Faced with the threat of death, Ian's expression remained calm.
That composure was almost inhuman. Even Death itself showed a trace of doubt—how could this wizard remain rational after watching his parents be swallowed by flames?
"If you continue this," Ian said evenly, "you'll regret it."
A low laugh came from the darkness. "Mortal, you dare threaten me? Do you really think you can harm Death?"
"Of course not." Ian replied calmly, "I'm not foolish enough to make an enemy of a law. But I can do something you absolutely don't want to see—
I can make all my research on death public, teach every wizard how to interfere with souls, and throw the entire world's order of life and death into chaos."
The voice suddenly fell silent, and the darkness seemed to freeze.
Ian continued, "Over the years, I've repeatedly tried to call back the souls of the dead. Whether it was my parents or Lily Potter, some force stopped me every time.
I know you were the one interfering.
You've been watching me, and secretly obstructing Snape's research with me.
But if I obtain the Resurrection Stone, you'll never be able to interfere again."
He raised his eyes, his gaze sharp. "Imagine it. If every wizard in the world learned that 'the dead can return,' they would all try to resurrect their loved ones and delay death.
By then, the cycle of souls would fall into complete disorder.
The Law of Death would become unbalanced, and life and death would no longer be distinct. You—the embodiment of this law—would never know peace again."
A long silence followed.
Death looked down at him. Black mist churned, but it did not speak again.
Ian smiled faintly. "This isn't a threat. It's a fact. If order collapses, you'll cease to exist as well."
After a long while, a cold snort came from the depths of the shadows.
"...Foolish humans. You'll never understand what kind of fire you're playing with."
Before the words had faded, the white light around them suddenly shattered. The flames and shadows vanished together.
The figures of Ian's parents gradually faded within the light, no longer being swallowed by the flames.
He heard that voice echo one last time: "I'll watch over them. And you will remain silent."
A violent tremor struck. The world shattered.
When Ian opened his eyes again, he found himself still in a Hogwarts classroom, with that familiar mirror before him.
Reflected in the Mirror of Erised were his and Harry Potter's figures.
"Professor, do you mean... the Grim Reaper really exists? He governs the Afterlife?"
Harry's voice trembled slightly.
Ian nodded. "That's right."
"Then my parents are there too?"
"If mine are, I imagine yours are as well." His answer was calm.
The boy was silent for a moment before asking softly, "Then... what is death like?"
Ian recalled it for a moment, then spoke slowly. "In appearance, it resembles a tall Dementor.
"As for the experience—Dumbledore once told me, 'Death is merely another great adventure.'
I used to think that was just meant to comfort me, but now it seems he was right."
"A Dementor?" Harry repeated in confusion.
"You'll encounter creatures like that in the future." Ian smiled calmly. "They're terrifying, yet extremely interesting beings."
Together, they gazed at the mirror in silence. Time flowed slowly between them.
A few minutes later, Ian suddenly spoke. "Mr. Potter, if you don't mind, lend me that Invisibility Cloak for a while."
"No problem, Professor... But is there something wrong with the cloak?"
"No. It's just that, from an alchemist's perspective, I can sense that its structure differs from that of an ordinary Invisibility Cloak. I'd like to study it. I'll return it soon."
Harry hesitated before taking off the cloak and handing it over. Ian accepted it, his fingertips brushing across the fabric. He could feel the profound magical patterns woven into it—
They were exactly the same as the runes in his memories: one of the Deathly Hallows, the Invisibility Cloak.
He pondered for a moment, then took another cloak from inside his robes—
It was an improved Invisibility Cloak he had crafted himself, embedded with a rune array and an extension spell that could expand its range without limit.
"Use this one for now," he said with a smile. "Consider it a Christmas present."
Harry was overwhelmed by the favor. "Th-this is far too valuable!"
"It isn't a gift, but an exchange. True knowledge always requires an equivalent price."
The boy finally nodded, accepted the silver-gray cloak with both hands, and turned to leave.
Ian watched his back disappear through the doorway and murmured, "The Deathly Hallows... two of the three have appeared. Everything is proceeding according to plan."
He lowered his gaze and stared at the reflection in the mirror.
That face—Death's—was still in the mirror.
Silent and formless, yet still watching him.
Ian smiled faintly.
"Don't worry. I'll keep my promise. But once I complete the 'World Gate,' you will no longer be the only other shore."
Wind swept past the window lattice, and the candlelight flickered.
The shadow in the mirror shifted slightly, as if responding—or perhaps sneering coldly.
Ian turned and left, his footsteps echoing at the end of the corridor.
Night enveloped Hogwarts as snowflakes drifted down.
Distant bells rang out. A new year was about to begin.
—And he had already embarked on a path even Death could not restrain.
Before you continue