A/N: For the Houses Competition
House: Ravenclaw
Category: Drabble
Prompt: Acromantula
Word count: 499
Newt found the egg in a Borneo rainforest sometime in 1942. He knew what it was immediately, and felt saddened when he realised that it was the only one of its kind left. He reached down and cradled it gently in his hands. He knew he shouldn't take it - he didn't want to get into any more trouble - but it was all alone, and Acromantulas were sociable creatures by nature. It wouldn't be right to just leave it. He glanced around surreptitiously, then slipped the egg into his pocket and headed back the way he had come.
Newt worried about the egg hatching before he arrived back in England, so he quickly apparated home. What with the Muggle World War, and the battle against Grindelwald in full swing, there were tighter controls on entering and leaving the country, but Newt had learned how to get past those long ago - with some help, of course, from Dumbledore. It came in handy in times like these, when he was carrying Class A Non-Tradable Goods in his suitcase. Not that he was intending to trade it, but Magical Law Enforcement didn't see shades of grey when it came to Newt Scamander. Or anyone, really.
He studied the egg for a few weeks, taking careful notes of its every mark and blemish. He found it fascinating to watch, for he'd never seen an Acromantula egg before and likely never would again. As the days went on, however, it slowly dawned on him that there would be no place for him to keep it once it hatched. His suitcase might be able to adapt, but Newt doubted even it would have enough room for the Acromantula once it grew. Besides, it would be cruel to keep such a beautiful creature locked away, alone and without companionship. No, he had to find another option.
The answer came when Newt was invited to take a third-year Care of Magical Creatures class. Most of the students seemed bored, but one boy hung onto every word Newt said, and his eyes had shone with a wonderful curiosity. Perhaps it was a silly idea, to let a thirteen year old own an Acromantula, but there was something about the boy that made Newt throw caution to the wind and call him back after class. He'd carefully handed the egg over, explaining everything the boy needed to know, and was surprised when the boy hugged him and promised that he'd look after the egg for him.
I swear it Mr. Scamander he'd said. I'll look after 'im right proper.
A few weeks later, a letter appeared on Newt's doorstep, written in large, clumsy handwriting. Newt smiled as he opened it and read the contents, knowing immediately he'd made the right decision.
Dear Mr. Scamander,
That Acromantula egg you gave me hatched today. He's a cute little thing, and I know just how to take care of him. I won't let you down.
Rubeus Hagrid
P.S. His name is Aragog
A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed that! Please leave a review if you have a moment. Bye!