Compatible Magic

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

Chapter 5: Niffler

Estelle watched Bill do what he does best: curse-breaking. It was day three, and Bill was trying to open the trunk. Estelle tried to be patient, but another revealed itself once Bill broke one curse.

"So, how did you get this trunk?" Bill asked.

Estelle sighed, "I inherited it from a cousin. He was a bit paranoid but stated in his will that valuables were there."

"Paranoid is one way to call it," Bill chuckled. "Any ideas of what valuables are in there?"

"Travel trinkets, gold, a dead body," Estelle listed.

Bill laughed at that.

"A white fur coat," Estelle added.

Bill nodded.

"I appreciate your help," Estelle said as she sat in a chair.

It was not her main objective to use Bill. She got the trunk last minute, and the moment she touched it, she was thrown across the room. There was more to it, but Estelle was not ready to tell Bill. The price of an arm and a leg when she tried to get a professional Curse Breaker back in the States. She got many more opinions, yet they were expensive.

Even though Estelle had money, she was not very rich. She was living in shared housing at the Appalachian Sanctuary, taking care of the drakes and wyverns, along with a few horned serpents, Wampus, Hidebehind, and other creatures native to the East Coast. When Eddie announced the Welsh Reserve would take wyverns and drakes, it was a bitter pill to swallow. As she bonded with them, took care of them, and such.

It was one thing to be a magical zoologist, but it was hard not to bond with these beautiful creatures. Estelle grew up with x and xx creatures. Her parents were busy, as her mother cared for the house and worked part-time for MACUSA. Her father is part of the blended observation unit. He worked in Non-Magical Societies Military and ensured no magic was being used. She also has siblings, yet her relationship with them has been strained in the last five years.

When Eddie told her about the transfer, she volunteered to go. Until Eddie told her about the incident and told her that it was not a month-long trip to the United Kingdom. They needed help taming not only their beasts but also the dragons and organizing the records. Estelle was shocked when hearing this, as many of her coworkers were laughing at the Welsh's situation. Not wanting to waste their time. However, Estelle was going through the motions and needed a fresh start and a situation needing help. So, accepting the offer, she grabbed her things and headed out.

Of course, it was hard to say goodbye to the creatures she cared for. Even the jarvies were huddled in her cabin. Before she left, a Pukwudgie called Ewa came over. The Pukwudgie plays a huge part in protecting the magical forests and Reserves.

Estelle had a strong bond with the Pukwudgies. She was accepted to Ilvermorny, and when she stepped on the Gordian Knot on the floor in the center of the entrance hall, with large wooden statues of the mascots of the four houses facing them, there was a moment of hesitation. She stared at the Thunderbird, the Horned Serpent, the Wampus Cat, and the Pukwudgie. Each house represented a part of a wizard and a witch. The Thunderbird represented the adventurer, the Horned Serpent represented the scholar, the Wampus represented the warrior, and the Pukwudgie represented the healer. The Horned Serpent Head glowed while the Pukwudgie raised its bow.

Estelle was shocked by this. This happened once every decade, yet two Houses wanted her. The vast majority of her peers were cheering her to choose the Horned Serpent. However, Estelle followed her instincts and went towards the Pukwudgie. Where the heart matters more than the mind. There, Estelle was welcomed with ease. The Pukwudgies who protected the school were biased towards their honor house and taught the students hunting and archery. Of course, their fiercely independent personality was entertaining. As one Pukwudgie with a given name, Herbert taught Estelle about magical creatures.

Ewa was her called name—not her actual name. As Ewa gave her departing words to Estelle, she braided a small piece of her hair, Adding a Pukwudgie bead. Estelle felt honored that when she had cut her hair before leaving, she left the braid with the bead.

Bill sighed, "There is one more lock left, but it's strong. I might be able to get it tomorrow."

"Thanks, Bill," Estelle said.

"No problem," Bill said as he sat down next to her. "So… how's life?"

Estelle snorted, "You're asking me that?"

"Well, it's been a few years since we last saw each other," Bill said.

"Yeah," Estelle agreed, "Not like you breaking ancient curses while I observe mummified creatures and blocking out scarabs."

Bill shuddered from that memory.

"Still, I'm doing good," She answered.

"Any boyfriends?" Bill asked.

Estelle barked up a laugh, "Bill, you know I struggle with dating."

Estelle knew she had compatible magic when she was thirteen. Puberty struck, and anytime she tried dating, she ended up severely sick. She had to train herself to be active around wizards. But once intimacy gets involved or touchy, she basically hurls or a migraine. There were a few wizards her magic accepted, but they weren't compatible since they had different views on life.

It has been seven years since she had a relationship. She tried dating No-Majs, and it helped that her magic seemed null. The burden of secrets ruined it, and it became casual sex. But Estelle doesn't like Casual sex. She wanted a partner, a family of her own. Except her Compatible Magic won't let her. Thus, she drowns herself with work and fills the void with friends and their children.

"You never know," Bill said. "You might find someone."

"Doubt it," Estelle sighed. Then she tried to change the subject. "How about you and your condition? Still crave raw meat?"

"More on the bloody rare," he answered.

"And your sleep?" she asked.

Bill sighed, "Depends on the lunar cycle."

"Nothing else, though?" She asked.

"My senses heighten, but nothing else," Bill confirmed.

They've had this conversation. When Estelle heard of this, she was shocked that Bill had been attacked by a werewolf. Most of all, he was able to survive and not be turned. Then again, it was not a full moon. She stared at his scars, seeing them across his face. She had her fair share of close encounters with death. The most brutal being the one around her neck. Creatures, either beings or beasts, should never be misguided. As they can attack when least expected.

After the attack, she came for a visit and met Fleur. At first, she questioned Fleur's being French and part Veela. Yet, seeing how they cherished each other, Estelle let it go and was happy that Bill had found someone. All three would meet when Estelle was in the United Kingdom and have a meal before going their separate ways. Estelle even appreciated the invitation to their wedding as a guest. She wasn't very social; she talked with some guests before the Death Eaters attacked.

It still baffled her how there was a second wizarding war in the United Kingdom, primarily in Great Britain. The Dark Lord Voldemort had returned, terrorizing the wizarding community and the corruption towards muggleborns. Many from the United States wanted to help, yet MACUSA refused, putting a mandatory isolation. No witch or Wizard could leave North America except into Mexico and Canada during the time.

A year later, news came that Harry Potter, the boy who lived, had killed Voldemort at Hogwarts. News of the destruction of Hogwarts and the lives lost. Estelle also learned about Bill's brother Fred being one of the casualties and sent her condolences. She didn't know what to do, as the restrictions were there, and Estelle was at the Reserve tending a forest fire.

Bill stood and stretched, "Well, we better get going."

"I'll meet you in the study, I need to check on something," Estelle said.

Bill nodded as he made his way to the study. Estelle waited before heading to one of the habitats. This one was isolated and could not be seen without opening the tarp. She entered, as the habitat was a coastal range with a rocky beach. She climbed her way to a gathering of rocks and stopped at a small entrance to a cave.

"Bill says there's one more curse lock," she said into the darkness. "Hopefully that will be it."

A slight hum could be heard.

"Stay here," Estelle said. "No doubt Bill's brother wants to check on the drakes and wyverns."

There was silence.

Estelle sighed as she turned around to leave. She has been keeping a secret from another magical creature. A magical being. The method was illegal, and if she was caught returning this creature, she would lose her job and be arrested. However, she was doing the right thing.

"He's cute," a whisper could be heard.

Estelle chuckled, shaking her head.

.o0o.

Estelle made it to Shell Cottage to see Charlie had arrived. She got a good look at him, noting that he was short and stocky and had muscled arms. His face was weather-beaten from working outdoors, and so freckled that he looked tanned. He even had a mop of red hair. She will admit that Charlie had a ruggish appeal, including his warm brown eyes.

As much as she finds him attractive, she will leave it at that. The last thing she needs is to get sick because her magic won't allow it. Sometimes Estelle wished her magic wasn't so complicated. She read it is supposed to balance out magic. She noticed this when she had to tame beasts or fight off traffickers. Some consider Compatible Magic as wild magic. The Witch or Wizard can tame it with their wand, but true control is a partner that is compatible.

Anyway, Estelle spent the day helping Fleur. Once Charlie asked to check on the drakes and wyverns, she nodded, leading the way in. The first thing she did was give the fairies some sugar cubes. The fairies squealed with excitement as they took their share of sugar. Charlie chuckled at this. After the fairies were taken care of, they entered the main chamber. She made sure the door was secured as she yanked hard.

"For the drakes and Wyverns?" Charlie asked.

"More like a niffler," Estelle grumbled.

"I haven't seen your niffler," Charlie murmured.

"That's because he likes to swim in his treasures in the habitat I made for him," Estelle said.

"Why do you have a niffler?" he asked.

She turned to face him, "They make good distractions against traffickers or illegal poachers. A common habit they have is spreading their wealth. Gold goes missing, they freak, and I have easy access to the creature."

"That's actually smart," Charlie complimented.

Estelle smiled, "Yeah, though the downside is that once they get what they need, they search for more. They ruined a lot of apartments for me."

Charlie laughed at that, having an idea what the niffler had done. "That bad?"

"Worst," Estelle said. "But Mr. Scamander requires it."

"You've met Newton Scamander?" Charlie asked.

Estelle nodded, leading the way, "Yes, he is the founder, after all. His son runs the Organization. And his grandson does join in now and then, though busy with the Magizoologist magazine."

"Really," Charlie murmured.

"Yeah, last I heard, Rolf is dating another naturalist," Estelle said.

Charlie was surprised, "Really, who?"

"Some witch named Luna Lovegood," she answered.

"Hey, I know her," Charlie smiled. "She's friends with my younger siblings."

"Huh, small world after all," she replied.

They reached the drakes who were lounging about as the smallest kept climbing on the older two. Charlie found this amusing, as did Estelle. The two observe as Estelle gets some livestock, which allows the drakes to go hunting. Charlie watched, seeing how the drakes killed almost like a lion. Estelle noted this as she pulled out her small journal and wrote it down. She kept track of how they were eating.

"You keep track?" Charlie asked.

Estelle nodded, "Yeah."

Charlie noted. Then again, that is one of the differences between a Dragonologist and a Magizoologist. There are more details on observation than basic facts. Then again, Charlie was also a dragon tamer.

Afterward, they went to the wyverns in a different mountain habitat. Both were grounded as they were eating some goat. Estelle nodded in approval. She had been concerned that the travel would make things difficult for them. She was still worried that the drakes and wyverns would not acclimate and adjust to the Welsh mountains, if not the dragons.

"Something on your mind?" Charlie asked, noting her expression.

Estelle sighed, "I worry about them—what they went through and what they will have to go through. I've done all the steps to be independent…."

"I know the feeling," he agreed. "But we have to let them go."

Estelle nodded sadly as she thought of her position. She was only here for a year to help the Reserve and ensure the wyverns and drakes were good. Afterward, she will have to return to the States and her routine. Charlie gestured to check the eggs before heading out. As usual, Charlie put on the gloves and examined the eggs in the warming chamber.

"So, what got you into being a dragonologist?" Estelle asked.

Charlie continued to examine the eggs. "I was fascinated by dragons when I was a little kid. I used to decorate the family pets as dragons and follow them around to observe their behavior."

Estelle chuckled at that.

"But it wasn't until my third year at Hogwarts in Studies for Magical Creatures that I was intrigued. My friends and I would sneak into the forbidden forest to see what lives there. Then again, my friends were scammed thinking they bought a dragon's egg."

"And what did they get?"

"Acromantula."

"Seriously?" Estelle was shocked.

Charlie nodded, "And that is another story in itself."

Estelle nodded, still surprised. Since Acromantula was at the XXXXX level and a student managed to get one, it was impressive and terrifying.

"Also got only one exceeding expectation in my NEWTS for Care of Magical Creatures." He added. "Not long after, I got an apprentice job in Romania. Been working there ever since as a dragonologist and tamer."

"Impressive," Estelle murmured.

Charlie finished checking on the eggs, taking the gloves off, and looked at her, "And what about you?"

Estelle paused, thinking about it: "My family moved a lot during my early years. People kept changing, but not the animals and creatures that lived by. My father…he found it fascinating, never seeing magical creatures until attending Ilvermorny. It was how we bonded. Same as Care for Magical Creatures. Although I was training to be an archeologist, creatures fascinated me."

Charlie nodded, "And you transport them to safe places."

"Along with observing and documenting," Estelle said. "Animals are not the only beast that can evolve."

Charlie grinned, putting his hands in his pocket, but stopped. He made a face and pulled out his pockets to find them empty, with the exception of his wand.

"Bloody hell," he muttered.

Estelle held back a chuckle, "Missing a few coins or a shiny pocket watch?"

Charlie nodded and stopped, realizing what had happened. She had warned him, but it wasn't until now that it happened. He'd been pickpocketed by a niffler. He didn't even feel the paws and claws. They've spent the day trying to find the Niffler. They've checked the habitat assigned to the little thief. The enclosure was covered in gold, silver, and shiny objects. However, the niffler was not there.

"You don't think a drake ate it," Charlie asked.

"No, the wards keep another beast from entering. I made sure of it," Estelle said. She grabbed a few of the golden items, "Let's go find Midas."

"Do you name all your creatures?" he asked.

"Yes," Estelle answered, grabbing a pearl necklace and leading the way. "If you have been working with them for years, you might as well have named them. You don't?"

"Only the memorable ones, like Norberta," Charlie answered.

"Norberta?" Estelle laughed. "Who came up with that name?"

"Hagrid, once games keeper, won a Norwegian Ridgeback egg. He decided to hatch it, unaware of the laws. He thought the dragon was male and named him Norbert." He explained. "My friends got Norbert to Romania, and I found a sanctuary for him. Until I discovered Norbert was female."

Estelle nodded with a giggle.

"Hence, Norberta," Charlie confirmed.

Estelle was enjoying their conversation. They set up a trap to capture Midas, away from the wyverns and drakes. Once set, they waited, keeping eyes on the trap. Wands are ready to capture the niffler. It would be an hour before a black hair niffler crawled its way. Midas grabbed the coins, putting them in his pouch. Afterward, he wrapped the jewelry all over his body.

Estelle stood up, pointing her wand at Midas, "Accio bracelet!"

Immediately, the bracelet yanked, lifting Midas by the arm and flying towards her. Estelle caught him, yet the impact was strong, causing her to stumble back right into Charlie's chest. Charlie caught her, and by instinct, his arms wrapped around her, bracing them. Midas tried to scurry away, but Estelle kept a good hold of him. At the same time, both Witch and Wizard were still.

Their magic was going wild, reacting to one another, and both embracing the side effects. However, it never came. Estelle did not feel nauseous, while Charlie did not get a sudden headache. With a blush on her cheeks, Estelle quickly yanked herself out of Charlie's hold and grabbed Midas by the legs, shaking him upside down. Midas protested, as did all the gold coins of different currencies and a pocket watch came out..

She grabbed the pocket watch and the galleons with the Ministry of Magic currency before handing them to Charlie. Charlie snapped out of his daze and reached out, accepting his stuff and putting it away. He was still baffled that he did not get a reaction. Even with women he had casual flings with, he got a minor headache…but holding Estelle, he felt nothing. Staring at Estelle, she seemed calm, not having a reaction other than blush dusting her cheek.

"Why…why don't you head up," Estelle said, adjusting her hold on Midas. "I got to handle this rascal."

Charlie nodded as he made his way out, his thoughts going over what Bill said. Estelle had Compatible Magic. Bill mentioned how she reacted, and she seemed fine. This confused him, something he hadn't felt in a long time.

Meanwhile, Estelle tried to regulate herself while wrangling Midas and taking him to his enclosure. She tossed Midas in and placed a ward on it. Midas scurried around trying to find an escape until he gave up and started collecting his personal trinkets. Estelle sat against the wall, taking deep breaths, trying to regulate herself.

She always tried to avoid being close to wizards, ensuring her symptoms didn't drastically affect her. With simple touches, she would get headaches. Being close to Charlie didn't make her nauseous. All she felt was surprise. She shook her head. Charlie is Bill's brother. She will not pass that boundary, let alone that her stay was temporary.

"For fuck's sake," Estelle muttered.

She didn't know what to do.

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