Loyal, Just, Patient, Hard-working

by Shirley Lestrade

Thirteen years after the events of Never too Far Gone, Newt and Zarayna prepare to send their only child, Newt Jr. (nicknamed Arty) to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While there, Newt befriends Tom Riddle, a Slytherin student one year his senior. The events that follow stun his parents and make them wonder about their son and who he will become.

1. Chapter 1

"Mum! Dad! Look, look, it came, it's here, look!"

Arty excitedly slammed an envelope on the table in front of me. The address, written in green ink, read:

Mr. N. Scamander, Jr.

The Smallest Bedroom

12 Elsing Rd

Sittingbourne

Kent

Though I knew from where it came, I flipped it over to see the Hogwarts crest imprinted on the red wax seal.

"Oh, wonderful!" I said, not faking my own excitement at his acceptance to Hogwarts. I still remembered the day I had received my letter - it was certainly among the best days of my life. "Newt! Newt, come here!"

I heard him thundering down the steps. "What's all this noise about?"

Arty snatched the letter from my grip, nearly ripping the envelope. "Look, Dad!"

Newt did as he was asked and said, "Well, don't waste time showing us, tell us what it says!"

Arty tore it open, tossing the envelope to the ground and read, "'Dear Mr. Scamander, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.' I knew it! Can we go get my supplies today? Can we, please? At least my wand. Please, Mum!" In his excitement, he dropped a second sheet of parchment. Arty picked it up. "Look, it's my supply list! Come on, Mum, please? I really want to see Diagon Alley!"

I laughed, amused at his excitement. "We'll go when it's closer to the start of term and get everything. It's still July; term doesn't start until-"

"September 1," said Arty promptly and proudly. "But Mum, can't we -"

"Arty, we will wait, at least until August."

"You've waited this long," interjected Newt. "What's another month?"

"But Mum!"

"Newton Artemus Fido Scamander, you are not going to Diagon Alley until I say we are, and that is final!"

Arty was quiet for a moment, then said, "You forgot to add Jr."

I couldn't keep a straight face at his reply. I reached out and hugged him. "I promise you we will go to Diagon Alley soon, Arty, just be patient. September will be here before you know it."