There had apparently been some disagreements regarding the allocation of dragons, so Garrick Ollivander had to alter his original plans and remain at the Dragon Reserve for three full days. Naturally, Robert stayed with him.
However, thanks to Charlie acting as a dedicated guide, Robert didn't feel bored during those days. He visited many interesting places throughout the Reserve.
There was just one thing that struck him as odd: Charlie's behavior.
Was a Dragon Keeper usually this idle? He seemed to have ample time to accompany Robert and tour the Reserve for three straight days.
And every time Robert suggested Charlie go handle his duties and not worry about him, Charlie would inexplicably grow nervous.
It genuinely seemed like Charlie didn't want Robert to act on his own.
Charlie explained that it was because he feared Robert might run into danger—but that kind of excuse might fool Neville, not Robert.
Besides the natural protection of the Reserve, Dumbledore was also present. Robert had clearly overheard Alistair mentioning this to Garrick.
Not to mention there were over a dozen veteran wizards present, including Newt Scamander. Even if Voldemort were to resurrect on the spot, he would have to wait until this gathering dispersed before daring to resume his old ways.
Robert had also noticed that the dragon roars in the Reserve had noticeably diminished over the past couple of days.
Robert had reason to suspect Charlie was hiding something, but he couldn't determine what. Could Charlie think Robert had designs on the dragons?
That seemed unlikely.
His grandfather had maintained excellent relations with the Dragon Reserve for decades, and Robert himself was just a second-year Hogwarts student—or technically still a first-year, since school hadn't started yet. He wasn't even as tall as a dragon's leg.
No matter how suspicious Charlie was acting, it made little sense for him to guard against someone like Robert.
Unable to figure it out, Robert simply stopped trying. After all, he wasn't here for the dragons. If Charlie wanted to follow him around, so be it.
Interestingly, once Charlie learned Robert was also a Gryffindor, his conversation rate increased significantly. In addition to introducing him to the Reserve, Charlie shared loads of Hogwarts trivia.
Things like secret passage entrances, Filch's nighttime patrol routes, and even the location of the Hogwarts kitchens. From the way Charlie spoke, it was as if he assumed Robert would inevitably break school rules.
Such bias!
Still, since the information had been offered, Robert made sure to commit it all to memory. It was surprisingly useful.
This went on until noon on the third day, when Robert finally saw his grandfather again.
Standing beside Garrick were two others of similar age.
The silver-bearded man was unmistakably Dumbledore. The other man stood half a step behind Dumbledore, looking socially uncomfortable. He had a tall, thin frame slightly hunched inward, as if trying to hide within his oversized brown-yellow robe.
Robert could hear Dumbledore speaking from quite a distance.
"Trouble just keeps coming, doesn't it? The new professor still hasn't been found, and now those irritating rats are back. Newt, is your information accurate?"
"Yes," replied the man in the brown-yellow robe, "It came from a friend of Tina's. She said some people have gone missing in South America, though she didn't say if they came to England."
"There shouldn't be any mistake," Dumbledore said. "What happened half a month ago seems to have stirred hope in them. Those souls still steeped in darkness have never stopped searching for a way to bring him back, hoping to reclaim their past glory."
"Wait, Albus," Garrick frowned. "Weren't all those diehard Death Eaters imprisoned in Azkaban?"
"There are too few Aurors," Dumbledore replied, his long fingers tapping his hand gently. "Some always slip through the cracks. Besides, Tom's team that was negotiating with the Giants vanished mysteriously after his downfall. The Death Eaters searching for Salazar's wand weren't even in England at the time..."
"You mean the wand made from bone—Salazar Slytherin's original creation?" Garrick's curiosity was piqued. "I thought that was kept at Ilvermorny?"
"They haven't found it," Dumbledore said, shaking his head. Then, rather than continuing, he looked aside. "Long time no see, Mr. Ollivander. Did you enjoy your holiday?"
"Very much," Robert replied, stepping forward.
"That's a delightful answer," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Allow me to introduce Mr. Newt Scamander. The mandatory Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them for new students was written by him."
This was Newt Scamander?
Robert looked at the man with curiosity.
Newt instinctively turned his head away and only after a moment managed to nod shyly at Robert.
He's definitely socially awkward!
Dumbledore didn't seem to notice—or didn't care. He gave Garrick a knowing look.
Garrick instantly understood.
"By the way, half the Unicorn tail hair I use in wand-making is provided by Newt... I really ought to thank you properly."
Newt pursed his lips and seemed to shrink into his robe but forced himself to respond. "No, no need... just routine grooming... hair that had naturally fallen…"
"Only you would call that routine," Garrick said, clicking his tongue.
He'd spent half a year scouring the forests of the Scandinavian Peninsula just to collect a dozen tail hairs of sufficient length—and here Newt made it sound like it was no big deal.
"Oh, I'm not sure he's the only one Unicorns trust," Dumbledore said, glancing at Robert. "Right?"
"That's right," Robert said with a shrug. "For my usual wand-making, I get Unicorn hair from Hagrid."
Wait—did he just say "usual wands"?
Robert scratched his head.
Thankfully, no one seemed to notice the oddity in his phrasing. By then, Dumbledore was already preparing to leave.
Newt looked visibly relieved, finally emerging slightly from the depths of his robes.
"Garrick, if anything strange happens in Diagon Alley, write to me," Dumbledore said.
"I'll be cautious. If they really dare show up in Diagon Alley..." Garrick responded.
Dumbledore gave a small nod, then disappeared like a mist blown away by the wind, taking Newt along with him.
"We should get going too," Garrick said, pulling out a twig and handing one end to Robert. "This is the Portkey Alistair gave me. It activates at five o'clock. Three minutes left."
It certainly looked like a Portkey. Robert grasped the other end of the twig.
"Wait a sec, Robert, Mr. Ollivander!"
Charlie came running over and shoved two small boxes into Robert's hands.
"The gift I promised," Charlie said. "Could you help me give the other one to Ron? The owl post here is ridiculously expensive."
"Just Ron?" Robert asked.
"Call it compensation. Thanks to me, he couldn't use his new wand," Charlie replied.
"What about your other three brothers at Hogwarts? Oh, and your sister will be starting this year too."
"Two minutes ago, I spent my last Knut," Charlie said with a helpless shrug. "I'll bring the rest something next time I visit home."
"Alright, I'll try to sneak it to Ron without the others noticing."
"Phew, that's exactly what I was going to ask."
The Portkey started to tremble slightly. Robert quickly tucked the boxes into his pocket but didn't forget to mention, "Actually, Ron already has a new wand. I made it."
For more chapters
patreon.com/Robertt45