Bab 19: Newt, the City Destroyers
As David stepped into the mountain gate of the hidden Greek Ministry of Magic, he felt a strange sensation, like someone—or something—was watching him. Glancing up, he saw nothing but the smooth white stone ceiling above.
"That's the temple's detection system," Golas explained as they walked. "An ancient enchantment said to measure the purity of one's soul." He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial tone. "Though, between us, no one knows if it actually works."
David gave a small nod, unsure whether to feel reassured or nervous.
The interior of the Greek Ministry was bustling but serene. Wizards and witches moved through the temple-like space, many clutching documents or small bags. Unlike the hurried pace of most magical ministries, these wizards seemed at ease, pausing occasionally to chat with colleagues. Above them, the sky was an uncanny replica of the real one, complete with drifting clouds and a glowing sun.
"They've enchanted the ceiling to reflect the outside sky," Tina explained. "It keeps everyone working here from feeling too trapped underground."
David raised an eyebrow. "Have you been here before, Grandma?"
Tina smiled warmly. "Of course. I've been here with Newt several times before."
"Then why did you look so sad earlier?"
"It's not the ruins themselves," she replied, patting his head gently. "I was thinking about the lives lost in the war that caused them."
Golas led them to a smaller, elegantly simple temple surrounded by white marble columns. As they entered, David noticed the east wall was adorned with a large statue of Athena, her shield raised in a protective stance. Beside her stood Zeus, and other sculptures of Greek gods filled the corners.
In the center of the temple stood a large stone platform. Behind it, a young witch greeted them with a kind smile.
"Please show me your wands and fill out these forms," she said, handing out simple registration sheets.
Newt and Tina stepped forward to hand over their wands, while David remained quiet, keeping his own wand tucked away. He didn't technically own one yet; he was still too young to have received his own.
The witch placed each wand on a brass contraption resembling a single-plate balance. With a soft hum, the machine produced a slip of parchment detailing the wand's specifics, which the witch quickly reviewed and filed.
When she got to Newt's registration form, however, her demeanor changed.
"Newt Scamander!" she exclaimed, standing up suddenly, her eyes darting nervously to Newt's hands.
"Don't worry," Golas interjected smoothly. "We've already secured the box."
The witch relaxed, letting out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Ah, of course. Welcome to Greece, and please enjoy your stay—but do follow our magical regulations," she said, sitting down again.
David shot Newt a curious look. What exactly did Grandpa do with that suitcase before?
After completing their registration, the group entered a courtyard filled with cages housing magical creatures of all kinds. Some of the animals paced restlessly, while others watched their surroundings with curious eyes.
"These animals were rescued from smugglers," Golas explained. "We haven't had time to return them to their natural habitats yet, so they're being kept here temporarily."
Newt was already kneeling by a cage, carefully examining a creature inside. After a moment, he straightened and turned to Golas. "Would you like me to help return them? I know many of their habitats well."
"No, no," Golas said hastily, his expression tightening. "We appreciate the offer, but it's not necessary. We'll take care of it."
David noticed the discomfort on Golas's face as he quickly ushered Newt toward another room. Inside, shelves lined the walls, filled with specimens of magical creatures and enchanted artifacts. In the center stood the large iron chest that now held Newt's infamous suitcase.
When the chest was opened, Newt climbed inside to retrieve the Kamera Beast, a creature they had promised to return to a magical sanctuary. As he disappeared into the suitcase, the room's atmosphere grew tense. The wizards around them clutched their wands tightly, as if bracing for disaster.
David turned to Golas, puzzled. "Why are you all so scared of Grandpa's box?"
Golas coughed awkwardly, avoiding David's gaze. "It's not fear, exactly… it's caution."
Then, with a sigh, he explained, "The last time Newt came to Greece, he told us he was only here to study the local customs. A few days later, a Sphinx and a Helicopter Manticore escaped from his suitcase. They wreaked havoc, destroying several blocks of Athens before we managed to drive them into the wild. The cleanup took weeks."
David's jaw dropped. "Grandpa really did that?"
Golas nodded. "After that incident, we passed a resolution. Whenever Newt visits, his suitcase must be secured to prevent any… unexpected surprises."
David couldn't help but chuckle. This was exactly the kind of thing he'd come to expect from Newt. To him, magical creatures were gentle, misunderstood beings. But to others, especially those unaccustomed to them, they were terrifying monsters capable of great destruction.
After about half an hour, Newt emerged from the suitcase, leading a large iron cage that floated in mid-air. Inside, the Kamera Beast shifted lazily, its glowing eyes watching the room.
"Do you want me to take it to the sanctuary for you?" Newt offered. "I know the way."
"No, no, that won't be necessary," Golas said quickly, waving his hands. "You've done enough already. Thank you for your help."
Reluctantly, Newt stepped back, leaving the cage in their care. As they turned to leave, Golas called after them.
"Enjoy your time in Athens—but please, for everyone's sake, stay away from any magical animal sanctuaries!"
David couldn't suppress a grin as they walked out. Grandpa, the city destroyer, strikes again.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone