The Tribrid and Her Prison {Book One - Complete}

A Close Call

Hope spent the next few days with Newt outside, learning about the creatures he cared for. She sat on the ground outside the Mooncalf area, where the pen was so low it could hardly be considered an enclosure.

Just liked Wingedback's.

"So when they're healed, they'll return to where they lived before."

"Some, yes," Newt replied, sitting next to her to offer some floating kibble to the Mooncalfs, "Others, no."

Hope excitedly watched them snatch the pieces out of the air, making little noises of approval.

He continued, offering Hope some kibble to feed them as well. "Some, unfortunately, will never be well enough to survive in their habitats. So, I keep them here. Offer extra love and compassion, and of course treats," he chuckled, "And they help me teach students how best to care for them - why they are so important to our world and ecosystem."

Reaching her fingers out, she stroked the forehead of one of the Mooncalfs, smiling as it seemed to purr from the affection.

"Do they co-exist among other animals? The non-magic ones?"

Newt nodded. "Mostly, but they usually stick to their own. They've developed wonderful awareness and usually stay out of sight, though there are incidents where the Ministry needs to intervene. While Mooncalfs tend to stay out of sight, Dragons are more known to draw attention. Some Muggles need to be obliviated, have their memory erased, after seeing one."

Grinning, Hope leaned closer to him. "Dragons?" she asked, images of memories coming to mind's-eye, as if she knew what a Dragon looked like but couldn't remember where she may have seen one. She hadn't seen any in the Poachers camp or in the books Newt had given her.

"Oh yes," he chuckled, "If I'm honest, most people don't smile when I mention them."

Hope nodded. "Well, I think some people forget that fear and respect go hand in hand. You can have a fear of something's power but respect and love it all the same."

"I agree..." he smiled, biting his lower lip momentarily as if in deep thought. Newt then patted her knee and offered her his hand. "Wingedback has been pacing around. I think he's looking for you."

With a smile, she stood to her feet, still holding his hand as they made their way to where Wingedback had his own paddock, but as they got closer, something seemed a bit off. Hope watched as Wingedback pranced around, fluffing out his feathers. He didn't look as calm as he usually did.

Newt and Hope stopped simultaneously and watched him claw the dirt in agitation. "Is there something wrong with him?" She asked in a soft whisper.

"I don't know. He seemed fine an hour ago. Wait here..." Newt murmured, holding an arm up to her as he glanced over his shoulder. His features were etched in severe worry lines. "I mean that. Do not come closer until I say."

Swallowing, Hope nodded, though every instinct she had wanted her to go with him. She fought it, knowing this wasn't her area of expertise.

With bated breath, Hope watched Newt slowly creep forward, keeping his body bent in a low bow the whole way toward Wingedback.

Even though she knew he was speaking softly, she could hear every word as if his voice were next to her own ear. Whispering calm affirmations, 'It'll be okay,' 'I'm here to help.'

Wingedback turned his yellow gaze on Newt, making him freeze in his spot and bow lower. Still, it seemed Wingedback was not pleased with his approach because before another second passed, he squawked and began to charge Newt.