The Phoenix named Fox gently tidied Ian's messy hair with its beak.
The atmosphere in the air was somewhat frozen.
They stared at each other in wide-eyed silence.
Albus Dumbledore's raised hand was in an awkward position; neither lifting nor lowering it seemed appropriate for the elderly Occlumens, whose face couldn't hide his embarrassment.
"It seems Fox is very fond of you, which is truly rare. Most of the time, Fox is quite aloof toward humans."
Dumbledore could only use words to break through his current slightly awkward situation.
"Professor..."
Ian knew clearly that the fluffy bird on top of his head was undoubtedly one of the most terrifying creatures in the magical realm. He looked to Dumbledore for help.
Trying hard to keep his head balanced.
Although he had always been curious about the Phoenix, it was similar to the tale of a man who liked dragons but feared real-life encounters. In a way, cat enthusiasts who liked lions probably wouldn't want a face-to-face encounter with one.
"Don't worry, the Phoenix possesses wisdom superior to humans; it's merely playing with you." Dumbledore's eyes, behind his glasses, were filled with wonder.
Indeed, he had never seen Fox so close to anyone other than himself. Even those kind and brave little wizards couldn't make Fox groom their "feathers" so intimately.
Yes.
The way Fox looked now resembled a Phoenix grooming Ian's hair, incredibly affectionate.
"Lady Yelena mentioned that you like playing with birds, perhaps suggesting you have an affinity with fantastic beasts, much like Master Newt Scamander."
This was probably the most reasonable explanation Dumbledore could think of. It's well-known that only members of the Dumbledore family possess the ability to summon a Phoenix in times of crisis.
These unique and powerful fantastic beasts, their existence doesn't come from generation-to-generation breeding but as a response to a particular bloodline within the Dumbledore family.
Perhaps similar bloodlines exist in other families.
However.
Speaking of Fox, this specific Phoenix was born for Albus Dumbledore; its will and emotions were intended to be deeply connected only with Albus Dumbledore.
"Newt Scamander? The author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?" Ian dared not move, trying to maintain the balance between his body and head.
Dubai tycoons also claim their lions are tame, but do you see the servants or attendants around those Dubai tycoons daring to trust that?
"Yes, he's an old friend of mine, and we once fought side by side." Dumbledore gazed at the person and bird in front of him, his eyes inexplicably glittering.
"If he knew about a child like you at the school, he perhaps wouldn't keep refusing my job offer. I suppose I need to write Newt an enticing letter when I get back."
Dumbledore's face revealed an expectant smile.
"Uh, I don't think I have that kind of gift... I just feel like your bird is toying with me..." Ian could feel the Phoenix on his head moving.
It had started to groom Ian's eyebrows, venturing dangerously close to his eyes, which made Ian worry it might peck at him.
Heaven knows if the Phoenix is curious about rotating eyeballs.
Too terrifying.
Who would have thought that a master at playing with birds could someday be toyed with by a real bird!
"Alright, Fox, we should head back now."
Dumbledore noticed Ian's tension and finally called to the Phoenix.
"Caw caw!"
After letting out a reluctant chirp, the Phoenix obeyed Dumbledore's summons. It gently flew off Ian's head and transformed into a red light, returning to Dumbledore's side.
"If you need any help, you can come to me, or Professor Snape. He's cold outside but warm inside, we'd be more than happy to help you solve your problems."
It wasn't clear whether Dumbledore's words were referring to magic studies or other matters, but he waved to Ian with a smile, and alongside the Phoenix, disappeared from the room instantly.
The ebb and flow of the space gradually calmed.
Ian was left alone in the now quiet living room, his heart still in a flutter.
Perhaps because the shock had not yet passed.
He didn't notice a delicate pattern on the back of his hand gradually fading away — in fact, even Dumbledore hadn't noticed it shining earlier.
Perhaps.
Because no one but Ian could see it.
...
"Hoo~"
Space warps a moment.
Dumbledore's figure appeared in the hallway of Hogwarts Castle.
The night had fallen.
The castle's corridors were like thinly veiled in soft and mysterious moonlight, with ancient wall lamps along the winding corridor sides, emitting a dim and warm glow.
"Fox, you were a bit too rude today, frightening the child." Dumbledore walked to the window, where the Phoenix perched on his shoulder.
"Caw caw!"
The fiery red Phoenix murmured softly.
"You mean to say you feel he needs your care?" Dumbledore didn't understand the language of the Phoenix, but he had lived with Fox for many years.
"Caw!"
The Phoenix responded once again.
"Truly remarkable... two special children indeed."
A gust of night wind blew through the window.
Dumbledore stared up at the moon outside the window, his old face wearing a serene expression, yet in those deep and remarkable eyes, the reflections of a man and a woman's distinctly different figures seemed to flicker.
He was pondering.
He was perplexed.
He whispered softly to himself.
"I only hope, it's not as I imagine..."
The old man's silhouette seemed somewhat hunched in the night wind, carrying an air of fatigue.
And at this moment.
"Tap tap tap~"
Footsteps sounded.
A man enveloped in a black robe emerged from the depth of the castle, holding several boxes, with the smell of herbs beginning to spread in the air.
"Severus."
Dumbledore didn't turn around, yet he accurately called out the newcomer's name.
"Heh, Albus, it seems you've been insomniac again; perhaps I can give you a bottle of Dreamless Sleep Potion to spare you a night of nightmares."
Snape paused, smirking without genuine humor.
"I just returned from outside."
Dumbledore finally turned around, glancing at the boxes in Snape's hand, "Even though I indeed feel like I might be sleepless tonight, I still wish to avoid depending on magic potions."
In face of such words.
Snape merely nodded.
"Foolish choice."
He remained as sharp-tongued as ever.
"Aren't you supposed to be brewing Blessing Potion?"
Dumbledore, from the herbs in Snape's hand, discerned what Snape was working on, perhaps as a way to pivot the conversation.
"If you feel like having some potion, I'm around tonight."
Snape resumed his pace, heading towards his office.
And at that moment.
"Wait a minute."
Dumbledore suddenly spoke up.
"Changed your mind?"
Snape turned back, expressionless.
"Just wanted to make a request for something else, of course, the request is purely to appease my curiosity; I hope you won't misunderstand."
Dumbledore seemed to be weighing his words, but seeing Snape's impatient expression, he lowered his voice with a slight hesitation to make an inquiry.
"If you have time, could you check the Prince Clan's genealogy to see if any of the last five generations intermarried with the Dumbledore family?"
Same corridor.
The same two people.
However.
This time.
It was Snape who looked bewildered.