Chapter 104: These Are Newt's Autographed Books!
Outside the Quidditch pitch.
Today was the Quidditch match: Gryffindor versus Slytherin.
Groups of young wizards were heading toward the stadium in twos and threes.
"Leonardo, is Malfoy studying with us because...?"
Ron rubbed his hands together and exhaled a stream of white breath as he asked Leonardo cautiously.
Weeks ago at Hagrid's hut, mainly for the Chinese food Leonardo had prepared, Ron had been shocked to see Malfoy there. They'd never expected the obnoxious Malfoy to show up. Even more surprising was that Malfoy had started attending their tutoring sessions afterward.
"Does he disrupt your studies?"
"No, not really. He's quiet. It's just... strange getting used to it?"
Ron scratched his head. He resented Malfoy, especially his arrogant attitude. But during Leonardo's tutoring sessions, Malfoy had been remarkably well-behaved, with no trace of his usual pompousness.
At least these past few days, he had been.
Leonardo glanced at the distant Quidditch pitch and the snow-capped mountains beyond. November had brought bitter cold. The peaks were covered in ice and snow. The young wizards had bundled themselves in gloves and scarves.
"As long as studying isn't disrupted, prepare well. I've arranged a final examination for you all at the end of term."
While Ron didn't react immediately, Hermione's eyes lit up instantly.
"Leonardo, what subjects will be on the exam?"
"Everything. Charms, Potions, Transfiguration, History of Magic. All first-year subjects, to make it fair for everyone."
"There will be both written sections and practical demonstrations. I'll also include bonus questions covering different areas."
Leonardo adjusted his Ravenclaw midnight-blue scarf and pulled a book from his pocket, waving it in front of Ron and Hermione.
"This is the prize for whoever scores highest on the final exam."
Ron read the title: "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Even though we'll be using it as a textbook later, this..."
Understanding Ron's meaning, Leonardo tossed the book to him. "Look at the first page."
Ron was confused. Weren't all books the same? This didn't look different from the copy Percy had lent him. The cover and packaging were the standard Flourish and Blotts edition, weren't they?
But he opened it anyway, his eyes falling on the foreword and the signature above it.
"Newt Scamander..."
"Newt Scamander!"
Ron's exclamation drew looks from nearby students.
They didn't understand why someone would shout over a book. Newt Scamander was the world-renowned expert on magical creatures, but why announce it so loudly?
Ron quickly covered his mouth and snapped the book shut. After a few seconds, he carefully opened it again, double-checking that signature.
Ron suddenly remembered the copy at Flourish and Blotts, displayed under glass. A collectible edition of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" with Newt's autograph. It was supposedly non-negotiable, which was why Ron remembered it so vividly. He'd once accompanied his older brothers to the bookstore and overheard someone offering an astronomical price for that signed copy.
The shop owner refused to sell. The final bid had reached what Ron calculated would cover his allowance for centuries, if he lived that long.
Newt's autographed books were incredibly rare, only appearing when new editions were published. This legendary magical creature expert never held signing events.
"Hermione, Hermione, look at this. This... I think it's real!"
Ron excitedly tapped Hermione's shoulder. She brushed his hand away with annoyance.
"Yes, the handwriting looks very similar to the one on Flourish and Blotts' collectible edition."
"Newt Scamander is a famous figure, but his signature..."
"Shh!"
Ron quickly hushed her, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening.
He lowered his voice. "Listen, you're new to the wizarding world. You don't understand this. His autographed books are incredibly rare. Incredibly rare."
"Newt never holds signing events, unlike that Gilderoy Lockhart, who signs hundreds every week. I don't know why so many people like him anyway."
Without waiting for Hermione's response, Ron looked at Leonardo with shining eyes.
"This... this should be real, right?"
Ron's voice trembled slightly. He knew Leonardo wasn't the type to play pranks, but he still couldn't believe it.
That was Newt Scamander!
The world's greatest magical creature expert. "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" was one of the best-selling books in the wizarding world.
Ron couldn't imagine what having an autographed copy would mean.
Hearing Ron's question, Leonardo smiled slightly. "Do you remember the conversation on Halloween night?"
Ron's brain raced. Finally, he recalled something.
"...A letter from Newt Scamander..."
Ron's eyes went wide, his mouth falling open.
"R-really? You really have... contact with him?"
Leonardo nodded.
"I told you. You just didn't believe me."
Not only was Ron flustered now, but even Hermione looked shocked.
"Leonardo, how did you even get in contact with him? I thought you just bought the book."
Hermione was still new to the wizarding world. Even with all her knowledge, famous figures remained mostly conceptual to her. She'd genuinely thought Leonardo had purchased this.
To learn that he was in direct correspondence with such a person was staggering.
To compare to Muggle terms, it would be like Leonardo saying he'd had tea with Audrey Hepburn.
"So... this book is really mine?"
Ron's face flushed with excitement, his voice trembling with disbelief.
Because he suddenly remembered. Last time, he'd jokingly asked Leonardo if he could get an autographed Newt book.
And it had actually happened!
Leonardo glanced at Ron and smiled slightly. "Did you score above ninety on your monthly exam?"
That question hit like cold water dumped on Ron's head, even in this freezing weather.
Ron mumbled, his voice small. "Almost. Almost. Seventy-nine is close to ninety..."
"But if it's the highest score on the final exam..."
Ron sneaked a peek at Hermione. Who could beat her when it came to grades?
Well, except for Leonardo himself, of course.
Understanding Ron's thoughts, Leonardo chuckled and pulled another book from his pocket.
"That one is for excellence. This one is for improvement."
"Besides first place, the student with the most improvement also gets a copy."
Hearing this, Ron suddenly perked up.
There was still hope!
That meant the competition was really just against Harry and maybe Malfoy.
He had a good chance!
With that settled, Ron completely forgot about his earlier question regarding studying with Malfoy. He needed to study. He needed to improve.
Leonardo nodded almost imperceptibly. That was the right attitude for learning.
"Alright, give me the books back for now."
"Let's focus on Harry's Quidditch performance for now."