Antithesis

Chapter 74: Thespian

Adrian Selwyn felt like an absolute fool.

He had overlooked something so basic, so ordinary in his wealth of knowledge. He dismissed his information of magical creatures and similar topics and along with that, he dismissed Newt Scamander much more than he should have.

Newt Scamander was famous for his wonderful findings in Magizoology; the discoveries he made revolutionized the world. He was a hero in the eyes of many, but all of this was possibly only from the man's phenomenal ward-work. It didn't seem like much, but wards were everything when it came to magical creatures.

A ward to dispel fire, a ward to regulate arctic temperatures. A ward to corral and contain dangerous creatures, a ward to funnel and ensnare those that got away.

Adrian had overlooked that, he hadn't even considered that Newt Scamander could have a greater role to play.

Let alone, that he, Albus Dumbledore, and countless others were now living essentially, out of a suitcase.

"I hate everything about this." Adrian deadpanned, trying not to twitch away from the movement near his shoulder. Dumbledore adjusted himself on the large plush chair, willfully ignoring the way that they were sitting on ornate furniture in the middle of a pasture.

Newt Scamander contemplated, resting his old head in his gnarled hands. His cup of tea was in front of him, half drunk.

"Well," The man confessed awkwardly, "given our situations, it's certainly not the worst idea."

He was right. Adrian was simply furious he hadn't even factored a magically expanded and heavily warded suitcase into his equation.

"Ah, do not let it bother you." Dumbledore advised with a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, "it was certainly a surprise to my old eyes."

'Liar,' Adrian wanted to spit out, 'I bet you helped him make it.'

Newt Scamander shuffled uncomfortably, clearing his throat. Ron, Hermione, and Skylar looked nearly gleeful watching Adrian and Dumbledore interact.

"So," Dumbledore sighed, stretching and groaning quietly at the movement. Adrian glared even more fiercely at the noise. It was an obvious show, the old man could easily duel everyone in the room and come out unscathed. "I must admit, I was quiet startled when you four appeared."

Skylar grinned, expression so wide and bright Adrian nearly had a headache from looking at him directly. "Oh! No, we were looking for you, Professor!"

Dumbledore's eyes flickered over Skylar's body before settling on his face. Somehow, his face softened in relief. "I see you are unaccompanied anymore."

Adrian shifted backwards, wishing Lutain hadn't run off the moment he felt the warmed air and warded pasture around them. Adrian wouldn't be surprised if there was a fully equipped ecosystem inside this trunk.

"Ah, no." Skylar's grin didn't falter. "Lutain's back where he belongs! Headmaster I am so happy to see you!"

Adrian's stomach twisted in nausea at the sound; Skylar's excitement and selfless delight was making something curdle wrongly.

"It's been a rough ride," Ron confessed, running one hand through his lengthening hair. "Merlin knows how we managed it."

"I would presume young Ms. Granger here is the key to your success." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled in amusement. Hermione flushed at the praise, ducking her head.