Why do I feel like Blake’s about to get hit harder than I did?

Unnamed Island.

This was exactly what Dumbledore had been looking for.

Afterwards, it had been up to Blake and Newt to manage the magical creatures they'd rescued. Now, however, the island was far more lively—though not due to more creatures.

No, it was the people.

This island, once silent and desolate, had been chosen by Blake and Newt to serve as a magical zoo.

To keep things discreet, Blake dropped everyone off on a smaller island nearby before hiding Megatron—his Autobot creation wasn't exactly legal.

He pulled out a set of brooms and handed them out. "Follow me closely," Blake instructed as they hovered in the air. "One wrong turn and you'll get lost."

Hermione and Nagini had been to the Unnamed Island before—but always through Hagrid's cabin via the dimensional gate. Flying in like this was new to them. For Luna, it was her first time entirely.

The sea stretched endlessly ahead, and Luna, peering into the empty blue, frowned. There was no sign of land. Why did Blake sound so close?

Just as she was thinking that, Blake veered sharply mid-air, turned back, grinned, and said, "Welcome to the zoo."

Luna followed his path—and in an instant, everything changed.

A shimmer passed before her eyes, and suddenly, a massive island emerged from the void. Boundless and teeming with different ecosystems. Near the entrance, thick greenery blanketed the terrain. From her broomstick, Luna spotted Mooncalves and Velvet Antlered Puffers grazing below. In the distance, a dragon's wings stirred the clouds.

On the ground, a white-haired woman was feeding the Mooncalves. She looked up and spotted them.

"Good day, dear Blake! I was just wondering when you'd arrive."

Blake guided his broom downward and landed gracefully before her. "Good day, Mrs. Scamander. Sorry we're late."

Tina Scamander stroked one of the Mooncalves' soft heads, smiling. "Oh, I'm not waiting. I've been enjoying their company."

She leaned in conspiratorially. "But they won't stop crowding me. I'm not sure if they're still hungry or just clingy."

Blake chuckled. "They want you to watch them dance in the moonlight. They really like you."

Tina's expression softened. "Ah… so that's it." She stroked another head. "Maybe I finally understand why Newt's always loved these little ones."

Her eyes twinkled as she glanced behind Blake. "Hmm? A new guest?"

Blake nodded. "You already know Nagini. This is Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood—my friends."

Hermione and Luna greeted her politely, a bit shy.

"Just call me Tina," she said kindly, then added with a wink at Blake, "Charming girls. Why do I feel like all your friends are beautiful young ladies?"

Blake maintained his smile, even as he felt Hermione's sharp gaze on his back. "Well… boys don't really like playing with me."

Which was true.

There had been boys who used to hang out with him. That was before he was constantly surrounded by girls.

They couldn't take it.

Eventually, even Big Bob—Blake's most loyal mate—only showed up when the coast was clear. When girls were around, he vanished like a ghost.

"Come," Tina said, brushing her hands. "I've made some puffs. I think you'll love them."

But before they could take a step, the ground trembled.

The crash of falling trees echoed nearby, followed by a familiar voice.

"No, no, no—stop! Tina's going to kill me! Oh no, I can already hear her voice…"

"Newt!" Tina shouted. "You promised!"

A massive creature landed in front of Blake with a thud.

Nagini instinctively shielded Hermione and Luna. Both girls peeked around her to get a better look.

The creature was elephant-sized, with feline features, a long feathered tail, and dazzling colors. It had a grin that looked almost… human.

On its back, an old man with tousled hair sat awkwardly.

"Merlin," Newt Scamander muttered, looking miserable. "Tina, I can explain—"

Blake stepped forward. "Long time no see, Mr. Scamander. And… Zuowu."

He patted the great beast's head.

Zuowu purred.

"Now I understand why it ran here," Newt said, dismounting. "It must've caught your scent, Blake."

He rubbed the back of his neck. "But… you've really thrown me under the bus here…"

Tina crossed her arms. "We agreed, remember? You were going to let the younger ones handle the large creatures."

"I know," Newt sighed. "And I wasn't riding him, really—I was brushing his fur! And then… well, he picked me up."

"Ah, so you're saying he sniffed Blake and accidentally carried you here?" Tina arched a brow.

Newt's eyes lit up. "Yes! Exactly!"

Tina didn't look impressed.

"I don't believe you," she said flatly, waving her hand. "I'm tired of trying to control you."

Newt paled. That was worse than being yelled at.

Panicking, he shot Blake a desperate look.

Blake stepped in. "Mrs. Scamander—"

Newt perked up, hopeful.

"I think Mr. Scamander made a mistake. You shouldn't let him off the hook."

Newt's expression froze.

Blake continued, "I've got an idea to help you control him."

Tina beamed. "Wonderful! Let's talk in detail."

She took Blake's arm and led him away.

Newt stared after them, betrayed. "Blake… I thought we were on the same team…"

But Blake turned and gave him a reassuring thumbs-up.

Newt blinked.

He must be convincing Tina to go easy on me!

He relaxed slightly, reassured—for now.

Hermione and Luna wandered, marveling at the open meadows and magical creatures that roamed freely, unbothered by humans.

"It's like paradise," Luna whispered.

Hermione agreed, though she was surprised at Newt Scamander's demeanor. She'd expected a stern academic. Instead, he was awkward and gentle.

As they walked, Newt introduced them to each creature.

"We're not locking them in cages," he explained. "That would make us no better than poachers."

He pointed out the sections of the island. "We've magically adjusted environments to suit each species. While the space isn't huge, it's safe, and they have no predators."

Hermione asked, "But what about the dangerous ones?"

Newt nodded. "Their habitats are surrounded by magic barriers. So yes… it's still a cage. Just larger."

He looked down. "Sometimes I feel guilty. They should be free."

Hermione shook her head. "If they were out there, they'd be hunted—or hunted us. This is a better life."

She smiled. "Blake told me everything has trade-offs. You saved their lives."

Newt brightened. "Thank you, Miss Granger."

She blushed. "That's actually what Blake said. I just repeated it."

Meanwhile, Luna spotted a creature with curved horns lounging in the shade. She ran over.

The beast lifted its head and snorted excitedly—it remembered her.

Hermione squinted. "What's that? I've never seen it in any book."

"It's a Bent-Horned Snorlax," Luna replied, petting it.

Newt joined them. "They were considered mythical. No one had actually seen one… until Blake found it."

Hermione blinked. "When was that?"

"In January," Luna said casually. "Nagini and I were with him. We ran into poachers. It was dangerous."

Hermione's eyes narrowed. "January? He told me he went looking for alchemy ingredients. Alone."

Luna tilted her head. "No, he was with us. We left the UK on Ye Ji, rode a dragon, then a flying carpet…"

"A dragon?" Hermione's voice cracked.

That had been her dream—adventuring with Blake, riding a dragon.

But he hadn't taken her.

Worse—he'd lied.

Hermione's chest tightened. She tried to hold it in.

Nearby, Newt noticed the tension.

He glanced between the girls and frowned. Something wasn't right.

"Mr. Scamander," Hermione said suddenly, "do you have an owl? I want to send a letter."

"Of course."

Hermione pulled out parchment and quill, setting them on a stone.

Newt watched her write furiously.

This didn't feel like just a letter.

It felt like war.

He swallowed nervously. "Why do I feel like Blake's about to get hit harder than I did?"

And in his mind… a river of blood began to flow.

=============

Want to read more?

Join my Patreon

patreon.com/Max1mus

Also Please vote for this work with your Powerstones

And don't forget to leave a review