Because the fireplace in their new home was connected directly to the Floo Network, Severus had no need to pass through the Leaky Cauldron before entering Diagon Alley.
Emerald flames flared to life.
A moment later, Severus stepped neatly out of the fireplace, brushing a trace of soot from his robes as he waited for Eileen, who had insisted on accompanying him.
“Mum, I can manage this by myself,” he said helplessly.
“You really don’t have to come with me.” Eileen smiled, her eyes filled with affection.
“A wizard only buys their first wand once.” “It’s one of the most important days of your life.” “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Seeing the determination in her eyes, Severus could only sigh inwardly.
In the end, he obediently took her hand and allowed himself to be led through the bustling streets of Diagon Alley like an ordinary nine-year-old.
Before leaving the sweet shop, however, he casually reached into the glass candy jar and grabbed a Screaming Sweet.
The candy let out a tiny muffled shriek as it dissolved in his mouth, its sweet flavor easing the faint nervousness hidden beneath his calm expression.
As they walked, Eileen suddenly remembered something.
“Didn’t you mention wanting to keep in touch with Miss Lavinia?” “Why don’t we buy you an owl first?” Because Tobias was a Muggle who had once resented magic, the Snape family had never kept an owl at home.
Even Eileen herself had only dreamed of owning one when she was younger.
Now that Severus finally had the opportunity, she looked happier than he did.
“That’s a good idea.” After a brief pause, Severus added, “Since we’re buying one anyway…
why don’t we get two?” “When the sweet shop becomes busier, you’ll need one as well.” Eileen blinked in surprise.
She had never expected her son to think of her first.
“…Thank you, Severus.” Warmth spread through her heart.
At that moment, she felt that Merlin himself must have blessed her with such a thoughtful son.
Their first stop was Eeylops Owl Emporium.
The moment they pushed open the door, a chorus of hoots echoed throughout the shop, accompanied by the unmistakable smell of feathers and owl droppings.
A cheerful witch wearing a dusty grey apron approached them with a welcoming smile.
“Welcome to Eeylops Owl Emporium!” “What can I help you with today?” After listening to their request, the shopkeeper quickly led them toward a nearby perch.
“This little fellow is just over six months old.” “Healthy, energetic, and already an excellent flyer.” “He’ll make a very dependable companion.” Perched there was a tawny owl.
It wasn’t particularly large, but its feathers were glossy, and its bright amber eyes watched the newcomers with obvious curiosity.
After discussing it for a few minutes, Severus purchased the owl for ten Galleons, together with a quality cage and a supply of owl treats.
He then handed the cage to Eileen.
The joy on her face was unmistakable as she gently stroked the owl’s feathers.
Watching her excitement, Severus couldn’t help smiling.
The shopkeeper, however, found herself secretly observing the young boy.
For some reason, every decision had been made by the child rather than the mother.
Despite his age, Severus spoke with remarkable confidence and maturity.
It was difficult to believe he hadn’t even begun attending Hogwarts.
“What’s that?” Severus suddenly pointed toward a much larger bird perched by itself near the back of the shop.
The shopkeeper followed his gaze and smiled knowingly.
“Ah.” “That’s a raven.” “Far more intelligent than an ordinary owl.” “They’re faster over long distances, remarkably resilient, and more than capable of looking after themselves.” “They can even imitate human speech if they’re willing.” She chuckled.
“The important part is convincing one to acknowledge you.” “They’re notoriously proud creatures.” “They won’t serve just anyone.” The raven stood nearly half a meter tall.
Its glossy black feathers shimmered with iridescent colors whenever they caught the light.
A pair of brilliant violet eyes examined Severus with unmistakable intelligence.
Rather than avoiding his gaze, the raven stared directly back.
The two simply looked at one another.
Neither moved.
“I’ll take it.” Severus spoke without hesitation.
The shopkeeper laughed.
“I had a feeling you’d choose this one.” “Just remember…” “You’ll have to earn its respect.” Only after repeatedly reminding Severus to spend time bonding with the bird did she finally agree to sell it.
The price was steep.
Eighteen Galleons.
After paying, Severus lifted the cage.
The raven lazily opened one eye before continuing to watch him in silence.
Even so, Severus felt every Galleon had been well spent.
Their next destination was Flourish and Blotts.
Severus purchased several introductory books on magical theory, Potions, Herbology, and other subjects he intended to study before starting Hogwarts.
By the time they left, another handful of Galleons had disappeared.
After carefully counting his remaining savings, Severus nodded to himself.
There was still just enough left.
Enough for the one purchase he had looked forward to most.
His wand.
Normally, young witches and wizards didn’t receive their first wand until shortly before beginning Hogwarts at the age of eleven.
Fortunately, there was currently no restriction preventing younger children from purchasing one if their families wished to do so.
Obtaining a wand two years early would give him an enormous advantage.
Every extra day spent practicing magic would strengthen the foundation he would build upon after enrolling at Hogwarts.
Carrying their purchases on a small handcart, with the two birdcages resting on top, mother and son finally stopped before one of the oldest shops in Diagon Alley.
Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands Since 382 B.C.
The faded wooden sign had weathered centuries of wind and rain.
Time itself seemed to cling to the old storefront.
Without another word, Severus pushed open the door and stepped inside.
“It couldn’t have served me better,” Eileen said with a nostalgic smile.
“It helped me through some of the hardest years of my life.” Her heartfelt praise made Garrick Ollivander chuckle with obvious satisfaction.
As he absentmindedly patted Severus on the head, Eileen smiled warmly.
“Mr.
Ollivander, as you can see, it’s finally time for my son to receive his first wand.
I hope you’ll be able to find the perfect one for him, just as you did for me all those years ago.” “It would be my pleasure.” Ollivander’s pale eyes settled upon Severus.
Though his gaze seemed strangely unfocused, it was as if nothing could escape those silvery eyes.
Without warning, a worn measuring tape leapt from a nearby shelf and sprang to life.
It wrapped itself around Severus’s arm, measured the distance between his shoulders, the length of each finger, the width of his palm, and even the distance between his eyes, all without Ollivander lifting a finger.
Severus remained perfectly still, allowing the enchanted tape to complete its work.
He was equally curious to discover what kind of wand would ultimately choose him.
“Hmm…” Ollivander murmured thoughtfully.
“A remarkably gifted young wizard…
Perhaps willow would be a suitable place to begin.” He disappeared among the towering shelves before returning with a long, narrow wand box.
Resting atop deep purple velvet lay a graceful willow wand.
“Try this.” Severus accepted it and gave the wand a gentle flick.
Before anything could happen, Ollivander suddenly snatched it back.
“No…
no…” He frowned slightly.
“Willow favors witches and wizards with great healing potential and a willingness to adapt.
It doesn’t seem to suit you.” He immediately reached for another box.
“What about this one?” The next wand was beautifully carved from dark wood.
The moment Severus wrapped his fingers around it, golden sparks danced from the tip.
Ollivander’s eyes lit up.
“Excellent!
We’re getting closer.” “But…
still not quite right.” One wand after another passed through Severus’s hands.
Some remained completely lifeless.
Others produced showers of sparks before falling silent.
Several reacted violently enough that Ollivander had to snatch them away before any real damage was done.
The most dramatic incident occurred when Severus casually flicked one particularly stubborn wand.
A deafening crack echoed throughout the shop.
A shelf against the far wall exploded apart, scattering empty wand boxes across the floor.
The tawny owl sleeping inside its cage gave a startled hoot, flapping its wings wildly before settling down again.
Eileen instinctively covered her mouth.
Even Severus looked mildly surprised.
Only Ollivander appeared delighted.
Rather than frustration, excitement shone across the old wandmaker’s face.
“A fascinating customer…” He paced back and forth, muttering to himself.
“For a wandmaker, there’s no greater challenge than finding the perfect wand for someone as particular as you.” “And no greater satisfaction when you finally succeed.” After another dozen unsuccessful attempts, Ollivander suddenly froze.
“…Of course.” He hurried toward the tallest shelves, climbed a ladder, and retrieved a dusty wand box that looked as though it hadn’t been opened in years.
He carefully brushed away the dust before lifting the lid.
The instant the wand was revealed, Severus felt an inexplicable pull.
Something deep within him stirred.
His eyes never left it.
A smile slowly spread across Ollivander’s face.
“I believe…” “This may be the one.” He gently placed the wand into Severus’s hand.
“The wood is birch,” Ollivander explained softly.
“A tree associated with renewal, determination, and the beginning of new journeys.” “The wand is thirteen and a half inches long.” “Its core is a Horned Serpent horn.” “Exceptionally perceptive, highly demanding, and unwilling to serve anyone it does not truly acknowledge.” The moment Severus’s fingers closed around the wand— A brilliant burst of silver-white light erupted from its tip.
The light surged upward like the branches of an enormous tree, illuminating every corner of Ollivanders with dazzling brilliance.
The entire shop seemed to tremble in response.
For an instant, both wizard and wand felt as though they had become one.
Severus instinctively gave the wand a light flourish.
It moved as naturally as his own arm.
There was no resistance.
No unfamiliarity.
It felt less like holding a tool and more like extending one of his own senses.
A satisfied smile finally appeared on his usually calm face.
“This is the one.” Ollivander nodded with obvious delight.
“I thought as much.” “The wand chooses the wizard, Mr.
Snape.” “And I believe this wand has been waiting a very long time for you.” Severus gently ran a thumb along the smooth handle, admiring the elegant grain of the birch wood.
At last, he looked up.
“Thank you.” “I’m very satisfied.”