The next afternoon, Echo, carrying his newly acquired copy of 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,' decided to take a stroll towards Hagrid's hut. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and distant pine, and the faint warmth of the sun promised a pleasant spring day. Shimmer, a tiny silver streak, zipped around his head, occasionally landing on his shoulder, while Sniffles, a contented lump, remained nestled in his pocket. As he approached the familiar, towering figure of the half-giant, Echo noticed that Hagrid was bustling about his garden, a wide, beaming smile splitting his face. Fang, the enormous boarhound, trotted happily at his heels, his tail wagging furiously.
"Hagrid!" Echo called out, his black hair a calm, friendly blue.
Hagrid looked up, his smile widening even further. "Echo! Just the man I wanted to see! Come in, come in! Got somethin' amazin' ter tell yeh!"
Echo, curious, stepped into the cozy, albeit slightly smoky, interior of the hut. "What is it, Hagrid? You look like you've won the lottery."
Hagrid practically bounced on his enormous feet. "Better than that, Echo, much better! Newt Scamander, he finally wrote back!" He held up a thick, aged letter, his hands trembling slightly with excitement.
Echo's blue hair flickered with a faint, appreciative yellow. "Newt Scamander, huh? That's great, Hagrid. I remember you saying you've been writing to him since you were a boy. But... who is he again?"
Hagrid's eyes, though still beaming, held a hint of comical exasperation. "Who is he, yeh say? Echo, lad, look at the book in yer very own hands! 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'! He's the author, of course! The greatest magizoologist who ever lived, if yeh ask me!"
Echo looked down at the book he was holding, then back up at Hagrid, his yellow hair flaring with genuine surprise and a touch of awe. "He's… he's the author? Wow. That's actually really cool, Hagrid. I actually really love his work in this book; it's helped me understand magical beasts so much better. I just got it for my birthday, actually." He paused, then his brow furrowed slightly. "So, why did he write back after all this time?"
Hagrid chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Well, I might've… mentioned yeh, a bit. And yer beast magic, and yer dragon, Wick, and those dragon spells yeh've been inventing."
Echo's hair immediately flared a panicked, vibrant pink. His hollow eyes widened with genuine alarm. "Hagrid! You told him about that? I told you not to tell anyone about that! I thought we had an agreement!"
Hagrid looked genuinely puzzled, his brow furrowing. "But Echo, lad, yeh use yer beast magic freely and openly! And yeh let Wick fly around the castle grounds! I thought it was fine, seeing as how everyone knows about it already, practically."
"Not everyone, Hagrid!" Echo exclaimed, running a hand through his now wildly flickering pink hair. "Nary the whole school thinks it's an illusion! A fancy trick! I've gone to great lengths to make them think that, to keep things… quiet! And you know I only fly Wick around the forbidden forests and the outer perimeter of the school!"
Hagrid's face fell, his cheerful demeanor replaced by genuine regret. "Oh. Oh, dear. I shouldn't've done that, then. I'm truly sorry, Echo, lad. I didn't think."
Echo let out a long, frustrated sigh, his pink hair settling into a resigned black. "It's fine, Hagrid. What's done is done. Not much else we can do about it now. Just… please be more mindful in the future, okay? Some things are better kept under wraps."
Hagrid nodded earnestly, his enormous head bobbing. "Aye, Echo, I will. My sincerest apologies."
Echo managed a faint, weary smile. "Alright. Well, in that case, it looks like we're going to have to have a very serious talk with Newt about keeping my secrets secret."
The next week passed with a nervous energy for Echo, his black hair often flickering with anxious shades of pink and red as he braced himself for the inevitable arrival of Newt Scamander. He spent an inordinate amount of time rehearsing mental scenarios of how he would impress the legendary magizoologist while simultaneously attempting to extract a promise of secrecy regarding his beast magic and Wick. Hagrid, on the other hand, was practically vibrating with excitement, cleaning his hut with a fervor usually reserved for highly dangerous magical creatures and talking incessantly about the upcoming visit.
Finally, a week after Echo's birthday, a small, unassuming figure appeared on the horizon, walking with a slightly shuffling gait towards Hagrid's hut. He was an older gentleman, his hair a wispy white that seemed to defy gravity, and his eyes, though framed by a network of kindly wrinkles, sparkled with an almost childlike curiosity. He clutched a battered, well-traveled leather briefcase to his chest. This was Newt Scamander.
Hagrid, who had been peering out of his window every five minutes, let out a booming cry of delight. "He's here! He's here, Echo, lad! Newt's here!" He flung open the door, nearly taking it off its hinges, and rushed out to greet his long-awaited guest.
Echo, his black hair settling into a nervous but respectful blue, followed more sedately, adjusting his robes. He saw Hagrid practically engulfing the smaller man in a bear hug, which Newt endured with a polite, if slightly strained, smile.
"Hagrid, my dear fellow, it's truly wonderful to see you," Newt said, his voice gentle and slightly reedy, though a hint of breathlessness suggested Hagrid's embrace had been particularly enthusiastic.
Hagrid finally released him, beaming. "And you, Newt, you too! Been too long, it has! Come in, come in! Echo, lad, this here's Newt Scamander!"
Newt's gaze, filled with an intelligent warmth, shifted to Echo. His eyes widened almost imperceptibly, a flicker of genuine interest lighting them up. "Ah, so this must be young Echo," he said, extending a hand. "Rubeus has told me so much about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet the young man with such… intriguing magical proclivities."
Echo took Newt's hand, offering a firm but respectful shake, his blue hair flickering with a mixture of apprehension and admiration. "It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Scamander. I'm a huge admirer of your work. 'Fantastic Beasts' has been a real eye-opener for me."
Newt chuckled, a soft, dry sound. "Please, call me Newt. And I'm glad to hear it. It's always gratifying when one's work finds an appreciative audience. And I must say, young man, your hair… It's quite remarkable. I've never encountered such a phenomenon before. Is it… a form of emotional manifestation?"
Echo's blue hair briefly flashed a surprised yellow. He hadn't expected Newt to pick up on that immediately. "Uh, yes, sir… Newt. It tends to change color with my emotions."
Newt nodded, his eyes sparkling with scientific curiosity. "Fascinating. Truly fascinating. And you're the one with the extraordinary beast magic, if I recall Rubeus's rather enthusiastic letter correctly?" He glanced at Hagrid, a gentle, knowing smile on his face.
Hagrid winced, scratching his beard. "Aye, well, I might've gotten a bit carried away in the letter, Newt. My apologies."
Echo's blue hair pulsed with a hint of warning. "And Mr. Scamander," he began, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "while I'm incredibly flattered that Hagrid… shared… some information about me, I was hoping we could discuss the importance of discretion regarding certain… unique magical abilities."
Newt's smile didn't waver, but his gaze sharpened, a deeper understanding dawning in his kind eyes. "Ah, yes, 'discretion.' A valuable virtue, particularly in our world. Come, let's go inside. I believe a nice cup of Hagrid's… unique tea is in order, and then we can discuss the finer points of 'keeping secrets,' shall we?"
Once inside the cozy, cluttered hut, the aroma of a brewing concoction, suspiciously similar to tree bark and badger's breath, filled the air. Newt, ever observant, took a polite sip of the steaming mug Hagrid offered him, his face betraying no hint of revulsion. Echo, however, eyed his own cup with suspicion, his black hair flickering with a hesitant blue.
"Now, young Echo," Newt began, setting down his mug, "Rubeus's letter, though perhaps a tad… effusive, did paint a rather vivid picture of your capabilities. He mentioned a certain affinity for communication with creatures, even those most would consider untameable. And, if I understood correctly, a rather… large companion?" Newt's eyes twinkled, glancing at Echo's shoulder where Shimmer was now grooming itself contentedly.
Echo sighed, his blue hair settling into a resigned black. "Yes, sir. Newt. I can… influence magical creatures. And yes, I have a dragon. A very big one. Her name is Wick." He paused, taking a fortifying breath. "And that's precisely what I wanted to talk to you about. It's… a secret. Most people at Hogwarts think what I do is an illusion, including Wick to some extent. I've tried to keep it that way because I don't want to cause a panic, or worse, have people try to… exploit Wick or me."
Newt listened intently, his expression thoughtful. He picked up the copy of 'Fantastic Beasts' that Echo had placed on the table, leafing through its pages. "I understand completely, Echo. The magical world, regrettably, is not always as enlightened as one might hope when it comes to the unusual. Fear often breeds misunderstanding, and misunderstanding, in turn, can lead to… unfortunate consequences for our beastly friends." He closed the book, his gaze meeting Echo's. "However, Rubeus also mentioned something else. Something about… dragon spells? Spells of your own invention?"
Echo's black hair immediately flared a bright, defiant red. "That's also supposed to be a secret, Newt! Hagrid, you really spilled everything, didn't you?" He shot a furious glare at the half-giant, who winced and scratched his beard.
"I just thought… seein' as he's Newt Scamander and all, he'd understand!" Hagrid mumbled apologetically.
Newt raised a placating hand. "No harm done, Rubeus. Echo, my boy, I assure you, my discretion is as well-honed as my observation skills. I keep many secrets, both my own and those of the creatures I study. But this 'dragon magic'… it intrigues me. Rubeus's letter suggested it was quite unique. A way to… connect with them on a deeper level than mere influence?"
Echo hesitated, then, seeing the genuine curiosity and lack of judgment in Newt's eyes, he slowly nodded. His red hair softened to a more contemplative orange. "It's… It's more than that. It's like… speaking their language, but with magic. I can understand them, and they understand me. And I can command Wick to my desires without force, or just go where she wants to. I can also do this with other creatures as well, to a lesser extent, and even connect to them and use their natural abilities as if they were my own."
Newt's eyes widened, a look of profound wonder replacing his earlier curiosity. He leaned forward, practically vibrating with excitement. "Truly? You mean…you can control and ride a dragon? And mimic other creatures' natural magical abilities? Fascinating! This is… truly unprecedented. A new branch of magic, perhaps! And you say you invented these spells yourself?"
Echo nodded, his orange hair flickering with a hint of pride. "Well, 'invented' is a strong word. More like… discovered. It came to me naturally, after I bonded with Wick and my other magical beasts. It's like the magic was always there, waiting to be used."
Newt stood up, beginning to pace the small hut, his worn briefcase clutched tightly. "This changes everything! The potential for understanding, for conservation! Imagine being able to communicate and truly empathize with these magnificent creatures! It's a bridge, Echo, a bridge between our worlds that I had only ever dreamed of!" He stopped, turning to Echo, his eyes shining with an almost fervent zeal. "You must teach me, Echo. You simply must. This knowledge, this gift, is too important to remain hidden. With careful study, with proper understanding, we could revolutionize magizoology!"
Echo stared at him, his orange hair shifting to a conflicted blue. On one hand, Newt Scamander, the legendary Newt Scamander, wanted to learn from him. The idea was exhilarating. On the other hand, it meant revealing his deepest secret, exposing himself and Wick to a world that might not be ready for it.
"Newt, I… I understand your enthusiasm," Echo said slowly, choosing his words carefully. But what about discretion? You just said the magical world isn't always enlightened. What if this 'revolution' you're talking about puts Wick in danger? Or me? I want to show what I've discovered, but only when the timing is right."
Newt nodded gravely, his excitement tempered by understanding. He sat back down, his gaze softening. "You raise a very valid point, Echo. And I would never advocate for anything that puts you or your companion at risk. And you should show this off in your own time. But perhaps… perhaps there's a middle ground. A way to document this, to study it, without exposing it to the wider, more… judgmental public. For now." He tapped his briefcase thoughtfully. "I have my own methods of… discreet observation. And I have connections, influential ones, who share my passion for protecting magical creatures, not exploiting them."
Echo considered this, his blue hair flickering with thoughtful indigo. The idea of Newt Scamander, of all people, becoming his secret mentor, his confidant in this unique magic, was almost too good to be true. He trusted Hagrid implicitly, and Hagrid clearly trusted Newt. And the man had a genuine love for creatures, that much was clear.
"Alright," Echo said finally, a faint, hopeful smile touching his lips. "Alright, Newt. I'll… I'll consider it. But on one condition."
Newt raised an eyebrow, a gentle smile on his face. "And what might that be, young man?"
"You have to promise, absolutely promise," Echo emphasized, his indigo hair flaring with determination, "that everything we discover, everything we learn, stays strictly between us. And Hagrid, of course. And if, at any point, I feel like Wick or I are in danger because of this, then it stops. Immediately. No questions asked."
Newt's smile widened, and he extended a hand. "You have my word, Echo. As a magizoologist, as a friend, and as someone who understands the profound bond between a wizard and his beast. Your secret, and your dragon's, will be safe with me. And together," he added, a spark of adventure in his eyes, "perhaps we can truly make a difference for the fantastic beasts of this world."
Echo shook Newt's hand, a genuine, trusting smile spreading across his face, his indigo hair blazed with excited gold. The weight of his secret, which he had carried for so long, felt a little lighter. Perhaps, with Newt Scamander's help, he could truly understand and master his unique abilities, not just for himself but for the benefit of all magical creatures.
Hagrid, who had been silently observing the exchange, let out a delighted huff. "Well, that's settled then! Now, who's for another cup o' tea? I've got a fresh batch of a particularly fine… marsh root brew on the boil!"
Echo and Newt exchanged a shared, slightly apprehensive glance, but a newfound camaraderie had blossomed between them, a silent promise of adventure and discovery in the magical world. Echo felt a surge of excitement, a sense of purpose he hadn't known before.
"Before we get to Wick and the dragon spells, Newt," Echo said, his gold hair settling into a determined blue, "I'd be more than willing to show you exactly what my beast magic is capable of."
Newt's eyes lit up. "That would be wonderful, Echo! I was wondering when you were going to introduce me to your little friends."
As if on cue, Shimmer, with a silvery ripple, appeared on Echo's shoulder, and Sniffles, with a nervous squeak, popped out from Echo's pocket. Shimmer, ever curious, immediately sprang from Echo's shoulder and began to climb all over Newt, sniffing at his wispy hair and tugging gently at his scarf.
Newt chuckled, a soft, nostalgic sound. He gently stroked Shimmer's silver fur. "A Demiguise," he murmured, a fond smile on his face. "Takes me back, that does. I had a wonderful Demiguise once, many years ago. They are such sensitive and intelligent creatures."
Meanwhile, Sniffles, seizing the opportunity, had already burrowed into one of Newt's many pockets, a muffled clinking sound indicating his successful raid.
"Sniffles!" Echo exclaimed, his blue hair flickering with exasperation. He quickly reached into Newt's pocket, pulling out the mischievous Niffler and a handful of gleaming coins. "Sorry about that, Newt," he said, handing the coins back. "He has a bit of a… predilection for shiny things."
Newt waved a dismissive hand, his eyes twinkling. "Oh, don't apologize, my boy. I'm well aware of how… mischievous Nifflers can be. I've had more than a few in my time, and they've emptied my pockets more times than I care to count."
Echo chuckled, his blue hair flickering with amusement. "Alright, Shimmer, that's enough," he said, gently pulling the Demiguise off Newt's shoulder. "Let's not make our esteemed guest think all my creatures are kleptomaniacs... or hair tuggers."
Shimmer, with an indignant huff, settled back onto Echo's shoulder, its silver fur shimmering. Sniffles, however, remained stubbornly ensconced in Newt's pocket, a faint jingling sound betraying its continued activity.
"Don't worry about Sniffles," Echo said, a slight grin playing on his lips. "He'll be fine in there for a bit. Now, about my beast magic..." Echo's blue hair settled into a serious, thoughtful indigo. "It's… difficult to explain fully. It's not like typical magic. It's more of an intrinsic connection, an empathy. I can project my emotions and intentions directly into a creature's mind. It's like speaking to them without words, a direct line to their instincts and feelings. If I want to calm a hostile creature, I project calm. If I want to command it, I project assurance and a clear objective. This is how I'm able to 'tame' creatures that are normally considered untamable." He paused, a more serious look on his face. "It's important to understand, though, that this isn't mind control by any means. A creature can always choose to do as it pleases. It only listens because I've established a bond, a deep connection based on trust and mutual respect. That bond is the true foundation of Beast Magic."
Newt listened intently, his head tilted, his eyes wide with profound interest. "An empathic projection of will and emotion," he murmured, almost to himself. "Remarkable. Truly remarkable. I've always believed that understanding is the key to working with creatures, but this… this is a level of understanding beyond anything I've ever conceived."
Echo nodded. "I've also considered using it in a fight," he admitted, his indigo hair flickering with a mischievous spark. "Projecting fear, or confusion, or even just intense boredom into an opponent. I haven't tried it yet, but the potential is there to put someone off their game completely."
Hagrid, who had been quietly absorbing the explanation, let out a thoughtful harrumph. "Aye, that'd be somethin' to see, Echo. Turnin' a foe into a quivering mess with just a thought."
"But that's not all," Echo continued, his indigo hair deepening further with concentration. "Through some… weird magic of my own, combined with a bit of transfiguration, I can actually take on aspects of a creature and use them as my own. It's like borrowing their inherent abilities." He turned to Shimmer. "Watch this."
Echo then took his wand and touched it to Shimmer. He drew a translucent line of magic from him to himself, and with a soft glow, Echo's indigo hair shimmered, then faded to a transparent, almost invisible blue. His body, too, seemed to ripple and vanish, becoming almost entirely translucent against the hut's backdrop. Only the faintest outline of his form remained. He had become almost completely invisible, mimicking Shimmer's natural camouflage.
"Bloody hell!" Hagrid exclaimed, his eyes widening.
"Remarkable!" Newt breathed, his voice filled with awe. "Perfect mimicry! The precision is astounding!"
Echo's form then shimmered back into full visibility, his hair a vibrant, confident gold. He then closed his eyes for a moment, a faint hum resonating around him. He then opened his eyes, which seemed to glow with an inner light for a split second. "Hagrid, watch out for that stick by your foot."
Just as he spoke, Hagrid, in his surprise, stumbled slightly, and his foot indeed nudged a loose branch that had fallen from the ceiling, sending it tumbling towards a precarious stack of teacups. Hagrid deftly caught it just before it caused a cascade of crockery.
"Blimey, Echo!" Hagrid said, genuinely startled. "How'd yeh know that was gonna happen?"
Echo grinned, his gold hair twinkling. "Future sight. Another one of Shimmer's little tricks. Not very far into the future, usually just a few seconds, but enough to avoid a clumsy accident, or perhaps a well-aimed hex."
Newt was practically vibrating with excitement. "Incredible! Absolutely incredible! So you could do that with… with Sniffles? You could take on the traits of a Niffler?"
Echo's gold hair flickered with a hesitant blue. "I could," he admitted. "But I don't really like to. When I link with a creature like that, I tend to pick up on their habits and demeanor. And having a Niffler's compulsion to steal shiny things, or their… pockets," he gestured vaguely towards his own abdomen, "is several kinds of weird. Plus, a Niffler pouch, however useful, is a bit… unhygienic, for lack of a better word. Even if it's only for a temporary time."
Newt nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I can certainly see your point. The habits of a Niffler, while endearing in their own way, can be rather… disruptive to daily life. So, you can gain a creature's physical traits and even its unique sensory or magical abilities. This is truly extraordinary, Echo. And Rubeus mentioned you could… summon creatures?"
Echo's blue hair brightened with a confident yellow. "Yes. That's actually the most straightforward part. It's an extension of my empathic connection, combined with a baseline understanding of apparition. If I have a strong enough connection with a creature, I can locate it, no matter the distance, and then 'pull' it to me, so to speak." He closed his eyes, focusing for a moment, his yellow hair glowing. "For example, I know there's a Kneazle in the vivarium in the Room of Requirement. I have a connection with several creatures I know and have rescued."
With a soft POP, a beautiful, ginger-furred Kneazle, with a lion-like tail and tufted ears, appeared out of thin air, landing gracefully on Hagrid's table. It blinked its intelligent eyes, then rubbed its head against Echo's outstretched hand, purring loudly.
"Well, I'll be!" Hagrid exclaimed, utterly delighted. "A Kneazle!" And from the vivarium, you say? That's quite a trick, Echo!"
Newt, meanwhile, was beaming, his eyes shining with a mixture of wonder and profound excitement. "A new branch of magic indeed, Echo. A new frontier. This is truly an honor to witness."
"And there's another aspect to it," Echo continued, his blue hair flickering with thoughtful concentration. "I can also see and hear through their senses, without dulling their own awareness. It's like a shared consciousness, a momentary merging of perception." He turned to the Kneazle, offering a soft, reassuring thought. The Kneazle's intelligent eyes, previously a vibrant green, softened and deepened, shifting to a profound, almost inky violet – the same deep, dark color as Echo's own hollow eyes.
"Watch this," Echo said, his voice a low hum. He then gave the Kneazle a silent command. The creature, with an elegant, silent bound, sprang from the table and slipped out through the open door of Hagrid's hut, disappearing around the back.
Echo closed his own eyes, his head tilting slightly. His gold hair flickered to a calm, observant blue. After a few moments, he began to speak, his voice now almost detached, as if narrating a scene unfolding far away. "The Kneazle is now behind the hut. I see… a patch of overgrown nettles, quite tall, near the back fence. And there's a particularly large, very dusty spider web strung between two of the fence posts, with a rather plump, reddish-brown spider sitting in the middle, looking quite content. Oh, and Hagrid, your favorite gnome, Gnorman, is currently attempting to re-enact a wrestling match with a particularly resilient mushroom near the pumpkin patch."
Hagrid, his mouth agape, stumbled towards the back window, nearly knocking over a stack of teacups. Newt, his eyes wide with a mixture of professional awe and childlike wonder, quickly followed. They peered out, and indeed, just as Echo described, the nettles, the spiderweb, the plump spider, and Gnorman the gnome wrestling his mushroom were all precisely where Echo had said they would be.
"Blimey, Echo!" Hagrid exclaimed, utterly thunderstruck. "Yeh can really see through its eyes! That's… that's somethin' else, that is!"
Newt, his breath hitched, and he merely nodded, unable to articulate his astonishment. His mind was clearly racing with the implications.
Echo, however, was still connected. His brow furrowed slightly, his blue hair flickering with a faint trace of annoyance. "And Gnorman is definitely cheating, Hagrid. He just bit the mushroom."
Just then, Echo took a step backward, still with his eyes closed, and brought his foot down with an audible yelp as he inadvertently stepped squarely on Fang's tail. Fang, who had been dozing peacefully by the fireplace, let out a pained, indignant howl, scrambling away.
Echo's eyes snapped open, his blue hair flaring a horrified pink. "Oh! Fang! I am so, so sorry, boy!" He knelt, attempting to soothe the whimpering dog, but his movements were clumsy, disoriented. He bumped into a chair, then nearly tripped over his own feet. "I… I couldn't see you! Or feel you!" he exclaimed, genuine alarm in his voice.
Newt, having just witnessed the remarkable demonstration, looked from the yelping Fang to the disoriented Echo, a new, concerning realization dawning on his face. "Echo, are you… Are you completely blind to your own immediate surroundings when you're connected? And deaf?"
Echo, still flailing slightly, turned his head, his pink hair flickering with confusion. "Did someone say something? I can only hear where the Kneazle is. My own body… It's like it just… goes away when I'm doing that. It's really disorienting."
Hagrid, finally understanding the potential danger, sprang into action. He flung open the back door of the hut and bellowed, his voice carrying across the garden, "ECHO! CUT THE CONNECTION TO THE KNEAZL!"
Echo tapped his head with his wand. "It's gonna take a while to get used to that," he muttered. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the Kneazle back to the vivarium.
Newt, who had been observing the entire exchange with a fascinated expression, finally spoke. "Why did you send the Kneazle back, Echo, but not your other friends?" he asked, gesturing towards where Shimmer and Sniffles usually resided.
Echo shrugged, his blue hair flickering with a casual nonchalance. "Shimmer doesn't like to sit in the vivariums," he explained. "He likes to do his own thing, that being sitting invisible on my shoulder all day and watching what I do. And he really likes making potions; in fact, he's better than me." Echo paused, a soft smile playing on his lips. "And Sniffles just likes to sit in my pockets. He has a nest under my bed to dig around in, and the vivariums, but he likes to stick with me. Also, Sniffles was, and still is, my first ever friend since coming to Hogwarts."
Echo then snapped his fingers, his blue hair brightening with a sudden realization. "Oh, I forgot one more thing in Beast spells, Newt," he said. "Beast Healing spells. I'm still working on them since so many beasts have different body structures, but I'm working on it so that you can heal anything from abrasions and illness to burns and broken bones."
Newt's eyes, fixed on the now-visible Shimmer and the jingling in his pocket, snapped back to Echo, a look of profound respect and renewed wonder on his face. "Beast Healing," he repeated, his voice barely a whisper. "Echo, that… that is truly an extraordinary undertaking. To devise healing magic specifically tailored to the myriad anatomies and physiologies of magical creatures… It's a lifetime's work, a truly noble pursuit."
Hagrid nodded, his expression solemn. "Aye, Newt's right, Echo. That'd be somethin' else entirely. Heal a griffin's broken wing, mend a dragon's scales… It's powerful, that is."
Echo's blue hair settled into a determined indigo. "Exactly. It's slow going, but I'm making progress. I figure if I can understand their emotional and physical makeup through my beast magic, I can adapt healing spells to work specifically for them. It's all about empathy, you know? Feeling what they feel, understanding what they need." He paused, a faint, almost wistful smile touching his lips. "It's the least I can do for them, considering how much they've given me."
Newt regarded Echo with a gaze that held deep admiration. "You have a truly remarkable gift, Echo. And a heart to match. I eagerly await the opportunity to observe your dragon magic, but I confess, these 'beast spells' you speak of… they are equally, if not more, captivating. The potential for the well-being of all magical creatures is immense." He paused, then, with a decisive nod, opened his briefcase. "Well then, young man, shall we begin our collaborative journey into the unknown? I suspect we have a great deal to discuss and even more to discover. Especially your dragon spells and pet dragon."
Echo grinned, his indigo hair blazing with excited gold. "I think we do, Newt. I definitely think we do. Hope you're up for it."
The air in the Forbidden Forest was thick with the scent of damp earth and ancient trees as Echo, Newt, and Hagrid walked deeper into its shadowed embrace. Echo's gold hair, now a calm, purposeful blue, moved with the rhythm of his steps. Newt, his worn briefcase still clutched in his hand, looked around with wide, appreciative eyes, occasionally stooping to examine a particularly interesting fungus or a patch of glowing moss. Hagrid, however, was clearly nervous, his enormous frame tensing with each rustle in the undergrowth.
"Are ye sure about this, Echo, lad?" Hagrid rumbled, his voice a low whisper that barely carried over the sounds of the forest. He glanced at Newt, then back at Echo, his brow furrowed with concern. "Wick… she ain't exactly the most welcoming of creatures. An' she ain't had many visitors, especially not… not new ones. What if she tries to… well, to have a little taste of Newt, here?"
Newt, who had been admiring a particularly vibrant blue beetle, looked up, a faint, curious smile on his face. "A valid concern, Rubeus. I've had my share of close encounters with dragons. They are magnificent, powerful creatures, but one must always respect their… dietary preferences."
Echo chuckled, a light, reassuring sound. His blue hair flickered with confident yellow. "It's fine, Hagrid. Newt is with both of us, and Wick trusts us. Besides," he added, a mischievous glint in his hollow eyes, "I projected my mind over to her a while back. She ate recently. A very, very large meal, by the looks of it. So she should be quite content and sleepy."
Newt's eyes, which had been fixed on the path ahead, widened slightly, a look of profound fascination replacing his earlier amusement. He stopped, turning to Echo, his reedy voice filled with genuine wonder. "You mean to say, Echo, that you can not only locate a creature from a considerable distance, but you can also discern its emotional state, its recent activities… its very intent? Summoning them is one thing, a remarkable feat in itself, but to feel their emotions and know their recent history, to possess such an intimate connection without being physically present… that truly is extraordinary." He shook his head, a soft, amazed sigh escaping him. "The implications for understanding and indeed, for the ethical care of magical creatures, are immense."
Echo merely shrugged, a faint flush coloring his cheeks. His yellow hair softened to a thoughtful blue. "It's just… part of the connection, Newt. When you build that bond of trust, you get a sense of them. It's like a faint echo, really, in my own mind."
They continued their journey, Newt occasionally pausing to make a quick note in a small, leather-bound journal he had produced from his briefcase. The air grew colder, and a faint, acrid scent, reminiscent of sulfur and burnt earth, began to permeate the forest.
"We're close," Echo murmured, his blue hair darkening to a determined indigo. "I can feel her now. She's definitely asleep."
A few minutes later, they emerged into a clearing dominated by a jagged opening in the side of a rocky outcrop—the entrance to Wick's cave. The entrance was enormous, easily large enough for a fully grown dragon to pass through. The ground around it was scorched and barren, a testament to its inhabitants.
"Blimey," Hagrid whispered, his voice filled with awe despite his earlier apprehension. "Still as impressive as ever."
They stepped inside the cavern. The air within was surprisingly warm, thick with the earthy scent of rock and the faint, unmistakable smell of dragon. In the center of the vast cave, curled lay Wick. Her scales, the color of polished obsidian, shimmered even in the dim light filtering from the cave mouth. She was indeed asleep, her massive chest rising and falling with slow, powerful breaths, a soft rumble emanating from deep within her.
Echo smiled, his indigo hair blazing with affectionate gold. He started to walk towards her, but then he stopped dead, his hollow eyes widening in horror. His gold hair immediately flared a furious, indignant red. There, just a few feet from Wick's massive snout, lay a perfectly clean, gleaming white cow skull, picked entirely bare.
"WICK!" Echo thundered, his voice echoing through the cavern. "What did I tell you about eating farm animals?!"
Wick's eyes, the color of molten gold, slowly blinked open. She lifted her massive head, letting out a low, questioning rumble. Then, her gaze fell upon the cow skull. Her neck scales, usually smooth and unyielding, seemed to ruffle, and her golden eyes shifted, a faint, almost comical look of guilt spreading across her draconic features. She nudged the skull with her snout, then quickly pulled back, as if trying to pretend it wasn't hers.
Newt, who had been observing the entire exchange with wide-eyed wonder, let out a soft, delighted chuckle. "Remarkable, Echo. Truly remarkable. She looks… positively abashed."
Hagrid, however, was already shaking his head, a mixture of exasperation and amusement on his face. "Aye, that's Wick for yeh. Always gettin' into trouble, even in her sleep."
Echo sighed, his yellow hair flickering with a mixture of exasperation and affection. "Wick," he said, his voice firm but gentle, "what's done is done. But you can't do it again. The last thing we need is a bunch of angry farmers raising a stink about a dragon stealing livestock, and the Ministry coming by to investigate."
Wick, still a magnificent, scaled form, lowered her head slightly, her large, intelligent eyes regarding Echo with what appeared to be a contrite expression, as if to say, *Sorry, the taste of beef was just too tempting.*
"Alright, alright," Echo said, a small smile playing on his lips. "Now, get up, you lazy lump. We have a guest, and you need to show him off."
With a powerful, graceful movement, Wick uncurled, her vast form filling the cave with a sudden, imposing presence. Echo led the way out, and as they exited the cave, Newt Scamander gasped, his eyes wide with awe. Wick stood in all her glory, her emerald scales shimmering in the sunlight, her immense wings unfurling with a soft rustle of leathery membranes.
"Magnificent," Newt breathed, his voice barely a whisper.
Echo grinned, his black hair blazing with pride. "She is, isn't she? Now, about those dragon spells... since I can't just speak directly to Wick, commanding her in flight would be impossible. She'd do whatever she wants, plus the wind would make it even harder. Dragon Spells are connected to Beast magic in the sense that I still project my emotions and desires, but far more directly and simply."
Echo took out his wand, his expression focused. "Watch this." He then gave Wick several commands in the form of spells, his voice clear and resonant.
" *Accio!* " (Forward)
Wick slowly lumbered towards Echo.
" *Depulso!* " (Backwards)
Wick slowly lumbered backwards.
" *Levioso!* " (Fly!)
Wick surged forward, her powerful wings beating the air, carrying her gracefully into the sky.
" *Celeritas!* " (Go faster!)
Wick accelerated, a blur against the clouds.
" *Arresto Momentum!* " (Stop!)
Wick halted mid-air, hovering perfectly still.
" *Descendo!* " (Land!)
She descended with remarkable precision, landing softly a few feet away.
" *Incendo!* " (Breathe fire!)
Wick opened her massive jaws, and a controlled burst of brilliant orange flame erupted, scorching a patch of earth.
" *Confringo!* " (Fireballs!)
With a series of sharp, quick exhalations, Wick launched several glowing fireballs that arced through the air before exploding harmlessly against a distant rock face.
" *Bombarda!* " (Explosion!)
Wick held her breath, as if charging up, and then let loose a fireball that flew further than the others and burst into a massive explosion upon impact with a boulder that burst into pebbles.
Newt Scamander watched the entire demonstration with an expression of unadulterated awe, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of scientific curiosity and profound respect. He meticulously scribbled notes in his journal, occasionally glancing up, as if afraid he might miss a single detail. Hagrid, meanwhile, was beaming, his pride in Echo radiating almost as brightly as the dragon's fire.
"Extraordinary!" Newt finally exclaimed, snapping his journal shut with a decisive thwack. "Simply extraordinary, Echo! The precision, the clarity of command... and the sheer power! To direct such a magnificent creature with such effortless grace... It's a testament to the depth of your connection, and the brilliance of your innovative magic." He turned to Wick, offering a respectful bow. "And you, my dear, are a truly splendid specimen. A credit to your kindness."
Wick, as if understanding the compliment, let out a low, rumbling purr, her massive head dipping slightly in acknowledgment.
Echo's black hair blazed with a triumphant gold. "Thank you, Newt. It's taken a lot of practice and a lot of trust. But as you can see, it's incredibly effective."
"Indeed, indeed!" Newt said, his eyes still sparkling. "And the potential! Imagine, Echo, a world where dragons and wizards can coexist, not just in isolated reserves, but working together, understanding each other. Your magic... It's a beacon of hope for that future." He paused, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You mentioned these were 'dragon spells,' but I suspect they could be adapted for other large, perhaps even untamable, creatures. A Runespoor, for instance, or a Chimera..."
Echo's gold hair flickered with a curious blue. "I hadn't thought about it that way, honestly. Most of my focus has been on Wick. But you're right, the principles are similar. It's about projecting intent, clear and direct, in a way the creature can understand and respond to."
"Precisely!" Newt almost clapped his hands together, then caught himself, remembering Wick's imposing presence. "This is truly a gift, Echo. A rare and precious gift. And one that, with careful guidance, could change the very fabric of magizoology." He looked at Echo, his gaze serious. "I believe our collaboration will be highly fruitful, young man. Highly fruitful indeed."
Hagrid, wiping a tear from his eye, sniffled. "That's beautiful, that is. A proper partnership, between a wizard and his beast."
Echo smiled, a genuine, wide grin spreading across his face, his blue hair blazing with renewed excitement. "I think so, too, Newt. I really do."
"Now, Echo," Newt began, his eyes still fixed on the magnificent dragon, "I know this might be an imposition, given how particular dragons can be, but… would it be entirely out of the question for me to, perhaps, have a ride on Wick? Just a brief flight, of course. For scientific observation, you understand."
Echo chuckled, his blue hair softening to a thoughtful green. "Not at all, Newt. I think Wick would actually enjoy it. She doesn't get many visitors who appreciate her in the way you do." He turned to the massive dragon, projecting a wave of gentle assurance. "She just needs to get used to you, that's all."
Surprisingly, Wick lowered her head, nudging Newt with her snout. Her molten gold eyes, usually so fierce, held a surprisingly soft gaze as she regarded the magizoologist. Newt, with a wide, delighted smile, tentatively reached out and stroked her scales. Wick let out a low, rumbling purr, a sound that vibrated through the forest floor.
"Well, I'll be," Hagrid murmured, utterly astonished. "She's never like this with anyone else, Echo. Especially not… not girls. Even Lily, she's a bit wary of."
Echo's green hair flickered with a hint of confusion. "You're right, Hagrid. She's usually a lot more… reserved. I wonder why she's taking to Newt so easily?"
Hagrid scratched his beard thoughtfully. "Maybe… maybe she just likes men better, Echo. Some creatures are like that, yeh know."
Newt, still stroking Wick's snout, let out a soft laugh. "Indeed, Rubeus. Perhaps Wick is a reverse unicorn, then. Only drawn to the purest of male hearts."
Echo rolled his eyes, a playful smirk on his face. "Alright, alright, you two. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Newt, if you're ready, climb aboard. Just make sure you hold on tight."
Newt, with surprising agility for his age, clambered onto Wick's back, settling comfortably behind Echo. "Hold on tight, you say?" he repeated, a mischievous glint in his eye. "My dear boy, I once rode a Zouwu. A dragon is practically a gentle carriage by comparison."
Echo merely nodded, his grin widening. He then leaned back slightly, whispering to Hagrid, "Hagrid, please, for the love of Merlin, keep hold of the frail old man. I don't want him flying off."
Hagrid, stifling a chuckle, gave a thumbs-up.
With a powerful beat of her wings, Wick surged upwards, carrying Echo, Newt, and Hagrid high into the sky, leaving the forest floor far below. The world stretched out beneath them, a patchwork quilt of emerald green and sapphire blue, dotted with the miniature buildings of Hogwarts and the sprawling dark expanse of the Forbidden Forest. The wind whipped through their hair, exhilarating and fresh. Echo, his blue hair now a vibrant, joyous gold, steered Wick with subtle mental commands, guiding her in wide, sweeping arcs across the sky. Newt, perched behind him, let out whoops of delight, his small, wispy white hairs dancing in the breeze. He held his camera aloft, snapping pictures with fervent enthusiasm, occasionally pointing out a particularly interesting cloud formation or a distant, soaring Thunderbird.
"This is truly magnificent, Echo!" Newt yelled over the wind, his voice filled with pure, unadulterated joy. "The sheer freedom! The connection! It's unlike anything I've ever experienced!"
Hagrid, clinging precariously to Wick's back, his face a mixture of terror and delight, merely grunted in agreement. "Aye, Newt's right! Best view in the world, this is! Just... don't go too fast, Echo, lad! Me stomach ain't as young as it used to be!"
Echo chuckled, his gold hair blazing with mirth. He eased Wick into a gentle glide, circling back towards the castle. As they descended, a familiar, high-pitched cackle cut through the air. Peeves, in his usual poltergeist form, zipped alongside them, making rude gestures and sticking out his tongue.
"Look at the giant chicken and his human baggage!" Peeves shrieked, then launched a stream of ink at Hagrid's head.
Hagrid roared in indignation, swiping at the poltergeist, but Peeves merely phased through his hand, cackling wildly. Echo, however, had a mischievous glint in his eye. He gave Wick a silent command. Wick, with surprising agility, dipped a wing, sending a powerful gust of wind directly at Peeves, who was caught mid-cackle and sent spinning away, a flailing, indignant blur.
"That'll teach him," Echo muttered, a satisfied smirk on his face.
Newt, who had witnessed the exchange, clapped his hands together, delighted. "Ingenious! Truly ingenious, Echo! A practical application of dragon flight for pest control! I must make a note of that!"
As they finally landed near Hagrid's hut, Wick lowered herself with a gentle thud. Newt dismounted, his face flushed with excitement and his eyes sparkling. "Echo, my boy, that was an experience I shall never forget! Thank you, truly. This, combined with your beast magic, the dragon spells... It's all so much more profound than I could have ever imagined."
Hagrid, still a little green around the gills, slid off Wick's back, letting out a relieved sigh. "Never thought I'd see the day, Newt Scamander ridin' a dragon. You're a braver man than I, that's for sure."
Newt merely beamed. "It's not bravery, Rubeus, it's a thirst for knowledge and a deep respect for these magnificent creatures. And Echo," he said, turning to the young wizard, his expression becoming serious, "I truly believe your abilities are destined for greatness. With careful cultivation, you could bridge the gap between our worlds in ways no one has ever dreamed." He patted his briefcase. "I'll need some time to process all this and review my notes. But I promise you, I will be back. And we will continue this extraordinary journey."
Echo smiled, his gold hair settling into a contented, hopeful blue. "I'll be looking forward to it, Newt."
With a final, respectful bow to Wick and a warm handshake for Echo and Hagrid, Newt Scamander turned and began his shuffling walk back towards the castle. Already lost in thought, his mind buzzed with the wonders he had just witnessed. Wick, after nuzzling Echo affectionately, lumbered back towards her cave, leaving the scent of dragon and the lingering magic of their flight in the air.
Hagrid clapped Echo on the shoulder, a proud smile on his face. "You did well, Echo. Real good. Newt's gonna be talkin' about this for years. And that's sayin' somethin' for a man who's seen a whole world of fantastic beasts."
Echo merely nodded, his gaze following Newt's retreating figure. He felt a profound sense of satisfaction, a feeling that something truly important had begun.