He simply went all out in praising people.
Another period of waiting.
Ian finally awaited his "ward." He was somewhat surprised to see Hermione, without her parents, entering the station alone, seemingly having encountered Harry Potter on the way.
"You two... did you lose your parents?"
The little wizard always had a way of interrupting others' enthusiastic greetings with a fresh perspective. Hermione was happily waving at Ian, but Ian's words wiped the smile right off her face.
"I just had my mom and dad drop me off at the station entrance and let them go back!" Hermione, a bit puffed up, pushed her little trolley over to Ian's side.
"You... Hello, Mr. Prince."
Harry was also rather nervous as he greeted Ian.
Very polite.
Extremely polite.
He directly embodied the craftsmanship spirit.
"Good morning, Mr. Potter, just call me Ian. Your eyes are really beautiful... I think I have a relative who would love to see you at school."
Ian also greeted the little boy with a smile.
"Ah?"
Harry was a bit awkward, at a loss for words.
"I met Harry at the station entrance, so I thought he could travel with us to school. You wouldn't believe how unreasonable his family is." Hermione took out a big red envelope, handing it to Ian while looking indignant on Harry's behalf.
"Mr. Granger is too generous; this is much more than we agreed on." Ian just weighed the envelope and accurately gauged the amount in pounds within.
This skill came from his level of alchemy.
"So, can you help me push this incredibly heavy cart?" Hermione was clearly struggling with her little trolley, trying to get help from Ian, who only had two small suitcases.
"Hermione, you need to learn to be self-reliant."
Ian had no intention of lending a hand.
"But my dad gave you so much money!" Hermione suddenly felt a bit frustrated, staring at the large red envelope in Ian's hand, feeling a bit jealous as she'd never received such a large amount in a red envelope.
"Mr. Granger only wanted me to ensure you wouldn't be bullied by other students at Hogwarts." Ian shrugged, uttering words that left Hermione rather helpless.
"But he didn't ask you to promise you'd help me, not even that you wouldn't bully me, right? Sigh! I always suggested my dad should take a law exam, but he never listened!"
Indeed, she was a smart witch.
Ian nodded in satisfaction.
Felt she was teachable.
Of course.
There were even more astonishingly talented young ones for Ian.
Ian swore he hadn't even glanced at Harry Potter.
However.
"Really... you can pay protection money?" Harry Potter suddenly rummaged through his clothes, took out a hefty money bag, and handed it eagerly over to Ian.
His skilled movements were both familiar and heartbreaking.
"Is there really such a good deal!?"
Ian hesitated for a moment before tentatively reaching out.
What he got was Harry Potter's visibly relieved and relaxed expression. In this cold magic world, he finally felt a hint of familiar atmosphere.
And this time.
He was no longer the boy with an empty pocket.
"This is great!"
Harry Potter.
The savior chosen by Voldemort.
At this moment.
Seemed to be evolving in a rather strange direction.