Newt opened the case on his desk and said, "I thought of this during the incident in the Forbidden Forest. It would be much more convenient if you had a case of your own. It's not completely finished yet, but you only need to add some details. I believe you have the ability to complete it."
Seeing that Newt truly intended to give him the same type of briefcase, confirming his earlier guess, Lucien still said, "Thank you for your kindness. I was originally planning to ask you to help me expand the space in my gourd, but isn't this gift too valuable…"
Before Lucien could finish, Newt stopped him with a raised hand, his tone gentle. "Lucien, you said it yourself. It's a gift. I remember your birthday is coming up soon. Consider this an early birthday present."
"Don't say anything about refusing again. This case suits you very well. All right, come in and take a look first."
Newt had already gestured to Lucien, urging him to come over.
Seeing this, Lucien did not pretend to be modest or decline. While accepting Newt's kindness, he also began thinking about how he might repay this friendship.
The two of them stepped into the case.
Lucien was immediately struck dumb by the sight before him.
An endless grassland stretched out as far as the eye could see.
A warm breeze carrying the scent of hay and earth drifted past.
Overhead, the sunlight was gentle, bright but not dazzling.
Several twisted trees provided shade. A small pond was crystal clear, and beside it was even a dry little cave filled with hay.
"This level is the entrance."
The entrance?
Lucien could not help but feel surprised. Was the entrance really this vast?
Newt spoke as he walked toward what looked like an ordinary rock wall.
He extended a hand, his fingertips tracing a complex pattern through the air. The rock wall rippled like water, revealing a downward, spiraling wooden staircase.
"Come on. Let's take a look at the other… 'floors.'"
Lucien followed him down the stairs into a completely different environment: a dry, warm desert.
Intense heat washed over them. In the distance, sand dunes rose and fell, and several lizard-like creatures, their bodies gleaming with a gem-like sheen, watched them warily before quickly burrowing into the sand.
"Each spatial layer is independent and isolated," Newt explained, a trace of pride in his voice. "The environment, the climate—everything can be precisely adjusted. The heat here won't affect the level above. You can grow Magical Plants that require specific conditions here, or conduct certain unstable magical experiments that need isolation."
They crossed the desert, and at the far end, Newt opened another "door."
This time, beyond it lay a cold, damp cavern. Dew condensed on the stone walls, making it an ideal habitat for nocturnal or cold-loving creatures.
As expected of the Scamander family's inherited techniques, it was a massively expanded composite space, yet each layer remained independent. Such a precise and wondrous Undetectable Extension Charm container was truly one of a kind.
"My case has seen many things alongside me, and it has helped me save and protect many lives."
Newt looked at Lucien, his gaze deep and gentle.
"This place is safe enough, private enough, and spacious enough to accommodate all your whimsical ideas."
Newt then took out a small booklet and handed it to Lucien.
"This records the methods for expanding and repairing the case. If there's anything you don't understand, just write to me."
"Oh, right. I also made some additional modifications. The case can be resized, and its appearance can be changed as well, making it convenient for you to carry to school."
Lucien accepted the booklet and offered his sincere thanks. "Thank you for being so considerate. I'll make good use of this gift."
Newt patted Lucien on the shoulder. "No need to mention it. All right, let's head out and eat first."
The two stepped out of the case world. When Newt looked up, he saw Tina standing there with her arms crossed.
Tina smiled at Newt, but there was no warmth in her salamander-like eyes. "Heh heh, why are you rushing the child away? Come on, let's talk properly over dinner. What exactly do you mean by a 'small accident'?"
…
At the dining table.
"Newt, the 'small accident' you mentioned was that, if Lucien hadn't intervened in time, a Killing Curse would have hit you?"
"And afterward, separated by a magical barrier, you're telling me you let a child face a group of vicious poachers alone?"
Tina's hand, holding her knife and fork, trembled slightly. Her words were restrained, but beneath them lay lingering fear and anger.
Newt did not dare meet his wife's gaze. He stammered, "Lucien was very calm at the time. He… he was extremely perceptive, and his use of magic was incredible…"
"Now is not the time for you to praise Lucien's excellence. And Rolf going with you to look for the Hippogriff can be put on hold for now."
Tina shot Newt a look that clearly said she would settle this account later.
Meanwhile, their grandson, Rolf Scamander, had no idea that the trip he had been eagerly anticipating would be postponed because of certain incidents.
Tina then turned to Lucien, her eyes filled with concern and apology. "I'm truly sorry, Lucien. I had wanted to take you out to have fun, but Newt failed to take proper care of you again this time."
Lucien straightened in his seat and looked at Tina earnestly. "Grandma Tina, please don't apologize. That was a battle we fought side by side. Professor Newt taught me a great deal; he is both my mentor and my friend. When a friend is in danger, no wizard would stand by and do nothing."
Tina let out a soft sigh. "Oh, you really are such an understanding child."
Lucien smiled. "My Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor taught me that when facing dangerous enemies, the most important things are calmness and perceptiveness. I simply put that lesson into practice."
Quirrell had indeed taught that, and Tom had even provided a personal demonstration later.
Hearing this, Tina nodded, her gaze toward Lucien growing even gentler. "Newt and I have always said that you're a good child who loves to learn."
"How about this? After we eat, we can talk about other things, like Defense Against the Dark Arts and combat techniques. I used to be an Auror in the United States. Perhaps I can share some things that might interest you."
"That would be wonderful. It would be my honor."
Lucien's eyes lit up. This seemingly gentle lady had once been an exceptionally skilled Auror.
She had captured countless followers of Grindelwald in the United States, relentlessly pursuing that group.
Unlike Newt, who relied on Magical Creatures in combat, Tina was a true frontline fighter.
Elite Aurors who had lived through that turbulent era all possessed genuine skill.
Naturally, Lucien had no intention of refusing the chance to learn more.
After dinner, Lucien learned many practical spells and techniques from Tina.
As the session went on, Tina truly realized just how astonishing the child's talent was.
He grasped spells almost instantly, mastering them after only a few attempts, and his reactions during sparring practice repeatedly took Tina by surprise.
"Lucien, honestly, you're a natural Auror!"
Hearing this, Newt quickly glanced over. "Uh, um, Tina, Lucien actually.. ehm.. should become a —"
Tina shot Newt a look. "Oh? Do you think there's something wrong with becoming an Auror?"
"…"
Having received a briefcase like Newt's, learned spells and techniques from Tina, and witnessed Newt's position within the family, Lucien took his leave with great satisfaction.
Just as Lucien was about to summon Lumen, a ball of crimson flame suddenly appeared beside him.
Fawkes emerged from it and placed a letter into Lucien's hand.
________
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