No Dinner No Cry

With a groan, Atlas reluctantly decided to peel himself out of bed and begin his morning routine. Following Hermione's schedule, which had become somewhat obsolete since Professor Ward took over Defense Against the Dark Arts, they found themselves practicing transfiguration in the common room. Atlas couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment as he evaluated his progress. The standard first-year curriculum proved to be a mere breeze for him, and he refused to pretend otherwise. Consequently, his main focus was on transforming objects into animals and back again. While his speed remained impeccable, he noticed that his transfigurations were becoming increasingly intricate and detailed, and the chair he had transformed into a bunny looked almost lifelike if it weren't for its wooden eyes.

After a refreshing shower, Atlas joined Hermione to make their way to the Great Hall for breakfast. It was a welcome change to walk alone together, affording them rare moments of undisturbed conversation. Today, Hermione's excitement for the impending meeting with the researchers seemed to surpass even his own, especially after Professor McGonagall granted her permission to attend, provided she remained silent throughout the session.

Upon entering the Great Hall, they observed that half the students had already gathered, busily indulging in their morning meal. A noticeable shift had occurred since the previous days, with each house now occupying their respective tables, eliminating the intermingling that had taken place. While this brought relief to many, Atlas couldn't help but notice Daphne sitting isolated at the Slytherin table. It struck him as peculiar, as the reactions from the Slytherins towards her seemed far too severe for a mere punishment stemming from her association with Gryffindors.

Without dwelling too long on the matter, Atlas made his way to the Gryffindor table and began to savor his breakfast. However, his peaceful meal was soon interrupted when Dumbledore made a grand entrance, accompanied by a group of elderly individuals. The Great Hall fell into a hushed silence as all eyes turned to the headmaster, who effortlessly conjured additional tables where the teachers usually sat.

Once everyone was settled, Dumbledore addressed the entire room. "Good morning. My apologies for interrupting your breakfast. As it is the most important meal of the day, I shall keep this brief. The gentlemen here are leading magizoologists from various countries, gathered for a scientific exchange. They requested Hogwarts as the venue for this exchange. The event will conclude after this weekend, but during their stay, I expect you all to show them the same respect you would show our esteemed professors. Now, I have another announcement to make. Professor Scamander has graciously agreed to extend his stay beyond the weekend and will be assisting Professor Kettleburn in teaching the N.E.W.T. level courses in Care of Magical Creatures. Being one of the most renowned magizoologists of our time, I hope you can appreciate this unique opportunity to learn from him," Dumbledore declared.

As he spoke, a tall, clean-shaven man with gray hair, wearing a blue coat, a brown vest, and an old Hufflepuff scarf, stood up and awkwardly waved at the students. It was Newt Scamander, and Atlas couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise. Scamander bore an uncanny resemblance to the way he appeared in the "Fantastic Beasts" movies, albeit with graying hair and a face adorned with wrinkles and a few additional scars. However, his clothing and demeanor remained unchanged.

As Dumbledore took his seat beside Newt Scamander, the students erupted into an energetic discussion. Atlas overheard older Gryffindors celebrating their good fortune, while others lamented not choosing Care of Magical Creatures for their N.E.W.T.s. Some students, unfamiliar with the excitement, were enlightened about Scamander's famous book, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," a staple in most wizarding households and a part of the curriculum since its release. While Scamander's involvement in Grindelwald's capture remained classified information, with the man himself always denying the rumors, a few students couldn't help but speculate due to their grandparents' tales of the first wizarding war. These rumors varied from partially true to completely false, leaving everyone uncertain about what to believe.

After finishing his breakfast, Atlas made his way to Professor McGonagall, who guided him to a large auditorium. Along the way, she unnecessarily tried to calm his nerves and assured him that if there was anything he felt uncomfortable with, he could speak up. It was heartwarming that McGonagall cared for his well-being, but in this instance, it seemed a bit unnecessary since he wasn't even nervous to begin with. Hermione, trailing behind them, appeared to be the one bearing the weight of anxiety as she tightly held his sweaty hand, her expression resembling that of someone who had just been informed of a surprise exam.

As they entered the auditorium, Atlas noticed that everyone who had shared breakfast with Dumbledore was present. Half of the teaching staff, Hagrid, and even Dumbledore himself occupied the seats. To Hermione's astonishment, Dumbledore extended an invitation for her to sit next to him, causing her to receive several surprised glances from the guests. Newt, seated on the other side of Dumbledore, also regarded Hermione with a curious expression. Atlas was sure he also saw a small snout from an unidentified magical beast, trying to use the opportunity when Newt leaned over to extend a hand to greet Hermione to make an escape. Hermione was naturally almost trembling from how nervous she felt after becoming the center of attention.

Professor McGonagall led Atlas to the center of the auditorium, clearing her throat before commencing the exchange. "Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I am aware that you have all gathered here upon hearing that a student has been registered as a Bowtruckle Animagus at the British Ministry of Magic. After receiving numerous requests to study him, we organized this exchange with the student's consent. As his teacher and the vice headmistress of Hogwarts, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of my students. Therefore, I must ask you to refrain from any attempts to dissect my student," McGonagall declared, her tone shifting from welcoming to stern.

She went on to explain that the researchers had already agreed upon the order of tests beforehand and that all the tests to be conducted during this session would be brief, providing immediate results. Longer tests would be conducted the following day.

Atlas eagerly anticipated that Newt Scamander would be the first to conduct a few tests. As Newt stood up and approached Atlas, an excited hush fell over the auditorium. However, to Atlas' surprise, Newt simply wanted to provide a summary for the others gathered, setting the stage for the forthcoming research.

"Hello," Newt began, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "As most of you are aware, I have spent a considerable portion of my life studying and documenting magical creatures, including the wondrous Bowtruckles. Today, we have a unique opportunity to delve into the realm of a Bowtruckle Animagus, shedding light on their fascinating properties and unveiling the unanswered questions that have piqued our curiosity."

Newt's eyes shone with a genuine passion as he continued, capturing the undivided attention of the audience. "Bowtruckles, as many of you may already know, possess a slender, stick-like appearance comprised of twigs and wood. These remarkable creatures reside within trees that possess magical properties, forming close-knit communities. While they mainly subsist on insects, showcasing their remarkable predatory abilities, their primary instinct lies in fiercely protecting their home tree. When undisturbed, they are exceedingly timid and tend to avoid human interaction."

Pausing briefly, Newt accentuated the unique nature of Bowtruckles. "What truly sets Bowtruckles apart is their ability to display characteristics of both plants and animals. Despite their intricate social structures within their communities, effective communication with humans remains a challenge. Today, we aim to explore aspects that cannot be fully understood through mere observation or the dissection of deceased Bowtruckles."

Newt's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he shared their research goals. "For instance, we hope to determine if Bowtruckles can sustain themselves solely through photosynthesis, thus redefining our understanding of their dietary requirements. Furthermore, we seek to unravel the mysteries surrounding their innate ability to detect and respond to magical properties within their tree habitats. The insights we gather from these investigations have the potential to revolutionize our comprehension of Bowtruckles, as well as the magical properties inherent in plants, propelling our research to unprecedented heights."

Newt acknowledged the limitations of their tests, given the unique nature of an animagus. "Of course, we must acknowledge the limitations imposed by the nature of an animagus, which render certain aspects such as life expectancy and reproduction inconclusive. However, we find intrigue in exploring their adaptability to their mother trees and the intricate dynamics between these trees and their arboreal guardians."

Expressing his sincere gratitude, Newt turned his gaze towards Atlas, recognizing the pivotal role he played in their collaborative efforts. "I must extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Graf for his invaluable cooperation. Together, we embark on a journey of discovery, unveiling the answers we seek and deepening our knowledge and appreciation of these extraordinary creatures."

With Newt settled comfortably in his seat, the auditorium buzzed with anticipation as the first magizoologist stepped forward, eager to commence their research. It was a short, bald French man adorned with numerous scars on his head and an eyepatch.

His presence exuded an aura of expertise, and the audience watched with bated breath as he circled Atlas twice, his gaze filled with intense curiosity. The man's eagerness was palpable as he requested that Atlas draw his wand for further examination. As Atlas extended his wand, the man scrutinized it with unwavering focus, even resorting to a magnifying glass to inspect the minute details.

Then, with precision and a keen eye for detail, the man beckoned Atlas to transform into his Bowtruckle form. Adjusting the magnifying glass over his eye, he studied Atlas once more, his gaze darting from the peculiar shape of Atlas' fingers, resembling his wand, to the intricate patterns on the ends of his root-like limbs, mirroring the weave pattern of his favorite socks. Every subtle nuance seemed to captivate the man's attention, as if he were uncovering the secrets of a hidden masterpiece. With a gentle yet precise manner, he directed Atlas to manipulate specific limbs, observing his movements with an unshakable focus.

After a few minutes of exploration, the man's inquisitive nature manifested in a barrage of questions aimed at Atlas. Delving deep into the realm of sensation, he probed the peculiarities of moving limbs devoid of traditional joints and the intricacies of having someone else control those limbs. Atlas, sharing his experiences in a humble and amateurish manner, described the sensation of bending his limbs in unnatural directions. The man's curiosity only grew, prompting him to conduct a stress test, gently pushing the limits of Atlas' limb flexibility to gauge any signs of discomfort or pain.

To everyone's surprise, Atlas revealed that he did not experience pain in his Bowtruckle form. Instead, he described an uncomfortable sensation, likened to his bark-like skin tearing or his woody exterior stretching, yet falling short of true pain.

The magizoologists, their faces alight with enthusiasm, scribbled notes feverishly, capturing every detail. Even Dumbledore, usually composed and wise, seemed wholly engrossed, behaving like an ordinary student, diligently jotting down observations while listening intently to the researchers.

The atmosphere crackled with intellectual curiosity and excitement as the researchers unveiled new insights their pens dancing across parchment.

The next researcher to step forward was an intriguing sight—an old woman who resembled Professor McGonagall but with an untamed, wild appearance as if she had spent years immersed in the jungle without contact with civilization. She bypassed the meticulous observation phase and, instead, placed two pieces of wood in front of Atlas, challenging him to sense any trace of magic within them.

For two minutes, Atlas experimented with the woods, employing various methods to elicit a response. He touched them, drilled into them with his claws, and even gave them a sniff. Yet, to his disappointment, the pieces felt like ordinary wood. The old woman, however, wore a mischievous grin as she placed three additional pieces of wood before him.

Uncertain if he was on the right track, Atlas repeated the process. As he drilled into the third piece of wood, a sudden rush of energy coursed through his fingertips. It felt as though his entire body awakened, cells buzzing with life, and a peculiar connection formed between him and the wood. It was as if the wood became an extension of his own body, yet it felt lifeless to him.

Startled by the voice of the witch studying him, Atlas snapped out of his reverie. She had noticed his brief moment of detachment after encountering the only piece of truly magical wood among the five test pieces. Returning to his human form, he patiently answered her questions, delving into the depths of his experience. The witch's allocated time expired, but no one interrupted Atlas's account of absorbing magic from the wood.

Following a brief discussion, the woman was granted a few extra minutes because she revealed a small magical tree concealed within her magically expanded bag. It was an incredibly tiny tree, initially mistaken for a bonsai until Atlas noticed the leaves shimmering with a soft, ethereal blue hue.

Once again, he employed his sharp finger to drill a small hole in the wood, and this time the surge of energy was significantly stronger. Atlas felt as if he were brimming with power, and there was a fleeting sensation of growth, even though it might have been a figment of his imagination. None of that mattered, though, as his senses became inundated with an overflow of information. He could feel what the tree felt and, to his astonishment, sensed a flicker of consciousness—a primitive instinct within the tree. It wasn't quite a full-fledged consciousness, but more like a connection to the tree's primal urges. Simple needs, such as a craving for sunlight or water, manifested faintly yet undeniably.

When Atlas shared his revelations, a commotion erupted among the researchers. The notion that plants could possess instincts and perhaps even thoughts was alien to most, shattering their preconceived notions about the limits of plant life. Further tests with a regular tree confirmed that only magical trees exhibited these signs. However, Atlas discovered that he could still establish a connection with regular trees, albeit with much duller shared senses.

During their exploration of Atlas' abilities, the researchers stumbled upon an unexpected phenomenon. As Atlas attempted to communicate with the spirit of the bonsai-like tree, they noticed a subtle transformation taking place. The leaves on his head took on a delicate blue hue, and his bark exhibited subtle changes. Concerned, Atlas halted his connection to the tree, worried that the transformation might become permanent. Hermione and Professor McGonagall exchanged worried glances while the researchers engaged in a fervent discussion. Luckily, it proved to be a temporary effect, and within half an hour, Atlas observed his appearance returning to normal. Sighs of relief filled the room.

While most magizoologists engaged in debates about the implications of these discoveries for the classification of bowtruckle subraces, another researcher decided to conduct a series of more practical tests. With curiosity in his eyes, he inquired if Atlas could absorb water through his roots, akin to a plant, or if he still needed to drink water through his mouth. The experiment revealed that Atlas had the ability to do both, showcasing the remarkable adaptability of bowtruckles. In addition, the researcher tested how Atlas responded to the spell Lumos Solem, and although the energy he received was weaker than his connection to the tree, Atlas could still sense a subtle boost. Intrigued by the possibility of bowtruckles obtaining nutrients through their roots, the researcher requested that Atlas abstain from eating until the following day for a subsequent experiment.

Author Note:

Thank you all for reading. I hope you found it interesting so far. I faced some challenges with this chapter (and the next one) because I had to invent some details (which i normally don't do, but i wanted to explore the transformation beyond, "he is a little woodman". As you can imagine, Bowtruckles are not well-described in the books, games, or movies, so I had to add some elements to make it more engaging. The researcher meeting wasn't originally planned but was included because of the Bowtruckle transformation (Which happened as a result of a poll). While becoming an Animagus is rare, and becoming one that can transform into magical creatures is even rarer, this meeting is happening because it involves a Bowtruckle, which has characteristics of both plants and animals, which is of great intrest to some researchers and not well researched.

Although the meeting with the researchers wasn't initially planned, it was always intended for Newt Scamander to make an appearance. I won't reveal the original reason as it would spoil the story, but I wanted to let you know that there is an additional purpose for his attendance. The research will be concluded in the next chapter, and then we will return to the main quest of identifying and eliminating the hero while trying to gather as much information as possible and also attempting to save Hermione.