Sure enough.
"That's right, unless the place we're in now isn't the real world, but somewhere very close to the realm of death, only then could you accomplish this so easily."
Albus Dumbledore's tone was casual, as if he was completely prepared, his eyes fell upon the Elder Wand faintly visible within Ian's robe.
Ian understood in an instant.
"Patronus Charm!"
Warm and hazy, the mist shimmered as it rose from the wand, countless silver threads weaving in the air, initially forming a silhouette as indistinct as a scarecrow.
However.
As Ian continued to channel his magic power, the clarity of the figure increased continuously; the details of the face and body frantically filled in.
The atmosphere in the office was rather quiet.
Albus Dumbledore even held his breath, his face no longer calm and composed, and the brightness erupting from his eyes was unprecedentedly clear and intense.
"I wish this dream would never end."
Albus Dumbledore's lips and voice trembled severely.
Upon seeing the figure exactly as remembered, seemingly untouched by time, the previously eloquent old professor was weeping like rain.
"Ian? It's been two days for us already, hasn't your Christmas ended yet?" The girl, upon opening her eyes, first saw Ian still processing the information.
"So, there's no gift box for me to jump into?" She looked around, finally noticing Albus Dumbledore, standing excitedly, lips trembling yet unable to utter a sound.
Initially.
The girl's expression was somewhat puzzled. However, she quickly saw the all-too-familiar silhouette on the exceptionally neatly kept yet unmistakably aged face.
"Albus brother?"
The girl floated toward Albus Dumbledore.
Unexpectedly, this professor, who embraced his own death fearlessly, instinctively retreated, even stumbling over the wooden legs of the chair, nearly falling.
Fortunately, Ariana promptly supported the staggered Albus Dumbledore.
"Ari...ana..."
Albus Dumbledore's voice suddenly became exceedingly dry, he raised a trembling hand in disbelief, touching Ariana's still youthful face.
"It's me, Albus brother." Ariana also raised her hand to wipe the tears streaming down Albus Dumbledore's face, feeling the grooves time had left upon it.
"Albus brother, life must have made you suffer greatly." Ariana took the initiative to embrace Albus Dumbledore; the reprimand he feared never arrived.
His body trembled.
Cautiously lifting his hand, feeling reluctant to reciprocate the embrace, or perhaps overwhelmed by guilt, unease, regret, his myriad emotions made him unworthy of the warmth.
"You've spent a lifetime seeking redemption, professor." Ian did not see Dumbledore in this light, he merely uttered what Albus Dumbledore perhaps needed to hear.
"I must say, compared to Slytherin, Ian, your magic is the true... miracle." Albus Dumbledore wept facing Ian.
He couldn't fathom the meaning behind Ian's Patronus Charm.
But.
At this moment.
Seeing Ariana once again and realizing he could still touch her, the spark igniting in Albus Dumbledore's eyes was more intense than ever.
He further understood the necessity of what he had to do.
"You must leave here! Ian Prince, even if Salazar Slytherin tries to trap you, I will ensure you return to where you belong!"
"No one can stop this! Not even a thousand-year legend!"
The old professor's voice remained somewhat dry and hoarse.
Yet extraordinarily determined.
[ps: Tower, next chapter, tall, here, not illusion]