This stitched-together world was also wrapped in a thick, early morning fog.
Stepping away from the initial workbench, they found themselves standing at the edge of a cliff. Below them, a sea of clouds churned endlessly.
Distant snow-capped mountains drifted in and out of view through the mist. A river wound its way through vast grasslands, while the sky shimmered with the fluorescence of weaving insects.
Newt led Sean up a rugged path. The ground felt damp but solid beneath Sean's feet. A breeze blew in from the sandstone pillars where the Thunderbirds nested, lifting the corner of his robes—and lifting Sean's enthusiasm for learning about the Undetectable Extension Charm along with it.
"I've traveled across five continents," Newt began slowly, with his characteristic shyness. "I've visited beast lairs, burrowed into underground tunnels, and climbed up to aviaries. I've observed the peculiar habits of magical creatures in over a hundred countries, experienced their abilities firsthand, and earned their trust... though, occasionally, I've had to fend them off with my travel kettle."
"But this is just one corner of the creature world," Newt continued. "There are stories happening all over the wizarding world that I still know very little about. Every species touched by magic is a living miracle."
Newt seemed happy to share more with Sean. Even though he was speaking to a twelve-year-old wizard, he treated him with full respect. He was like a kind friend, showing none of the condescension that might usually come with someone of his status and renown.
"So... to be a part of maintaining the balance... that means a responsible wizard must take on the duty of concealing, caring for, and controlling all magical beasts and spirits within their territory."
Sean had memorized Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them cover to cover, so Newt's words immediately brought the text to mind.
Beside him, Whitey nuzzled Sean's hand. Tira had already scrambled up Sean's sleeve, showing off his status to another Bowtruckle climbing up the other side. "Wizards aren't the masters of magical creatures," Sean said softly. "We are partners sharing the same breath."
Hearing the young voice, Newt paused. His clear eyes met the boy's face, and he smiled—a shy smile, but one filled with deep, genuine delight.
By now, they had reached the mountainside. A magical creature that looked somewhat like a mundane mountain lion was playing in the dawn sunlight.
"Wampus cats are natural Legilimens," Newt explained. "They can easily sense a wizard's malice. More importantly, they run faster than an arrow. I nursed this one back to health at Ilvermorny—she was injured and abandoned. I always intended to return her, but... well, over the years, the number of creatures in my case just kept growing."
Newt handed Sean a piece of raw meat laced with veins. "Delilah hasn't had breakfast yet. I'll keep watch here. Go on, give it a try, Mr. Green. The first step is always the hardest."
Sean's heart was pounding. It had been a long time since he first set his sights on finding a Wampus cat. He and Professor Tyra had crossed oceans to reach Ilvermorny largely for the chance to encounter these mountain-lion-like creatures.
Arrow-like speed, hypnosis, Legilimency magic...
Essentially, if Sean could transform into a Wampus cat, he would automatically master Legilimency, the Memory Charm, and the Confundus Charm.
Creature magic operates differently from wizard magic. Spells that Sean would normally have to study for years could theoretically be his instantly if he transformed into an adult Wampus cat and practiced a bit.
More importantly, Sean theorized that his magical abilities could stack.
He could use partial Soul Transformation to manifest cat claws or whiskers. When he grew whiskers, he could naturally sense changes in the environment. It stood to reason that if he partially transformed his eyes into those of a Wampus cat, he might gain their Legilimency powers, too.
There was precedent for this: Viktor Krum could breathe underwater with just a shark head during the Triwizard Tournament. Similarly, Harry used Gillyweed to grow gills for the same effect.
Could this ability stack with Legilimency, Confundus, or memory charms? At the very least, it would serve as a unique form of silent, wandless magic.
Huge ancient trees and a massive gray boulder marked the mountainside. Delilah was by the rock, chasing her own tail.
Sean softened his steps and inched closer.
Unexpectedly, the Wampus cat snapped to attention, looking right at him. Sean couldn't help but lock eyes with her.
And then... she rolled over and exposed her belly.
Sean looked back at Newt, bewildered. Newt chuckled, looking slightly amused by the lack of challenge, and signaled with his eyes for Sean to continue.
Sean followed Newt's lead and approached her. He remembered the techniques from Fantastic Beasts: Offer the meat first, then scratch the chin, massage the base of the ears, and smooth the fur along the back.
Up close, Sean decided she was definitely more "cat" than "leopard."
After eating, the Wampus cat suddenly started purring—loudly.
Sean jumped, glancing quickly at Newt.
"She... likes... she really likes you," Newt said, walking over. He wasn't looking at Sean, but at the purring Wampus cat, his eyes crinkling with a deep, happy smile.
[You have gained the affection of the Magical Creature: Wampus Cat (Delilah) at a Master standard. Affinity +300]
[Magical Creature: Wampus Cat (Delilah) — Slightly Friendly (Apprentice Level) (270/300)]
The interface chime sounded. Sean saw the Wampus cat lying on her back, her tail sweeping back and forth against him.
The interface's affinity levels were categorized as: Slightly Friendly (Apprentice), Moderately Friendly (Novice), and Friendly (Journeyman).
When a magical creature became "Friendly," Sean's connection and understanding of them would deepen significantly. Generally speaking, this was when Sean met the first condition for his Alchemical Magic Ritual.
As for higher levels of intimacy... Sean opened his panel:
[Magical Creature: Owl (Whitey): Partner (Expert Level) (5700/9000)]
[Magical Creature: Bowtruckle (Tira): Partner (Expert Level) (6700/9000)]
Deep in the forest, a young Occamy chirped.
Sean was still plotting how to convince Newt to let him take the Wampus cat with him. Three days was too tight; it would be hard to grind the affinity up to Journeyman level in that time.
"Mr. Scamander..." Sean chose his words carefully. "About Delilah..."
"Delilah? She's been tagging along at my heels since she was three months old. Her injuries were severe, it took a long time to—oh, go ahead, Mr. Green."
Newt stroked the Wampus cat's head. "Having more people want to understand magical creatures... that is exactly what I want."
Sean found himself tongue-tied.
"You mentioned you brought Delilah from Ilvermorny... Ilvermorny..."