Emira entered Ollivander’s wand shop eagerly with her brother close behind. She had been looking forward to this for a long time. What wand would she obtain? Holly? Ebony? Acacia? The possibilities were endless!
She remembered tagging along when her brother got his first wand last year. A curvy Spruce wand with Dragon heartstring had chosen him. She recalled her mother’s wand was made of Ebony and Unicorn hair while her Father’s was Yew and Phoenix feather.
Emira breathed in the musty smell of the shop. She saw a well aged man with plumy hair as white as snow and sparkling bright blue grey eyes. He motioned for her to come forward.
Emira shot a quick glance at her brother before making her way over to the counter.
“Welcome welcome!” The man said with a smile that could warm even the coldest heart.
“Ahh Miss Oz! Delighted to make your acquaintance and wonderful to see you again Mr. Oz.” He said as he gazed at each sibling in turn.
Emira returned his smile.
“Nice to see you again.” Edric said nodding his head.
“How do you do? You can call me Emira.” She said politely.
“I’m here to acquire a wand for my first year at Hogwarts.” She said as she read her parchment of school supplies
“Ahh you’ll use it far longer than just your first year.” He teased with a mischievous wink.
Emira laughed at his joke, enjoying his company.
“Let’s see here, I’ll just need to take some measurements quickly.” He said as he pulled out a tape measure and made his way around the counter to Emira.
He had her spread her arms out side to side and he measured the length of her arm span as well as her height.
“I see.” He murmured thoughtfully. “A moment please.” He said as he disappeared round the counter and into the back of the shop.
Just as soon as he disappeared he had reappeared holding a wand box. He opened it to reveal a jet black wand that was ornate in detail with curved carvings in the handle.
“Here we have an Ebony wand with Basilisk horn, 10 1/4 inches, unyielding.”
Ebony like my Mother’s wand… Emira thought. Emira took the wand in hand, it felt strange but good.
Suddenly feeling a bit apprehensive she glanced at her brother for reassurance. He made a swishing motion as if he was holding a wand himself. Taking his cue she gave the wand a quick flick which resulted in a light exploding in a nearby lamp.
Startled at the commotion she quickly put the wand back on the counter, eyes wide.
“Pay it no mind.” Ollivander dismissed as he retrieved the wand from the counter and carefully placed it back in the box.
“Perhaps one down here.” He said as he reached underneath the counter and pulled out another box.
Opening the box it revealed a curvy pale grayish brown wand. It almost looked like a thin gnarled tree root.
“Here we have a wand of Hawthorn wood with unicorn hair, 13 1/2 inches, pliant.”
Emira took the wand again. It felt heavier than the last. Focusing and taking a deep breath she aimed it at a nearby plant. As she waved the wand, the plant quickly withered and died.
Feeling discouraged she handed Ollivander the wand back.
“Sorry sir, I was hoping something nice would happen for your plant.” Emira said meekly.
Ollivander gave her a reassuring smile.
“Quite alright, Miss Oz. I’ve had much worse when pairing a wand, believe me!”
“Don’t worry Em!” Edric chuckled, patting her shoulder. “It took me like 5 tries when I got my wand and it was well worth the wait…and damages to the store.” Edric said cringing slightly as he recalled.
Ollivander laughed aloud.
“Yes yes, there may have been a…substantial hole in the wall. However, nothing my own wand couldn’t repair.”
Ollivander went over to a shelf on the left wall and paused for a moment. “I believe I may have finally found the wand for you Miss Oz.”
Emira was hopeful at the positive tone that Ollivander had.
Opening the box once more, Ollivander handed her a wand pale in color. It was straight and the handle had horizontal curves that wrapped around.
“This one is made of Fir wood and Dragon heartstring, 10 1/2 inches, rather bendy, rather powerful, but requires to be firmly handled and expects conviction from its owner.”
As Emira held the wand in her hand it felt different from the rest. It fit in her hand perfectly and had a balanced weight to it.
Eyes burning with determination she gave it a broad wave and star swirls and bursts of light erupted from the tip.
“This is it!” Emira gasped. Everything about it felt exhilarating!
“You found it Em! Congratulations!” Edric said clapping.
“Aww quite a pair! I wondered if that would be it since your brother’s wand is Spruce. Fir is quite similar to Spruce but each still has its own different qualities.”
He stroked his chin thoughtfully, eyes filled with curiosity.
“My late grandfather, Gerbold Octavius Ollivander, always called wands of this wood ‘the survivor’s wand’, because he had sold it to three wizards who subsequently passed through mortal peril unscathed. There is no doubt that this wood, coming as it does from the most resilient of trees, produces wands that demand staying power and strength of purpose in their true owners, and that they are poor tools in the hands of the changeable and indecisive. Fir wands are particularly suited to Transfiguration, and favour owners of focused, strong-minded, and, occasionally, intimidating demeanour. Treat it with care!”
“Wow! That’s very intriguing. I’ve always been fascinated with wand lore and just about every thing of similar nature.” Emira said excitedly. She couldn’t take her eyes of her new wand.
“Ahh, perhaps in the future you will find a career in wand-making or perhaps your talents will lie elsewhere.” Ollivander smiled thoughtfully.
“Oh! I almost forgot!” Emira exclaimed as she reached into her pocket and pulled out 2 galleons. She handed Ollivander the money thanking him again.
Emira and her brother made their way toward the exit but both waved a final time before exiting the shop. Emira felt ready to take on any challenge and couldn’t wait to become acquainted with her new partner.