Artland was nudged awake by Newt because the plane was landing. Art sat up and rubbed the sleepiness out of his eyes.
"You excited?" Newt asked with a smile.
"Nervous is a better description. I don't know how the students will react to me." Art said, scratching the back of his head.
"You will be fine, just don't hit on anyone's girlfriend." Newt joked.
Art shot him a look but didn't say anything. The plane soon landed, Art and Newt unboarded the plane and made their way through customs.
Newt grabbed his arm and pulled him towards an unmarked door. Entering the door, they were met with two wizards dressed in black robes.
"Wand permits?" they one asked, sticking out his hand.
Newt searched his robes and produced two sheets of parchment and gave it to the wizards. They inspected the permits and looked at Art in surprise.
"You are joining Ilvermorny? This late in the year?" one asked.
"Yes, kind of a student exchange program." Art answered.
The wizard didn't answer and simply stamped the papers and handed them back.
"Any dangerous beasts or artifacts you are bringing into the country?" the other wizard asked.
"Just my wand, books and robes." Art answered.
"Same. I am here on the request of Ilvermorny Headmaster." Newt said.
The two wizards nodded and let Newt and Art through.
"Way to use the Headmaster's name to keep them from inspecting your suitcase." Art sniggered, leaving the airport and signaling a cab.
"Agilbert did request me, against MACUSA's advice." Newt gave a smug smile, clearly still holding a grudge.
They loaded into a cab and Newt gave an address and the cabbie sped off.
"How are we getting to Ilvermorny?" Art asked, confused.
"Apparating." said Newt.
Soon they arrived at a beautiful park where Art paid the cabbie and got out with Newt.
He made his way towards a few trees where he took out a few woodlice and held them out. Soon a few Bowtruckles appeared and Newt fed them kindly.
"When I first came here there were only two of them but I looks like they have been living a good life." Newt said. "Just wanted to check on them."
Newt took Art's hand and disappeared, leaving the Bowtruckles confused.
---
"Do you know why the Headmaster called all of us to the Selection Hall?"
"I heard that some important guests are arriving from England."
"Really? Do you know who?"
"No, just that they are friends with the Headmaster."
Students were all standing on a huge wooden balcony and looking down where four enormous statues stood. They were waiting for guests of the Headmaster.
Two girls stood to the side, not joining the conversation. They both were beautiful with one having dark, flawless skin with silvery hair. She was tall and thin, with blue eyes that held intelligence.
The other girl was shorter but just as beautiful. Her wavy brown hair was pulled into a low ponytail. Her gray eyes were locked on the door as she waited for the guests.
"Do you know who is coming Natasha?" the dark skin girl asked.
She smiled and looked at her friend, "An old friend of your grandma's Shelby, Newt Scamander.
Shelby looked shocked but laughed a melodious laugh after. "Grandma still brings him up, saying that he destroyed New York single handedly."
These two girls were Natasha Graves and Shelby Picquery, both had lofty backgrounds and were idolized by the student body.
"Grandpa also said that he was bringing a student from Hogwarts, apparently he is a genius or something." a young voice rang out from behind them.
A tiny boy with blonde hair and a goofy smile joined them and watched the gate. He was Albert Fontaine, a first year and grandson to the Headmaster.
Both the girls had loving expressions on their faces and Shelby even pinch his cheeks causing him to get mad.
"You're just so cute though Alby!" Shelby said laughing.
They treated Albert as a brother, much to his annoyance, and doted on him at school.
"A genius you say?" Natasha asked, smiling at Shelby and Albert's shenanigans.
"Yes. Albus Dumbledore apparently spoke very highly of him. He is also Scamander's apprentice." his voice went quiet and he looked around to make sure no one was listening. "He is also supposed to help with the Hidebehind problem." he whispered.
Natasha and Shelby's face went dark as they heard the word Hidebehind. The beasts were killing more people everyday and the Ministry had sent many Aurors to stop them, only to have them come back in a couple years. Several students were also attacked causing panic.
"He is still a student though? How can he help?" Shelby asked confused.
Alby shrugged his shoulders and leaned against the balcony. "Can't wait to meet him though, wonder what he is like."
"They're here!" a student shouted, seeing the gates move.
The trio's eyes focused on the gate as they wondered what kind of student would appear.
---
Newt and Art appeared at the bottom of a large mountain covered in mist, trees surrounding them.
"Welcome to Mount Greylock. The home of Ilvermorny School of Wizardry and Witches." Newt said, looking up at the tall mountain.
"Who goes there!?" a gruff voice rang out.
Out from the mist a short creature with long pointed ears appeared holding a bow. It was 3 feet tall with grey skin and large bat like ears.
'A Pukwudgie!' Art thought, remembering a book he read about them.
Art looked at the arrow knocked in the bow and saw it was tinted green with poison. Pukwudgie are experts in poison and use it to hunt.
"Newt Scamander and Artland Cason. I believe the Headmaster is expecting us." Newt said calmly.
The Pukwudgie lowered the bow put didn't put it away. "So you are the fancy guests we are having. Follow me." it grumbled, not waiting for them.
Art wanted to ask it many questions but Newt shook his head, making him refrain from doing so. They followed the Pukwudgie up the mountain where the mist continued to become thicker, making them almost lose sight of the Pukwudgie many times.
Suddenly the mist disappeared and huge granite castle appeared before them. Art thought the castle was similar to Hogwarts. As they approached the front gates, two large marble statues stood on each side of the gate.
"Founders of the school, Isolt Sayre and James Steward." Newt muttered in Art's ear.
Art nodded his head, knowing of them. What made Ilvermorny so interesting is that it was co-founded by a muggle, James Steward.
Art gave a small but respectful bow to each statue, causing the Pukwudgie to raise an eyebrow but didn't say anything.
Art held his breath as the gates opened and paused before entering Ilvermorny.