Let's go pick out the first-year textbooks!" Hermione exclaimed excitedly as she grabbed Ivan's hand and pulled him toward the long rows of bookshelves.
The two friends had made the decision not to buy second-hand books. While some might argue that the notes left by older students in used books could provide valuable insights, for Hermione and Ivan, purchasing second-hand copies was unnecessary aside from saving a few coins. For Hermione, especially, new books were essential; they offered plenty of clean pages for her to take notes and highlight important concepts without any distractions.
"Could you please grab Miranda Goshawk's Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1, along with Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4?" Ivan asked as he browsed through the shelves.
Ivan bought all the textbooks that a young wizard would need for the next few years in one go, which made Hermione feel a pang of envy. She wished she could afford to be so generous, but her gold galleons were not enough for such splurges. Thankfully, Ivan reassured her that he would lend her the upper-level textbooks after he had finished with them. This gesture lifted Hermione's spirits and completely erased the last bit of jealousy she felt.
Though both of them were born to Muggle parents, Ivan seemed to have a natural talent for magic that set him apart. Not only was he exceptionally gifted, but his humility, kindness, strength, and wisdom also drew Hermione's admiration.
Having read the original Harry Potter series, Ivan understood Hermione's personality well. At this point, she was a prime example of someone with a high IQ but low emotional intelligence. She could be quite controlling and often struggled to adapt to different situations. Fortunately, Ivan found a way to navigate her quirks. He thought of her as a little sister who sometimes acted spoiled, and this perspective made it easier for him to accept her behavior.
"Ivan, you really know a lot," Hermione said, her eyes wide with appreciation.
If she were with anyone else, Hermione might not have been as receptive. But with Ivan—someone her age who seemed both more mature and knowledgeable—she instinctively chose to trust him. She felt comfortable enough to acknowledge her flaws and work on them.
Since Professor McGonagall hadn't returned yet, Hermione decided to stay in Flourish and Blotts with Ivan to read. They spent their time absorbed in books, but Ivan's ability to grasp the material quickly set him apart. Whenever Hermione encountered a difficult concept, she would ask Ivan for help, and he always provided simple and clear explanations.
However, it wasn't always a one-sided arrangement. They had distinct study styles that complemented each other. Hermione preferred to read entire passages, memorizing every detail without skipping a beat. In contrast, Ivan focused on the main ideas and the essential points, which allowed Hermione to uncover details that he occasionally overlooked.
As they studied together, their bond grew stronger. They became good friends who not only communicated well but also learned from each other. Their time spent together became a blend of hard work and shared laughter, solidifying their friendship.
"Ahem."
After what felt like hours, Professor McGonagall returned from her shopping and noticed the warm atmosphere. With a slight cough, she smiled and remarked, "It seems you two are getting along quite well."
"Yes," Ivan said, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "Hermione is the smartest girl I've ever met."
Hermione felt a blush creep across her cheeks at Ivan's compliment. For someone who had always prided herself on her intelligence, being labeled "the smartest" made her feel both proud and shy. She quickly regained her composure and replied, "Well, obviously, Ivan, you're the smartest one here!"
Throughout her life, Hermione had never admitted anyone was smarter than she was—except for Ivan, who had earned her respect.
"Alright then," Professor McGonagall said, pleased to see their friendship blossoming. "My clever young wizards, it's time to pack up your things. We're off to choose your first wands."
Wands were essential tools that wizards used to help channel their magical abilities. One of the key differences between wizards in the Harry Potter universe and those in other fantasy realms was the reliance on wands to cast spells. While using a wand wasn't strictly necessary, it greatly enhanced a wizard's ability to perform magic. The wand helped direct the wizard's magical power, making it easier to achieve the desired results.
"Professor," Ivan asked as they walked, "is it really possible to cast spells without a wand?"
"That's a common question," Professor McGonagall replied, glancing thoughtfully at him. "The ability to cast spells without a wand is known as wandless magic, and it requires a very high level of magical skill."
She explained that young wizards were akin to newborns in their magical journey. The magic within their bodies represented their "ability to speak," while the wand was a tool to help them learn how to communicate effectively.
"To put it simply," she continued, "if using a wand is like speaking your native language, then wandless magic is like learning a foreign language."
This concept intrigued Ivan, who was eager to learn more about magic. However, Professor McGonagall warned that mastering wandless casting was no small feat.
"When experienced wizards from places like Africa, who are accustomed to casting spells with gestures, suddenly try using a wand, it can actually complicate their magic. Sometimes it can lead to a loss of control," she explained. "True mastery of magic, which allows for both wand and wandless casting, is considered the highest level of magical skill. It's a rare gift."
At Ivan's current level of magical knowledge, he knew he was not yet ready for that kind of power. It was a little ambitious for him to think about wishing for something extraordinary.
"Ivan, you must remember that not every young wizard can master such abilities," Professor McGonagall cautioned. "While magic can be convenient, we prioritize its safety and stability."
Magic could be dangerous, even deadly, if not handled properly. Ivan nodded, acknowledging her words.
Despite his potential, his current magical abilities were still limited to simple tricks, such as levitating small objects or making items vanish. Professor McGonagall observed him with approval, clearly pleased by his maturity. She reserved her sternness for other students who needed more guidance.
Soon, the trio arrived at a small, shabby shop. The faded golden sign above the door read: Ollivander: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C. In the dusty window, a single wand lay on a tattered purple cushion.
The shop was dimly lit and cramped, with wand boxes stacked almost to the ceiling. There was a solitary bench for customers to sit on.
"Oh, good morning, Minerva," came a soft, elderly voice from the back of the shop. An old man shuffled forward from the depths of the wand boxes, his face breaking into a smile. "Nine-and-a-half inches, fir wood, dragon heartstring core—quite sturdy," he said, gesturing to the wand that Professor McGonagall had purchased years ago.
"Your memory is as sharp as ever, Garrick," she replied warmly.
"Sharp? No, no," Ollivander chuckled. "It's not my memory; it's the wand that remembers. I still recall the day I took over my father's business and met such a discerning young witch."
"Isn't that a lovely memory?" Hermione whispered to Ivan.
Trying to maintain a serious demeanor, Ivan coughed slightly, signaling her to lower her voice. he realized Ollivander was watching them and quickly stuck out his tongue playfully before looking down, a bit embarrassed.
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