Cadenza found herself standing at the counter of Ollivander’s Wand shop. Her brother had gone off with his friends to get his third year school supplies. Her parents were still getting some of her books at Flourish and Blotts but Cadenza insisted on getting her wand now.
Within a few seconds, an old man appeared. His face was adorned with wrinkles that showed his age but his blue eyes sparkled like frost in the sun and his hair was like that of a cloud mixed with grey and white.
“Why hello there! If it isn’t Miss Mi Amoré!” He greeted warmly.
“How do you do? Please call me Cadenza.” Cadenza replied kindly with a small curtsy. She suddenly paused abruptly.
“Wait, how did you know my last name?” She gasped.
Mr. Ollivander chuckled.
“Ahh, call it an old wizard’s intuition. I remember every wand I’ve ever sold and in turn the people I’ve paired them with.” He murmured kindly. “I also love your father’s work in the operas that he composes. Brilliant!” He exclaimed.
Cadenza smiled.
“Thank you. He really is a genius. Our family has always loved music and he creates beautiful songs and stories. Oh but I’m here for a wand!” Cadenza suddenly realized she had nearly forgotten why she had come in the first place.
“It’s my first year at Hogwarts you see.” She said with an excited smile.
“Ahh, well a wand is most important for your first year!” Mr. Ollivander said gleefully. “I always take great pride in finding a good wand to pair. I’ll need to take some measurements from you first.” He said as he reached he pulled a tape measure out from thin air.
“Please hold out your arms as if you are a bird spreading its wings.” Mr. Ollivander instructed.
Following his instructions, Cadenza spread her arms wide as he measured her armspan and height.
“I see…” Mr. Ollivander said thoughtfully. “Please wait here a moment.” He said as he disappeared past the counter to a dusty shelf in the back.
Bringing a box to the counter he opened it and revealed a reddish coloured wand with what looked like small beads that were ingrained adorning the handle.
“Here we have a Cherry wand with unicorn hair, 9 3/4 inches, slightly swishy.”
He handed the wand to Cadenza.
Grasping it in her hand unsure of what to do she glanced at Ollivander.
“Go on, give it a wave.” He encouraged.
Waving it swiftly a small burst of flame shot from the wand setting some nearby documents on fire.
With a quick wave of Mr. Ollivander’s own wand, the flames ceased and the documents remained unburned.
“I am so sorry!” Cadenza exclaimed in shame as she quickly gave the wand to Ollivander.
“Ahh never you mind.” Mr. Ollivander said with a shrug as he took the wand and put it back in its box.
“It happens all the time. Very seldom is a wand ever paired the first time.” He took the wand an put it back on the shelf where he got it.
Cadenza remained where she was hardly daring to breathe as she was still reeling from the debacle.
Glancing over at a box,two shelves to the right, he got the box and brought it over to the counter.
Cadenza was apprehensive as to what would happen this time.
“Let’s try this one. Here we have a Blackthorn wand, dragon heartstring, 10 1/2 inches, unbending.”
Cadenza thought of her brother who’s own wand was Blackthorn, though the core was horned serpent horn. This wand was a darker brown and it was more curvy and the grain seemed to twist about.
Cadenza holding her breath gave it a wave. She waited. Nothing happened. Cadenza frowned, disappointed.
“No, no, definitely not.” Mr. Ollivander said shaking his head. He took the wand back, placed it in its box and put it right back where he got it from.
Cadenza tried a few more wands. One made of Laurel with unicorn hair and another made of Chesnut with phoenix feather.
“Don’t worry, we will find it!” He said encouragingly. Stroking his chin thoughtfully, Cadenza saw his eyes spark suddenly.
“I wonder…could it be…that?”
Mr. Ollivander climbed up one of the ladders to the very top of a shelf on the far right side of the shop. He then came over to the counter with another box in hand. He opened it and revealed a wand that was a mixture of black and brown colouring. The handle had cross hatching of another material that made it look quite classy.
“This wand is made of Willow and unicorn hair, 9 1/4 inches, unyielding. I have my suspicions but we will wait and see.” He said thoughtfully as he handed Cadenza the wand.
Cadenza took the wand and felt a tingling sensation. With a confident wave of the wand, golden sparks of light erupted from it and it swirled around the shop.
Cadenza laughed astonished, holding out her hand as the golden light flittered down, and dissipated like snow as it fell on her hand.
“Ahh a match we have found!” Mr. Ollivander exclaimed smiling warmly.
“Willow wands are special and have healing power.” He remarked.
“Really?!” Cadenza said with a smile, marveling at her new wand.
Mr. Ollivander nodded.
“Indeed. I also find that they select those of greatest potential rather than those who feel they have little to learn. In fact there’s an old saying in my family that he who has furthest to travel will go fastest with willow. In this case, “she”.” He corrected.
“How fascinating!” She said in awe. “Thank you for helping me to find my wand.”
“It is always my great pleasure.” He said shaking her hand.
“Here are the galleons for the wand.” Cadenza said as she pulled the money out from her coat pocket.
Mr. Ollivander took the money from her graciously.
“Thank you! I wish you the best of luck with your new companion. I’m sure you will learn a lot together!” He said waving as Cadenza made her way to the exit.
Looking back Cadenza waved back in farewell and left the shop to rejoin her family and show them her new found willow wood wand.