"..."
Dumbledore's expression changed slightly, rather helpless, "As I said, Mr. Prince, I should have witnessed the entire process without any omissions."
He placed emphasis on the "entire process."
"I just want to receive some compensation."
Ian chuckled wryly, abandoning his wishful thinking, and began to speak more honestly. The fox perched atop Ian's head seemed as if it had built a nest on his head.
"Actually, there are two reasons why I didn't intervene. First, I wanted to see how you would deal with such a situation, and second, because you defined the conflict as a duel from the outset."
Dumbledore appeared very candid and did not hide some of his private motives. His voice was neither rushed nor drawn-out, carrying a gentle yet powerful feeling, "A duel is a sacred affair, a ceremony of honor. Even I can only ensure that none among you gets into trouble because of it."
"Of course, your performance did not disappoint me. It's a lesson that would leave a profound memory without truly hurting anyone; such restraint is rarely seen in wizards who can control their power."
"Especially the final brilliant Lighting Spell, even I almost didn't react in time... well, such a special creativity is indeed very vivid."
Dumbledore's tone became somewhat peculiar.
Ian pretended not to hear.
"My initial intention was to guide them toward good, making them realize their mistakes. If they could compensate me, perhaps it might prove they are still redeemable."
Ian still did not give up on seeking compensation for himself.
His choice of words once again resulted in Dumbledore's prolonged silence.
"I think the gentlemen and ladies of Slytherin must have realized how improper their actions were, but wanting compensation from them would evidently not be easy."
Dumbledore said tactfully.
"Is it because Marcus Flint's family has connections in the Ministry of Magic?" Ian had always remembered how Marcus Flint repeatedly brought this up during both conflicts.
This guy was even more typical than the yet-to-enroll Malfoy.
"It's because the proud wizards of Slytherin rarely bow to others." Dumbledore's answer was hardly convincing, probably useful only in fooling an inexperienced little wizard.
Ian was well aware of how quickly these pure-blood Slytherins kneeled before Voldemort.
Hmm.
They didn't bow.
They directly kowtowed.
"Turns out it's still because Marcus Flint's family backs them up. These so-called ancient families are like this, not admitting mistakes even when they make them."
Ian sighed.
Dumbledore nodded uncommittedly.
"In fact, Severus will surely need to put in quite an effort to quell the impact for you, with the primary pressure coming from those little wizards' families."
"Mr. Flint's relatives do have connections in the Ministry of Magic. After all, the Flint Clan has a long-standing tradition, and the families of other pure-blood wizards possess some influence as well."
"Mr. Prince, you are more mature than many little wizards, you must understand that right and wrong are not important in the eyes of certain adult wizards."
Dumbledore seemed to remind Ian not to settle scores with that group of Slytherin students.
"You're right."
Ian nodded helplessly.
He rubbed the Gryffindor's Holy Sword he could only cradle in his arms due to sitting down, wishing this sword had once been given the significance of acting first and reporting afterward.
Unfortunately.
It wasn't.
"It seems not only will I not get compensation, but I also have to pray that I won't be attached by a swarm of flies. Professor Snape might really have to worry a lot for me."
Ian felt somewhat annoyed.
He just wanted to study well and improve daily; how did he get embroiled in such a mess? Everything seemed beyond his control once Marcus Flint was placed under the Imperio Curse.
"Don't look at Severus always appearing to grit his teeth at you; in fact, he is quite willing to do these things for you. It somewhat allows him to attain some psychological self-forgiveness."
Dumbledore spoke softly.
"Self-forgiveness?"
Ian frowned.
"That's something for him to tell you, if he's ready." Dumbledore murmured, his tone carrying a rather profound implication.
Alright, alright!
Playing Riddler, huh!
Let's all be Riddlers!
No one's in a hurry!
"Alright then, I understand. Thank you, Headmaster Dumbledore. I suppose if there's nothing else, I should go back and prepare for tomorrow's lessons."
Ian knew very well that Dumbledore wouldn't call him to the office merely to praise him for doing the right thing. The headmaster of Hogwarts surely wasn't as idle as that.
Especially at this time, when the Ministry of Magic has already intervened to investigate the cause of death of the Defense Against the Dark Arts Class teacher. Senior Sister Penelope had once revealed to Ian that she had spoken with Dumbledore.
With Old Deng's brain.
The other party must have figured out some things.
Of course.
The reason Ian was certain of this was because he saw when he first entered the headmaster's office that a bookshelf filled with many extremely ancient and worn but non-magical skill-related books had just been moved in. Books like "Song of the Soul" and "Merlin: The Edge of Life and Death."