You can read ahead up to 30 chapters on my P*treon: https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395
The Phoenix, known as Fawkes, gently smoothed Ian's tousled hair with its beak, creating a surreal moment between them.
A tense atmosphere hung in the air as their eyes met— Dumbledore's wise gaze locked onto Ian's wide-eyed surprise. The old man's hand remained raised, caught in a moment of uncertainty. Even a master of Occlumency like him couldn't hide the awkwardness on his face at this moment.
"It seems Fawkes has taken a liking to you. This is truly unusual. He's typically quite distant around humans," Dumbledore remarked, trying to break the silence with words.
"Professor..." Ian stammered, acutely aware that the fluffy bird perched on his head was one of the most formidable creatures in the magical world. He looked to Dumbledore for guidance or help while struggling to maintain his balance.
Though he had always been fascinated by Phoenixes, it felt like the tale of Lord Ye and his fondness for dragons— cat lovers who adore lions likely wouldn't relish a close encounter with one either.
"Don't worry. Phoenixes possess wisdom far surpassing that of humans. It's simply playing with you," Dumbledore reassured him, his own eyes wide with astonishment.
He had never seen Fawkes show such affection toward anyone other than himself. Even the kindest and bravest young wizards had never received such intimate grooming from Fawkes.
Yes, Fawkes seemed to be preening Ian's "feathers," showering him with unexpected affection.
"Madam Helena mentioned that you often enjoy playing with birds. Perhaps you also possess a natural affinity for magical creatures, much like Master Newt Scamander." Dumbledore offered this as the most plausible explanation. After all, only those of the Dumbledore bloodline could summon a Phoenix in times of crisis.
These extraordinary creatures weren't born through conventional means; they were a manifestation of a unique bloodline tied to the Dumbledore family. Other houses might have similar bloodlines, but Fawkes was born for Albus Dumbledore, and its will and emotions were deeply intertwined with him alone.
"Newt Scamander? The author of 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'?" Ian asked, still hesitant to move, trying to keep his balance.
Even the wealthiest tycoons boasted of their tame pet lions, but would their servants dare to wager on that claim?
"Yes, he and I are old friends. We once fought side by side," Dumbledore reminisced, his gaze flickering between Ian and the bird. "If he knew a child like you existed at the school, he might reconsider my job offer. I'll need to write a more enticing letter to Newt when I return."
A look of anticipation crossed Dumbledore's face.
"Uh, I don't think I possess such talent... I just feel like your bird is toying with me..." Ian replied, feeling the Phoenix shift on his head. It had begun grooming his eyebrows, dangerously close to his eyes, making Ian worry about being pecked. Who knew if a Phoenix was curious about moving eyeballs? How terrifying would that be!
'Who would have thought that a bird enthusiast would one day be toyed with by an actual bird?'
"Alright, Fawkes, it's time to return," Dumbledore finally said, noticing Ian's nervousness.
"Screech!" The Phoenix let out a reluctant cry before flying off Ian's head, transforming into a red light as it returned to Dumbledore's side.
"If you need any assistance, you can approach me or Professor Snape. He may have a cold exterior, but he has a warm heart. We'd both be happy to help you with any challenges you face," Dumbledore said, his words ambiguous, and it was not clear whether he was referring to magical research or other matters.
He smiled and waved at Ian, disappearing from the room along with the Phoenix in an instant.
The spatial fluctuations gradually subsided, leaving Ian in a state of shock. Perhaps due to the lingering surprise, he didn't notice the delicate pattern on the back of his hand slowly fading. In fact, even Dumbledore hadn't noticed it illuminating earlier. Perhaps only Ian could perceive it but he couldn't due to Dumbledore and the Pheonix.
...
"Whoosh~"
Space twisted, and Dumbledore's figure materialized in the corridor of Hogwarts Castle. The night was deep, and the castle's corridors were bathed in soft, mysterious moonlight, with ancient wall lamps casting a dim, warm glow along the winding hallways.
"Fawkes, you were a bit too playful today. You startled that child," Dumbledore said as he walked to the window, the Phoenix perched on his shoulder.
"Screech!" The crimson Phoenix let out a low cry.
"You mean you believe he requires your care?" Dumbledore mused. Though he didn't speak the language of Phoenixes, he had lived with Fawkes for many years.
"Screech!" Fawkes responded again.
"Truly incredible... two extraordinary children," Dumbledore remarked, a night breeze blowing through the window. He gazed at the moon outside, his aged face calm, yet his deep, striking eyes seemed to reflect the images of a man and a woman, vastly different.
He was lost in thought, wondering.
Muttering softly, he added, "I just hope it's not what I imagine..."
The old man's figure appeared somewhat hunched in the night breeze, carrying a sense of weariness.
At that moment, footsteps echoed in the corridor.
A man clad entirely in black robes emerged from the depths of the castle, holding several boxes. The scent of medicinal herbs began to permeate the air.
"Severus," Dumbledore called out without turning around, accurately identifying the newcomer.
"Hmph, Albus, it seems you're having trouble sleeping again. Perhaps I can offer you a vial of Dreamless Sleep Potion, so you can at least escape a night of nightmares," Snape replied, stopping in his tracks, and speaking with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"I have just returned," Dumbledore said, finally turning to glance at the boxes in Snape's hands. "Though I do feel like I'll have trouble sleeping tonight, I still wish to break free from my dependence on potions."
Snape merely nodded at this response. "A foolish choice," he remarked, his sharp tongue as ever.
"Aren't you still refining Felix Felicis?" Dumbledore asked, deducing from the herbs in Snape's hands what he was working on, perhaps as a way to change the subject.
"If you desire a potion, I'll be here all night," Snape replied, resuming his steps toward his office.
At that moment, Dumbledore suddenly spoke up. "Wait."
Snape turned back, his expression unreadable. "Did you change your mind?"
"No, it's just a request for something else. Of course, this request is merely to satisfy my curiosity. I hope you won't misunderstand," Dumbledore said, weighing his words carefully.
Seeing Snape's impatient expression, he finally spoke in a hesitant, low voice. "When you have time, could you investigate the genealogy of the Prince family? Determine if, within the last five generations, the Prince family has intermarried with the Dumbledore family?"
In the same corridor, with the same two people, it was now Snape's turn to be stunned.
(End of chapter)