Heaven's Will Cycles!

The phoenix named Fawkes used its beak to gently groom Ian's messy hair.

The atmosphere in the air had somewhat solidified.

They stared at each other, eyes wide.

Dumbledore's hand, which had been raised, was left in an awkward position—neither fully extended nor retracted. Even for an old man who had mastered Occlumency, he could not hide the embarrassment on his face.

"It seems Fawkes likes you very much. This is truly rare; most of the time, Fawkes's attitude toward humans can be described as rather aloof."

Dumbledore could only use words to break the now slightly awkward situation.

"Professor..."

Ian knew clearly that the fluffy bird perched on his head was undoubtedly one of the most terrifying creatures in the magical world. He looked at Dumbledore for help.

He tried his best to keep his head balanced.

Although he had always been curious about phoenixes, it was like the man who loved dragons in the legend—a cat lover who likes lions wouldn't necessarily want to exchange a face-to-face greeting with one.

"Do not worry, phoenixes possess wisdom far superior to humans; it is merely playing with you." The eyes behind Dumbledore's spectacles were filled with astonishment at this moment.

He had indeed never seen Fawkes act so close to anyone other than himself. Even those kind and brave young wizards would not be allowed by Fawkes to groom their "feathers" so intimately.

Yes.

Fawkes currently looked as if it were grooming Ian's feathers, appearing incredibly affectionate.

"Ms. Elena once said that you enjoy playing with birds in your daily life. Perhaps you possess a natural affinity for magical creatures, much like Master Newt Scamander."

This was likely the most reasonable explanation Dumbledore could think of. It was well known that only members of the Dumbledore Family possessed the ability to summon a phoenix in times of crisis.

Such special and powerful magical creatures did not owe their lives to generation-after-generation reproduction, but rather to a response to a certain bloodline possessed by the Dumbledore Family.

Perhaps similar bloodlines existed in other families.

However.

Regarding this specific phoenix, Fawkes, it was born for Albus Dumbledore, and its will and emotions should only have a deep connection with Albus Dumbledore.

"Newt Scamander? Is he the author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?" Ian still dared not move, trying his best to keep his body and head balanced.

Dubai billionaires would also claim their pet lions were tame, but would the servants and attendants around those billionaires dare to bet on it?

"Yes, he and I are old friends; we once fought side by side in close camaraderie." Dumbledore gazed at the man and the bird before him, his eyes flickering inexplicably.

"If he knew there was a child like you in the school, he might no longer refuse my invitation to teach. It seems I will need to write a tempting letter to Newt after I return."

A look of anticipation appeared on Dumbledore's face.

"Er, I personally feel that I don't have that kind of talent... I only feel that your bird is toying with me..." Ian could feel the phoenix on his head moving.

It had started to groom Ian's eyebrows. This danger zone, only a tiny distance away from his eyeballs, made Ian very worried that he might get pecked.

Heaven knows if a phoenix has any curiosity about rotating eyeballs.

It was too terrifying.

Who would have thought that a master of bird-handling would one day be handled by a real bird!

"Alright, Fawkes, it is time for us to return."

Dumbledore noticed Ian's tension and finally issued a call to the phoenix.

"Chirp!"

After letting out a reluctant cry, the phoenix responded to Dumbledore's summons. It flew lightly from the top of Ian's head, transformed into a streak of red light, and returned to Dumbledore's side.

"If you need any help, you can always come to me, or Professor Snape. He is a man with a cold exterior but a warm heart. We would both be very happy to help you solve any difficulties."

It was unclear whether Dumbledore's words referred to magical research or other matters. He smiled and waved at Ian, and with the phoenix in tow, he vanished from the room in an instant.

The ripples in space gradually calmed.

Back in the quiet living room, only Ian remained, still feeling a lingering fear.

Perhaps because he was still shaken.

He did not notice a delicate pattern gradually fading on the back of his hand—in fact, even Dumbledore had failed to notice it glowing earlier.

Perhaps.

It was because no one but Ian could see it.

"Whew~"

Space twisted.

Dumbledore's figure appeared in the corridor of Hogwarts castle.

Night had fallen.

The castle corridors were covered in a soft and mysterious veil of moonlight, and ancient wall lamps cast a dim, warm glow along both sides of the winding hallway.

"Fawkes, you were a bit too impolite today; you frightened that child." Dumbledore walked to the window, the phoenix perched on his shoulder.

"Chirp!"

The fire-red phoenix let out a low trill.

"You mean to say that you feel he requires your care?" Albus did not speak the language of phoenixes, but he had, after all, lived with Fawkes for many years.

"Chirp!"

The phoenix responded once more.

"How truly incredible... two such extraordinary children."

A gust of night wind swept through the window.

Albus gazed at the moon outside the window. His aged face remained calm, yet within those deep, striking eyes, the distinct figures of a boy and a girl seemed to be reflected.

He was pondering.

He was doubting.

He whispered to himself.

"I only hope it is not as I imagine..."

The old man's silhouette appeared somewhat hunched in the night wind, carrying a sense of weariness.

And just then.

"Tap, tap, tap~"

Footsteps rang out.

A man wrapped entirely in black robes walked from the depths of the castle, holding several boxes in his hands. The scent of medicinal herbs began to permeate the air.

"Severus."

Albus did not turn around, yet he accurately called out the newcomer's name.

"Hmph, Albus. It seems you have begun to suffer from insomnia again. Perhaps I could provide you with a vial of Dreamless Sleep Potion, so you might at least be spared the torment of nightmares for one night."

Snape stopped in his tracks, his smile not reaching his eyes.

"I have only just returned from outside."

Albus finally turned around and looked at the boxes in Snape's hands. "Although I do indeed feel that I shall suffer from insomnia tonight, I still wish to rid myself of any reliance on potions."

Faced with this response.

Snape merely nodded.

"A foolish choice."

He remained as sharp-tongued as ever.

"Are you not still intending to brew Felix Felicis?"

From the herbs in Snape's hands, Albus deduced what Snape was currently working on; this was likely a way of changing the subject.

"If you wish to take the potion, I shall be available all night."

Snape resumed his stride, heading toward his office.

And just then.

"Wait a moment."

Albus suddenly spoke up.

"Changed your mind?"

Snape turned back, his expression blank.

"I merely wish to make a different request. Of course, this request is only to satisfy my curiosity; I hope you will not harbor any misunderstandings because of it."

Albus seemed to be weighing his words. Seeing Snape's impatient expression, he lowered his voice and asked with some hesitation.

"When you have the time, could you return and check the genealogy of the Prince family to see if, within the last five generations, there has been any intermarriage between the Prince family and the Dumbledore family?"

The same corridor.

The same two people.

However.

This time.

It was Snape's turn to be bewildered.