Professor McGonagall smiled warmly as she introduced the new student. "Harry, this is Lin Mei. He will be in the same first-year class as you."
Harry observed Lin Mei curiously, and in return, Lin Mei offered a friendly smile.
"Hello, Harry." Lin Mei extended her hand, her voice gentle and sincere.
Harry hesitated for a brief moment before shaking Lin Mei's hand. The first thing Lin Mei noticed was how frail Harry felt—his thin frame and small stature suggested a difficult life with his Muggle relatives.
"Hello, Lin Mei." Harry's voice was shy but carried a quiet hopefulness for the future.
Professor McGonagall gave them both an encouraging look. "You two must have plenty to do, so we won't keep you. Harry, remember to take care of yourself. Hagrid, you as well."
"Don't worry, Professor," Hagrid reassured her, patting his chest with a hearty chuckle.
Professor McGonagall then turned to Lin Mei. "Shall we continue?"
Lin Mei nodded and followed her. As they walked away, he glanced back at Harry, thinking, Perhaps the days ahead won't be so dull after all.
A Shopping Spree in Diagon Alley
Lin Mei wasted no time in beginning his shopping expedition. While he purchased all the essentials for school, the majority of his spending went toward books. Unlike many young wizards, Lin Mei had little interest in sweets, pets, or toys. Instead, his passion lay in knowledge.
With his financial means, he ended up buying so many books that Professor McGonagall decided to take a small detour to purchase a suitcase enchanted with an undetectable extension charm.
That day, Flourish and Blotts saw its highest sales in weeks, with clerks rushing back and forth to accommodate Lin Mei's endless requests. Word quickly spread along Diagon Alley: Hogwarts' Deputy Headmistress had brought along an exceptionally wealthy and generous young wizard. Shopkeepers eyed him hopefully, but Lin Mei remained focused on necessities alone.
Finally, the last stop of the day was Ollivanders Wand Shop.
The shop was small and unassuming, with a weathered golden sign above the entrance that read: Ollivander: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C.
Through the dusty window, a single wand rested on a faded purple cushion. Inside, thousands of narrow boxes stacked from floor to ceiling covered every inch of space. A fine layer of dust coated the shelves, making Lin Mei, who had a slight obsession with cleanliness, shift uncomfortably. Still, he reminded himself that this was a necessary part of his journey.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward and called out, "Mr. Ollivander!"
A rustling noise came from a high shelf, and soon, a slender, elderly man descended a rolling ladder, his sharp eyes twinkling with curiosity. His wire-rimmed glasses perched precariously at the tip of his nose, yet they never seemed to slip.
"Ah, Professor McGonagall! A pleasure to see you today," Ollivander greeted, his voice hoarse but full of enthusiasm. His gaze flickered toward Lin Mei. "And you must be our new student."
"Indeed. Mr. Ollivander, this is Lin Mei," Professor McGonagall introduced. "Lin Mei, this is Garrick Ollivander, the most renowned wand maker in the wizarding world."
Lin Mei nodded respectfully, his excitement barely concealed. He understood the significance of this moment—a wand was not just a tool for magic, but an extension of a wizard's very soul.
Ollivander peered at him thoughtfully. "Ah, Eastern heritage. A rare blend, indeed. And…" He narrowed his eyes. "There is something distinct about your aura. Unique. Yes, we must find the perfect match for you. Let's begin, shall we?"
Professor McGonagall and Lin Mei followed Mr. Ollivander to a worn wooden bench, where he gestured for Lin Mei to sit. Without further ado, the wandmaker began his search, sifting through towering stacks of wand boxes with practiced precision.
Each time he selected a wand, he would fix Lin Mei with a penetrating gaze, as if seeing straight into his soul. He murmured incantations under his breath, making the wands float gently in the air, testing for resonance.
"Birch, unicorn tail hair… No, no, this one is far too gentle for you. I can sense the restlessness within your magic," Mr. Ollivander mused, shaking his head as he returned the wand to its place.
"Try this—purpleheart wood, phoenix feather core… hmm, but it lacks the necessary agility," he continued, his sharp eyes scrutinizing Lin Mei's reaction.
Lin Mei sat in silent anticipation, his nerves a mix of excitement and unease. Each attempt felt like an unspoken dialogue between him and the wand—an intricate dance to find the perfect partner.
After dozens of unsuccessful tries, Mr. Ollivander suddenly paused. A spark of recognition flashed in his eyes. Carefully, he pulled out an unassuming wooden box and opened it to reveal a wand that emitted a soft blue glow, as if infused with ancient power.
"Holly wood," Mr. Ollivander murmured, reverence in his tone. "Its core contains a sliver of scale from a formidable, ancient dragon. Ten and one-quarter inches, remarkably resilient."
His gaze met Lin Mei's. "This wand has been in my care for many years, awaiting the right wielder. Few have been able to master its power. But I believe this one is meant for you."
Lin Mei reached out and wrapped his fingers around the wand. The moment he made contact, a surge of warmth coursed through him, filling every fiber of his being with an invigorating energy. Instinctively, he gave the wand a slight flick. A brilliant blue arc of light cut through the air, accompanied by a crisp, resonant hum—a perfect harmony between wizard and wand.
Lin Mei's eyes gleamed with excitement. "This is it," he whispered. "This is my wand."
Mr. Ollivander nodded in satisfaction, his expression carrying a rare glimmer of approval. "Indeed, Lin Mei. May your wand become your most steadfast companion, guiding you through the wonders and challenges of the magical world."
With the selection of his wand complete, Lin Mei's preparations for Hogwarts were finally at an end.
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