A magical journey that begins at Hogwarts

"I think all of the above are true."

“Very good.” Gandalf smiled slightly, then pushed Aaron forward a small step. “Aaron Gaius, this child may need your help.”

Aaron: ......

The hobbit looked at Aaron and then noticed his wet clothes. "You might need clean clothes, but mine might not be suitable for you."

However, my house is quite warm; you can dry your clothes by the fireplace if you need.

“This is truly an honor.” Aaron hesitated for a moment, then took out a gold coin from his pocket. “This is my way of thanking you for your kindness.”

“No need for that,” the hobbit politely declined, then opened the fence, which was more than half a meter high, and invited Aaron into his yard. “Every hobbit will lend a helping hand to those in need.”

Gandalf smiled slightly, but instead of entering the courtyard, he thoughtfully observed the hobbit.

Is there anything I can do for you?

"It's hard to say right now. I'm looking for partners to go on adventures with."

The hobbit paused for a moment, interpreting from Gandalf's eyes that he seemed to have been placed on the shortlist.

"adventure?

"I doubt anyone west of Bree would be interested; it's a dirty, tiring, and uncomfortable place that'll make you miss dinner." The hobbit puffed on his cigarette. "Good morning!"

After saying that, he walked towards the door, his meaning quite clear: Don't look for me, I'm not interested.

“I never imagined I would end up like a peddler, being dismissed with a ‘good morning’ by Belladonna’s son,” Gandalf said as he walked past the fence.

"What did you say?" the hobbit asked, turning around.

“You’re getting worse as you get older, Bilbo Baggins.”

"Excuse me, do I know you?"

"You know my name, but you've forgotten what I look like. I am Gandalf."

And Gandalf is...

“The grey-robed mage,” Aaron added.

"Yes, just as Gaius said."

“Gandalf?” Bilbo seemed to realize something, pointing at Gandalf with his pipe in surprise. “You’re a wandering wizard and master of fireworks.”

Old Tuk used to release them every summer solstice; I didn't expect you to still be doing it.

"What else can I do?" Gandalf said with a sullen laugh.

puff!

Aaron laughed out loud, which was rather unkind.

It's truly lamentable that someone who was once a powerful magician would be reduced to selling fireworks to make a living.

Gandalf felt offended. "Aaron, although your memory is a bit off, you shouldn't forget basic manners."

"Sorry," Aaron waved his hand, "I just couldn't help it."

Logically speaking, a highly respected wizard like yourself should be respected wherever you go.

"Hmph!" Gandalf snorted, then looked at Bilbo. "I'm glad you remember me, even if it's just about my fireworks."

Okay, it's decided then.

This will be good for you, interesting for me, and meaningful for him.

"Wait a minute." Aaron's heart skipped a beat, a sudden sense of foreboding washing over him. "What do you mean by 'meaningful to me'?"

"You'll find out when the time comes. I'll go and inform the others."

"Who should we notify?" Bilbo also sensed something was wrong and immediately pulled Aaron to the front door. "Adventures are not welcome here. Not today."

I suggest you go ask around the hill or the river.

Although it was their first meeting, Aaron and Bilbo worked together exceptionally well, not giving Gandalf a chance to speak before decisively opening the door and slipping inside.

The two leaned against the door on either side, and Bilbo immediately locked the door.

Just as the two breathed a sigh of relief, they suddenly heard a strange sound, as if something sharp was scraping against the door.

Bilbo frowned, turned and walked to the window, but before he could see clearly, he met a pair of sharp blue eyes. Startled, he immediately retreated behind the wall. His quick reaction surprised even Aaron.

Being timid is understandable, but there's no need to hide so far away!

Both men breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Gandalf walk away from the window.

“Mr. Baggins, I have a feeling of unease.”

"It should be fine, right?" Bilbo bit his finger uncertainly. "We both refused, so even if there's some real risk involved, Gandalf can't force us!"

No, no, no, you're still too young.

Underestimating people comes at a price, especially with older people; none of them are easy to deal with.

“Haha.” Bilbo pointed to himself. “Although hobbits live longer than humans, it’s still a bit embarrassing to be called young by a teenager like you. I’m already in my fifties.”

"Uh... I have a bit of a memory problem, I don't know much about this," Aaron said awkwardly. "After all, you look like you're only in your early twenties."

Bilbo nodded, then realized something and said speechlessly, "Even if I'm in my twenties, you have no right to call me young."

“Okay.” Aaron nodded. “However, my intuition is usually very accurate. If possible, we should go out and avoid the area for a day or two. Everything should be fine.”

“I’m not going. You go if you want,” Bilbo said defiantly. “This is my house.”

Aaron: ......

I wouldn't have reminded you if I hadn't sensed your pure kindness.

But then again, if I weren't completely unfamiliar with the area, I would have run away long ago.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore."

"Take off your clothes first, I'll go dry them for you."

Aaron blinked. "If you take off your clothes, what will I wear?"

"Here you go." Bilbo took a thick set of sheets from the cabinet. "They're a bit old, but they're definitely warm."

"Uh... thank you, but I'll do it myself!" Aaron took the sheet and walked towards the fireplace where the flames were burning.

Sitting by the fire, Aaron surveyed the cave.

Each room is connected by a short semi-circular passageway, and only a few rooms have wooden doors.

Sunlight streams in, and the kitchen, study, living room, and even the bathroom are all well-equipped. It's not luxurious, but it's warm and comfortable.

The only thing that Aaron found inconvenient was that the door was a bit short. Although it was just right for a hobbit, it was a little too short for him, a human who was over 1.6 meters tall.

“This place is really nice,” Aaron said. “It’s completely different from the caves I’ve always imagined.”

“This is the Hobbit hole,” Bilbo said proudly. “It’s my ancestral property.”

“It’s clear that Mr. Baggins is quite wealthy.”

"Wealthy, I wouldn't call myself rich, just enough to get by," Bilbo waved his hand, then said with some concern, "Aaron, Gandalf said your memories..."

"It's alright, it's nothing serious, I'll find it." Aaron said with a straight face, "Although I can't remember many things, some things are etched into my bones, like carvings, I can't forget them even if I want to."

"Then what are your plans next?"

“This… Mr. Baggins, do you have a map leading to human towns?”

If not, that's okay. Just give me directions, and I won't bother you after I've rested.

Bilbo frowned. "But you're just a child. It could be dangerous for you to travel such a long distance alone."

"Don't treat me like a child; my abilities are beyond your imagination."

“Okay, better than I imagined.” Bilbo said with a smile, but in his heart he was not quite convinced. How strong could a little kid be?

"Why don't you stay a few more days? I have plenty of rooms for other guests."

I'll also ask the neighbors to keep an eye out for you. If any humans come to the Shire, you can follow them. That way, I'll feel a little more at ease.

Aaron thought about it for a moment and reluctantly agreed to the suggestion, since he really didn't know the way.

Chapter 233 The Successive Arrivals of Dwarf Visitors

Aaron changed into clean clothes and stood in front of a mirror to quickly fix his hair.

This was the first time he had ever met someone as hospitable as Bilbo Baggins. Although the guest room was relatively small, it had everything he needed and was not much different from the master bedroom.

Most importantly, Bilbo didn't intend to take the money, for a simple reason: taking money from a child with memory loss would trouble his conscience.

Aaron laid out all his current possessions on the table: ten gold coins.

In this world, gold coins are the hard currency. He planned to leave two behind when he left, as a way of thanking Bilbo for his care.

He then closed the door, gently bolted it shut, and drew the curtains, leaving no gaps.

After ensuring sufficient secrecy, he began to inscribe summoning magic circles on the floor.

The white magic circle emitted a faint light, but quickly returned to stillness.

"So we really can't summon Abe?" Aaron frowned slightly. "Specific magical creatures from another world won't work, but ordinary animals from this world should be fine, though whether they'll obey is another matter."

"Gaius." A knock sounded, followed by Bilbo's voice, "Come out for dinner."

"Come here."

Aaron came out of the guest room and saw two fried grass carp on the dining table, still steaming.

“The seasonings are here; you can add salt and pepper to your liking.” Bilbo pushed the bowl of seasonings toward Aaron, hesitated for a moment, and then said, “If you don’t like fish, there’s also cheese, fruit, vegetables, bread, and all kinds of meat in the pantry.”

"This is already very good, I'm not that fussy."

But I would be very happy if there was alcohol.

“Alcohol?” Bill Borough paused for a moment, then shook his head and said, “You can’t drink alcohol, you’re too young.”

"I've already told you not to treat me like a child. My alcohol tolerance is probably no worse than yours."

"That's not OK."

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Aaron shrugged helplessly. He just wanted to have a drink to celebrate his first day in this strange world, why was it so difficult!