Stylized Sticks Solo

“Olivanders…” Mercedes murmured the name on the sign, squinting as he looked. Is this the place the supply list mentioned? He stared at the old shop, then began counting if he had enough currency. Once he confirmed the amount, he huffed to brace himself and opened the door. Immediately after stepping in, the smell of wood and dust made him sneeze loudly.

“Ah, Mercedes. Are you alright my boy?” A voice came from the back of the shop, an old man popped up from behind the long shelf of boxes and came closer. Mercedes rubbed his nose violently as he sniffled slightly “I’m fine, really.”

Mercedes stopped what he was doing and stared at the old man, surprised that this elderly stranger knew his name.

“Hm, here for your first wand, then?” The old man asked Mercedes, who immediately replied with a nod. Before Mercedes could even speak again, the old man glanced at a tall shelf and said: “Yes, I think I know what you need…”

“A tissue?” Mercedes asked himself, since he needed a tissue required watch as the man picked up a box from one of the tall shelves, opened it, and revealed a beautiful wand. Mercedes, who looked grumpy and unimpressed before, finally expressed interest.

“28,7 cm chestnut wood and thestral tail hair.
Whippy, attracted to energetic wizards and will be easily wooed by another if its owner becomes lazy.” The old man describes the wand he picked, examining it in detail then handing it carefully to Mercedes. The interest in the boy’s eyes faded as he heard the description, what a difficult wand he thought. Taking the wand off the old man’s hand, he runs a hand through his pockets to immediately pay for the wand, as if he’s in a hurry to get away from everything.

“There’s no need to be in a rush now, you haven’t tried the wand.” The old man says.

“I have to try it?” Mercedes asks in surprise. How was he supposed to try it when he doesn’t know basic magic?

“Give it a little flick,” The man replied “and see if it chooses you.” He added.

So, with a flick, the wand slid out of his hand like an animal escaping his grasp. The boy stared in disbelief, processing what just happened.

“Well, clearly not…” said the old man, who left to pick another box. “Let’s try this one instead…”

Mercedes glanced at the second wand, it looked equally detailed and bright as the previous wand.

“30,1 cm cherry wood and horned serpent horn.
Pliable, very resistant, which requires endurance and determination, very efficient for transfiguration spells.” The man handed the wand to the boy. Another flick, and the wand went flying straight to his forehead.

“Clearly not!” The man observed, handing a new box of wands yet again. “Perhaps better luck with this one?”

“30,1 cm cherry wood and horned serpent horn.
Pliable, very resistant, which requires endurance and determination, very efficient for transfiguration spells.” Another flick, this time it made a few boxes fall out of shelves.

“No no and no!” Yelled the man. The room went quiet as both individuals pondered. Then the man’s eyes sparkled with an idea. “Could it be that…”

“22,1 cm chestnut wood and dragon heartstring.
Rather bendy, gifted with defensive powers, and likes wizards who go on dangerous quests.” The boy was handed one more wand, this time it looked pale and dark. A striking contrast to the previous wands pulled out. As Mercedes expected another unfortunate event, the wand instead shone with a golden glow. “Yes, excellent, it’s exactly what you need.” The old man declared.