Hermione's questions were, without exception, sharp and well-aimed.
Henry found himself acknowledging, more than once, that this girl had a genuinely unusual aptitude, not for politics in the theatrical sense, but for the careful, methodical work that made governance actually function.
"What's the planned number for the first intake of dragons?" she asked. "How many are expected?"
Henry considered briefly. "Five to eight, including Norbert. The others would come from various sources, depending on what becomes available."
"And other magical creatures?"
"Unicorns, hippogriffs, and potentially others," Henry replied. "We'll know more once the expert team is formally assembled and can give proper guidance."
Cho Chang, seated nearby and taking notes, had been adding occasional observations about magical creatures native to the East, the Qilin in particular, each time a relevant topic arose.
Harry had been listening quietly, but now he looked up with a question of his own. "Your Highness, you must know of Mr. Newt Scamander?"
Henry did. The author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was among the foremost authorities on magical creatures the wizarding world had produced.
He had spent decades at the Ministry of Magic before retiring, maintained a long friendship with Dumbledore, and had documented species that most wizards didn't even believe existed.
"I know of him," Henry said. "What are you thinking?"
Harry said, "Hagrid mentioned him once. He said Mr. Scamander is someone he's always admired, that he's read everything he's written."
Hermione's eyes lit up immediately. "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, yes, I've read it twice. The level of detail about creature behavior and habitats alone would make it invaluable for a sanctuary like this—"
"Hermione," Ron said.
She stopped herself.
"You're suggesting," Henry said slowly, "that we ask Mr. Scamander to come out of retirement?"
All three nodded.
"It's a good idea," Henry said. "There's a complication, though."
"What kind?" Harry asked.
"Mr. Scamander has been retired for some time. He's elderly, and it would be a considerable presumption to approach him directly, especially since he's a longtime friend of Professor Dumbledore. These things require the right introduction."
Ron frowned. "So who do we ask?"
Harry looked up. "Professor Dumbledore, obviously. He just said they're old friends. If he'd be willing to make the introduction, everything else becomes much simpler."
Hermione followed the logic immediately. "He could at least let Mr. Scamander know the project exists."
"When do we go?" Ron asked.
Henry glanced at the clock. "Now, if you like. There's still time."
Cho Chang elected to stay in the library rather than accompany them to the Headmaster's office. Harry looked briefly regretful but didn't press.
The four of them made their way through the corridors, up several flights of stairs, and arrived at the stone gargoyle guarding the entrance to the Headmaster's office.
It crouched in its usual position, watching them with an expression of supreme indifference.
"Password?" it asked.
The trio exchanged uncertain glances. None of them had the faintest idea.
"We don't know it," Ron admitted.
"No password, no entry," the gargoyle said flatly.
Henry was about to supply it when a calm voice came from behind them.
"Lemon drop."
All four turned. Dumbledore stood in the corridor, a small box of sweets tucked under one arm, his half-moon spectacles catching the torchlight. He regarded them with quiet amusement.
"Were you looking for me?" he asked.
"Yes, Professor," Harry said quickly. "There's something we'd like to discuss with you."
Dumbledore nodded and approached the gargoyle. "Lemon drop." The gargoyle stepped aside to reveal the spiral staircase behind it.
"Come along," Dumbledore said.
The Headmaster's office was as Henry remembered it, the strange silver instruments arranged on their various surfaces, each emitting its faint hum and occasional curl of smoke.
The portraits of former headmasters lined the walls, most appearing to drowse in their frames, though Henry was quite certain they were doing nothing of the kind.
Dumbledore gestured toward the sofa and settled himself behind the desk, his hands folding together on its surface.
"Now then," he said pleasantly. "What brings you here?"
Harry glanced at Henry, who offered a slight nod.
Harry took a breath. "Professor, it's about Hagrid's dragon."
"Hagrid's dragon," Dumbledore repeated, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "Yes?"
"He has a Norwegian Ridgeback, Norbert. He's grown quite large already, and it's becoming clear Hagrid won't be able to keep him much longer. But His Highness's family is building a Magical Creatures Reserve, and Norbert could go there."
Dumbledore nodded. "I am aware of the reserve. Fudge mentioned it to me. A very worthwhile initiative." As he said this, his eyes moved briefly to Henry with an expression that was difficult to interpret precisely.
Harry continued. "Ron's brother Charlie has agreed to come back from Romania as the chief expert. But we thought the reserve would benefit enormously from having someone like Mr. Newt Scamander involved, even in an advisory capacity."
Something shifted in Dumbledore's expression. "Newt?"
"Yes," Hermione said, leaning forward slightly. "Mr. Scamander is the foremost authority on magical creatures in the world. His involvement would immediately raise the reserve's credibility and attract other serious experts. There's really no one more qualified."
Dumbledore didn't reply immediately. His fingers tapped a slow, quiet rhythm on the desk as he considered.
"Newt is a very old friend," he said at last. "We have known each other for a great many years, and he is without question the right person for this." He paused. "However, he has been retired for some considerable time. He is not young, and his health requires some care. I cannot say with certainty whether he would be willing to take on a formal commitment."
"We wouldn't want him to work full-time," Henry said. "Advisory involvement only, visiting occasionally, offering guidance when he's able. We would arrange whatever support he needed to ensure it wasn't taxing for him."
Dumbledore looked at Henry with an expression of quiet approval. "That is very thoughtfully considered."
He was quiet for a moment longer, then made his decision. "I will write to Newt and put the question to him. If he is willing, I'll arrange for you to meet him directly."
Harry's face broke into a wide grin. "That would be wonderful, Professor."
"Don't raise your hopes too quickly," Dumbledore said, though his own tone was gently encouraging. "Newt is a man of strong opinions and considerable independence. But I believe he may well be interested, Britain has never had a proper magical creature sanctuary, and that was always something he wished he could have changed."
"There's one more thing," Henry added. "The reserve won't be ready for some time yet. In the interim, I wondered whether Mr. Scamander might be willing to help look after Norbert while arrangements are finalized."
Dumbledore smiled with evident warmth. "I think he would find that a great deal more appealing than you might expect," he said.
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Early chapters: [email protected]/palevolt100