A Nundu for A Pet

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Chapter 20 (Do you want to be a Magizoologist?), Chapter 21 (Runes and Shadows), Chapter 22 (The Bridge Between Worlds), Chapter 23 (A Nundu's Gift), Chapter 24 (A Grand Prank), Chapter 25 (First Year Ends), Chapter 26 (Magic & Politics), Chapter 27 (Letters, Contracts, and Other Complications), Chapter 28 (When Loves Makes Home), Chapter 29 (A Nundu in France), Chapter 30 (The Minister's Request), and Chapter 31 (Abyssantica) are already available for Patrons.

Harry's mind raced through his options. For a brief moment, he considered denying it, playing dumb, but one look at Newt Scamander's experienced eyes told him that would be futile. This was the man who had documented more magical creatures than anyone in history - if anyone could recognize a Nundu, it would be him.

Itisa seemed to sense his internal struggle, pressing closer against his side. Her presence was comforting, but it also heightened his fear. He wasn't strong enough yet to protect her if things went wrong, and if word got out about what she really was...

"What..." Harry's voice cracked slightly, and he had to clear his throat before continuing. "What do you want?"

Newt's expression softened immediately as he caught the fear in Harry's voice. "My dear boy," he said gently, pulling his chair closer, "I think you misunderstand my intentions entirely. The fact that your companion is a Nundu will remain our little secret - for now, at least."

The tension in Harry's shoulders eased slightly, but suspicion remained. "Why would you keep it secret? Aren't Nundus supposed to be the most dangerous magical creatures in the world?"

"According to most texts, yes," Newt nodded, his eyes twinkling. "But I've learned over my rather long life that 'dangerous' is a rather subjective term. I once knew a Graphorn that was gentler than most house cats, and a Bowtruckle that was more aggressive than a dragon with a toothache."

Itisa made a sound that was suspiciously like a snort, and Hedwig ruffled her feathers in what seemed to be amusement.

"Who sent you?" Harry asked, feeling a bit more comfortable but still cautious. "Was it the Ministry?"

"Actually, it was Albus," Newt replied, reaching into his coat pocket and pulling out several pieces of parchment. "He's been sending me letters for months now, asking increasingly specific questions about dangerous magical creatures. Though he never quite mentioned it was about a Nundu." He chuckled, shaking his head. "Clever old fox, keeping that detail to himself until he knew I was already interested."

"What kind of questions?"

"Oh, all sorts. Whether certain magical creatures could form familiar bonds out of nowhere, if there were any documented cases of naturally occurring size-changing abilities in predatory magical species, if I'd ever encountered creatures that could mask their magical signatures..." Newt's eyes twinkled. "He was quite thorough in his research, though I must admit, I thought he was asking about a particularly unusual kneazle or perhaps even a leucrotta. A Nundu never crossed my mind."

Harry glanced at Itisa, who was watching Newt with what appeared to be grudging respect. "So... what happens now?"

"Well," Newt set his briefcase on the floor and opened it with a series of complicated clicks, "I'm here to conduct a few simple tests - nothing invasive or uncomfortable, I assure you - to determine if she's safe to remain at Hogwarts."

"But she is safe!" Harry protested. "She's never hurt anyone! Well, except Quirrell, but he was trying to kill me, so..."

"And that's precisely the kind of thing I need to document," Newt said calmly. "The fact that she shows clear discretion in using her abilities, that she's formed a protective bond rather than a predatory one, that she demonstrates advanced reasoning and emotional intelligence - these are all crucial factors."

Hedwig chirped what sounded like agreement, earning an eye roll from Itisa.

"Think of it this way," Newt continued, pulling out what looked like a series of crystal instruments from his case. "Right now, the only people who know what Itisa truly is are in this room and Albus. But secrets have a way of coming out eventually, especially in a place like Hogwarts. When - not if, but when - others discover the truth, wouldn't it be helpful to have documented proof that she's not a threat?"

Harry hadn't thought of it that way. "What kind of tests?"

"Nothing too dramatic," Newt assured him. "Mostly observational. I'd like to measure her magical signature in various states - calm, protective, alert. Document her size-changing abilities and the control she exhibits over them. Perhaps most importantly, I want to understand the nature of your bond."

"Our bond?"

"Yes, it's quite extraordinary, you see. Nundus are typically solitary creatures. They don't form bonds, magical or otherwise. The fact that Itisa has not only bonded with you but also maintains a relatively peaceful coexistence with a Stormbird..." he glanced at Hedwig with obvious fascination. "Well, it's unprecedented."

Itisa made a show of yawning disinterestedly, but Harry could tell she was pleased by the assessment.

"And you won't tell anyone? Promise?" Harry pressed.

"My boy, I've kept far more dangerous secrets than this," Newt smiled. "Did you know I once harbored an Obscurial in this very castle? Right under the Ministry's nose, too. Compared to that, keeping quiet about a well-behaved Nundu who's already saved at least one life is hardly a challenge."

Harry blinked. "You did what?"

"Story for another time," Newt waved his hand dismissively, though his eyes held a hint of old sorrow. "The point is, your secret is safe with me. In fact..." he reached into his briefcase again and pulled out a worn leather journal, "I'd like to document everything properly. With your permission, of course. No names or identifying details, just the unprecedented case of a Nundu forming a familiar bond. It could be invaluable research for future generations."

"Research?" Harry asked skeptically.

"Oh yes. Think about it - how many other magical creatures have been wrongly classified as nothing but dangerous? How many potential bonds have been prevented by fear and prejudice?" Newt's eyes lit up with passion. "Your case could help change how we view and interact with magical creatures for decades to come."

Itisa sat up straighter, suddenly looking much more interested in the conversation.

"Of course," Newt added with a slight smirk, "any such research wouldn't be published until long after you've left Hogwarts. Perhaps not even until you're ready to reveal Itisa's true nature yourself."

Harry felt the last of his tension drain away. This wasn't an enemy or a threat - this was someone who truly understood and wanted to help.

"Alright," he nodded. "Where do we start?"

"Excellent!" Newt beamed, pulling out more instruments from his seemingly bottomless briefcase. "Though perhaps we should wait until you're a bit stronger. I suspect Madam Pomfrey would have my head if I tired you out now."

As if on cue, they heard footsteps approaching the hospital wing.

"Ah," Newt quickly packed away his instruments. "Perhaps we should continue this conversation tomorrow. For now, I'm simply here as a concerned magizoologist checking on an unusual but perfectly normal magical cat."

He winked at Harry just as the hospital wing doors opened, and Harry couldn't help but smile. Maybe, just maybe, things were going to work out after all.

Harry sank back into his pillows after Newt left the room, feeling a peculiar mix of emotions. Despite his lingering anger at Dumbledore for leaving him with the Dursleys, he couldn't help but feel grateful that the old wizard had reached out to Newt Scamander instead of someone else. Anyone else might have immediately reported Itisa to the Ministry, and then...he didn't even want to think about what might have happened.

The hospital wing doors burst open, and Madam Pomfrey strode in, muttering under her breath about "constant interruptions" and "students who need rest."

"Honestly," she huffed, checking Harry's vitals with practiced movements of her wand, "how is anyone supposed to recover with half the school trying to squeeze in visits?"

"Well," Harry said with an innocent smile, "I suppose you could always transfigure the doors into a wall. Though knowing Fred and George, they'd probably just blast through it."

Madam Pomfrey's lips twitched despite her attempt to maintain a stern expression. "Don't give those two any ideas, Mr. Potter. Now, you need to sleep."

"But where's Professor McGonagall?" Harry asked, trying to stay awake despite his heavy eyelids. "I wanted to ask her about—"

"Presumably teaching her classes, as professors tend to do," Pomfrey replied dryly. "The world hasn't stopped turning just because you decided to have an adventure with a possessed professor."

"What about Mad-Eye and Madam Bones? Where did they—"

"Mr. Potter," Pomfrey interrupted, placing her hands on her hips, "I am a healer, not the Weasley twins' map of mischief. I don't track the whereabouts of every person in this castle. What I do track is my patients' need for rest, which you are currently resisting."

Itisa made a noise that sounded suspiciously like agreement, curling up more firmly against Harry's side.

"Traitor," Harry mumbled to her, but he was already feeling sleep tugging at him more insistently.

"Smart cat," Pomfrey approved, adjusting his blankets. "Now sleep, or I'll be forced to use a sleeping charm."

Harry's last conscious thought was that Itisa and Madam Pomfrey were definitely going to gang up on him about resting properly from now on.

Tomorrow

Meanwhile, in Dumbledore's office, Newt Scamander sat in a comfortable armchair, examining one of the many silver instruments whirring on the headmaster's desk while Fawkes watched him with interest. Newt had noticed that Fawkes seemed different than usual, but he decided to ask about it later.

"This reminds me of that time in Bulgaria," Newt mused, "when you convinced that group of vampire hunters that their quarry was actually a misunderstood vegetarian."

Dumbledore chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "As I recall, he was actually a vegetarian - he just had an unfortunate addiction to tomato juice that made quite a mess."

"And that poor fellow in Romania who thought his house was haunted by a poltergeist..."

"When it was actually just a very enthusiastic Jarvey who had learned to imitate ghost noises," Dumbledore finished. "Though I must say, its vocabulary was quite impressive, if somewhat inappropriate for polite company."

"Those were simpler times," Newt sighed, setting down the instrument. "Though I must say, Albus, you've outdone yourself this time. A Nundu? In Hogwarts?"

"Ah, but she's not just any Nundu, is she?" Dumbledore replied. "You've seen her with young Harry."

"Indeed. The bond between them is remarkable. I've never seen anything quite like it, and that's saying something considering my experience with unusual creatures."

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. "Enter," Dumbledore called out.

Hermione Granger and Susan Bones stepped into the office, both looking slightly nervous but determined.

"Miss Granger, Miss Bones," Dumbledore greeted them warmly. "Please sit down. Do you want a sherbet?"

"No, thank you, Professor." The two girls said right away, looking a bit nervous about being in the Headmaster's office as they sat down, waiting for them to tell them what they were here for.

As the girls quickly declined the offered sweets, Newt turned to Dumbledore with a wry smile.

"Really, Albus? Still trying to push those Muggle sweets on unsuspecting students? I remember when you first discovered them in 1937 - you practically bought out that little shop in Bristol. Though I must say, watching Phineas Nigellus's portrait try one was worth every moment. I don't think I've ever seen a painting splutter quite so indignantly."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with mischief. "As I recall, Newton, you were the one who suggested enchanting them to hop around his frame. The poor man refused to visit his portrait for a month."

"A marked improvement in the atmosphere, if you ask me," Newt muttered under his breath, just loud enough for the girls to hear, causing them to stifle their giggles.

As Newt was writing something in his notepad, he noticed the girls were quite nervous. "There's no need for that; you two are not in trouble," Newt says without looking away from his notepad. We just need to ask you a few questions about Harry and his little cat friend. Can you answer a few questions?" Newt asked gently, speaking warmly, and the two girls nodded for him to continue.

"So," Newt began, "tell me about Itisa. How does she behave around other students?"

Hermione shifted in her seat. "Well, she's very intelligent - more than any magical cat I've ever read about. She seems to understand conversations perfectly."

"And she's incredibly protective of Harry," Susan added. "Though she's never aggressive unless someone threatens him."

"Have you ever seen her wandering the castle alone?" Newt asked, his quill scratching against the parchment.

Hermione shook her head. "Actually, you might want to ask the Slytherins about that. Since Harry's in their house, they'd know better than us."

"Already arranged," Dumbledore interjected smoothly. "Young Mr. Sallow and his sister will be joining us shortly."

"Has she ever displayed any... unusual behavior?" Newt pressed carefully.

Hermione's hand twitched slightly, and she glanced quickly at Dumbledore before responding. "Nothing really alarming. She's just very smart and very protective."

Newt noticed her slight hesitation but chose not to comment. Instead, he asked, "What about other animals? How does she interact with them?"

"She gets along well with Hedwig," Susan offered. "Actually, it's quite funny to watch them sometimes. They act like old friends who enjoy bickering."

"Though she doesn't really interact with other pets," Hermione added. "She mostly ignores them, actually. And she definitely doesn't like being petted by strangers."

"Or even friends," Susan chuckled. "I tried once, and she just gave me this look that clearly said 'Don't even think about it.'"

"But she's never hurt anyone?" Newt asked, continuing to take notes.

Both girls shook their heads emphatically. Hermione opened her mouth as if to say something, then closed it again, drawing another curious glance from Newt.

"She's protected Harry, though," Susan said. "I heard there was an incident with Draco Malfoy, and Itisa protected him from him."

"Yes," Hermione agreed quickly, perhaps too quickly. "But only because Draco was being an ass as usual."

Newt wrote something else in his notepad, his expression neutral. "And you've never seen her display any unusual abilities? Anything that seemed... beyond what a magical cat should be capable of?"

The girls exchanged glances. "No," they said in unison, though Hermione's hand twitched again.

"Well, thank you both for your help," Newt said, closing his notepad. "This has been most informative."

As if on cue, there was a knock at the door, presumably the Sallow siblings arriving for their turn.

"Miss Granger, Miss Bones, thank you for your time," Dumbledore said, rising to show them out. "I trust you understand the importance of keeping these questions between us?"

"Of course, Professor," Hermione nodded, standing up. She paused at the door, glancing back at Newt. "Mr. Scamander... Harry and Itisa, they're not in any trouble, are they?"

"Not at all," Newt assured her with a kind smile. "Just a routine check-up, you might say."

As the girls left, Newt turned to Dumbledore. "The Granger girl knows something more than she's saying."

"Indeed," Dumbledore agreed, his eyes twinkling. "But she's chosen to keep it to herself out of loyalty to her friend. Rather admirable, wouldn't you say?"

"Quite," Newt agreed, flipping through his notes. "Though I suspect it has something to do with that troll incident you mentioned."

Before Dumbledore could respond, another knock announced the arrival of the Sallow siblings.

The door opened, and Sebastian Sallow entered with his sister Anna. Newt's eyes immediately noticed the girl's unusually pale complexion, and a slight frown creased his forehead. Years of working with various magical maladies and creatures had given him a keen eye for signs of illness.

"Ah, Mr. Sallow, Miss Sallow," Dumbledore greeted warmly. "Thank you for joining us."

"Good afternoon, Professor," Sebastian replied politely, keeping a protective hand on his sister's shoulder. His eyes turned to Newt curiously. "And you are...?"

Before Newt could introduce himself, Anna's face lit up with recognition, her pale features animated with sudden excitement. "Oh! You're Newt Scamander! The best Magizoologist in the history of magic since Merlin himself!" She bounced slightly on her feet before a small cough escaped her. "I've read all about your discoveries and adventures!"

Newt's face softened into a genuine smile. "Thank you, my dear. That's very kind of you to say. Do you have an interest in magical creatures?"

"Interest?" Sebastian chuckled. "She wants to be you when she grows up. Our room at home is practically wallpapered with articles about your discoveries."

Anna nodded enthusiastically. "I want to travel the world and study magical creatures too! I've already started keeping notes about all the creatures I read about, and I practice drawing them." She started to do a little excited dance but was interrupted by another cough.

Sebastian quickly helped her into one of the chairs. Newt exchanged a meaningful glance with Dumbledore, silently communicating his intention to discuss the girl's condition later.

"Well then," Newt said gently, pulling out his notepad again, "this won't take long. We just have a few questions about Harry and Itisa. I understand you're quite close to them?"

"Harry's my friend," Sebastian confirmed. "Pretty much my only real friend in Slytherin, if I'm being honest. The others..." he trailed off, shrugging.

"And Itisa is amazing!" Anna added, her eyes bright despite her pallor. "She's so smart, and she always knows when Harry needs help. Did you know she can tell when he's having nightmares? Sebastian says she wakes Harry up before they get too bad."

Newt's quill moved quickly across the parchment. "Does she? That's quite remarkable. What else have you noticed about her behavior?"

"Well," Sebastian considered, "she's very particular about who she lets near Harry. She seems to have a sixth sense of people's intentions. Like with Quirrell - she never liked him, always got between him and Harry in class, and Harry even told me that the moment he entered the main hall on the first day, Itisa didn't seem to like Professor Quirrell right away."

"Smart cat," Newt murmured, making another note.

"She won't let me pet her," Anna said, sounding more amused than disappointed. "I don't mind though. But sometimes, when I'm not feeling well and Harry brings her to visit me in the hospital wing, she lets me sit near her while I read. It's nice."

Newt's expression softened further. "You spend a lot of time in the hospital wing?"

Sebastian squeezed his sister's shoulder gently. "Anna has... a condition. The healers are still working on it."

"I see," Newt said thoughtfully, making another note in the margin of his pad. "And Itisa behaves differently when visiting you?"

"She's calmer," Anna explained. "Usually, she's very alert, always watching everything. But when she visits me, she just... relaxes. Like she knows I'm not a threat." She grinned. "Though she still won't let me pet her."

"Have you ever seen her wandering the castle alone?" Newt asked, returning to his original questions.

Sebastian shook his head. "Never. She's always with Harry, or at least nearby. Though sometimes at night, when Harry's asleep, she does patrol around our dormitory. Never goes far though."

"Patrol?" Newt's eyebrows raised slightly.

"Yeah, like she's checking for threats or something. Makes these really quiet rounds, just padding around the edges of the room. It's actually quite comforting, knowing she's keeping watch."

"And have you ever seen her display any unusual abilities?" Newt asked carefully. "Anything that seemed... extraordinary?"

The siblings exchanged glances. "Well," Sebastian said slowly, "she's definitely smarter than any cat I've ever met. And sometimes she seems to know things before they happen. Like that time with the cursed letter?"

Anna nodded. "She knocked it right out of Harry's hands before he could open it. Professor Snape said later it was filled with undiluted bubotuber pus."

"But nothing... larger?" Newt pressed. "No unusual physical capabilities?"

"Other than being the most graceful cat ever?" Anna smiled. "She moves like she's dancing sometimes. I wish I could move like that." She demonstrated with her hands, then had to pause for another small coughing fit.

Sebastian rubbed her back gently. "Maybe we should wrap this up? Anna needs her rest."

"Of course," Newt agreed immediately, closing his notepad. "Just one more question - has Itisa ever shown any signs of aggression? Even in defending Harry?"

"Only when necessary," Sebastian said firmly. "She's protective, but not aggressive. She usually just... positions herself between Harry and whatever she perceives as a threat. Though," he added with a slight smirk, "she did once trip Malfoy when he was being particularly nasty to Harry. Made it look completely accidental too."

"I see," Newt said, fighting back a smile. "Well, thank you both for your time. This has been very helpful."

As Sebastian helped Anna up, she turned to Newt with hopeful eyes. "Mr. Scamander? Would you... would you tell me about some of your adventures sometime? When I'm feeling better?"

Newt glanced at Dumbledore, who nodded almost imperceptibly. "I would be delighted, my dear. Perhaps next time I visit, we could have a proper chat about magical creatures. I might even share some stories that didn't make it into the books."

Anna's face lit up with joy, and even Sebastian looked grateful. As they left the office, Newt turned to Dumbledore with a serious expression.

"Albus, that girl..."

"Yes," Dumbledore sighed. "A rare magical malady. St. Mungo's is still searching for a cure."

"I may know someone who could help," Newt said thoughtfully. "A healer I met in Tibet who specializes in unusual magical ailments. Would you mind if I made some inquiries?"

"Not at all," Dumbledore replied, his eyes twinkling. "I was rather hoping you might offer. Now, about Itisa..."

"Yes, about Itisa," Newt said, reviewing his notes. "It seems our young Nundu has quite the support network, whether she knows it or not. Though I must say, Albus, a cursed letter? In a school?"

"Ah, yes," Dumbledore stroked his beard. "That particular incident led to some rather enhanced mail screening procedures. Though I must admit, Itisa's intervention was rather more efficient than our detection spells."

"Fascinating, really. She seems to have developed a rather sophisticated understanding of proportional response."

"Indeed," Dumbledore agreed. "Rather like someone else I know who once set a Bowtruckle on a particularly persistent reporter rather than something more... dramatic."

"That was one time, Albus," Newt protested. "And Rita Skeeter deserved far worse than a few splinters and a ruined Quick-Quotes Quill."

The two old friends shared a knowing laugh, but then Dumbledore knew they were alone in the room and decided to ask something he had wanted to ask for quite a while.

After ensuring the silencing charm was in place, Dumbledore leaned forward in his chair, his usual twinkle replaced by grave concern. "Newton, there's something specific we need to discuss. The Black Breath."

Newt set down his tea, his expression turning serious. "I wondered when we'd get to this. You're worried about the possibility of Itisa developing that ability."

"Given recent events and what may come, I must consider all possibilities," Dumbledore said carefully. "The Black Breath is perhaps the most devastating natural force in our world. Even the muggles' nuclear weapons, while similarly destructive in immediate impact, don't leave centuries of magical devastation in their wake."

"There are still parts of ancient Macedonia that are uninhabitable from the last recorded Black Breath incident," Newt agreed, running a hand through his greying hair. "Not even the most resilient magical plants will grow there. The magical contamination is so severe that even after 600 years, nothing survives. It's why the muggles think it's just a 'dead zone' from some ancient battle."

"Precisely my concern," Dumbledore nodded. "What are the chances of Itisa developing this ability?"

Newt shifted in his chair, choosing his words carefully. "It's not a simple yes or no, Albus. Not all Nundus develop the ability to use the Black Breath. It's tied to their age and magical maturity. Think of it like wizard puberty, but with considerably more devastating potential outcomes."

"And how old is Itisa?"

"That's..." Newt frowned, "that's where things get complicated. I can't tell."

Dumbledore's eyebrows rose sharply. "You can't tell? But surely with your experience—"

"Normally, yes," Newt cut in. "There are clear indicators: the length and pattern of their fur, the development of their inner spikes, the complexity of their magical aura. But Itisa..." He shook his head in bewilderment. "She's different. I'd need to run several tests, and even then, I'm not certain they'd give us clear answers."

"Different how?" Dumbledore pressed.

"In my life, I've encountered four other Nundus. Each one was exactly what you'd expect - incredibly powerful, highly aggressive, and fundamentally wild. They were forces of nature, Albus, not pets. Even the youngest one I met, barely adolescent by Nundu standards, tried to kill everything within sight."

Newt stood up and began pacing, a habit he'd developed when puzzling through particularly complex magical creature mysteries. "But Itisa... she shows signs of both juvenile and mature Nundu characteristics. Her size suggests she's young, but her control over her magical abilities indicates maturity. Her fur pattern is like nothing I've ever seen documented, and her behavior..." He trailed off, shaking his head in amazement.

"Her behavior is perhaps the most puzzling aspect," Dumbledore prompted.

"Yes! A Nundu forming a familiar bond? It's unheard of. They're solitary creatures by nature, fiercely independent. Yet she's not just bonded with Harry, she's developed complex social relationships with others. She shows discretion in using her abilities, demonstrates advanced problem-solving skills, and exhibits emotional intelligence that, frankly, shouldn't be possible for a Nundu of any age."

"Could she be a new subspecies?" Dumbledore suggested.

Newt laughed without humor. "If she is, we're looking at an evolutionary leap that would make Darwin's head spin. No, there's something else going on here. Something I can't quite put my finger on."

"But the Black Breath capability?"

"Based on her size, she shouldn't be old enough. But given how many other 'shouldn'ts' she's already defied..." Newt spread his hands helplessly. "I honestly don't know, Albus. And that terrifies me almost as much as the possibility itself."

Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Yet you don't seem overly concerned about having her in the castle."

"Because of Harry," Newt said simply. "The bond between them... it's unlike anything I've ever seen. When I observe them together, I'm not watching a wizard and a potentially devastating magical creature. I'm watching two beings who complete each other in some fundamental way. She's not just loyal to him; she's invested in his wellbeing, his happiness, his future."

"And you believe this bond would prevent her from using the Black Breath, even if she develops the ability?"

"I believe it would ensure she only used it under the most extreme circumstances, and only if Harry himself was in mortal danger." Newt sat back down, reaching for his tea. "The Black Breath isn't just destructive, Albus. It takes a tremendous toll on the Nundu that uses it. They usually don't survive more than one or two uses. Itisa is intelligent enough to understand this, and her connection to Harry means she wouldn't risk leaving him unprotected unless there was absolutely no other choice."

"That's both reassuring and concerning," Dumbledore mused. "Given what may lie ahead for young Harry..."

"Yes, well, about that," Newt's voice took on an edge. "Perhaps if certain wizards had been more forthcoming about prophecies and dark lords and philosopher's stones, we could have had this conversation much earlier."

Dumbledore had the grace to look slightly abashed. "You know why I needed to keep certain things quiet, Newton."

"Oh yes, your famous 'greater good' strategy." Newt's tone was uncharacteristically sharp. "Tell me, how's that working out so far? A possessed teacher, a three-headed dog in a school, and an eleven-year-old boy facing trials that would challenge fully trained wizards. Thank Merlin he has Itisa, even if she is an unprecedented magical mystery."

"You're angry with me," Dumbledore observed calmly.

"Brilliantly deduced," Newt retorted. "I'm not just a magical creature expert, Albus. I've seen what happens when people try to control and manipulate situations involving powerful magical beings. It rarely ends well for anyone involved."

"What would you suggest?"

"Be honest with them. Both of them. Harry needs to understand what he's dealing with, and Itisa... well, she probably already knows more than we think. Nundus are incredibly perceptive creatures." Newt sighed. "Let me study her properly. Not just occasional observations, but real research. The more we understand about her unique nature, the better prepared we'll be for any developments - Black Breath or otherwise."

Dumbledore nodded slowly. "Perhaps you're right. Though I must ask - what do you make of Miss Granger's obvious omission earlier?"

"About the troll incident?" Newt's lips twitched. "I suspect we'll find out eventually. Children are terrible at keeping secrets, especially Gryffindors. Though I'd bet my best bowtruckle that whatever happened involved Itisa protecting Harry in a way that would raise quite a few eyebrows at the Ministry."

"Speaking of the Ministry," Dumbledore began.

"No," Newt cut him off firmly. "The last thing we need is Fudge and his bureaucrats poking their noses into this. Can you imagine what would happen if they knew there was a Nundu at Hogwarts? Even one as unique as Itisa?"

"They might find out eventually."

"Then we'll deal with it eventually. For now, let's focus on understanding what we have here - a seemingly impossible familiar bond between a young wizard and a Nundu who defies everything we thought we knew about her species." Newt stood up again. "And perhaps we should also look into helping young Miss Sallow. I wasn't joking about that healer in Tibet."

Dumbledore waved his wand, dissolving the silencing charm. "Very well, Newton. I'll trust your judgment on this. Though I must ask - what do you really think is different about Itisa?"

Newt paused at the door, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I think... I think she might be what happens when a force of nature chooses to become something else entirely. The question is - what made her choose this path, and what does it mean for all of us?"

With that cryptic observation, he left Dumbledore's office, his mind already working on plans for a more thorough study of the most unusual Nundu he'd ever encountered, and the extraordinary young wizard she'd chosen to protect.

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