บท 128: Back to the School
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The next day, Harry and Neville stood outside Ollivanders, the famous wand shop. The anticipation was palpable as Neville fidgeted nervously beside Harry. "What if no wand chooses me?" Neville whispered, his voice laden with worry.
Harry clapped a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Neville. A wand out there is waiting just for you."
They stepped into the dimly lit shop, greeted by the peculiar aroma of wand wood and Mr. Ollivander's piercing gaze. "Ah, Mr. Longbottom," the wandmaker said, emerging from the shadows. "I was wondering when I'd see you. You missed your appointment for about 4 months. And Mr. Potter, I believe, Mr. Longbottom's presence is due to you. I should thank you."
Harry chuckled lightly, easing the tension with a smile. "I'm merely here as a guide," he responded modestly, his eyes scanning the ancient shop filled with countless wands. The atmosphere was thick with the magic of potential and the promise of new beginnings.
Neville, looking somewhat reassured by Harry's presence, nodded shyly at Mr. Ollivander, who had already begun pulling various boxes from the shelves with a practiced hand. "Let's find the perfect match for you, Mr. Longbottom. The wand chooses the wizard, after all," Ollivander mused, a twinkle in his eye as he handed the first wand to Neville.
Nigel quipped, "Ah, the dance of the wand selection. A magical courtship, if you will. Let's hope it doesn't end in rejection too often."
Harry suppressed a smile at Nigel's commentary, focusing instead on Neville, who tentatively waved the first wand only for it to be snatched back almost immediately by Ollivander. "No, no, definitely not that one," the wandmaker muttered, delving for another.
As the process continued, with Neville trying and failing to connect with several wands, the mood began to shift from hopeful anticipation to mild frustration. Harry remained a beacon of support, offering encouraging nods and smiles.
After what felt like the twentieth attempt, with a wand that seemed no more promising than the first, magic happened — quite literally. Neville gave a timid wave, and a stream of colorful sparks flew from the wand's tip, showering the small shop with light. The look of astonishment on Neville's face was mirrored by a wide grin on Harry's.
"Well, well," Nigel's voice echoed in Harry's thoughts, "it seems our Mr. Longbottom has found his dance partner. Bravo!"
Mr. Ollivander clapped his hands together, his eyes gleaming. "Excellent! A perfect match! Cherry and unicorn hair, twelve inches, pliable. A fine choice for protective charm work, Mr. Longbottom. Quite a guardian you are, eh?"
Neville was taken aback, as he pointed at himself with his finger, almost stabbing his eye with his new wand, "Me?" Harry gently lowered Neville's hand, ensuring the wand was safely away from his face. "You're Gryffindor, Neville. I believe you're brave and protective. This wand suits you perfectly."
The significance of the moment wasn't lost on Neville. A new sense of confidence seemed to take hold as he looked at the wand now firmly in his grasp. "I guess this means I have a chance to be my own person, huh?" he mused, a shy smile creeping across his face.
Harry nodded, a proud glint in his eye. "Exactly. This is your first step towards carving out your own path."
As they left Ollivanders, Harry could sense the shift in Neville. The wand, a seemingly simple wooden object, was indeed more; it was a symbol of Neville's newfound identity and independence. As Augusta said, Wand maketh wizard, but they had to have a bond first.
After treating Neville to some ice cream, a gesture of celebration for the newfound independence marked by his new wand, Harry said his goodbyes and called Misty to return home. The rest of the Christmas holiday swiftly moved along, filled with a warmth that Harry hadn't expected but greatly appreciated. In a move that brought Hermione immense joy, Harry also extended an invitation to Hermione's family for a dinner. Hermione was over the moon, and her parents, though initially apprehensive about the magical world, found comfort in meeting others who navigated the dual lives between the Muggle World and Hogwarts. Harry and Petunia, while not disclosing the full extent of their magical connections, succeeded in forging a bond with the Grangers, one based on shared experiences and understanding.
The day, with its cold days and warm gatherings, passed quickly, leaving behind memories that Harry cherished. The Grangers, new to the magical world's wonders and worries, found solace in Petunia's and Harry's company. Their conversations provided a bridge between their worlds, fostering a sense of community and support. Hermione, witnessing the merging of her two worlds, felt a happiness she hadn't anticipated, grateful for the understanding and acceptance that blossomed among them.
As the holiday drew to a close, and Hogwarts beckoned its students back. January 5, Petunia took Harry to King Cross Station once again for the train to take him back to Hogwarts. The crisp morning air was filled with the hustle and bustle of students and families saying their goodbyes. Petunia managed a soft smile as she hugged Harry. "Take care, Harry. And remember, no reckless heroics," she said, her voice betraying a hint of concern mixed with pride.
Harry, feeling a mix of excitement and nostalgia for the days spent at home, nodded. "I'll be careful, I promise," he replied, squeezing her hand reassuringly. With a final wave, he turned and made his way to the Hogwarts Express that awaited with steam billowing from its engine like a gentle beast raring to go.
Finding an empty compartment on the Hogwarts Express, Harry settled in with a copy of "Robinson Crusoe" he'd taken from his bag. The book, an intriguing tale of adventure and survival, seemed a fitting choice for the journey back to Hogwarts, a place of its own unique challenges and adventures.
Not long after, the door slid open, and Susan, followed by Hannah, stepped in, their faces lighting up at seeing Harry. "Mind if we join you?" Susan asked, a hopeful note in her voice.
"Of course not," Harry replied, marking his place in the book and setting it aside. The girls took their seats, filling the compartment with a warm, friendly energy.
Shortly after, Daphne and Tracey appeared, peeking in before entering. "Looks like we've found the best compartment," Daphne remarked with a smile, glancing at Harry and the others.
As they settled, Hermione, clutching a stack of books to her chest, and Neville, holding his new wand a bit too tightly, joined them, making the small space feel cozy and lively.
Nigel whispered in Harry's mind, "Quite the gathering, Master Harry. I hope you're planning to regale them with tales of your daring do, or perhaps you'll start a book club?"
Harry, ignoring Nigel's suggestion, greeted everyone warmly as they settled into the compartment. "Glad you could all make it. How were the last few days of your Christmas holiday?"
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