newtralize | The End Of Love

The End Of Love

We were reaching in the dark
That summer in New York
And it was so far to fall
But it didn't hurt at all
And let it wash away, wash away

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[The first day of school is always kind of exciting. It isn't so much the first day, but the evening of everyone arriving for the coming school year. A wonderful speech by the headmaster and the introduction of all the teachers of the year that would soon be followed by the yearly sorting and then a feast.

This year was particularly special. It wasn't often that transfers happened. Most parents usually kept their kids within the same school for the entirety of their school years, but they were having just that. A student from America's Ilvermorny being brought to Hogwarts.

He watches the sorting with interest this time around. He always loved to watch the sorting, but his interest was very much piqued this time around. Percival Graves was the name of the student being called up. A young man who he thinks would surely grow to a fine man.

There was something about them though that Newt thinks that he considers keeping an eye on Percival. A troubling look in those eyes that makes him worry about the other.

The new school year was certainly going to be eventful.]

[ Things had been looking up for Percival. He had magic down pat, it came so very naturally to him that he had started to use it without a wand, and despite his affluence he was coming out of his shell and making friends. He might have been a late bloomer in that respect and it might have only been a handful, one more consistent than the others, but he was finally comfortable with himself. Something he didn’t think would find him so soon.

And then his parents needed to move for work. He was devastated, withdrawing into himself from it.

Architecture and aesthetic aside, Hogwarts felt... much like Ilvermorny. Rambunctious students, a mix of teachers. He was nervous—a fish out of water. He didn’t know a soul here and the culture shock was stark from his own. When his name was called the room fell to a murmur, and his footfalls echoing against the stone as he made his way up. For all his anxiousness Percival kept an outward cool, save maybe for his eyes—sharp and a little frightened—as he sat down. ]

Ooh, mm-hm, [ The sorting hat starts dramatically, pursing and crinkling folds in consideration. ] What duality within you, and such a rare gift... [ Which makes Percival stiffen just enough in worry. ] Now now, no need for that, boy. But where best to settle your unrest?

[ Percival’s jaw clenches in anticipation. There was only so much information he could find about Hogwarts before they came over. He didn’t really know one house from the other. ] Ahh, that’s it then, [ The pause lingers causing a heavy silence before the hat declares: ] Slytherin!

[ There’s a uproar of cheering and applause as the hat is removed and he stands, walking over to the table causing the commotion. Perhaps he’d looked a little stiff before, and maybe the students had seen that because they welcome him with open arms and smiles, plenty of back clasps and handshakes as they usher him to a seat. Another professor calls for everyone to settle down as they continue on with the sorting and Percival gives another look around the room, calmer, though still a slight unease in his figure. It might not be so bad here.

The rest of the ceremony goes off without a hitch, they eat, and Percival almost doesn’t get a bite in with all the questions thrown his way. It’s easy to hear his accent against everyone else’s voices throughout the night, even as low and poised as it is. And when they’re dismissed he’s rushed out in gaggle of students clamoring in an overwhelmed ear.

How he was able to slip away was no small feat, but he was thankful for the quietness he was able to find from it on the balcony. It’s a deep breath as he pulls his cloak tighter around him. The nights are so cold here. It only added to the unfamiliarity of it all, the displace from moving, and with a dip of his head he wonders how long it’ll take this time to find comfort. ]

Edited (fuck my life this goddamn html) 2019-03-21 07:47 (UTC)

[The evening was settling into twilight and the chill was already noticeable despite them not being far into fall. Newt preferred the chill than to the heat. Perhaps, it was because England was always a tad on the chillier side. He had found he much prefer the cool weathers to the warm and humid ones though.

Despite being the forefront intellectual about creatures in its entirety, Newt had been introduced as the Charms teacher for Hogwarts. It had been a constant debate and topic with gossips why he had been asked to join the faculty for Charms and not for Care of Magical Creatures, which he would so obviously succeed at. Honestly, Newt probably would have went that path but a hand on his shoulder and a gentle expression with It would be a waste of your talents and Newt suddenly found himself being the newly appointed Charms teacher.

That was years ago and he's not quite sure why it's still a topic, but he guesses it does confuse the Hogwarts students to have his book on their book list, but not even teaching classes pertaining to the topic.

Details.

He's leaving the Owlery when he notices a cloaked figure. Much too small to be a teacher...]

You know, it wouldn't make for a good start of the year to get in trouble when it hasn't even been the first real day of school.

[Newt was a tall and lean fellow. He didn't wear robes and opted for a shirt and waistcoat. Despite the chill, he wasn't even wearing a coat.] I would think the travels and festivities would make quick of you lot to a nice and well deserved sleep. Is there a reason why you are out so late and quite far from your House?

[He purposely makes his steps loud, so as to not surprise the other. They're slow and steady.]

[ The wind blusters for a moment, rustling his cloak and more wildly at his long hair. It sets a chill in him and Percival shivers down to his toes, reminding him of being on the platform, trains rushing past. It's stoked in tradition, his father's voice echoes in his head. A fine school, his mother's follows up.

Hogwarts being a fine school was his last worry, if he were being honest. It's why he finds himself wandering now, trying to find something grounding while not feeling abandoned and trapped. Maybe he could find that someplace not over the expansive horizon. A library, or—

For all the clear attempt to not to startle, Percival still is. He knows he's not supposed to be out but he couldn't rest and he is still on grounds. It the excuse he's practiced in his head at every small noise beforehand, but actually being confronted was another thing entirely. ]

I'm sorry, I... [ The words, solid in his mind, fail to reach his mouth with his heart in his throat as he turns to face the other, wringing his hands. ] Just trying to get used to being somewhere. [ The smile, when he looks back up, is practiced, forced, but polite—meant to dispel worry away from him. ] Couldn't sleep from the... excitement.

[ Super convincing. ]

I didn't— [ Percival glances down to his hands when he digs a nail in too hard and stops twisting them. ] I don't mean to cause a fuss, [ He starts again, quieter. ] I'll go back.

[Newt gives the other a soft smile. The other may have been able to fool other teachers or other teachers may not care as much, but Newt has observed others all his life. The uncertainty of the other was easy for him to pick up.

He also knew that Percival was the foreigner.]

No need to apologize. A lot of students feel that way when they come here. [He gestures at the other to follow him.] Come on. Have a cup of tea with me. I have a few tea blends that help with sleep.

[A pause.] Unless you rather just return to your dormitory. I just find that a nice cup of tea helps the nerves sometimes. I'm sure you have a lot on your mind.

[ For as much as he’s aware, for as shaky as he might have been trying to throw this professor off the trail, he thinks it works. Mostly. He was clearly the transfer student, illustrated if only by his accent, flat and even for someone his age.

Percival stiffens internally at the smile, unsure what it means with against everything else. Until he clarifies and it really only gives him more questions than anything. Almost none of the teachers at Ilvermorny would have ever been so forgiving about finding a first time student wandering by themselves let alone offer them tea. ]

No, that— [ Finally, at the half ultimatum, Percival’s feet start, moving his towards the hall and kind professor. He didn’t want to go back to the dormitory yet. ] Would help, I think. I’m not that tired. [ He was beyond it, exhausted: mentally and physically. And it shows in his step, strides lazy with occasional heel scrapes against the stone, in the slight slump of his shoulders and slow blinks. All the same, he believes he isn't. ]

It's... preoccupied, more, I think. [ A pause of his own, fixing his Ilvermorny scarf before pulling the rest of his hair out from under it. ] Unless that makes it a lot.

It's better to be honest than not, you know. [He merely gestures the other to walk alongside him while they walk to his office.] I've spent most of my life being a bit of a wallflower and observing others. While my talents lie in studying beasts, I can tell you that I am quite aware about how people act. [He might as well make the other aware that they're quite easy for him to read.] Or perhaps you think you aren't. You held your shoulders much higher when you walked to get sorted than you are right now. You're scuffing your shoes a bit because there's a bit of a drag of your feet. Shoes that you most likely wouldn't think to mess up because holding a certain image is safe instead of possibly being a target for bullying. Not that most would want to bully someone from Slytherin. I think you're quite exhausted by the look of things though given the circumstances.

[Newt just leads him through the long hallways with ease. Obviously, the teacher knew how to get around this place with no trouble.] You'll have to excuse the clutter of my office and my companions. I typically let them run loose and while they know better not to get into my office, it surely doesn't stop them sometimes.

[When Newt pushes the door open, Percival will watch a mooncalve or two scuttle and disappear down a staircase adjacent to the one they were entering through.] Preoccupied still means there's something on it does it not?

[ Ah, maybe he hadn't gotten away with it. It always worked so well back home. And why was it an upsetting thought to have now? He doesn't think about the alternative, that he was convincing enough that no one cared to correct him. All things considered, being called out like that was quite a mild reaction to having been fibbed at.

Shaking the thought from his mind, Percival turns back to the other, trying to fix the little things he's mentioned, as if it were criticism to fix. He picks up his feet, carries his shoulders better. At least a little. To even keep it up more than a dozen or so feet drains more of his energy. ]

Bullied, [ The exhale comes out as a weak laugh. Clearly something he isn't concerned with. But... ] Being Slytherin... is that bad? [ The question is soft, genuine: not upset, as he briefly glances up to him. ] I couldn't find much on Hogwarts before arriving. Just basics. The establishment, the founders. Nothing about culture or the houses or history. [ Maybe he was exhausted if that was that he focused more on that his own tiredness. ]

I suppose it d— [ But then the professor opens the door and Percival sees some beasts he hasn't before skitter off. For all his tiredness it gives him a boost, and he steps in quickly, heading for the hall the calves trotted down. He stands a respectable distance before it, peering down, hoping to catch another sight. ] What were those? I've never—You keep them here? [ There's barely a pause before he adds: ] Are they friendly?

[ He hasn't even so much as batted an eye at the aforementioned clutter. ]

[Newt can't help but snort.] If people take preconceived assumptions about Houses to account then perhaps. We've had some less savory sorts from Slytherin, yes. That isn't to say that we haven't had some great wizards come from Slytherin either. It's what you decide. A close friend had been Slytherin and she was bullied quite a bit, so it isn't to say that it doesn't happen. I find that old blood and their names seem to hold more weight than Houses themselves.

The culture has changed quite a bit since I had gone here so I can't say what it's like as a student. [Newt waves his wand and watches as his tea set floats around and starts to pour tea out and such.

He pauses and glances over at the other.] They're mooncalves. They're a bit shy but very friendly otherwise. They like to sing [Newt walks over and holds out a cup and saucer to the other.] If you wish, we can go down there.

[He smiles a bit.] You'll be more pressed to find what I don't have around here than what I do.

[ The snort catches his attention, has him focusing in more than before. The information is useful, intriguing even, but it almost leaves him with more questions than not. Too many questions to really bother voicing them all. ] Does old blood from another continent count? [ He has a sneaking suspicion it wouldn't. ]

That's alright, I appreciate the information you did give. [ It was good to learn some things no one was really able to tell him before. It was... comforting, even for all his lingering worry. The presence of creatures, though, provide a much better distraction from it.

While he takes the tea and saucer, Percival was quick to look back down the hall, the faint noises pulling his attention further. ] Yes, [ Is the hasty reply. ] I would like that very much. [ At the idea of seeing the calves and whatever else there might be he's noticeably lighter; excited.

Maybe the offer was a bad idea. He doesn't feel or look as tired as they did walking here. ]

Might for some. I can't say that we know a whole lot about America and their bloodlines too well though. I also can't imagine some of them being too fond. International politics can get bloody awful. [He has heard plenty of complains about international headaches from his brother.

Newt gives Percival a bright smile before he downs his cup and lets it float back to his desk.] Come on then.

[He gestures to the other to follow him through the archway and into the next area. The space was huge and filled with life. There was a flurry of sound that surrounded them and there were multiple floors and countless sections of different environments and different creatures inhabiting them.

Perhaps it made a little more sense, suddenly, why Newt was the Charms teacher.] The headmaster was kind enough to let me keep them around, although they can't get loose in the castle. [The nifflers may have caused a problem or two, but that's besides the point.]

[ The mixed basket of an answer seems to leave Percival with more questions than anything, going off his confused expression. It sounded less than optimal and the possibility seemed more exhausting than anything. Another something to have to wait out, he supposed. Or maybe his face is because of the tea.

It isn't bad, though it's not something he's used to. He took polite sips until Newt's face lit up, distracting the motion, and then he's mirroring the motion to keep up with him. Percival has some trouble being so quick with the hot drink and it takes him a few extra gulps to get it down, but he does in time to get to the next room.

Lucky for Newt his cups flew back on their own when go of, because it slips the young wizard's mind entirely.

Standing on the edge looking over all the floors and creatures he can see from there, Percival looks like he just woke up on Christmas morning. He rushes down the stairs all the same, eager and suddenly energetic to see them all up close. ] Where do you find them? [ He asks unable to help the laugh that shapes it. ] I didn't see any coming here... [ None that weren't in cages, that is.

So busy is he looking in awe at all the creatures buzzing about, he doesn't notice the leucrotta behind him, tucked under the stairs, leaning down to sniff at Percival's dark and shiny hair. The hot breath earns a yelp from the teen when he turns around to see the giant creature in his face, which brings about a mimic from the beast, opening its wide mouth and calmly echoing the sound with no regard to their closeness.

Percival stumbles back a couple feet, rubbing his ears as he winkles his brow at the leucrotta. Though there's some ringing in his head he looks for Newt and speaks louder than he usually does: ] Are they all so loud?

[Newt is rolling up his sleeves to his elbows and tucks his wand behind his ear before he looks at the other.] Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. It's one of the books on your list you got. I wrote it. [He's filling with a few different pails with different things. Meat or pellets or other feed for the countless beasts that were wandering through the different environments.] Most of these are from when I travel. For research purposes or from rescuing them.

[He picks up two of the pails and holds them out with a laugh. It's a vibrant sound that fills the space with everything else.] Don't mind Dale. He's been unwell, so I've been caring for him for the last few weeks. He should be well enough to be reintroduced back into the wild in another week or so. Here take these and you can do the round with me.

[He walks Percival through each environment to the other.] They're not all quite so loud, but the noise isn't so bad. I like it really. I've been doing this all my life. My mum was a hippogryph breeder and I was employed at the Ministry for a bit of time in the Beasts Division.

Teaching, I suppose, never got me to truly settle. [Their final stop is with the mooncalves. He puts down the now empty pails and moves to sit down; the furry creatures immediately moving to surround Newt. He gestures at Percival to join him, of course.] I used to care for creatures while I was in school too. I can't say that I was allowed to, but I never was much for rules sometimes.

It surely didn't stop me, that's for sure. Probably shouldn't be telling a student that. Do try and follow the rules.

You wrote it? [ The question comes out as a surprise, and not because he didn't hear him properly. ] You're the Newt Scamander? [ The surprise that was in his voice works its way to his face and Percival can't help looking... impressed. ] They talk about your book a lot back home—in America, [ He trails, and it's not clear if it's homesickness or the controversial existence of his book. ] I didn't know you rescued them...

[ Which made it somewhat painfully obvious it was the latter—and that they still weren't using the book to teach across the ocean just yet.

Ears still ringing from that shout into his face, Percival shakes his head, shooting another squint at Dale who merely kindly looks on and huffs out his nose at him. To see he's skeptical is obvious, but it's not an unwillingness to forgive. It's a bit of an embarrassed glance to Newt as he takes the bucket and follows after him, taking in every bit of information he gets. ]

My parents transferred to the Ministry. An intercontinental branch. [ He pauses in thought, brow knitting together ] How did you end up teaching then, if you were in the Ministry before? Wasn't it a good job?

[ With every step, while he’s still excited to be here and see all the creatures, exhaustion creeps up his spine the more he exerts himself. When they get to the mooncalves his blinks are slow again despite the awe at the way the professor is all but encircled. When he motions him to join, he doesn’t need to be told twice.

A few of the calves break off from the others and trot up to Percival, who's still a little stiff, even as they headbutt at him in a plea for attention. ] Don't worry, [ His chuckle is soft. ] I don't break the rules. [ At the realization he already did his eyes widen and a small flush finds his cheeks, and he busies himself with petting a mooncalf or two. ] Usually.

[ He was better at bending them anyway. ]

Is that how you got through school? Taking care of your creatures?

You wouldn't be the first student to ask that, really. I hear plenty enough that I don't exactly look like what they expect or such. [Newt lets out a low chuckle. Something soft that seemed to be a sound that would easily blend with the wind.] Well, Newton Scamander, but I never was always more fond of just going by Newt. I don't think I've met anyone else of the same name, so I hope I'm the Newt Scamander. [He can't imagine what would happen if there were two of him. Surely, Theseus would die from worry or nag them both to an early grave instead.]

Yes, well, I can't say that they were always within legal parameters. These creatures though. They're wonderful and deserve a chance at life and not have them taken away because of the greed of men. [He says this rather seriously. It was obvious where Newt stood when it came to his opinions of the treatment of beasts.]

It depends what you're employed as. That, and my colleagues weren't quite so fond of me. [The smile was a lopsided thing.] People. They don't quite like others when they seem different.

Besides, the pay wasn't great for me for awhile and I wrote that book on commission; not that I had any reason to say no when asked. But...well, it was never really me. Being a Ministry employee. A lot of things had happened since then and now and I merely decided that there were other things that I would rather do than to continue working there. No hard feelings. [It has become widespread knowledge of Newt's work in the pushing of Beast law reform, but people were more curious about his heroic exploits. Exploits he certainly avoids talking about at length. It was somewhat of a sore spot if only because the memories it brought up were something he never quite parsed through proper.

And probably still won't for awhile.

Newt laughs quite a bit and he moves to just lie down amongst the creatures who immediately snuggle around him happily.] You'll find that majority of students will be breaking the rules more or less. My record was far from spotless, although, I was generally very good at making it seem spotless.

Trust me, breaking rules is far from the worst thing you can do in this place. [Newt would know. He got expelled for the endangerment of another student. An action he had not actually done.]

Well, they're not mine. I took care of things, but majority of those were released once they were better. I don't usually have any intention of keeping them usually. Sometimes they end up sticking with me or they can't be released back into the wild though. And, I suppose you could say that.

I was far from popular.

[ Percival doesn't say it but he feels it's a little more understandable question for him to ask. The book was all but banned, heavily frowned upon aside from speaking gossip. ] I think you look fitting for the book, [ It comes out instead. ] I haven't read it myself but by the sounds if it, I imagined you... older. Mature. [ Graying, even, but he wasn't so rude to say it outright. But there's a small chortle at the idea of there being more of him. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea, with this work being so interesting and important.

The passion in which Newt speaks of his work is... something he hasn't really seen before in an adult. At least not something he's seen so raw. To see it is inspiring, even in his tiredness. How it chases away the sudden gray gloom of his home life, the Ministry, is intriguing. Following his family's footsteps hadn't seemed so boring and bleak before this. ]

So, your book saved you, really. [ From the monotony of the Ministry and it's people. He didn't think the professor was that different at all. Not to incur such negative attention from everyone else. Not sure how to address it, the words jumbled in his head and caught in this throat, he keeps to something easier. Something interesting. ] Is it something you'd do again? Go out adventuring for creatures?

[ His heart trips and thuds heavy in his chest at the sound of Newt laughing, at the way his smile brightens the enclosure around them. He quickly looks away, feeling his eyes are as wide as the calf before him. It seems to bounce on its front feet and Percival tips his head down to carefully bump his forehead between the calf’s eyes, his hands gently fluffing the fur behind its ears. It's a good distraction but not good enough.

One other seems to note his distress and huffs at him to get his attention, nudging his arm with it's head so it can weasel in and cuddle at him. More follow suit and unlike Newt his fall to the ground is less graceful, but guided by mooncalves that are happy to pile on him. ] I see they're quick to trust, [ Percival's head shakes, a small titter falling from him. ]

My family doesn't take well to misbehavior. [ Not that they were around much more than to uproot him. ] I... don't plan on breaking more rules. [ An almost fond smile starts to creep across his mouth as he settles against the mooncalves, looking up at the starry enclosure. ] At least not alone. We really only ever bent them. Found loopholes. [ But that was back in America—who knows how bold he'll be here. ]

Do you miss the ones you have to release back? [ It's less a cover-up for his previous admission than it is a string of tired thoughts. ] Are there a lot that end up staying with you? You said "usually don't intend". [ There it was; a loophole. Not intent but eventuality. ]

Well, it's one of your required readings, so you'll have to read it eventually. Or pretend to have read it. I'd be lying if I didn't expect students to skip some of their required reading and just wing it sometimes. [Students were tremendously good at cutting corners when they wanted to.

He laughs a bit at that.] Older. Perhaps missing a few fingers and limbs with a rugged beard and such? I'm sure the Care for Magical Creatures professor might possibly fit the image better than I, if that's the case. [Newt seems more amused than anything.]

You could say that. It most certainly changed my life. For better and worst. [There were a lot of great things that came with the book and his travels, but also many regrets too.] I wasn't really cut out for the Ministry. I abhorred having an office job, which is probably rather ironic to say given the amount of papers I have to grade as a teacher. I was teased greatly by my peers about the fact that my boggart used to change to a desk with paperwork and such. [He is sure that his boggart would be far less humorous to face now though.] I do, actually. Usually I try to plan my trips during breaks, but the Ministry employs me once in awhile for certain creature related tasks and sometimes it happens during the school year.

Ironically, I am overdue to a trip back to the States to see some Thunderbirds.

[The mooncalves crowding Percival just gets the older man to chuckle a bit more.] They're very affectionate, these ones. They can be terribly shy, but they're very affectionate and lovely. I have a lot of trouble getting up once I've made myself comfortable.

[Newt can't help but snort a bit at that.] Honestly, we'll take bending rules and breaking rules as long as it doesn't involve students hexing each other until kingdom comes. The house rivalries can get a bit dicey at times. [He shrugs a bit.] I'm not going to encourage or discourage rule breaking, but I also can't say I'm very good at enforcing them either.

[His expression softens at that question.] I miss every creature I've had the chance to interact with. It doesn't matter how short or long. Each and every one of them holds a dear part of my heart you can say. [And Newt was a bleeding heart.] Most get released, but a lot stay with me. Either I've had to keep them for too long and I can't acclimate them back into the wild due to overexposure to humanity or because they've got some disabilities or injuries that would make it difficult for them to get by.

Very rarely do they stay with me for my own selfish reasons, but I can say it does happen.

I will, [ Is his laugh. ] I doubt I'll be able to put it down. [ He was always good at reading, even things he thought boring because he knew they had value in some way or another. And if Newt's book were anything like learning what he did with the round they just made, it wasn't going to be boring at all. In fact he was quite excited for it, shortcuts be damned.

But that he didn't offend the other at his perception of what he looked like, Percival is relieved, his accompanying laughter perhaps a little telling. He certainly hadn't mentioned it to be rude and he's glad Newt didn't take it as such. ] I could see a beard, [ He manages to get out in another chuckle. ] Maybe not the rest.

[ While Newt speaks of the Ministry and all the things that came with it, the mooncalves saw it fit to start fitting around him like a puzzle, twisting necks and tucking bodies good and snug around him. One even saw it fit to nuzzle it's head alongside Percival's. ] It sounds like it was more for the better then, even if there was some bad. [ The giggle isn't for the topic at at hand but the tickling that comes with being cuddled. He wants to say it feels almost like being trapped, but their fur is warming and for all their snugness it isn't restricting. They almost feel like a cloud; far more comforting than his bunk had been.

He's definitely going to have a hard time getting out of them when it finally comes around to him needing to leave. ]

You've seen Thunderbirds? In person? [ He lolls his head against the calf smushed against his face, trying to get a better look at Newt. Of course he knows what they are, but, ] I've only seen them in drawings. Are they as wonderful as people describe them? [ He's sure they're in Newt's book, but something tells him that isn't quite an experience you can fit in a book.

And to see how Newt still cares for all his creatures, even the ones who've gone, give his heart another little trip over itself. This is hardly fair, he can't look away or hide his face all wrapped up like this. Well, he is a little hidden, just his head and an arm sticking out through all the tangle he finds himself in. ] Which ones have you had stay with you?

I don't think I could manage a beard. It's not really my thing. [Newt's rather disheveled appearance is rather misleading at times. There were certain things he did still take care of, even if it wasn't his hair or that his clothes are sometimes a bit ill-fitting for him.

Newt lets a few of the mooncalves try to lay on his legs and lap, seemingly very used to them doing what they're doing.] My brother is more suited for it than I, that's for sure. [His relationship with his brother was much better than it had been for a bit, but he couldn't help but be a bit bitter always being compared to the other at times.

He wasn't his brother and he didn't wish to continuously feel like he had to somehow fit into his shadow.]

Yes. I saved one in Egypt from traffickers and brought him back to the US. He was quite lovely. They're quite beautiful, especially when you can watch them when they're airborne.

Simply breathtaking. [It's said so genuinely.] But I'm someone who finds even the smallest creature to be a wonderful treat to witness, so my opinion may be rather skewed.

[He ponders over Percival's question and tries to recall which of his creatures has stuck with him. Honestly, he does have quite a few that he has kept over the years.] Well, I have a branch of bowtruckles. One in particular is very attached to me, but I think he's sleeping in my coat somewhere. I've got a niffler somewhere also and I couldn't manage my Swooping Evil to acclimate back to the wild.

[ It's quite a lot of information to take in, all he's discussing with the professor. Percival doesn't mind, after all it's a welcome distraction and it makes him feel more relaxed. He isn't in his own head, overanalyzing or fretting about things he couldn't control.

The mooncalves, absolutely surrounding him do well to help, like a living blanket. They're even humming, which is only adding to it. His blinks are long, slow and sometimes Percival snaps his eyes open in realization he's closed them too long. The tea, a warm an comforting thing in its own right, has undoubtedly begun to work it's magic as well.

He smiles tiredly, lopsidedly, at the mention of an Egyptian adventure and soaring Thunderbirds. He's thought of following in his parents footsteps before but seeing the sincerity on Newt's face gives him the passing idealization this is something he could see himself doing one day—for the first time in his young years. ]

I'd like to see them, [ Comes Percival's mutter, sleepy and half distorted by the mooncalf tucked against his head. He takes a slow, deep breath, causing the pile of creatures to gently shift. ] Maybe not the Swooping Evil... Unless it's nice? [ His face scrunches in consideration of something being called evil but being good. Surely it was if Newt kept it here. Still, it doesn't stop the drowsy string of: ] Doesn't it eat brains?

[Newt watches the other relax with a soft smile. The other seemed to at least be in a bit of a better mood than when he had first come upon the young man. They seemed a lot more at ease now and that was good. He can imagine what it's like to feel displaced, after all.

Of course, Newt gets a little huffy when they mention the possibility of it being nice or not and the mention of its diet.] Lilac is simply wonderful, I think you should know! Deciding whether something is nice based of its diet is rather rude. We slaughter and eat animals on the daily, but yes, let's judge a creature because it eats something particular. [This is a very passionate man, despite his quiet demeanor during the feast.

He does calm down a tad though.] It's best not to make assumptions based on how something lives. We can't really change how we work biologically. [He offers the other a smile.] Lilac has been a stalwart friend who has helped me a multitude of times. Too many times to count. What she eats means little to me.

[ Despite all his easing relaxation, to hear he professor pipe up so suddenly and insistently, Percival startles in the mess of mooncalves; a spike of anxiety hitting him and coursing through his lethargic limbs. An odd feeling, shaking from nerves and exhaustion, but he does well to hide it in his face, aside a touch
from his eyes. ]

No, I didn’t— [ Percival’s mousy trail dies off quickly. He hadn’t meant for it to seem like he was judging the creature based on his diet, but it seemed silly now to try and correct that he was worried about the name having “evil” in it, especially when the wizard who owned it was so accomplished and knowledgeable. ] Lilac is a wonderful name, [ He adds softly, genuinely.

The calmer tone settles him back down, though the thudding of his heart takes some time to ease back down. The calf nestled beside him feels it and begins a quiet song that a few others join in on, helping him ease further. He returns Newt’s smile gingerly. ] She sounds very nice. I apologize, I didn’t mean to assume. [ The pause lasts only as long as the blink he takes. ] I’d like to meet her too.

[Newt lightly pushes the mooncalves off him as he gets up to his feet. The loving creatures scatter and seem to move to surround Percival instead with their main caretaker was up onto his feet.

He glances at the other with a grin as he holds his arm out. A green cocoon hangs from his hand before he swings his arm. The cocoon seems to detach itself from the man as it suddenly seems to grow larger and fly into the air. The creature soars through the air before returning to them and landing on Percival's chest.

Well, Percival did say he wanted to meet her.] That there is Lilac. I can't introduce her back into the wild. She's become too fond of me, I suppose.

[ The faux alertness fades from Percival’s limbs, at least for a short time. He can’t help the chuckle as some of the moon calves that left the professor scuttle over to him and join the pile, content to still be surrounded by their comfort. For the time being.

For all his brave talk about seeing the swooping evil, that courage dims some at the actual sight of it. Her flight, of course, is breathtaking, but the heavy thud of her landing leaves him facing a face he’d only heard about, and he freezes.

A few of the doe-eyed beasts dart off when Lilac settles on him, either startled from the other creature or the surprise that rolls through the young wizard, but not enough to free him. Percival swallows thickly, not daring to look away from her. ]

She’s—very pretty. [ Is his breathing heavier? He doesn’t mean it to be, it was just all rather new. ] And, ah. Larger, than... I expected. [ Did she just lick her teeth or was that his delirium? ]

Oh yes. They can curl up into a small cocoon. Small enough that she stays hidden in my sleeve. She likes the warmth of it, I find. [Newt clicks his tongue.] Lilac. Don't tease him like that. Come on. Don't be mean.

[Lilac moves off Percival and flies over to Newt where she starts grooming Newt's hair.]

She's just playing with you. I've already fed her anyways. [He's joking. He's not actually going to let Lilac eat a student's brain.]

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