Apocalypse: I Can Enter Hogwarts

Perhaps out of the kindness of an elder, Dumbledore was the first to break the silence.

"Ian, please allow me to call you that. Although they often say I am a crazy old man, I believe I am still quite lucid at this moment. Why do I feel as though we've known each other for a long time? Like old friends who haven't seen each other in years. That's also why I asked Minerva to leave—so we could talk alone."

Ian had intentionally orchestrated this impression, aiming for Dumbledore to perceive him this way.

After all, having lived two lives, if he couldn't control his expressions, he would have been devoured by the cutthroat society of his previous world.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Ian spoke in a measured tone:

"Mr. Dumbledore, I assure you this is our first meeting. As for why it feels like we've known each other for a long time, I will explain. The story I'm about to share may be a bit long."

"If it's a long story, take your time. No need to rush. Child, don't underestimate the patience of a centenarian," Dumbledore chuckled warmly. "But before that, we need some snacks. Listening to stories with snacks always makes things more enjoyable, doesn't it?"

When Ian nodded in agreement, Dumbledore tapped his wand. Instantly, the table filled with various fresh Honeydukes candies and two cups of steaming black tea.

"Thank you for the treat!" Ian said politely, lifting the teacup before continuing in a calm tone:

"The name of this story is Harry Potter..."

Ian thought he noticed a fleeting sharpness in Dumbledore's eyes at the mention of the name, but it was gone in an instant.

He pressed on, unfazed, drawing from the wealth of knowledge he had accumulated about this world—be it the original books, movies, or even derivative works. None of those accounts could compare to the profound kindness and sincerity Ian now felt emanating from this legendary wizard.

Dumbledore's love was boundless, his tolerance all-encompassing. Though he schemed against many, he never actively sought to harm anyone.

Even in the darkest moments, such as when Harry Potter had to willingly face death, Dumbledore only acted after arranging every safeguard and sacrificing himself first.

In death, he even burned his magical essence to remain at the Deathly Hallows' threshold, offering Harry his final protection.

Ian couldn't help but admire the purity of such love. For someone like Dumbledore, Ian decided to hold nothing back. Of course, if another "old man with a pipe and a fiery hat" were in his place, Ian would have taken a different approach.

"...And so, Harry Potter finally boarded the Hogwarts Express. After a series of trials, the trio succeeded in protecting the Philosopher's Stone.

Professor Quirrell, who had been possessed by a mysterious figure, was reduced to ashes by the protective magic left by Harry's mother. And so, I titled this story Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."

As Ian recounted these events, Dumbledore's expression grew increasingly serious, though he listened intently without interruption.

Ian sipped his tea, finding the bittersweet taste oddly grounding, and continued:

"The second story I call The Chamber of Secrets. It's a turning point, as it's when the wise headmaster finally uncovers the secret of why the mysterious figure cannot be destroyed...

...In the end, Lockhart the fraud received his due punishment, and the petrified students and ghosts were restored with the help of mature mandrakes. With Fawkes' assistance, Harry drew the Sword of Gryffindor, slew the basilisk, and destroyed the first Horcrux—the diary."

Here, Ian paused for emphasis.

"Speaking of Horcruxes, it's important to note that You-Know-Who created seven of them. The diary was just the first. The second is the Lost Diadem of Ravenclaw, hidden in the Room of Requirement. The third is Hufflepuff's Cup, stored in the Lestrange family vault. The fourth is Slytherin's Locket, concealed in the Black family home. The fifth is Nagini, the blood-cursed serpent.

The sixth is Marvolo Gaunt's ring. This, incidentally, is why you face an early demise, Professor. The ring bore the Resurrection Stone, one of the Deathly Hallows, but the curse it carried preyed on your longing for your sister and ultimately claimed your life.

The seventh, and most peculiar Horcrux, was created unknowingly—Harry Potter himself."

The room grew still as the golden sunlight gave way to twinkling starlight. Their conversation spanned nearly four hours. Ian recounted the events of the seven books in vivid detail, sharing the betrayals, sacrifices, and triumphs of every significant character.

"You know," Ian confessed, "when I first learned of all this, my initial thought was to quietly acquire the Philosopher's Stone and live a carefree life. But as I delved deeper, witnessing the tragedies and betrayals, I realized how shallow that desire was."

His voice turned wistful as he stared into his teacup, lost in thought.

"But when I envisioned Hogwarts' future—the young faces raising their wands to fight Death Eaters, the sacrifices made to protect this castle—I understood how cowardly and selfish my earlier thoughts were."

Ian's words painted a vivid tapestry of the future, drawing Dumbledore into its threads. Through Ian's descriptions, the headmaster seemed to glimpse fragments of time: Colin's bravery, Lupin and Tonks' love, Fred's sacrifice, Snape's redemption, and the final battle atop the tower.

When Ian's story concluded, he looked directly at Dumbledore and said:

"Professor, I shared this story with you not only out of trust and admiration but also because I love magic and this Hogwarts filled with laughter.

I believe the first duty of someone with foresight is not to hide in the shadows and selfishly pursue personal gain but to prevent as much tragedy as possible. Unfortunately, I lack the power to do it alone, which is why I told you, someone who can."

His voice softened, and he smiled awkwardly.

"Of course, I won't deny I have selfish motives too. Consider this a trade: I offer you knowledge of the future in exchange for your guidance, resources, and access to magical texts."

Ian's choice to confess everything stemmed from careful deliberation. With his ability to traverse worlds, he knew he had to act swiftly and decisively. In this world, being a step ahead was everything.

And the Harry Potter world was only the beginning. Time was not a luxury he could afford to waste.