Choi Chronicles

𝐎𝐫𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭
𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫

Above, the sky stretches out like a vast canvas of darkness, embellished with innumerable stars that twinkle like distant jewels. The moon, a radiant orb, casts a soft glow, sending silvery beams that gracefully dance across the landscape below. The air carries a refreshing chill, with wisps of mist lazily drifting across the grounds, lending an ethereal quality to the scene. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, stirring the branches of the surrounding trees, their gnarled limbs reaching toward the heavens like ancient sentinels guarding the night.

Soft moonlight envelops the grounds, illuminating the cobblestone pathways with a gentle radiance and casting long, shifting shadows that stretch into the darkness.

As the dinner in the Great Hall draws to a close, students continue to chatter around the castle, but it won't be long before they retire to their respective common rooms. 

But I can't join them because of what happened with my wand, all thanks to Seth Choi. Whether he was mad or just trying to tease me, it's clear what he did.

He certainly lives up to his reputation.

The Chois, including Seth, stand apart from us, garnering our respect for their contributions to the Wizarding World, or so they say.

But as a Muggle, such distinctions hold little importance to me.

"Are you ready?" Daphne's voice interrupts my thoughts, her school uniform cloak enveloping her figure as she pulls her hoodie over her head.

"Why cover up?" I asked, puzzled by her sudden change.

"Shut up!" she retorts with a pout, brushing past me. "Let's just get you a new wand."

Eldertown lies not too far from the school.

From AAMA, we follow a well-worn path through the school grounds, passing through the grand AAMA gates. The path meanders down a gentle slope, flanked by towering trees and lush foliage, creating a serene and magical ambiance.

Continuing along the path, we eventually reach the outskirts of the village, where the cobblestone streets of Eldertown come into view. The village exudes charm, with its quaint cottages, shops adorned with colorful signs, and the towering spire of the Arcane Express station rising in the distance.

To enter Eldertown proper, we must pass through a tunnel carved into the surrounding hills, known as the Eldertown Tunnel. 

Glancing at Daphne, who was wrapped up in her cloak, I couldn't help but notice the anxiety etched on her face despite her attempt to conceal it.

"What's going on with you? You seem really off," I remarked, arching an eyebrow in curiosity.

I had heard whispers about the situation with the Choi family from my friends in Aero House.

It looked like Daphne Choi was kind of different from her famous family because she got put into a different house during the Sorting Ceremony. 

After that, some of the other first years teased her for not being like the rest of the Chois.

"Quit staring at me- you're the weird one here!" she snapped, shooting me a glare.

"I can't help but notice when you're so jittery! It's weird! You're the weird one!" I retorted, gesturing toward her fidgeting hands.

Suddenly, a realization dawned on me. "Wait a minute... are you worried about being seen with a muggle-born?"

Her eyes widened in surprise. "W-What?"

As we strolled down the tunnel, I slipped my hands into my pockets, feeling the weight of the conversation settling between us. "I've heard the rumors about the Choi siblings avoiding muggles. Seems like it's a family tradition, huh? Your mom's not exactly a fan of our kind. It's a tale that's made its rounds, especially in the Aero House."

Daphne tightened her grip on her hoodie, pulling it closer around herself. "And what if I'm embarrassed to be seen with someone like you?"

I hummed softly, choosing not to engage with her remark. Instead, I let the silence stretch between us, the tension palpable in the air.

Exiting the tunnel, we found ourselves immersed in the lively pulse of Eldertown's bustling heart. The streets thronged with a flurry of activity, their edges adorned with shops boasting an array of magical wares. Soft lantern light bathed the town in a gentle glow, while the warm hues emanating from shop windows cast inviting beams onto the cobblestone pathways.

Amidst the throngs of witches and wizards traversing the streets, the night air echoed with the harmonious symphony of laughter and conversation, punctuated by the occasional hoot of an owl or the distant toll of a clock tower. Fragrant wisps of magical treats drifted through the air, tempting passersby with promises of butterbeer, chocolate frogs, and other delectable delights.

At the town's core stood the renowned inn, The Sorcerer's Sip, its windows ablaze with the flickering radiance of crackling fireplaces within. Whispered to be as ancient as the village itself, the inn boasted popularity not only among villagers but also among hags and other non-human magical beings. 

Rumors said witches and wizards who weren't even old enough were drinking there.

"Orpheus—" Daphne began, cutting my thoughts as she gestured toward a nearby street. "Eldritch Wandcrafters is this way," she pointed out.

Strolling alongside her, I couldn't help but lament, "Just one day with my wand, and it's already broken. The wandmaker won't be happy.."

"He's not that bad," Daphne interjected quietly.

I still couldn't forget how Mister Stefano looked at me when he gave me my first wand.

It made me wonder if he picked the wand just because I'm a muggle, grabbing any old wand from his shelves.

I shrugged, suggesting, "If you could just ask Mister Stefano to give me a stronger wand, that wou—"

"No!" Daphne cut in sharply, her arms crossed. "We're hardly even friends! Why would I do something like that!?"

"What? Can't we be friends?" I retorted, attempting to persuade her otherwise. "We're walking and talking, aren't we? That's what friends do!"

"That hardly qualifies as friendship!" Daphne shot back.

"Seriously? Don't tell me you're still hung up on what went down in our morning class. Give me a break," I said, shooting her a look, to which she responded with a glare.

—----------------------------

earlier this morning...

𝐎𝐫𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭
𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫

I walked through the halls with my new friends from yesterday's orientation for first-years - Mason Clark, Patrick Scott, and Xavier Nelson - We instantly clicked. Since we were all put in the same House, we naturally became friends right away.

At Hogwarts, first-year students are required to delve into seven core subjects: Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, History of Magic, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, and Herbology. Additionally, flying lessons, conducted on broomsticks, are mandatory for all.

We started our day with Potions class taught by Professor Cunningham. The Potions Classroom at Arcane Academy of Mystical Arts is in the dungeons of the castle. To get there, we have to follow a maze-like path that goes deep under the main building.

As we descended the staircase leading into the depths, the atmosphere grew cooler and damper, while the stone walls exuded a somber aura.

"I can't believe Aqua's Common Room is down here too," Mason chuckled softly.

"Yeah, imagine the smell of seaweed," Xavier quipped, eliciting laughter from the group.

"Isn't their room situated near the Great Lake?" pondered Patrick. "I heard they can peer through their windows into the depths of the lake."

"No wonder they are starting to look like Grindylows," I added humorously as we reached the lower levels.

The jest earned more laughter from my companions as we continued our journey, passing fellow students bustling toward the class. Amidst the labyrinth of corridors and passageways, we encountered portraits of past headmasters and other enchanting features adorning the castle's architecture.

Finally, we reached a sturdy wooden door set into the stone wall, signaling our arrival at the Potion Class. Above it hung a sign inscribed with the class's name in elegant script.

Stepping inside, I found myself in a dimly lit chamber, replete with long wooden tables and shelves adorned with jars of ingredients. At the front stood the teacher's desk.

Not many students are present in the room. There were a few from Ignis House, some from Terra and Aero House, but most were from Aqua House. The teacher of the Potion class was from Aqua House, so it's not too surprising that most of the students were present.

The faint but distinct aroma of brewing potions permeated the air, intermingling with the scent of herbs and magical ingredients.

As the professor entered the classroom, his gaze swept over the dwindling number of students still present. "Excellent," he remarked, his voice carrying authority. "Since not all students have arrived yet, I was summoned by the headmaster to his office. Therefore, I would like to appoint someone to oversee the class, ensuring silence and order." 

He strode purposefully towards the mobile blackboard. "The appointed student will utilize this blackboard to record any instances of misbehavior. Any house with a majority of misbehaving students listed will incur deductions from their house points."

The professor picked up a piece of chalk and positioned it on the board before sweeping his gaze across the room, carefully noting each student entering the class. Professor Cunningham retrieved his class book and addressed the room, his voice firm yet measured.

"Mister Gaunt?" he called out.

I raised my hand and stood attentively. "Yes, professor?"

"I'll assign you today," he stated, adjusting his glasses and closing his class records with a decisive snap. "You know what's expected. I trust I needn't repeat myself?"

I nodded, my response clear and respectful. "Yes, professor."

"Very well. I'll leave it in your capable hands," he murmured under his breath before exiting the room, leaving me to my task.

As the door clicked shut behind Professor Cunningham, a student from Aqua House piped up, "How come our Head assigned someone in the Aero House…?" he grumbled.

I shrugged, “Must be because we’re the best house?”

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Probably because we're the top house?"

"Yeah, keep dreaming, mudblood," his friend Ren Fujimoto chimed in, eliciting laughter from the room, including Mason, Patrick, and Xavier.

Rolling my eyes, I took note of their names on the board. "Ren" and "Zeke" found their place at the top of the list. "Well, if Professor Cunningham sees your names up here, he won't be too pleased, especially since you're in the Aqua House."

Ren and Zeke fell silent, chastened by the disapproving glances from their housemates. 

Meanwhile, Mason, Patrick, and Xavier exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

"Any other Aqua House students feeling chatty?" I challenged, but my query was interrupted by the boisterous entrance of two Ignis House students, their laughter echoing through the room.

"Hey, quiet down!" I reprimanded sharply. "You know what? I'll just add you two—" I scribbled "Prudence" and "Lily" onto the blackboard, causing them to gasp in disbelief.

"What? We just got here!" protested Lily.

"We're not even aware that you're jotting down our names!" Prudence remarked, crossing her arms defiantly, while the other students from Ignis House present in the room silently urged them to remain quiet.

"Sigh... Ignis House students are certainly a noisy bunch," I commented, tallying one mark beside their names on the list.

Lily - II
Prudence - II

Their frustration was palpable as they clenched their jaws and took their seats, shooting glares in my direction, but I paid their displeasure no mind.

Suddenly, Xavier had the idea to toss crumpled paper at Drew from Terra House. 

It wasn't just one piece, but three, prompting Drew to shout, "Hey, knock it off, Xavier!"

Xavier seemed to take pleasure in teasing students from Terra House, claiming it was amusing because they were always so sensitive.

"Alright... Drew... from Terra House..." I muttered as I recorded his name on the board.

Drew - I

"What?!" Drew exclaimed incredulously, "It's your friend who keeps throwing paper at me! You should list him!"

"Huh? He did? I didn't see that- all I heard was you shouting, which is quite annoying, so zip it!" I retorted, causing him to become teary-eyed and retreat to the corner of his table, shielding himself with his arms.

See? So sensitive.

It almost made me chuckle.

Mason and Patrick chuckled, and Xavier gave me a thumbs-up.

"This is unfair!" Andrea Rodrigo, another girl from Terra House, protested, rising from her seat. "You can't just list anyone you please because Professor Cunningham assigned you!"

"Hm? I was assigned, not you, so your opinion doesn't hold weight," I hummed, smiling as I added her name to the board, eliciting screams of terror from her housemates.

Andrea - I

"No- she's rigggghtttttt, why don't you jot down your housemates?" Alejandro Parker, the loud Muggle-born from the Sorting Ceremony, complained loudly. "Just look at them!" He gestured towards my housemates, who were engrossed in their own conversations, oblivious to the commotion. Xavier kept playfully tossing papers at the Terra students, while Mason and Patrick laughed along. "They're not following the rules either! It's unfair."

"Alejandro, quiet down!" His housemates scolded him, but he merely pouted and shrugged in response.

"Yeah, hush, Alejandro," I interjected, noting his name on the board.

Alejandro - I

As I glanced at the names on the board, I observed two Aqua students, two Terra students, and three Ignis students. "Looks like Ignis is in the lead! Finally winning something, huh? Being the loudest," I teased, earning glares from them while my own housemates chuckled.

With the rest of the house now silent and probably seething with anger towards me, they had little choice.

Peering behind the blackboard, I spotted a potion recipe, likely what we would be working on when Professor Cunningham returned to class.

I turned the blackboard to reveal the potion recipe.

"Cure for Boils?" I raised an eyebrow at the simplistic and rudimentary nature of the potion.

"What's the point? We don't need a cure for boils!" Mason protested as he examined the steps listed on the board.

"Yeah, that's so basic for our level!" Patrick chimed in. “This potion is not even important!”

I understood their frustration. 

It was indeed a basic potion, almost laughably so. 

Who needs a cure for boils anyway? 

Just don't get yourself into situations where you'd need it, right? 

It seemed rather trivial and inconsequential.

“Yes, it is,” 

A commanding voice interrupted the complaints echoing through the Aero House common room. My gaze shifted to a girl seated at a nearby table, her hair elegantly coiled into a bun secured with a delicate hairpin. Sapphire-blue eyes, reminiscent of precious jewels, glinted with determination as they surveyed the room.

Daphne Choi.

"The Cure of Boils is important," she declared, her tone firm. "It's not just a solution for skin problems like pimples and rashes- this is a robust potion of powerful character. But making it requires a lot of attention. If you don't handle it right, it could make things worse instead of better. Even though it seems easy, getting it right is actually pretty hard."

The Aero House fell silent, perhaps out of respect for her status as a Choi, but to me, she was just another Terra. 

A black sheep. 

A disappointment.

"And?" I challenged, crossing my arms. "How can you call it 'robust' when it's just a boil cure? It's common sense to avoid getting boils in the first place."

Daphne met the earlier complaints with a measured response. "While the Cure for Boils may seem basic, it serves as a cornerstone in our potion-making education at Arcane. It teaches precision, attention to detail, and the delicate balance of ingredients—qualities essential for any skilled witch or wizard."

She turned to me, her gaze piercing. "A true Aero student understands that every potion, no matter how simple, holds significance in our curriculum. Professor Cunningham values precision and diligence above all. Failing to grasp this could lead to severe consequences."

"I..." I faltered.

"I believe Professor Cunningham will enforce high standards and expect perseverance from his students," Daphne continued, her tone unwavering. "So, instead of complaining, perhaps it's time to study the ingredients and procedures diligently. Professor Cunningham won't hesitate to fail those who neglect their studies and will minus your House points."

Her words struck a chord, casting doubt on my own potion-brewing abilities. 

As a muggle, this would be my first attempt, and Daphne's description left me feeling uncertain.

Surveying the room, I noticed the Aero House students' embarrassed silence, contrasted with the admiration in the eyes of Terra House students. 

Was it because Daphne was a Choi or just really smart that everyone admired her, even those outside her house?

"Heh, if you're such a know-it-all," I quipped, flipping the blackboard back and returning to the list of names before turning to face her. "How do you brew potions, then?"

Daphne sighed from her seat, her demeanor resigned. "To brew the Cure of Boils, there are two parts. First, add six snake fangs to the mortar, crushing them into a fine powder with the pestle. Measure out four portions of the crushed fangs into your cauldron. Heat the mixture to 250 degrees for 10 seconds, then wave your wand over it. Let it brew for 33 to 45 minutes."

As I peeked behind the board to verify her instructions, I was surprised to find she was indeed correct. She continued, "Part two involves adding four horned slugs to your cauldron. Remove the cauldron from the fire before adding the next ingredient. Drop in two porcupine quills, then stir five times clockwise. Finally, wave your wand to complete the potion."

Her instructions were flawless.

She had it all down pat.

"What are the ingred—" I began, but she cut me off, reciting from memory, "According to 'Magical Drafts and Potions,' you should use dried nettles, six snake fangs, four horned slugs, and two porcupine quills. However, in books like the 'Books of Potions,' the ingredients are pungent onions, flobberworm mucus, ginger root, and shrake spines."

Her gaze remained steady. "Did I answer your question, Mister Orpheus?"

She had indeed, although Professor Cunningham had only mentioned "Magical Drafts and Potions," not the "Book of Potions."

The Chois were truly on another level.

"That sounds repulsive for a Terra House," I remarked, rolling my eyes. "Seriously? You're pretending to be an Aero House member when you're clearly not, Daphne?" I crossed my arms, earning smirks from my friends.

"W-what?" Daphne stuttered, her earlier confidence faltering.

"You're the black sheep!" Mason declared.

"You're no Aero!" Patrick chimed in, taunting Daphne.

I shrugged. "I mean, if you were sorted into Terra House, shouldn't you act like one?" Grabbing the chalk, I added, "Crybabies, pushovers, and lazy—have you even earned a single house reward?"

The Terra House glared at me, while the Aero and Aqua Houses exchanged snickers.

Ignis appeared equally irked as the Terra House.

Aero and Aqua often shared a common desire to excel and took pleasure in mocking those they deemed inferior, whereas Ignis and Terra found common ground in their pursuit of justice, equality, and fairness.

As I inscribed her name on the board, I couldn't help but inquire, "Ah... maybe the reason why you don't want to act like a Terra is that you disdain your own House, Daphne?" The concerned look from her Terra House peers left her visibly embarrassed and at a loss for words.

I added three tally marks beside her name.

Daphne - III

"No— I—" Daphne began, glancing at her housemates.

"Hmm," I mused, noting her solitary seat. "Seems like even your fellow Terra House members can't even defend you with you," I remarked, observing the lack of interaction around her, confirming her isolation within her own House.

Daphne - IIIIIII

As I added more tallies, this just showed that they couldn't argue with what I said.

"What's this? Finally holding your tongue?" I remarked, casting a glance at the subdued girl in question.

Daphne - IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Meanwhile, Aero and Aqua Houses erupted into laughter, taunting Daphne with disparaging remarks.

"No way she's a Choi, right?"

"I bet her mother is disappointed in her."

"Rumor has it her siblings won't even speak to her."

"I pity her."

"Isn't she just pathetic? Haha."

Daphne - IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Whistling, I surveyed the board. "Looks like the Terra House will be losing points today. At least there's one thing they're good at – adding to the House Cup's loss for the year.."

Amidst the murmurs of discontent from Terra students, I nonchalantly brushed it off, making my way toward Daphne's table.

She lowered her head in embarrassment, a clear indication of the relentless taunting she endured from our classmates.

It seemed like they thought being sorted into another house meant she wasn't good enough.

I felt the same way.

After all...

Everyone knows Aero is the best house, and Terra is the worst one.

"Perhaps you should've kept quiet," I murmured into her ear, a sardonic smirk playing on my lips, "Then you wouldn't have disappointed your own house as well."

Her response was silence, a stark contrast to my mocking tone, further emphasizing her perceived weakness.

With a dismissive glance, I retreated to join my friends, reveling in their laughter and camaraderie.

However, my moment of triumph was short-lived as the sound of approaching footsteps caught my attention.

"Orpheus!"

Before I could react, Daphne's clenched fist connected with my face, the impact sending a surge of pain radiating through me. I stumbled backward, blood trickling from my nose as I collapsed to the ground.

Daphne wasted no time in following up her initial strike, her relentless barrage of punches raining down on me with alarming force. I found it hard to protect myself as my jaw bones started hurting from the hits.

Mason, Patrick, and Xavier watched on in stunned silence, their shock rendering them immobile until Andrea and Alejandro intervened, attempting to pull Daphne away from me.

I felt like I was about to pass out as everything went dark. 

—----------------------------

In the present...

𝐎𝐫𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭
𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫

"Why are you the one getting mad? Shouldn't it be me?" I defended myself, slipping my hands into my pockets as we walked down the tunnel. "You're the one who almost got me killed!"

"Right, and whose fault is that?" Daphne rolled her eyes, strolling along the narrow pathway past some wizards and witches.

"So what if I said something rude? At least I didn't lay a finger on you!" I retorted. "And for Terra House to preach kindness and patience, you sure don't live up to it!"

"I'm not a Terra—"

"And you're not an Aero," I interjected, sensing the tension in the air.

"You know, I feel sorry for you," Daphne muttered under her breath, her eyes betraying a sense of pity that irked me. "Maybe I'm glad I wasn't in Aero- then I wouldn't have friends who just sit by and do nothing to help you."

Looking back on it, they didn't help, and I also noticed them laughing at me when someone called me a mudblood.

"I don't really care," I shrugged, though it stung a bit. "At the end of the day, I'll be the best wizard in AAMA."

"Exactly why I feel sorry for you—" Daphne's voice trailed off, her eyes lingering on me with a mixture of sympathy and disdain. "You're just going to end up alone, without anyone you care about... That's what you get for being in the House of Independence, huh?" She muttered under her breath.

"You..." I couldn't find the words.

Not every student wants to study magic alone, but what Daphne said got me thinking. Her siblings, who are really good at magic, seem to like being by themselves. From what I've seen, Ethan, the oldest, doesn't have any friends. Gabriella and Isabella always stick together and don't hang out with anyone else. People say Maximilian doesn't need friends, and Seth usually keeps to himself, except when he's with his Quidditch team. He's only really close to Henry. So, even though they're really good at magic, they're mostly on their own.

Although they're often seen as loners, many students still want to be friends with them because they're really famous, popular, and well-regarded.

However, it seems like they're not interested in making friends.

"We're here," Daphne broke the silence as we stood before a weathered stone building, exuding a sense of age and history. Its small, dusty windows allowed only dim light to filter into the shop's interior. Despite its modest appearance, Eldritch Wandcrafters was renowned throughout the wizarding world as Britain's most respected wandmaker.

As we entered, the chimes by the door rang out like a melody.

Inside, the shop was cramped and cluttered, with shelves overflowing with wand boxes. The air was tinged with the scent of wood and magic, and the sound of wands being examined echoed throughout the space.

"Does this guy ever clean up his shop?" I whispered, eyeing the dusty shelves.

"Mister Stefano?" Daphne called out, her voice echoing in the room. "Are you here?"

Then, a thud sounded from the narrow shelves.

"M-Mister Stefano?" Daphne's voice wavered, and we heard a groan in response.

"Y-yes?" Mister Stefano revealed himself, rubbing his back. He was an old man with wrinkles, circular glasses, and an almost bald head adorned with a white beard. He seemed frail, but his gaze held a hint of sharpness.

"Hi, Mister Stefano!" Daphne greeted him with a bright smile. "Do you remember me?"

Mister Stefano returned her smile. "Ah, of course I remember you, Daphne. Those big blue eyes of yours are unforgettable."

Daphne grinned before introducing me. We approached the counter, behind which Mister Stefano presided over his vast collection of wands.

"Hello, Mister Stefano!" I greeted him with a smile, hoping to make a good impression.

However, he regarded me with a disdainful expression, which I found rather off-putting. Was he allowed to show such contempt to his customers?

"You broke your wand, didn't you?" He stated matter-of-factly, his voice tinged with annoyance.

"Not me! It was—"

"Whatever. Just stay put. Let me get you a new wand," he interrupted, his voice bored and tired.

As Mister Stefano retrieved a wand from the shelves, I leaned in to whisper to Daphne, "Do I have to pay for it?"

She shook her head. "My brother broke it, so I'm paying for it."

"Wait, with your money? What about your brother's money?" I asked, keeping my voice low to avoid being overheard.

"My brother isn't here, so I'm paying for it," Daphne replied. It seemed unfair since she wasn't the one who broke it.

Mister Stefano returned with the wand, tossing it to me with little ceremony. "Done. Don't break it again, or you won't be coming back here," he said flatly.

"Hey! Is this just some random wand you grabbed?" I raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit skeptical.

"Huh? I don't know what you're talking about," Mister Stefano replied nonchalantly, picking at his ear.

Daphne gestured toward a wand perched on the high shelves behind Mister Stefano.

He glanced at the wand. "That wand? For him?"

Daphne shrugged, and Mister Stefano simply nodded.

"Alright, I shall take it," he said, flicking his wand to summon the wand box Daphne had selected. With a graceful motion, he opened the box to reveal a dark-colored wand with silver accents on the handle. Unlike the typical wands seen among most wizards and witches, this one bore intricate designs.

"Are you sure, Miss Choi?" Mister Stefano inquired as he handed me the wand. I accepted it carefully; though somewhat heavy, it felt promising, just needing a bit of adjustment.

"Yeah," Daphne reassured him with a smile, producing a small pouch of money. "Will this cover it?"

Mister Stefano shook his head. "Please, no need, Miss Choi. I shall provide it free of charge."

Daphne's smile widened in disbelief. "Really?"

"Yes, I insist. Your family has already contributed significantly to the wizarding community. This is the least I can do for you and your family," Mister Stefano said, bowing respectfully. Despite her sorting into the House of Terra rather than Aero, Daphne was still held in high regard.

"Thank you so much, Mister Stefano," Daphne replied, waving as we made our way to the entrance door.

"Please convey my regards to your grandfather," Mister Stefano called after her.

As we stepped outside, we were greeted by the lively chatter of the street.

"You, what's the deal with this wand?" I asked, displaying my new acquisition.

"What do you mean?" Daphne tilted her head, pulling her hood tighter around her.

"Why did you choose this wand for me? Is it some kind of weakest wand ever?" I questioned, eyeing her skeptically.

Daphne crossed her arms, sighing. "Really? You can't even say thank you? And no, it's not the weakest wand ever to exist."

"Then why this one?" I pressed.

"It wasn't me who chose the wand," she explained, casting a glance at my wand. "It was the wand that chose you... or rather, it seemed eager to choose you from the start. Perhaps the incident with your previous wand breaking and acquiring this one was meant to be," she mused, shrugging nonchalantly.

So, this wand was eager to choose me?

I had no idea...

Wait... she can tell...?

The wand is crafted from a rich, dark oak wood, its surface polished to a deep, lustrous sheen that gleams in the light. Its slender form tapers to a delicate point, a testament to the skill of its maker. I have to give kudos to Mister Stefano for that. As the wood nears the handle, it begins to swirl and curve gracefully.

The handle itself is adorned with meticulously carved silver embellishments, each detail painstakingly etched into the wood with precision and care. The silver carvings shimmer softly in the light, catching the eye with their delicate beauty.

"Don't lose it," Daphne's interruption snapped me out of my trance as I carefully tucked the new wand into my pocket. 

"Lose it? I'm not careless," I retorted confidently as I began walking.

However, I soon realized she wasn't following me, prompting me to glance back at her.

She stood gazing up at the night sky, the moon casting its soft glow over us.

"Are you coming?" I called out, breaking her reverie. "Back to the AAMA, I mean..."

She shook her head, her expression distant. "You go ahead. There's something else I need to take care of..."

"Alright," I shrugged, turning away.

It struck me as odd.

Are first-years allowed to wander around Eldertown at this hour?

Most students would be safely tucked away in their Common Rooms by now. And she's just a young girl- the town could be dangerous, filled with unknown witches and wizards.

Glancing back, I found Daphne had vanished.

Hmm...

Well...

She's a Choi, after all. They seem to handle everything just fine.

I mean, she did land a pretty good punch on me.