Harry Potter: The Bard of Hogwarts

In the blacksmith's shop, a room filled with weapons and equipment.

The sudden appearance of the White Witch made this ordinary room seem somewhat different.

People often say that luxurious clothes and jewelry can adorn a person's appearance. But if a person is exceptional enough, they can instead adorn the objects around them because they themselves are like jewels.

The White Witch's height always drew attention, especially with the addition of at least three-inch crystal high heels, making her appear even taller and more graceful.

A light blue evening gown, porcelain-like glowing white skin, paired with the newly forged weapons around her, created a stark contrast between softness and strength in the room.

"Are you surprised?" the White Witch teased.

"I am a bit surprised! This is like pioneering magic," Ino replied honestly, nodding. The transformation of magical creatures into human form was an unprecedented and unheard-of feat.

"What about this?" Another voice sounded in the room.

From the ceiling, a small figure emerged from the blue spider silk.

"Does this surprise you?"

Ino's gaze shifted from the White Witch in front of him to Lina on the ceiling. For a moment, he didn't know what to say.

"Do you remember the notebook I gave you? The Gunter family's legacy notebook. They used alchemy to transform their bodies..."

As the White Witch recounted, Ino recalled the old notebook.

Using one's own body as alchemical material, inscribing ancient runes within to gain more powerful magical abilities.

"It seems you remember, but you didn't study it carefully."

The White Witch slowly walked towards the wall, her light steps causing her smooth skirt to sway, the blue fabric undulating like waves.

At the same time, Lina on the ceiling landed on the White Witch's shoulder.

The combination of the two created a bizarre beauty.

"Is this body an alchemical product? An ice creation?" Ino was somewhat dazed.

If it weren't for basic etiquette, he would have wanted to examine it. It was simply too amazing.

Seeming to understand his thoughts, the White Witch extended her hand. After a brief delay, the white skin of her palm peeled away, revealing crystalline ice and complex alchemical circuits.

"I showed you that book because I considered the characteristics of ice magic, but what did you do? You created a giant and five goblins and had them till the valley."

The White Witch sighed lightly and then looked at the forge. Although the fire had gone out, the residual heat remained.

"But all that is in the past. You've found your own path, so there's no need to replicate mine."

...

A peaceful life often passes unnoticed.

The Battle of Helm's Deep had ended more than half a month ago.

Many things had happened during this time, starting with Edoras regaining its former prosperity.

Under Éowyn's meticulous management, the more than five thousand Rohirrim who had previously suffered were now fully integrated into the city and starting new lives.

Similarly, Théoden and Éomer had not been idle. They led well-equipped cavalry from Edoras, clearing out remaining dark forces in Rohan, creating the safest possible environment for the Rohirrim.

However, Ino saw these changes as trivial. His focus remained on transforming the Acromantula.

Especially after Lina's departure, he was even more dedicated, as the stories of Middle-earth were approaching their end, and all he could do was wait.

Wait for Middle-earth to play the final chapter of the Third Age.

Lina's departure was somewhat surprising. Instead of going elsewhere, she went to the Shire with Fíli's help.

According to her, being a queen for too long required a change of identity to experience life.

Ino understood this.

Even if he didn't, he wouldn't object. Since he promised freedom, there was no need to interfere with Lina's choice.

To be honest, he felt a slight relief when she left.

Like a debt that had been pressing down for many years suddenly being paid off.

...

In many matters, actions speak louder than intentions.

The White Witch's death, the appearance of the ice flower, the blue Acromantula Lina...

When a series of coincidences occur, everything needs to be reconsidered: are they really coincidences?

One must think, but not overthink, or try to read too much into others' minds.

Actually, from last year when Lina suggested he pay more attention to the ice flower in the Sanctuary, many things could already be concluded.

Besides, she genuinely paid the price, and it was a generous price.

The ice magic inheritance was real, the bloodline was real, but the flower was fake.

The ice flower was the White Witch's backup plan.

From Charn to Narnia, as an experienced traveler, the White Witch knew how to smuggle herself.

But she miscalculated the rules of the Sanctuary. Once the seed was first taken out of Narnia, everything became irreversible.

And this was what Ino felt guilty about, especially after understanding that she had no ill intentions.

Honestly, business is business, but emotions remain.

Moreover, he had already received the inheritance and bloodline, but in the end, he still tricked the White Witch, which felt somewhat underhanded.

Therefore, after Lina appeared, he showed her the utmost respect and never forced her to do anything.

But as the White Witch said, it's all in the past now.

After the story of Middle-earth ends, they might meet again like old friends, once every few decades.

"Debts of gratitude are the hardest to repay..."

Ino sighed and then threw himself back into his work.

In front of him were hundreds of eight-eyed giant spiders, each over three meters long and carrying huge spears.

...

At the same time.

Far away in the capital of Gondor.

Silent Hill, the first peak west of Minas Tirith, located in the eastern part of the Druadan Forest.

Here stood the beacon of Gondor calling for aid to Rohan.

Today, this peak, called Silent Hill by the people of Gondor, welcomed two figures, one large and one small.

Gandalf, accompanied by the Hobbit Pippin, climbed this treacherous peak.

"I'll distract them. The rest is up to you," Gandalf bent down, solemnly instructing.

"Don't worry! This is nothing," Pippin nodded seriously.

Soon, Gandalf pretended to be an injured old man, creating a disturbance to attract the attention of the guards.

When the two guards sensed something was wrong, Pippin had already climbed the ancient beacon—Amon Din.

Using the Hobbit's unique agility, Pippin quickly overturned the oil lamp on the firewood. The scorching oil and flames fell.

"Boom~"

In an instant, the dry firewood ignited into a blazing fire.

The beacon of Amon Din was lit. The ancient alliance between Rohan and Gondor was rekindled after three thousand years.

The second, third, fourth... the beacons, representing the call for aid, were lit successively, spreading westward along the snow-covered white mountainsides.