[Chapter Size: 1700 Words.]
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Professor McGonagall appeared delighted when she saw Harry arriving.
Teachers always like children with good grades.
When she saw Neville and Ron, her expression seemed less happy. Teachers generally only like well-behaved children.
However, compared to Snape's impassive expression, as though people owed him 800 Galleons, Professor McGonagall, though serious, at least wasnt as intimidating.
"Good morning, Professor McGonagall," Harry and the other two greeted her obediently at first.
"Good morning, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Longbottom." Professor McGonagall nodded slightly. "Are you having any trouble with Transfiguration?"
"No, Professor, it's something else, also related to magic," Harry said.
Professor McGonagall nodded and pointed to the side. Her office was very large. In addition to a big desk, there was also a small tea table nearby. Harry had heard that the beautiful Professor Babbling occasionally visited Professor McGonagall's office for tea.
Harry and the others sat obediently. Professor McGonagall didnt use her wand but simply swept her slender fingers, and the cabinet beside her opened. Three cups floated in front of the three of them, and then a large teapot served them all black tea.
"If you have any questions, feel free to ask now." Professor McGonagall seemed to try her best to make her tone sound gentler, but it still came across as rather cold.
Harry noticed that Professor McGonagall's eyes were very deep, and there didnt seem to be any emotion in them. He vaguely imagined that this might be the result of practicing the technique of mental blocking. If this were true, then Professor McGonagall would be an excellent practitioner of Occlumency.
At least Harry, though the color of his eyes had become a bit darker than before, even if he actively used the mental blocking technique, was still far from the current state of Professor McGonagall.
"Professor, this is what I want to ask." Putting aside all his confusing thoughts, Harry asked timidly, "We want to know if magic is affected by the wand?"
Professor McGonagall raised her eyebrows slightly, as though she hadnt expected Harry and the others to ask such a question.
After a brief hesitation, she explained, "This theory has been widely discussed since the modern wand system was established. Although there are still some controversies, the wand-selection theory led by the Ollivander family seems to align more with reality."
"The wand chooses its owner and affects the performance of magic. This effect decreases as the wizards magical power increases. For an excellent adult wizard, the wands influence on them will be very small. If its a wand with a chosen owner, it will be a bit harder to operate, but its also limited."
"Of course, there are exceptions. There are also some wands that are very difficult to use in the hands of wizards who are not their owners. Thats why the Ollivander familys theory is widely recognized."
"With the wands owner?" Harry noted the comment, as did Ron and Neville.
"Well, this is the Ollivander family's theory about wands," Professor McGonagall nodded. "A wand generally chooses a suitable owner after its made, at least in our country."
"But Im not sure what it takes for a wand to recognize its master. Wandlore is a profound subject, and I havent studied much about it. Whats certain is that a wand that recognizes its master will resist being used by other wizards to some extent. Well, this aspect seems more obvious in wands made from unicorn hair..."
Harry and the other two were stunned when they heard this, and then they all looked at Ron. There was unicorn hair in his wand.
"Of course, the wands properties can also be transferred." Professor McGonagall continued, "This involves another theory from the Ollivander family, but..." Professor McGonagall looked at the three of them and smiled softly, "Have you found the answer you were looking for?"
"Yes, Professor!" Harry nodded. "Neville and Ron, neither of them has their own wands. I suspect, well, we suspect that the problems they've been having with magic are related to their wands."
"Oh?" Professor McGonagall showed a slight surprise, then nodded thoughtfully. "No wonder..."
Harry had no idea what Professor McGonagall was thinking, he exchanged glances with Ron and Neville.
Neville was fine, but Ron was grinding his teeth.
Before this, Ron always thought his inconsistent use of magic was his own problem, but now he realized that it was actually an issue with his wand. Thinking about it, he felt a tightness in his chest.
Old clothes, old shoes, old books, everything was old. That would be fine, but the wand that affected his magical performance was also old, which also affected his academic performance.
The worst part was that, because his grades werent good, his mother, Mrs. Weasley, had once written to him asking him to try harder.
"I know about this." Professor McGonagall suddenly spoke at this moment. "I will write to Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Longbottom and ask them to replace your wands as soon as possible. Using someone else's wand will really have a big impact on your magic learning in the early stages."
Harry admired in his heart. He had still been thinking about how to help his two friends, but unexpectedly, Professor McGonagall spoke directly.
"Its no use." Ron shook his head and said in an anguished tone, "My family isnt doing well lately.
Ron lowered his head, looking very frustrated as he spoke about the lack of money: "Besides, Ginny will be going to school next year..."
Ginny is the seventh child and the only girl in the Weasley family.
"My grandmother probably wouldnt approve. She wants me to use my fathers wand. She hopes I can inherit his spirit..." Neville also spoke at this point.
Professor McGonagall sighed, stood up, stepped out from behind her desk, and gently touched Nevilles head.
Harry and Ron knew a little about Nevilles parents, they had discussed them on the train when they first arrived at the start of the semester. Nevilles parents were both Aurors, magical law enforcement officers who captured Dark wizards breaking the rules. At the end of Voldemorts reign, they were captured by his followers. Although they didnt die, they were gravely injured and spent more than ten years in the hospital.
"Alright then," seeing his two good friends looking depressed and sad, Harry also felt a bit uncomfortable. He turned his eyes and immediately spoke:
"How about this! Ron and Neville, Ill pay for both wands. But itll be an early birthday gift, so I wont give you any presents on your birthday next month, Ron, or five months from now, Neville."
Rons eyes immediately lit up. Both he and Neville knew Harry had a lot of money.
"But my grandmother..." Neville was still a little hesitant.
"Ill take care of Mrs. Longbottom," Professor McGonagall said with a very gentle smile, which was rare on weekdays.
"I think she expects you to become an excellent and courageous wizard like Frank. I saw your bravery during Halloween, so now I think you should work hard to become excellent. A proper wand is still very important for a young wizard at the early stages of their growth."
"But how do we get to Diagon Alley? Well have to wait until summer holidays..." Ron was already very excited when he heard this but was also a little concerned: "Does that mean I have to use this wand for my final exams..."
Ron became terrified at the thought of using that sometimes ineffective wand during his final exams.
"Students arent allowed to leave school, but I think special treatment for special circumstances should be acceptable." Professor McGonagall suppressed a little of her smile, but she still seemed kinder than usual.
"It just so happens that I dont have anything to do today, so Ill take you to Diagon Alley. Well, well need to borrow Headmaster Dumbledores fireplace. Its the only one that can lead to the outside world right now."
"Really?" Rons eyes were sparkling at that moment.
Under Professor McGonagalls guidance, Harry, Ron, and Neville entered Dumbledores office for the first time. It was hard to imagine that Dumbledores office was so well hidden.
Dumbledores office was located at the top of one of the many towers of the castle. Given the chaos in the castles staircases and hallways, and the misuse of a very sophisticated spatial extension charm, Harry had no idea which tower it was in.
When Harry and the others arrived, Dumbledore was standing by the window, which was open, looking outside.
Upon seeing Professor McGonagall and the three of them arrive, Dumbledore smiled and seemed very happy: "Professor McGonagall, hmm, more little guests? I just picked up a lemon drop. Would you like one?"
"No, Professor Dumbledore. I dont think you should eat too many Muggle sweets." Professor McGonagall shook her head helplessly. "Id like to ask if you could use the fireplace to take us to Diagon Alley."
"Diagon Alley, hmm, of course, of course. But could you tell me why? Im not doubting your decision, Professor McGonagall, but as we grow older, our curiosity sometimes increases." Dumbledore said while pointing to the fireplace next to him, indicating it was fine to use.
Professor McGonagall briefly explained the situation.
"Well, the wand is really very important. You know, Im very old now, and sometimes I forget where I put my wand, so I just grab one and use it, and it doesnt really fit well in my hand. Yes, its very important." Dumbledore nodded repeatedly.
Professor McGonagall wasnt convinced: "Dumbledore, with your level of magic, I dont think any wand in the world would make much difference."
"Yes," Dumbledore winked.
"Where is Fawkes?" Professor McGonagall suddenly asked another question.
"Well, it's a nice day outside today, so I let him fly around a bit. Hell be back soon," Dumbledore said.
Harry was confused. "What was Fawkes? A fox? A flying fox?"
However, neither Professor McGonagall nor Dumbledore seemed willing to help him. Professor McGonagall led them to the fireplace and began teaching them how to use Floo Powder.
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