It's not just that Dumbledore is missing.
There's also no surprise in receiving letters from owls.
Ian felt that his path to magic could only be described as tortuous. Other newcomers to the wizarding world had guides like the gentle Professor McGonagall or the big, foolish, and wealthy Hagrid, whose favor was easy to earn. But for Ian? His guide turned out to be the most unpopular figure at Hogwarts—the Half-Blood Prince himself.
Yes.
The man in the black, wide, mop-like robe, with greasy hair that hadn't seen shampoo in years, currently seated in the orphanage director's office, was none other than Severus Snape, the head of Slytherin.
This professor had many titles: Potions Master, Chronic Chuunibyou Sufferer, and Ultimate Pure-hearted Lover with an unwavering devotion.
Of course.
Perhaps Snape's most well-known label was that he had once been a Death Eater, a follower of the Dark Lord. Ian knew he was now a double agent for Dumbledore, but that didn't erase his past allegiances.
The aura of intimidation he carried was no illusion.
Because of this—
The fact that Snape had become his guide was anything but good news for Ian.
"Ian, come in quickly!"
The orphanage director, seated facing the door, saw Ian hesitating and immediately waved him over with a smile.
Ian stepped into the room.
And shut the door behind him.
Outside, the children's wails filled the air.
"Poor little Ian can finally have a better life, thank God."
Muttering happily, Ms. Elena introduced Ian to the gloomy Snape.
"This is Ian, the most sensible and caring child here," she said. "I believe that despite his background, he will grow to be one of the finest students at Hogwarts. Even those from noble families are not as intelligent as Ian."
Ms. Elena did not hold back her praise, which made Ian slightly embarrassed. After all, he was an adult soul in a child's body—it was unfair to compare him to ordinary children.
"Hopefully, that is the case."
Snape, seated across from Ms. Ilena, had been observing Ian from the moment he entered.
His gaze did not waver.
That expression—rigid, complex—left Ian puzzled.
Was this… guilt?
Ian's extraordinary ability, [Mind Perception]—derived from [Psychology]—allowed him to sense the strongest emotions and some of the deepest desires within others.
And right now—
Because Snape's heart was not at peace, Ian immediately picked up on his emotions.
This abnormality reminded Ian of something Dumbledore had said.
That the professor sent to retrieve him would feel a deep sense of indebtedness.
So, was that professor Snape?
Ian was confused. He wasn't Harry Potter. He wasn't some secret illegitimate child of Lily Potter.
Then where was this guilt coming from?
"What are you doing? How is this possible!?"
Suddenly—
Just as Ian was lost in thought—
A flicker of disbelief flashed through Snape's eyes. His face tensed, shifting between shock and uncertainty, and his sharp gaze made Ian feel as though he had a bone caught in his throat.
"Ah?"
Ian instinctively took a few steps back.
Ms. Elena also looked bewildered.
"Legilimency! Mr. Prince, Dumbledore never mentioned that you possessed this talent!"
Snape's eyes flickered violently.
Surprise? Unease? Worry?
His expression was cold and severe, but his emotions were growing increasingly turbulent. This only deepened Ian's confusion.
What exactly was going on with this Potions Master?
He couldn't possibly be Ian's father, right?
Had Snape, heartbroken over Lily, sought out a Muggle woman who resembled her, fathered a child, and abandoned him in an orphanage?
No way.
That was too absurd, too illogical!
The more curious Ian became—
The more intensely he perceived Snape's emotions.
Until—
"I said—enough!"
Snape's voice suddenly rose several octaves.
It was stern.
"I… I can't control it…"
Ian was nervous. He hadn't expected Snape to detect his [Mind Perception] and mistake it for [Legilimency].
For wizards, having unique talents wasn't an issue.
"Professor, perhaps if you calmed your emotions, the situation would improve?" Ian suggested hesitantly.
"Hoo~"
Snape took a deep breath, his expression dark. He closed his eyes for a moment, composing himself. As he did, Ian's perception of his emotions gradually faded.
"What did you see?"
Snape, now calmer but still skeptical, fixed his gaze on Ian.
"I didn't see your memories," Ian answered honestly. "I can only perceive emotions. You seem… unsettled."
Now that Snape had noticed his abilities, there was no point in hiding them.
"A natural Legilimens… This is very bad…"
Snape's expression darkened.
"Mr. Prince, do you think that just because fate has granted you certain gifts, you are free to act recklessly?"
His voice was colder than ever, each word squeezed through gritted teeth.
Ian cast a glance at Ms. Elena—who was watching them with a pleasant smile, nodding from time to time.
Clearly.
The conversation she was witnessing was vastly different from the one actually taking place.
"Confundus Charm…"
Ian looked at Ms. Elena, momentarily isolated in her own world.
For some reason—
His chest felt inexplicably heavy.
"I asked you a question, Mr. Prince. You dare to ignore a professor before even entering school? If this were Hogwarts, I would—"
Snape stopped mid-sentence, his face twisting into something unreadable.
"Sorry, Professor. I really can't control it."
Ian shrugged helplessly.
"Can't control it? Then learn to control it!"
Snape snapped.
"Uh…"
Ian's innocent expression seemed to soften Snape's frustration. The professor bit the inside of his cheek, and his tone eased ever so slightly.
"As a professor, I will warn you only once: Before you gain real strength, provoking other wizards is foolish."
"Hogwarts tolerates many things, but only if you remain an obedient little snake and don't stir up trouble like those insufferable Gryffindors."
Snape's voice was deadly serious.
Except—
When he mentioned Gryffindor—
His tone carried pure disdain.
"What's Gryffindor?"
Ian feigned ignorance.
"Heh, just a bunch of simple-minded, overgrown fools. The wise avoid them, or they'll find themselves in constant misfortune."
Snape scoffed.
Not exactly an explanation.
"Okay, Professor."
Ian didn't question or argue.
Instead, he nodded obediently.
This seemed to ease Snape's irritation.
"Madam, I need to take this child now to complete the necessary procedures."
He turned to Ms. Elena.
At that moment—
She blinked, as if returning to reality, then smiled warmly.
"Of course, of course. The headmaster has already arranged everything. Ian may leave with you now."
She urged Ian to gather his belongings.
Since he had been preparing for this, his suitcase was already packed.
Soon—
He stepped out, dragging the large suitcase behind him. Though he was eleven, he was barely taller than the luggage itself.
In the courtyard—
Ms. Elena, the staff, and almost all the children were waiting.
Snape stood at a distance, radiating an aura that kept others at bay.
"Ian, will you bring us chocolate?"
"Don't worry, Ian, I'll take care of your room and your little cat!"
"Wuu wuu, Brother Ian, please don't die, okay? They said we won't see you again!"
…
Ian smiled warmly.
"I'll be back," he promised.
This was his home, after all.
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