Chapter 41: Newt Scamander (Part 2)
In terms of the experience itself, Apparition was even worse than Floo travel. Warren felt as though he were being squeezed through a narrow tube, spinning rapidly around a central point until he grew dizzy, before being forced back out again. When his feet finally touched solid ground, he stumbled, nearly falling over as his stomach churned. Luckily, he managed to keep his breakfast down.
Dumbledore sounded cheerful. "You did better than I expected, Warren. You see, Fawkes has a rather impulsive nature. His Apparition is much rougher than that of most wizards."
"Then you should have warned me, Albus."
"Would that not have spoiled the surprise?"
"No. No wonder Professor Snape called you mischievous, eccentric, and senile during his evaluation."
"Oh dear, is that how Severus sees me? How disappointing. He simply has no appreciation for fun."
Dumbledore smiled and looked around. He seemed pleased. "Ah, Fawkes got it right this time. Come along, Warren. My kind friend is surely preparing a warm welcome for us."
Dumbledore glanced around once more, then added cheerfully, "It seems Fawkes has remembered the Scamander home. I was worried we might end up at the seaside again, just like last time."
Warren looked around as well. They had materialized on a country lane. Behind them, the sea reflected the faint moonlight, and he could hear the waves crashing in the distance.
Scamander. Warren realized who they were visiting: Newt Scamander, author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. It had to be Dorset.
Ever since getting Milo, Warren had become interested in magical creatures. In the modern magical world, the foremost expert on magical creatures was undoubtedly Newt Scamander, author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Over the summer, Warren had asked Arthur to look into Newt's whereabouts. He had never met Newt before, knowing only that he lived in Dorset. Of course, his situation was different from Nicolas Flamel's. No one would target a retired magizoologist. Consequently, his house was not hidden.
It stood right beside the country lane where they had Apparated. It was a simple but elegant two-story cottage, featuring red brick and white trim. Dumbledore led Warren to the door and knocked. A moment later, it opened to reveal a thin, elderly woman.
Dumbledore raised his hand in greeting. "Good evening, Tina. I…"
The woman took one look at him, her face hardening, and slammed the door shut.
Warren tugged at the hem of Dumbledore's robes. "Is this the warm welcome you were talking about?"
Dumbledore was speechless.
Ten minutes later, they were inside the cottage.
The fireplace crackled warmly, casting a red glow across the living room as Dumbledore and Warren sat on the sofa. Newt Scamander brought them tea.
"I am sorry, Dumbledore. Tina…"
Before he could finish, Tina snatched the teacup from Dumbledore's hands. "Every time he comes to you, it is just to get you to pull him out of trouble. I have had him figured out for ages. We are retired. Do you understand? Retired."
Newt stammered, "Tina, please. There is a child here."
Tina turned to Warren. The frost on her face melted away instantly as she offered a warm smile. "Do not be scared, child. Grandma Tina is not a bad person. Dumbledore is the bad one sitting right next to you."
As they studied Warren, he returned their scrutiny, fixing his attention mainly on Newt. Newt had an unremarkable appearance, with nothing particularly distinctive about him. He carried eyes that were startlingly bright. They lacked the piercing intensity of Dumbledore's, possessing instead an incongruous childlike innocence that seemed misplaced for his age. This reminded him of Hagrid, or perhaps Professor Kettleburn who taught Care of Magical Creatures. He realized that those who loved magical creatures shared very simple hearts.
"You are a Weasley, are you not?" Newt asked suddenly. "That hair is unmistakable. It is a large family. Before I retired, I worked at the Ministry. I heard there was a Weasley in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. And recently, I met another Weasley while I was in Romania studying dragons."
Warren replied, "The one at the Ministry is my dad, Arthur Weasley. The one in Romania is my brother, Charlie Weasley, Mr. Scamander."
"Oh, my. How remarkable." Newt, somewhat socially awkward, stammered out a few pleasantries before leaving Warren with Tina to speak with Dumbledore.
"So, Dumbledore, you want me to look after the unicorns for a while?"
"Yes, Newt. I could not think of anyone more suitable."
Newt did not hesitate. "I can help. I have space in the basement. However, it cannot be for long. Unicorns love their freedom. Captivity is bad for them."
Dumbledore nodded. "It should not be long. Once the Dark wizard is dealt with, they can return."
"Hard to believe there are still such evil Dark wizards around these days," Newt said indignantly. Like Hagrid, he was a man of action. He stayed for a cup of tea out of politeness, then hurried upstairs. A moment later, he came down in different clothes, carrying an old leather suitcase.
"I knew it. Every time he shows up, it means trouble. When I saw him, I should have just shoved you into the fireplace."
Despite her complaints, Tina came over and straightened Newt's collar. Dumbledore remained unruffled.
"There is no danger, Tina. I promise."
Tina ignored him completely. She turned a kind smile to Warren.
"Come along, child. Let the old men handle their business. Grandma will show you some magical creatures."
The two old men Disapparated. Dumbledore flashed a wink at Warren just before vanishing.
A sudden realization struck Warren. He had approached Dumbledore seeking a bodyguard, yet the Headmaster seemed to be using him as a pawn. Dumbledore had known Tina disliked him and might refuse him entry. That was precisely why he had brought Warren along. He was counting on Tina not wanting to cause a scene in front of a child. A clever old man. It was a stalemate.
Meanwhile, back in the Forbidden Forest, Dumbledore led Newt toward the unicorn herd.
"Newt," he asked, "what is your impression of that boy, Warren Weasley?"
Newt paused, looking puzzled, and thought for a moment.
"He is complicated. He does not seem like a child."
"Yes. Complicated." Dumbledore sighed. He went on to tell Newt about Warren's achievements so far. "I worry that he is too focused on logic and power. He is simply too mature. I cannot think of a good way to guide him."
Newt blinked, perplexed. "Why are you telling me this?"
"He suggested moving the unicorns today. I believe that is a promising sign. He seems to care for magical creatures. I was wondering if perhaps we could try to cultivate that interest."
Realization finally dawned on Newt. "You want me to teach him?"
Gazing at Dumbledore's weathered face, Newt realized Tina had been right. Whenever this old man appeared, it was never good news.
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