"Mum, if I place this 'Ailam' rune in the left corner, can it merge with the strengthening spell?"
Pandora glanced at it, then smiled. "It can. But you'll need to add a stable binder—a drop of dragon's blood, or a little stardust."
"I'll use stardust. It's gentler and less wild in its effect," Ludwig replied, then sprinkled it gently onto the card he was working on. Immediately, the symbol on the card glowed a soft blue and flickered three times, indicating success.
Outside, night began to fall. But in the Mage Tower, the light from crystal lanterns and the wisps of potions continued to glow. The atmosphere inside was like a magical workshop and the playroom of a genius child—full of passion, imagination, and the scent of slowly burning dried roots.
Gazing at Luna, who was asleep hugging a small Frodo figurine, Pandora stroked Ludwig's head and said, "You truly inherit the curiosity and spirit from two worlds, son. The real world and the dream world."
Ludwig just gave a small smile. In his heart, he knew this was just the beginning. This Mage Tower was his playroom... his study, his creation space, his dream space. And perhaps one day, it would be where he created things far greater than figurines or cards—but for now, everything was perfect just as it was.
The Lovegood Shop: A Symphony of Imagination in the Heart of Diagon Alley
As time passed, The Quibbler was no longer just a fringe magazine that used to be ridiculed. The presence of Ludwig's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series successfully attracted readers from various backgrounds—children, teenagers, and even adult wizards who longed for a world full of imagination and adventure. The Quibbler's sales soared, eventually surpassing The Daily Prophet. Not just in quantity, but also in influence. Now, The Quibbler became a symbol of free thought, creativity, and the courage to write from a different perspective.
From these significant profits, the Lovegood family built a magnificent three-story building in Diagon Alley and a small branch in Hogsmeade. The main building in Diagon Alley stood proudly and elegantly among other magical shops, with unique architecture: its walls adorned with stained glass and small reliefs of characters from The Hobbit world, its roof shaped like a tilted wizard's hat, and at its entrance, a small bell chimed softly when opened. Above the entrance, inscribed in circular golden letters: "Lovegood Shop – Where Imagination and Magic Meet."
GROUND FLOOR: THE IMAGINARY WORLD Upon entering the shop, visitors were immediately greeted by the warm scent of cinnamon and old wood. This first floor was like a world for children and young wizards—filled with bookshelves, magical toys, and fantastic merchandise.
On the left side, there was a long shelf filled with Ludwig's fantasy books, printed separately from The Quibbler series. Books like the special edition of The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring, and collections of other magical tales resulting from Ludwig's collaborations with other young authors.
On the right side, glass display cases showcased the "Legend of the Rings" magical cards, complete with game boards and strategy guides. Children often crowded here, debating the strongest cards—"Balrog of Moria" or "Gandalf the White."
Further inside, the central area of the shop was filled with action figures of various characters. There were Bilbo figurines that could speak, Smaug that could emit small puffs of smoke from its mouth, and even Gollum that could hide when the lights were turned off. All these toys were made using alchemical techniques, a collaboration between Ludwig and Arthur Weasley, who secretly possessed an excellent alchemical talent—though he was primarily known for his fascination with Muggle artifacts.
In the corner of the room, there was a small demo table where Arthur sometimes came to showcase newly developed toys—such as mini wands containing light illusions, or dolls that could mimic their owner's voice. Children always shrieked with delight whenever Arthur demonstrated his new inventions.
SECOND FLOOR: THE SCENT AND POTION LABORATORY Ascending to the second floor, the atmosphere shifted drastically. Here the air was filled with sharp and fragrant scents: from peppermint oil, lavender flowers, to phoenix ash.
This floor was the center for potions. Along the walls stood shelves of glass bottles containing various types of potions: calming draughts, energy boosters, wound healers, and even experimental mixtures. All were made by the potion masters who collaborated with the Lovegood family. One important figure in this collaboration was Severus Snape.
Snape—though known for his cold and sharp personality—appreciated Ludwig's intelligence and research spirit. They exchanged notes several times, especially in concocting potions based on natural ingredients enhanced with subtle magic.
Every bottle here had a colored label with descriptions of its benefits and warnings of side effects. There were also small brochures created by Pandora explaining the function of each potion in simple language for easy understanding by anyone.
At the end of the room, there was a consultation table where customers could discuss with the potion master on duty that day. Many older wizards and international tourists came here, as the shop's reputation for potion quality had spread abroad.
THIRD FLOOR: THE CENTER OF THOUGHT – THE QUIBBLER MAGAZINE OFFICE The top floor was the creative heart of the shop. The Quibbler magazine office was now much neater and more professional compared to previous years. Yet, the distinct eccentric aura of the Lovegoods still permeated every corner.
The office walls were adorned with surreal paintings, photographs of fictional characters, and portraits of the Lovegood family in magical frames. There was a large idea board where writers pinned notes for new stories, character illustrations, or even letters from readers inspired by the tales of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
On one side, Ludwig had a small private room—more like a workshop than an office. There he wrote, drew concepts, sketched new cards and toys, and designed new fictional worlds that might be featured in upcoming issues.
Many young editors, illustrators, and columnists joined—even some Hogwarts alumni came to be part of The Quibbler's creative team. They loved the freedom and support given by the Lovegoods, and the spirit of not being trapped in a "single truth" as often sold by mainstream media.
A PLACE TO DREAM The Lovegood Shop was more than just a place to sell goods—it was a space where imagination grew, new worlds were created, and wizards from all corners of the world came to reconnect with the spirit of their childhood.
Tourists from France, Norway, and even Japan often made time to visit. Hogwarts students on summer break came just to try new cards or buy limited edition figurines.
And amidst all this, Ludwig was always present—whether he was fixing a prototype elf doll, writing a new chapter of adventure, or teaching Luna how to activate light runes on their homemade cards.
The shop was an extension of his heart: full of curiosity, hard work, and a love for stories yet to be fully written.
When the long-awaited day finally arrived, Ludwig, Charlie, and Bill stood at King's Cross station with their trunks and wands in hand. The morning air was fresh, but their hearts were a mix of excitement, anxiety, and a touch of sadness.
Luna, who had always clung to Ludwig, hugged her brother tightly. Her eyes began to well up with tears. As Ludwig walked towards platform nine and three-quarters, Luna suddenly cried and waved vigorously, wanting to go with Ludwig to Hogwarts.
Ludwig, seeing this, could barely hold back his own tears. He knew that this was not just a temporary farewell—it was the beginning of a new adventure that would change their lives.
With a soft and loving voice, Ludwig took a Lady Galadriel action figure from his bag—a figure who had been his inspiration to be strong and wise. He handed the doll to Luna and said, "Luna, you have to wait at home, okay? Practice your magic with Mum, like the strong and wise Lady Galadriel. One day, I'll return, and we'll have adventures together again."
Luna nodded, still shedding tears, but somewhat calmed by knowing Ludwig believed in her. Pandora, who had come to see them off, smiled emotionally and patted Luna's head, then looked at Ludwig proudly.
With firm steps, Ludwig walked into the train, promising himself he would become as strong and great as Lady Galadriel, not just for himself, but also for Luna and his family.
The Hogwarts Express began to move, leaving the station, carrying three young aspiring wizards towards a new world full of magic, challenges, and unexpected adventures.
Inside the train compartment heading to Hogwarts, Ludwig, Charlie, and Bill sat side by side, discussing their first days at the legendary wizarding school.
Bill started the conversation with a serious tone, "You know what? They say at Hogwarts, we're going to be tested by fighting dragons! I'm a bit nervous about it."
Charlie, who was indeed a Quidditch and adventure enthusiast, was a bit surprised and slightly scared, "Seriously, Bill? Fighting dragons? That's crazy, I'm not sure I'm ready for that."
Ludwig, who actually knew that the Hogwarts entrance test was only with the Sorting Hat and not a battle, quietly held back a smile. He pretended to be scared too, so they wouldn't discover he already knew the secret. With a worried expression, he chimed in, "Yeah? I'm really nervous too. Dragons are super scary..."
Bill and Charlie exchanged glances, then chuckled softly, seeing Ludwig, who was going to Hogwarts for the first time, so panicked. "Relax, Lud," Bill said, patting Ludwig's shoulder, "It's just a joke, the important thing is we're ready."
Their conversation continued with laughter and excitement, warming the atmosphere on the train as it slowly moved towards the magnificent Hogwarts castle.
The Hogwarts Express finally slowed and stopped at a small station enveloped in a thin mist. The night air was cool and biting, fallen leaves rustled on the ground, covering the tracks in a golden hue. As the train doors opened, excited chatter and hurried footsteps echoed. New students disembarked, carrying trunks, pet cages, and overflowing curiosity.
Amidst the crowd, a loud, deep voice suddenly boomed, "First years! All first years over here! First years this way!"
Ludwig turned and saw a huge figure in a leather coat three times the size of a regular man. The figure held a lit lantern in his right hand and waved his left. "I'm Hagrid. Follow me, quick!"
Ludwig and Charlie walked alongside new students they didn't know, who seemed as relaxed as ever. They descended a small, slippery, winding path, then arrived at the edge of a large lake whose black water shimmered, reflecting starlight. In the distance, Hogwarts Castle loomed majestically atop a high cliff, with towering spires and glowing windows, like a living painting enchanting anyone who saw it for the first time. The old stone walls and climbing vines that covered parts of the building gave it an ancient and mysterious impression.
Hagrid pointed to a line of small boats. "Four to a boat. Come on, get in, quickly!"
Ludwig and Charlie got into one boat with two other boys. As the boat glided itself into the middle of the lake without oars, Ludwig looked around and held his breath. The calm water created a perfect reflection of the star-filled night sky and the majestic silhouette of Hogwarts. The light from the castle blended with the gentle lapping of water and the awestruck whispers of the students.
"It's so beautiful..." Charlie murmured softly.
The boats slowly glided, passing massive stone pillars beneath the cliff, and finally landed at a small harbor. From there, they ascended a long stone staircase to the castle's main gate. At the top of the stairs stood a woman in dark green robes, her hair neatly tied in a bun, and a sharp gaze behind square spectacles.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall said in a calm yet authoritative voice. "I am Professor McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor House. Before you enter the Great Hall, you will undergo a sorting process to be placed into the house that best suits your character."
Charlie swallowed. "Are we... dueling with wands?" he whispered to Ludwig.
But McGonagall continued, "This sorting involves only an old hat—the Sorting Hat. It will read your nature and potential, then place you into one of the four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin."
As soon as her sentence ended, Charlie immediately shot Bill an annoyed look. "You big liar!" he muttered angrily. "You said we'd be fighting dragons! I even started planning a defensive strategy, you know!"
Bill chuckled. "If I told you the truth, you'd be too relaxed. Look on the bright side, you're ready for anything now!"
Ludwig just smiled. He had read about the Sorting Hat in various books and fanfictions, but still felt his heart beating fast in his chest. This was a real moment. Hogwarts. Finally, he would be part of a story that once only existed on screens and pages.
The main doors swung open, and the light from within the castle welcomed them inside—to a new world that would change everything.
The atmosphere of the Hogwarts Great Hall was filled with the soft glow of floating candles, shimmering gently in the air like magical fireflies. The enchanted ceiling, mirroring the night sky, looked amazing with thousands of twinkling stars. A sacred and magical ambiance filled the air, making every child standing in the sorting line feel as if they were in the midst of a living fairy tale.
At the end of the hall, there was a small wooden stool that appeared simple yet full of meaning. Upon it lay an old, patched, and torn hat. Its faded brown color looked hundreds of years old—and indeed it was. This was the Sorting Hat, an ancient magical artifact that would determine the future of Hogwarts students.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward, holding a list of names. With a firm voice, she began to call out the new students' names one by one.
After several students had been placed into Hufflepuff and Gryffindor, McGonagall looked at the list with a sharp gaze, then pronounced a name in a slightly softer tone, as if it were special:
"Ludwig Lovegood."
The hall immediately fell silent. Whispers could be heard among some professors. Even from the teachers' table, Professor Dumbledore's old eyes narrowed attentively towards the tall, silver-blond haired boy who calmly walked towards the wooden stool.
Professor Flitwick from Ravenclaw sat up straighter. Professor Sprout from Hufflepuff gave a small smile. Even Professor Snape glanced briefly with a raised eyebrow, though he quickly returned to his plate with a flat expression.
Meanwhile, McGonagall silently hoped, "Gryffindor, please..."—a small wish that this talented student would strengthen her house.
Ludwig sat on the stool, and the Sorting Hat was placed on his head by Professor McGonagall. As the tip of the hat touched his hair, the fabric swayed slowly and a fold in the front opened, forming a moving mouth.
"Hmmmm... intriguing... very intriguing..." the Sorting Hat whispered in his ear with a hoarse but lively voice, like an ancient voice that had seen everything.
Ludwig, instead of being nervous like other students, quickly thought, "Amazing... a thing like this can think, speak, choose. Are you... some kind of high-class alchemist object? How do you work?"
The Sorting Hat chuckled softly. "You're no ordinary child, are you? It's rare for me to be worn by someone who immediately questions my mechanics. Yes, you're right, I'm not just an ordinary hat. I am one of the great works of alchemical and Legilimency magic, created by the very founders of Hogwarts. I hold a small essence of their thoughts."
"So you're an alchemical object with consciousness," Ludwig responded in his mind, awestruck. "Not just a passive artifact, but capable of choosing, judging, even reading minds."
"And you, Ludwig Lovegood," the Sorting Hat whispered slowly, "you are a child perfectly suited... for all houses."
The Sorting Hat seemed to think hard. "You have courage, no doubt—Gryffindor would be very fortunate. You possess loyalty and a gentle heart, very Hufflepuff. You also have great ambition and perseverance, typical Slytherin traits. But... what stands out most about you is your curiosity, a mind as sharp as a clock's needle, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge."
Ludwig remained silent, letting the Sorting Hat delve into his thoughts.
"You wish to create... a version of me someday," the Sorting Hat continued. "In that case, the best place for you—with an unrivaled library and like-minded friends—is..."
A moment of silence. Then with a loud and authoritative voice, the Sorting Hat shouted:
"RAVENCLAW!"
Loud applause erupted from the long Ravenclaw table. Professor Flitwick even clapped while standing, his face beaming with delight.
Ludwig slowly stood up, placed the hat back on the stool, and walked to his new house table. He was still enveloped in a feeling of great wonder—not just because he was now officially a Hogwarts student, but because the recent experience was the most magical moment of his life so far.
As he sat down and received congratulations from his housemates, Ludwig just smiled faintly and thought, "One day, I will create something that can speak... as intelligently as the Sorting Hat... or more."
After the last sound of the Sorting Hat faded and Ludwig's name was officially announced as a member of Ravenclaw, the children began to move to their respective tables. Ludwig walked calmly, but within his chest, there was a tremor of immense pride and curiosity. He sat between two senior Ravenclaw students who appeared intelligent and friendly.
Meanwhile, Charlie, relieved, sat in Gryffindor, right next to Bill, who greeted him with a triumphant smile. "See, no dragons, right?" Bill said, nudging his shoulder. Charlie just glared silently.
The long tables in the Great Hall trembled softly. In an instant, as if by magic (and indeed it was magic), dinner appeared out of nowhere. Plates filled with roast chicken, toffee pudding, pumpkin pie, chocolate cake, and small cauldrons of warm soup. Delicious aromas filled the room, making everyone in the hall immediately forget their long journey.
Ludwig glanced at the hall ceiling, which looked like the actual night sky—filled with stars and a pale moon peeking shyly from behind thin clouds. His eyes then shifted to the teachers' table, where the professors sat in a row. In the center sat an old figure in purple robes and a tall, star-spangled hat: Professor Albus Dumbledore.
When everyone was seated and the food began to be eaten, Dumbledore slowly stood up. The hall immediately fell silent. His twinkling eyes behind half-moon spectacles swept across the room, holding a warmth and mystery that silenced the students in anticipation.
With his characteristic smile, he raised a hand.
"Welcome to Hogwarts! The place where quills can dance, chairs can speak, and sometimes... sweets disappear from your pockets for no apparent reason."
Several children chuckled softly.