The journey home from London was a blur of excited chatter in the back of the chauffeured car, the girls practically vibrating between their parents.
"And the wand just knew," Talora explained to her father, her words tumbling out in a rush. "It was like… like it was a part of my hand that I never knew was missing!"
Her father, his broad frame relaxed against the leather seats, smiled indulgently. "Sounds more reliable than my first hockey stick, that's for sure."
At the same time, in their own car, Shya was giving her father a more analytical breakdown. "The wand core is from a Thestral, Daddy. A creature associated with death. It's not a dark magic, it's… a true magic. It doesn't create illusions. It understands endings." Her father, a man who valued precision, nodded slowly, understanding the distinction perfectly.
When they arrived at their respective estates, they were greeted by the final, grounding members of their families.
At the Livanthos Home:
Six-year-old Tristan came barreling down the grand staircase, a toy dragon clutched in his hand. "Did you get a wand? Can you turn my dragon real? Can you make it breathe fire?!"
Talora laughed, scooping him up. "Not yet, you little menace. But soon. I have to practice."
"Practice on me!" he demanded, squirming in her arms.
"Absolutely not," their mother, Carrie, said, though her eyes were smiling. "Your sister will not be using you as a test subject for Herbicide."
At the Gill Mansion:
Seven-year-old Arya was more reserved, waiting politely in the foyer. His eyes widened at the long, thin box Shya carried. "Is that it?" he whispered.
Shya nodded, kneeling down to his level. "It is. It's made of ash wood."
"Is it… scary?" he asked, his voice hushed.
Shya considered it. "No," she said truthfully. "It's honest."
Later that evening, the phone lines between the two houses were busy.
"Bob, my brother wants me to transfigure his dragon toy into a real dragon" Talora said, laughing. "The pressure is immense."
"Arya asked if my wand was 'scary'," Shya replied, a smile in her voice. "I think he's fascinated. But Bob, I tried Lumos. It worked, but… I don't know. It feels like it should be more. What if we tried together?"
"Yes! Come over tomorrow," Talora said immediately. "We can use the conservatory. We'll be our own little Hogwarts."