"Very good, very, very good!" Ollivander exclaimed as he placed the wand back into its box and tied a delicate ribbon around it. "Pinewood often chooses wizards with an independent spirit, sometimes even seen as isolationist. The phoenix, too, is a solitary and unique creature..."
As he said this, Ollivander's gaze on Andy grew a bit more focused.
"Many wandmakers believe that pine wands select witches and wizards destined for long lives, and I agree with this sentiment – I've never met a pine wand owner who died young. The phoenix symbolizes rebirth from the ashes."
'Does that mean I have all the time I want?' Andy thought, feeling a surge of excitement.
"The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Collins. I believe you'll achieve great things in the future. But remember, it's good to make a few friends while you're at school," Ollivander advised, his tone sincere.
"That will be seven Galleons, please."
"Thank you, Mr. Ollivander," Andy replied, handing over the gold Galleons but lingering a moment longer.
Initially, Andy was skeptical about the idea of wands choosing wizards. However, this pine and phoenix feather wand felt inexplicably right for him.
Anyone who finds themselves in the world of Harry Potter would naturally seek power and immortality. As for the love and friendship Dumbledore spoke of – those were secondary, not something to chase after deliberately.
Of course, if Andy met a girl he liked, he would pursue her. He had experience in that area.
Andy recognized his own traits well. He was an ordinary person who had traveled to this magical world, possessing all the typical qualities of a time traveler. Independence and longevity – it seemed this wand was made just for him.
"Mr. Collins, is there anything else?" Ollivander asked, noting Andy's hesitation.
"Yes," Andy replied thoughtfully. "You said the wand chooses the wizard, but people's personalities aren't fixed..."
Ollivander nodded, explaining patiently, "Indeed, it's rare but possible. Each wand is like a semi-finished product. It grows with its wizard, adapting to their personality and spellcasting habits. So, even if a wizard's temperament changes, the wand will change with them. Remember, the wand is a wizard's most trusted companion."
"Thank you," Andy said, feeling more assured.
Despite Ollivander's somewhat idealistic explanation, it made sense in the wizarding world where even wands could have personalities.
"I'll also take a wand care kit."
Andy decided to treat his wand like a close companion, nurturing it as soon as possible.
After purchasing his wand, Andy visited Madam Malkin's to buy three sets of Hogwarts uniforms. The custom-made uniforms would be delivered to his home in three days.
Having completed his shopping, Andy went to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, ordering a cup of ice cream and waiting for his mother Helen and sister Isabel.
Isabel never wanted to leave Diagon Alley without having ice cream from this shop.
After about ten minutes, Helen arrived with Isabel. "I sent the packages home by owl. Andy, you and Isabel wait here for a while. I have something to take care of," Helen instructed.
"Got it, don't worry," Andy replied casually.
In the wizarding world, there were few who could claim to be completely honest. Most had, at some point, bent the rules. Even model students like Hermione had broken school rules and laws within their first year at Hogwarts.
Helen, a skilled potioneer, occasionally took orders for forbidden potions. If discovered by the Ministry of Magic, Kyle would handle it through his connections, and they had illegal Portkeys at home for a quick escape if needed.
A month and a half ago, Helen had brewed a batch of Polyjuice Potion, significantly boosting their family's savings.
It was unusual to be as poor as the Weasley family in the wizarding world.
Initially, Andy thought Muggle money could be freely exchanged for wizarding money. However, Helen explained that only young wizards from the Muggle world had a limited exchange quota each year. She had even learned the Imperious and Obliviate Curses in anticipation, only to find that Gringotts did not offer this service.
After about fifteen minutes, Helen returned, looking pleased. "Andy, Isa, it's time to go home."
"But I haven't finished eating yet," Isabel protested.
"Let's finish it at home. I have important matters to attend to," Helen insisted, pulling Isabel along.
Back home, Andy asked, "Do you need help?"
"It's an advanced potion. I'm afraid you can't handle it," Helen replied.
"What is it this time?"
"Veritaserum," Helen answered.
Andy understood. Veritaserum wasn't foolproof and could be countered in various ways, but it was very effective when used alongside the Cruciatus Curse. The customer was likely a dark wizard.
Helen went to prepare the potion, Isabel continued her ice cream, and Andy, with nothing else to do, took out his wand.
"Andy, are you going to cast a spell?" Isabel asked curiously.
"I want to give it a try," Andy replied, opening "The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1."
This textbook only listed nine simple spells, all of which seemed trivial. But Andy wasn't disappointed. The real offensive and defensive spells were part of the Defense Against the Dark Arts curriculum.
Quirrell, the antagonist of the first book, would undoubtedly be knowledgeable, even if his actions suggested otherwise. If he were a fraud, Dumbledore would have dismissed him long ago.
(End of this chapter).