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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 connected to the founder of our House?” Ian turned to look at Professor Flitwick, who was shorter than him.
Professor Flitwick didn’t respond directly. Instead, he took out the Ravenclaw House crest and placed it next to the lifelike raven pattern on the parchment.
The two were strikingly similar in every detail.
“I believe this is the truth. Our House crest likely didn’t appear out of thin air but has some origin and history. I just haven’t found the evidence to support this theory yet.” Professor Flitwick sighed heavily, his voice tinged with regret. It seemed as though his curiosity had been driving him to seek the truth for many years.
“If we follow your line of thinking, do the crests of the other Houses also have origins and histories?” Ian suddenly felt a surge of curiosity.
Hearing this, Professor Flitwick shrugged. “Who knows? I’m not particularly interested in the history of the other Houses. After all, I don’t teach magical history,” he replied bluntly.
“Headmaster Dumbledore must have met this transfer student.” Ian turned his gaze back to the text in the memoir, his eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions.
“Albus probably didn’t want to cause a panic. After all, if such a transfer student truly existed, it would have caused a massive stir in the wizarding world and raised questions about our school.” Although Professor Flitwick had been curious for many years, he clearly didn’t blame Albus Dumbledore for keeping quiet.
“Yeah, I’m feeling quite panicked right now…” Ian’s gaze remained fixed on the text, particularly on a few specific phrases.
“Don’t worry, Hogwarts is very safe now.” Professor Flitwick clearly misunderstood Ian’s words. He made a move to pat the young wizard’s shoulder but, even on tiptoe, couldn’t quite reach.
“You’ve grown so tall?” Professor Flitwick’s tone was filled with surprise. He probably remembered how Ian was when he first enrolled, and there was a hint of barely noticeable envy in his voice. Who wouldn’t want to be tall? After all, being tall meant never needing stools or ladders.
Professor Flitwick had also once harbored feelings for a girl many years ago. The problem was his height. At least, that’s what he believed.
“Hogwarts is indeed safer than ever before.” Ian wholeheartedly agreed with Professor Flitwick’s statement, as who knows how many versions of Albus Dumbledore might be around the school by now?
To be honest, Ian had been feeling paranoid lately, wondering if an Albus Dumbledore might be standing in some corner, watching him. He even felt the strange urge to check every stall when he went to the bathroom.
Since he hadn’t studied time much, Ian had no idea what Dumbledore meant by the “limit of the challenge”, how many versions of oneself from different times could coexist within one timeline.
Perhaps even Dumbledore himself didn’t know. After all, just like how the Flash never knew how many versions of himself from alternate timelines were present when his mother died.
No one can be certain about things that haven’t happened yet. All one can say is that the Time-Turner is indeed mysterious… The secrets of time still made Ian feel uneasy.
Many things were right in front of him. He couldn’t help but overthink.
“Sir, I’d also like to learn more about the transfer student, no, I mean, about this bird on our House crest.” Ian looked down at Professor Flitwick beside him.
He’d heard about the raven from more than one person, but compared to the previous information, he was now more concerned about the one encountered by the transfer student from a hundred years ago. It was too terrifying to think too deeply about!
“What I know is very little, I’m afraid. After all, we can’t expect to clearly capture a figure who might have only briefly flashed by in history after so many years have passed.”
“The late Lady Ravenclaw is probably the only one who knew the true story behind the raven on our House crest.” Professor Flitwick trotted over to the bookshelf again, climbed up a ladder to a higher shelf, and pulled out a rather old-looking ancient book.
“But we can’t ask Lady Ravenclaw, who has been gone for many years, can we?” As he descended the ladder, Professor Flitwick sighed with a touch of wistfulness.
“Yeah, that’s true.” Ian’s expression turned slightly unnatural. After all, what was impossible for others wasn’t necessarily so for him. He just didn’t know if he could meet Lady Ravenclaw again.
The Twilight Zone was too vast, and there was still much he didn’t understand. He wasn’t even sure if he could return to that volcanic crater or to Lady Ravenclaw’s island.
“As people of later generations, all we can do is catch a glimpse of the past through ancient books,” Professor Flitwick said as he walked back to Ian and placed the old book on the table.
This ancient and magical tome seemed to have been slowly pulled up from the depths of time itself. On the cover, the marks of time were unmistakably visible, with fine cracks like small paths on an ancient map, winding and twisting, recording the traces of countless readings and explorations.
Among these cracks, occasional glimmers of light seemed to be the residual magical energy lingering between the pages, inadvertently revealing a hint of mystery.
“Glimpsing Fate”
A very short title.
What was most intriguing was the author of the book, Rowena Ravenclaw.
“I was fortunate enough to obtain a secret book from the founder of our House, but the mention of the mysterious raven in the book is confined to only a few words in one small section.”
Professor Flitwick flipped to page seventy-seven of the book. Ian leaned in, and just as the Head of Ravenclaw House had said, there were indeed only a few words.
It roughly mentioned a contract tied to the House, which allowed Rowena Ravenclaw to gain the talent of glimpsing fate, and this contract was linked to the raven that had a deep connection with Ravenclaw House.
This wasn’t much different from what Ian had learned from Albus Dumbledore, but it still lacked crucial details about the raven’s origin and nature.
“Actually, I think the raven mentioned by Lady Ravenclaw and the one encountered by that transfer student are not the same. After all, a bird can’t possibly live for a thousand years.”
“Wizards don’t live that long either, well, except for wizards like Nicolas Flamel who possess the Philosopher’s Stone… But this possibility is far less likely than another one.”
Professor Flitwick clearly had his own judgment and thoughts. His words prompted Ian to ask a question.
“What possibility?” Ian’s eyes flickered slightly.
Professor Flitwick didn’t notice the young wizard’s unusual curiosity, as curiosity was a trait deeply ingrained in every Ravenclaw student. He pondered for a moment before answering.
“The transfer student mentioned that the raven he encountered was a wizard’s Animagus form. So, the raven the transfer student saw is more likely to be a descendant of Ravenclaw House.”
“Perhaps many people don’t know, but the Animagus forms of Ravenclaw House members are most likely to be ravens. I think this is also connected to the contract this House has with the raven.”
“Just as many wizards with special bloodlines have Patronuses that reflect their heritage, I believe there’s a similar connection with Animagus forms.”
At this point, Professor Flitwick paused as if remembering something and glanced with some concern at Ian, who seemed distracted for some reason.
“By the way, how’s your Patronus Charm coming along?” Professor Flitwick asked, still remembering the strange Patronus Ian had produced not long ago, a Patronus that even he couldn’t quite explain.
He had spent many days and nights searching for a solution, but despite all the evidence pointing to Ian being capable of casting a proper Patronus, there was something about the magical nodes that seemed off. The incantation, gestures, and magical flow were flawless, but the abnormality persisted. Even investigating if it was related to his bloodline had led to no answers.
Professor Flitwick had pulled out enough hair over this to make a wig.
“Feeling better about it now?” Ian hesitated, wondering whether to attempt the Patronus Charm for his Head of House. A Patronus manifesting as a deceased person would surely cause a massive stir in the wizarding world.
“Did you find a solution on your own?” Professor Flitwick raised his somewhat exaggerated eyebrows.
“I got some help from elders,” Ian answered honestly. After all, creating the [Patronus Ring] wasn’t solely his work.
“It’s Albus, isn’t it? Only he has that kind of ability to help you.” Professor Flitwick might have doubts about other wizards, but he trusted Headmaster Dumbledore without question.
“Headmaster Dumbledore is one of the helpers,” Ian nodded.
The young wizard’s words surprised Professor Flitwick. “There are others helping you? I don’t think Severus is better than me in the field of Charms.” Professor Flitwick was quite familiar with Ian’s family background, and suddenly, he felt a bit put out.
“…”
Ian fell silent. “It’s other elders.”
The young wizard found it a bit difficult to find the right words.
Of course, he respected Professor Flitwick as a powerful wizard, he simply didn’t feel the need to compare him to Professor Morgan or Lady Ravenclaw.
“It seems you have some connections I don’t know about. Well, that’s not a big deal.” Professor Flitwick glanced at Ian with a hint of curiosity, as the young wizard appeared to be holding something back.
“You don’t have to feel uncomfortable. I think I understand why it’s hard for you to say,” Professor Flitwick said, clearly recalling Ian’s extraordinary skill in Fiendfyre. His misunderstanding of Ian didn’t end there. “Actually, I’m just curious. Well, you don’t have to tell me, but if you do, I promise I won’t share it with anyone else.”
“Is your Patronus… a raven?” Professor Flitwick’s eyes gleamed with an intensity that betrayed his usual curiosity as a Ravenclaw, perhaps even a touch of Gryffindor’s gossipy nature.
“Why would you think that?” Ian was slightly taken aback.
“Ha ha ha ha, just a guess, just a guess.” Professor Flitwick laughed lightly, though his flickering eyes betrayed an unspoken curiosity.
“…”
The observant Ian fell silent again. He understood. Professor Flitwick clearly suspected that he might have some Ravenclaw blood in him, possibly linked to his particular focus on the raven crest.
Or maybe it was the Sorting Hat’s evaluation of him? Whatever the case, Ian felt a bit resigned. The world’s misunderstandings of him seemed to be growing daily, almost pushing him toward becoming the “six-surnamed one.”
“My Patronus isn’t a raven, but… my Animagus form is likely to be a raven.” Ian glanced thoughtfully at the memoir of the transfer student from a century ago. The reason for his unease and worry lay in that very thought.
“Has Minerva started guiding you in practicing Animagus?” Professor Flitwick swallowed, clearly surprised by Ian’s progress.
“Yes.” Ian nodded, not lying.
“Such astonishing progress… You might become the earliest wizard to master Animagus. However, it’s not advisable to settle on an Animagus form in your mind just yet.”
“Although my own skill in Transfiguration isn’t as good as Minerva’s, I am quite clear about this, as I’ve also tried to learn this form of Transfiguration myself.”
Professor Flitwick spoke earnestly, offering his advice.
“Okay.” The young wizard nodded.
“Actually, I’d prefer my Animagus form to be something else, really.” Ian sighed deeply, speaking softly under his breath.
Professor Flitwick probably didn’t hear him clearly. He glanced at the time on the wall.
“It’s getting late. I’ve talked too much today. I brought up the transfer student to remind you not to use that kind of unconventional research for your papers anymore.”
“That would cause unnecessary trouble, really. As your Head of House, I’m begging you, please stay away from those dangerous studies. If you’re willing, I can suggest some safer research paths.”
Professor Flitwick was genuinely concerned that Ian might come to him in the future with more dangerous and frightening magical innovations.
His concern wasn’t unfounded, after all, Ian’s Shadow Storm and other advanced magics had yet to be revealed. If they had been, Professor Flitwick would be even more anxious than he was now.
“Alright, Sir.” Ian felt a bit regretful but appreciated Professor Flitwick’s guidance. He would still be able to write his charm paper.
“Let’s focus on something you’re good at, like the Lumos Charm. It actually has many practical applications across various fields.” Professor Flitwick picked up a blank piece of parchment and began to write quickly.
A moment later, he handed a draft with research directions written on it to Ian.
“Take it easy, don’t scare me again. My little heart can’t handle too much excitement…” Professor Flitwick patted his chest, as if still feeling the lingering effects of his earlier fright.
“The research direction of the Light of the Mind is quite promising.”
He even proactively suggested a topic he considered safe for Ian to explore. Little did he know, Fate, as it often does, had a strange way of unfolding.
“Okay, I’m quite interested in this direction.” The young wizard glanced at the ideas on the parchment with interest. At that moment, he didn’t realize that the three Unforgivable Curses would soon be overshadowed by something far more dangerous.
…
Exiting Professor Flitwick’s office, Ian glanced back at the door with a complex expression.
To be honest, even now, his thoughts were still a bit muddled, mainly because of that transfer student’s memoir, which, to his surprise, contained references to a “system father” that shouldn’t have appeared at all.
It was jarring, not just from over a century ago, but even now, it felt completely out of place. The fact that Professor Flitwick didn’t seem to understand the significance of that title made it all the more unsettling.
What wizard in Animagus form, what sarcastic style, Ian really hoped that was just some predecessor from a crossover he had never met.
“I’m not afraid of the crossover predecessors; I just worry that it’s not the past! But the future!” Ian couldn’t help but dwell on the information mentioned in the transfer student’s memoir.
The raven encountered by that transfer student had been badly injured, and the torn pages at the end of the memoir suggested that the injury might have been far more sinister. As perhaps the only wizard who truly understood what “system father” meant, how could Ian not feel a chill down his spine, uneasy and restless?
“Headmaster Dumbledore might know more about this…” Ian muttered as he pushed his food around at dinner, his appetite completely gone. He felt gloomy throughout the meal.
“What’s wrong with you?” Aurora noticed his unusual demeanor.
“You’re a seer, right?” Ian looked at his good friend with his heterochromatic eyes.
Seeing Aurora nod with a puzzled expression, he continued, eagerly extending his hand and signaling her to grab it tightly.
“Help me see how many enemies I have?” Ian hoped that perhaps she could help him preemptively avoid some risks.
However, just as he was mentally counting,
“I already told you that day, I can’t see your future anymore.” Aurora squeezed Ian’s hand, trying to channel her magical power for a moment. In the end, she reluctantly gave up.
“It seems I need to work harder to be kind and not do anything annoying…” Ian sighed, pushing the chunks of beef around on his plate.
Upon hearing his words, Aurora suddenly looked astonished.
“So you knew you were bad before?”
It was as if she were discovering Ian all over again.
“…”
Somewhat speechless, Ian tossed his utensils aside. Seeing Aurora pull out a lollipop once again, he was even more exasperated and snatched it from her hand, popping it into his mouth.
“I need to find Dumbledore and figure this out.” Feeling a slight lift in his mood from the small burst of sugar, Ian hurriedly left the Great Hall under Aurora’s thoughtful gaze.
Unfortunately, Ian not only didn’t find Dumbledore’s presence on the Marauder’s Map, but he also couldn’t locate him in the Headmaster’s office. He searched every corner and hidden nook where someone might be.
Still, there was no sign of him.
Feeling a bit uneasy in his stomach, Ian walked towards the bathroom, instinctively calling out,
“Dumbledore, are you here?”
He lifted the toilet lid.
Of course, Dumbledore was not inside.
However, he was met with a startled Myrtle, who had been right in front of him.
Their eyes met.
After a moment,
“I’ve moved to another bathroom! You still won’t leave me alone! Ahhh! Help!!” Myrtle screamed at the top of her lungs, causing the young wizard to flee in panic.
“This is the boys’ bathroom!” Ian confirmed he hadn’t made a mistake as he bolted outside. He felt as though he’d been cursed by Voldemort himself; everything he did that day seemed inexplicably frustrating.
“Do you eat curses? Come gnaw on me a bit?” Back in the Room of Requirement, Ian grabbed his black Phoenix from atop the Dementor.
“Squawk!” The black Phoenix struggled to escape.
“Hey, you really look like a cross between a Phoenix and a raven. Could it be… no, it must be that you’re a hybrid species!” Ian tugged at the black Phoenix’s feathers, attempting to pull one out for study, but as soon as a feather fell, it ignited in a swirl of black and purple flames.
This flame not only failed to burn him but also couldn’t even ignite a piece of wood.
“This thing must have some special magic.”
After a moment of thought, Ian brought the burning feather close to the Dementor, and sure enough, the Dementor screeched in terror and dove into its cage.
“Is it a soul attack? No… it must be more than that. Ian didn’t want to lose his only Dementor, but he knew there were other soul-bearing creatures in the Forbidden Forest he could catch.
Without hesitation, he immediately entered the Forbidden Forest through the secret passage.
“Centaurs have no sense of pain! Especially the ones that have done bad things!” The young wizard had upgraded his Nimbus to an eight-pointed star, skittering through the Forbidden Forest like a crab in search of troublemaking Centaurs.
However, his luck seemed to be terribly poor that day; after two hours, he hadn’t found a single one that would threaten or curse him.
“I’ll come back tomorrow!”
If it weren’t for tonight being the time to enter the Twilight Zone, Ian would have stayed up all night like those ranked lower in the House. Feeling a bit dejected, he was about to pack up and head back to the castle.
“Beep~”
The watch on his wrist emitted a faint sound. It was a reminder of midnight. Before Ian could raise his hand to check the time, he suddenly noticed that everything around him had become eerily quiet, as though time itself was being gently pressed down by an invisible membrane.
Everything froze in that moment of eternity.
“The moon… has turned red…” Ian looked up in confusion, and just as the blood moon reflected in his eyes, he found everything around him seemed to be drifting away.
Blurry.
Spinning.
That familiar sensation returned.
For the first time, Ian stepped fully conscious into that realm, an endless expanse of black sand stretched out before him, like an infinite abyss swallowing all color and life.
Looking up at the sky, there were no stars or daylight, only a deep black curtain, as if the darkest depths of the universe had been condensed into this place.
An oppressive and heavy atmosphere rushed towards him. The blood moon he had seen before still hung above, its crimson and eerie glow casting an ominous hue over this desolate desert.
Looking utterly sinister.
(End of this chapter)
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