A phoenix named Fawkes gently tidied Ian's messy hair with its beak.
The atmosphere in the air grew a little tense.
They stared at each other.
Dumbledore's raised hand could neither stay up nor come down. Even an old man with his Occlumency mastered couldn't hide the awkwardness on his face.
"It seems Fawkes likes you very much. That's truly rare. Most of the time, Fawkes is rather aloof toward humans."
Dumbledore could only use words to break the awkward silence.
"Professor..."
Ian knew full well that the fluffy bird perched on his head was one of the most terrifying creatures in the Wizarding World. He looked at Dumbledore as if pleading for help.
He tried desperately to keep his head steady.
Although he had always been curious about phoenixes, like the man who loved dragons in the fable, even a cat lover who adored lions probably wouldn't want to press their face against one.
"Don't worry. Phoenixes are more intelligent than humans. It's just playing with you." Even Dumbledore's eyes behind his glasses were filled with astonishment.
He had indeed never seen Fawkes be so affectionate toward anyone but him. Even kind and brave young wizards had never been treated to such intimate "feather grooming" by Fawkes.
That was right.
Fawkes now looked as if he were grooming Ian's feathers, with extraordinary affection.
"Miss Elena told me you like to play with birds. Perhaps you also have an affinity for Magical Creatures, just like Master Newt Scamander."
That was probably the most reasonable explanation Dumbledore could think of. As everyone knew, only members of the Dumbledore Family possessed the ability to summon a phoenix in times of danger.
The lives of these special and powerful Magical Creatures did not come from generation after generation of breeding. Instead, they were a response to some kind of bloodline possessed by the Dumbledore Family.
Perhaps other families could have similar bloodlines, too.
However.
As far as Fawkes was concerned, he had been born for Albus Dumbledore. His will and emotions should have been deeply connected to Albus Dumbledore alone.
"Newt Scamander? Is he the author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?" Ian still didn't dare move, doing his best to keep his body and head balanced.
Dubai's wealthy might say their pet lions were tame, but would any of their servants dare bet their lives on it?
"Yes. He and I are old friends. We once fought side by side, closer than brothers." Dumbledore gazed at the person and bird before him, a strange glimmer passing through his eyes.
"If he knew we had a child like you at the school, perhaps he wouldn't keep refusing my offer of a position. It seems I'll have to write Newt a tempting letter when I get back."
An expectant smile appeared on Dumbledore's face.
"Um, I don't think I have that kind of talent... I just feel like your bird is messing with me..." Ian could feel the phoenix moving on his head.
It had started tidying his eyebrows, working in a dangerously close spot just beside his eyes. Ian was worried it might peck him.
Who knew whether a phoenix would be curious about a moving eyeball?
Terrifying.
Who could have imagined that one day, a master bird-handler would be played by an actual bird?
"All right, Fawkes. We should be going back."
Dumbledore saw how nervous Ian was and finally called to the phoenix.
"Caw!"
After letting out a reluctant cry, the phoenix answered Dumbledore's call. It gently took off from Ian's head, turned into a streak of red light, and returned to Dumbledore's side.
"If you ever need any help, you can come to me or Professor Snape. He may seem cold, but he has a warm heart. We'll both be glad to help you with any problems."
It was unclear whether Dumbledore meant magical research or other matters as well. He smiled and waved at Ian, then vanished from the room in an instant along with the phoenix.
The ripples in space gradually subsided.
The quiet living room had returned, leaving Ian alone with his lingering fright.
Perhaps because he was still shaken.
He didn't notice the delicate pattern on the back of his hand slowly fading away. In fact, even Dumbledore hadn't noticed it light up earlier.
Perhaps.
That was because no one but Ian could see it.
"Phew~"
Space twisted.
Dumbledore appeared in a corridor of Hogwarts Castle.
Night had fallen.
A soft, mysterious veil of moonlight covered the castle corridor. Ancient wall lamps lined both sides of the winding passage, casting a warm, yellow glow.
"Fawkes, you were a little too rude today. You frightened that child." Dumbledore walked to the window, with the phoenix perched on his shoulder.
"Caw!"
The scarlet phoenix gave a soft chirp.
"You mean you think he needs your care?" Dumbledore didn't understand the language of phoenixes, but he had lived with Fawkes for many years.
"Caw!"
The phoenix answered again.
"How incredible... Two remarkable children."
A night breeze swept through the window.
Dumbledore gazed at the moon outside. His aged face remained calm, yet his deep, striking eyes seemed to reflect two entirely different figures, one male and one female.
He was thinking.
He was wondering.
He murmured softly.
"Let's just hope it isn't what I think..."
The old man's figure looked a little stooped in the night breeze, weighed down by weariness.
Just then.
"Tap, tap, tap~"
Footsteps sounded.
A man wrapped in black robes emerged from the depths of the castle, carrying several boxes. The scent of ingredients began to spread through the air.
"Severus."
Dumbledore didn't turn around, but he called the newcomer by name.
"Hmm, Albus. It looks like you're having trouble sleeping again. Perhaps I could give you a bottle of Dreamless Sleep Potion, so you can at least avoid a night of nightmares."
Snape stopped, wearing a humorless smile.
"I've only just returned from outside."
Dumbledore finally turned around and glanced at the boxes in Snape's hands. "Although I do have a feeling I'll be unable to sleep tonight, I'd still like to free myself from my dependence on Potions."
In response, Snape merely nodded.
"Foolish choice."
He was just as sharp-tongued as ever.
"Aren't you going to brew Felix Felicis?"
Dumbledore deduced what Snape was working on from the ingredients in his hands. It was probably also a way to change the subject.
"If you want a potion, I'll be in my office all night."
Snape started walking again, heading toward his office.
Just then.
"Wait."
Dumbledore suddenly called out.
"Have you changed your mind?"
Snape turned back, his expression blank.
"I only wanted to ask you something else. Of course, I'm only asking to satisfy my curiosity. I hope you won't misunderstand."
Dumbledore seemed to be choosing his words carefully. Seeing Snape's impatient expression, he finally lowered his voice and asked hesitantly,
"When you have time, could you look into the Prince Family tree and see whether anyone in the last five generations married into the Dumbledore Family?"
The same corridor.
The same two people.
And yet.
This time.
It was Snape's turn to be dumbfounded.