Handsome, with a full head of hair, and good temperament, it's no wonder he's accompanied by two elderly ladies whose features, despite being deeply lined, still show they must have been quite beautiful in their youth.
Of course.
This isn't what Ian envies most; his eyes are fixed on the old man's head. Despite his age, he hasn't lost any hair, and he's eager to know if the man uses the Potter family's shampoo.
"You're the only little wizard around here. I think you might be looking for a lost pet?" The old man unbuttons his coat to reveal a little creature inside.
The Tree-Protecting Leprechaun that had escaped from Nicolas Flamel's office is now nestled against the old man's chest, sleeping soundly. Its little hands gently gripping the old man's chest make it appear quite attached.
"No, I lost a tree-protecting leprechaun made of gold, Mr. Scamander." Ian had previously found him familiar and is now certain of the man's identity.
Yes.
Newt Scamander. Most little wizards are familiar with this elderly gentleman because his portrait is on the cover of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."
He is the author of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" and was once a student at Hogwarts Hufflepuff College, although he "graduated" early for reasons well-known.
Ian has seen Newt Scamander in his prime in Headmaster Albus Dumbledore's memories, and now Newt Scamander has become a white-haired old man.
He even seems older than Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. It's hard to imagine, but from Ian's perspective, this was the protagonist of the previous era.
Indeed, from what Ian knows about Newt Scamander, Newt Scamander certainly took the protagonist template and is more akin to a protagonist of an era than Harry Potter.
Those in the know understand, many who did not technically graduate from Hogwarts have become significant figures, even Hagrid was formidable. Who would say a half-blood giant who can withstand many magic spells isn't strong?
Newt Scamander is also one of the non-standard graduates, and even putting aside his achievements in fantastic beasts, his life is undoubtedly a fascinating one—someone who opposed Grindelwald and still lives today, with average magical prowess but the unmistakable luck of a protagonist.
If a series wasn't made about Harry Potter but instead about Newt Scamander, Ian thinks it would at least be five episodes, and the plot would definitely be more thrilling than little wizards fighting Voldemort.
"Huh?"
The little wizard responded in a somewhat nonsensical way, clearly making the somewhat confident Newt Scamander freeze in confusion. He seemed to remain an awkward man in conversation throughout his life.
"Actually, if there were silver-made tree-protecting leprechauns, my lost one could also be a silver tree-protecting leprechaun. Everyone at Hogwarts knows I'm very easygoing."
Ian glances again at the small creature in Newt Scamander's arms; the tree-protecting leprechaun he's raised for days doesn't seem all that unruly.
At least it's quite close to Newt Scamander.
Newt Scamander might indeed have druid ancestors.
"..."
Unable to respond to Ian, Newt Scamander's side was held by an elderly woman holding the "True Nuclear Weapon" level suitcase, who then burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, this little one is so amusing." This elderly woman is likely Newt Scamander's wife, who reportedly worked as an Auror in some country's Ministry of Magic.
Later, she was misled by Newt Scamander.
"I'm quite serious, Madam." Ian doesn't quite remember Newt Scamander's wife's name, as "In Modern Magic History" barely mentions her. His homework was finished by William, so he surely can't speak eloquently like Hermione.
"You may call me Miss Tina." The old lady is evidently young at heart, introducing the somewhat melancholy-looking elderly lady beside her.
"This is my sister Queenie Kovarsky. You should also call her Miss Quine. She's feeling a bit down lately, so I've brought her out to lift her spirits."
"Don't say I didn't warn you, she's quite a formidable woman." Lady Tina takes over the conversation from her husband with Ian, clearly appearing more talkative than Newt Scamander.
"Losing a family member is indeed sorrowful, but please stay strong. Everyone reaches the end of their life, and the next journey is not as frightening as most think." Ian looks at the melancholy elder lady Queenie and tries to soften his voice.
Upon hearing this, elderly Queenie finally looks at the little wizard.
"For someone bedridden for years, death is also a form of release, isn't it?" She evidently seeks some external approval for psychological comfort.
"Death is a new beginning, far better than most people think. You'll reunite, as your loved one hopes, after you've lived to a ripe old age."
"I can mostly assure you of that." Ian provides the emotional support she desires but also subtly guards against the possibility of any rash thoughts.