Chapter 358: Trying to Steal the Cat Leopard

This stitched world also lay in a fog-shrouded morning.

Having left the initial workbench, they now stood atop the cliff’s edge.

Beneath their feet, the sea of clouds churned endlessly.

Distant snow-capped peaks flickered in and out of the morning mist; rivers wound through vast grasslands, and the sky shimmered with glowing insects weaving luminous trails.

Newt led Wizard Sean along a rugged path; Wizard Sean felt the earth beneath his feet damp yet firm. The wind blew from the sandy ground where thunderbirds nested, lifting the corner of his robe—and also stirring Wizard Sean’s fervor for studying the Unbreakable Extension Charm.

“My footsteps have spanned five continents; I’ve visited the dens of beasts, the underground burrows of subterranean creatures, the nests of flying birds; I’ve observed the peculiar habits of magical creatures in over a hundred countries, experienced their abilities firsthand, earned their trust, and occasionally used my travel flask to shoo them away…”

Newt spoke slowly, as always, with a shy demeanor.

“This is merely one corner of the magical creature world; the stories unfolding across the wizarding world remain largely unknown to me.”

“Every species touched by magic is a miracle preserved in this world.”

“So…”

Newt seemed eager to tell Wizard Sean more, even though he was addressing a twelve-year-old wizard—he granted him full respect.

He behaved like a kind friend, never displaying the condescension befitting his status or position.

“So… to be a part of maintaining balance means that a responsible wizard must take responsibility for concealing, caring for, and controlling all magical creatures and ghosts within their jurisdiction.”

Wizard Sean had memorized the entire book *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them*; when Newt mentioned it, he recalled the text effortlessly.

Before him, Bai Yi rubbed against Wizard Sean’s wrist; Ti La had already climbed onto his sleeve, asserting dominance over another creature climbing up beside it.

“A wizard is not the master of magical creatures—he is a companion who shares breath with them.”

Hearing this childish voice, Newt paused. His clear gaze met the small face, and he smiled—a shy, deeply joyful smile.

By now, they had reached the mountainside, where a magical creature resembling an ordinary mountain lion played in the dawn light.

“Cat leopards are born with Legilimency; they easily sense a wizard’s malice. More importantly, they run faster than arrows.”

“I once cared for an injured, abandoned cat leopard at Ilvermorny. Though I always intended to return it… over the years, the number of magical creatures in my suitcase has only grown.”

Newt handed Wizard Sean a slab of raw meat streaked with blood.

“Dilara hasn’t eaten today. I’ll stay here, Mr. Green—go ahead and try. Taking the first step is always the hardest.”

Wizard Sean’s heart pounded. Much time had passed since the day he began seeking the cat leopard.

He and Professor Professor Tela had crossed countless mountains and rivers to reach Ilvermorny, largely to encounter these mountain-lion-like magical creatures.

Arrow-like speed, hypnosis, Legilimency…

In essence, if Wizard Sean could transform into a cat leopard, he would automatically gain mastery over Legilimency, Obliviation, and Confundus Charms.

The magic of magical creatures differs from that of wizards.

Wizard Sean must learn to master magical spells. Theoretically, once he transformed into an adult cat leopard and practiced slightly, he could directly possess these abilities.

More importantly, Wizard Sean suspected his magical abilities could stack.

He could use Soul Shifting alone to manifest only cat claws and whiskers; when he formed whiskers, he could naturally use them to sense changes in his surroundings.

That is, when he manifested only cat leopard eyes, he would likely also gain the cat leopard’s Legilimency ability.

One example is Viktor Krum during the Triwizard Tournament—he transformed into a shark head and could breathe underwater.

A similar example is Harry using Gillyweed, which caused gills to grow, allowing him to breathe underwater.

Could this ability be stacked with Legilimency, Confundus, and Obliviation?

Even if not, it could still serve as a unique form of wandless, silent casting.

The mountainside was lined with towering ancient trees and a massive gray rock. Now, the cat leopard played with its own tail at the rock’s edge.

Wizard Sean tiptoed forward, moving slowly.

Unexpectedly, the cat leopard quickly turned its head toward him; Wizard Sean inevitably met its gaze.

The cat leopard rolled onto its back.

Wizard Sean blinked, glancing back at Newt. Newt chuckled faintly, as if disappointed, then nodded toward the creature.

Wizard Sean followed Newt’s gesture and stepped beside it, remembering the technique described in *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them*:

First offer raw meat, then stroke the cat leopard’s chin, press its ear roots, and smooth its back fur…

In this light, Wizard Sean thought the cat leopard resembled a cat more than a leopard.

After eating, the cat leopard suddenly began rumbling loudly.

Wizard Sean jumped, glancing quickly at Newt.

“It… likes you… very much.”

Newt walked over, avoiding Wizard Sean’s eyes, instead gazing at the rumbling cat leopard, his eyes filled with deep amusement.

【You have gained the cat leopard (Dilara)’s affection at a master’s standard. Affection +300】

【Magical Creature: Cat Leopard (Dilara): Slightly Affectionate (Apprentice Level) (270/300)】

The system prompt sounded. Wizard Sean saw the cat leopard lying on its back, its tail constantly sweeping toward him.

The system’s affection levels were: Slightly Affectionate (Apprentice Level), Moderately Affectionate (Beginner Level), Affectionate (Skilled Level).

With affectionate magical creatures, Wizard Sean’s understanding and connection with them deepened profoundly.

Generally, at this point, Wizard Sean met the first condition for performing alchemical rituals.

As for higher levels of affection… Wizard Sean opened his panel:

【Magical Creature: Owl (Bai Yi): Partner (Expert Level) (5700/9000)】

【Magical Creature: Tree Guard (Ti La): Partner (Expert Level) (6700/9000)】

From deep within the forest, the low cry of a juvenile birdsnake echoed.

Wizard Sean was still pondering how to sneak Newt’s cat leopard away—three days were too tight; he could hardly raise the affection to Skilled Level.

“Mr. Scamander… may I ask about Dilara…”

Wizard Sean carefully phrased his question.

“Dilara? She’s been at my heels since she was three months old… back then, her injuries were severe; it took a long time to heal—please go on, Mr. Green.”

Newt stroked the cat leopard’s head.

“More people wanting to understand magical creatures—that’s exactly what I want.”

Wizard Sean couldn’t speak.

“You said Dilara was taken from Ilvermorny… Ilvermorny…”