Chapter 420: Fluffy and the Manticore
Although Kyle had claimed he knew where Fluffy was, the truth was he'd only been there once—and that time, Hagrid had led him along a different route.
Now, in a completely unfamiliar area, he had no idea where to go. But he had a backup plan.
Opening his suitcase, Kyle first coaxed a reluctant Norbert back inside. Then, he leaned in and shouted.
After a moment, a small, bright-blue Billywig buzzed out, swaying slightly in mid-air.
Billywigs have an excellent sense of smell and can detect herbs from miles away. This one had spent enough time with Fluffy to be well-acquainted with the giant dog's scent, which made it the perfect guide. This was why Kyle hadn't trusted Aragog's offer to show the way—those giant spiders were hardly trustworthy, and who knew what tricks they might pull.
As soon as it emerged, the little creature seemed eager to explore, hovering near Newt and watching him curiously with its shiny, dark eyes.
Newt felt a warm, pleasant energy from it, almost like basking in sunlight. He raised his hand toward the Billywig, and it didn't shy away but instead settled comfortably onto his open palm.
"What a good little one..." Newt chuckled, gently rubbing its belly. "I used to have a Billywig too, but it was so mischievous, always trying to escape, and impossible to call back..."
A soft smile spread across his face as he reminisced.
He thought of his friend Jacob, whose favorite magical creature had been that Billywig. After being stung by one, a person would float uncontrollably in the air—a feeling Jacob loved. It made him feel like a wizard, even though he was just a Muggle... well, the fiercest Muggle of all, officially recognized by the American Ministry of Magic.
Newt chuckled again at the memory.