The Legacy of the Magizoologist

Back in Newt's workshop, the injured Thestral rested on a bed of soft moss. Its breathing had steadied, though its wing remained splinted and immobile. Newt worked diligently, his movements precise and practiced, while Jamie knelt nearby, gently stroking the creature's sleek, dark coat.

"It's all right," Jamie murmured, his voice as soft as the rustling of leaves. "You're safe now. No one will hurt you here."

The Thestral gave a low, almost grateful whicker, its milky eyes fixed on Jamie. Newt glanced up from his work, marveling once again at the boy's gift. Few wizards could approach a Thestral without fear, let alone soothe one so completely.

"This isn't just any attack," Newt said, breaking the silence. His tone was grave, his brow furrowed with concern. "Thestrals are intelligent and cautious. For it to be targeted like this…"

Jamie looked up. "It said it was running from shadows. People who wanted to hurt it."

Newt froze. Shadows. The word sent a chill down his spine. It conjured images of dark cloaks, whispered incantations, and the kind of cruelty he had encountered too many times before.

"Did it say anything else?" Newt asked, his voice steady but urgent.

Jamie nodded slowly. "There was another one. A foal. It's still out there."

Newt's heart sank. A young Thestral, separated from its protector, was defenseless. If the attackers had already injured the adult, what might they do to the foal?

"Where is it?" Newt asked, his hands pausing mid-motion.

Jamie closed his eyes, his face tense with concentration. After a moment, he pointed toward the window, in the direction of the forest. "It's hiding, somewhere deep in the trees. It's scared, but it doesn't want to leave. It's waiting for…" Jamie hesitated.

"For this one to come back," Newt finished for him, his chest tightening. "It thinks its mother will return."

Jamie's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "It doesn't understand why she hasn't come yet."

Newt stood, his resolve hardening. "We don't have much time. If those who hurt this Thestral are still out there, they'll be hunting the foal, too."

Jamie scrambled to his feet, his expression determined. "I'll help you find it."

Newt hesitated, the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. Jamie was brave, but he was still just a boy. Taking him into potential danger felt reckless. Yet, Newt knew that Jamie's connection to creatures was their best chance of finding the foal quickly.

"All right," Newt said finally. "But you stay close to me. No wandering off, no matter what."

Jamie nodded solemnly.