The Old Ones of Hogwarts

Chapter 146, Section 145: A Mysterious Night, An Unexpected Change

The lifelike raven pattern made Ian want to reach out and touch it.

"Is it because of this pattern that you think the transfer student from over a hundred years ago is related to the founder of our college?" Ian turned to look at Professor Flitwick, who was shorter than him.

Professor Flitwick did not give a direct response, but instead took out the Ravenclaw house crest and placed it next to the lifelike raven pattern on the parchment.

The two are highly similar in every detail.

"I think that's the truth. Our college's emblem probably didn't come out of thin air, but has an origin and history. It's just that I haven't found any evidence to support this conjecture yet."

Professor Flitwick sighed heavily, his voice tinged with regret, his curiosity seemingly driving him to seek the truth for many years.

"If we follow your line of thinking, do the emblems of the other colleges... also have some origin or source?" Ian suddenly became a little curious.

Upon hearing this, Professor Flitwick shrugged.

"Who knows? I'm not particularly interested in the history of other houses, after all, I don't teach the history of magic." Professor Flitwick's response was very direct.

"Headmaster Dumbledore must have met this transfer student." Ian turned his gaze back to the words in the memoir, his eyes filled with an indescribable mix of emotions.

"Perhaps Albus didn't want to cause any panic. After all, if such a transfer student really existed in the past, who knows how much of a sensation it would cause in the wizarding world and how much questioning it would raise about our school." Professor Flitwick, despite his long-standing curiosity, clearly did not resent Albus Dumbledore's silence.

"Yeah, I'm pretty panicked right now..." Ian's gaze remained fixed on the words in the memoir, or more specifically, on certain particular phrases.

"Don't worry, Hogwarts is very safe now." Professor Flitwick clearly misunderstood the young wizard's words. He wanted to pat the young wizard on the shoulder but found that he couldn't reach him even when he stood on tiptoe.

"You've grown so much taller?"

The Ravenclaw Dean's tone carried a hint of surprise. He vaguely remembered Ian's situation when he first enrolled, and there was a subtle trace of envy in his voice—who wouldn't want to be tall? That way, they wouldn't need stools and ladders for so many things.

Professor Flitwick also had a girl he liked many years ago.

The problem lies in his height.

At least that's what Professor Frivy himself thinks.

"Hogwarts is indeed safer than ever before." Ian wholeheartedly agreed with Professor Flitwick's statement, after all, only heaven knows how many Albus Dumbledores are in the school these days.

Say something.

Lately, Ian has been paranoid, feeling like there might be an Albus Dumbledore standing in some corner, and he can't help but want to check every stall when he goes to the bathroom.

Because he didn't have much knowledge about time, Ian had no idea what Albus Dumbledore meant by challenging the limits—how many different versions of himself existed within a single timeline.

Perhaps even Albus Dumbledore himself didn't know, just as the Flash will never know how many other versions of himself existed in the room at the time of his mother's death.

No one can be sure about things that haven't been done yet; all we can say is that the time converter is indeed mysterious... The secrets about time are still causing Ian to feel a bit of worry subconsciously.

Many things are before us.

He couldn't help but overthink it.

"Dean, I'd also like to know something about the transfer students—no, I should say, about the bird on our school emblem." Ian looked down at Professor Flitwick beside him.

He had heard about ravens from more than one person, but compared to those previous stories, he was now more interested in the one that a fifth-grade transfer student had encountered a hundred years ago.

This is terrifying to think about!

"I actually know very little. After all, we can't expect that after so many years, we can still clearly capture what may have been just a fleeting figure in history."

"The late Mrs. Ravenclaw was probably the only person who knew the message about the raven on our school crest."

Professor Flitwick jogged over to the bookshelf, climbed the ladder to a relatively high shelf, and pulled out a rather old-looking book.

"But we can't ask Ms. Ravenclaw, who has been dead for many years, can we?" Professor Flitwick sighed with some emotion as he climbed down the ladder.

"Yes, that's definitely true."

Ian's expression looked slightly unnatural.

after all.

Some things that seem impossible to him are not absolute. He simply doesn't know if he will ever meet Lady Ravenclaw again. The Mystic Realm is too vast, and there are still many things he doesn't understand. He's even unsure if he can go back to that volcano or Lady Ravenclaw's island.

"As people of later generations, all we can do is glimpse a corner of the past through some ancient books." Professor Flitwick walked back to Ian and placed the ancient book on the table.

This ancient and worn magic book seemed to have been slowly pulled up from the abyss of time.

On the cover, the marks of time are clearly visible, with fine cracks like winding paths on an ancient map, recording countless readings and explorations. Occasionally, a glimmer of light flickers between these cracks, seemingly the lingering magical energy between the pages, inadvertently revealing a touch of mystery.

A Glimpse into Fate

A very short book title.

What's most intriguing is the book's author—Royna Ravenclaw.

"I was fortunate enough to obtain a secret book from the founder of our academy, but the mention of the mysterious raven in the book was only a few words in a small place."

Professor Flitwick turned to page seventy-seven of the book. Ian looked at it and, just as the current headmaster of Ravenclaw had said, it really only contained a few words.

It basically mentions a family pact that granted Rowena Ravenclaw the ability to see into destiny, and this pact is related to the Ravenclaw family, which has a close connection to them.

This is not much different from what Ian learned from Albus Dumbledore; ultimately, it still lacks some real information about where the raven came from and what it actually is.

"Actually, I don't think the raven that Ms. Ravenclaw mentioned is the same raven that the transfer student encountered. After all, a bird can't possibly live for a thousand years."

"Even wizards don't live that long, well, wizards like Nicolas Flamel who possess the Philosopher's Stone are an exception... but that possibility is far less likely than the other one."

Professor Flitwick clearly had his own judgment and thoughts.

His words prompted the young wizard to press for more information.

"What's the possibility?"

Ian's eyes flickered slightly.

Professor Flitwick didn't notice the young wizard's unusual curiosity, since curiosity is a quality that exists in the soul of almost every Ravenclaw student.

He hesitated for a moment before answering Ian's question.

"The transfer student mentioned that the raven he encountered was an Animagus form of a wizard, so the raven the transfer student encountered was more likely a descendant of a Ravenclaw family."

"Many people may not know that the Animagus forms of Ravenclaw family members are most likely to be Raven, which I think is related to the contract the family talks about with Raven."

"Just like many wizards with special bloodlines, whose guardian spirits are related to their special bloodlines, I think there is a similar connection between the Animagus form and their form."

Speaking of it.

Professor Flitwick paused for a moment, as if remembering something, and looked with slight concern at the little wizard in front of him who seemed somewhat absent-minded for some reason.

"By the way, how's your Patronus Charm going?" Professor Flitwick still remembered the bizarre Patronus Charm that Ian had used not long ago, which had left him completely baffled.

He had spent countless days and nights searching for a solution, but he couldn't find a single clue. All evidence suggested that Ian should already be able to unleash the complete Guardian Angel spell.

There were no errors in the syllables, gestures, or even the trajectory of the magic, but it was unclear why those abnormal magic nodes would occur.

Even the path of exploring whether the influence was due to bloodline was still a dead end. There is no other example like it in history. Heaven knows how much hair Professor Flitwick shed for this.

"Are you feeling well right now?"

Ian hesitated whether to cast the Patronus Charm for his headmaster to test, since the fact that the Patronus was a dead person would cause quite a stir and upheaval in the wizarding world.

"You found a solution to the problem yourself?"

Professor Flitwick shrugged his somewhat exaggerated eyebrows.

"I received some help from my elders," Ian honestly answered Professor Flitwick's question. His ability to create the Guardian Ring was indeed not solely due to his own efforts.

"It's Albus, isn't it? Only he has the ability to help you." Professor Flitwick may not respect other wizards, but like all professors, he trusts his own headmaster.

"Headmaster Dumbledore was one of the helpers."

Ian nodded.

The little wizard's words surprised Professor Flitwick.

"Anyone else is helping you? I don't think Severus is more skilled in spells than I am." Professor Flitwick was quite familiar with Ian's family background.

He immediately became somewhat unconvinced.

"..."

Ian was silent for a moment, then said, "They are other elders."

The young wizard's language skills were somewhat limited. He certainly believed that Professor Flitwick was indeed a powerful wizard—as long as he wasn't compared to Professor Morgan or Madam Ravenclaw.

"It seems you have some connections I don't know about. Well, it's not a big deal." Professor Flitwick glanced at Ian, who seemed hesitant to speak, with a touch of emotion.

"You don't need to feel awkward. I roughly understand why you feel it's hard to say it." Professor Flitwick was clearly thinking of Ian's extraordinary skill with Fiendfire.

His misunderstanding of Ian didn't stop there. "Actually, I was just curious. Well, you don't have to tell me, but if you do, I definitely won't tell anyone."

"Your Patronus... could it be a raven?" Professor Flitwick's eyes were unusually bright, fully displaying the curiosity of a Ravenclaw student.

There are also some gossipy thoughts that might belong to Gryffindor.

Why do you think that?

Ian was somewhat surprised.

"Hahaha, it's just a guess, just a guess." Professor Flitwick chuckled, his eyes flickering, clearly revealing another emotion.

"..."

Ian, who was good at observing, fell silent again.

He got it.

Professor Flitwick clearly believed that he might also have Ravenclaw blood, and it's unclear whether this stemmed from his particular attention to the Ravenclaw crest.

Perhaps there's also the Sorting Hat's assessment of him?

Regardless of the situation, Ian felt somewhat helpless. The world's misunderstandings about him were increasing day by day, seemingly pushing him towards the fate of the Six Clans.

"My guardian spirit isn't a raven, but... my Animagus form is very likely a raven." Ian glanced at the memoir of the transfer student from a hundred years ago with a complicated expression.

This is what made him uneasy and worried.

"Has Minerva already begun guiding you in your Animagus training?" Professor Flitwick swallowed hard, clearly slightly surprised by Ian's progress in learning.

"Um."

Ian nodded, indicating he wasn't lying.

"What an amazing progress... You might become the first wizard to master Animagus, but it's not wise to preconceive of an Animagus form for yourself."

"Although I am not as skilled as Minerva in Transfiguration, I am quite clear about this, since I have tried to learn this magical art of transfiguration myself."

Professor Flitwick gave Ian some serious advice.

"Um."

The little wizard nodded.

"Actually, I'd prefer my Animagus form to be something else, really." He sighed heavily and murmured to himself from the bottom of his heart.

Professor Flitwick probably didn't hear clearly.

He glanced at the time on the wall.

"It's getting late. I've talked to you about so many things today. I brought up the transfer student to tell you not to try to publish papers using your kind of innovation anymore."

"That will cause a lot of unnecessary trouble, really, Dean, I beg you, please don't dabble in these dangerous researches. If you're willing, I can point you to some directions you can research." Professor Flitwick was genuinely afraid that Ian would come to him again in a few days with some dangerous and frightening magical innovation.

His concerns were not unfounded, after all, Ian's Shadowstorm and other improved spells had not yet been used, otherwise Professor Flitwick would certainly be even more panicked than he is now.

"Yes, Dean." Ian felt a little regretful, but it was good to receive guidance from Professor Flitwick. He would eventually be able to write his own thesis on spells.

"Choose your best Illumination Charm. It actually has many potential applications in various fields." Professor Flitwick picked up a blank parchment and began to write quickly.

I'm currently reading the error-free version! This is the first time I've published this novel.

After a while.

He then handed Ian a draft with suggested research directions.

"Take it easy, don't scare me anymore, my little heart can't take too much stimulation..." Professor Flitwick patted his chest as if still shaken.

"The research direction of 'Light of the Soul' is good."

He even proactively recommended a topic that he considered safe for Ian.

I don't know.

Fate can be so mysterious sometimes.

"Okay, I quite like this direction too."

The young wizard looked with great interest at the ideas written on the parchment.

He was also unaware of it at that moment.

The three unforgivable curses will be kicked out of T0 positions from here.

……

I left Professor Flitwick's office.

Ian glanced back at Professor Flitwick's office with a complicated expression.

to be frank.

Even now, his mind is still somewhat hazy—all because of that transfer student's memoir, which contained the incongruous term "system dad" that shouldn't exist.

Let alone more than a hundred years ago, it would be quite incongruous even now, as evidenced by the fact that Professor Flitwick was completely unaware of the meaning behind the title.

What Animagus form wizard, what foul-mouthed style—Ian really hoped that it was just a transmigrator senior he had never met.

"I'm not afraid of the time traveler predecessors, I'm just worried that it's not the past! It's the future!" Ian couldn't help but think about the information mentioned in the transfer student's memoir.

The raven that the transfer student encountered was seriously injured, and the end of the memoir fragment mentioned something chillingly unsettling: the injury might not be so simple. As the only wizard who might currently understand the meaning of "System Daddy," how could Ian not feel a chill run down his spine and become restless?

"Headmaster Dumbledore might know more..." Ian didn't even enjoy his dinner, and he remained sullen throughout the meal.

"What's wrong with you?"

Aurora noticed the little wizard's unusual behavior.

"You're a prophet, aren't you?"

Ian looked at his best friend's heterochromatic eyes.

Seeing Aurora nod with a somewhat puzzled expression, he continued to extend his hand expectantly, gesturing for Aurora to quickly and firmly grasp it.

"Help me see how many enemies I have?"

Ian felt he should probably take precautions to avoid the risks in advance.

only.

Just as he was recalling and counting in his mind.

"Didn't I already tell you that day? I can't see any future for you." Aurora squeezed Ian's hand and tried to channel her magic for a moment.

In the end, she chose to give up, her tone filled with helplessness.

"Looks like I'll have to try to be kind to people and avoid doing anything that might annoy others..." Ian sighed, picking at the pieces of beef on his plate.

I listened to what he said.

The German girl was immediately surprised.

"So you knew you'd been a bad person all along?"

It was as if she had seen Ian all over again.

"..."

Speechless, Ian threw down his cutlery. Seeing that Aurora had pulled out another lollipop, he angrily snatched it from her hand and stuffed it into his mouth.

"I need to go find Dumbledore and find out what's going on."

Ian felt the effects of dopamine, and his mood improved slightly. He hurriedly left the auditorium under Aurora's thoughtful gaze.

It is a pity.

Ian not only couldn't find Dumbledore on the Marauder's Map, but he also couldn't find him in the Headmaster's office. He even searched for many corners and places where people could hide.

Still nothing.

Feeling a bit unwell in his stomach, Ian went to the toilet and unconsciously muttered something to the toilet bowl.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, are you here?"

He lifted the toilet lid.

Dumbledore certainly couldn't be in there.

However, the terrified Myrtle was caught red-handed by Ian.

Eyes facing each other.

After a while.

"I've already hidden in other toilets! And you still won't let me go! Ahhh! Help!!" Myrtle's heart-wrenching scream immediately sent the little wizard fleeing in panic.

"This is the men's restroom!"

Ian ran outside to confirm that he had entered the right bathroom. He felt like he might really be cursed by Voldemort today; everything he did felt inexplicably stifling.

"Do you eat curses? Try biting me?" Ian, who had returned to the House of Requirement, grabbed his Black Phoenix from the Dementor's head.

"Hehehehehe~"

Black Phoenix struggled to escape.

"Hey, you really do look like a phoenix and a raven at the same time. Could it be that you're also... no, I should say, could it be that you're the hybrid species?"

Ian plucked a feather from the Black Phoenix, intending to pluck one for research, but discovered that after the feather fell off, a burst of blackish-purple flames would immediately rise from the feather.

This flame not only wouldn't burn him, it couldn't even ignite a piece of wood.

"This thing must have some special function."

After a moment's thought, Ian brought the burning feather closer to the Dementor. Sure enough, the Dementor screamed in terror and fled into its cage as if its life depended on it.

"A special attack against souls? No... it shouldn't be just that." Ian didn't want to destroy his only Dementor, but he knew he could capture a few creatures with souls in the Forbidden Forest.

Just do it.

And so.

Ian immediately entered the Forbidden Forest through the secret passage.

"Centaurs don't feel pain! Especially centaurs who have done all sorts of bad things!" The little wizard achieved an improvement on his eight-point halo by swinging it barehanded, and searched around the Forbidden Forest like a crab.

only.

His luck today was probably not very good. In more than two hours, he didn't find the evil centaur who kept cursing his whole family and making all sorts of threats and curses.

"I'll come again tomorrow during the day!"

If it weren't for the fact that tonight is the time to enter the dreamlike realm, Ian would definitely have stayed up all night like those who were on a losing streak in ranked matches. He was feeling somewhat discouraged and was just about to pack up and go back to school.

"Beep~"

The clock on my wrist chimed softly.

That was a midnight reminder.

Before Ian could even raise his hand to check the time, he noticed that everything around him had suddenly become unusually quiet, as if time was being gently held down by an invisible film.

Everything is frozen in this moment of eternity.

"The moon... has turned red..."

Ian looked up with some surprise and uncertainty. The image of the blood moon had just been reflected in his eyes. The next moment, he found that everything around him seemed to be moving away from him.

Blurry and unclear.

The world spun around.

That familiar feeling resurfaced.

Ian set foot in that area for the first time while fully conscious—an endless expanse of black sand came into view, like an endless abyss swallowing all color and life.

Look up at the sky.

There were no stars or signs of daylight there either, only a deep black curtain, as if even the deepest darkness of the universe had been condensed there.

A sense of oppression and gloom washed over us.

The blood moon they had witnessed before still hung there, its crimson and eerie light, like hellfire, bringing an ominous hue to this desolate desert.

It was incredibly sinister.

(End of this chapter)