Snow swirled through the plains inside Newt's case, glimmering against the protective charm that surrounded a restless Murtlap. Tiny black particles leaked from the barrier, drifting into the open air.
Aiden frowned. He clenched his fist, and a white staff appeared. Kneeling, he began carving alchemical runes into the snow and the nearest rocks.
"What's he doing?" Jacob whispered, stepping around a torn curtain.
"It is the Murtlap," Newt answered, motioning Jacob to stay quiet. "Alchemy demands absolute focus. Do not distract him."
Aiden etched the symbols for radiance, protection, and continuity, layering Kenaz, Algiz, and Othala in a seamless ward. It would contain the creature from both sides while drawing almost no power.
"All set?" Newt asked once the runes settled.
"Unless someone tears it down, that beast will not escape," Aiden said, brushing frost from his sleeves.
"Good, come on." Newt turned, Aiden at his heels.
"Where to?" Jacob called, struggling after them.
"To rescue my creatures before they are harmed," Newt said over his shoulder.
"Harmed?" Jacob's voice cracked.
"Even we wizards live in hiding from No-Maj scrutiny," Newt replied. "These beasts, with limited understanding, suffer far worse."
Aiden patted Jacob's back. "Keep it up, we need your help."
They reached the case's exit and climbed out into the bitter New York wind. Snowflakes swirled under streetlamps.
"Aren't you freezing dressed like that?" Jacob shivered, eyeing Aiden's thin shirt.
"Watch." Aiden tapped his chest. A thick wool sweater rolled over his torso like a living garment.
"Wizard life really is convenient," Jacob muttered.
"At dinner everyone watched you," Newt observed as they hurried along. "People like you, Mr. Kowalski."
"Oh, then they must like you too," Jacob said, waving a hand.
"Not often. I usually irritate people," Newt shrugged.
"I see something else," Aiden said, walking between them. "Your mind has a clarity most wizards never reach, Jacob. You might have become a wizard yourself if something had not interfered."
"Interfered?" Jacob frowned.
"Did you follow a strange cult as a child?" Aiden's tone went distant.
Jacob's eyes widened. "I grew up in a Polish neighborhood. There was a bout of Slavic paganism, nothing serious."
"When I looked at your thoughts, a small piece was missing, as if something gnawed at it," Aiden said quietly. Jacob shivered.
Newt's expression tightened. "I am sorry, Mr. Kowalski. You are past Hogwarts age, and there is nothing more we can do."
Jacob's shoulders sagged, then he smiled. "Knowing I could have been a wizard is enough. Every gift in my life feels like a blessing anyway."
"Hufflepuff spirit," Newt said, and he and Aiden exchanged approving smiles.
"All right, how far is Central Park?" Aiden asked.
"Just ahead," Jacob muttered and led them down a shadowy side street.
They passed a row of storefronts. In one window a Niffler froze mid-pose, clutching a diamond necklace like a shop model caught in the act.
Newt halted at once, eyes alight. He flicked his wand. "Finite—Reparo, glass!" The pane shattered inward, and he leapt through.
Jacob sprinted back. "Aah, what now?" he gasped.
"We wait until Newt catches the Niffler," Aiden said, folding his arms.
"Why did you want a bakery, Mr. Kowalski?" he asked, watching Newt rummage through jewelry displays.
Jacob's gaze followed the frantic chase. "The cannery felt like it crushed the life out of me," he said, his voice wistful. "Baking's honest work. Smells like home."
"Ah, so you despise canned food," Aiden teased.
Behind them, the Niffler dashed across a showcase. Newt dove after it, toppling rings and earrings in a glittering shower. Alarms blared.
The Niffler sprang for another window, but a gleaming silver claw snatched it out of midair. Aiden held the creature by the scruff, its pouch bulging with stolen trinkets.
"Nicely done," Newt panted, jewels draped across his shoulders. He rubbed the Niffler's belly until it dropped a torrent of gemstones.
Police whistles shrilled outside. Officers burst in, muskets raised.
Aiden leaned toward Jacob. "Those firearms could use upgrades."
"Huh?" Jacob blinked.
Snap. Aiden's fingers clicked. One by one, the officers slumped into peaceful slumber.
"You… you didn't kill them?" Jacob whispered.
"Of course not. I simply granted a few exhausted men a well-earned nap," Aiden replied, rolling his eyes as Newt tucked the dozing Niffler back into the suitcase.