Prologue
17th April 1928
Dear Newt,
I hope you don't mind me writing to you and I hope you are recovering well. It has taken me so many attempts to compose this letter, but I've known since we returned that I wished to write it.
So many people have told me that I am lucky, that I am a survivor. But it doesn't feel that way. You are a survivor. Richard should have been one too.
I want you to know that I don't blame you at all, for anything that happened. I am eternally grateful for what you've done for me. You are the reason I am alive and that's a debt I may never repay, though I hope to.
My father thinks that I wish to die and for a while, I thought I did too. But then I realised that I shouldn't waste the chance you've given me. Richard wouldn't if he were here. So in his memory, I must live as fully as I can. And, I hope you will stay in my life as a friend. You are an exceptional wizard and I understand now how much I look up to you.
So, from one survivor to another, thank you.
Yours sincerely, Grey.
PS: Richard loved your book.
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19th April 1928
Dear Grey,
I was so glad to receive your letter - I had been thinking of you and worried that you would blame me for what happened. So, hearing otherwise is a great relief.
You'll have to forgive me. I don't write many personal letters, so I cannot guarantee that this will be a good read. And any smudges are likely from the nifflers. They stole all my ink bottle stoppers, a lesson learnt that I should just cork them in future - the bottles not the nifflers.
What you wrote about carrying on as a tribute to Richard was very moving. I do regret not seeking him first as you had requested. It pains me to not even know the person who sacrificed himself for me. I think about it everyday.
But, as you said, we are survivors, and living as fully as we can in Richard's memory seems like a wonderful idea. I'm sure Albus would be relieved to know your intentions. I suppose, somehow, you knew I was the one who found out that you are his son. And if you didn't, well, now you do.
After our meeting in the Hogs Head, I couldn't stop thinking about the strange way the bloodpact had behaved. So I researched. Even pulled some strings at the ministry. Sometimes, it pays to have a brother who is head of the British Auror Office.
Though, the truth was so far from what I expected. Telling Albus was very difficult because I had no idea how he'd react. Part of me was terrified that he would regect you. But, obviously he didn't. He was so heartbroken and felt guilty for not knowing. The weeks after, I don't think I've ever seen him so stressed. Usually, he's such a calm and reserved man. Your initial disappearance unsettled him, but once he knew who you were to him, it was exacerbated. I will never forget those weeks.
On a more positive note, I would be very pleased if you did keep in touch. Theseus, my brother, has me under a glamorised house arrest 'for my safety' . But he hardly leaves me alone. If it weren't for my creatures, I think I might have lost my mind by now. I just want to leave the house, it's a full moon son and I got tipped off about a mooncalf den. So, to shorten this long point I'm making, please feel free to write whenever you like. It was very kind of you to say that you looked up to me, though I'm not sure what I've done to deserve it.
Yours Sincerely, Newt Scamander
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29th April 1928
Dear Newt,
Thank you for your letter, I think your penmanship is much better than you give yourself credit for.
What you mentioned about being the one to tell my father, I did know. In fact, it was the first vision I had in that place. But, I admit, I didn't realise the extent it had affected Albus. This development in our relationship is still very new. I think he has settled into his new role quicker than me. I am trying, it's just difficult separating past experiences from the present.
I understand feeling copped up though. I haven't been allowed to leave the castle except for outdoor lessons. Even then, an extra member of staff has been present. At first, I was grateful and I do still get overwhelmed by the fear that something sinister is lurking around every corner. But I'm also brutally aware that I won't overcome this fear without leaving the castle. And I do want to overcome it. However, Albus is using the upcoming O.W.Ls as an excuse to keep me in close sight. I wish I had more creatures to keep me company. Twyla, my cat, is amazing but I can't take her to class. Perhaps I should find a bowtruckle like Pickett?
In other news, I've had a couple of visions since returning. Only about trivial things, although I now have a good insight into the upcoming Astronomy O.W.L paper. Albus wasn't pleased with that, but I managed to feign it being accidental. I don't think I'll get away with it again.
I wanted to ask what creatures you have? My favourite remains to be thestrals and I know Richard loved golden snidgets. Probably because of their quidditch ties.
If you write again, my reply may be delayed. O.W.Ls start next week and I'm spending all my spare time studying.
Yours Sincerly, Grey.
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3rd May 1928
Dear Grey,
Good luck with you O.W.Ls!
~Newt.
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5th May 1928
Dear Newt,
Thank you! I'll write again when they are finished.
~Grey.
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19th May 1928
Dear Newt,
Just finished my last exam. I think they went well but Albus won't say anything. I'm going to go sleep for a couple of days. I hope you're doing well.
Kind Regards, Grey.
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22nd May 1928
Dear Grey,
Congratulations on completing your O.W.Ls, I'm so glad they went well. Particullally impressive considering you missed a month.
I am doing well. Theseus has finally reduced all the security measures and I'm allowed to come and go as I please. It is a big relief. There are only so many time you can rely on you creature-oblivious brother to collect the right supplies.
How is your relationship with your family going? I realise it's been some time since your last longer letter. I hope it's improving. Although it's hard to fully understand your situation, I'm positive that those things will naturally take time.
Getting a bowtruckle is a wonderful idea. Are you interested in caring for creatures? I would be happy to instruct you on it. I currently have: nifflers, bowtruckles, fwoopers, mooncalves, billywigs, augureys, demiguise, diricawls, erumpent, graphorns, grindylow, murtlaps, occamy, puffskiens and a kelpie. Although, I have experience with many others, if there is something in particular that you are interested in. They are all such fascinating characters and a true pleasure to work with. Especially now Theseus isn't breathing down my neck.
He told me that he had orders to interview you about everything now your O.W.Ls are over. I know he's coming to Hogwarts for it, so I wish you the best of luck. Write soon.
Kind Regards, Newt.
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26th May 1928
Dear Newt,
Theseus was here this afternoon for the interview. Albus wasn't allowed in during it which was awkward. He is a comforting presence at least. I think it went well although I don't really understand the purpose of it. I could have written it all in a letter to the ministry which would have taken far less anxiety. I don't like dwelling on that month.
I think things between Albus and me are improving. It's hard to tell. He's very overprotective which makes it hard to have open talks like we used to. It was easier in the beginning but for some reason, it got difficult to tell him things. I think it's partly because I don't want to worry him. He worries enough as it is.
I'm getting along well with my uncle. He comes for tea every Sunday evening. I wish I could see him without Albus because there's still so much tension between them. Hardly surprising though, I suppose.
I can't believe how many creatures you have - it's amazing. In truth, I'm not sure if creature care is what I want to do. I don't really know what I want to do. I start a Charms apprenticeship this summer, teacher training. But the more I think about it, the less I'm sure it's what I want. I think I was interested in creatures because they'd be good company. Most people avoid me here and although I like my solitude, my own company is a bit depressing given recent events. But since two of my friends have died, someone started a rumour that I'm cursed and whoever becomes my friend will die. It's stupid but so are all the other students in this school apparently. Somehow, I don't think a bowtruckle would believe rumours like that. Maybe? I don't know, you're the expert.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards, Grey.
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12th June 1928
Dear Newt,
Just checking in, I haven't heard from you in a while. I hope you're doing alright.
Kind Regards, Grey.
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22nd June 1928
Dear Newt,
I had a vision that you found an orphan thestral foal. I hope they're doing ok and you are too.
Kind Regards, Grey.
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30th June 1928
Dear Newt,
Summer holidays start in about two weeks. It's giong to be strange staying at the castle. Albus still won't let me leave but I'm hoping I can persuade him to let me go to Hogsmeade over the summer. Uncle Abe is there so it would be fine. I hope you're doing alright.
~Grey.
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12th July 1928
Dear Newt,
If you don't want me to write anymore, please just say. I won't mind. I understand you're a successful adult and I'm just a student. You're a busy man. I promise, I won't mind.
~Grey.
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17th July 1928
Dear Grey,
I am so sorry! I was travelling in Russia and I don't think your owl knew where to find me. I just got home and found all your letters on my doormat. I really am sorry. I was wondering why I hadn't heard from you. Please don't stop writing, I really enjoy our correspondents.
There's a lot to catch up on. Firstly, I'm glad the interview went smoothly, I hope Theseus didn't make things awkward. Albus being overprotective doesn't surprise me. I do think you should still try to be honest with him. It's like when you find a new creature, you've got to learn the right timing for the right things. I have faith in you. You're an excellent conversationalist.
The thestral I found is thriving. It sounds silly, but I actually named him Richard. It felt like a good idea at the time but if it offends you, let me know.
In regard to your career confusion, it's perfectly alright to be confused. You're only 16, you don't need to figure it out yet. I'm sorry students are treating you harshly. Have you told Albus? Maybe creature care could be good for you. Especially with the lower maintenance creatures, it can be therapeutic.
If I'm correct, it's the summer holidays now? Perhaps I could come visit you? There was a tree in the Hogwarts grounds that played home to bowtruckles in my time, we could see if they're still there. Let me know!
Sorry again for the late reply.
Kind Regards, Newt.
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19th July 1928
Dear Newt,
Apologies about my many letters. I should have realised you were travelling. I want to hear all about Russia.
I think that naming the thestral Richard is lovely and I'm sure that my Richard would have been honoured to have such a majestic beast named after him.
The summer holidays have started and being at Hogwarts is even stranger than I imagined. Half the faculty is still here but I hardly see anyone besides my family and Professor Elks. My extra lessons with him are going well although, it's helped me realise that I do not want to be a teacher. I haven't spoken to Albus about it yet, but I will at some point.
I would like if you could come and visit. I'm still not allowed to leave, three months on. It's getting frustrating. Thankfully, I can sneak out at night in raven form for a quick fly. I don't risk any longer than an hour. I think Albus has recruited the ghosts to keep an eye on me. Long story short, a visit would be wonderful, or else, I may loose my mind.
When are you available?
Kind Regards, Grey.
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20th July 1928
Dear Grey,
I owled Albus about coming to visit and he thought it was a wonderful idea. Although, he said you didn't tell him. But, either way, I'll see you on Sunday 22nd. I should arrive in Hogsmeade at around 1pm so I'll be at the castle by half past. Looking forward to seeing you.
Kind Regards, Newt.