Chapter 68

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Speaking of Newt, his name is undoubtedly well-known among all young wizards, not just those in Hufflepuff, but from other houses as well. His book, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," has become a global bestseller in the wizarding world too. It is the official textbook for magical beasts courses in all magic schools and a favorite bedtime read for many young wizards. His research has profoundly influenced the magical world.

Before Newt, magical creatures existed, but the concept of protecting them had never been proposed. Newt conducted his research extensively, traveling worldwide to save endangered magical species, thereby enriching the world. Creatures like the poison-horned beast, horned camel beast, soundless bird, and poisonous leopard, which were almost extinct, began to thrive again with Newt's help.

Many of the magical creatures residing in the Forbidden Forest were introduced there by Newt. To almost every student in Hufflepuff, Newt is a hero. He introduced an additional strength to Hufflepuff; beyond herbalism and food magic, Hufflepuffs are skilled in dealing with magical creatures. Newt also played a significant role during the Wizarding War. Apart from Grindelwald and Dumbledore, he is one of the most renowned wizards, having thwarted Grindelwald's schemes multiple times, making him one of Grindelwald's most despised foes.

After the final battle where Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald, Newt moved to the United States and settled in New York with Auror Tina, where they remain. Wayne opened a letter from Newt in front of Dumbledore:

"To Mr. Wayne Lawrence,

Hello, I'm Newt Scamander, a former Hufflepuff. I'm pleased to see such talent like yours at the school. I've always firmly believed in Hufflepuff's excellence. Recently, I received feathers and droppings from Dumbledore, and I am amazed at how special your phoenix is, even more so than Fawkes...

(Continues with more academic discussions.)

Would you mind providing some research materials? Also, I plan to return to Europe over the summer vacation; perhaps you could visit me?

Your loyal fellow Hufflepuff,

Newt Scamander."

The letter expressed Newt's deep curiosity about the Phoenix King, alongside numerous care instructions for the phoenix. Wayne then looked up at Dumbledore.

"Professor, how should I reply to Senior Newt?"

Dumbledore's smile briefly faltered. Even though calling him 'senior' is accurate, Newt is almost a hundred years old...

Dumbledore provided Newt's address and a specific marking method to ensure the letter's delivery, explaining that Newt is introverted and cautious about fans and old acquaintances from his past. Wayne processed this information, stored the letter and address, then bid farewell to Dumbledore and headed to the library where Cho and Hermione awaited him.

Upon discussing his conversation with Dumbledore, Hermione and Autumn were both shocked and thrilled to learn about the letter from Newt Scamander, the legendary author of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them." Hermione excitedly asked about the contents of the letter and requested Newt's autograph.

After showing them the letter, the excitement was palpable. Hermione and Autumn eagerly looked forward to meeting Newt, which Wayne promised to arrange. They continued their day, ending up at Hagrid's farmland to tend to biting cabbages – a magical plant that, despite being quite ferocious, appeared tame under Wayne's care.

Wrapped in the day's work and excitement about Newt Scamander, they discussed school projects, potions, and spells, showing just how life at Hogwarts intertwined regular schooling with the magical, the dangerous, and the exciting. As night fell, Wayne sat down to draft his reply to Newt, engrossed in the lore and charisma of a man who was practically the Harry Potter of a previous era.

Furthermore, the other party's professionalism in the field of magical creatures is highly admirable. What's more, Wayne has developed a fondness for Newt's box. He is proficient in the Traceless Stretching Spell and has even mastered it to an advanced level. Several of his pockets are as large as this summer house. However, creating a portable box like Newt's for use in the Forbidden Forest still poses many challenges. 

Newt's box isn't just about the Traceless Stretching Spell; it also incorporates complex alchemical issues such as space stabilization and magic power conversion. It's a remarkably clever piece of alchemical innovation. This is a unique legacy of Scamander, a secret not shared by the pure-blood families. Newt's brother became the head of the Auror Office at a young age.

Despite being expelled, Newt's magical abilities remain significant, strong enough to defeat Grindelwald in two ways. His exclusion from the ranks of the twenty-eight sacred families was solely due to personal animosities. Rumors suggest that Newt had a strained relationship with Cantancrous Nott, the author of the "Pure Blood Directory," and deeply disliked Nott's endorsement of pure-blood supremacy. This led to their deliberate exclusion.

For now, Wayne lacks the skills to create such a suitcase, so he plans to negotiate a trade with Newt. At worst, it may require sacrificing the appearance of the Phoenix King. However, he won't mention this immediately but will start by writing a letter to build rapport and then gradually manipulate him. Wayne plans to visit the United States during Christmas, which he will mention when Newt visits. His trip isn't solely for Newt; Wayne has other matters to attend to.

This year is distinctive; a major event is anticipated on Christmas Day—a massive collapse that will leave many feasting on the spoils. Even after entering the magical world, Wayne hasn't relinquished his pursuit of wealth. He recently wrote to his uncle Humphrey to make some arrangements. The wait is now for the opportune moment to partake in this feast.

As October arrives, time seems to accelerate. Within half a month, as temperatures drop, the young wizards start to lose energy, almost entering a state of hibernation. Nevertheless, the professors increase their demands. The initial month of school serves as an adjustment period post-summer break, so the coursework pace is relaxed. However, starting in October, the professors intensify their teaching.

In Transfiguration class, Professor McGonagall sternly criticized those who failed to transform toothpicks into needles, assigning them additional homework. Ronald was nearly in tears. The workload wasn't lighter for others. With a basic understanding of magic, Professor McGonagall began transitioning students from transforming inanimate objects to living entities. Disguising their repulsion for earthworms, the young wizards wielded their wands. The only requirement is a successful transformation into any living creature. Hermione, looking pale, requested to transform a mouse instead, preferring to increase the challenge rather than handle earthworms.

Similar to other courses, the assigned homework grew increasingly challenging, stretching the young wizards thin. Wayne became the envy of many, excused from homework in Charms, Transfiguration, and Potions. Some tried negotiating with the professors. Flitwick cheerfully announced his terms—if anyone could successfully transform a wardrobe and perform a tango, homework would be waived for the year. No one succeeded.

Professor McGonagall's offer was straightforward: transform the lectern into a fat pig, just as in her first lesson. As for Snape... no one dared to broach the subject, not even the Slytherins. Many secretly inquired how Wayne managed to get Snape's approval to skip homework. He always credited his natural talent and reasoned that there wasn't any point in wasting further time. Few believed him, unaware that Snape disliked Harry as much as he disliked Wayne.

The truth came out only when Hermione and Cho cornered him. "I offered another bottle of Phoenix King's tears." 

"You bribed the professor?!" Hermione was stunned. 

"That's how the world works," Wayne said, patting her shoulder before walking away. 

This increased homework benefits Wayne in several ways. Primarily, he can relax while others scramble, indulging in cakes and other sweets, doubling his pleasure. Additionally, business at Selia's store has been booming, with people buying quills daily. The latest, made by Fred and George, was subpar but sold for a Galleon. Fred and George, thrilled, splurged at Zonko's Joke Shop. Thanks to Wayne's new concoctions of refreshing and sleeping potions, the little wizards' wallets were depleting rapidly.

During dinner in the Great Hall, Wayne listened to Cedric lament over Quirrell. "I don't know if he's lost his mind or if it's just the world changing. I have to write two two-foot-long essays every week. It's cutting into my Quidditch practice!"

Cedric spoke of Quirrell, the only professor assigning such heavy homework. Wayne sometimes wondered if Voldemort, having been burdened by homework during his school days, was now doubling down on them. Yet, Voldemort's skilled teaching won over the students across all grades. Everyone muttered complaints but didn't protest too severely. Unfortunately, Quirrell still claimed his brain was damaged by a curse, causing frequent seizures. Despite this, everyone referred to him as God Quirrell, hoping to encounter this version rather than the unstable one in class.

"You could try buying a bull-quill," Wayne suggested, guarding his wallet cautiously. 

"Are you trying to rob me?" 

"I'd rather break my arm than save to buy a Nimbus 2001."

Business was thriving, and Cedric, along with the twins, had recently earned a substantial sum. His focus was now on the upcoming release of a new broom. His newfound hope made him more frugal than ever. He brought gifts for Wayne during trips to Hogsmeade but never bought anything for himself.

Wayne respected his friend's frugality and refrained from commenting further. As they continued their casual conversation, a stir arose at the Ravenclaw table, and several students rushed out. Wayne and Cedric, engrossed in their chat about the art of disguise, paid little attention. However, when the Ravenclaws returned and word of the disturbance reached Hufflepuff, Wayne's expression shifted.