How about a dwarven blacksmith? He could be there to try and forge a weapon that can actually harm Smaug. His presence would add an element of hope for the dwarves. Another side character could be a forest spirit that has a connection to the mountain where Smaug lives. It could befriend Bilbo and give him some sort of magical protection. And a traveling minstrel who has heard tales of Smaug and is drawn to the mountain to see if the stories are true. He could end up documenting Bilbo's adventures in song.
A group of dwarven scholars could be interesting side characters. They could be on a quest to learn more about dragon lore and end up in Smaug's lair at the same time as Bilbo. Or perhaps a wise old elf who has some knowledge of Smaug's past and can offer advice to Bilbo. Another option could be a small, sneaky goblin who is also after a piece of Smaug's treasure and causes some trouble for Bilbo and Smaug alike.
One side character could be a human ranger who has been tracking Smaug for years. He could cross paths with Bilbo and either help or hinder his mission. A young dragon hatchling that Smaug has been protecting could also be an interesting addition. It could add a different dynamic as Bilbo might have to deal with the protective instincts of Smaug towards the hatchling. Additionally, a magical talking bird that acts as a messenger between different parts of the mountain and can communicate with both Bilbo and Smaug would be a unique side character.
For a 'bilbo and smaug fanfic', here's an idea. Smaug has a weakness that only Bilbo can detect because of his hobbit senses. Bilbo has to figure out how to use this weakness without getting killed. Another idea is that Smaug has a dream about Bilbo before they meet, and this makes him curious when Bilbo actually arrives. So, instead of immediately attacking, he tries to figure out what this small creature is. Also, what if Bilbo was able to use some of the dragon's own magic against him? Maybe there's a spell in Smaug's lair that Bilbo can manipulate to his advantage.
One interesting Bilbo and Smaug fanfiction could be about a scenario where Bilbo manages to outwit Smaug not just with words but also by using some long - forgotten magic. Maybe he uses a spell that makes Smaug see illusions of vast treasures in other places, distracting the dragon from the Lonely Mountain for a while.
There could be the company's CEO, who might be initially hesitant about adopting Bilbo but later sees his potential. Another character could be Bilbo's mentor in the company, someone who helps him understand how things work.
A Laketown girl who is curious about the outside world could be a main character. She would be drawn to Bilbo because of his tales from far - away lands. And an old wise man in Laketown who has knowledge of ancient remedies could also be a main character. He would try to use his knowledge to help Bilbo regain his sight and health.
Dumbledore could be a side character in spirit. Maybe through a Pensieve or some other magical means, Harry and Viktor could get advice from Dumbledore's memories. On the Durmstrang side, Karkaroff could be an interesting addition, with his complex history and his reactions to Viktor's relationship with Harry adding some drama. And Viktor's Durmstrang friends could be there, showing their different cultural perspectives on the relationship.
It's quite unlikely. Fanfiction often takes creative liberties, but such a specific and unusual healing method seems far-fetched.
Frodo could be one. Since he was also closely associated with the ring in the original story, he might play a role in this fanfic, perhaps as a supporter or someone who has doubts about Bilbo's ability to destroy the ring.
Fanfiction.net is also a great place to find Bilbo and Smaug fanfiction. There are many different categories and ratings, so you can filter according to your preferences. However, be aware that the quality can vary widely. Some stories might be really well - written and engaging, while others might not be as good. It's all about exploring and finding the gems among the many stories available.
Maybe it's a writer who is really interested in the idea of how characters from Middle - earth would interact with valuable items like gems. They might have a passion for exploring the cultural and social implications of Bilbo dressing in gems within the context of Tolkien's world. It could be someone who has read a lot about the lore and decided to put their own spin on it with this fanfic.
An Imperial spy within the Rebel Alliance who has a change of heart. This character could add a lot of intrigue as they try to atone for their past actions while also having to deal with the suspicion of the Rebels. They could have unique skills and knowledge about the Empire that could be useful in the fight against it.