Ian was just about to pull out a letter to stop him from talking.
Unexpectedly, Dumbledore didn't seem to mind that he had studied "Advanced Dark Arts Unveiled."
"It seems you've had in-depth conversations with our Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, but clearly, you still don't understand much about Miss Grindelwald's grandfather."
"He always hides many secrets, concealing things he doesn't want to say, and even when he's telling the truth, beware that he's hiding other information."
Dumbledore unabashedly criticized his old friend, and seeing Ian's expression becoming somewhat unnatural, he explained how he knew Ian possessed the book.
"Your Fiery Fire shows signs of his modification, and besides, the book was a gift from me to him. I just didn't expect him to pass it on to you through Miss Grindelwald."
Dumbledore's words left Ian slightly stunned.
Pass on?
But it looked like it was Aurora's own decision, so is this the power of a prophet's ability … but how could Dumbledore be so sure of Grindelwald's actions?
The understanding between good friends?
Ian pondered.
Dumbledore spoke again, asking, "How much do you know about Soul Artifacts?"
Quite evidently.
Back to the previous topic.
"To be honest, I don't know much. I don't really want to delve into that part because I find the act of splitting one's soul foolish both in life and after death. Besides, you did remind me when I started school that one of your students lost further potential due to foolishness." Ian answered quite honestly, feeling as if he was always dealing with these craftily wise beasts not easy to deceive.
"I'm glad you remember what I said before and have taken it as guidance. Yes, you're right; wise people don't choose such a dreadful path of self-destruction. Superior wisdom is humanity's greatest treasure, and I believe I now gradually understand that the Sorting Hat's assessment of you was indeed very accurate."
Dumbledore was generous in his praise of Ian, even laughing happily because of Ian's good memory.
"We need to save Hufflepuff's treasure!" Ian attempted to mimic Lady Ravenclaw's actions, only to find he couldn't touch the soul in the Golden Cup.
He didn't want to drink wine with Tom's essence, so he made several tries despite failure, discovering indeed that Lady Ravenclaw's method was quite difficult to replicate.
Perhaps lacking some critical understanding of souls? Feeling a bit unconvinced, Ian began to vigorously shake the Golden Cup, trying to jostle the dazed remnant soul inside—Fox, truly worthy of being a Fantastic Beast, remained steadily perched on Ian's wildly moving head, incubating an egg.
"What you're doing is merely torturing it, not driving it out... Ian, you clearly are different from us all."
Dumbledore watched Ian intensify his shaking of the Golden Cup upon hearing the word "torture," his eyes filled with an indescribable amazement.
Clearly.
Not just anyone could achieve such an effect by shaking the Golden Cup. In fact, most wizards couldn't even perceive the remnant soul inside, let alone exert any influence over it.
"Huff, huff, huff~!"
Exhausted from his vigorous shaking, Ian stopped his spasmodic movements, peering once more into the Golden Cup, seeing the remnant soul seemingly spewing out foam madly.
But it was indeed as Dumbledore had said; there was no way to shake out Voldemort's remnant soul… it was like a leech clinging to bone, completely fused with Hufflepuff's Golden Cup.
"I have a teacher who might be able to help us, but I need to take the Golden Cup back temporarily." Heaven bear witness, Ian truly only wishes to take Voldemort on another cruise, definitely not aiming to embezzle this Hufflepuff treasure. At best, he'd return this school property right after swearing in as Hogwarts Chief.
"Destroying the remnant soul while preserving the artifact is possible; I have some friends who can help. The remnant soul sealed within is not a real challenge." Dumbledore looked at the Golden Cup in Ian's hand without acknowledging Ian's slightly subtle hint.
"Alright then."
Somewhat regretfully, Ian returned the Golden Cup to the table, feeling he couldn't keep holding it, else he might, without warning, make a break for it during their conversation. Maybe it was greed, but Ian would definitely blame the influence of Voldemort's remnant soul on his psyche.
"Do remember to return it to the elves in the kitchen after destroying the evil soul inside. I recall it was originally a vessel for the elves to store things." Ian decided on a circuitous approach for his goal, thinking once the elves had the Golden Cup, it would basically mean he could use it indefinitely.
After all, he and the elves were on very good terms.
"Dealing with what's inside won't be too difficult; the real challenge is that there's more than one. I don't want that person to realize I've discovered his secret."
"He'll run, but I need to completely root out the problem." Dumbledore's expression turned very stern and serious, his tone carrying a calm ruthlessness.