Dorset.
Through Lumen's Apparition, Lucien Grafton appeared directly on a small hillside and gently knocked on the door of the wooden house.
Thump, thump—!!
After a moment, a voice answered,
"Just a moment."
When the door opened, Lucien saw an elderly woman.
Her eyes were very bright. Though she was already advanced in years, they sparkled like gems, much like the eyes of a fire salamander.
Although it was a strange young man knocking at the door, the old woman recognised Lumen beside him and smiled kindly.
"If I'm not mistaken, you're Lucien Grafton, aren't you? Newt has mentioned you many times."
"Come in quickly. Newt said you would come, but I didn't expect you so early. Have you had breakfast yet?"
Lucien replied politely, "I've already eaten, thank you, Ms Goldstein."
This was clearly Tina Goldstein, who had once served as an Auror for the Magical Congress of the United States in her youth.
Her most famous achievement had been the capture of Grindelwald.
Lucien followed Tina into the house. Despite its appearance as a small wooden cabin, the interior space was remarkably vast.
Newt had truly applied the Undetectable Extension Charm to every part of it.
"Lucien, you usually keep in touch with Newt by letter, and I really must thank you for that. He's always surrounded by those little creatures and communicates with people far too little."
"You're too kind. I've learned a lot from Mr. Newt. He's truly knowledgeable in the field of magical creatures. We often talk about…"
Listening to Lucien Grafton speak with genuine enthusiasm, the smile in Tina's eyes deepened.
Newt not only rarely communicated with people face to face, but he also seldom wrote letters, occasionally corresponding only with that old man Dumbledore.
Tina, however, was always worried that her husband might be coaxed by Dumbledore into doing something dangerous.
Lucien Grafton was different. Although Tina was surprised that he was merely a young wizard who had just finished his first year, that was also reassuring. He certainly wouldn't encourage Newt to do something dangerous like confronting Grindelwald.
So Tina was genuinely pleased that Newt had formed such a cross-generational friendship.
"Lucien, you like magical creatures so much. Why weren't you sorted into Hufflepuff? Haha, Newt has sighed about that to me a few times."
"This time, you two are going to Arizona. It's a good chance to relax, but please be careful, even though Newt has a group of 'bodyguards'…"
Creak—!!
A trapdoor in the floor was pushed open, and Newt, with his curly hair, emerged.
He raised a hand to Lucien and smiled faintly.
Lucien Grafton guessed that this was probably Newt's socially awkward way of greeting.
The last time they had met in the Forbidden Forest, he had been busy saving the unicorn, so Newt's social anxiety had not truly shown itself, but this time… well.
"Mr Newt, we meet again."
"Mm."
Newt nodded lightly and sat down on the sofa.
Although Newt's response could almost be described as "cold," Lucien understood inwardly. Being an introvert was perfectly normal.
Without much small talk, Newt made a few preparations and was soon ready to depart with Lucien.
The two of them walked to the fireplace, where Tina had already handed them a box of Floo powder.
The Floo Network was a common method for wizards to travel long distances. By clearly stating the destination, one could instantly travel to the corresponding node within its range.
Using a Portkey would certainly be even more convenient, taking you there in a single step.
However, according to Tina, Newt had already been forbidden from using Portkeys.
The reason was simple.
When others used Portkeys to smuggle things, it was usually just one or two people. But Newt… that was an entire case full of magical creatures.
Magical communities around the world were grateful for Newt's protection and assistance to local magical creatures, but they were also genuinely terrified of the trouble caused by the "cute creatures" he carried with him.
Therefore, whenever Newt travelled to different countries and continents, he had to notify the authorities in advance and complete the necessary reports and registrations.
As for why Lumen was not allowed to use Apparition for travel, it was because such cross-country and cross-continental teleportation was also considered smuggling.
Newt had already informed the Magical Congress of the United States in advance about this trip to Arizona, so they naturally had to follow official procedures.
Entering a magical creatures sanctuary, especially one that housed rare and precious creatures like Thunderbirds, involved an extremely complicated and difficult application process.
This was to guard against poachers, since Thunderbird feathers and Thunderbird eggs were valuable materials.
It was currently summer, the breeding and egg-laying season for Thunderbirds, and also the time when poachers were most active, so the difficulty of applying was at its highest.
But Newt was a world-renowned magical creatures expert. No one would suspect him of poaching, and he was also the person least likely to harm magical creatures in the world.
"Lucien, remember the place name I'm about to say. It must be accurate and clear, otherwise you'll be sent to the wrong place."
Newt emphasised this in particular, worried that Lucien might get lost.
He watched as green flames erupted around Newt, who then vanished with a whoosh.
The Floo Network was quite convenient under normal circumstances, but unfortunately, underage wizards like him could not have it installed at home.
If he wanted to go to a crowded place like Diagon Alley, having Lumen teleport him would require choosing a secluded corner, out of sight.
Hmm, he remembered that Daphne's family had connections with the Ministry of Magic's Department of Magical Transportation, which managed the Floo Network. If they could make an exception…
Lucien Grafton grabbed a handful of Floo powder and stepped into the fireplace.
"Madam Tina, I'm off now."
"Alright, Lucien. Have fun."
Lucien Grafton repeated the destination under his breath.
With a rush, his vision shifted, and he saw Newt again.
After several transfers, the two arrived in a small town where yellow earth stretched in every direction.
"This is Stormwind Town, the closest settlement to the Thunderbird Sanctuary."
Newt gave a brief introduction.
Lucien Grafton looked around. The town was not large, and everyone coming and going was a wizard. There was not a single Muggle in sight.
The surrounding area was a sanctuary for Thunderbirds and also home to several other species of magical creatures, naturally producing many valuable materials. These certainly could not be wasted, so the authorities sent people to collect them.
Over time, a complete system of collection, processing, and trade was established. As more wizards became involved, Stormwind Town gradually took shape.
It was somewhat similar to Hogsmeade near Hogwarts, a purely wizarding settlement.
He wondered whether there were any local specialties here. Perhaps he could bring some back before leaving.
Lucien first followed Newt to their place of rest, which was Newt's property in the area, gifted by the Magical Congress of the United States.
Newt owned numerous residences around the world, some purchased by himself and others bestowed by local authorities, but all were located near habitats of magical creatures.
The properties gifted by officials went without saying; they were all expressions of gratitude for Newt's contributions to the protection of local magical creatures.
As for the ones Newt had bought himself, that was even more natural. He was hardly short of money.
Compared to Hagrid, who could casually gather a pile of materials just by strolling through the Forbidden Forest, Newt was even more so.
Lucien stood by the window, gazing at the storm clouds gradually gathering in the distance.
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