october, 1913
Everyone seems to think he should be devastated and scared out of his wits, because it is expulsion they’re talking about. Leta says in this tone of hers which makes her sound like a very annoyed hippogriff, “Have you gone mad?” (The most important difference is, none of mother’s hippogriffs question Newt’s life choices.) Newt assures Leta he hasn’t, actually. He is very well aware of the consequences, and the implications, and the complications to his life. But he is yet to see a magical creature that would be interested in his certificate of graduation, so all things considered, he isn’t doing himself any harm. Somehow, it doesn’t seem to convince Leta. Newt thinks she is rather upset with him now. He doesn’t understand how it works. People are complicated.
Leta isn’t the only one who is alarmed by the possible expulsion. Newt is relatively sure by now they must’ve notified his mother, and his mother—as usual—has notified his brother, and while Newt loves his brother dearly, oh Merlin, please, don’t let Theseus lecture him on his future life and the importance of good grades and, most importantly, not breaking the law.
Because the reason for all of this is, as they put it, “The illegal possession of a magical beast causing endangerment of human life and violation of animal welfare laws 101/304.”
When they tell him that, Newt just asks, “Is he alright? What are you going to do to him? His name is Paterson, by the way, and he likes belly rubs. Make sure not to feed him too much, he knows no restraint and will eat everything you offer him.”
A tall man from the Ministry, his face impossibly tired, cuts him off with, “Mister Scamander, are you aware of the seriousness of your situation?”
(“Have you gone mad?” rings through Newt’s head.)
“Why, yes, I am. Can you answer my question now?”
The tall man looks at the committee of professors questioningly, as if Newt said something he wasn’t supposed to. Last time Newt checked, it was a perfectly fine question. After all, it’s a jarvey, and he’s alive, and if Newt pretends to be his owner, wouldn’t a responsible pet owner ask such questions? Wouldn’t Leta like to know what happens with her pet? He knows she would. He just hopes the Ministry doesn’t have some kind of an animal prison for misbehaving jarveys.
“Let’s go, Newt,” says professor Dumbledore and leads him away from the room. Once the door closes behind him, he says, “Don’t worry, we’ll figure something out. I won’t let them expel you if I can. Now, I imagine, it would be a good time for you to go and talk to your brother. He’s waiting for you in the Great Hall. Don’t get lost.”
“Thank you, professor,” says Newt, heavily considering getting lost.
He doesn’t.
In ten minutes, he is standing on the threshold of the Great Hall trying to at least pretend he is interested in his own fate more than he is in the fate of Paterson. It’s Saturday and there are no lessons, but the Great Hall is almost empty, it being a surprisingly pleasant autumn day outside. Those who aren’t roaming Hogwarts grounds or having a quidditch practice are in the Study Hall. Newt is pretty sure that’s where he could find Leta—and hide from Theseus—but it’s too late for that now. Looks like he’s been spotted.
[nick]Newt Scamander[/nick][status]i need to have a side?[/status][icon]https://i.postimg.cc/m28dJ5D9/ynewt.jpg[/icon][sign][/sign][LZ]<br><center><a href="https://swmedley.rusff.me">IDENTIFICATION CARD</a><br><br><img src="https://forumstatic.ru/files/0018/1a/00/18603.png"><br><br><b>Newt Scamander</b>, 6th year Hufflepuff</center>[/LZ]