Gringotts, Arthur turned the key over in his hand, its intricate engravings glinting faintly in the streetlights.
"That wasn't so bad," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Hecate smirked. "You've taken your first step into financial independence. Congratulations."
Taliesin clapped him on the back. "Now you're officially part of the magical economy, lad. How does it feel?"
Arthur chuckled. "Like I'm finally starting to belong."
With the last light fading into night, the group made their way back through Diagon Alley, the warmth of their shared adventure keeping the chill at bay. For Arthur, this was just the beginning of forging his place in this world.
After their eventful day, Arthur and his companions found themselves drawn to the warm glow of ZA Coffee, a quaint wizarding café tucked into a quiet corner of Diagon Alley. The interior was cozy, with soft lighting, enchanted plants that gently swayed as though in a breeze, and the soothing hum of quiet conversation.
They chose a table near the window, where they could watch the lantern-lit street outside. A waitress brought them steaming cups of coffee and tea, and they settled in to unwind.
As the group sipped their drinks, Arthur leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I've been thinking," he began, setting his mug down. "What if we opened Avalon in this world? A physical presence—a hotel connected to Avalon itself."
Hecate arched an eyebrow. "Ambitious. And what exactly are you envisioning?"
Arthur's hands moved animatedly as he explained. "Imagine it—a place where travelers from this world can visit Avalon directly. They'd have access to its facilities, its magic. And if we expand it across worlds, each one could have its own gateway to Avalon."
Taliesin scratched his chin thoughtfully. "It's a fascinating idea. Scientifically?" He paused for dramatic effect, then added with a dry smirk, "Impossible. But magically? Always possible."
Arthur, Hecate, and Mulan stared at him blankly, their faces perfectly deadpan.
Taliesin gestured with mock offense. "Oh, come on! That was a good joke!"
Arthur sighed, shaking his head with a chuckle. "Just wait until you see the Marvel world I connected to recently. Their science is basically magic anyway. You'd love it there."
The group laughed, their banter easing the tension of the day.
As the conversation continued, Mulan sat quietly, sipping her tea. Her lips curved into a subtle smile as her eyes lingered on a small package sitting beside her.
Arthur noticed and tilted his head curiously. "What's that?"
Mulan picked up the package, her expression soft. "A gift for my brothers," she said, unwrapping it carefully to reveal a complete set of teacups. The delicate porcelain cups were painted in green, blue, and red, each one symbolizing one of the three warriors.
Taliesin grinned. "Sentimental and practical. Perfect for them."
Mulan's smile turned mischievous as she set the package down and picked up another small box. She opened it to reveal two of Zonko's infamous Nose-Biting Teacups. "And this," she said, her tone light, "is for pranking them."
Arthur burst out laughing. "You're full of surprises, Mulan."
She sipped her tea with a satisfied air, her hidden humor adding a new dimension to the stoic warrior.
Taliesin leaned back in his chair, his harp resting against the table. "So, about this Avalon hotel idea," he said, steering the conversation back on track. "If we're seriously considering it, there are a few things to keep in mind."
Hecate nodded. "First, it's definitely possible. But connecting Avalon directly to a physical location in this world could be risky."
Mulan chimed in, her tone calm but firm. "There will be times when people from other worlds enter the lobby—like Carol did a few days ago. That could lead to… complications."
Arthur tapped his chin thoughtfully. "What if each world had its own floor or gateway? That way, the main lobby stays separate, and we minimize the risk of cross-world incidents."
Hecate tilted her head, considering the idea. "That could work. Each floor could act as an independent portal, customized to fit the world it connects to."
Taliesin grinned. "Imagine the possibilities—different themes, different magic, different stories… It's like creating a patchwork of worlds within Avalon itself."
They spent the next hour discussing the concept, throwing out ideas and refining the vision. The café gradually emptied, and they soon realized they were the only ones left, the enchanted plants swaying gently in the now-quiet space.
They stood, stretching after their long conversation, and made their way back into the cool night air. The streets of Diagon Alley were nearly deserted, the shops darkened, and the lamps casting long shadows.
Arthur led them to a clear space near the edge of the alley, where they could summon Avalon's door without drawing attention. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he focused.
The familiar tug of Avalon's magic guided him, and with a soft ripple in the air, the door appeared. Its ornate carvings seemed to shimmer faintly in the moonlight.
"Ready?" Arthur asked, turning to his companions.
Hecate smirked. "Always."
Taliesin adjusted his harp. "Lead the way, lad."
They stepped through the door, the magic of Avalon embracing them as they returned to the sanctuary.
"Welcome back" Avalon greeted them.
Once inside, the group dispersed to their rooms, each reflecting on the day's adventures and the plans they had set in motion. Arthur sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his new wand. The connection he felt with it filled him with a renewed sense of purpose.
Tomorrow, they would regroup at Newt's house and continue their mission, but for tonight, they allowed themselves a moment of peace.
Weekly Power Status
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