Gringotts!
"This is a Galleon? It doesn't look like pure gold. Why is the exchange rate so high?"
"That's because the pound is practically worthless in the wizarding world. The only reason it can be exchanged for Galleons is to accommodate new Muggle-born students," Professor McGonagall explained.
Hearing this, everyone nodded in understanding.
"Is that why those goblins looked so upset? Oh my god, if I were in their shoes, exchanging Galleons for worthless paper, I'd be furious!" said Mr. Granger.
"Good thing we're on the side getting Galleons for worthless paper! Hahaha!"
In one moment, they thought they were losing out, but then realized they were coming out ahead. Coupled with the goblins' sour expressions, Mr. Granger couldn't help but laugh.
Cro felt a bit regretful that the goblins hadn't contributed to his treasure chest. But then again, their frustration wasn't his fault. Given the goblins' obsession with wealth, they could have dropped a diamond... no, a king's treasure chest!
"Professor McGonagall, are we going to buy books next? Can you learn magic from books? Is there a spell for wandless magic that Cro uses?" Hermione asked eagerly. "Oh, and wands! Can we buy them here?"
Hermione looked at McGonagall with anticipation, wanting to cast spells like Cro did. The fact that Cro could do things she couldn't left her feeling somewhat unbalanced.
"Oh dear Miss Granger, spells need to be channeled through a wand. Wandless magic requires a high level of proficiency with the spells," McGonagall paused, giving Cro a deep look before continuing, "Although I'm not sure how Cro can perform wandless magic, it's clear that for young witches and wizards, using a wand is the best way to cast spells."
"As for where to buy wands, you just need to turn around and look behind you."
Hearing this, Hermione quickly turned around to see a somewhat shabby little shop.
"Ollivander: Making Fine Wands Since 382 B.C.!"
"Wait, that means it's been around for nearly two thousand years? No wonder the shop looks old and worn!" Hermione exclaimed, covering her mouth in surprise. She couldn't wait to drag Cro inside.
"Sorry, Professor McGonagall, Hermione has been a bit rude," Cro said apologetically.
"Oh, it's fine. I really appreciate her curiosity about new things; it's essential for learning magic," McGonagall replied with a smile.
She had seen many children like Hermione, eager to learn about magic. It was something she had grown accustomed to over the years.
In other words, if a wizard had no interest in wands, could they really be considered a good wizard? That would be like a man having no interest in beautiful women—what a sad situation that would be!
The inside of the wand shop was small, filled with tall cabinets stacked with hundreds of rectangular boxes, all covered in dust.
As Ollivander heard the door open, he poked his head out from behind the counter.
"Oh, Professor McGonagall, it's a pleasure to see you."
"These two children are this year's new students, right? And the ones behind them must be their parents? It's an honor to help you select wands."
Ollivander was a small man with messy white hair and a serious expression on his face, reminiscent of a dedicated old professor.
"Garrick, it's been a long time. Please help these two children find suitable wands," McGonagall said with a smile. "They are exceptionally bright kids and will surely make your wands shine!"
Ollivander's eyes sparkled with interest. "Let me see what kind of wands would suit these remarkable children. Before we choose wands, let me measure you; that way, we can find a wand that fits comfortably in your hands."
Ollivander took out a measuring tape and walked over to Cro and Hermione.
"Who wants to go first? Actually, it doesn't matter who goes first; it's the wand that chooses the wizard, not the other way around," he said with a smile.
"Let Hermione go first. Relax, I'm right behind you. Nothing will happen," Cro gently reassured Hermione, who looked nervous.
Once she calmed down, Cro stepped aside to quietly watch Ollivander take her measurements.
He was curious—children at this age were still growing. They might change a lot in just a year. Why was Ollivander putting so much effort into measuring them? Wouldn't a wand crafted for their current size be useless in a few years?
Cro couldn't help but smile, thinking of a way to earn a treasure chest from this. He wondered what kind of rewards the wand master could bring him.
As Ollivander measured Hermione, he suddenly felt a chill, as if he were being watched by someone with ill intentions. He looked around but saw nothing out of the ordinary and continued recording her measurements, albeit with a hint of confusion.
"Oh, Miss Granger, I've determined what kind of wand would suit you. Just a moment!"
Ollivander excitedly rushed to the counter to rummage through the boxes.
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T/N:
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