The next day, after everyone at the Ministry of Magic had arrived for work, the two prepared to undergo an investigation.
August greatly disliked the word "investigation," as if they had done something wrong, but Newt was already used to it; he had worked at the Ministry of Magic for a while and had seen that attitude many times.
Next, the interrogation took place. Newt and August were asked to explain everything clearly, while three Ministry of Magic officials recorded the information, constantly requesting various details.
The Ministry of Magic had gone to great lengths to extradite Grindelwald, beginning preparations as soon as the United States released the news. Grindelwald was a dangerous Dark Wizard, and no preventive measure was too much.
The day passed, and the final outcome was that Newt was not permitted to leave England during the investigation. August, as an outsider, had no such restriction, but he was warned not to misuse magic.
Newt had no objections to being confined, as his primary task was writing his book, and he had no other time to run around anyway.
"I've already written to Professor Dumbledore; I hope for a reply soon," Newt said after returning, handing a letter to an owl.
He seemed to be in good spirits, and August supposed it was because Pickett the Bowtruckle had reconciled with him.
"Newt, why do you like magical creatures?" August asked curiously, as he watched Newt administer eye drops to a Mooncalf.
"Because the human heart is too complex," Newt replied bluntly. "Animals' emotions are simple; you can perceive their mood, whether they like something or not, very directly. Humans are far more complicated."
August had to admit that it made a lot of sense. Humans were, without a doubt, a contradictory species. Perhaps Newt was tired of the deceptive communication that occurs daily between people and preferred to be with these creatures.
"Newt, you must know that a Dark Wizard like Grindelwald won't be easy to control," August expressed. "He has countless followers and more methods of manipulation. I believe he must be planning his escape right now."
This wasn't an alarmist attitude from August. Grindelwald demanded that wizards lead the entire world, something that was greatly admired by some conceited pure-blood wizards. Their loyalty to Grindelwald was very high, and it wasn't unimaginable that they would plan his rescue.
In fact, America knew this very well, so they monitored Grindelwald with extreme vigilance. Not only did they cut out his tongue, but they also placed countless spells around his cell. Guards rotated every few days to prevent Grindelwald from doing anything unexpected, and Aurors were always on standby for any unforeseen events.
"I know, but President Picquery is even more aware than us; she won't let her guard down," Newt seemed very confident in the American Ministry of Magic.
"Newt, have you ever thought about what would happen if he escaped? I believe such a person wouldn't just disappear," August reminded him.
"His philosophy is clear. I mean, a significant portion of the wizarding world supports him. Ideological differences will cause a major division among wizards. What would you choose then?"
This was a very sharp question. The development of Muggles had severely suppressed the living space of wizards. Grindelwald focused on this point to convince many of his philosophy. In the eyes of some wizards, how could noble wizarding blood yield to Muggles who understood nothing?
In reality, August thought that wizards were no match for ordinary people. Wizards were only a small fraction of the world's population, too small compared to the general population.
If a war broke out between both sides, August didn't see what chances wizards had of winning. Therefore, the various Ministries of Magic kept themselves separate from the Muggle world to protect the wizarding world from being discovered.
"I don't want to choose either side; I just want to live my own life," Newt knew what August meant, but he didn't like conflict.
August smiled, noncommittal to Newt's decision. His brother was an Auror; if Theseus were in danger, could Newt truly abandon him?
"Well, let's not talk about this anymore. Grindelwald might not escape," August said with a smile, changing the subject.
...
The next day, a brown owl perched early at Newt's door, clutching a letter in its beak.
"Looks like Professor Dumbledore has sorted things out with the Headmaster; we've been invited to Hogwarts," Newt appeared, a little happy.
He had left Hogwarts many years ago, but he always missed his time there. Being able to visit again was immense joy.
"Professor Dumbledore is one of the most knowledgeable wizards in the magical world. Your insect egg should be able to revive," Newt informed August that they had received permission to go to Hogwarts.
"How are we getting there?" August thought they would take a train.
"Floo Powder. We can go to Hogsmeade first and then to Hogwarts."
Newt stood first in his fireplace, holding a handful of gray powder, muttering "Hogsmeade." Then, a green flame rose around him, and he vanished.
August imitated him, standing awkwardly inside, sprinkling the Floo powder. He felt a warmth beneath his feet, and in an instant of dizziness, he arrived in another place.
"This feeling is truly awful!" August complained.
"Don't complain, considering how cheap it is and that it's never had an accident," Newt laughed heartily at August's dusty appearance.
"Come on, Professor Dumbledore is waiting for us," Newt said, looking more relaxed now that he was back here, guiding August towards Hogwarts.
From afar, August saw the castle rising beside the lake, with its pointed towers and the great bridge spanning the mountain lake.
A tall figure waited on the bridge, and even from that distance, August felt a power emanating from him that was no less than Grindelwald's.
"As expected of the only wizard capable of standing against Grindelwald," August reflected to himself.
"Newt, how long has it been since you returned?" Dumbledore first embraced Newt and then extended his hand to August.
"And this must be Mr. Vane, whom you mentioned in your letter?"
"Hello, Mr. Dumbledore," August shook his hand and looked at Dumbledore.
At that moment, Dumbledore was still a middle-aged man full of energy, without the aged appearance of his later years. Only his hairline was quite concerning; was this truly a sign of a powerful individual? August secretly grumbled.
After introductions, Dumbledore led them through the Hogwarts gates.
It wasn't holiday season yet, and there were many young wizards at Hogwarts. Seeing their admired professor guide two strangers into the school, everyone looked at them with curiosity.
"I know that person! Newt Scamander was expelled from Hogwarts!"
A young wizard recognized Newt and introduced him to his friends.
"Why was he expelled? Did he break school rules?"
"I heard he brought a dangerous magical creature."
Several young wizards pointed from a distance, but their voices still reached the ears of Newt and his companions.
"Don't mind them; they mean no harm," Dumbledore explained, fearing Newt might recall unpleasant moments from the past. "And besides, we know it wasn't your fault. Expelling you was a mistake."
"It's been a long time; I've forgotten those things," Newt said, seemingly nonchalant, but his nostalgic gaze betrayed him.
"Let's not talk about that. The reason we came to see you has already been broadly explained in the letter, Professor Dumbledore," Newt changed the subject.