| Banshee
Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 50,247
Hogwarts RPG Name:
Abraham Orlando Botros-Giordano
Gryffindor Fourth Year
Hogwarts RPG Name:
Ivor Balfour Spurling
Slytherin First Year
Hogwarts RPG Name:
Alexei Dragomirov Petrov
Slytherin Sixth Year
Hogwarts RPG Name:
TBC
Slytherin
Hogwarts RPG Name:
August Arthur Orpington
Ravenclaw Second Year  x12  x12
|  sorry for the delay! my brain leaked out of my ears Lovely™ | Captain Hurted | Ariana's Bane | Resident Antagonist | Unparalleled Delight
SPOILER!!: laurange Quote:
Originally Posted by laurange  Rosie nodded at the wandmaker, stiffening her upper lip and pointedly not looking at her dad or Uncle Brian, because if she did, she would CRY. What she did not want to do right now was cry. "But it burned me," she said, and then blinked rapidly. "Maybe it's just excited to meet it's new best friend and disappointed that it's not me. I wish it could be me, though. It was a very pretty wand. Did you make it? Did you make all of these?!"
There were a lot of wands here, and it was tempting to wonder how long it would have taken to fill all these shelves.
Distract, distract. And the wandmaker man was being very reassuring, and it really was helping a lot. Just like the squeeze her hand got from Ascella. Rose squeezed back, and felt some of the overwhelming feelings of failure melt away. She just wanted to be good enough. What if she wasn't good enough?
But you know who was good enough? Ascella Archer. Rose looked on in unmitigated wonder as the bubbles flew out of the tip of Ascella's wand, and felt something like hope bubbling inside her too. She raised a hand absently to one of the bubbles, transfixed, and then turned back to her ebullient cousin. Ascella's enthusiasm was contagious, it really was. "YOU are wonderful to have around, and loyal, and also fantastic and you love turles! You were meant to be!"
It was on this note that she turned back to the wandmaker man, who had gone to the effort of finding her a new wand to try, and peered into the box. This one, too, was very pretty. And if it were possible, she felt almost like the wand was staring back, as if it were as curious to meet her as she was. This one may be kinder, the wandmaker had said. "It definitely seems friendly?"
Reaching into the box and wrapping her fingers around the wand, the first and only feeling that flooded Brianna Rose's mind was relief. Sweet, blissful relief. First, she had thought that it was because the wand hadn't burned her, the way the last one did, but when she opened her eyes -- which she hadn't noticed she'd screwed shut in terror -- her hand looked different. Twisting it around and angling her head to get a better look, she saw that her seemed to be lit from inside with a pinkish hue. It made her look AND FEEL rosy. "Is this what it's like? If it's not, I don't want to know what it's like. I don't want to try any other wand. This is the one for me, sir."
The tears really were falling now, like it was meant to be. Like she was meant to be burned by the last wand so that this wand could comfort her. Rose launched herself at the wandmaker, wrapping her arms around his middle in relief and glee. "It feels exactly like coming home. Thank you!" While Zeke was sorry to hear about the whole... burning situation, he took up the cue in the form of a question with little hesitation. "I've made a good number of these, yes, but there are many here courtesy of previous wandmakers. They'll all find their match, in time." Much like his customers, but that seemed a little too on the nose to say out loud, so he merely smiled again. "I believe that indeed one of mine... as is this next one."
How did he know? Well, he just knew. One of those things he had a fairly flawless memory for; it was like looking at a friend or relative and knowing them on sight, whereas a stranger would perhaps struggle to pick them out of a crowd after briefly meeting them just the once. That, and most of the selections he'd brought over had ended up being his own work, including this next one.
"Friendly is definitely promising," he said, giving an encouraging nod, and then... ah. Now, wasn't that just lovely? "That's what it's like. I think it's clear; that wand has chosen you." He was about to launch into the whole spiel and everything, when suddenly - hug attack. Zeke gave a small chuckle and patted the girl on the shoulder. "I'm so glad to hear it, and you are very welcome. Would you like to hear more about the wand now?" He hoped so, because he was full of information on that score.
Once she was ready, he launched straight into it. "This wand is twelve and a half inches of pliant laurel, with a hippogriff feather core. Many consider laurel to be fickle, though really it simply becomes willing to change loyalties if its owner is lazy or unmotivated. It is exceptionally loyal towards those brave at heart, energetic, and motivated." Good news? Hopefully good news. It was, after all, Zeke's most humble opinion that these wands would not choose a wielder who was immediately at odds with their values. "It has an affinity for fire spells, and is well-suited to opposing dark magic. It's said that it cannot form a dishonourable act, although really it has the capacity for great, destructive power." Then again... with the core, perhaps that would ring a little more true for this wand. "Laurel wands will emit a spontaneous lightning strike at any individual who attempts to steal it - which is one less thing to worry about. With the hippogriff father core, this will be a very adaptable wand, provided it is well-cared for. Treat it with respect, or it may backfire at inopportune moments. A wand with this core will not perform dishonourably, and if may become less responsive if pushed in such a way."
Just something to be mindful of; ultimately it was a rather fine wand. A wand that respected its owner just as much as it liked to be respected.
Anyway, time to breathe. "11 galleons for the wand by itself. And, again, we have other products available." Aaaand...
_________ [12½ inch pliant laurel with hippogriff feather] SPOILER!!: Kimothy Quote:
Originally Posted by Kimothy "But..." Ascella Paige Archer was about to ask more, or maybe get confirmation that this was a wand maker's secret in which case she will drop the subject altogether and respect that. However, she eventually did have to focus her attention elsewhere considering...
A match! A MATCH! Even though Ascella knew she was going to ultimately find the perfect wand match, this was somehow still exciting as ever. The eleven year old carefully replaced the wand—her wand!—in its box, then fully looked back up at the wand maker man as he told her everything she needed to know about her wand. While she didn't have a single idea what each component meant, Ascella knew very well she'll look them up later on. Her wand was of spruce wood, matched with a Phoenix feather. A phoenix's feather at its core! She was a little worried when the wand maker man said her wand would be a bit of work, but that only meant she'll take her time with it. It had to, right? Because the wand chose her! Ascella Archer was a patient kid.
Another thing she worried about? That price. Twelve galleons were no joke to the Archers, but Ascella reminded herself that Aunt Maebh had offered to pay for everything today even though her Dad didn't know it. It was a secret! And he'd recommended that she get a holster too, so the eldest Archer kid scanned the inventory list briefly. "A wrist holster for me, sir. Uhm...faux leather, please. Do you have it in...navy, perhaps?" She had contemplated on other colours, but figured she liked something dark so it didn't get dirty quickly, and blue because it was pretty. Black was fine too, simple and neutral, but she liked colour more. "And we'll be paying together." Ascella glanced to her side, at Rosie. This shouldn't take long because look, her cousin found herself a match!
Just big smiles from Ascella Paige Archer today. She was happy to share this special day with Rosie, did she know? ... they would both be paying together. That should speed up this final process a little.
"We do indeed," Zeke replied, giving a nod as he turned to rummage through a selection of faux leather holsters, finally unearthing one in deep navy blue and adding it to the product on the counter, ready to ring it all up. "So far that comes to 25 galleons." Plus whatever the other young lady might end up buying, of course. SPOILER!!: astrocat Quote:
Originally Posted by astrocat Phoebe took a deep breath and picked up the next wand, which seemed to settle just right into her hand. She didn't really feel anything, though to be fair she hadn't tried doing anything. She was scared to try, because she was scared that she wouldn't get her wand on the second try like most people did (she had listened carefully to the wand fitter, but all she heard was that most people didn't need three whole tries and she didn't want to be different from everyone else any more times than she was already). But, well, she wasn't supposed to take all day. So she should probably start trying to use the wand, right? She was scared.
She wiggled it around, looking quite stressed out. Nothing. She paused, looking between Drewie and the shopkeeper for reassurance. She waved the wand around some more, but now she was discouraged and wanted to just give up.
Her shoulders slumped, and she felt all sad and worried again. She was never going to find the right one! "I think..."
Wait. As she reached to put the wand back, the tip started to glow softly, just a little bit and then more (Drewie snapped a good picture of the moment, thankfully). She was filled with the strong urge to not let go and she was afraid that if she did, all the magic would somehow slip away... so she clutched her wand with small white-knuckled fingers.
"Nevermind. Ineedthisone." She looked at the shopkeeper anxiously. Was glowing a good sign? Because she was so NOT letting go or leaving without it. "How much does it cost?" Did it cost infinity money? What if Stemp House wasn't going to pay for it because it cost infinity money? It was a silly thought, but... she hugged her wand just in case. "I can get this one, right dad- um, Drewie? Right?"
For a moment there, Zeke was a little worried - well, not worried in the way wand fittings could potentially worry him, but more in the sense of seeing his young customers anxious or discouraged - that they had a second unsuccessful match. Ultimately, though, that appeared not to be the case.
"Wonderful," he remarked, bringing his hands together and clasping them in front of himself. "Yes, I do believe we do have a match." As to the price, they'd get there, after the fun stuff! First was the part Zeke considered far more interesting, not only for himself but for the majority of his clientele.
"Now then, this wand is ten and a quarter inches of slightly yielding ash, with unicorn hair." For every wand he sold, Zeke had integral information to impart, and this was no exception. Just a fun little detail. "An important point about this combination; ash wands lose power and skill if they are passed on to a new owner, so there is something of a prestige in ash wands, seeing as only those who have been matched with them can truly master them. This loss of power and skill is especially true when the core is unicorn hair, as yours is." Though it was generally most beneficial for an individual to be matched with their own wand, as opposed to being handed down a wand from another. Then again, he was also intimately familiar with how expensive they were (and yet so vital in this community, though he unfortunately could not lower prices and still afford to continue providing the service). "Healing magic and protection spells are well suited to an ash wand. As for the core, unicorn hair wands are very faithful to their owners - as you may have guessed, given how it behaves with this particular wood. Well suited to charms and transfigurations and is, again, excellent for healing spells. More about consistency and reliability than raw power, and more in tune with subtle and delicate magic. A little prone to melancholy if mishandled too; just something to be mindful of."
And that was that, and now Zeke had an answer for that last question. "The wand itself is priced at 9 galleons, and we also have other products and services available." He gestured to the price board and looked from the girl, he chaperone, and back, determining that he might be in charge of the funds but still half-expecting the child to decide on any accessories for herself.
_________ [10¼ inch slightly yielding ash with unicorn hair] SPOILER!!: DuckyLinJi Quote:
Originally Posted by DuckyLinJi While the shopkeeper was explaining the properties of the wand to him, his mother had walked over to the counter and stood next to him, ready to hand him the money once the price was determined. Sohrin felt a hand on his shoulder and smiled up at her as he showed her his wand before returning his attention to the shopkeeper. "I'm going to give it a good name" he stated. " When i know, I'll let you know!" he beamed.
Unfortunately, the pun had gone right over his head because he was too preoccupied with his new wand. A unicorn wand made of beech! His very own magic wand! He almost couldn't contain his excitement, but he did. He'd freak out later when he was at home and when he could show it to his father and little sister. She would be so jealous~ He'd then ride his bike over to his grandparents' house to show them as well. He hoped his grandmother would bake him a cake to celebrate!
While he appeared to be listening to the shopkeeper, he had actually zoned out into his own thoughts, but luckily his mother noticed and lightly squeezed his shoulder to bring him back "Oh! Uhm...Can I get it with a faux leather hip holster?" he asked. "A brown one. NO! Wait! Can I please have bundle #2 instead?" The question was directed more at his mother than at the shopkeeper, and he was relieved when she said yes. "Please do," Zeke said, quite as earnestly as the situation called for. "I'd love to hear it." Aside from anything else, it was nice to hear how his customers were getting on with their wands; for the most part, he saw little to nothing of them once they left those doors. Well. Perhaps until they brought their own children back, but he'd not been at the helm of Ollivanders nearly long enough to see that just yet, but it could happen in the future.
Anyway, yes, accessories. "Of course," Zeke said, and went about retrieving the desired holster, pausing only very briefly when it seemed the boy might change his mind, though all it ended up requiring was adding a couple more products to the holster. After confirmation from the parent and/or guardian, Zeke nodded, and added the polish and conditioning oil to the holster and wand, rang it all up on his trusty cash register, and bundled the purchases together.
"All told, that's 16 galleons then, please," said Zeke, smiling again at the boy and his adult. SPOILER!!: Kolyander Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolyander Bryony smiled softly at the wandman's kind words when she gave the first wand back to him it. "Which is alright because that wand will find it's person." It didn't matter that it wasn't her. She had all the faith in that wand pairing with someone perfect for it. And even more importantly, that the wandmaker man would help her find her wand!
It was hardly a minute or two and just like that, a second wand was held out for her to take. The littlest Paton reached out for it, her fingers tingling as she wrapped them gently around the wand in her hand. There was an immediate warmth that flowed into her fingertips and throughout her hand and up her arm. It was the most perfect feeling, and she had to smile right then. This one likes her, she could feel it!
Now came the true test. Bry gave the wand a small flourish through the space blin front of her. Fiery wisps of small flames burst forth from the tip of the wand. It wasn't at all what she had expected and it didn't last long but she the smile on her face was a brilliant one. "That was.. AWESOME! Bryony giggled, bouncing around delightedly in a small circle. "It sorta looked like a creature!" Whether or not the tiny flames did or not was questionable but she was convinced that it had.
"This is the one! It likes me. Right, Mister Wandmaker man? This one can be mine now?" It HAD to be hers. She was already in love with it and didn't want to give it up. Frankly, Zeke was exceedingly proud of himself for keeping his composure - for barely reacting, in fact - at the sight of the dreaded flames in his shop. These things happened; fire occasionally did appear for either a successful or unsuccessful match (the hazardousness depending on which context it appeared in). Only a slight twitch of his wand hand, ready to reach for his own if it were necessary, and an even slighter widening of his eye were the only signs. But a fraction of a second later, once the flames were already fading, he broke into a broad beam.
"Wonderful news. Yes, I think you're right; this wand has chosen you." In other words: a match! Which meant, of course, "Of course it can be yours." Once paid for, of course. Zeke held out the wand box so it might be returned in order for him to ring it up.
But first, the specifications. "This wand is ten inches and two thirds of hornbeam, unyielding, with a core of griffin claw. Hornbeam is excellent for defensive spells, and a very loyal wand; hornbeam owners are generally driven - bordering on obsessive-" No judgement here, just stating historical observations. "-and that's reflected in the loyalty of the wand, and in the way it can quickly adapt to its owner's magic style. Because it's so adaptable, so personalised, others may find it next to impossible to use this wand. As hornbeam absorbs the code of honour and integrity of its owner, it generally refuses to perform acts that do not reflect those principles." Which, in its way, made so much sense for a wand so attracted to those dedicated visionaries, with their distinct driving ambitions. "Griffin claw wands tend to choose dextrous users, who can cast spells with finesse; you'll find that delicate wand movements feel most natural. Protection spells and shields will be easier to master, and these wands are ill-suited to dark magic pursuits or nefarious endeavours. They bond closely to their original owners, and don't make for wands that are easy to pass on to another."
Just in case there was any doubt about just how loyal this wand was. Hornbeam and griffin claw; one of the most faithful combinations out there.
"Now then... the wand is priced at 9 galleons, and we have some other products you may be interested in today." As he spoke, Zeke gestured up at the list of products and services.
_________ [10⅔ inch unyielding hornbeam with griffin claw] SPOILER!!: Lissy Longbottom Quote:
Originally Posted by Lissy Longbottom Sammy nodded at his instructions and took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves as he grabbed the next wand from the man. That had startled him a little, he had to admit, and he was just a BIT hesitant to try again - but he had to do what had to be done!
Clearing his throat as if that would somehow help things, he raised this new wand and gave it a wave. Once again it seemed like nothing happened, until he realized that his shoelaces were untying themselves. Well THAT was weird, and probably also another indication that this was NOT the wand for him! Hmm, tricky customer eh? At first, Zeke was also under the impression that nothing had happened - though, learning from experience, was still prepared for things to start flying around or some such after a moment's delay. A rustle of movement on the floor caught his eye, and he gave a little chuckle. The wand set on sabotaging the wielder was perhaps not the one.
"Don't forget to tie those up before we're done here," he advised the lad, with the best of intentions, turning to consider their options once more. Really, that narrowed things right down, and so Zeke confidently plucked a third box from the pile, and removed its lid, offering the wand inside to the boy once more.
"Third time's the charm!" Ah... so to speak. SPOILER!!: SilverTiger Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverTiger The wand was very unkind. It was mean, even, but Arienne was rather proud of herself for stopping herself from crying. Mostly. Some tears had leaked out, but aside from the initial yell she’d kept herself from being too obvious. Even if she really had wanted to cry, because that had really hurt. Nobody had told her that wands could hurt you just by touching them. Mum’s wand didn’t react like that when she touched it. Nor did any of the rest of her family members’ wands (obviously the twins didn’t have them because they were still little). She’d investigated the ones she’d managed to find.
Either way, that wand had been mean, and she had nodded emphatically as the wandmaker had suggested they rule that one out. “That one is mean”, she added, in case he wasn’t sure. She didn’t want it hurting anyone else. But… “I’m okay.” Her fingers still hurt a little, but not quite as much. Not enough that she was at risk of crying again. She was strong.
She’d still eyed the next wand for a bit longer than probably necessary, just as unsure as it seemed the wandmaker was as to if it would be mean too. Hopefully it wouldn’t, but there was still hesitance in the movement her handmade toward the box and the wand inside. Even as she grasped it, there was tension in her small body that gradually released as the wand didn’t react like the previous one had. In fact, it felt lots different. It felt welcoming, even. Sparkly.
“I think this one likes me.” Well, at least there was no need for any intervention regarding the burning of the fingers, but all the same, Zeke felt for the girl. Always a positive sign, however, when these kids got straight back to trying the next one, however hesitant they seemed; some needed some extra encouragement, and that was fine by him too, but Merlin knew they often ended up getting self-conscious about that as well.
But no, this girl got there on her own, and reaped the rewards almost at once. He saw the response in her body language, rather than any magical effect, and she soon confirmed it. Zeke beamed. "That is excellent news. I think so too; which means we have a match."
Which meant that he now had the opportunity to flex that wandmaker knowledge. "This is eleven and three quarter inches of hard hickory, with a unicorn hair core. Now, hickory is rather in touch with nature and has an affinity with Herbology and plant magic, earth and air elements. It is also excellent for divination and for any spells which require creation of, or give a semblance of, life - animating objects, and such like - or encouraging new growth. An excellent wood for those who wish to develop their leadership skills, and one that seeks those with good intentions." Zeke had still yet to learn of a dark magic user who had been match with a hickory wand, or who at least used a hickory wand for dark magic. But then, he couldn't claim to know the history of every wand owner, or wand, or the uses of those wands, in the world. "Unicorn hair wands are very faithful, and are the least likely to fluctuate in the magic they produce. Very smooth, reliable, and consistent. Excellent for charms, transfigurations, and healing spells. Generally most in tune with subtle, delicate magic. Very difficult to turn towards the dark arts." Though not impossible, not that he was making such recommendations. And in any case, with the wood... but anyway. There they had it.
"The wand by itself will be 10 galleons, and we have a selection of accessories and other products too, if you're interested." Zeke nodded towards the price board, and held out the wand box so that the wand might be temporarily returned while he rang it, and anything else, up.
_________ [11¾ inch hard hickory with unicorn hair] SPOILER!!: FearlessLeader19 Quote:
Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19 The future Slytherin beamed now, listening keenly to the shopkeeper’s description of the wand. His expression even brightened when he heard it was particularly useful for Healing spells. When one aimed to work with creatures, there was bound to be many injuries {not that he was wishing this upon himself}. He was good at keeping grounded but Merlin knew that sometimes he needed all the help that could be given. As for powerful magic? Aryan wasn’t interested in having a powerful wand; just one that got the job done when he needed it to be. Overall, he was quite happy with the wand.
A match made in heaven, perhaps?
“Thank you,’’ Ary said, showing gratitude for the explanation. “I’d also like…” His eyes scanned the board. “Bundle one. Can I have a hip holster - Welsh Green… and a set of the Hogwarts wands.” The latter would be for him and his siblings. The boy supposed he would take the Slytherin one since his three siblings had been Sorted into the remaining Houses each.
Yup, that was it. Ary was done shopping. Twenty-four galleons were counted and placed on the counter. Dad Adi did say he was allowed to get whatever he wanted so Ary was taking full advantage of spending his fathers’ money. While he waited for the money to be checked to ensure it was correct, the child snuck a glance over at Bry {and was not surprised to see flames}, Drake and Gilly to see how they were faring. "You are most welcome," Zeke replied, with a broad smile on his face, before giving a nod and starting to collect the desired products. It was not lost on him that this was the most he'd heard the boy speak so far, but Zeke had more than enough tact not to remark upon it or really bring attention to it at all.
"Alright, altogether that's..." he began, starting to bundle the holster, other products, and novelty wands together. "Twen-... ah, perfect." Finishing up there, he counted the coins into his cash register and slid the other purchases across the counter. "Thank you very much. You're all set. Best of luck to you and your new wand." SPOILER!!: Nordic Witch Quote:
Originally Posted by Nordic Witch Emmeline hestitantly walked up towards the man after a quick glance back at auntie Laurel for reassurance. Nodding she mumbled to the shopkeeper so that her aunt wouldn't overhear. "Hi sir! Yes I am, can I please get a wand that is not made from dragon parts? I hate dragons you see because one dragon made my mummy and daddy die."
Trying her best to not start crying for thinking about it, Emmie did her best to perk up as she accepted the wand. Placing it in her left hand she did what the wandman had instructed her to do do, and gave the wand a quick vigourous wave which caused it somehow to strike backwards hitting her nose hard. "OUwwwwwwie!"Emmie screamed out as her nose began to bleed down her face. "Bad waaaaaaaaaaaand!" she blurted out as she dropped it back on the counter as she tried to stop her nose bleed. Goodness gracious. Zeke was used to some of his young customers being oversharers (and some being the exact opposite) but occasionally one would bring him up short for a moment. He cast the briefest of glances towards the chaperoning adult (whom he now knew was definitely not the parent), before nodding at the girl again. He opted... not to linger on that exact topic, but smiled kindly. "I'll see what I can do. The wand chooses the witch or wizard, but we use a number of cores, so the odds are in your favour there."
But the first wand? Apparently not in her favour. Zeke was not about to just cast random healing spells on children unless it was a real emergency - especially when their appropriate adult was already present and likely preferred to be in control of that sort of thing - so when he drew his own wand it was to quickly conjure up a fresh, clean handkerchief. "Here you are, my dear. Lean your head forward and breathe through your mouth." He looked towards the girl's chaperone to see if she wanted to step in or let it run its course. That wand must have had a real kick behind it, but even so, Zeke didn't think the nosebleed was likely to last a terribly long time without treatment. "Once you're all set, we can try another," he added, in his most kindly tone. SPOILER!!: Zoe Quote:
Originally Posted by Zoe Then it was her turn. When the wandmaker addressed her, she stepped forward and reached into the box for the wand. Nothing stood out to her the moment she was holding it in her hand; it just felt like wood. After giving it a wave, nothing continued to happen -- there was no confetti or sparks or any of the other signs she was expecting. Suddenly its touch rapidly grew colder and colder, and it became frosty and spikes of ice started to grow out of it. Her brown eyes looked up at the man. "This one doesn't feel right," she told him matter-of-factly as she gingerly placed the wand back inside its box. As always, Zeke stood by, watchful and waiting for something to happen, anything from a refusal to perform all the way up to a magical effect of the sort he or one of the apprentices would need to tend to right away. This one, however, was on the less-responsive end of the spectrum, and-
Oh, not so. He realised, after a moment, that the eventual effects would initially be more evident to his customer, if that ice was anything to go by. He raised his eyebrows questioningly, in case it turned out she found the response to be fitting, welcoming, but was not surprised when the opposite turned out to be true.
"Understood," he said, giving a nod, and setting aside the first wand to be cleaned up later on. Zeke considered what he'd just seen, looking over their options, before picking out another wand box. "Let's see if we have any more luck with this one." With that, he nudged the lid off the box, and offered the wand inside it to the girl, along with another little smile. SPOILER!!: Waddles Quote:
Originally Posted by Waddles UNICORN HAIR?! Kenneth's mouth gaped a bit as he listened to the explanation about what the wand--his wand--was made of, and what it might be good at. He reluctantly placed the wand back in the wand box, and brushed his hair back away from his ears now that his hands were free.
He turned and got the money from his uncle to pay for the wand, but paused with his hands, full of galleons, outstretched towards the shopkeeper. "Does the unicorn have a name?" he asked. "The one whose hair is in my wand?" He wanted to know its name, and where it lived, and everything else about this unicorn. But...he'd settle for just the name. It took a lot of self restraint not to so much as chuckle at the boy's expression, though Zeke could not repress a smile, nor did he want to. Of course he couldn't be sure which part was so worthy of the slight jaw-dropping.
At least until he'd rung up the wand, slid it partway back across the counter, and held out his hands to take the galleons. "As I remember it, that particular unicorn resided in a nature reserve, down in the New Forest. She wasn't named, at least not by humans. Those who run the reserve tend not to name the creatures, respecting their preference to run wild." Oh yes. Very much wild. Plucking that hair had been... an experience.
"I think you're just about all set, unless there's anything else you'd like to know?" SPOILER!!: Harron Peasley Quote:
Originally Posted by Harron Peasley “Stop it, Bray,” Billie practically pleaded, grossed out by her sister's sudden obsession with the toes of Stemp men. She shuddered a little bit, and her relief at the presence of the wandmaker was palpable. Looking as smug as anything when he answered her question (because she
could TELL from his answer that it was a GOOD question to ask), she then glanced conspiratorially at Brayla. “Maybe we can be the first!” Wouldn’t that be something? Billie was happily ignoring the fact that, aside from their looks, they were very different people, in the hope of being the first of some amazing phenomena. She did wonder, briefly, about the wandmakerman’s twins, but she was far more interested in the wand things that were happening.
Wand things that made her even more smug, if that were possible. An immediate match. How wonderful. And the wandmaker was talking, and saying all WONDERFUL things about her, and Billie straightened up with pride. An excellent leader, absolutely. “Maybe I will try dueling. And yes, we’ll pay together,” she murmured thoughtfully, before turning her gaze back to her wand. Billie held the wand in front of her eyes, inspecting it closely, looking at every inch of the wood. Lowering it, she glanced at the box rather reluctantly - she wasn’t ready to put the wand away yet. What if it changed its mind? Did it have a mind? How did it work?
Luckily (or not, depending on who you were in this situation), she was distracted from all of those questions by Brayla’s wand had put ITSELF back in its box. The laugh she emitted was LOUD, and she clapped her hands over her mouth (wand included). “Sorry, but that was funny,” she muttered, preempting her sister's likely reproachful glare. She watched as the wandmaker offered another, hoping that this would work for Brayla and she wasn’t going to be difficult disappointed a second time. "I would absolutely encourage playing to your - and your wand's - strengths," said Zeke, though only once the words were out of his mouth did it occur to him he might end up with some upset parents and/or guardians if he was perceived to be encouraging duelling. Some weren't eager to have their little darlings getting into things like that. Well. Too late now.
... and the girl seemed reluctant to part with the wand, but, seeing as they would in fact be paying together, Zeke had set the wand box down again for the time being. He'd box both wands up once they were done here. Plus give reassurance, if needed, though he wasn't sure this particular customer would be so open about any potential separation anxiety with the wand as her twin was with her. Though he could be wrong. He sometimes was. Just not about wands. SPOILER!!: kayquilz Quote:
Originally Posted by kayquilz Roman didn't audibly reply to the wand man at first. His grey eyes merely widened at his appearance, and he nodded politely, too shy and anxious to let anything escape his throat, lest it be a groan of despair or a wail of fear.
The moment the wand was held aloft for him, Roman's anxiety trilled up his spine, but it was a bubbly kind, the way caffeine from a soda would affect him, and not the scary kind. He took it gingerly from the fellow and twirled it in his fingers without much thought, as if he were supposed to do that. He then held it the way he had observed his parents hold theirs and gave it a little wave.
Nothing happened for three seconds, and then a horrid screech erupted from the end of his wand and made him drop it to cover his ears, his face squished in discomfort.
"Ah-I-I think that one's a no-go," he murmured up at the man. He didn't DARE look at his twin, who was busy doing whatever while he got his time with finding a wand. Sweet mother of Merlin, it took almost all his willpower for Zeke to refrain from covering his own ears - big reactions to the effects of some of the unsuccessful matches could sometimes make his young customers more anxious than was strictly necessary.
"Not to worry, not to worry at all." With the screeching dispensed fading into silence again, he down to retrieve the wand - both knees creaking for his trouble - before straightening up again and placing it back inside its box. "Let's find another for you to try shall we?" And he regarded the options once again, and slid out a wand box from the bottom of the pile.
"Same again then, please," Zeke said, with another smile, lifting the lid from the box and holding it out, so that the boy could take the wand. SPOILER!!: thestralyew19 Quote:
Originally Posted by thestralyew19 Alyx Stone wandered into the "Ollivander's Wand Shop" from Diagon Alley, following the instructions on her letter from Hogwarts. The 11-year old simply stepped into the shop and immediately a magical measuring tape flew over to her and began measuring her.
It whizzed around her taking her measurements and she spun around while she heard a voice, "Hold still, Alyx." It must have been the magical measuring tape because Alyx didn't see anyone working in the shop in front of her or behind the shop counter.
Alyx stood still taking it all in, excited to receive her first wand. She held up her arms as the measuring tape took the measurements and then she put them back down. A lot of the process seemed planned, as if the measuring tape behaved the same way for everyone buying a wand. After the measuring tape was finished and flew back over to the place where it rested on the shop counter, she waited for a few seconds and then said, "Hello? Is anyone there? I'm trying to buy a wand so I can go to Hogwarts!" His newest customer might not have seen Zeke or his minions the other Ollivanders staff, but he was certainly present. Where, exactly? That might have become clear when the enchanted parchment that recorded measurements collected by the measuring tape whizzed over the counter and dropped down behind it.
A moment later, the man himself appeared, popping up from behind the counter, sending his cleaning rags soaring into the back room to put themselves away with a flick of his wand. These quiet days, it paid to be productive. Zeke couldn't help but get a little cleaning and organising in.
"Hello, hello," he greeted the girl who stood before him, smiling warmly at her. "Well then, let's find you a wand, shall we?" He plucked the parchment from the air - it had followed him up again - and consulted the information written upon it, before moving around the shop, pulling down various boxes. Wands that had the best chances of matches, after a little narrowing down, if necessary, though he was confident they would not need to try them all. Perhaps they might even get it on the first attempt. When he had a promising selection, Zeke returned to the front of the shop and set the wands on the counter.
"Now," he said, considering their options and picking up one of the wand boxes before turning to the girl and smiling once more. "Do you know what to do? Just take the wand, give it a wave, and we'll see what happens. Tell me if it feels right." As to what that meant, she may well soon find out. Zeke removed the lid from the box and presented the wand inside for her to try, nodding his encouragement. SPOILER!!: Shanners Quote:
Originally Posted by Shanners Maeb wasn't sure that this man was hugged very often - it seemed like he didn't know that you were supposed to hug back. A pat on the shoulder wasn't part of a hug! It may have been the saddest thing she'd heard all day... but Larkin had also said he was fine after realising that the kids had eaten all of the pancakes before he came to breakfast that day and he definitely definitely wasn't fine. "You aren't OLD!" She assured, almost stomping her foot but instead just nodding firmly. Maybe he was the same age as her Mum! She wasn't old. Gen was like... well, Gen sometimes said that she felt like she drank from the fountain of youth every day, but she was also sometimes a little strange...
"Okay..." the brunette didn't sound as self-assured with that point, but she took the wand in her hand either way. Maebry cast yet another look over her shoulder at her family outside the windows, looking a lot less excited than she had been when they got here. What if a wand didn't want to be hers? What if this proved Dia right and she wasn't going to be able to go to Hogwarts with the rest of her siblings this year? What if she wasn't good enough for a wand?
Gen provided a cue to breathe and Larkin a double thumbs up which settled her more than she liked. So with a deep breath, she gave the wand in her hand a strong wave... oh. From the end sprouted some blue flowers which faded into wisps and danced from the end of the wand into her hair. "They were pretty!!!!!" Zeke gave a little chuckle; this child was doing wonders for his self-esteem. He'd be sure to tell his daughters and his husband (the latter of whom was only two years his junior in any case) that he was not, in fact, old. The young lady had said so. "You're quite right. Just a little dramatic, perhaps." And self-aware! Sometimes.
He waited patiently for the girl to get the reassurance she sought from the group outside the window - as much as he would have liked to remind her that a couple of them could join her, if she liked, he refrained, because she'd made the clear decision to come in and do this alone. As always, his patience paid off; he detected a match about a half-second before it occurred. The effects were so fitting, judging by what she had already said about flowers, that it was abundantly clear to him.
"They were indeed, and you were right again! This is exactly the wand for you. We have a match." He smiled again, broadly now, and waited for that to sink in before he launched into the rest, though he held the box at the ready for it to be tucked away again, ready for payment.
"Now then, this wand is twelve inches of bendy willow, with a billywig sting core. Willow wands have an affinity for those with good intuition, who are willing to work hard and do the right thing. They are very well-suited to healing magic, water spells, and for divination purposes; also to advanced non-verbal magic." Something to keep in mind, but that was unlikely to be relevant until later down the line, school-wise. "This wood often matches with those who have great potential-" And some often unwarranted insecurity, though naturally Zeke didn't point that out in the middle of the busy shop. "-and there's an old saying; 'He - or she - who has furthest to travel will go fastest with willow.' The billywig sting makes it excellent for charms work in particular, especially spells to do with lift and propulsion. Billywig wands are highly dependable, relatively quick to master, and can be relied upon to produce magic in any situation - though at first it won't be terribly well-suited to situations where an element of stealth is required in the casting. Likes to be noticed, you know. But that's a tendency you can tame, in time."
And that was that! It was a lot of information, so Zeke had tried not to get too carried away, to let the information sink in a bit. Most of it was on the little information card in the box in any case. "The wand is priced at 11 galleons, and we also have some other items available, if you're interested." He pointed towards the price board, where everything was listed.
_________ [12 inch bendy willow with billywig sting] |