Appreciation: Guys, I can't believe this... I was shocked seeing it has been 100th chapter... Thank you so much for supporting me.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to JK Rowling. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 100: To Hide
"It is possible," muttered Ollivander.
"What is possible?" asked Dudley.
"About the theory, your theory," replied Ollivander while looking at Harry. "Mr Potter, your wand is more powerful than you might realize."
Harry blinked in confusion at Ollivander words.
"Harry, what Mr Ollivander means is that there's a strong possibility that even if the Dark Lord uses another wand against you, your wand might still overpower him. So whatever happens, don't lose it," explained Dudley in simpler terms.
Harry eyes widened as he finally understood. "Really?"
"Yes, it is possible," said Ollivander, "but to confirm it, you would have to confront him again."
"Thank you, Mr Ollivander," replied Harry earnestly.
"You are welcome, Mr Potter," said Ollivander.
"Mr Ollivander, I have a question," said Dudley. "Can I place something.... like a sheet of metal around Harry wand? That way, if something happens while using it, the wand won't snap."
"Metal?" repeated Ollivander, surprised.
"Yes. I was thinking of adding something to the outer shell of the wand. Wood is highly conductive for magic, while metal is resistant, so if I added an unbreakable rune on the shell, it might work as protection especially from high impact," explained Dudley.
"Interesting. Do you want me to add the outer shell myself?" offered Ollivander.
"Yes. Let professionals do their professional work," Dudley replied with a nod.
Ollivander had never created an outer shell for a wand before, but hearing Dudley idea piqued his curiosity. He wanted to see whether such a modification would succeed or fail. In theory, the metal would not affect the flow of magic since the wood and the metal served different purposes, one as the magical conductor, the other as reinforcement.
Yet for a wandmaker who had spent his entire life working with tradition, this experiment was as thrilling as it was nerve-racking. For once, Ollivander felt like an apprentice again, discovering new ground in a craft he thought he had already mastered.
Dudley and Harry were invited into Ollivander workshop. Before starting, the wandmaker placed a closed sign on the shop door so he could focus without interruptions. The smell of wood shavings, varnish and old parchment lingered in the air, mixed with the faint metallic tang of the ingot Dudley brought forth.
Dudley helped by using transmutation magic to soften the metal into a liquid-like state, carefully layering it around Harry's wand with steady precision. Ollivander watched, equal parts wary and fascinated, while the glow of runes shimmered under Dudley's guidance. When the casing finally solidified, he etched the unbreakable rune into the shell, his fingers trembling slightly at the daring act.
"Try it," said Ollivander, handing the wand back to Harry.
Harry picked it up and instantly felt a surge of strength from the wand, as though it had been boosted, a quiet hum of power coursing through his palm.
"Lumos."
"Vera Verto."
"Expecto Patronum!"
Every spell worked flawlessly, their energy flowing sharper and brighter than before.
"Hahahaha!" Ollivander laughed with delight. "Thank you, Mr Dudley. I never imagined adding another substance on top of the wand!"
"You are welcome," replied Dudley with a smile. "How much do I owe you?"
"No need. Your idea is unique and it has taught me something new. Besides, you mentioned earlier that he has returned. At first, I was skeptical, but now I trust you both. Thank you," said Ollivander seriously.
Harry was relieved, while Dudley was curious about what Ollivander planned to do next.
"What are you going to do now?" asked Dudley.
"I may go into hiding. The knowledge about twin wands is known only to me. If other wandmakers are questioned, they would not know the truth, because they don't realize those two wands are siblings," replied Ollivander.
Hearing this, Harry felt a pang of guilt.
"But what about new students who need wand to attend Hogwarts?" asked Dudley.
"It is unfortunate," said Ollivander. "They will have to go to other wandmakers for their wands. But it is too risky. If He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named discovers the secret of the twin wands, it could be disastrous."
"At first, I wanted to scold you, Mr Ollivander," said Dudley calmly. "But keeping the secret hidden from him gives us an advantage. Your decision to disappear may look cowardly especially to others, but in truth it is a strategic move. In the long run, it could help us win this war."
"Hahahaha… I'm just a coward. But thank you for making it sound noble," said Ollivander with a faint smile.
"I am sorry, Mr Ollivander," said Harry.
"It is not your fault," replied Ollivander gently. "Good luck in the war."
After that day, Ollivander packed his belongings, emptied his shop, and vanished from Britain, hiding himself from the world.
Only Harry and Dudley knew the real reason for Mr Ollivander disappearance.
---Present Time---
This morning he had classes with his cousin, it is Herbology time.
Dudley leaned closer to Harry as the class are waiting for professor to come. "So, have you heard what the others are saying?" he muttered under his breath.
Harry nodded, keeping his voice as low as he can. "Yeah. Ron thinks Death Eaters grabbed him. Hermione says it's impossible because Diagon Alley is too heavily warded. They're both wrong." His voice dropped lower. "Part of me wishes to tell them the truth but you told me to keep it a secret to win the war, so I am following your advice."
"Yes, to fool your enemies you need to fool your allies first. By doing this only two of us know and have better chance to defeat him." replied Dudley
Harry jaw tightened. "I know. But it still feels wrong. New students will walk into Hogwarts next year without wand made from the best wandmakers."
Dudley looked at him. "It is for a greater good."
He borrowed the favorite word of Dumbledore.
"Yes it is to defeat him," replied Harry.
Dudley teased him. "You're starting to sound like Dumbledore."
For the first time that day, Harry smiled, a flicker of reassurance breaking through his unease.
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