Generally speaking, longer wands are often suited for taller wizards, but more often than not, they're drawn to wizards with commanding personalities, those whose style of magic is bold and striking.
On the other hand, unusually short wands don't just match smaller wizards—they tend to choose people with some sort of character flaw.
Most wands fall between nine and fourteen inches. Ark's, however, was far outside that range.
That alone said plenty about how unusual he was.
After all, Ark was only eleven. Hardly tall, certainly not imposing. For a wand that long to choose him... well, wasn't the reason obvious?
Hazel wood was rare enough. A phoenix feather core was rarer still. Add to that a length that broke convention, and everything about this wand screamed extraordinary.
A wand like this wouldn't settle for mediocrity in its master.
Ollivander, who knew wands better than anyone and loved them with all his heart, couldn't help but feel a spark of anticipation.
And he wasn't the only one. Professor McGonagall, watching from the side, felt the same.
As she quietly restored the tiny animals Ark had accidentally transformed, she caught herself thinking—shamefully—that she was tempted.
If this boy were to be Sorted into Gryffindor...
Wouldn't that be like striking gold?
…
And just like that, Ark's wand had chosen him.
Ollivander accepted eight Galleons in payment.
Of course, a wand was worth far more than that. Just the phoenix feather at its core was priceless, not something anyone could buy with a handful of coins.
But for incoming Hogwarts students, the Ministry of Magic offered subsidies. They didn't cover the full price, but they ensured every young wizard could leave with a wand suited to them.
Ark walked out of Ollivanders clutching his wand like a treasure, replaying Ollivander's explanation in his mind.
"Works best with a master who understands and can control his emotions...?"
That instantly made him think of the special reward he'd received after replying to Hogwarts—his unique talent, Mind Guidance.
The more he recalled how it worked, the more he had to admit: this wand was perfect for him.
But now wasn't the time to linger on that.
Because they'd wasted so much time in the wand shop, McGonagall was pushing them to move faster. She had another young wizard to meet later that afternoon, after all.
Thanks to her brisk pace, Ark quickly moved through the shops, picking up everything he needed: three plain black work robes, a black pointed hat for daytime wear, a pair of dragon-hide gloves, a black winter cloak with silver fastenings, a size two pewter cauldron, a set of glass phials, a telescope, and a brass scales.
To save money, most of what he bought was second-hand. Even the books—second only to the wand in importance—were used copies.
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1, A History of Magic, Magical Theory, A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration, One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, Magical Drafts and Potions, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection… Buying them new would've cost at least twenty to thirty Galleons, more than the wand itself. Proof, if any was needed, that in the wizarding world, knowledge was the most precious treasure.
Second-hand books, at least, cut the price in half.
So of course Ark wasn't about to splurge when money was tight. He even refused outright when McGonagall asked if he wanted a pet, sparing his wallet the strain.
Because of that, instead of leaving him with only a few spare coins for pocket money, Ark still had more than twenty Galleons left.
And he didn't hesitate to spend them. Straight back into the bookstore he went.
He bought the full Standard Book of Spells series, all seven volumes—one for each school year. The Grade 1 edition only covered beginner charms, too basic for his liking. But with Hogwarts running on a seven-year system, this set would carry him all the way to graduation. Ark didn't worry about learning too much too soon. What he feared was not learning enough.
He also picked up A Guide to Intermediate Transfiguration, A Guide to Advanced Transfiguration, and Theories of Defensive Magic—essential works for serious study.
Even so, he couldn't buy everything he wanted. By the end, his purse was nearly empty, with only twelve Sickles rattling inside. Barely enough for a drink.
"Figures. Magic costs money. What kind of great wizard can you be if you're broke?"
Ark sighed at his own poverty, never realizing how insane this looked through McGonagall's eyes.
What kind of eleven-year-old bought the entire set of textbooks for the next seven years?
Most young wizards were desperate to cut down on books, not pile them up. Her Gryffindors, for instance—half of them would cheer if their books went up in flames so they'd never have to sit through class again.
But Ark? He looked like he'd study himself into the grave if he could.
Was this boy secretly the most Ravenclaw Ravenclaw she'd ever met?
McGonagall couldn't help but feel conflicted.
…
Noon. In front of Ark's little house.
With a loud crack, space twisted, and McGonagall Apparated back, dragging a thoroughly burdened Ark with her.
"I must remind you once more, Mr. Byrne. The Hogwarts term begins on September first. Remember to go to London's King's Cross Station that morning. Between platforms nine and ten, behind the third pillar, you'll find Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. Board the Hogwarts Express there—it will take you straight to Hogwarts. Understood?"
She gave him her final instructions.
"Yes, Professor. I've got it memorized."
Ark nodded obediently, and for once, McGonagall's stern face softened with a touch of warmth.
"I'm looking forward to seeing you at Hogwarts," she said as she turned to leave. Then, unable to help herself, she added, "And if you can, do consider Gryffindor. I think you'd be a good fit."
With that, she vanished in another crack of Apparition, leaving Ark alone on the doorstep.
"Loud and meddlesome lions, huh? And she says I'd fit right in. Does Professor McGonagall really see me as that much of a troublemaker?"
Ark honestly didn't know whether to be annoyed or amused.
But he soon pushed the thought aside, darting into his cabin with excitement. He unloaded his haul, pulling out his wand and stack of books, and laid them in front of him.
He couldn't wait another second to try real magic.
He opened The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1.
Spells, the book explained, were verbal instructions that allowed a wizard to channel magic through their wand.
By speaking the incantation and moving the wand in the correct way, the uncontrolled magic within a wizard could be guided and shaped into a proper spell.
Wand, incantation, focus, and clear intent—these were the four essentials of spellcasting.
Fail to pronounce the words or move the wand correctly, or fail to focus your mind on what you intend, and the spell could fizzle—or worse, backfire on the caster.
The book contained plenty of basic spells: the Softening Charm, Severing Charm, Unlocking Charm, Levitation Charm, Locking Charm, Mending Charm, Wand-Lighting Charm, and Fire-Making Spell, to name a few. All simple, all foundational. None too difficult.
Before trying his first spell, Ark glanced down at the wand in his hand, his thoughts drifting once again to that peculiar gift of his—Mind Guidance.