Midnight, Dorset.
On an unremarkable small hillside stood an ordinary wooden house. Inside, a trapdoor was suddenly pushed open.
An old man with curly hair emerged from beneath the opening.
"Time for bed after checking the moon," he murmured, gently stroking the Niffler cub in his arms.
Whoosh—
Blazing, brilliant flame suddenly filled the little house. Before it had dissipated, a magnificent red phoenix flew out from within the fire.
"Fawkes!"
The old man cried out in surprise, his weathered face lighting up with joy. He hadn't seen this rare phoenix in ages.
While comforting the startled Niffler cub, he took the envelope Fawkes extended.
"My dear Newt,
How have you been lately..."
Yes, this curly-haired man holding a Niffler was the author of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"—the world's most famous expert on magical creatures, Newt Scamander.
"Newt, it's so late. Who's the letter from?"
Hearing this, Newt quickly tucked away the unfinished letter, turning around while hiding it behind his back.
"Ah, Tina! It's quite late—why aren't you asleep yet? Just... just from a friend."
Tina glanced at the phoenix perched on the window, her tone flat: "It's Fawkes."
Newt nodded subconsciously, then immediately realised his mistake and shook his head quickly.
Her husband's complete inability to learn proper lying after decades of marriage made Tina both laugh and sigh helplessly.
"Newt, if Dumbledore's just catching up with you, I'd be happy too, but..." Her tone suddenly sharpened with dissatisfaction. "When hasn't he asked you to do dangerous things? That time with Grindelwald..."
Newt didn't dare argue, only muttering softly: "I was actually willing..."
This made Tina even more frustrated.
"Willing? Yes, you're always willing, but your every move—every decision—it's all part of Dumbledore's plans!"
"He even says things like: 'Newt, do you know why I admire you most? Because you don't care about fame or glory—you only do what you think is right.' Please! He's just fooling you into working for him for free!"
"How about this—let me read the letter first. If it's just friendly greetings, I'll read it to you. But if it involves anything dangerous, I'll pretend I never saw it."
Seeing Newt's reluctance, Tina softened her approach: "Newt, you're getting on in years. Our grandson will be going to Hogwarts soon. Please don't get involved in dangerous things anymore, okay?"
Newt hesitated but finally nodded and handed over the letter.
Tina opened it, but her expression grew increasingly puzzled. She seemed unable to believe this was actually something Dumbledore had written to Newt, yet the unmistakable phoenix proved its authenticity.
"Um, you should read it yourself."
Tina returned the letter. Newt read through it carefully, discovering that besides routine greetings, Dumbledore was only helping a student enquire about using Undetectable Extension Charms to contain living creatures.
"Researching Extension Charms—sounds like a senior student preparing for N.E.W.T. exams."
"Don't know which house they're from or what their name is. Dumbledore didn't mention that, but they must be a very talented child."
Newt understood the difficulty of mastering Extension Charms, let alone researching creature containment applications.
"As long as it doesn't involve family secrets, I'm happy to help Dumbledore and that young student."
Newt looked up at Fawkes, who was still elegantly preening its feathers while apparently waiting for a reply.
Outskirts of the Forbidden Forest.
Compared to his earlier location for testing the transformation pocket watch, Leo had ventured slightly deeper into the forest this time.
After asking Hagrid, Leo learnt this area was relatively quiet with few dangerous magical creatures.
"System, how much longer until Aurelius awakens?"
[One minute]
Leo began pacing while extracting numerous vegetables, fruits, and herbs from his bag. These were all prepared for his Qilin—they fed on the essence contained within vegetation.
Leo also pulled out a large jar from the bottom of his pack: pure dew he'd collected every morning and evening. Britain's cloudy, moist climate made gathering substantial amounts quite convenient.
This one minute felt endless.
[Ding! Pet Growth loan has fully taken effect. Qilin Aurelius has preliminarily entered growth phase.]
Hearing the system's notification, Leo eagerly released his companion.
Boom—
Golden flames erupted skyward, immediately filling the entire clearing with brilliant radiance. Leo noticed the fire automatically avoided him, reaching his body only as gentle warmth.
But looking around, soil and stones rapidly melted and cracked, while trees were burnt to ash instantly.
Those golden flames were terrifyingly hot.
A clear, ethereal cry rang out from within the fire. Then the sea of flame parted, and a magnificent creature surrounded by shimmering air stepped forward.
Its body was tall and graceful, with a dragon-like head and smooth jade horns adorning its forehead. Fine, exquisite scales covered its form, gleaming with pale golden lustre.
Golden mane flowed from neck, back and shoulders like liquid light. Its eyes were bright and spirited, resembling the purest crystal.
"Aurelius?"
Leo called tentatively.
"Master! I missed you so much!"
The Qilin that had appeared dignified and sacred moments before suddenly bounced up, wanting to crash into Leo's arms like when it was small.
Seeing this, Leo went pale with alarm. Unruly creature!
Leo quickly dodged, avoiding his Qilin's enthusiastic embrace. Well, it wasn't little anymore—Aurelius was now fully grown.
The creature's form was larger than a deer but smaller than a horse. Definitely not something that could be held in someone's arms!
Looking at the pair of horns on Aurelius's forehead, although they were rounded without sharp points, Leo still didn't want to be headbutted.
"Master, don't you want me anymore?"
Aurelius looked at Leo with large, watery eyes, the voice appearing directly in his mind still sweet and childlike.
Hearing this, Leo's heart softened, and he sighed helplessly. Walking forward, he gently embraced Aurelius's neck and stroked its forehead like when it was small.
Aurelius nuzzled against Leo contentedly. The mane at its neck and shoulders felt remarkably soft and warm, making Leo comfortable as well.
Releasing the creature's neck but keeping his hand on its forehead, Leo smiled warmly.
"Aurelius, you've really grown up."