In a vast space, Leo surveyed his work with satisfaction.
"Finally finished copying."
Before him lay three sets of materials—two stacks were as tall as a person, one was slightly shorter. These were data on several magical creature species, including Mooncalves, Diricawls, Acromantulas, unicorns, centaurs...
"System, these are observation records of five magical creature species." Leo patted the shortest stack of papers.
[Currently reviewing: Mooncalves, Diricawls, Acromantulas, Puffskeins, Centaurs]
[All meet requirements.]
[Pet Growth loan has been repaid.]
At the same time, the shortest stack of materials vanished.
Another loan repaid. He currently had two monthly loans remaining—one was the newly borrowed Chimaera Manual, which required learning the biological Chimaera Transfiguration and creating a Chimaera containing at least five biological characteristics.
The other was the Diligent Little Gardener loan—those Carnivorous Cabbages were growing very well. Last night in the Forbidden Forest he'd just found a Mooncalf burrow and collected some fresh dung—the next few days' fertiliser would be sufficient.
Leo surveyed the surrounding clearing. Once he made some small, portable Undetectable Extension Charm containers, he'd collect a few Mooncalves, making fertiliser collection far more convenient.
Leo pulled out several small stones from his pocket and pointed his wand. A desk and chair materialised in the clearing.
After sitting down, Leo began writing a letter:
Dear Mr Newt Scamander: Thank you for your guidance. I have already created an Undetectable Extension container capable of housing living creatures... I have a question—if I want to cultivate plants inside, what about the growth factors needed... These materials are my daily observations recording magical creatures. Perhaps not extensive, but I wonder if they are accurate in your view...
Folding the letter, he inserted it into an envelope and sealed it with wax.
He summoned Aurelius from the pet space. Leo retrieved the small satchel from last time, casting a basic Undetectable Extension Charm on it and using magic to stabilise the internal space.
First he guided one person-height stack of materials into the satchel, then inserted the letter.
Besides Mooncalves and Diricawls, information on Acromantulas and centaurs was generally difficult to record. With this complete data, Newt should recognise his understanding of magical creatures.
Three-headed dogs weren't common either—unfortunately there was only Fluffy as a single specimen, but it was still acceptable. Being too perfect might seem suspicious.
The unicorns were the real prize, especially pregnant unicorns. This kind of data should be considered quite rare. He wondered if Newt had conducted related research in this area. His own records might make an impressive finale.
Leo glanced at the small satchel and pulled out a small bottle made of cedar wood from his pocket. This contained Acromantula venom—strictly speaking, Aragog's venom. An Acromantula of that age was quite rare, and the venom it produced was even more precious.
Consider it proof and also a small gift.
Leo stuffed this small bottle of venom into the satchel as well.
"Aurelius, this time visit Mr Newt during the day. Going at night last time really disturbed his rest."
He hung the satchel around Aurelius's neck whilst giving the reminder.
"Alright, Master. I'll remember to greet Mr Newt and Lady Tina."
Leo nodded, then added, "You can chat more with Mr Newt; simply talk about your preferences and habits. No problem—he should be very curious about these things and will keep it confidential. Of course, provided he's willing to chat."
"Understood, Master. I could sense last time that Mr Newt is also a good person, a very good person!"
Leo smiled slightly. Aurelius could sense the goodwill and malice of living beings. That Newt received the little Qilin's endorsement was completely within his expectations.
A Hufflepuff, someone who helped Dumbledore repeatedly disrupt Grindelwald's plans, someone who devoted his entire life to magical creatures—of course he was a good person.
"Master, should I leave now?"
"Can you leave directly from here?"
"Yes, though I feel there's an extra layer of obstruction here—like space has been partially separated, but I can still leave."
Aurelius's Apparition was indeed different. This was more like directly merging with space rather than simply traversing through it. If wizards' Apparition was like fish swimming rapidly through water, the little Qilin was turning itself into water.
More natural, more effortless.
Leo touched Aurelius's forehead. "Very impressive. Speaking of which, you still can't confine an area of space to prevent other creatures from using Apparition?"
"Not yet, Master. That's probably an ability I can master when approaching maturity."
It seemed that was a deeper application of space manipulation, though there was no rush—there was no urgent need for such space-blocking abilities now. Moreover, the little Qilin was in its growth period, advancing fastest with the greatest magnitude of strength gains.
Perhaps it would work in a few months.
After Aurelius used Apparition to leave, Leo looked at the clearing.
"Time to build a house."
Taking out a small cloth bag, he untied the opening. Under magical guidance, massive stones and logs flew out.
"These stones dug from the Forbidden Forest and cut logs can finally be put to use."
Leo waved his wand. Those massive stones were either cut into neat squares or carved into columns. The wood also automatically transformed into planks or strips, then began assembling themselves.
With a light wrist rotation, stone bricks responded by stacking into wall foundations, wooden beams and pillars fitting together with satisfying clicks and thuds.
After building the foundation, Transfiguration spells flowed continuously. Window frames sprouted blue-green copper decorations, blue tiles covered the roof like overlapping scales.
The entire small house from foundation to completion took only a few hundred heartbeats.
Leo lightly tapped his wand, and a bell materialised on the door, chiming its final crystalline note.
Looking at the silver-black wand in his hand, Leo couldn't help but marvel. Magic was extraordinarily convenient.
Work that would take Muggles weeks or even months, he alone completed in just a few minutes.
For now, a small house was sufficient. When he had time, he'd construct some simple laboratories. As for raising magical creatures, cultivating magical plants, and more complex dangerous experimental sites, it was better to make them into separate Undetectable Extension containers.
Both convenient to carry and easy to evacuate from—if damaged, it wouldn't cause catastrophic impact. After all, this was just a place to rest and sleep.
Leo glanced at the edge of the clearing, where two starry blue curtains hung quietly in mid-air. Walking toward the curtains floating impossibly, Leo pulled them open.
He saw Terry in the dormitory packing things and preparing for class.
"Good morning."