"!!!"
Edward's expression shifted slightly. It really was her? And she had admitted it so easily?
But how was that possible?
Just as he had told Audrey last time, even if Ariana hadn't died, she should have been an old woman over a hundred by now. How could she look as though she were only in her twenties?
Had she used the Philosopher's Stone, like Nicolas Flamel?
No, the Philosopher's Stone could keep someone alive, but it couldn't stop them from aging.
Or am I overthinking it... is her current appearance just the result of Polyjuice Potion or Transfiguration?
"You're really Ariana... Professor Dumbledore's sister?"
The smile instantly vanished from her face. "What do you think?"
Edward didn't want to think, nor did he want to trade riddles. He took out his Coin and flicked it into the air. "The woman before me is Dumbledore's sister, Ariana."
The Coin fell into his palm with a chime, heads up, indicating yes.
It really was her.
He tossed the Coin again. "Ariana's current appearance is her true appearance."
It came up heads again.
So Dumbledore's sister was not only alive, but had also found some way to remain forever young?
"No wonder you knew I was here."
The woman calling herself Ariana smiled. "It seems that even without Malfoy tipping you off, you would have known about the Death Eaters and goblins' attack in advance."
Her words reminded Edward of something. "Why did you have Lucius Malfoy warn Hogwarts? Judging by your attitude, and the way you described the Dumbledore brothers last time, you seem to hate them very much."
"For you, of course."
"For me?"
Her gaze rested on Edward's face for a moment, and she smiled faintly. "Actually, I should have said this to you back in Godric's Hollow."
???