Scoundrel

Tom breathed a sigh of relief. "As you've probably guessed, my Dragon Blood is related to the dragon I killed."

Tom continued, "I have a talent: I can improve my magical abilities through various challenges, in any aspect."

"Slaying a fire dragon is a challenge, and taming a unicorn is also a challenge."

Newt Scamander was startled and quickly waved his hand, earnestly advising, "Tom, the wizard's talent is the most crucial secret."

"You can't just tell others like that! You're new to the Wizarding World, you don't know how treacherous people can be."

"Others may not be able to do it, but you're different." Tom waved his hand dismissively and went straight for the point.

"Uncle Newt Scamander, I told you about this talent without even telling our Headmaster and Albus Dumbledore, firstly because I trust you, and secondly because I really need your help."

Newt Scamander blushed at his words, feeling both shy and touched, and quickly nodded in agreement.

"Don't worry, Tom, I absolutely won't tell anyone, not even the Fantastic Beasts in the garden!"

It sounds a bit funny, but coming from Newt Scamander, it carries more weight than any vow.

Gellert Grindelwald, inside the space, was grinding his Delia in anger, his liver aching with rage. "That little brat has Scamander's temper completely under his thumb!"

"Wasn't it this trust that Scamander Albus Dumbledore devoted to causing trouble for him back then?"

"You idiot Scamander, can't you see this kid's trying to trick you?!"

Gellert Grindelwald was so angry he laughed. He had originally thought Tom was like himself, methodical and domineering at heart.

I'm only just realizing now that this kid is Albus Dumbledore —just as cunning and treacherous!

Tom, unaware that Gellert Grindelwald was inwardly criticizing him, quickly steered the conversation back on track. "Uncle Newt Scamander, I've come to United States to find Thunderbird."

"Thunderbird ..." Newt Scamander's face instantly turned troubled; he thought Tom was going to kill Thunderbird.

Thunderbird are different from fire dragons; as long as you don't provoke them, they pose no threat to humans.

Unlike a fire dragon, which can breathe fire on a Muggle village whenever it's in a bad mood, causing countries that raise dragons to spend a lot of manpower and resources to clean up the mess every year.

Newt Scamander's face practically screamed "no," so Tom quickly tried to explain.

"Don't worry, I won't kill or harm the Thunderbird. I just want to race it and see who can fly faster. I just want to win."

Newt Scamander breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this. "I thought you were going to hunt it down."

"No hunting, just a competition." But after hearing the details of Tom's challenge, he frowned again, this time worried for Tom.

Tom knew the Thunderbird's speed all too well; at full speed, even the fastest Flying Broomstick couldn't catch it. Wasn't Tom overestimating himself?

But Tom's next words left him speechless, his eyelids twitching uncontrollably.

"Here's what I'm thinking: if I can't fly over the bigger ones, can't I bully the smaller ones?"

"If you could find me a young Thunderbird that's only recently hatched and can barely fly 100 kilometers, I'd be willing to compete with it!"

Not only was Newt Scamander dumbfounded, but Gellert Grindelwald and Andros in the space also had twitching lips and black lines on their faces.

Gellert Grindelwald mentally cursed, "Sorry Albus Dumbledore, I take back what I just said. This kid is neither like you nor like me."

He's more shameless than both of us combined! Comparing flight to that of a newborn bird? How could you even utter such a thing?!

Tom didn't care what they thought. As long as it didn't delay his mission, he was willing to compete with a Thunderbird egg in flight.

The reason for seeking out Newt Scamander is that Newt Scamander saved a Thunderbird years ago and facilitated the establishment of the Arizona Thunderbird Sanctuary, making him extremely influential among the Thunderbird population.

It's important to know that, like the Thunderbird, the Thunderbird values its chicks and eggs more than its own life.

If he were to steal it himself, he'd be chased and spewed lightning by a flock of Thunderbird.

Ultimately, whether in human society or the Fantastic Beasts world, connections and background are essential for success.

Although Newt Scamander found the method somewhat shameless, he had to admit that Tom's idea was clever and that it didn't harm the Thunderbird; he could definitely help.

So the old man readily agreed, "Tom, when I went to the border between Arizona and New Mexico last year, there were a few Thunderbird about to hatch."

Thunderbird chicks typically hatch in March, and their parents teach them to fly until July or August. They only leave their parents to live independently after September.

"Based on their growth rate, they should be just right for you now. I'll make some preparations, and we'll set off in two days. Is that alright with you?"

Tom calculated the time. Mid-July would be just in time for the cubs to learn to fly.

"I'm available anytime!" Tom smiled, his eyes crinkling into slits. "Thank you so much, Uncle Newt Scamander."

"Last year's cubs were in the mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico," Newt Scamander circled on the map. "Here."

Tom glanced around and saw that it wasn't far from the border, but here was the problem: he didn't have the Portkey to Mexico.

Newt Scamander waved his hand. "I can Apparition you there, and I can also cast Disillusionment Charm on everyone to help them evade the Auror's surveillance."

Tom's heart Apparition, carrying people across borders, was something no ordinary wizard could do. Newt Scamander was indeed more than just a pet owner.

Newt Scamander led him to the storeroom. Dozens of Thunderbird Feather, in five colors, hung on the wall, changing color under different lighting.

The most precious tail feathers were kept in a glass box, gleaming faintly. Tom glanced at them a few more times, Newt Scamander noticed them as well.

"Once you achieve your goal, I can give you a tail feather."

"Thanks."

"Let's not be idle these next couple of days. I'll teach you how to get along with the Thunderbird and how to win their favor. It will be very helpful for your competition."

"Yes, that's what I think too."

The two chatted for a while longer, and Tom figured out Newt Scamander's current situation.

Newt Scamander has a son who followed in his father's footsteps and is also a Magizoologist, who travels all over the world all year round.

He also brought his grandson, Rolf Scamander Scamander, along this time. Rolf Scamander will be going to Hogwarts after the summer vacation.

It's obvious without even guessing that this kid is Hufflepuff.

After all, the Scamander family have a deep-seated love for Fantastic Beasts, a trait perfectly suited to Hufflepuff.

Tom also mentioned his plan to visit Nicolas Flamel in August. Upon hearing Nicolas Flamel's name, Newt Scamander's eyes softened instantly, filled with longing.

"It's been a long time since I've seen this old friend. We've kept in touch ever since we parted ways in Paris."

"Unfortunately, I was later banned from entering France for life by the French Ministry of Magic, and the last time we met was thirty years ago at his home in Devon."

"Later, when Voldemort started causing trouble, Nicolas Flamel, fearing further trouble, moved back to Paris, and we only corresponded by letter."

Tom asked with some doubt, "With your abilities, sneaking into France to see an old friend shouldn't be difficult, right?"