The Bard of Hogwarts

Chapter 391 The Non-existent Goddess of Harvest

The oak tree has many symbolic meanings in ancient legends.

Mystery, authority, power, holiness, longevity...

According to legend, Zeus, the chief god of Greece, was its ruler. It is said that there was a tall oak tree with divine power in Zeus's temple, and the rustling sound of its leaves was regarded by the Greek people as Zeus's message.

In ancient Druidism, the oak tree was regarded as the supreme symbol and held a sacred status.

Druid priests would collect mistletoe from oak trees at specific times, believing it to have panacea-like effects.

……

In the valley, Ino stood before three oak trees, examining the gift that was different from any she had received before.

A long robe whose shape is indistinct, paired with two canes, and another tree with a miniature well hanging from it, along with the ever-present glittering gems and gold coins.

He understood the other two gifts, but the robe and cane shrouded in silver fluorescence were the only ones that puzzled him.

To call these visual effects ordinary would be a joke.

But the gift isn't ready yet, so no matter how curious you are, it's no use.

Looking at the gift before him, Ino couldn't help but think of William's words from a few days ago:

"Your story has no goddess of harvest; its ability to sprout and even bestow gifts depends entirely on you. And the story you see is merely the story illuminated by the lamp in your hand."

Frankly, William's metaphorical interpretation is indeed convincing.

Upon closer reflection, neither the former sanctuary nor the present valley has ever experienced an invasion, not even by the once enraged Poseidon.

"The magic that makes wishes come true..."

Looking back, Ino found the answers she was looking for in those details that she had previously taken for granted.

The seed sprouted outside the castle with the help of a guardian spell. His first gifts of gems and gold coins came from his experience of wandering and drifting, which subconsciously led him to believe that money brought him a sense of security.

As for the later crystal ball, blue lamp, and red mill.

"I want to control my destiny, I want a loyal and unrebellious house-elf, I want to be self-sufficient in the valley and eat delicious food..."

A sigh of self-reflection echoed beneath the oak tree.

Gazing quietly at the three oak trees, Ino suddenly felt that everything was magical and enchanting.

This may seem bizarre and absurd, but it is actually quite reasonable.

It's roughly like another House of Requirement, except for a longer period and a single right to use it.

"A piece of clothing... Logically speaking, it should be the moon!" Ino shook her head in confusion.

Compared to having an extra magical outfit, what he wanted even more was a bright, clear moon.

Otherwise, the valley always feels like something is missing at night.

……

Time flows on.

In contrast to the tranquility of the valley, the herbal medicine greenhouse was rather noisy at the same time.

Of course, this is not because there are too many students in class, but because a new issue of "Once Upon a Time in Hogwarts" was released today.

SevenNuts' low price and engaging content quickly made it a rising star in the magazine world.

Abandoned greenhouse No. 12.

Or it could also be called the headquarters of the Hogwarts Once Upon a Time Magazine.

Outside the door, the air was filled with a faint scent of ink mixed with the aroma of grass.

Dozens or even hundreds of magazines were bundled together and neatly arranged, each magazine like a fragment of time, quietly unfolding.

"Ron, 130 books from Diagon Alley, including 45 with a video mirror. Here's the address... Never mind, let Hannah handle Diagon Alley."

Colin walked out of the room, carrying a thick notebook, and spoke as he went.

Beside her, Hannah tossed her head dismissively after hearing her name called, her two golden ponytails swaying freely.

"I don't care, but the same old rule applies: no payment! I want the deluxe edition! Don't worry, you'll get your money's worth."

As she spoke, Hannah spread her hands and looked at Colin expectantly.

She genuinely didn't care about the money, but collecting every deluxe edition had become an obsession, as interesting as collecting chocolate frog chips.

"Sure! You'll have priority to buy, that was promised beforehand, but as always, one book per person."

Colin nodded slightly, then looked at Ron beside him, seemingly waiting for his choice.

Seeing Hannah's open-minded attitude, Ron pursed his lips in envy, wishing he could be like that too.

Owning a limited-edition hardcover magazine not only comes with a 5-inch viewing mirror, but also includes a randomly selected autographed photo of the person featured, along with a handwritten quote from them. These photos might be of professors or famous students; the main appeal is randomness.

Therefore, even though the magazine costs 15 Galleons per copy, it is still in short supply.

This particular issue, a collector's edition of 25 copies, reportedly includes a signed copy of Dumbledore's first photograph with Swinburne.

The news has been "unintentionally" leaked by them, making this issue of the magazine a hit even before its release.

Thinking of this, Ron hesitated and lowered his head, feeling a struggle within himself.

He knew that if he got his hands on the photo, he could resell it for a high price in no time, but the reality was that even as a magazine employee, he still couldn't possibly know which issue the photo was in.

Perhaps only Malfoy and Colin knew, but one of them didn't care about money, and the other truly had professional ethics; if he said it was random, then it really was random.

A one in twenty-five chance, and with a 15 Galleon stake. After much hesitation... Ron chose to remain silent.

Real life, however, weighed him down, and he couldn't afford to gamble. Compared to relying on luck, a stable and predictable salary was much more secure.

Besides, he has too many expenses now.

Putting aside everything else, the weekly trips to Madame Patif's Tea House with Lavender were a considerable expense.

Moreover, maintaining the dignity befitting a class leader is also a priority...

"Colin, I still want my salary!"

In his single sentence, Ron seemed to have used up all his strength, completely oblivious to Hannah's winking and gesturing beside him.

"You really are something! 20 Galleons, you sold me your spot!"

Seeing that the spot was about to be taken away, Hannah could no longer care about anything else and immediately offered a high price of 20 Galleons.

Ron looked up in surprise. He knew Hannah came from a wealthy family, but this was the first time he had ever heard that the Leaky Cauldron was so profitable.

The two magazines, plus the premium, came to 35 Galleons. Honestly, that's no small sum; it's almost half a month's salary for an average Ministry of Magic employee.

"Still hesitating? This is the final price."

Ron's silence displeased Hannah.

"No! This is the price. I was just stunned, I didn't mean anything by it."

Seeing that the other party was angry, Ron quickly made his stance clear.

As the deputy editor-in-chief, Colin pretended not to see the exchange between the two.

He upholds the bottom line, but he's not heartless. Reasonable operations within the rules are perfectly acceptable.

(End of this chapter)