Harry Potter: The Bard of Hogwarts

In Greece, each Festival of Athena is a highly anticipated event.

A grand celebration held every four years.

On this day, representatives from all territories belonging to Athens must come to the city to participate in the festivities, no matter how far they have to travel.

During the festival, these representatives also present new embroidered robes and animal sacrifices to Athena.

After the sacrifices, Athens hosts a week-long series of grand athletic and musical competitions, which are comparable in scale to the Olympics, sometimes even surpassing them.

It's important to note that the Olympic Games were established by Zeus, the king of the gods, and in a way, they represent the gods of Mount Olympus.

That a festival for Athena alone can vaguely compare to the gathering of all gods shows how much she is revered. This grandeur also fuels rumors that Athena might overthrow Zeus's rule.

However, Ino does not care much about any of this.

Or rather, even if Athena were to confront Zeus, he wouldn't be particularly concerned.

Out of all mythologies, Greek mythology is the one he fears the least.

Of course, this doesn't mean he arrogantly seeks to challenge the Greek gods head-on. Instead, it's a strategic disregard. If he can't defeat them, he can at least escape.

Times have changed, and now, with abilities like Apparition and the phoenix he has released from his suitcase, he has his greatest trump cards.

After all, while the Greek gods are known for their bravery and authority, none of them have demonstrated the ability to teleport instantaneously.

Even Zeus, the king of the gods, mostly transforms into an eagle to fly.

Ino respects but does not fear the Greek gods. This is the most direct result of the differences in their power systems.

If they have the ability, let them come and chase him. He doesn't care if it takes three or five years; when the time comes, he'll return. Besides, the Greek gods aren't a monolithic entity; there are many factions within, and externally, they still face the lingering threat of the Titans from the previous era.

However, unless absolutely necessary, he doesn't want to fall out with any of them.

Looking at the small Helena by his side, he truly sees a reflection of himself in her—an orphan, alone and dependent on no one.

...

Time always slips away unnoticed.

As the Festival of Athena approaches, Ino also closes his shop.

Money isn't everything, and if he really angers Athena, no amount of money will help. After all, this shop has always been for Helena.

In the morning, the sun chariot crosses the sky as usual, heralding the start of a new day.

On the day of the Festival of Athena.

Helena, unusually, wakes up early and rummages through her old wooden chest.

In the living room, Ino sits quietly watching the busy little figure.

He understands Helena's behavior very well. Nearly every lonely, wandering child has one or two treasures they cherish, whether it's a pretty candy wrapper or an insignificant button.

Soon, he sees Helena's treasured item, a thin, rectangular piece of black gauze.

"This was left to me by my mother!" Helena says proudly, holding up the black gauze.

"That's wonderful!" Ino genuinely praises as he looks at the scarf.

Honestly, he has always envied children who have items left by their parents; it represents a continuation of familial love.

Once upon a time, he too had this kind of family affection...

Perhaps sensing his sadness, Helena quietly approaches Ino.

"I'll give you half! That way, you can have one too!"

As she speaks, her small hands grab the gauze, ready to tear it apart.

Seeing this, Ino extends his arms and gently embraces the small figure.

To be honest, Helena's willingness to do this surprises him, leaving him with nothing but admiration.

For a child who grew up wandering to be willing to share their most precious item is already rare.

Moreover, this item was left to her by her mother.

"This is from your mother. You should keep it well. I'll leave you something in the future too," Ino gently advises Helena.

...

In Athens.

The grand festival held every four years fills the entire city with people.

Ino struggles to navigate through the crowd, with Helena smiling on his shoulders.

"Ino, there's a juggler over there. Move a bit to the side; a tree is blocking my view!"

Helena holds a candy in one hand and a black gauze in the other.

"I've told you so many times, tell me left or right, not 'to the side.' What does 'to the side' even mean?"

Ino feels helpless, finally understanding the challenge of taking care of a child.

It was manageable on normal days, but today, amidst the festival's atmosphere, Helena's behavior finally matches her age, displaying the liveliness and innocence of children.

"Left or right?" Helena looks at her hands, confused.

After a moment, she leans out, extending the arm holding the black gauze.

"See, in the direction of this hand."

"Sit still, don't move!" Ino pats the arm in front of him.

...

The lively celebration continues from dawn till dusk.

Especially after sunset, Athens only becomes more bustling, not quieting down due to the night but growing even more lively.

After all, the daytime is for the goddess's sacrifices, and the week-long revelry starting at night is for the mortals.

Not far from the temple, a closed bakery.

Inside, two figures sit, one large and one small.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with me? Then you must promise to stay here and not go out alone."

Ino looks at Helena worriedly, not understanding why she is so adamant about not going to Athena's temple.

"Mm-hmm! You go ahead; I won't run around." Helena's violet eyes sparkle with sincerity.

Seeing her expression, Ino doesn't insist, simply giving another reminder before heading alone towards the temple.

...

The bakery is not far from the temple, just half a street away.

It takes Ino only a few minutes to reach the temple gate.

However, to his surprise, a familiar figure stands outside the gate.

"The goddess has sent me to escort you! Please follow me," says the girl in white linen slowly.

Hearing the different voice and demeanor, Ino realizes that the person inside the temple must be Athena herself.

Actually, it makes sense. For such a grand festival held every four years, the goddess herself must be present, not just an avatar.

There's no escaping this, Ino sighs lightly and follows the girl into the temple.

Forty-six huge columns stand like solid guards, with a white marble path, exquisite fountains, and magnificent reliefs.

Everything showcases the classical era, the culture and art of Greece.

But no matter how beautiful and luxurious the surroundings are, Ino remains unenthusiastic.

If possible, he truly doesn't want to get involved in this family's affairs.

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