"We can't even stop death, let alone create these beings that transcend life and death..." Gilderoy Lockhart's gaze rested on the creature within the cage.
"According to records about Exter, he wasn't really that outstanding as a Dark Wizard. The truth is, he used a sacrificial ritual with Muggles on that island, which is now a prison."
"He brought a species not belonging to our world into it, and because of his amateurish efforts, he lost his life. That's the real reason for his mysterious disappearance."
Gilderoy Lockhart's tone was filled with conviction. It was an event that happened many, many years ago, and no one knew why he was so confident.
"What does this have to do with the Patronus being able to fight Dementors?" Ian thought the story was indeed well-told, but it clearly wasn't the answer to his question.
Gilderoy Lockhart shook his head.
"It does matter, because the world inhabited by Dementors is the world we are destined to go to. In that world, the Patronus is supposed to pave the way for its partner." His answer differed from the current mainstream, something that would certainly be considered heresy in the Wizarding World.
Ian frowned slightly.
"You've never died, how do you know."
He carefully recalled.
In the Misty Illusion Realm, although there were many animals, every wizard's soul he encountered seemed not to be accompanied by their Patronus.
"I will die eventually, won't I? By then, we'll know." Gilderoy Lockhart didn't argue, just shrugged as if he didn't care.
"..."
Ian was made unsure by Gilderoy Lockhart's ease and certainty. Perhaps the scenarios he described were something that would happen beyond the Misty Illusion Realm?
After all,
if this guy really were that person,
he wouldn't just spout nonsense without basis, would he? Then again, who knows—people locked away for too long might develop some delusions and mental disorders.
"Muggles can't see Dementors and cannot fight them in despair. Don't they have their own Patronus?" Ian posed a critical question.
Faced with such a sharp challenge,
Gilderoy Lockhart simply smiled more brightly.
"Child, only through death and rebirth can miracles occur."
His clear enunciation carried a subtle, ambiguous meaning, making Ian feel a sense of déjà vu. Previously, when he first chatted with Aurora in the bookstore, she also inadvertently mentioned something similar.
Do you need to die once to acquire a Patronus? How's that possible... All the wizards in the world can summon a Patronus; surely they didn't all bring back a companion through death and rebirth!
While Ian was puzzling over this,
"Question time is over, Prince, it's your turn to try." Gilderoy Lockhart suddenly changed the subject, his voice full of eager anticipation.
Because his entire being was blended with his Patronus, the bright silver mist made it impossible for Ian to see one of his eyes, which had turned white.
"I'm really curious, just how extraordinary is your Patronus." With an almost impatient demeanor, Gilderoy Lockhart's shifting pupil reflected a scene unlike the classroom.
An old man wept on his knees, and a little wizard raised his hand in the eye's reflection. The Elder Wood Wand emitted silver threads that wove into a vague silhouette... He could see, but not clearly.
Prophecies are always like this.
Especially when involving significant upheavals.
It was so back then,
and it's so now.
"It better not be a Dragon or Thunderbird, that would greatly disappoint me." Perhaps the Gilderoy Grindelwald, whose name should change, had prepared for this class for a long time, yearning to understand why he couldn't see clearly. Why would a Spell cause a world-shaking upheaval?
It's just the Patronus Charm.
"Summoning God Guardian!"
Ian looked deeply at the teacher before him, refrained from asking further questions, and raised his Magic Wand to start trying, constantly recalling his past joys.
Was it when he first encountered an Island Country teacher in his previous life?
The Magic Wand merely sputtered some silver sparks.
That clearly wasn't true happiness.
"Summoning God Guardian!"
He continued to try.
Perhaps it was the university days playing games with roommates, achieving a 37/0/0 record as a Sword Saint—the Magic Wand began to emit more silver threads, and the system panel changed.
That evidently was the true happiness of a kill-hunter.
[You learned the Patronus Charm, Skill Level +3]
"Summoning God Guardian!"
Ian reminisced that being confessed to by a female classmate, then stabbed insane by her admirer, wasn't really happiness. He began to seek within his current life experiences.
Lady Yelena at the orphanage, Catherine, Daniel, Mia, and many kids he grew up with, along with the family and friends he met after coming to Hogwarts.
Was there happiness in being with them?
The increasingly dense silver mist provided an answer.
[You learned the Patronus Charm, Skill Level +5]
[You learned the Patronus Charm, Skill Level +3]
[You learned the Patronus Charm, Skill Level +4]
...
Under the watchful and eager gaze of the imposter Lockhart, rich strands of silver thread continuously emerged from Ian's Magic Wand, quickly forming a dense and swirling substance in front of him. Since he inherently couldn't perceive the threat of Dementors, Ian didn't experience the chilling fear being dispelled.