NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: 9. The Ambrosius Family
"It looks like there are two more lively guests," remarked Mr. Ollivander, adjusting his glasses as he peered at the newcomers.
Ollivander took out a measuring tape, its length marked with tiny notches. "Who would like to go first?"
"You go first, Hermione," Ivan suggested with a smile, encouraging her to take the lead.
Hermione, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, stepped forward. Ivan's support made her feel more confident. Ollivander, the renowned wandmaker, asked her which hand she preferred to use for magic. After hearing her answer, he began taking her measurements.
The old man expertly measured from her shoulder to her fingertips, from her wrist to her elbow, from her shoulder to the floor, from her knee to her armpit, and finally, the circumference of her head. Each measurement was precise, and Hermione felt a sense of wonder about the process.
"Each Ollivander wand contains a powerful magical substance known as its essence," Mr. Ollivander explained as he measured her. "We use materials like unicorn hair, phoenix tail feathers, and dragon heartstrings." He continued, "Every Ollivander wand is unique because no two unicorns, dragons, or phoenixes are exactly the same. If you try to use a wand that belongs to another wizard, it will never perform as well."
"Excuse me," Hermione interjected, her brow furrowing in thought. "But I don't quite understand why you need to take these measurements when buying a wand. After all, we continue to grow. Will we need to replace our wands like we do our clothes someday?"
Hermione wasn't trying to be rude; she was simply curious about the process. Usually, she wouldn't have asked such a question, especially in front of Professor McGonagall, but Ivan's presence had given her the courage to speak up.
"Ah, that's an excellent question!" Mr. Ollivander replied with enthusiasm. "Remember what I said earlier: the wand chooses the wizard! The wand is not just a tool; it's a companion that stays with the wizard throughout their life. As the wizard's body changes, the wand also evolves."
"Mr. Ollivander?" Hermione asked, her eyes wide with confusion. "Are you saying the wand has its own life?"
"Of course, the wand has a life!" Ollivander laughed heartily, though he didn't provide any further explanation. Instead, he reached into one of the countless boxes lining the walls of his shop and pulled out a wand, presenting it to Hermione. "Try this one. It measures ten and a quarter inches, made of willow with a dragon heartstring core."
Hermione took the wand in her hand, but as soon as she touched it, Ollivander suddenly exclaimed, "No! Not this one!" His voice was loud and startling.
Hermione jumped back in shock, her heart racing as Ollivander swiftly snatched the wand away. He looked at it as if it were something distasteful, almost dirty.
"??? What just happened?" Hermione wondered, feeling confused and embarrassed. Had she done something wrong?
She glanced at Ivan, hoping he could provide some insight. He smiled reassuringly and said, "I think the wand has the ability to sense the magic within wizards. Didn't Mr. Ollivander just say that wands are alive?"
"Yes," Ollivander confirmed, turning to Ivan with a nod. "Every wand is unique, just like there are no two leaves in the world that are exactly the same. Many wizards regard wands as mere tools, but they don't realize that they are truly the best partners for wizards."
"Wands grow and change as wizards do. They become a part of the wizard's life. When a young wizard receives their wand, it binds to their magical essence and grows alongside them. When the wizard's life ends, the wand's life also ends."
If this weren't true, then with Ollivander's 2,300 years of experience in wand-making, there should be thousands, if not tens of thousands, of wands still in existence. However, there aren't that many wands in the wizarding world because they are closely tied to the lives of the wizards who wield them.
"Well, it should be this one," Ollivander declared after searching through the shelves for a while. Finally, he found a new wand tucked away in the back. "Try this one. It's ten and three-quarters inches long, made of vine wood with a dragon heartstring core."
As soon as Hermione took the wand, she felt an inexplicable connection to it. A sense of warmth spread through her, and she marveled at how right it felt in her hand.
"This is wonderful," Hermione exclaimed, her face lighting up with joy.
Ollivander chuckled with delight. "Wands made from vine wood are quite rare. They tend to choose wizards who have high aspirations, great foresight, and the ability to surprise their friends with their actions."
"I feel like it's an extension of my arm," Hermione said as she waved the wand lightly. To her amazement, a trail of sparkling light followed her movements, filling the air with a gentle glow. It was as if the wand had released her from invisible chains that had weighed her down.
"Hehe." Ollivander watched Hermione with satisfaction, pleased that his work had found the right owner. "That will be seven gold galleons."
For a first wand, young wizards receive a special subsidy, so Hermione only had to pay seven galleons. She quickly fished the coins out of her pocket and paid Ollivander, who then handed her a set of wand care tools as well.
"Next, Mr. Ambrosius?" Ollivander called out, turning to Ivan. He repeated Ivan's last name several times, seeming to ponder something significant. "Your surname reminds me of a legendary family."
"A legendary family?" Ivan asked, intrigued. He exchanged curious glances with Hermione, and even Professor McGonagall, who had been standing silently beside them since their arrival, seemed interested. "Garrick, which family are you talking about?"
The Ollivander family is very old, recognized as one of the twenty-eight sacred families in the British wizarding community. Professor McGonagall was eager to learn more about Ivan's background, surprised to find a clue from Ollivander.
"Minerva, you should know this, right?" Ollivander teased, chuckling lightly. Then, jokingly, he said, "Merlin's beard."
"Merlin's?" Professor McGonagall suddenly gasped, her eyes widening in realization as she looked at Ivan. "Merlin, Merlin Ambrosius!"
In this world, Merlin is known as a wizard with extraordinary magical powers. He is a natural prophet and is reputed to have the ability to transform into anyone.
"Uh..." Ollivander noticed the astonishment on McGonagall's face and then turned to Ivan, who also seemed taken aback.
The old man's expression changed slightly as he asked, "Excuse me, Minerva, but this child... it must just be a coincidence, right?"
Professor McGonagall hesitated. She wanted to dismiss it as mere coincidence, but she couldn't ignore Ivan's unusual prophetic abilities. "I'm sorry, Garrick, but I believe this child is likely a descendant of the last remaining line."
"Merlin's beard!" Ollivander exclaimed, staring at Ivan in disbelief. "The great Eternal Family! I never expected to see someone with such noble blood in this era."
The name Ambrosius means "eternal" or "immortal," so those who inherit Merlin's bloodline are often referred to as "immortal descendants." The Ambrosius family has a long and storied legend in the wizarding world. "But I heard that the bloodline of the Eternal Family was cut off a thousand years ago."
"No, it wasn't cut off," Ollivander clarified. "It was scattered."
There is no Ambrosius family in the wizarding world today because this family vanished a thousand years ago. The reason for their disappearance wasn't due to a disaster but rather because there were no male heirs. As female descendants married, Merlin's bloodline spread among various families. Only those who possess both the Prophecy Magus and the Metamorphosis Magus abilities can be referred to as immortal descendants.
As the implications of Ollivander's words settled in the room, Ivan felt a mix of pride and uncertainty about his newfound identity. He glanced at Hermione, who looked equally amazed and excited. Professor McGonagall's expression was a blend of intrigue and caution as she regarded Ivan, aware of the significance of what this could mean for him.
"Mr. Ambrosius," Ollivander said, his voice now serious, "if you truly are a descendant of Merlin, your journey may be unlike any other young wizard's. Your potential could be immense."
Ivan nodded slowly, feeling the weight of Ollivander's words. The wand he would choose and the path he would take would be deeply intertwined with the legacy of his ancestor. With a sense of determination, he prepared himself for the next part of his journey in the magical world.
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