Dorset
It was the middle of the night in Dorset.
On an inconspicuous small hill stood a plain wooden cabin.
Inside the cabin, a trapdoor on the floor was pushed open.
An old man with curly hair emerged from beneath the trapdoor.
"Time to sleep after looking at the moon."
The old man gently stroked the Niffler cub in his arms, playfully comforting the little creature.
Whoosh—
A brilliant, blazing ball of fire suddenly appeared in the small cabin.
Before the flames could dissipate, a magnificent, vibrant red phoenix flew out of it.
"Fawkes!"
The old man exclaimed, his face filled with joy; he hadn't seen this rare phoenix in a long time.
While comforting the startled Niffler cub in his arms, he took the envelope Fawkes handed him:
Dear Newt Scamander:
How have you been lately…?
Yes, this old man with curly hair, holding a Niffler, was Newt Scamander, the author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and the most famous expert on magical creatures in the world.
"Newt, it's so late, who sent you a letter?"
Hearing this, Newt quickly put away the unfinished letter, turned his body, and hid the letter behind his back.
"Ah, ah, Tina, it's so late, why aren't you asleep yet? It's, it's just, from a friend."
Tina glanced at the phoenix perched on the window, her tone flat: "It's Fawkes."
Newt subconsciously nodded, but immediately reacted and quickly shook his head.
Her husband hadn't learned how to lie in decades, which made Tina both amused and exasperated, and she sighed helplessly.
"Newt, if Dumbledore is just looking to catch up, then I'm happy too, but…"
Tina's tone suddenly sharpened, and she said with dissatisfaction:
"But when has he not asked you to do something dangerous! Back with Grindelwald…"
Newt dared not retort and could only mumble softly: "I actually volunteered…"
This made Tina even angrier.
"Volunteered? Yes, you always volunteer, but every one of your actions, even every decision, is part of Dumbledore's plan!"
"Dumbledore even said: 'Newt, do you know why I admire you most? Because you don't care about fame, you only do what you think is right.' Please, he's just tricking you into working for him for free!"
"How about this, I'll read this letter for you first. I'll read you the friendly greetings, but if it mentions anything dangerous again, I'll pretend I didn't see it."
Seeing that Newt was still reluctant, Tina had no choice but to persuade him, "Newt, you're very old now. Our grandson will be going to Hogwarts in a few years. Don't get involved in dangerous things anymore, okay?"
Newt hesitated for a moment, then nodded and handed the letter to Tina.
Tina opened the letter and read it, but the more she read, the stranger her expression became.
She seemed to not quite believe that this was a letter from Dumbledore to Newt, but the phoenix, unique to Dumbledore, was unmistakably real.
"Uh, you'd better read it yourself."
Tina returned the letter to Newt, who read it carefully.
He found that besides the usual pleasantries, Dumbledore was merely asking on behalf of a student about using the Undetectable Extension Charm to contain living creatures.
"Researching the Undetectable Extension Charm… it seems to be an older student preparing for their N.E.W.T.s. Hm.. I don't know which house they're from, or their name. Dumbledore didn't even mention that, but they must be a very talented child."
Newt was well aware of the difficulty of mastering the Undetectable Extension Charm, let alone researching how to use it to contain living creatures.
"As long as it doesn't involve family heritage, I'd be happy to help Dumbledore and that junior student."
Newt looked up at Fawkes.
Fawkes was still elegantly preening its feathers, seemingly waiting for Newt's reply.
…
On the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest.
Compared to the previous location where he tested the Transfiguration pocket watch, Lucien had ventured a little deeper into the Forbidden Forest this time.
After asking Hagrid, Lucien knew this area was relatively quiet, with few magical creatures appearing.
"System, how much longer until Lumen awakens?"
[One minute]
Lucien began to pace, simultaneously pulling out many vegetables, fruits, and herbs from his bag.
These were all prepared for Lumen; Qilins feed on the spiritual energy of plants contained within them.
Lucien then took out a large jar of water from the bottom of his bag; this was pure dew he collected every morning and evening.
The area of Dorset was often cloudy and humid, which made it easy for him to collect so much dew.
Phew, this minute is taking forever.
[Ding, Pet Growth Loan fully effective. Qilin Lumen has initially entered its growth period.]
Hearing the system's notification, Lucien eagerly released Little Qilin.
Boom—!
Crimson-gold flames shot up into the sky.
They instantly filled the entire clearing, illuminating the surroundings with brilliant light.
Lucien noticed that the flames automatically bypassed him, transmitting only warmth to his body.
But looking around, the soil and sand quickly melted and cracked, and the trees were directly incinerated into ash.
Lucien realized how terrifying the temperature of these crimson-gold flames was.
A clear, ethereal cry echoed from within the flames.
Immediately, the sea of fire parted, and a majestic, spiritual creature wreathed in auspicious clouds stepped forth.
Its body was tall and slender, its head like a dragon's, with a pair of warm, beautiful short horns on its forehead.
It's fine, intricate scales shimmered with a faint golden luster.
Crimson-gold mane, like flowing clouds, drifted elegantly from its neck, back, and shoulders.
Its eyes were bright and piercing, like the purest colored glaze.
"Lumen?"
Lucien asked tentatively.
"Yaay! Master! I missed you so much!"
The Qilin, which had been dignified and sacred a second ago, suddenly bounced up and, just like when it was young, charged straight into Lucien's arms.
Seeing this, Lucien's face turned ashen with fright.
Oh, shit, rocket incoming!
Lucien quickly dodged, avoiding Lumen's affectionate embrace.
Uh, it wasn't little anymore—it was a big Qilin now.
Lumen's body was larger than a deer's but smaller than a horse's.
But this was definitely not a size that could be held in one's arms!
Looking again at the two horns on Lumen's forehead—though rounded without sharp points—he still didn't want to be headbutted by them.
"Master, do you not want me as your pet?"
Lumen's big, watery eyes looked at Lucien, and the voice that echoed directly in his mind was still childish.
Hearing this, Lucien's heart softened, and he sighed helplessly.
He walked forward and gently embraced Lumen's neck, stroking its forehead just like when it was young.
Lumen also enjoyed it, rubbing against Lucien.
The mane on its shoulders and neck was incredibly soft and warm, making Lucien feel very comfortable.
He released Lumen's neck, but his hand remained on its forehead.
"Lumen, you've grown up."
Ah, I feel like a proud dad~