Whispers had reached Newt’s ears about a herd of wild Thestrals residing in a forest not far from where he was staying. The news excited him—he hadn’t seen Thestrals since his days at Hogwarts.

With his suitcase full of magical creatures in one hand and his wand in the other, he made his way to the forest he’d been told about. A familiar thrill of excitement ran through him, just as it always did when he was about to study a new creature.

As he entered the forest, his footsteps were light and precise. Every step was careful and calculated, so as not to startle any nearby creatures. He moved deeper into the woods, the soft crunch of leaves beneath his feet blending with the rustle of the trees—until the sound of hooves hitting the forest floor made him stop. A smile crept onto his face as he slowed his pace, moving with even more care.

But then he froze.

He heard a voice.

It was sweet and elegant, not at all what he’d expected to hear deep within the woods. For a moment, he debated whether to continue forward or turn back. He wasn’t the best at meeting new people—awkward and shy more often than not—but curiosity got the better of him.

He still wanted to see the Thestrals.

Rounding a few more trees, he spotted you sitting against a trunk, a baby Thestral resting its head in your lap while the adults stood nearby, relaxed and calm.

It was a strange sight—wild Thestrals, completely at ease around a human. Newt’s mind raced with the possibilities. Maybe you’d been around them for a while. Maybe they trusted you. A small, surprised smile formed on his lips.

Maybe he’d found someone like himself.

Newt stood quietly for a few moments, simply watching you. The way you gently stroked the baby Thestral’s head, the calmness in your expression—it stirred something in him. He’d never met someone who looked so naturally caring. Not since… well, himself.

Just as he moved to step closer, his foot landed on a twig.

Snap.

He froze, heart leaping to his throat as your head whipped around in his direction.