After David took Jason to ride on Norbert, Jason was hooked.
From then on, whenever he was free, Jason would seek out David to "check on" Norbert. In truth, he just wanted an excuse to fly on the dragon again. David couldn't blame him; the thrill of riding a dragon was unmatched.
Days passed in a blissful blur. David found himself reliving the same excitement he'd felt when he first obtained the illustrated book, except now, his magical companion wasn't a cat—it was a dragon.
This carefree routine continued for nearly a week until, one afternoon, the mood inside the wooden house changed. When David returned from visiting Norbert, he walked into a heavy atmosphere. Charlie was there, seated next to Newt, who was holding a letter, his face serious.
David looked at John and whispered, "What's going on?"
Before John could answer, Newt spoke up. "David, it seems you might have to go back alone."
David blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"
Newt waved the letter. "I received some news about the R organization. We need to investigate."
"Is it about the research team?" David asked, feeling his heart race.
Newt shook his head. "We're not sure yet. The messenger only saw people linked to the R organization. We need to check it out ourselves."
David's face fell. "Can't I come with you?"
Newt smiled sadly. "Even if I agreed, Tina wouldn't. And you know how she is when she sets her mind on something."
David sighed and sank into a chair, disappointed.
John patted his back. "Don't worry. I'll write to you about everything we find out."
David managed a small smile. "Thanks."
Newt and the others turned their attention back to planning the mission. David stared at the floor, feeling left out—until an idea sparked. He remembered the promise Tina made when he learned the Shield Charm.
David sprang up. "Grandpa!"
Newt stopped his conversation and looked at David, eyebrows raised.
"Use a spell on me," David demanded, his face serious.
Newt's eyes narrowed. "You're not trying to pull some trick, are you? Hoping to use this as an excuse to come along?"
David rolled his eyes. "No! Just use the Disarming Charm. It's harmless enough, right?"
Newt hesitated, searching David's face for any sign of mischief. Finally, he drew his wand. A faint red light shot toward David.
David didn't flinch. "Protego!"
The spell bounced off an invisible barrier, ricocheting harmlessly into the wall.
Newt's jaw dropped. "You've mastered the Shield Charm?"
David grinned proudly. "Yep! But no other spells work like this one does."
Newt laughed, his chest swelling with pride. "Seems my grandson's a genius after all."
"That's not the point!" David exclaimed. "You promised that if I learned the Shield Charm, I could come with you!"
Newt suddenly became very interested in the ceiling. "Did I say that?"
David huffed, then did something unexpected. He jumped on Newt's back, clinging like a koala. "You did! And I'm not getting off until you keep your promise!"
Newt sighed, his shoulders drooping. "Alright, alright. You can come. Not like I have a choice with you hanging on me like this. Besides, Tina did agree... reluctantly."
"Yes!" David hopped off, his mood instantly lifted.
The next morning, after breakfast, they left the dragon farm. Newt grabbed David's arm, and with a crack, they Apparated to a grassy cliff overlooking the sea. The salty breeze carried the scent of the ocean, making David's nose tingle.
Charlie and John appeared moments later.
David looked around. "Where are we going?"
Newt coughed, avoiding David's gaze. "To America. We're crossing the ocean."
David's eyes widened. "Across the sea? How?"
They walked toward a cliff where a man in a black robe stood next to an iron bucket. The man's face was rough, sunburned from standing by the sea for too long.
He looked up as they approached. "Where to?"
Charlie handed him a piece of parchment. The man glanced at it, then nodded. "It'll cost you fifty."
Charlie's face twisted in confusion. "Fifty? It's always been thirty! You promised no price hikes!"
The man shrugged. "Thirty's the standard rate. The other twenty is for discretion. You know, keeping quiet about a certain famous magizoologist?" He looked pointedly at Newt. "The price of fame. Especially for someone wanted in several countries."
Newt's shoulders slumped. "Right... that."
David's eyes widened. "You're wanted?"
Newt scratched his head. "Small misunderstanding with some magical creatures... and certain Ministries overreacting."
David chuckled, shaking his head as Newt handed over a handful of gold coins.
The man counted the coins and motioned to the bucket. "Alright. Grab on. We leave in three... two... one!"
Newt stepped into the iron bucket, dragging David with him. As soon as David's foot touched the metal, he felt a sharp hook behind his navel, yanking him forward.
His stomach lurched, his body spun, and the world turned into a blur of color and wind. He hated Portkeys.
Just as quickly as it started, the spinning stopped, and David's feet hit solid ground. He stumbled, nearly falling, as the world around him came back into focus.
They were standing on a sandy beach, waves crashing against the shore. The air was warmer, saltier.
Newt helped David steady himself, chuckling. "Not a fan of Portkeys?"
David's face turned green. "Not at all."
Newt grinned. "You'll get used to it. Welcome to America."