บท 17: Trouble in Athens
The warm sunlight poured through the large floor-to-ceiling window in David's room, spreading across the wooden floor and eventually reaching his bed. The window had been a special addition, one that David had convinced Newt to install. The original small window barely let in any light, leaving the room perpetually damp and gloomy. Newt, ever the enthusiast for going the extra mile, had replaced it with a grand window that stretched from floor to ceiling.
Pickett, the little Bowtruckle who lived with David, stirred awake. Stretching and yawning, he climbed out of his tiny bed—a bed Newt had built specifically for him after too many nights of being accidentally squished by David's restless sleeping habits.
Pickett hopped onto David's bed, ready to start his daily routine. But as he climbed onto the pillow, something seemed off. He looked around, his tiny head swiveling frantically.
Where's David?
Pickett checked under the quilt, poking his head into the folds. Nothing. A wave of panic set in. Had David been taken by the Big Hairy Monster? Newt once mentioned a legend about lazy children being snatched by such a beast, and David was definitely a champion of late risers.
Tears welled up in Pickett's eyes. He scurried back and forth across the bed, his tiny heart breaking. Just as he was about to lose all hope, a familiar voice called out from behind him.
"What's wrong, Pickett?" David asked, holding a stack of clothes he had just taken from his wardrobe.
Pickett froze. His tiny brown eyes grew round with disbelief. Then, realizing it really was David, he leapt onto his friend with a cheer, climbing up to David's shoulder and hugging him tightly.
"Okay, okay! Calm down," David chuckled, patting the little creature. Pickett ignored him, clearly overjoyed that his worst fears hadn't come true.
After calming Pickett, David packed his bag, including the clothes he had just picked out. Today was special—Newt had planned a trip to Athens to release the recovered Chimaera back into the wild. They'd even take some time to explore the city as a mini vacation.
Downstairs, Tina was already ready, dressed in a lovely new outfit sent by her sister, Queenie. Newt wore his usual attire: a long black coat and yellow vest. David found his grandfather's refusal to change his wardrobe amusing, especially since Queenie had sent him many stylish outfits over the years.
As they gathered near the doorway, Newt held out their transportation—a battered, old shoe entangled with cobwebs.
"This is the Portkey?" David asked, disappointed. He had imagined something elegant and magical, like a golden key that summoned a glowing doorway.
Newt nodded. "Don't let appearances fool you. It works just fine."
Reluctantly, David touched the shoe. As soon as he did, he felt an overwhelming pull, like an invisible hook had latched onto his belly button. Wind roared in his ears as he was yanked off the ground and propelled through the air at dizzying speed.
When David's feet hit solid ground, he stumbled, taking a moment to regain his balance. Opening his eyes, he found himself standing on a clean stone street. The walls around them were pristine, their white surfaces gleaming in the sunlight.
David was impressed. The people of Athens must really care about cleanliness, he thought.
But his admiration was short-lived. In front of them stood three wizards, all heavily armed and holding their wands at the ready. One of them carried a large magical shield, its surface shimmering faintly with enchantments. From the walls above, more guards stared down, their expressions tense and suspicious.
David's stomach sank. Did we walk into a dangerous situation? he wondered, glancing at Newt for answers.
Newt, however, seemed entirely unfazed. This wasn't unusual—he had an uncanny ability to attract trouble without realizing it. David sighed and took a small step back, already imagining the headlines.
"Famed Magizoologist Newt Scamander Arrested in Athens!"
"Grandpa," David whispered under his breath, "you've barely been in Athens for two minutes, and you've already found a way to end up in jail."
David's only hope now was that Newt would handle this smoothly—or at the very least, that the food in Athens' prisons was decent.
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