Outside the ancient castle.
Ian gained some knowledge again from the senior Giant Dragon at Hogwarts.
It made him ponder.
It seems that if Dumbledore, who achieved legend by dragon slaying, knew this information, would he go on to hunt and kill another eleven ancient giant dragons to obtain the so-called 'dragon slayer' world certification?
After all.
If one can deceive history by slaughtering a dragon at some point in the long river of time, then it's logical to say that killing another eleven wouldn't be a difficult task, especially confronting dragons as a Legendary Rank makes it much easier.
According to Ian's understanding.
A legend achieved by dragon slaying is inherently weaker than other ways, so if Grindelwald knew this information, he would definitely choose to do it.
Or perhaps.
He.
And Albus Dumbledore have already done it? Considering that the knowledge from the senior Giant Dragon comes from Hogwarts, it doesn't make sense that Dumbledore is unaware of this information.
If Dumbledore truly inherited the founders' magical heritage, when he and Grindelwald certified themselves as legends, they must have been aware of the matters now spoken by the senior Giant Dragon.
"But this doesn't explain why it's twelve?" He continued to question, "and not ten dragons or fifteen dragons? Or perhaps the most representative number of magic—that is, seven dragons."
Ian recalled that the most unique number in the Harry Potter World has always been seven.
"You actually know the number seven holds great meaning... In fact, many numbers have significance." The Giant Dragon paused for a moment, seemingly reminiscing some distant legend.
"Because twelve is a complete cycle," it said, "there are twelve months in a year, twelve zodiac signs, and twelve nodes in a magic array... Twelve represents perfection and also represents conclusion. When you slay the twelfth dragon, it symbolizes that you have completed a special transformation in some sense."
The senior Giant Dragon provided the answer.
Ian nodded thoughtfully.
Perhaps like the number three also bearing the meaning that all things come in threes; many numbers in the Harry Potter World have significance, where the number seven is simply the most prominent among them.
"So, one dragon certifies a legend, and twelve dragons provide additional rewards, right?" Ian sorted through the new knowledge he learned and confirmed it.
The Giant Dragon paused, then let out a low growl that resembled rumbling thunder from deep within its throat. It raised its head slightly, casting an even deeper shadow in the courtyard with its enormous body.
"More or less."
Its answer wasn't overly definitive.
"How could it be 'more or less'?"
Ian was somewhat surprised.
"Ah, well... there is indeed a reward, but being a dragon slayer isn't about proof; more so, it's an honor." There was a peculiar tone in its voice.
"A kind of honor, or perhaps, a kind of 'certification.'"
It seemed to be organizing the appropriate language.
"Certification?"
Ian continued to ponder.
"Yes, according to certain theories, pure-blooded giant dragons are mostly extraterrestrial species, so the world issues rewards to dragon slayers." The Giant Dragon grinned, showing its sharp, white teeth.
The air in the courtyard seemed to freeze.
Ian could feel the heat of the Giant Dragon's breath become scorching, the odor of sulfur growing stronger. He instinctively gripped his magic wand tightly, yet saw an inexplicable excitement flickering in the dragon's eyes.
"Killing twelve ancient giant dragons will earn you some sort of certification... this certification makes the world favor you, therefore granting you some specific privileges..."
At this point, the senior Giant Dragon seemed slightly rueful.
It's normal.
Ian was also surprised.
"Wow, there are so many extraterrestrial species on Earth?" He was genuinely bewildered, initially thinking dragons represented Earth's native magic, only to find out they're in league with Titans?
Or were they originally brought to this planet by Titans for food storage or some sort of biological transformation? Thinking about it, this explanation seems reasonable enough. It could very well explain why dragons like to hybridize with many species and can even produce offspring with most species and humans.
If they were initially used to enhance biological diversity, serving as 'tools' to develop magical life in a world without magic, their unreasonable desire and ability to reproduce suddenly becomes rational.
"What do you mean by 'so many extraterrestrial species'?"
The senior ancient Giant Dragon was unaware of Ian's experiences, so it was quite curious about Ian's choice of words, "Have you seen other species that appear extraterrestrial?"
"To be honest, by the final stage of my life, many humans were fond of researching aliens, and there was even talk of wizards being aliens too."
It seemed to savor the feeling of its life when it was alive. It was peculiar why a dragon living at Hogwarts would be so interested in this topic.
Is there truly nostalgia for the ancestral lands in the world? Regardless, the eyes of the senior ancient Giant Dragon were still filled with curiosity and a pursuit of knowledge as it looked towards Ian.
"Tell me, tell me, won't you," the dragon's amber slit pupils suddenly contracted to a thin line as it slowly straightened its massive body, its scales scraping together producing a metallic sound.
Facing a senior who is curious and willing to share.
Ian was also keen to share.
The seemingly lazy ancient Giant Dragon just moments ago.
Now looked like a child hearing the candy store was open, its amber slit pupils wide and round, even its nostrils flared a bit, blowing sulfurous air that nearly tipped him over.