Cynthia excitedly entered the quaint wand shop of Ollivander’s wondering which one might choose her.
She stared in awe at the sight of rows upon rows of wands lining the shelves. A musty woody smell permeated the air and dust specks danced in the light filtering in from the windows.
Her grandmother, Carolyn, followed a few moments behind finding Cynthia’s energy entertaining.
Cynthia noticed a man behind the wooden counter smiling at her with hazy silver eyes. A twinkle glinted in his eye as he addressed her.
“Ahh, Miss Cynthia Volo Cogita! An honour to make your acquaintance! I’m Garrick Ollivander but you can simply call me Ollivander.” he said with a cheery raspy voice.
“The honour is all mine.” Cynthia said with a polite bow. She suddenly paused abruptly. In all her excitement she realized he had addressed her as though he knew her.
“How did you know my name? Have we met before?” She gasped in astonishment.
Ollivander chuckled.
“I’ve known the Volo Cogita family for generations. I helped pair your mother and father’s wand and believe it or not, I even helped pair your grandmother with her wand. Seems like only yesterday they were all in my shop.” His eyes glistened nostalgically.
Her grandmother gave a slight cough.
“The wrinkles in my skin are a testament to the time long since passed.” Carolyn shook her head wistfully.
“You still look as young as ever.” Ollivander reassured her.
Her grandmother smiled at the compliment.
“Sir, I need to obtain a wand according to my school list.” Cynthia said pointing to it on a piece of parchment.
Ollivander glanced at it with a grin.
“Of course! Of course! Wait here and I’ll be right back.” He quickly disappeared to a shelf on the left and reached for one of the wand boxes. He brought it over to the counter and opened it.
Inside there was a wand that was dark brown. It was a bit plain but Cynthia didn’t care. She was just excited to see what might choose her.
“Here we have a Larch wood wand with White River Monster Spine, 10 inches. Give it a go!” He said as he handed the wand to Cynthia.
Cynthia gave it a wave and a large gust of wind erupted from the tip, blowing papers over and knocking a few other items onto the ground.
Cynthia stared crestfallen and wondering if she had done something wrong.
“Sorry sir.” She said nervously, handing the wand back to Ollivander.
“Pay it no mind.” Ollivander reassured while placing the wand back in its box.
“Very seldom do people ever find their pairing on the first try.”
He placed the box back on the shelf and disappeared farther back. He promptly returned with a new box. This one was a bit smaller than the last one.
“This one is English Oak wood, Unicorn Hair, 9 3/4 inches.”
Cynthia took the wand. This one was paler in colour. However, as soon as she had grasped it a sudden brief shock made her gasp and drop the wand in the counter.
“No no! Definitely not.” Ollivander shook his head, again taking the wand and placing it back where it came from.
Cynthia glanced at her grandmother trying to keep what confidence she still had.
“Not to worry, dear.” She smiled warmly. “It took me a while to find my wand as well but once I did, we were partners for life! My Maple wand has never failed me.”
Cynthia felt a little better even though the next couple of wands still didn’t work out.
Ollivander scratched his plumy silvery white hair but then clarity filled his gaze.
“I wonder… Could it be…that?”
Once more, Ollivander disappeared and just as soon as he had left he was already back with another box.
“Here we have a wand of Cypress wood, Phoenix feather, 10 1/2 inches, quite rigid.”
Ollivander handed Cynthia the wand. This one was multi-faceted in colour. A bit of a mix of dark brown and black and a small round green jewel on it. Cynthia grasped it in her hand and immediately felt warmth surge throughout her body.
Confidently she waved the wand and bursts of golden light erupted from the wand dancing throughout the shop.
“Yes! I do believe we’ve found it.” Ollivander cheered clapping his heads together.
“That’s a very special wand Cynthia. It’s ideal for casting defensive and protective charms. It suits wizards who have a clear mind and heart.” Ollivander stroked his chin several times looking thoughtful.
“These wands are associated with nobility, which given your family heritage, comes as no surprise. Wands of Cypress find their match in brave, the bold, and the self-sacrificing: those who are unafraid to confront the shadows in their own and others’ natures.”
“Thank you sir! It’s perfect!” Cynthia exclaimed admiring her new wand.
“Congratulations dear!” Carolyn said as she hugged Cynthia.
“Make sure to pay Ollivander for it.” Her grandmother reminded gently.
Cynthia pulled the galleons out of her pocket and handed it to Ollivander.
Ollivander took it graciously and watched as Cynthia and her grandmother began making their way out of the shop.
“Good luck Cynthia!” He called after them. “I look forward to seeing what accomplishments you will make with your new partner!”
He paused thoughtfully.
“Quite a pair to be sure.” He said almost as if to himself with a smile.