Chapter 9
Eugene Newt Scamander stepped down from the train, his heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and excitement. The brisk September air felt different from the humid warmth he’d grown accustomed to in America. But there was something familiar and comforting about the misty landscape of England. As he stepped onto the platform, he scanned the crowd, his eyes lighting up when he spotted his friends, Frank Longbottom and Bilius Weasley, waving enthusiastically.
“Eugene! You’re back!” Frank shouted, breaking into a wide grin.
“About time, mate! We’ve missed you!” Bilius chimed in, a spark in his bright eyes.
Eugene felt a rush of relief wash over him. The weight of guilt that had haunted him since he and his family fled across the ocean was lifted, even if just a little. “It’s good to be back,” he replied, wrapping his arms around his friends as they embraced him.
As they walked together away from the station, Eugene took in the sights. The familiar cobblestone streets and the scent of freshly baked goods wafting from nearby shops made him feel almost nostalgic.
“I heard what happened with the Dark Lord. How did he die exactly?” Eugene asked, curiosity piquing, his voice dropping slightly in consideration of the horrors he had heard murmured through the magical community during his absence.
Frank, always the talkative one, nodded. “That’s the thing—nobody really knows how he died. One moment he was there, and the next, he was gone. Some say he was betrayed, others think it was a powerful curse that backfired. But the truth? It’s still a mystery. The wizarding world is trying to make sense of it all while dealing with the aftermath.”
“Sounds chaotic,” Eugene said, glancing at Bilius. “I can only imagine what it must have been like here without him hovering over you.”
“Chaos doesn’t begin to cover it,” Bilius replied, shaking his head as they turned a corner. “But listen, tell us about America! Did you see any new creatures? We heard they have some wild ones over there.”
Eugene’s eyes sparkled at the memory. “Oh, where do I even start? I met a family of well-hidden thunderbirds in the forests of Colorado. They’re magnificent creatures, with feathers that spark and shimmer like lightning—beautiful, but quite temperamental. I had to use every bit of my magical persuasion skills just to get close.”
“Thunderbirds?” Frank echoed, wide-eyed. “Sounds dangerous!”
“It was a bit hair-raising at times, yes,” Eugene chuckled. “But nothing compared to the hidden valley I found in New Mexico, where they say the spirits of extinct creatures roam. I swear I saw a Peryton one evening; its wings casting shadows as it flew overhead. I’ve got notes on all of them! If I can ever find my way back to Hogwarts, I might just compile a whole new volume for my book.”
Bilius looked at him with awe. “You’re going to be famous, Eugene! The fantastic beasts you’ve encountered—”
“Maybe,” Eugene replied modestly, “but there’s still so much to learn. I’ve only scratched the surface of what’s out there.”
As they continued their walk, Eugene felt a warmth spread in his chest. As they filed out onto the busy streets of Diagon Alley, Eugene’s gaze fell on a newspaper vendor. Intrigued, he picked up a copy of the Daily Prophet, and the headline struck him hard: “Lestrange Clan Court Date Set – Cornelius Fudge to Preside." He felt a swell of anger rise within him.
"Unbelievable," Eugene scoffed as he read. "Why aren’t they in Azkaban? With this much evidence, they should be tried and imprisoned for life.”
“Oi, mate! Didn’t you know?” Frank said almost casually, flicking through his own copy. “The Death Eater Marx has disappeared ever since Voldemort kicked the bucket.”
“Right, and now Bellatrix Lestrange and Rodolphus Lestrange are the future Lady and Lord Lestrange," Bilius added, his tone dripping with disdain. "It’s obvious that the younger brother, Rabastan, will take the fall.”
Eugene shook his head, disdain mingling with disbelief. “Honestly, the entire family is mad.”
“Come on, let’s just go,” Frank suggested, attempting to bring their focus back to the present. The trio made their way to The Green Dragon, the chilly air nipping at their cheeks as they approached.
The door swung open, welcoming them into a warm, lively atmosphere. To Eugene’s surprise, the members of the Order of the Phoenix waited for him, their cheers ringing like music in the air.
“Surprise!” James Potter shouted, an infectious grin plastered across his face. Sirius Black and Remus Lupin joined in the revelry, while Peter Pettigrew elbowed his way through the throng with a broad smile.
As everyone clamored around Eugene, welcoming him back to the UK, Frank's eyes darted around the room. They fell upon his fiancée, Alice Fortescue, sitting with Lily Evans and Sasha Monne.
“Alice, so tell me, beautiful," he called out teasingly, “how was your girls day out? Did anything exciting happen—or did you find my replacement ?”
Alice huffed playfully. “Everything went well, except for the Death Eaters ruining it at the last minute.”
“Seriously? What did they say to you?” Frank's expression darkened at the thought.
Alice hesitated, her brow furrowing. “They… they mocked us, but I didn’t want you to worry you."
“Did they say anything about Lily?” Frank pressed.
She looked at Lily, then back at Frank. “Well, do you remember a rumor circulated that Lily’s in love with Rabastan Lestrange when we were still students.”
Frank raised an eyebrow. “Really? That doesn't sit well with me. Does she still have feelings for him?”
Alice frowned. “She told me that she is in love with James, but I’m not really sure. It’s all confusing.”
Frank sighed, wrestling with the implications of it all. “You think he’d parade her sister as a new conquest around just to jab at Lily? I wouldn’t put it past him.”
“I don’t know, Frank. I just don’t know.” Alice’s voice faded softly, laden with uncertainty.
Across the bustling tavern, the laughter and music played on. Yet, in a quaint pink house in the heart of Hogsmeade, a different kind of conspiracy was unfolding. Dolores Umbridge sat in her living room, pouring tea for her new guest, Petunia Evans.
“Minister Fudge believes it’s essential for you to understand our world, Petunia,” Umbridge squeaked, adjusting her toad-like glasses. “You’ll learn about the sacred twenty-eight families, the intricacies of our society.”
Petunia, feeling both irritated and intrigued, nodded along, knowing she had entered a world far removed from her mundane existence. As Umbridge continued, her gushing enthusiasm masked the impending darkness that loomed over the Wizarding World.
Back at the Green Dragon, stories flowed, laughter echoed, and Eugene settled back into his place among friends. For now, despite the unknowns of the future, he cherished the here and now—the bonds of friendship stronger than any dark legacy left behind.