Chapter 9: The Gift of Fate

It wasn't just that Dumbledore didn't come.

There wasn't even the usual surprise of an owl delivering a letter.

Ian felt that his path to the magical world was far more convoluted than it should have been. Other newcomers had welcoming guides like the gentle Professor McGonagall or the friendly giant Hagrid—who, despite his naïveté, was easy to befriend. But why was Ian's guide the most unpopular professor at Hogwarts?

Yes.

Dressed in a sweeping black robe, with greasy, unwashed hair hanging over his face, the man sitting in the orphanage director's office was none other than Severus Snape, the current Head of Slytherin House.

Snape was known by many titles—Potions Master, a man trapped in eternal brooding, and a pure-hearted warrior of love burdened with a tragic past.

Of course.

The most infamous title associated with Snape was his former allegiance to the Dark Lord as a Death Eater. Ian knew that Snape was now working as a double agent under Dumbledore's orders, but that didn't erase his past.

There was an undeniable aura of intimidation about him.

And now, Snape was here as Ian's guide to the wizarding world.

This was not good news.


"Ian, come in quickly!"

Because her desk faced the door, the orphanage director was the first to see Ian when he entered, accompanied by a small crowd of curious children. She waved at him with a warm smile.

Ian stepped inside and shut the door behind him.

The muffled sound of children's disappointed wails could be heard from outside.

"Oh, poor Ian! At last, he can have a better life. Thank the Lord," murmured Director Elena, her face lit with genuine joy. She turned to introduce Ian to the somber man sitting across from her.

"This is Ian, one of the most well-behaved and bright children we have here," she said proudly. "I know his background may not be ideal, but I believe he will become one of the most outstanding students at your school. In fact, I'd say he's even smarter than some of those noble-born children."

Elena spared no effort in praising Ian.

Ian felt a little embarrassed. After all, he was an adult soul in a child's body—comparing him to ordinary kids hardly seemed fair.

"I hope that is the case," Snape responded coolly.

From the moment Ian entered, Snape had not looked away from him. His dark eyes studied Ian with an unreadable intensity, his face set in an expression that Ian struggled to interpret.

Was that... guilt?

Ian's ability, Mental Perception, derived from his knowledge of psychology, allowed him to sense strong emotions and deep desires in others.

Right now.

Snape's mind was far from calm, and Ian immediately detected a storm of conflicted emotions swirling within him.

This... was unexpected.

Dumbledore had once mentioned that the professor who came to fetch him would feel a sense of guilt toward him.

Was that professor actually Snape?

Ian couldn't understand why. He wasn't Harry Potter, and he certainly wasn't Lily Potter's secret child.

So why was Snape acting like this?


"What are you doing?! How is this possible?!"

Suddenly.

Snape's expression shifted dramatically, his dark eyes flashing with disbelief. His already stern face became even harsher, his gaze turning sharp and probing.

"...Huh?"

Ian instinctively took a step back, startled by Snape's outburst.

Director Elena looked equally confused.

"Legilimency! Prince... no, Dumbledore never mentioned you had such a talent!" Snape's voice wavered slightly, betraying his shock.

Surprise? Unease? Concern?

A flood of emotions radiated from him, and Ian could feel them all.

This only deepened Ian's confusion.

What was going on with Snape?

Was he really suggesting that Ian could use Legilimency? But that didn't make sense—he had no memory of actively invading Snape's mind.

Unless…

Had his Mental Perception ability triggered unconsciously, making Snape mistake it for Legilimency?


"Enough!"

Snape's voice cut through the air like a whip.

"I... I can't control it," Ian admitted honestly, his nerves on edge. He had never expected Snape to sense his ability in the first place, let alone mistake it for Legilimency.

"Professor, maybe if you calmed your mind a little, the situation would be less tense?" Ian suggested cautiously.

Snape inhaled sharply.

His expression remained cold and severe, but after closing his eyes for a brief moment, Ian noticed that the chaotic emotions he had been sensing gradually faded.

"What did you see?" Snape demanded when he opened his eyes again.

"I didn't see anything," Ian replied truthfully. "I can only sense emotions. That's all."

Snape narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing him.

"A natural Legilimens... This is troubling…" Snape muttered to himself, then spoke more clearly, "Tell me, do you think being gifted by fate allows you to act recklessly, Mr. Prince?"

His tone was icy.

He practically spat out Ian's surname.

Ian remained silent.

Was this sarcasm? Anger? Or something deeper?

Snape's voice dropped even lower, almost a growl. "Do not think for a moment that you are special. Before you even consider using such abilities, you must learn to control them. Otherwise, you are nothing but a fool inviting danger upon yourself."

A beat of silence followed.

Then, as if remembering something particularly unpleasant, Snape added darkly, "Hogwarts is lenient toward its students... but only if they follow the rules. Do not be like those reckless Gryffindors who constantly bring trouble upon themselves."

His voice dripped with disdain at the last word.

"Gryffindor? What's that?" Ian feigned ignorance, tilting his head in confusion.

Snape sneered. "A house for brainless fools with more courage than sense. Any intelligent student would keep their distance from them unless they wish to be cursed with misfortune."

This response told Ian absolutely nothing useful.

But rather than argue, he simply nodded obediently.

"Yes, Professor."

Snape studied him for a long moment before finally relenting.


"Director," Snape turned to Elena. "I need to take the boy now to complete the necessary arrangements."

Elena, who had appeared oddly disconnected from the conversation until now, suddenly nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, of course! The headmaster has already taken care of everything. Ian can leave with you right away."

She then urged Ian to collect his belongings.

Luckily, Ian had been preparing for this day, and his trunk was already packed.

Before long, he emerged from his room, dragging a suitcase nearly as large as himself.

Outside, a small crowd had gathered.

The orphanage staff and nearly all the children stood in the courtyard, waiting to say their goodbyes.

Snape, standing a distance away in the shadows, gave off an unapproachable aura.

"Ian! Will you bring us back some chocolate?"

"I'll take care of your little cart while you're gone!"

"Ian, don't die! They said we might never see you again!"

…

The children were heartbroken to see him leave.

Though time might one day dull their memories, at this moment, their emotions were genuine and raw.

"Ian, don't look back," Elena whispered, tears brimming in her eyes. "Your future will be bright."

Ian met her gaze and smiled softly.

"Professor, I can come back during the holidays, right?" he called out to Snape.

"That's your problem. Do not bother me with foolish questions," Snape snapped.

Ian turned back to Elena.

"I will return," he promised. "This place is home, after all."

With one final embrace, he stepped forward, dragging his trunk toward Snape.

And together, they disappeared into the misty streets of London.


Later that evening, as Elena went to console the children, she felt something heavy in her pocket.

Curious, she reached inside.

A thick envelope.

Her hands trembled as she opened it.

Inside were neatly stacked British pounds—not a fortune, but enough to keep the orphanage warm and fed for the winter.

"…That child," she whispered, voice shaking.

Tears welled in her eyes.

Ian had left them a gift.