Newt Scamander and his family lived in seclusion on a small hillside in Dorset, southern England.
Surrounded by lush, soft green meadows, standing at the doorstep, one could see distant Muggle villages.
Of course, the same spells as Hogwarts were cast here. To Muggles, this hill only held bare rocks.
Steven familiarly pushed open the front door, revealing a winding garden path.
A group of fairies, accompanied by butterflies, flitted among bowl-sized flowers, creating a truly enchanting scene.
A rustling sound came from among the grass blades, and a brownish-yellow Kneazle poked out its head. It eyed Wade warily, its large ears twitching slightly.
Then came a second Kneazle. They were inherently astute, able to detect those of poor character.
"Hi, Hobby, Millie," Steven crouched down, chuckling. "Long time no see, have you missed me?"
Hobby, seeing him, had already lowered its guard and climbed onto Steven, purring like a baby.
The other Kneazle approached Wade, primly rubbing its claws on his trousers, then climbed up his leg. Wade quickly picked it up.
"Millie really likes you," Steven looked pleased. "They're Mr. Scamander's pets. There's also one called Moehr, who doesn't like going out much."
The two walked along the gravel path into the yard, where Newt Scamander had already come down to the steps, a very pointy-eared Kneazle lazily sprawled at his feet.
Newt Scamander was ninety-five years old.
He was not the young and shy figure seen in the films. Age had given him white hair and faint wrinkles, but it hadn't changed a certain innocent and earnest quality about him.
His eyes were still clear, and he stood slightly turned away, as if unconsciously avoiding others' gaze, appearing somewhat reserved.
Even though the two people before him were far inferior to Newt Scamander in age, social standing, and magical ability, he showed no hint of condescension.
He was like a child afraid of harm, and easily harmed by evil.
"Good morning, Steven," Newt said, looking at Wade with reserve. "Welcome, Mr. Wade Grey."
Wade bowed slightly. "Please call me Wade. I've always admired you greatly. I apologize for intruding on you."
"Not at all," Newt said softly. "I'm delighted that a promising young wizard is willing to learn about these things."
A boy with brown curly hair darted out from behind Newt, flashing Wade a bright smile. "Hello! I heard the Book of Friends was your invention?"
"Manners, Rolf," Newt said mildly, neither stern nor gentle.
Clearly, he wasn't an authoritarian grandfather in his grandson's mind. Rolf secretly pulled a face, then extended his hand.
"Hello, I'm Rolf—Rolf Scamander."
The boy grinned. "Pleased to meet you, inventor of the Book of Friends, Mr. Wade Grey."
"Hello," Wade shook his hand.
"Do you want to tour my grandfather's animal sanctuary? Come with me, I'll be your guide!"
Rolf enthusiastically pulled Wade forward, while Newt and Steven followed, smiling.
"I heard you went to America recently?" Steven asked.
"Yes, to visit an old friend," Newt sighed. "About seventy years ago, I sent it to America. Now, unexpectedly, I have to send it out of this world."
Upon hearing this, Steven knew the old friend he spoke of was a Thunderbird, and asked in surprise, "I recall Thunderbirds are supposed to have very long lifespans?"
"It was too gravely injured protecting its child and didn't make it to treatment," Newt said sadly. "You know, they can summon lightning and storms, so they're often targeted by poachers."
Steven said angrily, "Those despicable poachers! I've always dreamed of seeing a Thunderbird with my own eyes, and they dared to harm it!"
"Then your dream can come true today."
Newt forced a smile. "After Frank's death, its child lost its protection. To safeguard it, I brought it back here."
Rolf paid no attention to what his grandfather and Steven were discussing. He excitedly told Wade:
"The Book of Friends is such an amazing invention! Everyone in our family has one. My grandmother has the most—she has three herself!"
"I have one too! One with my grandfather, one with my grandmother, one each with Mum and Dad, and one with my uncle too... Chatting on paper is even more fun than face-to-face!"
"Just one thing! The information doesn't save for long enough! Sometimes I wake up from a nap and miss my mum's messages, and then she complains—Ah, you go in here!"
He placed a brown leather case on the ground and opened it, then crawled in first. With only his upper body still outside, he turned back and waved at Wade.
Then he completely disappeared as if swallowed by the case.
Wade had seen this scene in the movie in his previous life. He smiled at the sight, then followed him inside.
The luggage case entrance was rather narrow, but its interior space was magically expanded like a portable miniature world.
Descending a staircase led to a small, cluttered room filled with many items, many of which looked ancient. Wade didn't have time to examine them closely.
"Hurry!"
Rolf called from ahead, opening a seemingly flimsy wooden door in the room.
"Creak—"
The wooden door let out a hoarse groan as cold dampness and the scent of animals washed over them.
A vast world suddenly appeared before them in a breathtaking display.
Wade couldn't help but hold his breath, his heart pounding like a drum.
Experiencing all of this firsthand, being immersed in this magical, wondrous space, felt entirely different from seeing it on a movie screen.
For a moment, he felt his breath stolen away.
Magic... what a marvelous power...
Rolf had grown up playing here and was long accustomed to it, unable to comprehend Wade's awe. Seeing him frozen in place, he pulled his arm and led him aside.
"This way, I'll show you the new resident here!"
The two hadn't walked far when a golden desert appeared before them, with several gigantic stone pillars in the center.
In the hollows of the stone pillars lay a fledgling bird with three pairs of wings and a slender tail. It was sleeping with its eyes closed, its feathers gently swaying in the breeze.
Rolf made a shushing gesture, leading Wade to tiptoe closer, then gestured for him to gently extend his finger, just as he did.