Chapter 312: Let me help you make your own wand
Dumbledore scowled, his eyes sharp as they locked onto Grindelwald. "Are you a law-abiding citizen?" he asked sarcastically. "That's the funniest thing I've heard in a century."
Grindelwald smiled faintly, but Dumbledore's expression remained cold and unyielding. "If you're really law-abiding," Dumbledore continued, "then you should be in Nurmengard, where you belong. Not swaggering around using your little tricks to slip out unnoticed."
Grindelwald's smile faltered, replaced by a sad expression. "I didn't expect you to see me that way, Dumbledore. I thought we were still friends, no matter what."
"We're not friends, Grindelwald," Dumbledore replied coldly. "You made that clear many years ago."
Grindelwald adjusted his collar casually as if trying to smooth over the tension. "Alright, fine. We're not friends anymore. However," he added, "I visited the Ministry of Magic today through formal channels. Every step I took was in full compliance with the laws and regulations of your British Ministry."
He looked at Dumbledore with mock sincerity. "Now you stand here, accusing me of wanting to attack the Ministry? That's slander, Dumbledore. Slander against a law-abiding citizen like me."
Dumbledore frowned, his patience running thin. "You said in your letter last night that the Misuse of Magic Office should disappear."
"If I wanted that department gone, do you think I'd need to attack it?" Grindelwald retorted, a sneer curling his lips. "When did I become so low-level in your eyes, Dumbledore?"
He shook his head and continued, "Don't forget, I got out of prison legally. You may still see me through the lens of the past, but your opinion no longer affects me. I'll use legal methods to close down that useless department, and it will benefit the wizarding world in the long run."
Dumbledore stood motionless, his face unreadable. Grindelwald brushed past him but paused just behind his shoulder. He whispered softly, so only Dumbledore could hear, "I told you I wouldn't let Blake suffer. If you can't protect him, then I will."
---
In Diagon Alley, Blake sat leisurely in a chair at Madam Malkin's gown shop, waiting while Nagini stood before a full-length mirror. Madam Malkin was carefully measuring Nagini's size with a magical tape measure.
"We've been tailoring robes for Hogwarts students for over 250 years, but we also handle all sorts of fashionable wear," she said cheerfully. "Are you looking to modify an existing outfit or have something custom-made?"
Blake pulled out a hefty money bag and plunged it on the counter with a grin. "Custom! Ten sets for each season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Whatever's extra, consider it a tip."
Nagini's eyes widened in shock. "Blake!" she gasped. "I was just thinking of buying a few pieces. Ten sets for each season? That's too much!"
Blake shook his head. "Nagini, listen. How many years has it been since you had new clothes?"
Nagini paused, frowning. How long had it been since she last shopped for clothes? Decades, if not longer.
"Sixty years?" Blake suggested, raising an eyebrow. "Don't worry about the money. It's all worth it."
Nagini flushed slightly. "But Blake, this will cost—"
"It's worth every Galleon," Blake interrupted. "As long as it brings back the confident, beautiful Nagini."
Her heart warmed at his words. No one had ever treated her this kindly. Not once in her long life.
Madam Malkin chimed in, "A well-made dress can give someone confidence. And you, dear, are too beautiful to let your natural charm go to waste."
Blake and Nagini left the shop later, with Blake's money bag significantly lighter, but his spirits remained high. After all, this was just pocket money from Grindelwald, and he had no qualms about using it. After all, Grindelwald had more money than he could ever spend.
Their next stop was Ollivander's wand shop. The moment they entered, Mr. Ollivander, the shopkeeper, paled. His eyes darted to Blake as if recalling something unpleasant.
"Oh! Blake! Long time, no see," Ollivander said nervously, his voice shaking a little. "I have to admit, your wand is the most memorable I've ever made—fifteen inches, mithril body, phoenix feather core. Very hard, correct?"
Blake chuckled. "Yes, that's right. It's held up wonderfully."
Ollivander smiled weakly, clearly relieved. "Is it still in good condition? No issues?"
"None whatsoever," Blake replied. "It's as tough as ever."
Ollivander's shoulders are visibly relaxed. The last time Blake had visited, dozens of wands had been destroyed. Ollivander had painstakingly collected the remnants, mourning the loss of each one like a parent grieving over their children. His heart had nearly broken that day.
"So, are you here for a new wand?" Ollivander asked hesitantly.
"I am," Blake said, his smile widening.
Ollivander paled again, nearly losing his balance. "A new wand? Are you sure?" His voice shook.
"Yes, I need a new wand," Blake confirmed politely.
Ollivander sank into a chair, looking distraught. "Do you... do you need to test another one?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"Of course. How else would I know if it's the right one?" Blake replied innocently.
Ollivander groaned inwardly. The last time Blake had tested wands, it had nearly resulted in a disaster.
"How about I custom-make one for you?" Ollivander offered hastily. "Could you tell me why you need a new wand?"
Blake grinned. "I think you misunderstood me. I'm not buying a new wand for myself."
Ollivander's expression changed from panic to cautious hope. "Not for yourself?"
Blake shook his head. "No. It's for my friend." He gestured toward Nagini, who stood quietly beside him.
"Your friend?" Ollivander asked, now curious. "Oh, I see. Well then, Miss…?"
"Nagini," she replied softly, feeling a little nervous under Ollivander's keen gaze.
"Miss Nagini, of course," Ollivander said, immediately adopting his professional demeanour as he produced a measuring tape. "Now, let's get your measurements."
Blake stepped back, watching with an amused smile as Nagini hesitantly moved forward to be measured. The enchanted tape measure flitted around her, taking various measurements while Ollivander noted the numbers.
"Now, let's see what we have," Ollivander muttered, rummaging through shelves of wands before selecting a white one. "Aspen, ten and two-thirds inches, unicorn hair core. Try it."
Nagini took the wand, glancing at Blake for reassurance. He smiled encouragingly, nodding for her to go ahead. She gave the wand a tentative wave.
"Boom!"
A small explosion rocked the room, and the wand in Nagini's hand shattered, leaving behind a puff of smoke and the smell of burning wood. The remnants had turned into a bouquet of petunias.
Nagini stared at the remains in shock, unsure of what had just happened. She turned to Blake, who looked equally baffled. Ollivander, however, paled again. "Another one… another destroyed wand."
Determined, Ollivander quickly grabbed another wand, skipping the introduction this time. "Wave it," he said, his voice shaking.
Nagini obediently waved the second wand. "Boom!" Another small explosion.
Ollivander looked at Blake, who scratched his head sheepishly. "It's not quite the same as what happened with me," Blake explained. "She's not as strong as I was when I broke mine."
Ollivander sighed, sitting down heavily. "I thought this kind of thing would never happen again," he muttered. "I need a moment of peace."
Nagini looked at Ollivander with guilt. "I didn't mean to… I just waved it…"
Ollivander raised a hand gently. "It's alright. I can't blame you. Blake here caused an even bigger mess last time."
Blake rubbed his neck awkwardly. Nagini, on the other hand, felt bad about breaking the wands but realized something: her situation was unique. She wasn't just a human; she was a magical creature in human form. Even without transforming into her snake form, she still possessed all the strength and magical power of a giant snake.
"Mr. Ollivander, I'm sorry," Blake said after a moment. He pulled out a hefty pouch of Galleons and set it on the counter. "For the damage," he added with a sheepish smile.
Ollivander sighed but accepted the compensation. Blake then led Nagini out of the shop, knowing full well that her magical nature was too much for any ordinary wand to handle.
As they walked, Nagini spoke in a small voice, "I didn't mean to cause so much trouble."
Blake shook his head. "It's not your fault, Nagini. You're just... special."
She still looked upset, so Blake smiled and said, "How about this? Let me help you make your own wand."
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