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  The Phoenix, known as Fawkes, gently smoothed Ian's tousled hair with its beak, creating a surreal momeween them.

  A temosphere hung in the air as their eyes met— Dumbledore's wise gaze locked onto Ian's wide-eyed surprise. The old man's hand remained raised, caught in a moment of uainty. Even a master of Occlumency like him couldn't hide the awkwardness on his face at this moment.

  "It seems Fawkes has taken a liking to you. This is truly unusual. He's typically quite distant around humans," Dumbledore remarked, trying to break the sileh words.

  "Professor..." Ian stammered, acutely aware that the fluffy bird perched on his head was one of the most formidable creatures in the magical world. He looked to Dumbledore fuidance or help while struggling to maintain his bance.

  Though he had always been fasated by Phoenixes, it felt like the tale of Lord Ye and his fondness fons— cat lovers who adore lions likely wouldn't relish a close enter with oher.

  "Don't worry. Phoenixes possess wisdom far surpassing that of humans. It's simply pying with you," Dumbledore reassured him, his own eyes wide with astonishment.

  He had never seen Fawkes show such affe toward aher than himself. Even the ki and bravest young wizards had never received sutimate grooming from Fawkes.

  Yes, Fawkes seemed to be preening Ian's "feathers," sh him with ued affe.

  "Madam Heleiohat you often enjoy pying with birds. Perhaps you also possess a natural affinity fical creatures, much like Master Sder." Dumbledore offered this as the most pusible expnation. After all, only those of the Dumbledore bloodline could summon a Phoenix in times of crisis.

  These extraordinary creatures weren't born through ventional means; they were a maion of a unique bloodliied to the Dumbledore family. Other houses might have simir bloodlines, but Fawkes was born for Albus Dumbledore, and its will aions were deeply iwined with him alone.

  " Sder? The author of 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'?" Ian asked, still hesitant to move, trying to keep his bance.

  Even the wealthiest tys boasted of their tame pet lions, but would their servants dare to wager on that cim?

  "Yes, he and I are old friends. We once fought side by side," Dumbledore reminisced, his gaze flickeriween Ian and the bird. "If he knew a child like you existed at the school, he might resider my job offer. I'll o write a more entig letter to when I return."

  A look of anticipation crossed Dumbledore's face.

  "Uh, I don't think I possess such talent... I just feel like your bird is toying with me..." Ian replied, feeling the Phoenix shift on his head. It had begun grooming his eyebrows, dangerously close to his eyes, making Ian worry about being pecked. Who knew if a Phoenix was curious about moving eyeballs? How terrifying would that be!

  'Who would have thought that a bird enthusiast would one day be toyed with by an actual bird?'

  "Alright, Fawkes, it's time to return," Dumbledore finally said, notig Ian's nervousness.

  "Screech!" The Phoenix let out a relut cry before flying off Ian's head, transf into a red light as it returo Dumbledore's side.

  "If you need any assistance, you approach me or Professor Snape. He may have a cold exterior, but he has a warm heart. We'd both be happy to help you with any challenges you face," Dumbledore said, his words ambiguous, and it was not clear whether he was referring to magical research or other matters.

  He smiled and waved at Ian, disappearing from the room along with the Phoenix in an instant.

  The spatial fluctuations gradually subsided, leaving Ian in a state of shock. Perhaps due to the lingering surprise, he didn't notice the delicate pattern on the back of his hand slowly fading. In fact, even Dumbledore hadn't noticed it illuminating earlier. Perhaps only Ian could perceive it but he couldn't due to Dumbledore and the Pheonix.

  ...

  "Whoosh~"

  Space twisted, and Dumbledore's figure materialized in the corridor of Hogwarts Castle. The night was deep, and the castle's corridors were bathed in soft, mysterious moonlight, with a wall mps casting a dim, warm glow along the winding hallways.

  "Fawkes, you were a bit too pyful today. You startled that child," Dumbledore said as he walked to the window, the Phoenix perched on his shoulder.

  "Screech!" The crimson Phoenix let out a low cry.

  "You mean you believe he requires your care?" Dumbledore mused. Though he didn't speak the nguage of Phoenixes, he had lived with Fawkes for many years.

  "Screech!" Fawkes responded again.

  "Truly incredible... two extraordinary children," Dumbledore remarked, a night breeze blowing through the window. He gazed at the moon outside, his aged face calm, yet his deep, striking eyes seemed to reflect the images of a man and a woman, vastly different.

  He was lost in thought, w.

  Muttering softly, he added, "I just hope it's not what I imagine..."

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

  At that moment, footsteps echoed in the corridor.

  A man tirely in bck robes emerged from the depths of the castle, holding several boxes. The st of medial herbs began to permeate the air.

  "Severus," Dumbledore called out without turning around, accurately identifying the newer.

  "Hmph, Albus, it seems you're having trouble sleeping again. Perhaps I offer you a vial of Dreamless Sleep Potion, so you at least escape a night of nightmares," Snape replied, stopping in his tracks, and speaking with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

  "I have just returned," Dumbledore said, finally turning to g the boxes in Snape's hands. "Though I do feel like I'll have trouble sleeping tonight, I still wish to break free from my dependen potions."

  Snape merely this response. "A foolish choice," he remarked, his sharp tongue as ever.

  "Aren't you still refining Felix Felicis?" Dumbledore asked, dedug from the herbs in Snape's hands what he was w on, perhaps as a way to ge the subject.

  "If you desire a potion, I'll be here all night," Snape replied, resuming his steps toward his office.

  At that moment, Dumbledore suddenly spoke up. "Wait."

  Surned back, his expression unreadable. "Did you ge your mind?"

  "No, it's just a request for something else. Of course, this request is merely to satisfy my curiosity. I hope you won't misuand," Dumbledore said, weighing his words carefully.

  Seeing Snape's impatient expression, he finally spoke in a hesitant, low voice. "When you have time, could you iigate the genealogy of the Prince family? Determine if, withi five geions, the Prince family has intermarried with the Dumbledore family?"

  In the same corridor, with the same two people, it was noe's turn to be stunned.

  (End of chapter)