Ollivander placed the wand in a new box, wrapped it in brown paper, and stared at Brian with his silvery eyes, hesitating for a moment before asking, "Mr. Brian, it seems you've discovered something about this wand?"
Ollivander was a shrewd man—he had immediately sensed the flicker of emotion in that brief moment. Brian sighed inwardly, but on the surface, he simply shook his head and looked at Ollivander with a mask of innocence.
Ollivander studied him thoughtfully, then handed over the wand. So much was revealed in that instant—so much—and though it passed quickly, Brian caught it. He had wanted to ask more, perhaps subtly inquire about the wand's sealed properties, but that glance and remark left him speechless.
"What exactly does this old man know?" The question buzzed in Brian's mind. But he knew speaking too much often led to mistakes, and he still had a major secret that absolutely couldn't be revealed. So he paid Ollivander ten Galleons and quickly pulled Hagrid and Harry out of the shop.
After they left, Ollivander didn't immediately tidy up the wands and boxes scattered around. He stood still, eyes fixed in the direction Brian and Harry had gone. Then he snapped his fingers. Instantly, a Closed sign appeared on the door. Taking a deep breath, he turned and slowly pushed open a door at the back of the shop.
...
The sun was setting when Brian led Harry and Hagrid back toward Diagon Alley. They had spent the whole day there without even realizing it. Harry suddenly asked, "Why were you walking so fast just now?"
"I think Mr. Ollivander is a strange man. It felt better to leave early," Brian replied, frowning.
"Exactly! When he was helping me find a wand, he kept staring at the scar on my head and muttering weird things," Harry said, nodding vigorously.
"Nonsense," Hagrid cut in. "Mr. Ollivander's the top wandmaker in Europe. Don't overthink it. Come on, we still have time for a bite—my treat."
"No, my mum's waiting for me. Next time, Hagrid. Harry." Brian glanced at the sky. "It's getting late. She'll worry."
In truth, Brian was impatient to get home—there was a whole new magical system to explore, and he was eager to start learning.
Harry fell silent, eyes filled with regret. He looked like he had something to say but didn't know how. The thought of going back to the Dursleys darkened his mood; he deflated like a balloon and sighed. "Your mother is so nice. Compared to you, I've got it rough. I can't even imagine how awful the next month's going to be."
"He wouldn't dare!" Hagrid roared, eyes blazing. He didn't even notice the crowd staring at him as he pulled a letter from his coat and handed it to Harry. "If those Dursleys give you any trouble, write to me. The owls'll know where to find me. This here's your ticket to Hogwarts."
Hagrid's face was flushed, veins bulging on his forehead. The sight of the three-meter-tall giant enraged was enough to make nearby passersby shrink away.
Brian rubbed his nose and tried to comfort Harry quietly. Hagrid bought them both hamburgers, but Harry barely touched his, eyes constantly drifting to the crowd.
"You okay, Harry? You've gone quiet," Hagrid asked.
"Just hang in there," Brian said. "Only one more month. After that, no more Dursleys for a whole year."
That did the trick. Harry's face brightened as he imagined his Dursley-free future. He quickly arranged to meet Brian before term started, and with that settled, Brian finally boarded the train home.
"Goodbye, Harry, Hagrid!" Brian called, waving.
...
It was past ten when Brian finally arrived home. He might have been a special eleven-year-old, but he was still a boy—and an entire day of excitement had worn him out. He had planned to dive into the magic system as soon as he got his wand, but now all he wanted was sleep. He was exhausted, and with so much ahead of him, rest was necessary.
When he walked through the door, Elinore was curled up on the sofa, hugging her knees. She looked up at him with an unreadable expression, eyes glinting as though studying a masterpiece.
"Our little wizard is back?" she teased, ruffling his hair. Then she told him to wash up and eat something.
Ted was his usual self—sipping black tea and humming a strange tune, a newspaper in hand. It seemed he had an infinite supply of both. Seeing Brian, he offered a faint smile, set the newspaper aside, and asked about Diagon Alley.
Brian didn't answer. He sat down at the dining table, grateful for the old etiquette Elinore had drilled into him—not to speak while eating. It gave him time to prepare his words.
Ted didn't mind. He simply slid a letter across the table toward Brian and returned to his newspaper.
They never opened Brian's letters for him. His parents had always respected his independence.
Brian slowly finished his meal, rinsed his mouth, wiped his hands, and then opened the envelope.
It was familiar parchment. Familiar emerald green ink.
He read it aloud softly.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
Dear Mr. Brian,
We are pleased to inform you that you have exchanged Muggle currency for Galleons at a 5:1 exchange rate from a special fund approved by the Ministry of Magic, confirming your enrollment.
Please board the Hogwarts Express from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters at King's Cross Station on September 1st. (Ticket attached)
Deputy Headmistress,Minerva McGonagall
"What are Muggles?" Ted asked, glancing at Elinore, who shrugged.
"I think it means normal people who can't use magic," Brian said carefully. "I didn't secretly write to Hogwarts to apply or anything."
"Of course you didn't," Elinore replied with a soft smile. "The letter says they confirmed it through the money exchange."
Thanks, Mom. Long live understanding.
"So, care to tell us what happened today?" Ted asked, folding his newspaper.
Brian hesitated, then told them everything—meeting Hagrid and Harry, buying supplies, exploring Diagon Alley. Everything except for the system.
Ted leaned forward, suddenly more focused. Elinore stared into her lap, silent.
When she finally looked up, she gave a faint smile. "Well then, congratulations. You've passed my test. Ted and I will allow you to attend Hogwarts for the next seven years."
Brian, who'd been nervous at their serious expressions, lit up at her words. But before he could speak, Elinore added, "It's been a long day. Go wash up and rest. We'll talk tomorrow."
Brian opened his mouth, then closed it again. He trudged back to his room, a strange feeling gnawing at him. It was as if, in that moment, a secret had quietly grown between him and his parents.
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