The Scamander Chronicles

Leta

Newt Scamander traced his finger across the worn spine of a book he'd read a hundred times over: "Ancient Beasts of South America". Of course he had his own copy of the book but he loved the ones from the library the best. The tattered spines, the loose pages, occasional scribbles on the pages. It made him feel like he was enjoying the book with another person as he read. Maybe they'd had idea about the things they'd read as well. Maybe they wanted more like Newt had. Newt had only been at Hogwarts for four weeks and he'd visited the library every day. He felt he could be himself here. "It's a good place to get away from everything huh?"

Newt jumped knocking a book off of the shelf and onto the floor. He quickly bent to pick it up but the owner of the voice beat him to it.  Newt looked up to see the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. Her skin was a deep chestnut color and her hair was inky black. Newt knew he was flushing.

"Sorry I startled you. I was just excited to see that someone appreciated that book as well as I do. I'm Leta by the way," She held out her hand and Newt just stared at it like he's never shaken another person's hand before. He finally snapped out of it and took her hand.

"N-Newt" He said stammering just a bit. But Leta smiled.

"How are you liking Hogwarts?" Leta asked as she stood to place the book delicately back on the shelf. Newt shrugged.

"It's alright I guess. I just haven't made any friends," Newt said shrugging.

Leta nodded. "Yeah. I understand. At least you're a Hufflepuff and not a Slytherin. Slytherins are all despicable people. I just left the common room because a group of guys were cursing a poor Bowtrukle they snatched from the Care of Magical Creatures room." Leta looked on the verge of tears but she shook her head as if clearing the thought and gave Newt a small smile. "But I managed to do a bit of good today," Leta reached into her shirt pocket and pulled out a tiny Bowtruckle. Newt's eyes widened.

"I snatched him and ran off. Poor little guy," Newt stared at the beautiful creature in her hand.

"Are you going to keep him? Because I could help you care for him. I've read everything about them," Newt stared at the creature fondly.

"Me too. I'm especially interested in their attachment to a certain person. It's fascinating. Even if a Bowtruckle's owner is foul and evil-" Leta said.

"They'll stay with them no matter what," Newt finished.

"Yeah," Leta smiled and she stroked the Bowtrukle fondly. "But you could still help, but he'll need a name," Leta said.

Newt pursed his lips together thoughtfully and glanced around the library. His eyes landed on the book that he had been looking at earlier. The author's name on the book: "Charles Picket."

"How about Picket?" Newt asked.

"Hmmm. Picket. That's good. What do you think?" Leta said to the bowtruckle. The bowtruckle gave a little purr and Leta laughed.

"Picket it is then," Leta said.

Leta glanced at a clock on the wall and gasped.

"Merlin's beard, it's almost 10:00 and I haven't even started on my potions essay! I've gotta go Newt, but I'm so glad I got to meet you. How about I meet you here again with Picket. Same time?" She asked hopefully.

"Same time" Newt said in agreement. Then she ran off and Newt already wished he could see her again.