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Chapter 328: The Vibrant Valley and Professor McGonagall’s Advice
🕑 Added 2025-03-20 18:52:27 +0000 UTCThe next morning, the sun barely peeked over the horizon when the castle burst to life.
By late November, the Scottish Highlands had plunged into freezing temperatures. Despite the chill, Hogwarts students woke early, their excitement overpowering any reluctance to leave their warm beds.
Everyone hurriedly washed, dressed, and gathered their gear — colorful banners enchanted with movement, sparkling magical fireworks, and, most notably, the coveted Omnioculars. The Quidditch World Cup’s influence was evident, as nearly eighty percent of the students had a pair of these enchanted binoculars.
For those who couldn’t afford or acquire Omnioculars, alternatives were visible in the crowd. Some held enchanted cameras or magical movie mirrors, while others clutched rudimentary Muggle cameras.
Colin Creevey, however, stood out. He carried both a camera and a movie mirror, the result of his growing reputation.
Last year, he had captured a dramatic series of photographs featuring Dementors on the Hogwarts Express. His well-timed shots had earned him not only substantial compensation but also recognition from the Daily Prophet. Today, Colin had taken on assignments from not just the Daily Prophet but also other magical media outlets, making him a sought-after photographer. Even Draco Malfoy had extended a commission.
Determined to secure the best vantage point, Colin had rushed to the Quidditch pitch without breakfast. Yet, as he arrived, his heart sank. Others had already claimed prime positions. Scanning the competition, he recognized the signs — sophisticated gear, poised stances, and sharp gazes. They were fellow photographers, likely new to the field.
A twinge of anxiety crept over him. The field was getting crowded, and Malfoy’s offer to join his growing media network suddenly seemed worth considering.
Meanwhile, in the Slytherin Dormitory
Ino had just finished getting ready when he did something unusual — he used his authority as a Triwizard Champion to summon breakfast to his dormitory.
Across from him, Draco Malfoy chatted animatedly, unable to hide his excitement.
"Marcus arranged twelve photographers around the stadium," Draco reported. "They'll capture every angle. I’ve also lined up additional staff, and we’ll have our first magazine issue ready by Christmas..."
He spoke quickly, words tumbling over one another. His eyes flicked nervously toward the clock.
“Oh, and about your preparation last night — it’s done, right? Honestly, I think you’re overthinking it. Just go for the high score.” Draco paused, then added, “But hey, that’s just my opinion.”
Ino, however, remained calm. He pulled up his sleeve, revealing a slender bracelet. The ice-blue accessory shimmered in the morning light, the delicate form of a serpent coiled around his wrist.
"Relax," Ino replied with a faint smile. "I finished it last night. Scores are important, but the real impact lies in the spectacle."
Draco’s curiosity was piqued. "Is that… a magical artifact? Some kind of alchemy trinket?"
"Alchemy? Maybe. But I believe it's something more — something alive."
Ino’s fingers brushed against the bracelet's intricately textured scales. Memories of the previous night stirred within him.
His decision to rely on ice magic and transfiguration for the first task had reminded him of the Frost Serpent that resided in his sanctuary. The creature's seventy-foot form and commanding presence would ensure a breathtaking battle against the dragon.
But rather than using brute force, Ino had sought a different approach. To present the serpent not just as a weapon, but as a spectacle.
Yet, upon entering the sanctuary the night before, he had been stunned.
The once serene valley had transformed. Alchemical constructs gifted by Nicolas Flamel now frolicked with childlike energy, darting and leaping in all directions. Trees had developed humanoid features, their bark etched with faint impressions of faces. Even the old red maple and the three towering oaks seemed to possess a spark of life.
And the Frost Serpent — once a cold and lifeless creation — now held an unmistakable gleam of awareness in its icy gaze.
But the most astonishing change hovered above the valley. A magnificent, winding river of iridescent light danced through the sky.
The river had been born from the stones collected by the Rohirrim children. Their youthful energy had made it something unique—playful, untamed, and limitless in its generosity.
This life force saw no difference between the living and the inanimate. It treated dolls, hats, and furniture as if they were all capable of motion.
Singing flowers, talking teacups, wandering candlesticks, mischievous chairs…
For now, only Flamel’s puppets had truly awakened. But Ino was certain that, given time, the entire valley would transform into something extraordinary.
And in that moment, he realized something profound.
A decade in Middle-earth… his greatest gain was the modest, seemingly ordinary stones.
Common, unremarkable, scattered across the earth.
And yet, within their simplicity, they contained the potential for miracles.
Snapping back to the present, Ino lowered his sleeve, concealing the Frost Serpent bracelet. His eyes briefly met Draco’s.
“I should get going,” Ino said, rising to his feet. “Professor McGonagall is probably already waiting in the Great Hall.”
Draco nodded, though a trace of envy lingered in his gaze. “Good luck, Ino. Just remember — the crowd loves a show.”
With a reassuring pat on Draco’s shoulder, Eno left the dormitory, making his way through the corridors.
Upon entering the Great Hall, Ino spotted Professor McGonagall immediately. The stern Transfiguration professor stood alongside Harry Potter, her sharp gaze softening at the sight of Ino’s arrival.
“Thank goodness!” McGonagall exclaimed. “I was beginning to think you had overslept. Harry's been here for a while now.”
Despite her composed demeanor, the way she repeatedly tucked stray strands of hair behind her ears betrayed her nervousness.
“My apologies, Professor,” Ino responded politely, exchanging a nod with Harry.
McGonagall took a steadying breath. “Listen carefully. Don’t be reckless. I’ll be watching the entire match, but the most important thing is your safety.”
Her gaze lingered on Harry, her voice lowering. “Promise me you won't take unnecessary risks. If anything goes wrong, give me time to intervene.”
For a moment, an unmistakable tremor touched her voice. Despite her strict exterior, her concern for the students was evident.
“This is my final request,” she concluded. “No heroics.”
Ino and Harry nodded, their expressions solemn.
“Good.” She straightened, regaining her composure. “Follow me. The champions will enter from the other side.”
