In LOTR with Harry Potter system

At Beorn's invitation, the company stayed an extra day at the manor.

During this time, Sylas found himself focused on an important task: the completion of Gandalf's wand.

The vinewood shaft had already been carefully carved, and now, with the core finally in hand, one of the tail feathers of the Great Eagle, he could begin the true crafting.

In a quiet corner of the house, lit only by the gentle flicker of candlelight and the silver gleam of moonlight through the window, Sylas set to work. He first trimmed and refined the feather using delicate silver tools, then carefully slid it into the hollowed core of the vinewood. Using a warm, alchemical resin, he sealed the core inside, binding feather and wood into one.

Once the resin cooled and hardened, Sylas began etching ancient runes into the wood. Each symbol was precise, flowing, and radiated quiet power. He polished the surface with fragrant oils and lacquer, then stepped back to admire his work.

Finally, as the moon reached its zenith, Sylas raised the completed wand and began to chant in the language of the stars. Moonlight gathered like flowing silver mist, drawn to the wand's tip, and in that quiet moment, the entire house seemed to pause. The energy flowed into the wood, binding it to the will of the spell, and with a soft pulse of light, the Wizard wand awakened.

Sylas exhaled with a satisfied smile. The wand now felt alive.

He turned to Gandalf, who had been watching with barely concealed excitement.

"Twelve inches," Sylas began, handing it to him. "Vinewood body, flexible and responsive. Best suited to those of noble purpose, profound wisdom, and far-reaching vision. Its core is a tail feather from the Great Eagle, exceptionally quick to cast and ideal for powerful or offensive magic. It's also fiercely loyal to its master."

He gave Gandalf a nod. "Go on. Try it."

Gandalf's eyes lit up as he took the wand. He turned it slowly in his hands, appreciating the craftsmanship, then raised it and whispered a simple spell.

A radiant light burst forth from the wand's tip, bright and pure, illuminating the entire hall with a glow that chased every shadow away.

"It's brilliant," Gandalf said, beaming. "As if it's part of me, magic flows through it like breath."

Sylas couldn't help but smile. He now understood why wandmakers like Ollivander spoke with such reverence about their craft. Seeing a staff or wand find its rightful owner, and respond, was deeply fulfilling.

"This one was made a bit hastily," Sylas admitted modestly. "Use it for now. When we have more time, and better materials, I'll craft you something even finer."

Sylas was not particularly satisfied with the finished wand and made a promise to Gandalf.

From his perspective as a wand maker, although the Eagle tail feather was usable, it wasn't the most compatible with Gandalf. Even the vinewood used for the wand body came from an ordinary Huorn branch, making the wand just average in quality.

Sylas considered that if he could find better magical wood in the future, such as from the sacred White Tree, a descendant of the Two Trees, or from a Mallorn tree, he could attempt to craft a superior wand for Gandalf.

As for the core material, if his strength allowed, he might even consider using something as rare and dangerous as the essence of a Balrog from beneath the Mines of Moria.

After all, both Gandalf and the Balrog were fire-aligned beings and destined to be mortal enemies. Perhaps it was fate that the essence of such a creature might one day serve as a core for a wand.

Gandalf, however, had no such lofty expectations. He turned the newly crafted wand in his hand, visibly pleased.

With a cheerful smile, he said, "There's no need to trouble yourself, Sylas. This wand is already excellent."

As he spoke, he gave the wand a few experimental waves, releasing bursts of wind, flame, light, and lightning. The more he tested it, the more delighted he became.

Then, in a quieter tone meant only for Sylas, he added with a subtle smile, "Thank you. I can feel it, when I cast spells with this wand, the restrictions placed on me are noticeably lighter."

Sylas was stunned. "Are you sure, Gandalf?"

After all, Gandalf had long operated under the limitations imposed by the Valar, restricting the full extent of his magic.

Yet now, with the wand he had just crafted, those limitations were lessened?

Gandalf nodded. "It's true. I still cannot unleash overwhelming power, but with this wand, I'm no longer restrained when using everyday spells."

"Then congratulations," Sylas said with genuine warmth. "I look forward to the day you wield both this wand and your sword."

Once Gandalf's Wizard wand was completed, Sylas sought Beorn's permission to magically link the fireplace in his home to the Floo Network. He then gifted Beorn a small pouch of Floo Powder and invited him to visit Weathertop in the future.

Beorn was quite intrigued by the properties of the Floo Powder and gladly accepted the invitation.

The group did not linger long. After breakfast the next morning, they resumed their journey.

Before parting, Beorn generously lent them horses to carry them to the very edge of Mirkwood.

Beorn also passed along troubling news to Gandalf: Orc forces had begun to gather in large numbers near Dol Guldur, the dark fortress at the southern edge of Mirkwood. Even more disturbing, there were reports of Nazgûl sightings in the area.

Upon hearing this, Gandalf's face grew grave, and he fell into a heavy silence.

The journey continued. After bidding farewell to Beorn, the group rode across open wilderness, eventually arriving at the looming edge of Mirkwood, its dense forest stretching far into shadow.

It was there that Gandalf stopped and spoke up.

"I must leave you for a while. There's something I need to investigate."

The Dwarves were caught off guard by the announcement, exchanging confused looks.

Thorin's expression darkened immediately. His brows knit into a frown, and his tone grew cold. "You promised to guide us to Erebor. And now you vanish when we're this close?"

To him, there was no mission more important than reclaiming the Lonely Mountain. Gandalf's sudden change of plans felt like betrayal.

But Sylas was not surprised. Gandalf had hinted at this possibility when they first left Rivendell, and with the ominous reports from both Radagast and Beorn, it would have been stranger if the old wizard hadn't left.

After all, Gandalf's true goal in organizing this journey wasn't just the Lonely Mountain, it was to ensure that Smaug and the Orcs didn't unite and plunge Middle-earth into chaos.

And now, with dark signs gathering in Dol Guldur and whispers of the Nazgûl, the situation had clearly escalated.

Sylas hesitated, debating whether to speak the truth he already knew. In the timeline of his memories, Gandalf would soon be captured and imprisoned by Sauron in Dol Guldur, tortured until the White Council mounted a rescue.

Should he say something?

"Gandalf," Sylas finally spoke, his voice quiet but firm. "Have you considered that this could be a trap?"

"The Orcs... the Nazgûl... If they're moving together, it's no coincidence. Their master is likely already there."

He looked the wizard in the eye. "If you go alone, you might not return."

Gandalf's face hardened, but he nodded solemnly. "That is precisely why I must go. If the Necromancer truly is Sauron, then the world must be warned before it's too late."

Then, in an almost theatrical gesture, he turned toward Sylas and gave him a wink.

"Which is why I'd like to invite you to come with me."

Sylas blinked. "Wait. Me? You want me to go with you to Dol Guldur?"

"I believe with the two of us together, even if we are outmatched, we can safely retreat from there."

Sylas's eyes widened, suspecting he had misheard.

...

Stones PLzzz

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