Not just without Dumbledore.
No surprise mail delivery by owl either.
Ian thinks his magical journey is quite convoluted. Unlike others who have guides like the gentle Professor McGonagall, or the big-hearted Hagrid whose favor is easily gained, why is his guide the most unwelcome Half-blood Prince at Hogwarts?
Yes.
The man in the orphanage director's office, dressed in a wide black robe with greasy hair that hasn't seen shampoo in years, is none other than Snape, the current head of Slytherin.
This professor carries many titles, such as a potions genius, an old youth syndrome patient, and a love warrior full of buff stacks.
Of course.
The most widely known label on Snape might be that he was once a Death Eater following the Black Demon King—Ian knows that the other side is now Dumbledore's double agent, but this fact cannot hide his former identity as a Death Eater.
The aura of fear is undeniably real.
Because of this.
Now Snape has become his guide, and this isn't particularly good news for Ian.
"Ian, come in!"
The director of the orphanage, sitting directly opposite the door, immediately called out to the approaching Ian, waving with a smile.
Ian entered the room.
Shut the door behind him.
Outside, a chorus of children's "moaning" was heard.
"Poor little Ian can finally embrace a better life, thank God," muttered Lady Yelena happily while introducing the shadowy Snape. "This is Ian, the most sensible and beloved child here."
"I believe, although he's not from a good background, he'll be among the best of your place, even compared to those aristocratic children, Ian is smarter."
Lady Yelena lavished praise on Ian without reservation.
This made Ian slightly embarrassed; he was, after all, a transmigrator with an adult soul, which was admittedly quite unfair to compare with other children.
"That is indeed the hope."
Snape sitting across from Lady Yelena was also observing Ian.
From the moment Ian stepped in, Snape's gaze never left Ian's face, a stern expression with complex eyes rendering Ian baffled.
Is this... guilt?
[Thought Perception], an Extraordinary Trait originating from [Psychology], grants Ian special abilities to sense the most intense emotions and some deep desires within others.
At this moment.
Due to the other's unsettled mind, Ian instantly sensed Snape's emotions. This peculiarity reminded Ian of what Dumbledore had mentioned.
The professor visiting later feels tremendously indebted to him?
Is this professor indeed Snape?... Ian felt a certain inexplicable curiosity; he was clearly not Harry Potter, nor could he be Lily Potter's illegitimate child.
Then where do Snape's emotions stem from?
"What are you doing! How is this possible!?"
Suddenly.
As Ian was puzzled.
A flash of disbelief streaked through Snape's eyes, his expression turning uncertain and his gaze towards Ian becoming sharply unsettling.
"Huh?"
Ian retreated a few steps in fright.
Lady Yelena was equally baffled by Snape's reaction.
"Legilimency! Mr. Prince, Dumbledore didn't tell me you possess such a hidden gift!" Snape's eyes quivered intensely.
Surprise? Anxiety? Concern?
He sternly stared at Ian, but his emotional leak became increasingly evident. This emotional perception deepened Ian's inner confusion.
What exactly is going on with the Professor of Potions before him?
Could he be an illegitimate child with a Muggle!? Because he couldn't have Lily Potter, did he find a Muggle resembling Lily Potter and have her give birth to Ian, discarding him in an orphanage?
No way!
This is... too explosive, too illogical!
The more curious Ian gets,
The more pronounced his perception becomes.
Hence.
"I say! Enough!"
Snape suddenly raised his tone by several degrees.
His voice stern.
"I... I can't control it..."
Ian was immensely tense at this point; he hadn't anticipated Snape detecting the [Thought Perception] probe, nor had he expected this ability to be mistaken for the magic of [Legilimency].
"Professor, perhaps controlling your emotions a bit might ease the current situation?" No other choice, Snape was seriously agitated.
Ian could only quietly remind him.
"Phew~"
Snape inhaled deeply with an unpleasant expression. Once he closed his eyes for a brief adjustment, Ian's sharp perception blurred.
"What did you see?"
Snape asked, with disbelief still lingering on his face after reopening his eyes.
"I didn't see your memories, I can only perceive your emotions, your mind may be a bit disordered?" Ian answered honestly.
Since the other party had already noticed the anomaly in him, hiding this ability was evidently futile. For a wizard, some special talents aren't a trouble.