The Hollow Beneath Hogwarts

72. Hello

"Uncle Newt!"

The cry escaped Sloane before she could stop it.

Every other thought vanished from her mind. The Gargoyles. The investigation. The danger. The stress of the last few days.

All of it disappeared.

She practically launched herself across the room. Several people jumped out of the way as she sprinted towards the doorway. "Whoa there, little star—"

Newt barely had time to brace himself before Sloane collided with him. To everyone's surprise, the elderly wizard actually managed to catch her.

A few people applauded. Others looked impressed.

One hundred and one years old and still somehow capable of catching a flying teenager. Not bad at all.

Newt laughed as he wrapped his arms around her. "There she is."

Sloane buried her face against his shoulder. For a moment she was ten years old again. Back in New York. Following him around his sanctuary. Listening to stories about magical creatures.

Feeling safe.

"I missed you." The words came out muffled.

Newt's expression softened immediately. "I missed you too, little star."

His voice was warm. Gentle. Exactly as she remembered.

After a moment he carefully lowered her back onto her feet. Then immediately held her at arm's length.

"Let me have a proper look at you."

Sloane laughed. Newt studied her carefully. His eyes moved from her hair to her face and then down to her Hogwarts uniform. He nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm."

"What?"

"Hmm."

"Uncle."

He sighed dramatically. "Damn."

Sloane immediately started laughing. "What?"

"I honestly thought they'd have managed to squash all the American out of you by now."

The room erupted with amusement.

Sloane gasped in mock offence. "Not a chance."

"Really?"

"Absolutely not." She placed a hand over her heart. "I may sound British most of the time."

"Most?" Ron snorted.

"Fine. All of the time."

"Thank you."

"But my style—"

"And attitude," Harry interrupted.

Everyone laughed.

Sloane pointed at him. "My style and attitude are still proudly American."

"Unfortunately," Hermione added.

Sloane stuck her tongue out at both of them. Harry looked entirely unapologetic.

Newt watched the exchange with obvious delight. The smile never leaving his face.

Merlin, she'd grown. The last time he'd seen her she had still looked like a child. Now she stood among her friends as an almost-adult.

Confident. Strong. Happy.

At least happier than he'd feared when he received her letter.

That alone eased some of the worry he'd carried all the way from America.