"I-it's not broken."

He insisted, putting his wand back where it was meant to stay hidden. Really, he should have left it at home. It wasn't like he could use it in the summer, but it seemed safer if it was on his person. He feared it breaking, or that he'd misplace it and go back to school wandless. No, it was more important to keep it with him.

He looked to Annie, not sure how to answer. It was expensive, but he couldn't tell her that. What if she wanted to steal it? Or she broke it?

"It's...just a plaything."

Which maybe he was too old to be toting about toys, but it was the best explanation he could think of. After a moment, he tried to well up some sort of courage and say something assertive like Claire would have done.

"What...what's it...what's it to you?"

Well, that fell flat.