"Professor, she's long chosen to forgive." Ian wanted to stand up and lean across the desk to pat Dumbledore's back, but his little hands could only reach Dumbledore's head.
He still chose to give a pat.
Achieving what even Voldemort dared not imagine.
"Thank you, Ian, for helping me see she's right there." Dumbledore's voice was deep and hoarse; his firm gaze made Ian shiver.
"Professor! I was kindly comforting you; you can't harm me. Ariana warned me not to reveal this secret. What she wants is for you and your brother to die naturally of old age!"
Ian might have used some rhetorical devices in his speech.
There was no other choice.
He felt he had to speak up and remind him.
Otherwise.
From the emotions he felt today, he couldn't guarantee he'd happily get up for class tomorrow, only to find Albus Dumbledore hanging in the Headmaster's office.
With his tongue sticking out long.
Who knows, in his wish to reunite with family, Albus Dumbledore might have a deceived and unfortunate Abeforth hanging next to him.
Just imagining that scene is unbearable!
"You don't need to worry about that, Ian. I won't make any extreme choices."
Dumbledore said so, but Ian dared to bet using his roommate's limited edition underwear that he saw a trace of disappointment in Dumbledore's eyes.
[Thought Perception] doesn't lie.
The old bee is the real liar!
Ian sighed in relief.
"Ariana is living well there and will wait for you for a long time. She also has friends and perhaps is happier than she is here."
"After all, at least that place doesn't have Voldemort... no Voldemort walking around eating Avada Kedavra everywhere." Ian thought he should offer some reassurance to Dumbledore.
"Riddle will soon no longer be any threat." Dumbledore seemed a bit too candid, with a light in his eyes Ian couldn't understand.
"Ah? Are you implying that I should tell her the story of Dumbledore's clever defeat of Voldemort? In installments? Should I use some rhetorical devices to depict your greatness?"
Ian looked at Dumbledore, slightly surprised.
"..."
Dumbledore was silent for a long while before he seemed to recover his breath.
"Oh, right, Ariana also said before that if anything happens while I'm alive, I can seek help from her brother. Do you think her words still count?"
Ian suddenly remembered what happened before school started in the Misty Illusion Realm.
"Certainly."
Dumbledore stared at the little wizard in front of him.
His tone was gentle but seemed to carry a force, solemnly, "Ian Prince, from today onwards, the Dumbledore family will be your most reliable connections in the Wizarding World."
This was clearly a solemn promise.
"Praise the ancestors, praise Hogwarts, praise the founders, praise my good friend Ariana." Ian felt elated inside; he knew his compensation and apology were settled.
This was the headmaster's promise!
Maybe when he steps out, he can walk sideways through the corridors of Hogwarts? Indeed! Making more good friends when out and about can never go wrong!
"I heard Aurora's family took her away, and I owe her a return gift. Will she come back to study at Hogwarts?" Ian suddenly thought of another good friend.
"Due to the unfortunate incident of the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Miss Grindelwald stayed under family protection for a while. Now her family has sent her back to Hogwarts, but she'll likely start classes tomorrow." Dumbledore seemed to recall the recent conversation on that tower.
He pondered for a moment.
Once again, he softly spoke to Ian, "Because of her background, Miss Grindelwald has not grown up in a normal environment, which worries me that she might go down an extreme path."
"Many remnants of the Saints want her to become a new nightmare for wizards, Ian. That shouldn't be her mission. Maybe within your friendship, you can provide her with some rightful guidance."
Dumbledore's tone carried a hint of a request.
Ian nodded without hesitation.
"As a friend, I'm certainly unshakably obliged to ensure that. Only a fool would become the Black Demon King. Rest assured, I believe Aurora is actually a kind person."
Ian patted his chest, making a promise.
Even when he tried fixing the bug of candles in the hall not dribbling wax, Aurora thought he was a bad person, clearly showing that good friend Aurora has a much sounder outlook than his.
"Yes, a fool indeed. I agree with your description; you are certainly much smarter than Riddle." Dumbledore nodded in satisfaction, smiling.
"If there's nothing else, may I take my leave?"
Ian felt the previous Memory Magic must have greatly depleted Dumbledore and that in terms of mental exhaustion, Dumbledore seemed like he'd been screwing for 20 hours.
Hmm.
Now he's added another five hours.
"Certainly, you can come look for me anytime."
Dumbledore rose to see him off.
He stopped at the office door.
"If possible, please send my regards to Ariana. Tell her... everything will be as she wishes." Dumbledore requested in a low tone.