Chapter 33: Chapter 33: Chanting at the Astronomy Tower
Hogwarts, Astronomy Tower.
Compared to the castle's lively atmosphere, the Astronomy Tower was always the loneliest and most tranquil place.
Saturday, a chilly morning.
Ino, as usual, got up, washed, dressed neatly, and then brought his accordion to the top of the tower once more.
He sat on the ground, quietly waiting for the dawn.
About a quarter of an hour later.
When the first rays of dawn shone on the highest spire of the castle, it was like a touch of golden magic, making Hogwarts look solemn and magnificent in the morning light, like a giant long guarding this land.
The sun rose, and the warm sunlight passed through every window of the castle, illuminating every corridor.
To be honest, Ino really enjoyed this feeling, sitting quietly alone, in his own time.
The ethereal and soothing melody of the accordion echoed in his ears, reminding him of those seemingly distant pasts.
A sense of nostalgia, a touch of melancholy, thoughts spreading like steam from a freshly brewed cup of tea, lingering and then dissipating into the air.
"The sun is exiled to the west, darkness spreads over the land, losing its former glory, you need not mourn..."
The melodious song rang out at the top of the tower, accompanied by the accordion, making it seem as if one had entered a mysterious and ancient dream.
The singing was like a whisper, a light breeze brushing past the ear, touching the softness of one's heart...
After about ten minutes.
The song ended, and Ino waved his wand, making the accordion quiet down obediently.
"Clap! Clap! Clap!"
The crisp sound of applause came from behind, causing him to turn around quickly.
"The power of music~"
Dumbledore took off his glasses, wiping the faint mist from the lenses.
"Good morning, Headmaster," Ino greeted.
"Thank you, Mr. Swinburne! Your performance was enchanting, a beauty that mesmerizes. May I know its name? Please forgive an old man's curiosity."
"You can call me Ino!" Ino replied modestly, then continued, "As for the song's name, I call it 'Ancient Dream.' It was meant to be played with a horsehead fiddle, but as you can see, I only have an accordion."
So far, he was acting just like a student suddenly praised by the headmaster, shy and reserved.
"A wonderful name!" Dumbledore praised, then gently waved his hand.
Two high-backed chairs and a small tea table instantly appeared at the top of the tower, surprisingly adorned with various candies and two cups of steaming tea.
"Do you mind chatting with me, Ino? You know, I'm also a music lover."
Faced with the unexpected invitation, although he was reluctant, he had no choice but to accept.
After all, Dumbledore had gone to such lengths, with tea and candies prepared, it would be rude to refuse.
"It would be an honor, Headmaster!"
Hearing the clear response, Dumbledore smiled and nodded, walked to the table, pulled out a high-backed chair, and sat down.
"Ino, would you be interested in performing at the Halloween feast? I was going to hire other bands, but now it seems there's a better choice."
Halloween...
Alright, Ino held back his objections.
Considering the next few years at Hogwarts, Halloween was always full of surprises, and the feast... managing to eat one dish undisturbed was quite a feat.
Of course, if Dumbledore had mentioned the Christmas feast, he might have seriously considered it, but Halloween... well, whoever wants to go can go.
...
"Sorry, Headmaster, I still have much to improve. Perhaps in a few years, I might apply to perform."
Although he refused, he also hinted at the future, giving Dumbledore some face, since the headmaster himself had extended the invitation.
"Somewhat regrettable, but I respect your choice." Dumbledore said, unchanged in expression.
It seemed being refused was within his expectations.
The tower fell into a brief silence.
Since Dumbledore stopped speaking, Ino also enjoyed the quiet, appreciating the hot tea and free candies on a cool morning was indeed pleasant.
He casually picked up a piece of butter toffee, savoring the rich creamy flavor that far surpassed any candy he had before, which often tasted of artificial flavoring.
Life should never be without good food.
Following the principle of enjoying free treats, Ino ate three pieces of butter toffee before taking out a handkerchief to wipe the sugar crumbs from his mouth.
It wasn't that he had enough, but there wasn't much left on the plate.
With the small table already crowded with tea and various candies, it was clear that the quantities of each were limited.
As a guest, eating half of it was already the limit; any more would be too much.
However, Dumbledore seemed to see through Ino's thoughts.
He reached out and lightly tapped the table, and the small table visibly expanded to more than twice its original size, refilling the butter toffee and adding several new kinds of candies.
"Honeydukes never disappoints! Oh, by the way, it's a candy shop in Hogsmeade. Perhaps when you're in third year, you can taste it yourself."
"If they all have this quality, I'll definitely be a regular." Ino said, while picking up another unknown candy and popping it into his mouth.
After all, with the headmaster treating, it was hard to pass up the opportunity.
It wasn't about being cheap, but truly a rare opportunity.
Hogwarts seemed somewhat unfriendly to students below third year... imagine a boarding school without even a small shop!
Pure-blood wizards had it easier, though still a hassle, as they could at least write home for supplies.
The ones truly suffering were the Muggle-born students, unable to taste magical candies or enjoy other interesting items while at school.
Despite his wandering thoughts, Ino never initiated conversation.
He focused on eating more and speaking less, perfectly embodying a shy student in front of the headmaster.
When Dumbledore asked, he answered; when Dumbledore was silent, he remained quiet.
This kind of interaction could be called "awkward chatting."
They continued this sporadic conversation for a long time, until the sun was fully up.
"I should go back now, Headmaster," Ino said, standing up.
"Thank you for keeping me company for so long. I hope we can have such chats again in the future. You know, sometimes I do get lonely," Dumbledore half-joked.
In response to the headmaster's suggestion, Ino neither accepted nor rejected, merely bowing slightly before turning to pick up his accordion and head towards the stairs.
However, just as Ino was about to leave, Dumbledore's voice came again.
"Child, you need not fear, nor avoid anyone. Because until my death, no one at Hogwarts can harm you, I promise!"
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