After successfully curing Awad, the kelpie, Newt Scamander found himself overwhelmed with guilt. He blamed his negligence for the parasite infestation that had tormented the poor creature. Determined to prevent such an ordeal from happening to any of his other magical creatures, he devised a plan—every animal in his magical menagerie would undergo a thorough health check.
For over a month, Newt, his grandson David, and their companion John tirelessly worked through Newt's vast magical sanctuary. The sanctuary was a labyrinth filled with countless creatures, some of which were nearly impossible to locate, such as the elusive Invisible Beasts. Despite their best efforts, they had only managed to examine about two-thirds of the animals.
---
One afternoon, David trudged behind Newt, exhausted. A floating medicine chest trailed behind him as he begged, "Grandpa, can we take a break now?"
Newt turned around and gave David a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Just one more area, and then we'll call it a day!"
John, noticing David's weariness, whispered, "Need me to carry you?"
David shook his head, mumbling, "Thanks, but I'll manage."
The trio soon reached a low hillside dotted with small caves. A full moon glowed brightly overhead, illuminating the area. John stopped at a distance, clearly uneasy. David looked up, curious, but Newt waved him forward.
"David, this is where the Moon Beasts live," Newt said, pointing to the hillside.
David sighed in relief. Finally, no more walking!
Newt approached the caves and made a strange call. A moment later, round heads with bulging eyes peeked out from the caves. The Moon Beasts emerged, revealing their oval-shaped bodies balanced on four thin legs with flat, wide feet.
"Now, I'll herd them toward you. Just guide them back to me," Newt instructed.
David nodded, and with Newt's spell scattering the shy creatures, he darted around, trying to corral them toward his grandfather. Despite their speed and agility, David managed to intercept and guide the creatures.
When the Moon Beasts were finally gathered, Newt waved his wand, opening the medicine chest. Long ribbon-like instruments floated out, each enchanted to detect specific magical illnesses. They swirled around the Moon Beasts before retreating to Newt.
"All clear!" Newt announced.
David sighed in relief, his tired legs ready to give way. But before he could celebrate, Newt tapped him lightly on the head. "Shhh! Don't frighten them."
David pouted but said nothing, following Newt as they returned home via Apparition. Dinner was quiet, and after a long, hot bath, David collapsed into bed and fell into a deep sleep.
---
The next morning, David woke up feeling refreshed and stretched luxuriously. Then, a realization struck him. Why hadn't Grandpa woken him up?
He glanced at his pocket watch and froze. 10:30 AM! The train to Hogwarts leaves in half an hour!
In a panic, David dragged his heavy trunk downstairs, each step echoing loudly. His grandmother Tina appeared, startled by the commotion.
"David! You're not on the train yet?" she exclaimed.
"No, Grandma! I was so tired last night, I overslept!"
Tina frowned. "Newt told me he'd take you to the station! That man must have gotten distracted with his animals again!"
David sighed. It figures.
Tina didn't waste any more time. She grabbed David's hand, waved her wand, and they Disapparated, reappearing on a bustling train platform. A startled guard gaped at them, but before he could raise an alarm, a wizard in uniform discreetly cast a spell to erase his memory.
"David, run! Between platforms 9 and 10!" Tina urged.
David bolted toward the wall, his heart racing. Just before he hit it, he closed his eyes in fear, but instead of crashing, he passed smoothly through.
---
On the other side, the scarlet Hogwarts Express stood waiting. White steam billowed from its engine, and the platform buzzed with parents saying their goodbyes.
"Quickly, David! The train's about to leave!" Tina called, giving him a quick hug before sending him on his way.
David weaved through the crowd, dragging his trunk and apologizing as he squeezed past people. The train's whistle blew, signaling its imminent departure.
Summoning all his strength, David tossed his trunk onto the train and scrambled aboard just as it began to move. He collapsed onto the nearest seat, gasping for breath and wiping sweat from his forehead.
---
"Why are you so late? I've been waiting for you!"
A familiar voice rang out, and David turned to see Hermione Granger standing behind him, hands on her hips.
"Hermione!" David exclaimed, surprised.
Hermione scowled. "You promised to meet me on the platform! I didn't know how to get through the barrier!"
David scratched his head sheepishly. "I… overslept."
Hermione huffed. "Overslept? On a day like this?"
David couldn't help but laugh nervously. Despite the rocky start to the day, he was finally on his way to Hogwarts, and the adventure ahead promised to be unforgettable.