Bab 28: Newt's Owl Science
After the incident with John's transformation, his bond with David grew stronger. John, ever the dependable presence, began indulging David's requests whenever he could. Beyond that, he also became David's fighting coach, revealing surprising skill in physical combat. However, David noticed that John seemed reluctant to use magic for offense, a curious trait for someone so talented.
As their days together passed happily, June arrived, bringing sweltering heat. The sun blazed overhead, and the forest air shimmered under its relentless glare.
David and John trudged out of the forest, carrying a basket filled with herbs and potion ingredients. John, showing a newfound aptitude for potion-making, was determined to brew Wolfsbane Potion himself.
"It's cheaper this way," John had explained during one of their foraging trips. "Gathering the ingredients costs much less than buying the potion outright. Plus, I can adjust it for my own needs."
The two reached Newt's home, tired but satisfied. As they approached the door, a shrill cry split the air. David stopped, turning to see a small owl with a pale yellow back and a white abdomen swooping toward them.
David raised his arm instinctively, and the owl landed gracefully, its sharp talons barely grazing his skin.
"Grandpa, come look!" David called excitedly, carrying the bird inside.
Newt hurried over, his eyes lighting up as he took the owl from David. "Ah, this is a grass owl," he said, turning the bird gently to examine it.
"Look closely at its face, David," Newt continued. "Doesn't it look like a monkey?"
David peered at the bird and realized Newt was right. The owl's heart-shaped face was framed by dark maroon feathers, with soft white fluff in the center, resembling a monkey's face.
"In China," Newt explained, "people often call these birds 'monkey-faced eagles.' They're fascinating creatures. Grass owls usually nest in tree holes or rocky crevices. They sleep during the day and hunt at night, feeding on rats, frogs, and snakes."
David listened intently as Newt described the owl's brutal hunting methods. "They're efficient predators. Small prey is swallowed whole, while larger ones are torn apart before eating. And even when they're full, they don't let a mouse escape if they catch one."
Tina, sitting silently on the sofa, finally spoke. "Has Hogwarts sent the admission letter?"
Newt, who had been stealing glances at her, perked up. "Ah, I nearly missed it! There's a letter tied to the owl's leg."
Carefully, he untied the envelope and handed it to David. "It's addressed to you, young man. Open it!"
David tore open the envelope, his hands trembling with excitement. At the top of the letter were the words:
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Dear Mr. Scamander,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Enclosed is a list of required books and equipment for your first year. The term begins on September 1. Please send your reply by owl no later than July 31.
Yours sincerely,
Vice Headmistress,
Minerva McGonagall
David's face lit up. "Grandma, it's here! My Hogwarts acceptance letter!"
Tina, her expression unreadable, asked dryly, "Does it list what you need for the semester?"
David nodded and unfolded a second piece of parchment detailing books, cauldrons, and other supplies.
"I suppose I'll have to take you shopping," Tina said, her tone still cool.
Before David could respond, Newt interjected. "No need, Tina. I'll take him tomorrow. It'll be a good chance to spend some time together—and I'll get him a few gifts for his first year."
Tina didn't argue, though her silence suggested that Newt had done some serious convincing to let David attend Hogwarts in the first place.
John, who had been quietly observing, broke the tension with a smile. "Hogwarts, huh? You'll love it there. A magical school is an amazing experience."
David, curious as ever, turned to John. "Did Ilvermorny use owls for their letters too?"
John chuckled. "No, Ilvermorny's admission notices just appeared—sometimes in mailboxes, sometimes right on your doorstep. No one knows how they got there."
David's eyes sparkled with interest. "What about the sorting? How does it work there?"
"At Ilvermorny, new students gather in the entrance hall," John explained. "There are four magical carvings representing the four houses: the Horned Serpent, Wampus, Thunderbird, and Pukwudgie. The carvings decide where each student belongs."
"How?" David asked eagerly.
"When a student stands in the center of the hall, the carvings react. The crystal on the Horned Serpent's forehead glows, the Wampus roars, the Thunderbird flaps its wings, and the Pukwudgie raises its bow. If more than one reacts, the student gets to choose."
David's jaw dropped. "That sounds so much cooler than Hogwarts! And what if all four carvings want the same student?"
"It's rare," John said, smiling. "But when it happens, the student picks. Like Seraphina Picquery, a former president of the Magical Congress. All four houses wanted her, and she chose the Horned Serpent."
David sighed wistfully. "Too bad I'll never see that. Hogwarts just has an old hat.."
As David imagined the Sorting Hat calling out the names of all four Hogwarts houses for him, a silly grin spread across his face. In his daydream, the professors scrambled to win him over, each offering perks to sway his decision.
Snapping back to reality, David laughed to himself. "Well, here's hoping the Sorting Hat gives me at least one good option."
John patted his shoulder. "Trust me, wherever you go, you'll make it special."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone