The corridors of Hogwarts always exude a mysterious aura at night.
The rotating stairs are changing.
Ian is standing at the corridor entrance, negotiating with the portrait of the elderly Gryffindor—this scene is destined to be unseen by anyone, maybe many still think the Gryffindor portrait at the corridor doesn't speak.
"Looking for the portrait of my younger self?"
The elderly Gryffindor portrait was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting Ian to make such a request. But he quickly regained his composure and pondered slightly.
As if truly considering whether to agree.
"Yes, I believe you can definitely find him, after all, who knows oneself better than oneself? You surely have some ideas about where he might be hidden."
Ian also offered his own suggestion.
He was very attentive to this matter.
For the whole year he had been searching for the portrait of Gryffindor in his youth—that special portrait full of narcissism, claiming to be Gryffindor's last masterpiece left in the human world—Ian was indeed very concerned. Not because of the other's elusive nature that might annoy, nor because of the slight grudge between them.
The main reason was that Ian still remembered the treasures mentioned by that portrait, and Gryffindor left a Treasure Vault, which was certainly what he was thinking about—the so-called Gryffindor's Treasure Vault.
Yes.
There's no shame in admitting it; Ian craved that Gryffindor treasure, knowing such a treasure vault from someone who loved adventure must be richly endowed.
Gryffindor, the legendary figure known for courage and adventure, according to historical records, his footprints spanned across the globe, so each adventure surely came with countless rare treasures.
It's hard to imagine.
If those items weren't stored in Hogwarts' warehouse, but in a separate, secret hiding room, the treasures inside would be exceedingly rich beyond imagination.
Ian's heart involuntarily accelerated, as if those treasures were calling him. His heartbeat involuntarily accelerated, as if those treasures were calling him—those precious magic items, mysterious magical scrolls, definitely hidden in some corner of Hogwarts.
Is he greedy?
No!
He just couldn't bear to see treasures gathering dust!
Ian didn't want to find some test from the Four Giants, he believed that once he found the young Gryffindor portrait, he would surely have a way to know the location of the Treasure Vault from the other's mouth.
Coerce and bribe?
He is not the Black Demon King, he wouldn't do such things, he has always had better ways.
"So, how about it, Mr. Gryffindor?"
Ian respects the Four Giants; even when facing a portrait, he maintains sufficient courtesy. Although a portrait isn't the person themselves, their words represent part of the person's will.
"Alright, no problem, deal. But you must promise me to ensure their safety during following them. Although those kids are brave, the dangers in the Forbidden Forest aren't something they can handle easily." The portrait's tone became serious, evidently having a deep understanding of the dangers in the Forbidden Forest.
"???????"
Ian was perplexed.
"Am I not supposed to pack them up and bring them back?" He thought this portrait had a problematic mindset, knowing the dangers of the Forbidden Forest but still wanting those three to continue their adventure.
"You cannot suppress the nature of one, no, three Gryffindor students!" Old Gryffindor suddenly became agitated, gesturing as if ready to leap out from the frame.
"..."
Ian didn't even know how to respond, only nodding his head at last as if agreeing to the portrait's request. Of course, he already had a plan of what to actually do.
Ha.
Nature?
If those three end up getting a thrashing and then brought back claiming they returned willingly, likely none of them would dare to exhibit Gryffindor College's bravery to refute.
Apart from that.
Going to the Forbidden Forest and getting beaten counts as having completed an adventure, doesn't it? Logically it sounds coherent, Ian's face showed a satisfied smile.
As for this.
The elderly Gryffindor portrait couldn't possibly perceive. After all, he was merely the portrait of a former Giant, naturally lacking the magic powers the Giants possess to sense Ian's mind.
Also.
If Gryffindor himself stood in front of Ian, he likely wouldn't overcome Ian's psychic barriers, considering they are both legendary rank wizards.
And Ian's accomplishments in psychic power are particularly outstanding.
Who is peeking into whose mind.
That's quite hard to say.
"You really will help me find the young version of your portrait, right? How should I put it, it's not that I'm suspicious, you are after all the portrait of the same person."
Before setting off, Ian reconfirmed.
"Don't worry, I believe for the young version of my portrait, this will definitely be an exceptionally thrilling adventure." The old wizard portrait's beard flicked upwards.
Even showed a sense of anticipation.
His mindset feels particularly difficult to comprehend. Ian believes, the younger version of Gryffindor surely wouldn't think so, might even curse the elderly version of his portrait.
"Alright."
Ian was about to turn and take action, suddenly stopping in his tracks.