Chapter 116: A Visit
Chapter 116: A Visit
Newt Scamander and his family lived in seclusion in Dorset, in the south of England, on a small hill surrounded by lush, soft grass. From the entrance, one could see a Muggle village in the distance.
Of course, the same spells as those cast on Hogwarts were also in place here. To Muggles, there were only bare stones on this mountain.
Steven, familiar with the place, pushed open the door and was greeted by a winding garden path.
Fairies flitted among bowl-sized flowers alongside butterflies, creating a dreamy scene.
A rustling sound came from the grass, and a brown Niffler poked its head out. It stared warily at Weid, its big ears twitching slightly.
Soon, a second Niffler joined it, their nature making them able to sense those with bad character.
"Hi, Hobbie, Millie," Steven squatted down and said happily, "Long time no see. Did you miss me?"
Upon seeing Steven, Hobbie had relaxed his guard and climbed onto Steven's body, making baby-like whimpering sounds.
The other Niffler approached Weid, cautiously sharpening its claws on his pants before climbing up his leg. Weid quickly picked it up.
"Millie really likes you," Steven said happily. "They are Mr. Scamander's pets. There's also one called Moer, who doesn't like going out much."
The two walked along the gravel path to the yard, where Newt Scamander was already waiting at the bottom of the steps, with a Niffler that had pointed ears lazily lying at his feet.
Newt Scamander was ninety-five years old.
Unlike his portrayal in the movies, he was no longer young and shy. Time had given him white hair and subtle wrinkles, but it had not changed a certain innocent and earnest quality about him.
His eyes remained clear, and he stood with a slight tilt, as if unconsciously avoiding eye contact, appearing somewhat shy.
Even though the two men in front of him were far inferior to Newt Scamander in age, social status, and magical ability, he did not show the slightest bit of condescension.
He seemed like a child who feared harm yet was easily harmed by evil.
"Good morning, Steven," Newt said awkwardly, looking at Weid. "Welcome, Mr. Weid Grey."
Weid bowed slightly. "Please call me Weid. I've always admired you. I apologize for the sudden visit and any inconvenience it may have caused."
"Not at all," Newt said softly. "I'm delighted that there are talented young wizards willing to learn about these things."
A brown-haired boy popped out from behind Newt, beaming at Weid. "Hello! I heard you invented the Friend's Account?"
"Manners, Rolf," Newt said in a tone that was neither light nor heavy.
Obviously, he was not a very authoritative grandfather in his grandson's eyes. Rolf stuck his tongue out and then put on a serious expression as he offered his hand.
"Hello, I'm Rolf—Rolf Scamander."
The boy grinned. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Weid Grey, the inventor of the Friend's Account."
"Hello," Weid shook his hand.
"Would you like to take a tour of my grandfather's animal preserve? Come with me, I'll be your guide!"
Rolf eagerly pulled Weid forward, with Newt and Steven smiling as they followed behind.
"I heard you went to the United States before?" Steven asked.
"Yes, to see an old friend," Newt sighed. "About seventy years ago, I sent it to America. I never expected that now, I would have to send it away from this world."
Upon hearing this, Steven knew he was talking about a thunderbird and exclaimed, "I remember thunderbirds are supposed to have long lifespans?"
"It was too badly injured protecting its child and didn't make it to treatment," Newt said sadly. "You know, they can summon lightning and storms, so they are often targeted by poachers."
Steven angrily said, "Damn poachers! I've always dreamed of seeing a thunderbird. How dare they hurt it!"
"Then your dream comes true today."
Newt forced a smile. "After Frank's death, his child lost his protection. To keep it safe, I brought it back here."
Rolf, who was walking ahead, didn't pay attention to what his grandfather was saying to Steven. Excitedly, he said to Weid:
"The Friend's Account is an amazing invention! Everyone in our family has one. My grandmother has the most—she has three all to herself!"
"I have one too! One with my grandfather, one with my grandmother, one each with my father and mother, and also one with my uncle... Chatting on paper is more interesting than face-to-face!"
"That's true! But the messages don't last long enough! Sometimes I take a nap and miss my mom's message, and then she complains—oh, we're going in here!"
He put down a brown suitcase, opened it, and then climbed in himself, sticking out only the upper half of his body to wave at Weid.
Then, as if the suitcase had swallowed him whole, he disappeared.
Weid had seen this scene in the movies and smiled. He then followed suit and climbed into the suitcase.
The entrance of the suitcase was narrow, but the interior space had been magically expanded to resemble a small portable world.
Going down the stairs, there was a small room filled with various items, many of which looked quite old. Weid, however, did not have the time to examine them closely.
"Come on!"
Rolf called out from ahead and opened the wooden door, which did not look very sturdy.
"Creak—"
The wooden door emitted a creaking whine, and a rush of cold, damp air and the pungent smell of animals hit their faces.
A vast world suddenly appeared before them in a shocking manner.
Weid couldn't help but hold his breath as his heart pounded like a drum.
Experiencing this in person, being in this magical space created by magic, was completely different from watching it on a movie screen.
For a moment, he felt like his breath had been taken away.
Magic... What a wonderful power...
Having grown up playing in this place, Rolf was already accustomed to it and couldn't understand Weid's shock. Seeing him standing still, he pulled on his arm and led him to the side.
"Come this way, I'll show you the new resident here!"
The two didn't walk far before a vast golden desert appeared before them, with several giant stone pillars standing in the center.
In the hollow of one of the pillars lay a chick with three pairs of wings and a slender tail. Its eyes were closed as it slept, its feathers gently swaying in the breeze.
Rolf made a gesture for silence and tiptoed forward, motioning for Weid to do the same and reach out his finger gently.
(End of Chapter)
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