A Thunderbird's Song {Newt Scamander}

Chapter 1

It's September 1, 1908: the day that changed my life forever.

"Don't forget to send me letters!" My mother cried out as I boarded the Hogwarts Express. Today was the day when I go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I have read so much about this place. I was very curious when I got my letter and I'm only a Muggle: who has potential to learn magic at Hogwarts with wizards! Well, I'm only saying "Muggle" because that's what wizards call us: the non-magic people.

"I will, Mother! Every week!" I replied. Then I thought about what I said. Well, hopefully. The train started to depart from Station 9 ¾ at exactly 11 o'clock and all the families cried their goodbyes to the children. I saw everyone fade away into the horizon. Goodbye mother, see you soon. I walked through the train to find a compartment open. I pass by a room with a young boy about my age alone in the compartment. He had reddish brown hair, blue eyes, and light, freckled skin. The boy was reading a book, apparently, about Chizpurfles.

He looked up as I walked in. "Is it okay if I can sit here?" I asked. Sure, I mean, it was open, but why not ask. He nodded without taking his eyes off his book of Chizpurfles. I sat down across him. I placed my case above me and took out my book "Hogwarts: A History" that I bought at Diagon Alley when getting my supplies. Who doesn't want to learn about history on wizards?

"You a Muggle?" I heard. I looked up from my book and realized it was the boy who asked. "Um. . . yeah. How did you know?" I asked. He replied softly, "Every Muggle I've seen on their first day has "Hogwarts: A History". No kidding."

I smiled at his reply. "How about you? Muggle-born?" I asked in reply. He shook his head, "Wizard." He spoke. I gazed in awe. Oh my, I was in front and talking to my first wizard! I had so many questions for him about wizard life.

"I'm Arden Crawford." I held out my hand for him to shake. He looked at my hand for a moment and shook it. "Newt Scamander." He said and we both smile. For the rest of the ride, no one entered our compartment except when we got snacks from the cart. Newt shared his wizardry life and his love for magical creatures and in return, I told him about my "non-magic" life.

"Woah, I didn't know your father worked for Henry Ford! He like one of the coolest people I read about in the United States. I've always wanted to go there one day." Newt exclaimed. I replied, "I haven't been there yet. My dad just started working there and he's trying to get me tickets to New York. He's been there for about a year now."

Without realizing how much time has passed, the prefects stopped by every compartment telling us we were arriving to Hogwarts now. Everyone felt the train stop and walked off the train. I looked at Newt and he looked at me.

"Friends?" I asked.

"Friends."

Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ

Newt and I walk over to the person shouting, "First years over here! Come on, first years! The longer you take, the longer the headmaster will be waiting!" We both chuckled at the fact some people didn't realize what to do. The person introduced himself as Bogart and he said if we need anything, we go to him with permission. Later after he instructed what to do, everyone was settled in the boats crossing the lake. Every person awed when they saw the view of Hogwarts. I especially awed and Newt smiled like it was his second time. This was the best time of my life.

The next thing I knew, I was walking down the Great Hall towards the hat which will determine what house each student is in. Newt leaned next to me and whispered, "I hope we're in the same house. I have trouble making friends and I'm glad I made friends with you." He blushed softly as I smiled. "Me too." I replied thankful.

"Crawford, Arden." I was first to be sorted. I showed Newt my crossed fingers as I was making my way towards the front. The hat was placed on my head. I heard the hat mumble some words I couldn't hear clearly and soon said, "HUFFLEPUFF!" I smiled as students of Hufflepuff welcomed me to their house. Please let Newt be in Hufflepuff, I thought. All the students got sorted in alphabetical order then finally, it got to S.

"Scamander, Newton." I saw Newt take a deep breath before walking up front. The hat was placed on his head and there was a moment of silence. I thought I could hear Newt's troubled breathing. The hat soon shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!" All of the Hufflepuffs cheered and I probably cheered the loudest. Newt came to sit next to me at the table when dinner was served. "I told the hat I wanted to be with my friend." He told me as I was enjoying my pumpkin juice. "I'm happy he let you!" I smiled and raised my glass playfully. "To us!"

"To us!"

We said good night when we arrived to the Hufflepuff common room after our tour of Hogwarts with the Hufflepuff prefects. "See you in the morning, Ardon Crawford!" He said. "Good night, Newt Scamander." I replied. I walked into my room and found my bed with my stuff. Four other girls came in and introduced themselves. There was Darcy Nook, Beatrice Pryce, Cathryn Harold, and Emery Rice. We talked for hours about each other then we called it night. Before I went to bed, I wrote a letter to Mother.

Dear Mother,

Hogwarts is truelly amazing. I got placed in Hufflepuff and all my classes start on Monday. I made friends with my roommates and especially Newt Scamander who is also in Hufflepuff with me. Mother, he is the most amazing person and you need to meet him soon. I hope you let Dad know how I'm doing since he's in the US working (I would send him a letter but I can't risk my owl going into some place like New York with all the factories and smoke, like Dad said). Miss you dearly.

Love your daughter,

Arson Crawford

I gave my letter to my owl, Luna, and she flew away in the beautiful midnight view. I got in bed and closed my eyes and imagined what my classes would be like with Newt and everyone, what Flying class would be like, and what it would be like to walk the halls of Hogwarts for seven years. I saw myself being liked by everyone and I liked them back.

I guess I was wrong.