"Why does it take so long to get a Wand!!!" Batty whined, as a 12th wand was shoved into her claw, and then just as quickly taken away.
The wand crafter was a white Wolf Anthro... that looked a lot like Ollivander from the book series... his name was even Oliver Ollivander. However, he wasn't a true AI. More like a virtual Intelligence puppet, controlled by the AI in charge of Stores on the map.
Still there was an actual person, although an AI, controlling the puppet in front of us. They could hear and see everything going on in all stores, and hold actual conversations if need be... although they rarely broke character, and usually chose to ignore any oddities.
While I was studying the AI, Musky-pup cheered Kole on. "It's all part of the experience!!!"
Batty just pouted, as she was given another wand.
I playfully nudged her, "Don't you think it's cool?"
"That I have to re-learn all my spells?" Batty eyed me.
All maps had their own little quirks, a slight diversion in the game mechanics. Most Wizarding World maps required all players to use wands, to cast spells. All spells, from all franchises, were reprogrammed with wand movements. Different per map.
That way everyone had to go to Hogwarts, and complete the 7 years of schooling, in order to unlock a badge for wandless magic. Then they never had to pick up a wand again, much less get the movements right, but they got a bunch of bonuses if they used a wand from that Map.
I laughed at how pouty she was, "Yep Yep. It's not like your spells were erased, you still have them all. you just need to learn how to use them, for this map. Besides you can always rely on your racial powers. Batty gonna light a fire under dar crinkle butts!!!"
"Booooooo!!!" Kole hollered, as the Wand maker went into the back, to find more wands to try.
I just stuck my tongue out, all proud of my dad joke. Decades ago, Batty had bought a few extra racial powers... involving fire and healing... I thought I was being clever, but my counterparts didn't appreciate my wit.
However, most importantly, I got Batty to crack a smile. She always did appreciate my odd form of humor, having one herself.
"FINALLY!!!" Batty grinned, just as a light started to glow around her, and sparks shot out her new wand. It looked like a little sword, compared to her tiny body.
"13 inch, Redwood, with a core of salamander tail." Smiled The Wolf.
Batty scrunched up her little bat muzzle. Looking a bit grossed out by the idea.
The wand crafter smiled Mysteriously. "Rest assured, the tail was freely given. Like all my wand cores. Such cores WANT to find a worthy partner. They are more loyal, and helpful.
"Salamander tails are extremely rare, as few lizards are willing to give up their tail. Even if it does grow back more quickly then the non magic kind.
"This core is more inclined to fire, and explosive, magics. It holds great destructive power. But also has great power over light and beauty."
"Where as the redwood chooses wielders with a particular talent for turning catastrophe into advantage. I expect great things from you, Lady Peppermint."
Batty gulped again, feeling a tad intimidated by her wand.
I stepped forward, and decided to skip what Batty went through. "I'm hoping to get a 7 inch, Voldemort mold, with Thestral hair."
Both Kole, and Myself, needed new wands to. We might play in other types of Harry Potter maps, But each wand was linked to its respective territory. We would have to learn the wand movements, of this particular map, with it's own particular wand. It was the only way to take classes, to eventually unlock wandless magic.
"Let me see, if I have that in stock," The Wolf nodded, before wandering into the back.
Batty was gaping, and I couldn't help but smirk.
"You mean to tell me-" She shrieked. "You can custom order wands!!!
Musky-pup huffed, "Takes all the fun out of it, but sure. Why wouldn't you be able to?"
Batty was gaping at us, clearly thinking we just pranked her.
I assured, "It's best to go through the wand Tutorial, at least once. As it's basically the Shop AI reviewing your battle tactics, and optimizing the best combination of bonuses to aid that. It took so long to find the right one, because it's like a loading screen. As it legitimately gets the best wand for you."
Batty nodded, looking at her wand. No doubt feeling how it tingled. It would do that for a bit longer, until it fully bound itself.
Regardless batty said, "Still, I think I'd prefer to skip the Sorting." Scowling at the near 2 dozen discarded wand boxes, she had gone through. She was clearly thinking of the wasted half hour. We might be immortal, but there was still the mortal instinct of time being important.
"Nah," I waved off, "The sorting is different. A wand is just a tool, which decides what bonuses you get, but a House helps you make like-minded friends. You don't want to gloss over that."
Batty shrugged, "I'd probably just go into your house."
I smiled, not being able to stop myself from day dreaming about sharing a common room with Batty. We couldn't sleep in the same dorm, cuz well, she was a girl, but I was sure we could still have a lot of fun in the same house...
But still... Batty would make a lot more friends if she went the intended way. but then again, Batty was only here for me...
Before I could decide anything, The wand crafter reappeared with my wand. "Be careful with this, Yew is a fearsome wood. Granting great powers over life and death. It favors the most talented healers... and the most vile Dark Lords alike. With the Thestral Hair amplifying the magical talents, quite a bit. This is not normally a good wand for first time buyers."
"Don't worry," I eased the AI behind the puppet. "I have a lot of experience with wands like this." I smiled, as I gently took it, and feeling the wand bind itself to me.
Musky-pup smiled, "This year is going to be great!"