The Adventures of Laney Scamander: Lost In Time

Chapter 7-The Family Gathering

The Scamanders and Addison and Jaxson made their way into the cottage, where they were greeted with a strong smell of springtime. Inside the cottage's sitting room sat two large sofas, two sitting chairs, two ottomans, and a brown wooden coffee table. "Kids, feel free to make yourselves at home, we'll be in the kitchen." the woman said. "So, I suspect those are your great grandparents?" Addison asked. "Yep, Tina and Newt Scamander. They're fantastic people, wouldn't you think so?" asked Laney. "Definitely. They seem very nice as well!"

"They are." Lorcan said. "Great grandmother has told me all about her old ministry job, and what it's like to work in America. She's also told me all of their rules and how strict they are." "Yes, the American Ministry of Magic is quite strict." Lysander said. Everyone continued chatting about the family, and Lorcan, Lysander, and Laney explained to Addison and Jaxson about who all was coming and from what side of the family they were a part of. While they were all talking, Laney spotted Newt sneaking out of the kitchen. "Dodging responsibilities again?" Laney asked in a hushed voice. "I'm just going down to feed the creatures." Newt said. "Can we come?" Lysander asked, spotting his great grandfather. "I suppose that would be alright, but only if you promise you won't tell the adults." The kids nodded. "Alright, come on then."

The children and Newt made their way down to the basement. Addison gasped once she got a good look around. "Wow, this place is spectacular!" she said. "Yes, it's my favorite place to be, besides the garden." Newt said. He turned around. "I don't believe we've met, have we? Rolf sent an owl saying some friends would be tagging along, so you must be one of them." "Yes sir, I'm Laney's friend Addison. She's told me all about you and all of the amazing things you have done."

Newt gave a smile. "It's very nice to meet you Addison, but there's no need to call me sir, Newt would be just fine." he turned to face Jaxson. "And you are?" "Jaxson, Jaxon Jenkins. The twins have told me a bit about you as well."

"Well, it's very nice to meet you Jaxson. Now, do you know how to feed a Blast Ended Skrewt? I'm going to need a bit of help feeding them. Usually my assistant Bunty helps me, but she's gone on a month-long holiday to the Netherlands." said Newt. "A-what?" Jaxson questioned. He had a look of bewilderment displayed upon his face. He was now starting to wonder what he had gotten himself into, and started regretting coming to stay with the Scamanders. "A Blast Ended Skrewt. Do you know how to feed one?" How did this boy not know what a Blast Ended Skrewt was? They're one of the first creatures school folks learn about! "If you need help feeding them, I could surely help you!" Laney suggested. Jaxson felt relieved and mouthed a thank you to Laney.

Newt nodded. "Yes, that would be alright. We'll feed them last. Nifflers will be first, then Mooncalfs, then Fwoopers, Diricawls, Occamys, Bowtruckles, Demiguises, Hippogriffs, Augureys, Murtlaps, Ashwinders, Doxys, Erumpents, then the Blast Ended Skrewts." "Is that all the creatures you have?" Addison asked. "No, that's not even half of them." Newt replied.

Newt led everyone down to the Niffler's habitat and gave them all a handful of shrubs. "Just hand these to them, and they'll take them." he said. Everyone did as they were told, and the Nifflers took the food gratefully. After feeding them, they went down to the Mooncalf's habitat, and fed them. It took an hour and a half to feed the creatures. By the time they were done, footsteps that seemed to be coming down the stairs were heard. "We know you're all down here." said Tina. "You've caught us." said Newt jokingly. "Come on now, people are starting to arrive." said Tina. "But, I was just about to show them-" "No buts Mr. Scamander, we have guests." Tina said, cutting off Newt. Newt bowed his head down in disappointment and turned to the children. "I suppose we should go back up now."

Everyone made their way upstairs to wash up, when suddenly, a reminder struck Laney's brain. "I forgot, I have something to show you." Laney told her great grandfather as she reached inside her pocket. She handed him a glass vial. "I must say, this is impressive." Newt said as he examined the vial. "It's a cure for NifflerPox. I've been experimenting with it to see if it will work, and I think I've finally done it." explained Laney. "Not too bad if I do say so myself. Have you shown it to Professor Slughorn?" Newt asked.