"When I grow up and write my autobiography, everyone who bought a map from me can testify that during my school years, I was just a model student who liked eating, sleeping, and attending classes!" From the very beginning of making maps, Ian had already made full preparations.
This is somewhat like tech companies producing tech products. Ian is the one with the highest authority, and modifying his own movements on the map is a piece of cake.
He can even use the main map in his hand to modify others' locations and markers on the map. This is the greatest benefit and dominion of having control over the technology and the 'server.'
"I am not the type to do bad things and then frame my classmates. Although I don't need to use this function, that doesn't mean I shouldn't have it."
Ian carefully placed all the maps into his robe. These maps only work within the realm of Hogwarts and become blank once outside, even in Hogwarts Village. After all, Ian made the maps through clever means.
Although the Pen of Admission and the Book of Admission can cover the entire United Kingdom, Ian is ultimately a limited alchemist. Achieving what he has so far is already his best effort.
"Retreat!"
Ian grabbed a Flying Broom and flew out the window. He thoughtfully sealed the window again before diving directly towards the warehouse storing the flying brooms under the moonlight.
About a few minutes after Ian left,
Professor McGonagall rushed in a hurry to the entrance of the attic, finding Albus Dumbledore in his pajamas arriving slowly, yawning.
Not long after, Snape also appeared with a displeased expression, as if his good dream had been interrupted.
"Albus, someone has been in this room."
Professor McGonagall's expression was serious.
"That's highly unlikely, Minerva. We both know the conditions to enter this room. Even if that person returned, it's impossible to break this magic."
Snape frowned deeply.
"The alarm went off! Severus!"
Professor McGonagall's voice became sharper, signaling Dumbledore with her eyes to open the door.
"The founder's magic is tough to crack; Severus is correct in this." Dumbledore rubbed his slightly sleepy eyes, looking quite comical under his nightcap.
Eventually, he walked towards the doorway. As if sensing his arrival, the door opened, revealing a spotless room to the group.
Clean!
Nothing but clean!
The impossibly neat scene stunned the trio's faces into confusion!
"There really was an intruder!"
Snape's face was filled with astonishment.
"It seems the founders' magic isn't as unbreakable as you both thought. Damn, perhaps it's that Imperio user we've never managed to identify!" Professor McGonagall collected herself and immediately turned serious, her eyes showing deep concern for the safety of the school and students.
"Inform those staying at the Ministry of Magic; they're much more experienced than we are in this regard." Professor McGonagall pursed her lips and suggested to Dumbledore.
However,
Albus Dumbledore merely frowned, stepped into the room, and checked the Pen of Admission and Book of Admission. He then squatted to examine the floor and walls for a while.
"Albus?"
Professor McGonagall and Snape stood outside, exchanging a confused glance about Dumbledore's actions.
"The magic here hasn't been tampered with. The Book of Admission and the Pen of Admission haven't been damaged. It's as if someone visited out of curiosity."
"Yes, and they even helped us clean up a bit..." Dumbledore's expression and tone noticeably relaxed as he walked to the window.
"Not damaged? How can that be! Besides you and those you allow, who can pass the magic's test?" Professor McGonagall asked, puzzled, standing outside the door.
"Albus, you wouldn't have sleepwalked here and did some cleaning yourself, would you?" Snape's gaze had a hint of suspicion. He had been doubtful of Dumbledore's mental state lately.
"Perhaps, though I haven't been sleeping well lately." Dumbledore chuckled lightly with a teasing tone, his gaze fixed out the window without turning back.
"Of course, even bypassing my approval, it's not impossible to pass the room's test." Dumbledore watched a figure stealthily sneak back to the castle from a certain warehouse.
"This seems to be a choice Hogwarts itself might have reserved." His voice had a somewhat ethereal wistfulness, and the two professors standing outside exchanged bewildered looks.
...
As if nothing had happened.
Ian returned to the Ravenclaw common room. The young wizards were still waiting for his lecture tonight. Ian tightened his robe containing the new era map and happily agreed.
Still was a paid setting.
One Silver Sickle, two Silver Sickles, three Silver Sickles... and a box of Chocolate Frogs. Ian glanced at a classmate who seemed to work in a Chocolate Frog factory at home.
"No other flavors?"
Ian still preferred sweet and sour snacks.