Thick of it : reboot

The narrow, winding streets of Diagon Alley led them to the slightly leaning, weathered storefront of Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands Since 382 B.C. The dusty display window showcased a single, faded wand resting on a velvet cushion, as if the shop itself had no need for extravagant advertisements. The door creaked ominously as they stepped inside, and the air was thick with the scent of polished wood, parchment, and something faintly electric—magic itself, perhaps.

Inside, the shop was small, almost claustrophobic, but packed floor to ceiling with thousands of long, narrow boxes stacked haphazardly. Dust motes floated lazily in the dim lighting. It was eerily quiet, save for the occasional whoosh of something shifting in the back.

Arthur, took in the organized chaos with mild amusement. "Charming. Though I daresay an interior decorator wouldn't go amiss."

James stepped forward cautiously, half-expecting something to leap out at him. Before he could examine the nearest wand box, a voice floated through the silence.

"Ah… NEW STUDENT , WELCOME."

Arthur, who had encountered his fair share of peculiar individuals in his time, merely raised an eyebrow as an elderly man emerged from the shadows between the shelves. His silvery-white hair was wispy, and his pale eyes seemed almost luminous in the dim light. He moved with an eerie grace, his gaze piercing yet oddly whimsical.

Arthur muttered under his breath, "Ah. An eccentric, I see."

James, for his part, barely had time to process the old man's sudden appearance before Ollivander was circling him, eyes flicking over his features as though measuring something unseen.

Snape, standing at the threshold of the shop, cleared his throat. "The wand selection process is to be witnessed only by the ward and their guardian. I shall wait outside." With that, he swept out.

Arthur blinked after him. " Always this theatrical, is he?"

James smirked. "Look like's it."

Ollivander clapped his hands together suddenly, making James jump slightly. "Now then, let's get started, shall we? The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Dawson, though it is not always clear why. Let us find your match."

He turned, muttering to himself as he ran his fingers over the boxes before plucking one from the shelf. He handed it to James. "Try this—10 inches, birch, unicorn hair. Give it a wave."

James did as instructed. A faint whoosh of air brushed past them—nothing dramatic, but nothing spectacular either. Ollivander snatched it back.

"No, no, not quite right… Try this! Yew, 12 inches, phoenix feather."

The moment James gripped it, a sharp crack echoed through the shop, causing Arthur to glance at the ceiling with mild concern. Ollivander winced slightly and retrieved the wand before James could do more damage.

"Ah. Perhaps not. Phoenix feather cores can be… particular."

After few more unsuccessful attempts—one of which knocked a stack of boxes over—Ollivander finally paused, eyes narrowing slightly as he studied James anew. Slowly, he turned, moving toward the farthest shelf, fingers gliding across the dust-covered boxes.

"I wonder…" he murmured before pulling out a long, dark box and carefully opening it.

James reached out as Ollivander presented the wand to him.

"Dragon heartstring, 13 and three-quarter inches, black walnut. A most powerful combination. Strong-willed, decisive, and capable of great feats."

The moment James took hold of it, a rush of warmth surged up his arm. A soft glow surrounded him briefly before fading. The air in the shop crackled ever so slightly, as if the wand itself was pleased.

Ollivander smiled. "Yes… yes, I believe we have found our match."

Arthur, having watched the entire affair with the same patience one might reserve for a particularly long-winded speech, finally nodded. "Well, that was certainly a process. Quite dramatic for a bit of wood, wouldn't you say?"

James grinned. "A bit of wood that can shoot fire I'd say that's worth the time."

Ollivander chuckled, his luminous eyes twinkling. "Use it well, Mr. Dawson."

With their shopping complete and James now armed with a wand, they made their way back through Diagon Alley and into the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was just as lively as before, though Arthur noticed a few eyes lingering on them .

At the entrance, Snape turned to them with his usual dour expression.

Arthur inclined his head slightly. "Professor Snape, thank you for taking the time to introduce us to the magical world."

Snape's lips barely twitched in response. "Think nothing of it. I am merely fulfilling my duty."

Arthur sighed, a faint smile ghosting across his lips. "I do hope you'll keep an eye on James at Hogwarts, sir."

Snape studied James for a moment, then gave a sharp nod. "I shall… ensure he is adequately educated."

Without another word, he turned sharply on the spot and, with a CRACK, Disapparated right in front of them.

James exhaled, staring at the spot where Snape had been. "Now that… is something I need to learn."

Arthur smirked. "I certainly hope you'll show me a few things, lad."

James chuckled. "Sure, but let's get home first. Hange is probably causing a fuss, and Erwin's going to have his hands full."

Arthur waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, don't worry. Levi's there. If anyone can keep Hange in check, it's him."