The Old Ones of Hogwarts

Chapter 524, Section 533: The Eternal Gamble

The sun was still warm, and the streets remained "normal."

But Jorgins felt an unprecedented chill and helplessness. He instinctively looked at the mysterious and powerful young man before him, his eyes filled with dependence and pleading.

"Don't be nervous."

Seeing his anxious and uneasy expression, Ian understood. This poor wizard had probably become a key pawn in some unknown game.

And he himself seems to have been unwittingly drawn into this game because of today's intervention.

"It seems," Ian muttered to himself, his eyes gleaming as he gazed at the gray London sky, as if trying to see through the countless secrets and undercurrents hidden beneath.

"It's unlikely that we can quietly 'observe' for a while."

The curtain has been raised.

The actors began to appear on stage one after another.

And he, this unexpected "audience member," seems to have been given a new role.

"What should I do?"

Jorgins swayed slightly, emerging from that dazed state, feeling as if he were surfacing from deep water, his head throbbing but his mind clear.

He instinctively touched his forehead, then looked at Ian, his eyes filled with tension and pleading. Jorgins knew that only the powerful figure before him could save him.

Ian did not speak immediately.

He lowered his eyes slightly, seemingly processing and integrating the information he had just seen. Silence descended once more into the alley, with only the distant sounds of the city serving as a blurred backdrop.

In a short time.

The atmosphere became somewhat tense.

Jorgins waited anxiously, not daring to interrupt Ian's thoughts. After a moment, Ian looked up at Jorgins and calmly gave his conclusion.

"Mr. Jorkins. Your memory is coherent, without any signs of tampering, except for that 'hint.' The existence of that hint is also confirmed, the method was very sophisticated, and its triggering mechanism is consistent with your description—as for the person who left the hint... he certainly had his purpose."

Ian paused, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes. "His strength far surpasses that of ordinary wizards, and he may even be involved in ancient magic or the realm of prophecy. Judging from the existing clues, his purpose leans towards 'protective guidance,' leading you to a place he believes may offer 'sanctuary' or 'a turning point.'"

Speaking of which...

Ian looked at Jorkins, his gaze becoming somewhat meaningful.

"And this is precisely where I appeared. Mr. Jorkins, it seems we've both been unwittingly drawn into something... much bigger."

Upon hearing this...

Jorgins' heart, which had just settled, jumped again, his face turning pale. "A bigger picture? Sir, what... what do you mean? Could it be that the man in black robes isn't with the Death Eaters? He... he led me to you on purpose? What was his purpose? Was he trying to use me to target you?" His mind was racing.

Being a student of Ravenclaw, one is naturally intelligent.

But now I am restless.

His mind was a jumbled mess, making it difficult for him to think.

"It's not certain yet," Ian shook his head. "However, I suspect they're trying to drag me into something. Of course, you're safe for now."

Ian is not a prophet after all.

They cannot do what the prophets can do.

He patted Jorkins on the shoulder.

This gesture left Johansson both flattered and terrified.

All I saw was...

Ian continued, "That Death Eater was terrified of me and won't dare to bother you again for a while. Moreover, he has my 'mark' in his soul, and his accomplices should also be able to sense the abnormality. Perhaps they will be wary, or they may turn their revenge target from you to me."

Ian didn't care.

Voldemort is nothing but a nobody.

It can be destroyed with a flick of the finger.

He even trained Voldemort during his most intelligent period.

"Thank you, sir!"

Jorgins was deeply grateful. He knew that if it weren't for this man before him, he would surely be dead today, or perhaps even tortured before his death. "No need to thank me. I just don't like seeing people causing trouble in the streets," Ian said casually after a moment's thought.

"However, Mr. Jorkins, I suggest that you do not report the dark magic artifact you discovered, or the fact that you are being hunted, to anyone for the time being, including your superior, Barty Crouch."

He reminded him softly.

Jorgins was taken aback: "W-why? That thing is dangerous; it should be reported and dealt with as soon as possible..."

"Because you've become a target now, and things are more complicated than you think," Ian interrupted him. "The existence of that hint indicates that a third party is watching this matter. Reporting it rashly might alert them, or get you into a more complex power struggle and danger." "Although Director Crouch is known for fighting dark magic, the environment he's in..." Ian didn't finish his sentence, but the implication was clear: the Ministry of Magic might not be entirely clean either.

He felt that Johansson would be drawn into this crucial situation.

It's also related to that dark magic item.

"this……"

Johansson hesitated.

Not reporting it meant he would have to keep the secret alone and bear unknown risks. But the suggestion from this adult before him clearly carried more weight. It also seemed to be for his benefit.

"Then... what should I do?" he asked helplessly.

Ian thought for a moment and said, "Continue your normal work and life, but be vigilant. Keep the information about that thing hidden away, don't leave it in the Ministry of Magic or in any obvious place in your home. Regarding today's encounter, and my existence..."

He paused.

He glanced at Jorkins. "You can choose to forget it, or keep it as a secret. I suggest the latter, because the forgetting spell might have unpredictable interference with that subtle suggestion in your brain."

"I understand! I promise I'll keep it a secret! I won't tell anyone!" Jorgins quickly assured him.

"Very good." Ian nodded. "If there are any new anomalies, or if you sense that the 'hint' is changing, or... if you encounter that man in black again..."

He handed Jorgins an ordinary-looking but warm-to-the-touch black pebble. "Hold it, concentrate on thinking of me, and I can sense it. But don't use it unless necessary."

Ian was also worried about being disturbed unnecessarily, so he gave a special reminder.

Jorgins accepted the pebble with both hands, clutching it tightly. "Yes! Thank you, sir!"

This thing is absolutely a life-saving artifact.

Reassurance.

Jorgins clutched the smooth, black pebble tightly, as if grasping at his only lifeline and a faint connection to the world's deeper secrets. Besides the relief of surviving the ordeal and awe of Ian, he felt an indescribable excitement—he, an ordinary, even somewhat cowardly, lowly clerk in the Ministry of Magic, had actually crossed paths with such an incredible being, and had been entrusted with such an important token and entrustment. Perhaps.

Do I also have some kind of destined mission?

Well, how should I put it?

I've watched a lot of Johansson's films.

And just as he was imagining things...

Looking at Ian's calm and composed face, he suddenly remembered something important. After hesitating for a moment, he finally mustered his courage and asked, "M-Sir... regarding that dark magic artifact, the one I discovered that led to my being hunted down... would you... would you like to examine it yourself?" "Or, should I tell you where it's hidden? It looks... quite unusual." Jorgins felt that with this lord's knowledge and power, he might be able to see through the artifact at a glance, and even handle it better. Moreover, this would be a sign of sincerity. Years of experience at the Ministry of Magic had taught him the importance of a team. Upon hearing this, Ian gently shook his head, a faint but elusive smile playing on his lips.

"No need, Mr. Jorkins." His voice was calm. "I have no interest in the item itself at the moment. Nor do you need to tell me its exact location."

Ian has his own ideas.

However, the other party probably couldn't understand. Jorgins was taken aback, somewhat puzzled. This lord didn't seem to care about the dark magic artifact that caused this situation?

Ian noticed his confusion and explained, "Since that thing has already been targeted by the Death Eaters, it means it's either very important or has far-reaching implications. If I intervene now to investigate directly, it's tantamount to prematurely revealing my interest in this event and disrupting any potential plans behind the 'hint' you're carrying."

He paused, his gaze drifting into the distance.

"Sometimes, letting the bait remain in its natural state, floating quietly in the water, allows you to see exactly which fish will be attracted, and... what the angler is actually trying to catch."

Ian's tone carried a detached calmness: "I won't look, I won't ask, I won't directly interfere. Let it develop according to its original trajectory, let those eyes hidden in the shadows continue to watch it—and you too. That way, I can better observe the actors in this play." "And... what kind of play does that 'director' who gave you the hints want to put on?" Ian was already a master of political maneuvering, so his reasoning was clear and logical.

Jorgins only vaguely understood what he was saying, but he generally realized that the man wanted to remain calm and observe how things would develop naturally in order to gather more information and perhaps even draw out the person behind the scenes.

His foresight and patience earned him even greater respect.

"I understand, sir. I will do as you say, remain normal, and leave no trace." Jorgins nodded solemnly, increasingly convinced that Ian was definitely not as young as he appeared.

"Um."

Ian responded, noticing Johankins' still somewhat pale face and the weariness in his eyes, his tone softening slightly, "Go back and get some rest, Mr. Johankins. Today's events must have been quite a shock to you. Relax, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Remember, you just discovered something unusual and got caught up in it, it's not like the sky is falling."

He thought for a moment, then added, his tone almost casual and matter-of-fact, yet it sent a jolt through Jorgins' heart: "With me here, even if something really happens to you, as long as you don't just vanish into thin air, I can probably find a way to bring you back. So, just relax and live your life."

Even the dead can be brought back to life?!

Johansson was completely stunned, his mouth slightly agape and his eyes wide open.

The implications of these words are utterly shocking! Resurrection? Even in the magical world, this is a near-forbidden and legendary realm! Even the most powerful healers and the most skilled potion masters are often powerless in the face of true death. This sir… could he utter such words with such nonchalance? Was it exaggerated consolation? Or… for him, was it truly just some possible "method"? The thought is chilling!

If anyone else had said this, Jorkins would have dismissed it as madness or boasting. But coming from the very being before him who had just easily crushed the Death Eaters, performed miraculous magic, and seen through his soul's hints… he found himself, deep within himself, genuinely experiencing a strange yet unwavering "belief." This trust was without reason, yet as steadfast as a rock.

Perhaps it was because of the absolute strength and otherworldly demeanor displayed by the other party that he felt that nothing was truly impossible in front of this person.

"I...I believe you! Thank you, sir! Thank you!" Jorgins' voice choked with emotion, a mixture of gratitude and the overwhelming relief of released pressure. With those words, the last vestige of fear he felt for the unknown danger dissipated. Yes, there was someone secretly watching over this matter. What did he have to fear?

Just do your job well and be the "bait"!

Johansson is very self-aware.

"Go."

Ian waved his hand again.

Good day.

Jorgins bowed again before turning around and walking quickly toward the other end of the alley. His steps were still a little unsteady, but compared to his previous constant anxiety, he felt much more at ease.

He knew that he had not only escaped with his life today, but had also encountered an incredible being, and perhaps... had also glimpsed some of the deeper secrets of this world.

In the alley, only Ian remained.

He stood silently, his gaze fixed on the alleyway where Jorgins had disappeared, motionless for a long time. The calm on his face was gradually replaced by a thoughtful expression. "The man in black... a prophetic hint... precise guidance..."

He muttered to himself, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the cold brick wall beside him, "Did they know I was here? Or did they merely foresee that something 'unexpected' would happen here?"

These are all possible scenarios.

If it's the former, it means the other party not only possesses strong predictive or insightful abilities,

They might also know something about Ian Prince's identity, background, or certain traits. This is troublesome, meaning he's not entirely in the shadows. If it's the latter, it's relatively better. The other party might have somehow foreseen that at a certain time and place, a "strong disruptive source" capable of altering the trajectory of Jorkins' fate would appear, and thus laid clues in advance to guide Jorkins there. This is more like an "investment" or "insurance" based on probability and causality.

Rather than a scheme targeting Ian personally.

However, in any case, an entity that can exert such subtle, long-lasting, and highly targeted mental suggestions, and can also make some degree of foresight, should not be underestimated.

Its purpose could not possibly be as simple as just saving Jorkins' life. Jorkins, or that dark magic artifact, is likely just one link in a larger scheme.

Which one would it be?

Think carefully.

Actually, the latter is more likely.

No wizard can control the fate of a legend, not even a god. So, between the two options—that the other party knew he was coming all along, and that he only knew it after he arrived—Ian believed the latter.