Chapter Text

Chapter I: July 1, 1908

“Owl post!”

Theseus’s voice carried from the bottom of the staircase up toward where Newt was nestled underneath a quilt depicting a variety of magical creatures, silently moving, in each square of fabric. Newt’s brain barely registered those two words to decipher its meaning. He hadn’t slept well, which was normal since his mind rarely stopped spinning with thoughts long enough for him to truly get a restful sleep.

A fluffy, orange cat stalked in from the partially opened door, lightly leaping onto the foot of the bed. It was not until the animal had reached the pillow above where Newt’s head rested that the boy started to stir when it begun to paw at his brown hair.

Newt mumbled incoherently, rolling away from the petulant cat.

His mother poked her head inside Newt’s bedroom. “Newt, honey,” Willa said, “porridge is ready. Also, your very first Hogwarts letter arrived.”

At the mention of Hogwarts, Newt shot up like a rocket, jumping up and down on his bed with his arms flapping against the sides of his legs. That was one thing his parents could never fully understand. The way that Newt could go from one mood to the next with barely a transition.

Willa enjoyed seeing her youngest son filled with glee. Usually she would encourage him to change from his jammies into clothes before heading down to the kitchen, but didn’t have the heart to slow down his excitement that morning.

“Do you think I’ll be in Theseus’s House?”

No matter his excitement, Newt was still anxious about being separated from his brother. He was less comfortable around strangers.

“You may be,” Willa said, “but even if you aren’t, you’ll grow to love the House you’re sorted into and everyone a part of it will eventually feel like your family away from home.”

Newt trusted his mother. Willa had been the one to encourage Newt’s love of magical creatures from a young age. Newt especially loved beasts, which was mostly because he had grown up in the presence of Hippogriffs since his mother was a Hippogriff breeder. It ran in his blood. Whereas Theseus preferred people instead of beasts.

When Newt entered the kitchen with Willa, Theseus was already reading his own letter and supply list with their father, Cassius Scamander, at the table. Both of their brown-haired heads so close they were practically touching. Cassius was a big, burly man with as much strength behind the bulk.

Both of Newt’s parents worked with beasts. Cassius worked in the Control and Regulation of Magical Creatures at the Ministry of Magic under the Beasts division. Primarily, Cassius specialized in dragons. Whereas, Willa worked from home with her broad of Hippogriffs. Willa hadn’t wanted to leave Newt with just anyone since he was so particular about who he wanted to be around, which meant it was either her or Cassius that remained home. Since Cassius mostly worked with dragons, Willa decided it made more sense for her to stay with their youngest son.

“Newt, my boy,” Cassius said. “Look what arrived this morning.”

Newt took the envelop from his father with shaken hands. His fingers fumbled as he lifted the flap, breaking the waxed seal, and excavated the letter from the envelope’s depths:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

Dear Mr. Scamander,

We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. 

Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Phineas Nigellus Black

Headmaster

“Do you reckon I’ll be a Gryffindor, Theseus?”

Newt was anxious to discover what house he would be sorted. He feared that the house he belonged in wouldn’t be a good fit. On top of his nerves, he also desperately wanted his older brother’s assurance.

“Of course,” Theseus said. “You’re a Scamander. What other house could you possibly belong in?”

“Don’t worry, Newt,” Willa said, comforting him as she smoothed his curls flat before they bounced back into place. “You have nothing to worry about as your father and I will still love you no matter the house you are sorted in.”

Newt still worried. He worried because if he didn’t get placed in Gryffindor, then Theseus wouldn’t want anything to do with him. While he knew this was far from the truth, there was still a part of him that believed the concocted notion. It would be harder for Newt to look toward his brother for help if they were in separate houses.

If Newt didn’t have one familiar face to help him navigate uncharted territory, it would be difficult to establish a routine. He was looking toward his big brother in developing a schedule, at least in the first week, that would set him up for the rest of his first year at the magical boarding school.

“Would it help if Theseus promises to meet with you at least once each day?” Cassius asked his youngest son. “No matter the house, you’ll still be able to see your brother.”

Newt shrugged, still looking worried.

“Could you still make an effort to look out for your brother if he ends up in a different houses?”

“Sure,” Theseus said. “He’s worrying for nothing, but I’ll look out for the odd little flobberworm.”

“Theseus,” Willa said, “don’t tease your brother.”

“I don’t mean anything by it, Mum.”

“Brothers poke fun,” Cassius said. “No harm in a few names being thrown around with the best of intentions.”

“Just be nice, okay.”

Newt was comforted only slightly by his brother’s assertion. He still worried that the difference between his brother and himself would be too big of a gap. The sorting hat was bound to pick up on the brothers’ differences when it rested upon his head the instant he sat on that rickety stool. That was what Newt worried most about; the sorting hat being able to see right through the brave facade to find all of his trepidation.

Chapter Text

Chapter II: August 16, 1908

“I’m not so sure it’s a great idea.”

“Come on, Willa,” Cassius said. “He’s older now, plus it’d be hard to find the perfect wand for Newt without him.”

“I just don’t want to overwhelm him with so much activity before he sets off for Hogwarts,” Willa said. “He’s never stayed away from home. I worry that all of the changes will lead to an upset.”

“He’s older than he was the first time, it’ll be fine.”

“He may be older, Cass,” Willa said, “but he still can’t handle too much all at once. I’m the one who’s with him the majority of the day. Why, just the other day he flipped because he had to have eggs instead of porridge since we were out.”

Newt understood who his parents were talking about as he stood in the upstairs hallway on the morning the family was to take a trip to Diagon Alley for the brothers’ school things. However he couldn’t fully process the gravity of the situation as he continued to head down to the kitchen where his brother was already wolfing down a plate of eggs, sausages, and toast. A bowl of porridge with steam swirling above it waited at Newt’s place.

Theseus barely looked up as Newt sat down and started to tuck into his own breakfast. It wasn’t much longer before the brothers were joined by their parents, who seemed harried as they bustled in and filled their own plates with food. It was clear that Willa had lost their argument by the way she kept shooting worried glances at their youngest, as well as unconsciously flattening and fluffing his curls in between bites of her breakfast. Newt was more aware of the tense atmosphere created by Willa and Cassius, which in turn made his stomach slowly tie itself into knots.

“Dad,” Theseus said, “could we pop in Quality Quidditch Supplies?”

“What for?”

“I need a new pair of gloves,” Theseus said. “Mine are falling apart.”

“Didn’t we just buy you a pair this past Christmas?” Willa asked.

“No, that was new pads.”

“I don’t see why we can’t pop into the store,” Cassius said. “We’ll make it quick.”

Newt was pushing his spoon through his porridge, which was now cold. Willa noticed and started to fuss over her youngest. “You really should eat something, Newt. You don’t want to be walking around with an empty stomach.”

“Boy’s just nervous, Willa,” Cassius said. “It’s his first year at Hogwarts and shopping for his supplies is making it feel more real. I felt the same way when I was his age. Scary leaving home for the first time where your parents won’t be readily available.”

“I’m not scared,” Newt said, hoping his voice didn’t betray his nerves.

“You so are scared.”

“Theseus Gregory,” Willa said. “Be nice to your brother.”

#

There were so many people packed into the narrow cobblestoned Diagon Ally. Yet the amount of people wasn’t the first thing that hit Newt. It was the noise that overwhelmed his senses. He couldn’t even concentrate on what his parents were saying as they knelt over him, trying to urge him to at least move out from the middle of the walk way.

Newt had already been inadvertently pushed several times while he stood frozen. He had his hands over his ears in an attempt to find some type of balance. All the voices talking in every direction was putting him off-kilter.

None of the family noticed Theseus slipping into Quality Quidditch Supplies to wait out the storm that would inevitably explode.

Instead of moving out of the way, Newt bent down with his head between his knees, hands over head. It took a good several minutes for his father to lift him into his arms. Once Newt planted himself in a scrunched position it was difficult to maneuver him due to his resistance.

Newt buried his face, hands still clamped over ears, into his father’s burly chest. Cassius’s arms felt secure wrapped around Newt’s thin frame, carrying him into a shop which turned out to be Quality Quidditch Supplies.

“Theseus,” Cassius said. Gruff voice sounded through the store. “Let’s go, son.”

Theseus appeared from beside a display of the latest Cleansweep. “Aw, but you promised me new gloves.”

“Later,” Cassius said. “I’ll come back with you after we get your brother home. First we need to go to Olivander’s for his wand.”

“I hope Ollivander’s isn’t terribly busy,” Willa said. “Maybe the Wandmaker would make a house visit...”

“We can’t ask that of Ollivander.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Willa said. “Let’s hurry along.”

Willa gently smoothed Newt’s hair back to ensure he was all right tucked within the protection of his father’s arms before the family ventured back into the streets.

For Newt, it felt like the noise along the street had amplified. It made no sense to him. How could it possibly had gotten any louder in the brief window they had stepped into a store. It was more like the noise had been paused, then the instant play was hit the noise that had been pushed back all came rushing at Newt in full force. He clamped his hands tighter against his ears, finding security in the pressure.

“People are staring,” Theseus said. 

“Never mind them,” Willa said. “People need to keep to their own business.”

It felt like ages until the family was entering Olivander’s Wand Shop, a bell tinkling to announce their arrival. There was a few other first years waiting to test out wands. The only good thing was how much quieter it was in the store. It almost felt like the bustling alley out the doors was muffled to a near silence.

Cassius went to set Newt down, but right before his feet touched the floor Newt flung his arms around his father’s neck in a strangle hold.

“Newt, honey,” Willa said, “you’re safe. It’s much calmer in here.”

Even the soothing sound of his mother’s voice wasn’t enough for Newt to loosen his grip.

“Newt,” Theseus said, “if you want to be in Gryffindor then you need to be brave.”

That was what did it for Newt. Usually all it took was Theseus to snap his brother out of an episode. Of course, Theseus wasn’t always willing to step up to the plate, but the small amount of people in the shop were staring. 

Cassius thanked his eldest as he set Newt down, rubbing at his neck as he straightened. 

Luckily the wait was quick. 

“Ah, young Newton Scamander,” Olivander said. “I was wondering when I’d see you.”

Newt stood firm like a tree, refusing to budge any closer to the man with a shock of white hair that made him appear to have been struck by lightning.

“It’s okay, Newt,” Willa said.

Still Newt refused to move any closer to the strange man who already knew his name.

Willa shot an apologetic look toward Olivander who only smiled as he turned to retrieve a long, thin box behind him on the counter.

“I bet you came here for a wand.”

Interest perked as Olivander lifted the lid before holding out the box. Newt hesitantly reached out and plucked the thin wooden stick, gripping it within his right hand. Golden sparks flew instantly from the end at the first touch.

“Ah,” Olivander said. “I had a feeling that would be the fit. Eleven inches, Cherry wood with Dragon Heartstring.” 

All Newt could do was stare in amazement at the wand. At his wand. It was enough proof that he was magical. He might be different, but he still possessed magic within himself. Finally something that he had in common with everyone else.

#

Willa took Newt home after they had paid for the wand that had chosen him, leaving Cassius and Theseus to pick up everything else on the boys’ lists. For once Newt didn’t mind missing out on the shopping. In past years, Newt had grumbled at being left behind while Theseus went with Cassius to pick up his school things. But just the short amount of time he had been in Diagon Alley was enough to wipe him out.

Or wind him up.

Newt hadn’t remained in one spot since returning home. He was bouncing up and down the stairs, chasing after the family’s kneazle with his wand held out. All he kept doing was waving his wand aimlessly, pretending to cast some sort of spell on Vlad, their kneazle.

That was how Cassius and Theseus found them upon returning.

“Newt, come and get your things.”

That was all it took to flip the switch for Newt as he trotted the last few stairs to reach his father and brother. Vlad still watched Newt warily from his spot on the second floor landing. Clearly someone had worn out from the game and it wasn’t Newt, who was bouncing back and forth from the heels to the balls of his feet.

“I had Theseus stand in to measure robes for Newt,” Cassius said, “while having them to take in the hem an extra two inches, but I think there may still be room for growing.”

“I’m sure the robes will be perfect,” Willa said. “Thank you for getting everything else.”

“Thank you for bringing Newt home,” Cassius said. “Seems to be in much higher spirits.”

Newt had turned back to the stairs to continue the game of chase with Vlad, forgetting about his new school things that were in brown wrapped packages.

“He hasn’t stopped since returning home.”

“I think Vlad will be glad to be rid of Newt once we leave for Hogwarts,” Theseus said.

The kneazle leapt from the last step and curled its body between Theseus’s legs. The elder Scamander brother lifted Vlad into his arms to stroke him behind the ears before the kneazle leapt from his arms.

Despite the current cat and mouse game Newt was wearing Vlad out with, the kneazle actually preferred Newt over the rest of the Scamander family.

“There he goes some more,” Willa said. “I made some stew for supper. Come on and eat. Newt already ate a bit ago. Let’s let him wear himself down.”

#

The remaining days of August sped up and dragged until it was finally the night before. 

Newt was snuggled under his magical creatures quilt with his mother and father on either side of him. Theseus sat at the foot of the bed. Both Vlad and their fluffy orange cat, Rex, nestled near Newt’s feet. 

“I’m not tired.”

“That’s just the excitement talking, Newt,” Willa said. “You need to get some sleep because tomorrow will be a long day of traveling, then being sorted into your house.”

“Gryffindor?”

“If you’re brave enough.”

“Theseus,” Cassius said.

“What?” Theseus said. “It’s true.”

“Newt,” Cassius said. “It doesn’t matter which house you’re sorted into. The important thing is that you maintain control and focus while you’re at Hogwarts. It’s going to be a lot different than home.”

“Not to mention you’ll have to get used to a whole new schedule in a brand new place,” Willa said. 

Newt was excited about going to Hogwarts with his brother. He wasn’t thinking about changes. He was going to learn magic.

It took his parents taking turns laying with him for a few hours until Newt finally fell asleep around two in the morning.

Chapter Text

Chapter III: September 1, 1908

Aboard the Hogwarts Express

The house was a flurry of activity as Willa ran up and down the stairs cooking breakfast and making sure the boys were packed. Willa and Cassius had spent the remainder of the wee hours of the morning ensuring all of the boys’ school things were placed into their trunks. Willa was relieved that Newt remained asleep once his mind had finally let sleep take hold. However now Newt was still curled under his quilt with his head buried under a pillow to block out the light Willa had turned on.

“Newt, it’s almost time to leave,” Willa said. “It’s time to wake up.”

Newt mumbled, pulling the quilt tighter around himself when Willa tried to remove it from atop.

“Please, Newt, honey, let’s not do this now,” Willa said. “We’re going to be late if you don’t get up now.”

“Willa, are the boys getting dressed?”

Willa stuck her head out the doorway for Cassius to hear her. “I may need your help.”

Willa went to check in on Theseus, who was finally up and moving around, already in pants and shirt with trunk handle in hand. One less son for her to worry about as Theseus made his way down to the kitchen, passing Cassius on his way up.

“Come on, bud, we have to go soon,” Cassius said, nudging his youngest. Then scooping Newt into his arms, quilt and pillow coming along, and together the parents managed to pull the blankets from his grip.

Newt fussed, but otherwise complied as he changed into the clothes that his mother had pulled from the wardrobe. He was going through the motions of pulling the shirt over his head and sticking his arms one at a time through each sleeve. When that was done, he put the pants on one leg at a time before adding a belt.

Newt barely ate any of his porridge because his stomach was in knots. Then it was time to head out to Kings Cross Station. The Scamanders raced toward platforms 9 and 10 at a quarter ‘til eleven. 

Cassius was pushing the cart that held both boys’ trunks and cages. Rex would be coming to Hogwarts with Newt to provide comfort and familiarity in a new environment. Currently Rex was meowing from his basket, attempting escape by pawing at the lid from the inside. Newt felt Rex’s desperation internally, but was unable to voice his concerns for the cat.

“All right, I’ll go last with the cart,” Cassius said. “Theseus, you first.”

Newt watched as his brother ran at the solid brick wall. He knew that it was open to accept witches and wizards who needed to get onto platform nine and three quarters, but it still freaked him out. He had only been on the platform once before during Theseus’s first year; last year Cassius brought Theseus and picked him up.

When Theseus had been swallowed by the wall, Cassius was urging Willa and Newt to run through. Newt’s mother linked arms with him as she urged him to walk quickly beside her at the wall. At the precise moment of thinking Newt and Willa were to slam into hard brick, Newt felt himself almost swimming as the colors swirled to form an entirely new environment. 

Newt glanced in awe at the scarlet steam engine billowing smoke. The sound of the train mingled with gleeful young witches and wizards as they bid families goodbye and found friends. 

Newt sat down just as Cassius joined them with the cart of trunks. 

“Oi, Mateo!” Theseus said. “Over here.”

Theseus went to meet his best mate, Mateo, halfway before going to help Cassius lift the trunks onto a train compartment. The friends boarded after Theseus hugged his parents goodbye. Theseus tried to get Newt to join them, but Newt remained sitting on the ground, legs crossed with elbows on knees and hands clamped over his ears.

“Go on ahead,” Willa said, “we’ll take care of it. Have a good term, Theseus.” Willa hugged her eldest son one last time before he leapt up onto the train to go find the rest of their friends.

“Honey, it’s time to board the train,” Willa said, squatting down to Newt’s level. “It’s the moment you’ve been looking forward to all summer. You’re finally going to Hogwarts.”

No response. Newt continued to look at the gray cement he was sitting on, far more fascinating in it than the train billowing out endless steam as the loud whistle blew to alert the final call for boarding. 

Willa was about to try again when she noticed a hand thrust out in her peripheral vision. No words, just a hand held out. Simple, yet it worked as Newt grasped it and allowed the person to pull him toward his feet. Willa stood and looked at the girl who was already in her plain black robes, which meant she was also a first year.

“Thank you.”

“No problem,” the girl said. “I’m Katherine Abbott, though I go by Kat.”

“Well, I really appreciate your help, Kat.”

“All right, you two better board before the train leaves,” Cassius said, leading Newt and Kat over toward the Hogwarts Express. “Have a great first term, Newt. We’ll write, and don’t worry about the sorting and what house you end up in. I love you, son.”

“Love you so much, Newt,” Willa said, hugging her youngest. 

Newt allowed Kat to help him up into the train, then looked out the window as the train started to pull away. He watched his parents wave a few minutes before it occurred to him that he should wave back. Right as the train started picking up speed, about to go under the tunnel, Newt lifted his hand in farewell. Mouth was crooked into a slight smile.

“Shall we go find a compartment to sit in?” 

Kat held out her hand and Newt gripped it as if it were a lifeline. She led him down the aisle, both of them dragging their trunks. They weren’t able to find an empty compartment until they had reached the end of the carriage.

“I’m Kat,” Kat said, reintroducing herself to Newt. “I think we’re going to be good friends. I’m a first year.”

“I’m Newt Scamander,” Newt said. “Also a first year. My brother, Theseus, is a third year.”

“I have an older brother, too,” Kat said. “Thomas is a 5th year Hufflepuff. What house is Theseus in?”

“Gryffindor,” Newt said.

“Does Gryffindor run in your family?”

“On my dad’s side it does,” Newt said, “though mum was a Ravenclaw.”

“Well, I hope you’re a Hufflepuff,” Kat said. “I just know I’ll be Hufflepuff. My whole family was sorted in that house. We’re descended from Helga Hufflepuff.”

Newt felt comfortable with Kat already, which made him confused. It usually took him a lot longer to warm up to new people. There was something about Kat that enabled him to be himself. It didn’t matter whether he talked or not. Kat merrily filled the silence with her own chatter. She was perfectly content with Newt listening instead of talking.

Kat ends up talking Newt into a game of wizards chess. It wasn’t that hard. Newt was actually good at wizards chess. He ended up beating Kat four of the six games.

“I thought I was decent, especially since I usually beat Thomas,” Kat said. “You showed me up. I’ll have to write home to tell my parents I found someone who can beat me.”

“Dad taught me to play,” Newt said.

“Your dad must be superb at playing.”

“He was on the wizards chess team when he was at Hogwarts.”

“Yeah, just as I suspected,” Kat said. “I stood no chance.”

“You beat me twice.”

“You beat me four times.”

Newt shrugged. Winning never mattered to him like it did to others.

“Take the compliment,” Kat said. “You’re good. But just so you know, I will aim to be better than you. The challenge is on.”

Friendly competition never harmed a person, particularly when a budding friendship was already starting to blossom.

Right then Newt was reminded of Rex as the cat started meowing from the wicker basket. Newt stood and reached to undo the fastening. Out leapt a streak of orange fluff.

Kat shouted in glee. “Ooh, how pretty.”

Newt scratched Rex under the chin as the cat nestled in his lap, purring. “This is Rex, one of my friends.”

“I hope Rex can be my friend, too.”

“Sure,” Newt said. “Rex likes my other friends. I wish Vlad could have come, too.”

“Who’s Vlad?” Kat asked.

“My kneazle.”

“You have a kneazle?” Kat said. “That is so cool.”

“I also have hippogriffs,” Newt said. “Well technically my mum does. She breeds them. But I spend time with them, too.”

“I bet I can guess what you like.”

Newt stared at her.

“Magical creatures, Newt,” Kat said. “What’d you think I was going to say, you big goof.”

Kat was much more relaxed and confident than Newt would ever be. However that was also part of her charm. He was finding it incredibly easy to be around her. 

“I think that’s pretty cool,” Kat said. 

Newt also liked that she continued to talk with him despite when he got quiet.

“I really want an owl, but my mum wouldn’t cave,” Kat said. “She said I needed to become a prefect in 5th year, then we would revisit the discussion.”

“My family has a tawny owl,” Newt said. “Barnacle. My brother used to like pirates.”

“Barnacle,” Kat said. “That may be the most hilarious pet name I have heard.”

“I wanted to name him Umber because he’s a burnt color.”

“Umber... hmm, that’s really pretty.”

“It’s a dark orange color.”

“Ooh,” Kat said. “I like it. My new favorite color.”

“You haven’t even seen the color.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Kat said. “It’s officially my new favorite color.”

Newt stared at her, unsure what to think of that. Unable to read her motives for being his friend. Most kids thought he was weird. He had always been able to talk more with adults. Now here was Kat, completely willing to be his friend despite his uniqueness. For the first time he actually felt like he fit in some place. Like a puzzle piece finally finding its place in a grander image, completing the picture.

It made Newt unsure how to act.

“I think this is going to be the start of a great friendship, Newt Scamander.”

Newt let her call it.

He had never had a friend and didn’t want to get his hopes up.

At that precise moment the conductor announced they would soon be pulling into the station at Hogsmeade. Newt excused himself to change into his plain black robes before returning right as the train was skidding to a stop, wheels squealing along the rails. He nearly toppled onto Kat’s lap as he had just arrived back at the compartment and hadn’t sat back down.

“We’re here,” Kat said. She was wearing the biggest grin. 

Newt gulped, suddenly remembering how nervous he had been before getting on the train.

Noticing his anxiousness, Kat reached for his hand. “We’re in this together.”

Newt nodded, trying to smile, though it felt more like a grimace.

“Come on.”

Newt put Rex back into the wicker basket, latching it shut. He felt odd leaving the cat behind, but knew Rex would be waiting for him in the dorm after the feast. His parents had told him Rex would be brought up to the castle.

Kat was leading Newt down the aisle toward the closest opened door. He managed to get his first glimpse of a magnificent castle when he glanced up after stepping down onto the platform. Hogwarts seemed as filled with magic as his parents and brother had described. He hoped he would find his place in such a great castle.

“Newt, I believe this is going to be a year filled with wonderful magic.”

Kat practically skipped over toward a man who was calling: “First years, first years over here!”

Newt timidly followed Kat toward the man with the rest of the first years who had gathered around. He tried to imagine himself as a speck in a sea of black. Maybe the man wouldn’t notice him. He almost bought into it. Like a game where he could be invisible so long as he believed. Oddly seeking comfort in the notion, allowing him to feel the warm spark he had when he first saw Hogwarts. He had finally made it.

Chapter Text

Chapter IV: Set Sail Across the Black Lake

The man had a mop of red curls atop his head. He had a matching beard that covered the bottom half of his face. 

Newt had expected the man, as burly as he was, to sound gruff, but to his surprise the man’s voice was high-pitched,

“Welcome, first years, I’m Ogg,” Ogg said. “I’m the Groundskeeper here at Hogwarts. I’ll be escorting you across the black lake. I ask that you follow my directions and remain seated in the boats. There are creatures in the lake that you don’t want to cross paths.”

Newt wondered what creatures Ogg was referring to, though he did not wish to call attention to himself. He was still frightened of the man.

Ogg started to lead them down a sloping lawn where around a dozen dinghy boats were tied at a dock. He had the first years get four to a boat. It was as Kat was about to get in a boat with a girl and a boy that Newt backed away.

Kat looked back. “It’ll be okay, Newt.”

Newt shook his head.

It wasn’t until all the first years except Newt and Kat were settled into boats that Ogg noticed.

“What seems to be the problem?”

“Sir Ogg, I think Newt is frightened the boat may tip,” Kat said.

“Never you mind that,” Ogg said. “These boats are sturdy.”

Newt still remained frozen.

Ogg bent down to Newt’s eye level. “Look, Newt is it?” When Newt remained quiet, Ogg looked toward Kat for confirmation before he continued. “Newt, you don’t have anything to be afraid of. The creatures keep to themselves, otherwise they wouldn’t be allowed to swim around and live here.”

“What kind of creatures?”

Newt’s voice was so quiet that Ogg almost hadn’t heard the question.

“The main being a giant squid that is perhaps the friendliest of all the magical creatures,” Ogg said. “So, what do you say, Newt? Are you ready to sail across to the castle to be sorted?”

Newt stared for several more seconds before he stepped up to the boat and got in next to Kat. Kat squeezed his hand. He smiled in response as Ogg waved his wand after getting into his own boat. All the boats moved forward, slicing a trail through the dark lake.

The moon was nearly full, reflecting in the water’s dark surface along with the star-filled sky. Water rippled outward as the dinghy sliced through its glassy surface.

Newt was mesmerized by the starlight shown on the water. It was how he was the first to notice it. A flipper stuck up toward the right of where all of the boats were skimming. He tugged at the sleeve of Kat’s robes, barely taking his eyes from the flipper that had started to smack the surface, causing waves to come at the boats. 

Newt gripped the bench he was seated on as the boat rocked.

“Ah, that would be our friendly giant squid coming to wave us on,” Ogg said.

The majority of the first years were on their guard for the remainder of their journey up toward the castle. It was somewhat a relief when Ogg finally opened up a set of double doors to reveal a wizard with a graying beard waiting for them.

“Thank you, Ogg,” the wizard said. “I’ll take it from here. I’m Professor Dippet, Deputy Headmaster and Transfiguration Professor here at Hogwarts. We’ve been waiting for all of you.”

“Sir, did you know there’s a giant squid in the lake,” a boy said.

“Yes, yes, I am aware,” Professor Dippet said. “I would like to fill you in on what will happen once you enter the great hall. We will walk up to the front where a stool and the sorting hat await. After the hat has sung, I will go through a list, once your name is called you will come forth and place the hat on your head. When the hat has sorted you, you will join your respective house. Then we will enjoy the first feast as a school and Professor Black will say a few words before dismissing all students to their house dormitories,

“Does anyone have any questions?”

No one raised their hands, nor looked in the position to speak.

“We shall head into the great hall to be sorted.”

Professor Dippet opened up the great oak doors and led the first years into the great hall. 

Newt was in awe. There were four long tables that ran the length of the cavernous room, banners for each house over their respective house. Hufflepuff on the far right, then Gryffindor and Ravenclaw in the middle. Slytherin’s table was on the far left. There were fireplaces on either side. And the ceiling! Newt was speechless as he looked upward, nearly causing a crick in his neck. The ceiling looked the same as the one outside. Exactly the same stars and moon. Well, maybe not the same, but certainly bewitched to look similar to the one outside.

“I hope we get sorted into the same house,” Kat said.

Newt hoped so, too, though he was hoping for Gryffindor.

When they had stopped at the front, everyone in the great hall watching fell silent as a rip near the brim of the sorting hat opened:

“Each year a new group

Of first years enter

Eager to discover

Which house best fits

Those who are brave

And courageous 

Hope to be sorted into

Godric Gryffindor’s house

Or the cunning 

Hope to slither into

Salazar Slytherin’s house

Where the ambitious dwell

Then there are those with wit

With their sharp minds

Hoping to earn top marks in

Rowena Ravenclaw’s house

But let’s not forget the house

Of Helga Hufflepuff

Where the loyal and hardworking

Find their place

Now that you have learned

Of each house

I ask that you try me on

So I can sort you where you best fit.”

Newt looked over toward the Gryffindor table where Theseus sat with his friends. His brother met Newt’s eyes, flashing a smile and thumbs up.

“Abbott, Katherine,” Professor Dippet said.

“That’s me,” Kat said. She rubbed her hands on the sides of her robes as she made her way over to sit on the stool, placing the sorting hat upon her head. There was barely a hesitation before the sorting hat shouted out,

“Hufflepuff!”

Kat beamed as Professor Dippet took the hat from her and skipped off toward the cheering students.

Newt was extremely nervous. Not only had he wanted to be sorted into Gryffindor, but he had been hoping that Kat would be in the same house. He was finding it difficult to decide which he would want to be in. Did he want to be with his brother or his new friend?

There was a part of him worried that Theseus wouldn’t treat him the same as back home.

Newt had tried to make eye contact once more with Theseus and his brother just wasn’t looking his way. It wasn’t like there were so many first years that it was difficult to see Newt either. All of them were spread out in a line that ran perpendicular from the house tables.

Newt missed a couple of students being sorted, then was paying attention as Thomas became a Slytherin, Elizabeth was sorted into Gryffindor, Janine into Hufflepuff, and Malcom joined Ravenclaw. Then he sunk deep into his thoughts once more before suddenly he was jerked back by,

“Scamander, Newton.”

Rubbing his sweating palms on the insides of his robes, Newt made his way over toward the stool before plopping down with a thud. Professor Dippet handed him the hat. 

Newt lifted the hat over head with shaking hands before settling it atop his head, the brim blocking out his view of everyone watching.

“Ah, another Scamander.”

Newt jerked, caught off guard by the voice that sounded within his eardrums. He had not been anticipating the hat to talk within his mind..

“You’re a lot smarter than you credit yourself,” the hat said. “I can sense a warm heart in you. You are very loyal to those closest to you. Not as courageous as your brother, but you would definitely stand by a friend during the good or bad.”

Newt thought of his brother and squeezed his eyes shut in prayer.

“Surely you would do better on your own,” the hat reasoned, “away from your brother. It’d give you a chance to spread your wings and break free. Learn to be on your own.”

A thought wormed its way into his brain. 

Newt envisioned being in the same house robes as Kat as they sat on a golden rug near a roaring fireplace. A warmth spread within his belly as he thought of being sorted with his new friend.

“Ah, yes, you are definitely a,” the sorting hat said, “HUFFLEPUFF.”

Newt’s cheeks felt strained as Professor Dippet lifted the hat from his head to the cheerful applause of the Hufflepuffs. He was trotting over toward the table when he realized his cheeks were sore because he was grinning.

“Newt!” Kat said. “We’re in the same house. Isn’t that brilliant?”

Newt nodded. 

“We are going to be the best of friends.”

There were a few more first years who were sorted, then it was time for the feast. The first thing that happened was the Headmaster, Professor Black, rising from his seat in the center of the staff table, which ran horizontal.

“Good evening, young witches and wizards,” Professor Black said. “I am once more pleased to see that everyone has returned back along with the eager new students. I ask that everyone follow school protocol by staying away from the forbidden forest and minding curfew so not to wander the corridors late into the night. For those interested in joining their House’s Quidditch team, keep an eye on the bulletin board in your House’s common room for when try-outs will be held. Now let the feast begin.”

Newt gasped as the dishes and platters before them were suddenly piled high with steaming hot food that made his mouth water. He reached for a chicken leg and bit into the juicy white meat.

“This is wicked,” another first year boy sitting across from him said. “I’m Sebastian Rawlings. Both my mum and dad are muggles.”

“I’m Kat Abbott,” Kat said, “and this is Newt Scamander. We both come from wizarding families, but honestly it doesn’t matter. We all have the same right to be here as the next person. After all, we all start on the same level as far as magical ability is concerned.”

“But you both grew up surrounded by magic.”

“Yes, but that doesn’t make us any better at it than you,” Kat said. “Honest. Students aren’t allowed to perform magic outside of school until they turn seventeen.”

Newt observed the conversation. 

“But you’ve seen magic.”

“Yes, we’ve seen it.”

“Wicked.”

Newt continued to eat his supper. All the while maintaining his silence as everyone around him either met for the first time or shared their summers with friends. It didn’t seem long at all before two Hufflepuff prefects were leading the first years down to the Hufflepuff common room in the basements.

Newt filed the password, babbling brook, into his mind as they entered a room filled with chattering plants. There was a fire burning in the hearth with some older students already sitting in the chintz armchairs scattered throughout the common area.

“Girls’ dorms on your right,” the prefect who had introduced herself as Gertrude said, “boys’ on your left. Schedules will be passed around in the Great Hall at 8:00 tomorrow morning. I suggest not to be too late as first class is at 8:30.”

Newt gulped.

Already there was a schedule everyone but him seemed to know.

“It would be in your best interest to get down to the Great Hall before Heads pass schedules out,” the other prefect who had introduced himself as Thomas said. “No harm in being early on the first day. That said, no shame in going to bed now. Have a good night.”

“Good night,” Gertrude said. “Get some rest. You’ll need plenty of energy for your first day.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Kat said, yawning. “I’ll wait for you here. Good night.”

Newt nodded. “Good night.”

Newt brought up the rear of the group of first year boys headed left and down through the tunnel of dorms. They walked until they reached the door labeled ‘First Years.’ He waited in the doorway until the other four boys had found their trunks at the end of beds before walking further into the room that would be his home for the next ten months.

Looking around, Newt discovered his trunk at the end of the bed closest to the wall that had a couple windows situated high up toward the ceiling from the baseboard at ground level with the grass outside. He felt like a rabbit burrowing underground. Or perhaps a badger would be a better comparison.

Beams of moonlight slithered in through the windows.

Newt changed into his hippogriff pajamas, trying his best to ignore the chatter. He reached for the wicker basket, Rex leaping out to curl on one of his pillows. Then he pulled back the mustard yellow duvet to crawl beneath the sheets.

The other boys, thankfully, seemed to be heeding the prefects’ advice as they too climbed into beds, shutting off gas lamps.

Chapter Text

Chapter V: New Environment, pt. 1

Newt slept for a few hours before waking up, brain wide awake and alert. It took him several minutes before remembering he was no longer at home. He was at Hogwarts. More specifically, he was in the Hufflepuff first year boys’ dorm with a handful of snoring housemates.

It wasn’t the snoring that kept him from falling back asleep.

It wasn't that he was in a new place.

It wasn’t the fact that he was in a room full of strangers.

It was the fact that his brain was slowly filling with images of how his first day was going to happen. None of which were promising.

Newt worried he would not be able to find his way around the castle and would end up failing all his classes.

There had to be a map of the castle to help navigate the many corridors and stairways that made up Hogwarts. Surely the professors weren’t expecting the first years to know their way around on the first day. Maybe Kat knew her way around. Kat seemed to know a lot about Hogwarts for a first year. Maybe he could just follow her.

The thoughts continued to spiral until the other boys all started to stir, sheets rustling. Finally reason to wake up and dress for the day ahead, Newt shot out of bed to change into his school robes.

Newt noticed how his brand new plain black robes now had the Hufflepuff emblem stitched in an upper-corner of each. He also discovered his black ties were now striped with yellow. No doubt the work of the house elves who busily worked at the school. Newt hoped he would happen across one someday soon.

He finished dressing by tying his trainers before heading up to the common room with the other boys.

Kat was already waiting for them where she had said she would.

“Oh, good,” Kat said. “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to wait much longer. It’s almost 8:00. Time to go get our timetables.”

Newt fell into step with Kat and Sebastian the whole way up from the Hufflepuff basement toward the main hallway and into the Great Hall, which appeared vaster than it had the previous night. He figured it only seemed bigger because there were less people seated at the tables. He could only assume some of the students had already come and gone, while others were either still eating or just arriving.

Kat found an empty space at the end of their table closest to the professors’ table at the front of the room.

Shortly after they had started eating, Professor Zephyr descended upon them with squares of parchment in hand to deliver.

“Welcome Hufflepuff first years,” Professor Zephyr said. “I am your Head of House and Potions Professor. I hope that you settle in as you find your place at Hogwarts, navigating your classes and forming friendships that will last long after you graduate. If you have any questions, my door is always open.”

Professor Zephyr sifted out the schedules in alphabetical order, which meant Kat was the first to receive hers. Sebastian looked over Kat’s shoulder at the classes first years would be taking this year. All Newt could do was wait, trainer beating a tattoo softly into the marble flooring beneath his feet.

By the time Professor Zephyr handed him the scrap of parchment his hand had joined the rhythm of his foot against his leg. It was a nervous tick. His mother found any of his quirks endearing, whereas Newt only found comfort in the stimulating motions. These quirks eased his anxiety, which made it easier for him to focus.

“Newton Scamander,” Professor Zephyr said, handing the parchment to him before leaning in to lower her voice. “I’m here if you need help.”

Newt nodded, gulping as he took his schedule with a slight trimmer.

When the professor had moved away, the trio compared schedules to find they had all their classes together. 

“Charms with Professor Finnegan first,” Kat said. “That’s the class I’m most excited for. Shall we head over?”

The boys nodded as the friends stood to leave the Great Hall for their first magical class.

The walk toward the Charms classroom up on the fourth floor seemed to take ages and no time at the same time. Newt held his nerves together up until they reached the short line that was milling outside the closed door. Instead of joining the Slytherin first years who were waiting, Newt went over to stand at the window.

Some times when he felt overwhelmed, being near a window was the next best thing to being outside. But the sun that was shining in, warming his cheeks, was not helping. He tried bracing his hands on the windowsill. Still not working.

The gazes of his fellow classmates felt like sharp pricks on the back of his neck. Just great. Already he was standing out as being different and it was only the first day of lessons.

“You okay, mate?” Sebastian asked.

Kat said nothing, but what she did helped tenfold. The hand Kat placed on Newt’s shoulder made his worries ebb away, though they were still just under the surface. At least for the time being, he would be able to keep it somewhat together. He still looked like a freak, no doubt, but at least he wasn’t cowered on the floor.

“Thanks.”

Kat smiled just as the door opened to reveal Professor Finnegan.

“Welcome first years,” Professor Finnegan said. “Please, come in and take a seat. Let’s get started on our magical learning.”

Newt followed behind his friends, taking a seat at a table with Kat and Sebastian on either side. Normally being in the middle would cause him to feel crowded, but it was oddly reassuring. He could feel Kat’s caring warmth enveloping him as he settled into the chair.

There were feathers laid out in front of each of them. Newt was curious which creature had given all the feathers to the school. More curious about the creature than the magic they were going to be expected to perform. He actually missed Professor Finnegan’s instructions and felt Kat nudging his shoulder.

Turning his head, Newt sheepishly looked at her.

“We’re going to levitate feathers,” Kat said, “first day and already learning magic.”

Suddenly the pressure to perform magic on his first day at Hogwarts had him slipping under. While everyone around him tried to float their feathers with an incantation and swish of their wand, Newt felt his breath constrict. He was going to fail. Everyone will notice what a failure of a wizard he actually was and he would be kicked out of Hogwarts long before he ever found his place.

“I did it!”

Newt was jolted from his reverie by a shout. The voice was at the back. He turned and noticed it was one of the Slytherins who had accomplished the first spell being taught.

“Well done, Miss Lestrange,” Professor Finnegan said. “Ten points to Slytherin.”

Newt looked down at his lap, feeling dejected.

“Come on, Newt,” Kat said. “Give it a try. Practice makes perfect.”

On his other side, Sebastian was still trying to float his own feather. Sebastian’s pronunciation seemed accurate, however he was jabbing his wand with a bit more force than Newt thought was needed. It was only seconds after he had been observing that Sebastion’s feather suddenly grew in size, lengthening by at least a foot.

“Ah, Mr. Rawlings,” Professor Finnegan said. “A little softer and swift with the swish. The stronger the jab, the higher the chance you’ll end up with an undesired result.”

Then Professor Finnegan addressed Newt,

“Let’s see you try, Mr. Scamander,” Professor Finnegan said. “Your brother got it on his first attempt.”

Newt hadn’t thought about how professors might compare him with Theseus. The odds kept stacking up. He swallowed, gulping down as much as his anxiousness before he swished and flicked his wand in quick succession. “Wingardium Leviosa!” Nothing happened. All the feather did was lay there mockingly, as if it were taking a snooze.

“Slow down your wand movement by just a fraction of a second.”

Newt nodded, hoping that was all and that the professor would walk away. When Professor Finnegan remained standing at their table, Newt realized he had to make another attempt before the professor would move on.

“Wingardium Leviosa,” Newt said, trying to slow his hand as he swished his wand before ending with the flick.

It was to Newt’s immense surprise that the feather slowly rose up, hovering for a few seconds before fluttering back to the wooden surface.

“Very well, Newt,” Professor Finnegan said, “five points to Hufflepuff for effort and perseverance. I expect you to practice more before next class.”

“Thank you, Professor.”

Maybe Newt wouldn’t be a complete failure at magic. He still didn’t practice the incantation anymore for that lesson. Instead he watched as his friends managed to hover their feather for longer than he had mastered. If he at least proved he belonged, then he will have succeeded. His magical succession was all that he needed to fit in with his peers.

Newt had spent his childhood feeling estranged from his peers. Now he felt like they were all on the same level as they learned to channel their magic. He had finally caught up with where everyone was in an unfamiliar arena. Like him, everyone was learning the properties and boundaries of magic.

“All right, your homework is to practice and write a foot on the usefulness of the hover charm,” Professor Finnegan said. “Due by next week’s class.”

The students grumbled at being given homework after their first class as they filed from the room.

“I love Charms,” Kat said. “I can’t wait to get started on the essay. Defense Against the Dark Arts with Professor Merrythought next. My brother says she’s tough.”

Newt felt a weight drop in his stomach. The one class he wasn’t looking forward to was DADA. He avoided conflict at all cost. DADA was a class that would push him past his comfort zone.

Thankfully they didn’t have far to travel to get from Charms to DADA as both were located on the fifth floor. The first year Ravenclaw students were already milling in the hall. They were abuzz about their first class with Professor Dippet. He listened as they talked about turning a mouse into a matchbox. Only one person had succeeded by the end of the lesson. Transfiguration was one of the classes Newt was particularly interested in since a lot of the things they would be transfiguring were animals. While Newt would have preferred to work with other objects, at least he had a class where he would get to work with animals until he was able to take Care of Magical Creatures in third year. He was jealous of Theseus for being able to learn more about magical creatures this year with Professor Kettleburn.

“When do we have Transfiguration?” Sebastian asked. 

“Wednesday,” Kat said, not even pulling her timetable out. “Another class I’m particularly interested in. Did you know that it’s incredibly difficult and rare for people to transfigure themselves into an animal? Very few people are animagus. I’d like to focus my strengths to eventually be able to do that when I’m older.”

Interest piqued, Newt turned his attention to Kat. “What animal would you want to transform into?”

“I’m not completely certain,” Kat said, “though the animal that I keep coming back to is a fox. They have keen senses and I feel more drawn to foxes. I’ve always been really adept at picking up how people are feeling just being in their presence.”

That explained a lot, especially with how Newt felt more relaxed around Kat. It was almost like she had an ability to soothe emotions that had been thrown into turmoil.

At that moment, Galatea Merrythought opened the door to greet the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff first years as they entered to claim their seats. She was a middle-aged witch with dark red hair wound into a severe bun. Not a strand escaped the hold of the pins that held the bun in place. Professor Merrythought’s robes were straight without a single winkle or speck in sight. This was a professor Newt did not want to cross.

Kat chose a table at the front, which conflicted with Newt’s initial goal of snagging one at the back. Nevertheless, he snuffed his anxieties and sat beside her on one side of the table. Sebastian joined them on Kat’s other side.

Newt was finding it easier to push his limits with Kat.

Newt still kept more inside himself, however he was discovering that he could put himself at the front without his world collapsing. His new friend was teaching him how he was stronger and braver than he had originally imagined. All he had to do was believe. Believe he could do something if only he went after his goals.

“Welcome to your first Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson,” Professor Merrythought said. “For those of you who think this will be an easy class, then I’d think again if I were you because DADA is hard. Some of you will have a natural talent and affinity for DADA, while the rest of you will struggle. I’m here to tell you that it’s better to embrace the struggle. You will learn far more from the class this way.”

Newt’s whole life up to that point had been a struggle. Never before had someone told him that to struggle was to succeed. Maybe Professor Merrythought wasn’t as tough as perceived. If struggling led to success, then Newt was well prepped for DADA. He was already a master at fumbling.

“Now if everyone could take out their DADA texts.”

Newt pulled his textbook out and listened as everyone shuffled around in their bags before extracting their books.

“Open to page one,” Professor Merrythought said. “Now rip out the whole introduction. You won’t need to know this section. I will be teaching through practicality rather than written text. For the next few years we will be delving into magical creatures and how to defend ourselves against attacks.”

Newt perked at the mention of magical creatures, sitting up straighter.

“It’s more than learning about magical creatures,” Professor Merrythought said. “These creatures have defensive behaviors, and they possess magical ability. It’s important to know how to defend oneself when faced with a dangerous creature. There are different tactics and spells to use based on the magical creature that presents itself in your path.

“Another component to this class will be learning the basic defensive spells against opponents. If you are interested in joining the Dueling Club, then sign your name on the sheet pinned to the bulletin board located in the Great Hall,” Professor Merrythought said. “I will be taking up the list by the end of next week and holding meetings every Wednesday at four in the afternoon, starting on the first Wednesday in October.”

The remainder of the lesson was spent taking notes on the first chapter, which details how and when to use the disarming charm. The professor instructed them to be prepared to practice the disarming charm with a partner in next week’s class. The students were also expected to provide a foot on explaining the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of the disarming charm in a battle.

Newt was feeling overwhelmed with all the homework he was expected to complete by next week. He had only had two classes that first day with one to follow after lunch. How much homework would he be given by the end of the first week?

“I can’t believe the amount of homework we already have,” Sebastian said. “I thought they would go easy on us.”

“Why would they go easy on us?”

“In primary school I never had homework in the first week,” Sebastian said. “It was always about easing us back into the routine after summer hols.”

“I think I would have preferred no homework until next week, too,” Newt said.

“But that delays the learning,” Kat said. “I’m excited to dive into our first assignments. We should go to the library after Herbology.”

Newt shrugged, feeling overwhelmed at all the work ahead of him. All he could do was stifle his feelings of self-doubt.

Chapter Text

Chapter VI: New Environment, pt. 2

Newt found himself staring off while sitting at the Hufflepuff table in the Great Hall. The small group of first years were chattering about their first lessons while eating lunch. He had barely touched his roast beef sandwich when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

“Hi, Newt,” Theseus said. “How’s your first day going?”

Newt shrugged, unsure how to voice his concerns.

“If you need any help, I’m here,” Theseus said. “I know we’re in different houses, but I’m still around.”

Newt wanted help from his big brother, but he didn’t know how to ask let alone what type of help he actually needed. There was so much weighing him down. How could he possibly decipher where he needed the most help?

“Theseus, over here,” someone called.

“I’ll see you around.” 

“Yeah, see you,” Newt said, watching his brother return to his group of friends.

“Was that your brother?” Sebastian asked.

“Yes,” Newt said. “He was letting me know that he could still help me.”

“Are you close with your brother?”

“I guess, he’s my brother.”

“Thomas drives me crazy,” Kat said. “He is always pulling some sort of prank, yet he somehow managed to earn the title of prefect this year. No idea how that happened.”

“T’is because I am the best,” Thomas said from where he sat at the end of the table. “Don’t you forget it, Kitty Kat.”

“Only because you have everyone charmed.”

“You know you love me.”

Kat mumbled something under her breath before turning back to Newt and Sebastian. “I do love him, but he annoys me to no end. Do you have any siblings, Sebastian?”

“No, only child.”

“You’re so lucky.”

“I suppose,” Sebastian said. “I’ve always wanted a sister or brother, though. Just so I could always have someone to play with me.”

“Attention, students,” Professor Zephyr called from the head table. “Time to run along to afternoon lessons before you’re late.”

Not needing to be told twice, Newt got a hop with the rest of the first years. The last thing he wanted was to disappoint any of his professors.

Newt headed out through the front doors and down the sloping green grounds toward the greenhouses. A few paces behind them was a group of Gryffindors. Professor Albert Bulbous was standing outside the glass door of Greenhouse One waiting for them when they approached.

He followed his classmates in and took a seat on one of the many hard, splintery stumps that circled a long, rectangular work table. 

Professor Bulbous droned on about the expectations and rules that the students were going to be expected to follow in the greenhouses. Newt had no intention of causing any trouble or breaking rules. He listened as the professor went on and on to the point that some of his classmates’ attention had begun to dwindle. He tried his best to ignore them, but it had always been easy to pull his mind away from one thing when distracted by something different.

The only person who appeared to be fully engaged was Kat. She was raptured when Professor Bulbous started explaining the different types of plants they would be working with that year. 

Newt was intrigued simply because magical plants seemed to behave, in a manner, like creatures. However, the professor had been talking far too long to hold Newt’s attention. His eyes had started wandering around the greenhouse, settling on each plant in turn. Until something shuffling in a plant with spider-like tendrils stretching out every which way caught his attention. The plant was on the other side from where he sat, behind Sebastian. It took several minutes for Newt to track the source to a twig-like creature blending in with the leaves that it was hidden behind.

Newt felt Kat nudge his shoulder.

“Knut for your thoughts?”

Newt shook his head, looking around to realize students were heading out. Before the creature could escape far, he stood and ducked under the table to get to the other side of the work table where the plant stood. He had no trouble locating the light green twig-like creature amidst the slightly darker leaves. Catching the creature on the other hand proved to be tricky. It took a good few minutes for Newt to capture the skinny, skirming creature.

Once Newt had hold of the creature, the poor thing settled immensely, almost as if it sensed that he wasn’t going to harm it.

“What is that thing?” Sebastian asked. “It looks like sticks.”

“I’m not sure,” Newt said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. My parents would know. I could write a letter home.”

“Or,” Kat said, smiling, “we could look for a book with magical creatures in the library.”

“What’s with you and libraries?”

“Libraries hold thousands of answers, Sebastian,” Kat said. “Plus, my parents have told me about the extensiveness of Hogwarts’ library. There is even a restricted section that requires permission from a professor to check out a restricted text.”

“Now that sounds pretty cool,” Sebastian said. “What say you, Newt?”

“Sure, I guess it’s worth looking.”

The trio made their way up the sloping green toward the front courtyard of the castle, then through the doors that led into the entry hall. Kat led the way up to the fourth floor since she already had a vague sense of where the library was located. She at least knew what floor it was on, which was more than Newt and Sebastian. They wandered the fourth floor until they came across the corridor that the library was on.

Newt had put the tiny creature in the front pocket of his robes. He could feel its movements against his chest through the fabric. He was conscious of each step he took, afraid of jostling it.

The Hogwarts Librarian introduced herself as Madam Tottingham when they approached the circulation desk. Kat did all the speaking. They ended up following the middle-aged librarian over toward a section devoted in its entirety to magical beasts and creatures. Newt was awe-struck. He was being introduced to what would become one of the havens Newt would sequester himself during his years as a student.

Madam Tottingham pulled a book down from about the fourth row up at the end of a book shelf. “Ah, tree nymphs and fairies. You should be able to identify the creature based on the description in this book.”

Kat took the book and led the boys over toward a table. She waited until they were settled before opening the front cover.

Luck would have it that each chapter covered a different creature with images and diagrams. They were easily able to locate the creature that was snuggled in Newt’s pocket at the start of the fourth chapter, which covered bowtruckles.

Newt pulled the book closer to read some of what had been written on bowtruckles, enough to decide he wanted to keep it. Bowtruckles were great at keeping companionships and were loyal to those in their circle.

The bowtruckle seemed to like him. The twig-like creature had not attempted to escape. Even when Newt scooped the pokey thing from his pocket. He was careful not to let the librarian see as he held it under the table in his lap. It almost felt like the bowtruckle had chosen to let Newt find and catch it.

“I think I will call it Pickett.”

“You’re going to keep it?”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know,” Kat said. “It just seems like bowtruckles would be happier living in trees or plants, not as a pet.”

“It says they are loyal.”

“True.”

“I reckon this one is fairly young,” Newt said, shuffling through pages to find something on age. He read that you can tell how old a bowtruckle is by the number of faint stripes on its back. Newt studied Pickett to discover none, unless they were so faint they weren’t visible to the human eye. That didn’t make sense. Newt guessed the bowtruckle had to be under a year. The text also read that bowtruckles could live long lives if they weren’t attacked by predators. The longest recorded was thirteen years.

“Is it young?” Sebastian asked.

“I think so,” Newt said. “It doesn’t have any faint stripes.”

“Ooh, I bet it’s a baby,” Kat said. “So adorable. It might think Newt’s his dad.”

“I don’t know that it thinks that,” Newt said. “Plus, I look nothing like Pickett.”

“How do you know Pickett even knows what he looks like?”

“Fair point,” Newt said. “But he’s got to have a sense of what he looks like just by seeing himself in parts in his view.”

“He could still think of you as his dad,” Kat said. “Maybe he was recently born and hasn’t seen his mum or dad yet. Perhaps you’re the first to enter his line of sight.”

“Maybe.”

Newt had difficulty suspending his belief beyond scientific facts. There was too much speculation in what Kat was saying for his mind to fully grasp.

“Welcome to my world, Pickett,” Newt said. “I think you are going to like it here.”

#

Newt tried to get started on some of his homework, but his mind was too bogged down from being in a new place with new expectations and rules to learn. He walked down to the Great Hall after a couple hours of attempted studying.

Newt saw his brother already at the Gryffindor table and walked over. He wanted to show Theseus what he had found.

“Theseus, you’ll never believe what I found in the greenhouse during Herbology.”

“Magical plants?”

“Well, yeah,” Newt said. “But even cooler yet. I found a real bowtruckle, and it’s a young one. Probably not even a year. I named him Pickett.”

“Leave it to you to make friends with a bug,” Theseus said. “Do you still have it?”

“Of course,” Newt said, pulling Pickett from his front pocket to hold in his palm.

“That thing looks like a pile of green twigs spell-o-taped together.”

Theseus’s sarcasm was lost on Newt as he continued to smile.

“You are such a goof,” Theseus said. “Glad you had a good day.”

“Thanks.”

Newt pocketed Pickett as he turned and trotted over where his friends were waiting at their table. One day down and Newt was feeling a tad less anxious. It was like finding Pickett had somehow made him feel less afraid. Now that Newt had Pickett, it felt like he had a friend who was on the same wavelength. Both he and Pickett were discovering Hogwarts together. For Newt, it was easier communicating with magical creatures. Maybe Pickett would help boost Newt’s confidence as he navigated his classes and new friendships.

#

Chapter Text

Chapter VII: A Little Exploring

Newt felt drained by the end of that first week. If it had not been for his new friends and Pickett, Newt felt sure he would have had a melt down by mid-week. But nothing. He was settling into life at Hogwarts as perfectly as he had hoped.

Currently, Newt was laying out in a grassy patch under a beech by the lake. Pickett was dancing back and forth, making him laugh. He was waiting on Kat and Sebastian to join. Sebastian had still been asleep when Newt had headed up to the Great Hall for breakfast. He had never been one to sleep in, even on the weekend. Kat had joined him as he had been finishing a bowl of porridge.

Kat had somehow sensed Newt’s antsy-ness and told him to head outside for some fresh air. He liked that he didn’t have to try to explain his feelings and restlessness; she just understood what was happening inside his jumbled head.

Kat had also joined the very exclusive rank of people who could calm his nerves. Definitely the first person outside of his family. All she had to do was look or rest a hand on his shoulder. He had never been one for physical contact. Yet it felt as comforting as if Kat were an extension of his family.

Then there was Sebastian, who was full of so much energy and conversation that it overwhelmed Newt when he tried to keep up. Luckily, Sebastian hadn’t got angry any of the times Newt spaced out while listening.

Newt felt he had gulped down liquid Felix because he had lucked out in terms of finding friends. He had worried that no one would want to befriend him. The kids in his neighborhood back home had labeled him weird and stayed away. Theseus had always been Mr Popularity around town, and it was clear he was just that at Hogwarts. Newt had yet to see his older brother without anyone.

“Keck, teck,” Pickett squeaked. “Keck!”

“Sorry, Pickett,” Newt said. “Just a lot I need to unload from my mind.”

“Pluck!”

Newt picked up a leave and held it out to Pickett, who promptly shredded it to bits before throwing it up into the air. The leaves showered the bowtruckle like confetti.

“Hoo-ya!”

“He is full of energy for such a small thing.”

Newt glanced sideways as Kat sat down.

“What’s the plan for today?”

Newt shrugged.

“How much of your homework have you completed?”

Newt groaned. He still had at least another four inches of his DADA essay, seven more inches for Transfiguration, and the entire foot for Charms. Luckily they hadn’t been given homework for any of their other classes.

“I finished Charms and can help you if you’d like.”

“Maybe later?” Newt said. “I’m enjoying doing nothing.”

“Sure,” Kat said. “I still need to finish DADA, though I did manage to finish my essay for Transfiguration last night.”

“Kudos.”

“You’re doing great, Newt,” Kat said. “I know you are worried and feeling overwhelmed, but you are getting it. We’re all starting out together.”

“Writing is just hard.”

“I hear you on that,” Kat said. “But we will all get better the more essays we write.”

“You’re better at words than me.”

“Don’t put yourself down,” Kat said. “Everyone has their own strengths. You’re so caring and good with animals. It’s like you have an extra sense that makes it easy for you to communicate with them. I love watching you with Rex and Pickett.”

“Ta!” Pickett said.

“See, even Pickett agrees.”

Newt grinned.

“Anyway, do you reckon Sebastian is ever going to wake up?”

“No idea,” Newt said. “He was still snoring when I left.”

“I don’t understand how people can sleep the day away,” Kat said. “Too long. My stomach wakes me up.”

“Mine, too,” Newt said. “Plus there is a sort of clock in my head that goes off at a certain time each day. Anytime I’ve slept past when I normally wake, I feel out of sorts and I know the day will be bad. It just feels harder.”

“Hmm,” Kat said. “That’s interesting. I don’t know that I’ve felt that way, though I do get how hard it is when things seem to be going wrong.”

Newt tossed a few more leaves at Pickett, watching as the bowtruckle took a few bites before he spitted it into the grass. The rest of the leaves were torn and thrown up like before. The bowtruckle was celebrating the end of the first week of lessons as much as the students.

The pair sat in a hushed silence, looking out over the lake. Newt was hoping to catch sight of the Giant Squid. They probably would have continued sitting there quietly, however Sebastian decided to make his long awaited appearance from the land of sleepy hollow.

“Good morning.”

“Good afternoon,” Kat said. “You slept half the day away.”

“I needed it,” Sebastian said. “I still need to finish my essays, too. Could you help me?”

“Yes, of course,” Kat said. “Honestly though you two will do just fine without help, but I am still here to provide some if you need it.”

“You seem to have a lot of faith in me,” Sebastian said. “I feel like I’m struggling. Magic is hard.”

“Well of course it is,” Kat said. “You didn’t expect cake, did you? It is school after all.”

Newt somewhat listened as his eyes still scanned the lake’s surface for any sign of a splash or ripple.

“Of course it’s school,” Sebastian said, “but I figured it’d be more fun. I want to do more magic, not writing about it.”

“You have to grasp the theory before you perform,” Kat said. “You can’t just expect to know how to do magic without learning the concepts that go into magic.”

“Sure, so what’re we doing today?”

“I was going to work on finishing my homework so I wouldn’t have to worry about it tomorrow.”

“I guess that is a good point,” Sebastian said. “Less rushed getting it done instead of waiting until the last minute. What about you, Newt?”

“Not sure,” Newt said. “Maybe I’ll work on my essays later. I am working up to it.”

“I hear that.”

“Boys,” Kat said. 

Newt turned his head toward where Pickett had started climbing. The bowtruckle was scurrying fast, clinging to the bark with the stubble on his legs. He was impressed at the speed. When Pickett reached the first branch, he started gnawing at it with his teeny razor sharp teeth.

Newt was curious what the bowtruckle was doing.

Then, from a hole in the trunk that was level with the branch, a tree nymph sprouted forth. The little nymph was shaking its fists at Pickett, talking in a high pitched squeak in a language Newt couldn’t translate. Pickett’s little eyes seemed to bulge in shock as he scrambled to the end of the branch, away from the nymph, before leaping down. Close enough for Newt to reach out for the bowtruckle to land in his open palm.

“You sure are a handful.”

“Pluck.”

“I’m going to have to teach you manners.”

“Let’s explore more of the grounds,” Sebastian said. “I want to take a look at the stadium. That must be where Quidditch is played. What exactly is Quidditch?”

“Well, it’s a sport played in the air on broomsticks,” Kat said. “There are seven players on a team. The Keeper guards their team’s hoops, while the three chasers try to get the Quaffle in the other team’s hoops. Then the two beaters protect their teammates, in addition to trying to stop the other players from scoring by wracking a pair of bludgers with a bat in their directions. The final player is the seeker, who is charged with finding and catching a golden snitch. The snitch is super small and fast. When the snitch is caught, the seeker’s team earns 150 points and ends the game, which usually wins the game for the seeker’s team given where the score was before it was caught.”

“Wicked.”

“My brother is a chaser on Gryffindor’s team,” Newt said. “I’m not much of a flyer. Too scared of falling.”

“We’ll get flying lessons, too,” Kat said. “Usually starts in October, according to Thomas.”

“Do you know how to fly?”

“Not on a regular broomstick,” Kat said. “I’ve only flown on toy broomsticks. The farthest I’ve been from the ground is two feet. Never was interested in flying.”

“How about you, Newt?”

“I’ve flown once before when my dad and Theseus were trying to teach me,” Newt said. “I did manage to push off, but freaked when I got higher than the tall oak tree in our backyard. I panicked and lost control, then got stuck in a tree. Never again.”

“What about flying lessons?” Sebastian said. “Don’t we have to learn?”

“I guess.”

“I bet you’ll be fine, Newt,” Kat said. “How old were you when you first tried?”

“Seven.”

“Well, there, I’ll bet you’ll catch on better, especially now that you got the worst experience over and done.”

They had stood and started walking while talking.

Newt noticed they had reached the stadium. He was in awe at how much bigger it was when you were actually standing on the field. The four house towers for seating, then another tower for professors. There was also an extra, smaller, tower that he assumed was where the commentator was stationed.

“I think it would be wicked to play.”

“It’s definitely exciting to watch,” Kat said. “Thomas says first years aren’t allowed to try out, but if you still feel the same you could try in second.”

“I suppose that’s for the best,” Sebastian said. “I wouldn’t know how to fly until after try-outs.”

Newt shifted with the other two as they made their way down a slope in the grounds, leading toward the forbidden forest. There was a small cottage right on the edge. The closer they came upon it, Newt was able to see the Groundskeeper minding a small patch of pumpkins. Small pumpkins growing in rows of long vines in time for fall harvest.

Ogg noticed the trio and put his hoe down.

Newt followed his friends as they moved closer.

“These pumpkins look lovely, Mr Ogg,” Kat said. 

“Just call me Ogg,” Ogg said. “Thank you.”

“I’m Kat,” Kat said. “These are my friends, Newt and Sebastian.”

“Ah, yes,” Ogg said, settling his gaze. “I remember from the first night. You’re the one who needed a nudge into the boat.”

Newt nodded, shuffling his feet as he looked down.

“You aren’t the only kid who was afraid of the boats,” Ogg said. “What is your favorite magical creature?”

Newt stared blankly at Ogg. He couldn’t choose one creature. All magical creatures and beasts were fascinating.

“At least at the moment, which is your favorite?”

“I suppose bowtruckles.”

Newt had felt Pickett move slightly in his pocket.

“Those are interesting creatures who blend into their outdoor surroundings.”

Pickett chose that moment to pop his head out, surprising Ogg enough to lean back.

“Who is this little guy?”

“Pickett,” Newt said. “I found him in the greenhouse after Herbology.”

“He seems content.”

Newt stood there, unsure of a response. That happened a lot. If someone said a statement that didn’t require an answer, then he would freeze. Unable to think of the words to form a sentence.

“Pickett loves Newt,” Kat said, coming to his rescue. “Doesn’t leave his side.”

“How about that,” Ogg said. “Bowtruckles are usually independent creatures, too.”

“That one definitely was meant for Newt to find him,” Sebastian said.

Newt was thankful for his friends. Never before had he had friends to help him keep up a conversation. It was nice not floundering with nothing left to say while the other person stared. He was realizing the value of friendship. He would need friendship to navigate Hogwarts. It was a vital component to finding his place. It would enable him to find what played on his strengths.

#

Chapter Text

Chapter VIII: Discovering Strengths

Newt was great with animals. Much better than he was with humans. He could sense when an animal was in distress from a single glance. Far from reading his peers’ emotions and behaviors. People weren’t always as open as a book. He was realizing how little he understood people as the days brushed into weeks. It was nearing the end of September when Newt finally managed to read his new friends’ facial expressions and voice inflections. Yet he still felt like he had to work hard even in those instances.

Currently Newt was sitting in a chintz in the common room with Pickett nestled on his knee as he worked on an essay. He was still finding Charms infuriatingly tough.

Rex, sensing Newt’s distress, leapt into his lap. He ran his fingers through his orange fluff as the cat started to purr and nuzzle his head into Newt’s rib cage. The tension that had been forming in his chest loosened. Noticing Newt’s attention diverted, Pickett leapt up onto his shoulder. Pickett was still unsure whether to trust Rex or not. It stood to good reason since Newt had noticed Rex eyeing the bowtruckle quite a handful of times in the week since taking in Pickett. As if to prove the suspicions, Rex glanced up at where the bowtruckle nestled in the crook where Newt’s shoulder and neck met, tunneling his sight like a predator tracking prey.

Newt gave a sharp shake of his head, which the cat heeded, ears lowered in shame at being admonished.

“Aren’t you afraid Rex will eventually eat Pickett?” Sebastian asked. “It’s in a cat’s nature to eat mice and insects when given the chance.”

“Rex wouldn’t do that,” Newt said. “He’s just getting used to having Pickett around. Once he realizes Pickett isn’t going anywhere, then he’ll stop thinking about eating him.”

“Reasonable enough,” Kat said, glancing up from her own essay where she sat on the floor near the coffee table. “Just keep an eye on Rex until he stops looking at Pickett like he has found lunch.”

“Definitely,” Newt said. “Rex wouldn’t try anything with me. Plus, Pickett hasn’t left my side since I found him last week. That makes protecting him easy enough.”

“Pickett is smart,” Sebastian said. “He knows to keep his distance from Rex, at least until the cat stops stalking him.”

At the compliment, Pickett puffed out his chest with an audible tweak. It caused Newt’s friends to laugh.

When the laughter had settled, Kat asked,

“How’s Charms coming along?”

“It’s useless. I’m useless. I’ll never understand these concepts.”

“You did fairly well on our first essay for Professor Finnegan.”

“Yes, but wingardium leviosa is easier than lumos/nox,” Newt said. “It’s different to conjure light than manipulate something like a feather to levitate.”

“Conjuring something is all about desire and need,” Kat said. “Take lumos for instance. You need light if it’s dark to see. Therefore your desire for light to reveal your surroundings helps drive the incantation almost as much as the wand movement.”

“The movement is easy enough to remember,” Newt said. “I just can’t wrap my head around conjuring light when I don’t need it.”

“Then let’s go practice in an empty classroom,” Kat said. “We can shut off the lights and that might trick your mind into thinking you need light.”

“Worth trying,” Sebastian said. “Shoot, I could use the extra practice, mostly with turning the light off.”

“I guess it couldn’t hurt.”

The trio gathered their belongings and slung their bags over their shoulders before heading out through the portrait hole. It didn’t take long before they discovered an empty classroom around the corridor.

Kat wasted no time in putting the boys in the dark.

“Lumos,” Sebastian said, successfully lighting the end of his wand. “Nox.” Nothing happened. “Nox.” Still nothing.

“Let’s try it with the light on,” Kat said, “trick your mind into thinking you no longer need the light.”

Kat relit one of the torches.

“Nox,” Sebastian said, this time meaning it. “I did it!”

“Great job, Seb,” Kat said. “Now Newt’s turn.”

Kat diminished the torch, throwing them all in darkness.

Newt swallowed, clearing his throat. Attempting to smooth the folds over in his mind. He could do this. Both of his friends had mastered lumos/nox. That meant he could master this particular charm, too. He felt he had to give it his best try.

“Lumos.”

Nothing happened.

“Focus on wanting the light,” Kat said. “Don’t get discouraged. You have to want something before it happens. That’s how most magic works. At least that’s what my mum told me.”

“Okay.”

Newt closed his eyes, thinking that may also help. Then he reached deep within until he found the thought he was searching to find. He imagined himself grabbing hold of that thought, that desire for light.

“Lumos.”

Newt couldn’t see if it had worked since his eyes were still shut.

“Newt, you did it,” Kat said.

“Way to go, mate!”

Newt opened his eyes and saw what his friends had, which was the tip of his wand ignited with a ball of light to guide him through the dark. He couldn’t resist the grin that broke out on his face.

“Now dispel it.”

Kat relit a torch once more.

Again, Newt sifted through his mind for the desire to extinguish his wand. And again he succeeded. He felt like he had cracked into a stock of magic. After this little experiment, Newt had a sudden burst of confidence in his magical ability. His friends definitely picked up on the uptick in his mood when they were walking back to the common room.

“Now you shouldn’t have any trouble with Charms,” Kat said. “This is really good, Newt. You’ve really unlocked your magic. I think you both have.”

“We’ll see,” Sebastian said. “I’m sure the spells will only get harder.”

“Of course they will,” Kat said, “but you’ve both tapped into the concept, which applies to all the incantations we’ll be learning. You have to want something to happen in order to make it happen.”

“It does make a lot more sense,” Newt said. “Thank you, Kat. You helped me break past the block I had come up against.”

#

Newt had a sense of accomplishment going into their next Charms lesson. They were expected to show mastery of lumos/nox in the first part before Professor Finnegan introduced the next incantation.

When the professor approached Newt’s table, he felt his hands get clammy as they slipped on the wood of his wand. Kat volunteered to go first, which she successfully ignited and extinguished her wand. She made magic look effortless. Just watching her renewed Newt’s confidence to go next.

Reaching into his mind for that desire, Newt grabbed hold as he gripped his wand with determination. “Lumos.” The tip ignited with a starburst of light. Feeling even more in control, he seized for more. “Nox.” The tip extinguished.

“Excellent control, Newt,” Professor Finnegan said. “You’re really grasping the concepts.”

Then it was Sebastian’s turn, who succeeded on the first try.. Dispelling the light took a few tries before he was able to extinguish it.

“Excellent,” Professor Finnegan said, “five points to Hufflepuff for each of you mastering lumos/nox.”

The latter half was spent practicing the unlocking charm. Professor Finnegan placed locks before each student. Kat was the first student to succeed and she spent the remainder of class helping Newt and Sebastian.

“Alohomora,” Sebastian said.

“You’re saying it right,” Kat said. “However your wand placement needs to be sharper, less soft. Put more intention into opening the lock. Try to imagine it on a door that you need to get through.”

That seemed to do the trick for Sebastian, however Newt had trouble conjuring a door in his mind. All he was able to do was picture the lock on the desk. It was hard for him to imagine something he hadn’t physically seen. A lock on a door was an unknown concept. He had never needed to get into a locked room.

“We’ll practice more in the classroom we used,” Kat said. “I can fit one of our locks on that door. That should make it easier for you to visualize.”

Professor Finnegan was allowing the students to take the locks with them to practice until the next lesson. Newt felt somewhat at ease by the thought of more practical practice. It helped wrap his mind to visualize the concepts.

#

Theseus approached Newt at the Hufflepuff table during lunch with a tightly wound scroll. He immediately recognized his mum’s slanted script. Wasting no time, he tore the seal and unfurled the parchment. His mum was writing to congratulate him on becoming a hufflepuff and to update him on Vlad. Apparently the kneazle kept getting into things he shouldn’t have been. The main being his mum’s office where she recorded her daily logs on the hippogriffs. Vlad had knocked the trash and chair over in an attempt to jump onto the surface of the desk.

Newt hadn’t realized he was smiling until Sebastian asked about the letter.

“Vlad is trying to get into my mum’s stuff,” Newt said. “If you don’t keep him busy, then he gets into trouble.”

“Vlad is your kneazle, right?” Kat asked. “You mentioned him on the train.”

“Yes, he’s my favorite.”

“It’s a shame kneazles aren’t allowed as pets at Hogwarts.”

“Why aren’t kneazles allowed?”

“They’re classified as a protected magical creature,” Kat said. “Plus, the amount of mischief they cause makes them incredibly hard to train.”

Newt noticed Theseus had rejoined his friends. He had spoken less and less with his brother since they had arrived.

“I’m the only one Vlad listens to back home.”

“You’re also the only one keeping Rex from eating Pickett,” Sebastian said. “That cat would have surely attacked by now without you.”

At the mention of his name, Pickett popped his head out of Newt’s front pocket, above the Hufflepuff emblem.

“Rex is getting used to Pickett,” Newt said. “I think he’s about to fully come around to accepting Pickett as a friend.”

The rest of that day zoomed by, Newt found himself heading toward the library to check out the magical creatures selection. His friends had headed back to the common room. It was the first time Newt had been on his own since arriving at Hogwarts. A little nerve wracking, but his confidence had expanded a bit with the help of his friends.

Like a moth to a flame, it took Newt no time at all before he had discovered the vast array of books on magical beasts and creatures. He had just pulled down a book on erumpets when a body collided into him. A girl in Slytherin robes had been sidestepping, eyes affixed on the book spines. She seemed to recollect herself within seconds, straightening before her hazel eyes met his own,

“Sorry, I thought I was the only one in this aisle.”

Newt shrugged, glancing down at the book he still held.

“I’m Leta Lestrange,” Leta said. “I think we have a couple classes together.”

“I’m Newt Scamander,” Newt said. “Weren’t you the first to get the levitation charm?”

“Um, yes, that was me.”

“Your surname sounds familiar.”

“I’m from a long line of witches and wizards,” Leta said. “Pureblood and proud. My family’s crest is a raven.”

Newt wasn’t sure how he felt about Leta.. She seemed a little too full of pride in herself. Of course he had been taught to never judge people, even by first impressions. She definitely seemed outspoken as she was now telling him all about how her whole family had been in the Slytherin house. That didn’t really give Newt pause. His parents had taught him that houses shouldn’t separate people. But it certainly seemed to give Leta pause as she mentioned how much better her house was than the others. It was like she hadn’t even realized he wasn’t in her house.

“My family are all from different houses.”

“Oh, which houses?”

“My brother, Theseus is in Gryffindor, the same as my dad, and my mum was in Ravenclaw,” Newt said. “Then of course there’s me, in Hufflepuff. The only house not represented is Slytherin.”

“That’s fascinating,” Leta said. “I thought families were sorted into the same houses.”

“My parents said that everybody is different,” Newt said. “Even in your own family. You are sorted based on who you are, not by where your family was placed.”

“That sounds deep.”

“Leta, where did you get off?”

Leta looked over Newt’s shoulder. “Over here, I was looking for a book on defensive creatures.”

“Well, come on, it’s almost curfew.”

“I guess I’ll continue my search another day,” Leta said, then turned back to Newt before leaving. “It was nice meeting you. See you around.”

Newt watched Leta’s retreating back until she was out of his sight. He wasn’t sure what to think of Leta. She had different views than he had been taught. Yet she intrigued him. Nevermind the fact that she had also been searching books on magical creatures.

Newt’s reasoning was logical enough to believe anyone who liked magical creatures was worth giving a chance.

#

Chapter Text

Chapter IX: Flying Lesson

Newt woke up on the last Saturday of September extremely anxious. The first years had their first flying lesson after breakfast. While he had flown before, it had been a disaster. He wasn’t nervous about his peers finding out what a terrible flyer he was either. He was far more scared of not being able to control the broom.

According to Kat’s brother Thomas they wouldn’t even be flying in the air that day. The only thing taught would be how to summon the broomstick into their outstretched hand, mount, and hover several inches above the ground before touching back down.

That would be fine by Newt, except he was afraid he would end up lifting up high into the sky. He had no idea how to command a broomstick.

The brooms were set up in two lines in the courtyard. Newt stepped up to the one opposite Kat., Sebastian on his left. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Leta approaching with a group of Slytherins. It was not until all of the first years were gathered that their flying instructor, also the Quidditch referee, spoke from her position at one end of the lines before starting to pace down the center,

“Welcome first years to your first flying lesson, I am Madame Bellum,” Madame Bellum said. “Today we will first learn how to command our brooms before mastering control to hover a few feet from the ground. I expect you to master commanding your broom to touch back down. We won’t be doing any actual flying until our next lesson, which is two weeks from today.

“If there are not any questions, then we can step up to your brooms and stick your wand arm out to say ‘up.’ Well, let’s get started.”

Newt nervously held his right arm above the broomstick. “Up.” A slight movement that almost seemed to be his imagination playing tricks on his eyes. “Up.” Still the broom refused to listen.

Across from him, Kat had already successfully commanded her broomstick up into her outstretched fingers. Whereas Sebastian’s broom was rolling around as though it were having a battle at whether to follow the command. In fact most of the first years already had their brooms in their hands. It was just a few left who had so far unmastered the skill.

Madame Bellum came over to give Sebastian some pointers on how to drop his voice to sound more confident to get the broom to obey. A couple more tries and Sebastian was holding his broom.

Now Newt really felt the pressure as he noticed the only other person who had yet to command their broom was Leta. It felt like a competition as he anxiously gulped down his nerves before clearing his mind and throat.

“Up,” Newt said, and this time the broom obeyed his command and flew up into his waiting hand.

Seconds after he had his broom, Leta had hers while looking slightly embarrassed at being the last.

“Very good,” Madame Bellum said. “Now I want you to mount your brooms and ever so slightly push off from the ground. Then level your broom so that it is horizontal to maintain a hover before pushing the front end down to touch back to the grass.”

Simple enough, however Newt was still worried he would go up too high before he could level his broom. It was still worth a shot. He tried not to think of his peers as he mounted his broom, then ever so slightly pushing upward. 

Newt felt weightless as his feet left the ground. He momentarily freaked at the sight of nothing between his feet and the grass before he was able to level the broomstick so that it was horizontal from the ground. That seemed to stabilize flight as he remained stationary in the air. Confidence bolstered, Newt pushed the front of the broomstick down, which caused it to move back down until his feet made contact with the earth.

“I did it,” Newt said, more to himself. “I actually did it.”

Kat had just touched down beside him. “I knew you could, Newt.”

Newt was grinning from ear to ear.

Sebastian floated back down to land, looking almost in awe of the little bit of flying that he had done.

“That was wicked,” Sebastian said. “I can’t wait for our next lesson when we do more flying.”

“I can’t wait to tell Theseus that I actually controlled my broom.”

The friends decided to spend the remainder of the morning wandering the grounds until they reached Ogg’s cottage. It was a natural pull, like the trio were already bound to gravitate toward the groundskeeper. The pumpkins looked slightly more round and bigger than the previous visit. There was a scarecrow with a lone crow resting on one of its outstretched wooden arms, but no sign of Ogg.

“Hmm, I wonder where Ogg is,” Kat said. “He must be always busy maintaining the whole grounds around the castle.”

“I wonder how many creatures he has seen.”

“You think there’s unicorns around here?” Kat asked. “Maybe in the forbidden forest? I’ve always wanted to see a unicorn.”

“My mum says unicorns can sense emotions.”

“That’s what I read in a book on unicorns that my parents bought me a few years ago,” Kat said. “My mum calls me her unicorn because I’ve always been sensitive to people’s feelings. I would easily get overwhelmed when I was in a crowd. It’s gotten better since, though. My parents taught me how to meditate, which helps me section out my own feelings from others.”

“That is incredible,” Sebastian said. “You’re amazing.”

“Thanks, Seb,” Kat said, cheeks flushing at the compliment. “I always imagined other people could sense the same things until my parents told me that I had inherited my grandmother’s gift of empathy.”

“I thought there was something different about you.”

“How so?”

“I just felt instantly comfortable when we met,” Newt said. “I had been overwhelmed by all the noise on the train platform until you walked over. It almost seemed to block everything else out as you helped me stand. I felt like I could handle anything.”

“I was happy to help,” Kat said. “You seemed like you needed a friend.”

“Thank you.”

Kat smiled in response to Newt’s gratitude.

“What are you three up to on this beautiful Saturday?”

The friends turned to spot Ogg tromping his way over in mucky golishes. It appeared he had come from the forbidden forest. Newt had so many questions about the sort of creatures who lived in its depths. If only it weren’t off limits to students. He knew it was for their own safety, but his curiosity was stronger than his need for protection. Yet he couldn’t break a rule no matter how strong the desire to explore the restricted forest.

“We just finished our first flying lesson,” Sebastian said. “It was awesome! I can’t wait until we actually get to fly around.”

“I’m glad you lot had fun,” Ogg said. “I’ve always been a bit clumsy on a broomstick. Zero coordination.”

“Your pumpkins are looking even bigger,” Kat said. “I’ve always wanted a pumpkin patch, but my mum has the worst green thumb. She can’t even keep succulents alive.”

“Pumpkins aren’t too hard,” Ogg said. “It’s getting them to grow big that’s the real trick of growing and nurturing a patch.”

Pickett leapt from Newt’s pocket to land on a particularly large and scrumptiously round pumpkin. Newt watched as the bowtruckle attempted to bite into the top of the orange fruit, then laughed when PIckett was unable to even dent the surface.

“Pickett,” Kat scorned. “You mustn’t ruin Ogg’s hard work before the Halloween feast. He’s putting such hard work into these pumpkins.”

Pickett glanced toward Newt as if to see if he would agree.

Newt nodded. “Yeah, Ogg is working hard on growing these pumpkins for Halloween.”

Pickett looked downtrodden before hopping onto Newt’s waiting hand and scurrying up his arm and over his shoulder, back into the pocket he hid. Newt felt bad for scolding the bowtruckle, but at the same time Pickett needed to learn manners.

#

Newt ran over to the Gryffindor table where Theseus was seated with his friends when he entered the Great Hall for supper.

“Theseus, I hovered in the air without losing control!”

“That’s awesome, Newt,” Theseus said. “See, I knew you would eventually be able to fly. You are related to me, after all.”

“I haven’t flown yet.”

“Next lesson you will, and you’ll be grand.”

Still glowing from Theseus’s encouragement, Newt rejoined his friends at the Hufflepuff table.

#

Chapter Text

Chapter X: Quidditch and a New Friend

The following week was going much quicker than Newt could keep up with.. They were learning new spells in Charms and Transfiguration. Currently he was in Potions with the rest of the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw first years. Professor Zephyr was walking around as she monitored the students’ progress on their Shrinking Solutions.

Newt’s potion was very soupy. He was trying to follow the instructions the best he could, but couldn’t figure out why the consistency didn’t match Kat’s solution.

“Did you add the molasses?” Kat asked.

“Yes,” Newt said, “I mean… maybe. I can’t remember.”

Kat did a quick scan of all of Newt’s carefully laid out ingredients that he had taken care to prepare before adding it all in accordance with the steps given in the textbook. She picked up the small measurement of molasses that was contained in a vial at the edge of their table.

“I knew I had poured it,” Newt said. “Thanks, Kat.”

“You’re welcome, Newt.”

Newt added it in with the counter-clockwise stirs, watching as his solution thickened as Professor Zephyr walked by, giving a nod of approval to both their potions.

Newt felt like Potions was the class that he really understood. Concrete rules to follow without any abstract thinking. He was able to focus on instructions that helped him brew specific potions. No room for overthinking when it was all laid out at the start. He didn’t question his ability to measure and stir in ingredients when it was all spelled out for him in the textbook.

Potions was the class where spell mastery wasn’t required. It was a class of precision and exactness, practical in its approach. Practicality was something Newt had with the literal approach of his mind. It gave Newt a boost in confidence.

#

By the end of the week, the students were abuzz with anticipation for the first quidditch match of the season. Even Newt was looking forward to getting the chance to see his brother play since the first match was Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw. A big part of him hoped that his brother played well and helped the team secure a win.

On the morning of the match, Newt was eating his usual bowl of porridge with Kat and Sebastian. Sebastian was all giddiness and chatter. He had been pestering Kat with questions about quidditch so much this past week that Kat had taken him to the library to check out its copy of Quidditch Through the Ages. Needless to say, Sebastian now knew more about the sport than Newt and Kat. Newt wouldn’t be surprised if Sebastian tried out for their house team next year. That was how fanatic Sebastian was about quidditch.

“How good of a player is your brother, Newt?”

“I suppose he’s a decent player,” Newt said. “I’ve never seen him play a match. He’s a wicked flyer with a lot of speed.”

“I heard the Ravenclaw team is decent enough,” Sebastian said. “The only new players are one of the beaters and the seeker.”

Newt was wary as he finished the last few bites, scraping the bottom of his bowl. He was expecting the crowd to be noisy and boisterous. Unsure of how long he would last, but Newt knew he would probably have to leave the match early.

Kat nudged his shoulder. “You good?”

Newt nodded.

“If the match gets to be too much, I can leave with you.”

“It’s okay,” Newt said. “I don’t want you to miss out on the match. I’ll be fine. If I leave, then I can head back to the common room. I’ll want to be alone anyway.”

“Okay, but the offer still stands.”

Newt was appreciative of Kat’s selflessness to sacrifice watching the match for his comfort. In the past it had been just his family making sacrifices for his benefit. It was nice to have a friend who was willing to do the same thing his parents and brother regularly did to work around his fits. He hoped he was able to recognize when it became too much so that he would be able to leave before he had a fit. The last thing he wanted was to be seen by the other students as unable to cope with being at a quidditch match. No one would understand. His friends would understand, but no one else was likely to because they didn’t know him the way his friends were starting to know him.

Judging by most of the students leaving the Great Hall, Newt and his friends decided it was time to make their way out into the grounds to make the short trek to the quidditch stadium. Hopefully they would find a good spot to watch the match.

Climbing the wooden stairs that spiraled up to a set of stands atop the hufflepuff pillar was almost dizzying for Newt, but he managed to stay calm as he droned out the sound of excited chatter in front and behind him. He kept his eyes trained on the planks as he made his ascend. He was vaguely aware of Sebastian’s open mouthed gasp of amazement once they reached the top before the friends picked their way toward the top of the stands. Most of their fellow Puffs were standing along the edge of the railing with a handful sitting. They spotted Professor Zephyr sitting with another professor they had not met yet. Newt thought this must be the Magical Creatures Professor because of the little hippogriffs that decorated the tie he wore snuggly in place beneath his collar. He was looking forward to being able to study Magical Creatures in third year. A shame he had to wait two years, but the wait was sure to be worth it. He hoped by then he could impress the professor with his knowledge of magical beasts and creatures, while adding on to it with what he would learn in the years before he left Hogwarts.

“I wonder how long we’ll have to wait until the teams come out.”

“I’m sure the match is about to start any minute now,” Kat said. “The teams had headed to the stadium ahead of the masses.”

As if to prove Kat’s logic, the student who would be commentating the match had amplified his voice. “Welcome ladies and gents to our first match of the season.” The teams came soaring out from each of their changing rooms, doing laps around the field for the cheers.

Newt’s stomach did a flip before he forced himself to take a calming breath.

“On the Gryffindor team: Miranda Goshwick, Theseus Scamander, and Felix Finnegan as Chasers; Nicholas Walton as Keeper; Richard Weasley and Dalton Summers as Beaters; and Ophelia Valentino as Seeker.

“And let’s not forget our Ravenclaw players. Playing as Chasers, we have Eloise Madigan, Theordore Lin, and Gabriel L’engles; Beaters are Ulyssis Benton and Jack Childs; Callum McGreggor as Keeper; and Keith Olsen as Seeker.”

All the cheering was making it hard for Newt to remain centered. His mind felt jumbled, disconnected from his body. The faces and bodies of his fellow Puffs blurring as the sound erupted around the stadium. The sound felt like a crushing weight pushing in on all sides.

“Newt,” Kat said, her voice sounding miles away. Too far away for a response. How would she hear him over all the noise?

Newt’s heartbeat had taken up residence within his head, ears swelling with the accelerated rhythmic beat of his pulse pounding a tattoo into his eardrums. He felt large beads of sweat slide down his temples, aware of the trail it left as each bead ran the length of his neck.

“Newt,” Kat said, voice louder as she tugged on his hand.

It was just enough to pull Newt back to realize he was now standing. Just long enough to shake his head in response. He was aware of Kat releasing his hand before he robotically made his way down the stands and back down the spiral staircase. Thankfully there was no one climbing up or down, everyone watching the match atop the pillar by this point.

Newt felt disappointed he hadn’t even made it long enough for the match to start before the noise had become overwhelming. At least he was able to make his own escape. He couldn’t rely on his father to carry him this time around.

The farther down Newt went, the more he felt himself, the sound becoming quieter with distance as he walked away from the stadium once he was out of the pillar.

He felt more free as the sound became a muffled backdrop once he reached the black lake.

Newt hadn’t been expecting to see anyone else as surely they were all watching the match, but there was a lone figure resting beneath the beech tree with a book on her lap. It took a moment for Newt to realize that the person was Leta Lestrange. It was odd seeing her without a group of first year Slytherins.

Leta looked over her shoulder, clearly sensing Newt’s presence.

“Oh, it’s you again,” Leta said. “Newt, right?”

“Yes,” Newt said. “I thought everyone was at the match.”

“You aren’t.”

“Right,” Newt said. “I had to leave. The noise was getting overwhelming.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t have thought you would be much of a quidditch fanatic.”

“Why do you say that?”

“You just seem more like a book person,” Leta said. “More specifically books about magical creatures.”

“You’re right about that, I am more into magical creatures,” Newt said. “Why aren’t you watching the match?”

“Slytherin isn’t playing,” Leta said. “Plus, I am reading a book on unicorns.”

“Is that your favorite magical creature?”

“No, but I definitely feel like I can relate with them.”

“What about unicorns do you relate with?”

“I like how unicorns can outrun anything that it crosses paths with,” Leta said. “It’s fierce and independent. The only thing that can tame it is a woman, specifically a maiden.”

“You do seem independent.”

“I do like my friends,” Leta said. “It’s just that sometimes… Well, sometimes I feel like they are only my friends because of my family.”

Newt hadn’t ever had to worry about that with his friends. Maybe because he had only interacted with his family prior to coming to Hogwarts. But his family kept more to themselves. He wasn’t sure if it was because of him or because they chose to keep a low profile. His dad had said it was more important to remain loyal to family than worry about what others thought. Then again, Newt had overheard their dad talking to Theseus when he had said all of that. It might have been to convince Theseus that family was more important than being the most popular.

Of course, Theseus was popular, but Newt thought he was popular for the right reasons. He had never seen his brother make fun of someone. Also, despite the limited amount of times he had spoken to his brother, Theseus still seemed to genuinely care and look out for him. Newt didn’t feel like Theseus felt embarrassed to interact with him. They were just in separate houses and years with their own classes and friends.

“You are very introspective,” Leta said, pulling Newt out of his thoughts. “Knut for your thoughts?”

“I was just thinking about what you said about how it’s hard for you to figure out if your friends like you for you,” Newt said. “I haven’t felt that way at all. It must be sad to think your friends only like you for who your family is.”

“It gets a bit lonely, yeah.”

“If it helps, I want to be your friend because of you.”

“What makes you want to be my friend?”

“That’s easy,” Newt said. “Your love of magical creatures and beasts.”

“You’re an odd duck, Newt,” Leta said. “I like that about you. You seem unafraid to be who you were meant to be.”

Newt wasn’t sure whether he believed that. He was constantly afraid and thinking about how he would react in situations. More than that, Newt didn’t want others to look at him strangely. He wanted to be liked. He was used to being different and had grown accustomed to trying to blend in the best way he could. Yet, blending was hard and Newt knew his differences caused him to stand out more than he wanted. He was just used to being different.

The pair of them sat in silence for several long minutes before Leta stood with her book. Leta had to go and finish writing a couple essays. She said she wanted to get it done before her friends rejoined her after the match.

“It was great talking with you, Leta.”

“Thanks for being a friend, Newt.”

#

Chapter Text

Chapter XI: Halloween

Time was moving along quickly and before Newt realized it, he was waking up on the last day of October. It was both Halloween and a Saturday, which meant there would be a feast in the Great Hall that night. It was also the first Hogsmeade trip for third through seventh years. Newt’s brother would get to visit the all-wizard village of Hogsmeade for the first time. Newt was trying not to be jealous.

Newt had plans to visit Ogg at his cottage. The Groundskeeper was going to walk Newt, Sebastian, and Kat through the outer perimeter of the Forbidden Forest. It hadn’t taken much convincing of Ogg that they would listen and do everything they were told if they got to follow him into the forest. Newt suspected that Ogg knew how much he wanted to explore the forbidden wood that was off limits to students.

It was for that reason alone that Newt had excitedly leaped from bed and changed into pants and a jumper.

“Seb, wake up,” Newt said.

Newt attempted to rouse his friend by jumping on Seb’s bed. Several minutes after he had started, Sebastian finally poked his head from the cocoon of his yellow with black trim duvet.

“Just a few more… sleep…”

“We’re supposed to meet Ogg soon,” Newt said. “Kat is probably already waiting for us.”

Sebastian groaned, stumbling from the four-poster bed.

Newt cinched his cloak around his neck since the temperature had already started to drop while Sebastian dressed. When his friend finished, Newt bolted from the dorm with Sebastian trailing. They found Kat waiting by the hearth in the common room.

“It’s about time you lazy bones woke,” Kat said. “I thought I’d have to drag you out of bed if it had been any longer.”

“Sebastian was being slow.”

“It’s a Saturday,” Sebastian said. “We’re allowed to sleep in on the weekend.”

“Not when Ogg is waiting to take us into the forbidden forest,” Newt said. “C’mon, not a moment more.”

“But first, breakfast,” Kat said. “We’ll grab something to go at the very least.”

“Oh, all right.”

Kat grinned. “You’ll thank me when your stomach doesn’t cut our trek short.”

Once at the Hufflepuff table, Newt’s excitement slowed as he fell more into his breakfast routine. It would have been hard to eat his porridge on the go. Sebastian and Kat dug into their own breakfasts, thankful for the slow down of Newt’s anxiousness.

“I hope we see a centaur,” Newt said around bites. “Oh, and a unicorn. You know, Leta’s favorite magical creature. Ooh, I wonder if she’d want to join us.”

“Doubt it,” Sebastian said. “She looks busy with her Slytherin posse.”

“Perhaps,” Newt said. “Maybe we could still ask. Never know, she may say yes.”

“Leta doesn’t exactly like us,” Kat said. 

“What makes you say that?”

“She always seems to be in a rush to get away,” Kat said. “Never wanting to linger too long.”

“Leta’s great, though,” Newt said. “She likes magical creatures, too. You two never caught her when she’s alone.”

“She’s rarely alone, mate,” Sebastian said.

“Right, but occasionally she is, especially when she’s outside or in the library.”

Newt had only spoken about creatures and beasts with Leta once since the first quidditch match. Leta was hard to catch alone, and when she was with her friends she rarely had the time to talk before her friends were calling her away.

“Maybe she just doesn’t want to be friends.”

“Nonsense,” Newt said. “Leta and I are friends. Even Pickett likes her.”

Hearing his name, Pickett poked his head from Newt’s pocket before blowing a raspberry.

“Yeah, mate,” Sebastian said. “Pickett seems completely taken with Leta.”

Kat giggled. 

“He does,” Newt said, then looked down at Pickett. “You do.”

Pickett blew another raspberry before burying himself within Newt’s pocket.

“He’s only just warming to her.”

“Sure, mate,” Sebastian said. “He’s really riveted by Leta.”

“You could still ask Leta if she wants to join us,” Kat said. 

Newt was about to stand, but he glanced over at where she sat with her friends. He watched as she laughed and lost his nerve,

“Maybe next time.”

At that moment, Theseus passed by with his friends on their way to join the rest of the third years who were going to Hogsmeade for the first time in the entrance hall.

“Happy Halloween, Newt.”

“Happy Halloween, Theseus,” Newt said. “Have fun in Hogsmeade.”

“Thanks, I’ll bring you back something.”

Newt finished his porridge and was heading out with Kat and Sebastian shortly after his brother. He bounced from foot to foot as they walked across the green toward Ogg’s cottage. They found Ogg cutting the last of the pumpkins from the vines. Most of the pumpkins were already decorating the Great Hall for the feast. These were what was left over. The patch had thrived this season.

“Good morning, you lot,” Ogg said. “Ready for a trek to explore the forest?”

“I was born ready,” Newt said. “I can’t believe you’re actually going to take us along with you.”

“Least I can do when I know how much you like magical creatures.”

“Newt has been looking forward to this trip into the woods ever since you offered to take us,” Kat said.

“Right, he won’t shut up about it,” Sebastian said. “It’s making me even more curious to see magical creatures.”

As if more confirmation were needed, Pickett stuck his head out from Newt’s pocket to give a loud squeak and thumbs up.

“I’m happy to bring you three along,” Ogg said. “Shall we head in? I received word from Randolph that there was an injured niffler when I woke up.”

“Wicked,” Newt said. “I’ve always wanted to see a real niffler. My mum told me I couldn’t have one as a pet when I was younger. She said nifflers are better in the wild where they can’t cause mischief.”

“Is there a creature you haven’t wanted as a pet?” Sebastian asked. “Perhaps a dragon?”

“I’d love a dragon, too,” Newt said. “I haven’t heard of a creature or beast that I wouldn’t want as a pet.”

“You’re going to be one of those people who own creatures you shouldn’t one day,” Kat said. “I can already see it.”

“There are certain creatures and beasts who are illegal to own as pets,” Ogg said. “It’d be impossible to own all of them at any rate.”

“Illegal, yes,” Newt said, “but only if I don’t have a license allowing the ownership of certain beasts and creatures.”

“You’ve looked into this, haven’t you?” Sebastian asked, brows furrowing.

“I don’t need to,” Newt said. “Both my parents work in the Magical Beasts division at the Ministry of Magic. They have permission to handle and own classified beasts that no other person is allowed.”

Newt walked alongside Ogg, leaves crunching beneath their feet as they followed a path deeper into the forest. His ears were on alert to pick out any animals he recognized. In particular, he was listening for the high-pitched squeak of the injured niffler. They had been walking for nearly twenty minutes when Newt saw a streak of white run through the brush up ahead of them. It was moving so fast that it almost seemed to be flying. Newt knew it was running, though, because he heard its hoofs pound against the dirt-packed ground.

“Did you see that?” Newt looked back to his friends. “A unicorn, a real life unicorn just crossed up ahead.”

Both his friends concurred in agreement.

“Plenty more where that one came from,” Ogg said. “There are loads of unicorns frolicking in the forest.”

“Halt, identify yourselves,” came a voice from an unseen person.

“Randolph, it’s me, Ogg, and I’ve brought a few eager students along.”

Newt’s head turned toward the rustling brush as a majestic centaur revealed himself. He had never before seen a centaur in real life. It was better than anything he had seen in books. The bottom half was the body of a horse with the torso, arms, and head of a man where a horse’s head would have been. The centaur looked stronger than any creature Newt had seen, and his mom trained hippogriffs back home.

“I shall forgive you this once,” Randolph said. “However, don’t make a habit of bringing humans into the forest. At least these humans are young and still not fully grown. They are still impressionable.”

“Can you really tell the future from the stars?” Newt asked.

“One does not foretell the future, young man,” Randolph said. “We read the stars. The stars map out the future. But nothing is definite until it happens. There’s a lot of power in knowing, but more in not talking about it.”

“Could you read my future in the stars?”

“Perhaps,” Randolph said. “Nothing is definite, though. Our choices often change the mapping of the stars. There are multiple futures that can happen based on what each person chooses to do in the moment.”

“That sounds fascinating,” Kat said. “Is there a way I can study to read the stars the way you do?”

“There are classes given up at that school of yours,” Randolph said. “However, the mind of a centaur is far superior to that of a human. Humans can only just scratch the surface of what we can foresee when we gaze at the sky.”

“I’d like to at least learn to read what I’m looking at in the stars.”

“You may very well be able to, young lady,” Randolph said. “Some of your kind have the rare gift of Sight that enables them to see more than others.”

“You mean Seers,” Kat said. “I’ve never met a Seer.”

“What Seers do is different from what we do,” Randolph said. “As I said before, no one can say what will happen until a choice is made. Even then, it may or may not happen based on where that choice leads.”

“I don’t mean to cut you off, Randolph,” Ogg said. “But you mentioned an injured niffler earlier this morning.”

“Of course, right this way.”

They followed Randolph deeper into the forest. 

Newt was raptured by what the centaur had told them about the stars mapping out different paths of the future. More than anything he was fascinated with how the centaurs read the stars. Here was a creature of such high intellect that far exceeded his brain. Or any human brain for that matter. Newt found it difficult to read the intentions and emotions of others, let alone foreseeing what is destined to happen.

“Here we are.”

Randolph stepped off the path to allow the group to pass. There was a small dark lump of fur nestled in between two roots that were sticking out beneath a huge oak. The friends followed Ogg’s lead, crouching down around the small creature.

Ogg lifted its head, revealing a billed mouth, before cradling the rest of the niffler’s body. He watched as the groundskeeper took a small vial from his pocket and poured the contents into the creature’s mouth. Then Ogg felt the legs and arms before making a grunt of satisfaction. Whatever Ogg had given the niffler seemed to be healing the little guy’s body as it started to move its limbs of his own accord.

“I think this little one will be just fine.”

“What happened to him?” Newt asked.

“He fell from the tree,” Randolph said. “At the height and force he fell from, it was no surprise that he had broken some bones in its small body.”

“How did he fall?”

“He could have gotten into a scuffle with another animal or simply lost his footing.”

The niffler started to squeak, wiggling more in Ogg’s grasp. “I think you will be just fine, little one.” Ogg set the niffler on the ground. There were several minutes that the niffler looked around him, staring up at them in wonderment, before scurrying off into the brush.

“That was so cool,” Sebastian said. “I can see why you like these animals so much, Newt. They are far different than anything I’ve ever seen.”

The friends chatted nonstop about what they had seen the whole way back through the woods, trailing Ogg. Newt was sad when they stepped through the trees that hugged the perimeter of the forbidden forest.

“Thank you so much, Ogg,” Kat said. “This was such a thrill and I can’t wait to read more about centaurs and the stars. I”m going to have to ask our astronomy professor more questions.”

“Yes, thanks, Ogg,” Sebastian said. “Today was a lot of fun.”

“You lot are most welcome. Be sure to keep visiting. I like your company.”

“Thank you,” Newt said. “This was the best day of my life.”

“You are going to far places, Newt.”

“I hope so. There’s so much out there to discover.”

There was just enough time to walk up to the castle before the feast started. A great way to end the best Halloween Newt had ever experienced.

#

Chapter Text

Chapter XII: Midterm Exams 1908

November was moving along at a pace Newt wished he could slow down. The faster the time spun, the sooner midterms would arrive and he was not ready. Just the mere thought of exams sped his heartrate up considerably. It wasn’t until the end of Potions when Professor Zephyr had him stay after that he realised just how close exams were around the corner. The reminder had him visibly holding his breath, feeling trapped.

“I conferenced with your parents via fire-call the other day,” Professor Zephyr said. “They advocated for you to have an extension to complete exams. I brought it to the attention of Headmaster Black, who approved it. This means you’ll have more time to finish any exams you take while here. Not just this year, but in all the years leading up to your completion from school.”

That made Newt relax some, but only slightly. Now he had to worry about other students thinking he was getting special treatment. He was different and deserved extra accommodations that others didn’t need. These accommodations would allow him to feel less anxious and perform better on exams.

The trio of Puffs were sitting in the common room near the cackling hearth, relieved it was the end of the week. Though they would still need to study over the weekend. The month had flown and midterms were starting next week. All the first years were a nervous wreck, but Newt was stricken. He was having trouble recalling everything they had learned this semester.

“It’ll be fine, Newt,” Kat said. “You’ll see. Plus, you get extra time. Just take a deep breath and you will do great.”

Rex leapt into Newt’s lap, causing Pickett to scurry from his shoulder to hide in the front pocket of his school robes with a squeak. The pair had been playing a cat and mouse game. Still not the friends Newt expected them to become. He had hoped Rex and PIckett would have learned by now that they weren’t supposed to be enemies.

“You need to quit chasing Pickett,” Newt said, scratching Rex behind the ears. “He has as much right as you to be here. No more trying to attack him.”

The orange cat only purred, looking up at Newt with eyes that portrayed the utmost innocence that a cat could produce.

“Cats are always going to chase what’s smaller,” Sebastian said.

“Rex may get used to Pickett,” Kat said. “It just will take longer for him to learn that Pickett is supposed to be a friend.”

“Hopefully by the end of first year they’ll be friends,” Newt said. “My hope is that Rex realises Pickett is here to stay when he returns home for winter hols with us in a couple of weeks.”

“That’s definitely a lot to ask of two animals who are designed to go against each other,” Kat said. “Of course, even cats and dogs can become friends when they are around each other long enough.”

The week started with their Charms exam first, which Newt thought went well enough. He felt like he had done all right on the written portion. Enough to pass. The practical portion was tricky, but Professor Finnegan was patient and calm while waiting for Newt to get his bearings. Eventually he was able to successfully perform the levitation charm, unlocking charm, and illumination charm. Those charms had been the primary focus for that first semester of the term. He had thanked Kat again once they were all in the great hall for lunch after their charm practical. Had it not been for Kat, Newt would have floundered more than he had on those charms. Her practice strategies had helped him immensely.

“Which exam do we have this afternoon?” Sebastian asked. “I hope it’s not Transfiguration. I’m not ready for that one.”

“You’ll do great, Seb,” Kat said. “Nerves are a good thing. Though you’ll get your wish as it’s Potions we have after lunch.”

“My favorite,” Newt said. “I already feel less stressed.”

“You’re one of the best in our class at Potions, you’ll do great.”

Newt finished his fish and chips, allowing Pickett to munch on some chips. There were other students who kept looking curiously at the bowtruckle gnawing on his chips. Being stared at never bothered Newt. He had grown used to eyes being drawn toward him like magnets.

When students started heading toward their next exam was when the trio started to head down toward the dungeons. The door was already opened, Professor Zephyr standing at the entry with a warm smile. He felt the muscles in his shoulders loosen as he crossed through to take a seat at a table toward the back. Here in Potions he was in his element. The precision of rules to follow was what Newt thrived on.

The instructions for the potion they were to brew was already on the blackboard. They would be brewing a simple potion to cure hiccups. Easy enough, no stress. He felt like he could have handled something harder, but at any rate it was nice to have something simple. One exam he was positive he would be able to pass without struggle.

“Once you complete the potion,” Professor Zephyr explained, “you are to raise your hand and I will come to test it on you. Then you will be free to go. Please take your time. There’s no need to rush as that will likely cause the simplest of mistakes.”

Kat ended up being one of the first to finish her hiccup potion, but Newt wasn’t far behind. Professor Zephyr smiled and winked when his potion successfully got rid of the hiccups that she gave him with a charm. Newt gave Sebastian a thumbs up as he left the class to discover Kat sitting cross-legged on the stone floor with her back against the wall beneath the window that ran the length of the hall.

Newt joined her with a wide smile on his face.

“I told you that you would pass.”

“You were right,” Newt said. “I had nothing to worry about.”

“After Sebastian finishes, I’m heading to the basement dorms for a nap,” Kat said. “We have our Astronomy exam at midnight atop the astronomy tower.”

“That’s going to be a tough one.”

“You’ll do fine so long as you find the main stars, constellations, and planets we’ve been discussing since term started.”

“You say that like it's easy to navigate where they are with a telescope,” Newt said. “I suppose it is straight forward, but it’s still not as easy as Potions is for me.”

At that moment Sebastian exited Potions and joined them.

“Time for a nap.”

Sebastian looked blankly for a fraction of a minute before realisation dawned. “We have Astronomy tonight, don’t we?”

“Yes, at midnight,” Kat said. “At least we don’t have any exams until then.”

“I suppose I should try to take a nap too,” Sebastian said. “What about you, Newt?”

“I’m going to try,” Newt said. “But I usually have trouble sleeping when it isn’t night. In fact, I sometimes have trouble sleeping at night when there are thoughts swirling around my brain. Sometimes it’s hard to turn my brain off. It’s constantly running in a loop.”

“Just trying to get some sleep since we’ll be up for the midnight hour is worth it,” Kat said. “I may not get much of a nap, but at least I will have tried to get some sleep. Even a little will help.”

Newt and Sebastian parted ways with Kat as she went to the first year girls’ dorm. Their dorm was empty as both collapsed onto their four-poster beds, drawing the curtains to block out the little bit of light streaming in from the high window that was at level with the grassy ground. The curtains helped trick his brain only slightly. His body still knew he wasn’t usually in bed during that time of the day. If he had to guess, he might have gotten twenty minutes of solid sleep during the couple hours he laid in bed listening to the low snoring that was coming from Sebastian’s bed. At least Seb was able to get more sleep.

The boys joined Kat in the common room when it was time to head up for dinner. After dinner they went to the library to study for the exams they would have tomorrow: Transfiguration and Herbology. Newt would rather do Herbology in the morning since he was still finding Transfiguration particularly difficult. By far the hardest of all the subjects. The only good thing about having that exam in the morning would be that he would be done with Transfiguration until after winter hols. That was a definite bright side.

When their brains started feeling cloudy with all the information they headed down to the Hufflepuff basement common room to sit before the roaring fireplace. They took turns playing the winner with Kat’s wizard chess set. Sebastian had taken quickly to the game and it was particularly hard to beat him each time they played. Kat and Newt still won some rounds, but wizard chess was definitely Sebastian’s game. Seb had told them about how he regularly played chess with his grandfather. It was one area Seb related with his grandfather while listening to the older man spin tales of his own youth while they played.

Then it was time to head up to the astronomy tower for their exam. Newt settled himself along the edge of the wall that acted as a sort of railing to prevent someone from falling. He set up his telescope as the other hufflepuff and ravenclaw first years did the same around the tower. He wrote the placement of each of the main constellations, planets, and stars that the professor had transferred onto the parchment that was passed out to each student. It took him longer than most, but he wasn’t the last one to finish which made him feel good. Then he was heading down the tower through the halls and down staircase after staircase back to the hufflepuff basements. Ready to fall into bed and succumb to sleep. His brain was swimming, the night sky embedded in his visual cortex. He wouldn’t be surprised if that was what he saw when he closed his eyelids.

The following morning came much too quick for Newt. He was still partly asleep as he scooped out porridge into a bowl. Clearly he wasn’t the only one. The other first year hufflepuffs seemed just as sleepy as he was, and a glance over at the ravenclaw table confirmed that those first years were slouched sleepily over their breakfasts too.

“Herbology first thing this morning,” Kat said, looking more chipper than her fellow first years. Some people were naturally morning people. “That allows a bit of extra study since Transfiguration isn’t until after lunch.”

“I’m doomed either way,” Newt said. “Maybe if Transfiguration had been scheduled before Astronomy I may have had a better chance, but I’m too tired to think clearly.”

“Didn’t you get any sleep after the exam?”

“Not really.”

“Me neither,” Sebastian said. “My brain kept cycling back to the few things I had to leave blank because I just couldn’t find them in the sky. I really hope I still passed.”

“I’m sure you’ll be fine,” Kat said. “Maybe you two should take a nap after Herbology.”

“I wouldn’t be able to sleep even if I tried,” Newt said. “It’s impossible for me to sleep during the day.”

“Well, we could study some in the library before lunch.”

“Are you sure you weren’t supposed to be a ravenclaw?”

“The hat did consider that as a second option, but in the end it placed me in hufflepuff because that’s where my heart was set on.”

The trio headed down to the greenhouses with the rest of the hufflepuff and gryffindor first years. Professor Bulbous was there ready to greet them as they entered. Newt sat in his usual spot at the long work table. The writing portion was simple enough. Mostly just responding to a series of questions Professor Bulbous had written up on the blackboard. Then the physical portion was showing mastery with working with one of the plants they had dealt with in that first semester. The whole exam was over before Newt knew it.

Then they were headed up to the library for a bit of last minute revision of their Transfiguration notes in the library. It shouldn’t be too terribly awful. There was plenty of anxiety that was spinning on a loop in Newt’s mind. Yet it was mostly due to his lack of confidence in performing incantations. The practicals were harder than the answering of questions. At least he could study for the written parts of the exams. It was easy to know what to expect. The practical portions could be any incantation that they had worked on that semester.

Eventually the trio made their way toward Transfiguration. The hufflepuff and gryffindor first years milled about the hallway, waiting until Professor Dippet opened the classroom door. The students filed in, taking their spots. Already the questions were written on the blackboard. Newt pulled out a sheaf of parchment, ink, and quill to begin answering the questions in an essay. After a while some students started finishing, turning in their essays before heading back out into the hall to wait for the practical. It was just Newt when the time ran out and he was very nearly finished. Professor Dippet was nice enough to extend the time another ten minutes to allow him to conclude his essay.

Then the other students were filing back in as Professor Dippet passed out mice. They would have to turn their mouse into a matchbox. Newt had only gotten as far as to give his mouse a boxed shape, still very much furry with whiskers poking out from one end in lessons. His attempt seemed a bit better. At least his matchbox wasn’t furry, but it did still have whiskers and eyes on one end of the box.

“A passable attempt,” Professor Dippet said. “Much better than you’ve managed by far. I can tell you’ve been practicing. Keep it up, Mr Scamander.”

“Thank you, Professor.”

Newt joined up with his friends in the library. He waved as he passed their table to go find a book to check out to read over winter hols. He had only reached for a book on hinkypunks when Leta joined him, seemingly also looking for a book to read.

“Newt,” Leta said. “Exams nearly over.”

“Yes, only two more and then winter holidays.”

“Will you be heading home?”

“Yes, you?”

“Of course,” Leta said. “My parents are taking my brothers and me to Brazil to spend the holidays.”

“Whoa, that sounds like an adventure,” Newt said. “I’ll be staying home with my family.”

“Theseus is your brother, right?”

“Yes.”

“He was bragging about how you have a whole lot filled with magical beasts at your home.”

“My mum raises hippogriffs,” Newt said. “I have a kneazle named Vlad.”

“That’s really cool,” Leta said. “I wish my parents would let me have a kneazle, or some other cool magical creature.”

“Vlad has been causing trouble for my mum,” Newt said. “I think he’s missing me.”

“I’m sure,” Leta said. “It’s a shame kneazles aren’t allowed at Hogwarts. Will you bring Pickett home with you?”

“Of course,” Newt said. “I’m hoping Rex realises that Pickett is here to stay. They need to start getting along. A bit hard with Rex looking at Pickett like he’s food.”

“I’m sure they will be friends before you know it.”

Then Leta’s friends were calling her back to their table. Newt watched as she quickly grabbed a book on grindylows before heading over to Madam Tottingham’s check-out desk.

After Leta had rejoined her friends, Newt checked out his book on hinkypunks before sitting down with his own friends to revise History of Magic and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Neither should be terribly difficult. The next day would be History of Magic in the morning with Defense Against the Dark Arts in the afternoon, then Friday they would board the Hogwarts Express to head back to King’s Cross Station.

It felt unreal how quick the first half of the term had gone. Already Newt knew more magic than he had ever dreamed imaginable. It had been hard, yet easier than he had expected. A lot of that had to do with Kat’s confidence in Newt’s ability. Kat had helped Newt and Sebastian so much. He was sure he wouldn’t have made it as far as he had without her by his side.

#

History of Magic felt like a dream as Newt walked down to the Great Hall for lunch. There had only been a written portion of the exam. The whole time the students wrote their essays outlining the four founders and how they formed Hogwarts up until their disagreement, Professor Binns kept dozing off where he sat perched at the front of the room behind his desk.

Then they were entering Professor Merrythought’s classroom for DADA that afternoon, Newt’s nerves had skyrocketed back up. They would be writing an essay on the differences between a wolf and a werewolf. The professor had them performing the expelliarmus disarming charm for the practical portion. It took a few attempts, but he finally managed to disarm Professor Merrythought of her wand. He barely managed to catch her wand as it had flown straight at him, nearly wracking him on the head.

“Very good, Newt,” Professor Merrythought said. “I hope you have a great holiday break. See you in the new year.”

Finally Newt was free for a few weeks. He actually felt like he had managed passes in each of his classes. His anxiety lessened as it fully sunk in that he was done with midterm exams.