Six months had passed since the grand openings of the Magical Zoo and the Public Library. Both had become enduring symbols of Rufus Scrimgeour’s vision for a more connected and enlightened magical community. The zoo and library were not only thriving but had also fostered a sense of pride and unity among the magical folk.
Today, Rufus decided to take a break from the whirlwind of politics and enjoy a rare moment of relaxation. He strolled through the lush grounds of the Magical Zoo, savoring the tranquility of the environment. The zoo, with its carefully curated habitats and enchanted enclosures, had become a favorite destination for families and magical creatures alike.
As Rufus wandered near the dragon enclosures, he was joined by Genevieve Delacroix, who had come to experience the zoo’s wonders firsthand. Genevieve, with her graceful French charm, looked around with wide-eyed curiosity. “It’s even more spectacular than I imagined,” she said, her accent softening her words as she glanced up at Rufus. “The Ministry really outdid itself with this.”
Rufus felt a swell of pride. The zoo had become a symbol of his administration’s focus on education, conservation, and peaceful coexistence between magical creatures and wizards. He had been personally involved in its design and development, ensuring it became a place where magic, knowledge, and curiosity could thrive.
"Wait until you see what we have in store," Rufus said, gesturing to the first enclosure.
Their first stop was the Niffler exhibit. The small, mischievous creatures darted about, their long snouts poking through the enchanted foliage as they searched for shiny objects to hoard. Genevieve laughed as one Niffler spotted a shiny coin in the pocket of a nearby visitor and quickly snatched it.
“Ah, Nifflers,” Genevieve said with a grin. “My mother used to warn me about them when I was a child. They can never resist anything that sparkles.”
“We had to put extra enchantments on this exhibit to keep them from escaping with the visitors’ belongings,” Rufus chuckled. “They’re clever little thieves.”
Next, they wandered toward the enclosure of the Thunderbird, a magnificent bird from North America that could create storms as it flew. The sky above its habitat was constantly filled with gentle thunderclouds, rumbling softly as the majestic bird soared through the air. Its powerful wings shimmered in the light, and its beak crackled with energy.
Genevieve’s eyes widened. “Incredible! I’ve only read about Thunderbirds in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, but to see one in person… C'est magnifique!”
“It truly is,” Rufus agreed. “We had to create a special climate for it, one that mimics the high altitudes it prefers. Every storm it makes is contained within the zoo’s wards, of course, but it adds to the experience.”
As they moved through the zoo, they passed the Graphorns with their rugged, horned heads, grazing in the rocky landscape of their enclosure, and the Occamy, its serpentine body coiled around a cluster of golden eggs. Rufus explained how each creature had been sourced ethically and how they were being cared for by the best magizoologists in the field.
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“And here,” Rufus said, leading her toward the final stop, “is one of my personal favorites—the Erumpent.” He pointed to a large, rhinoceros-like creature grazing peacefully. Its thick, gray skin shimmered in the sunlight, and its large horn pulsed with a subtle glow.
“Oh! Isn’t that the creature with the explosive horn?” Genevieve asked, stepping closer but maintaining a respectful distance.
“Yes,” Rufus nodded. “That’s why we’ve enchanted the enclosure so visitors can observe safely. It’s a fascinating creature, though its horn can be quite dangerous.”
Genevieve watched the Erumpent with a mix of awe and caution. “You’ve truly built something wonderful here, Rufus. These creatures are given a second chance, and the public gets to learn about them.”
“That was the idea,” Rufus said, pleased by her reaction. “I wanted the Magical Zoo to be more than just entertainment. It’s about education, conservation, and building a connection between wizards and the creatures we share our world with.”
By the time they reached the zouwu’s enclosure, Genevieve’s admiration was clear. The massive cat-like beast with its long, flowing tail moved gracefully, its eyes glowing with a soft luminescence.
“They are more beautiful than I could have imagined,” Genevieve said, her voice hushed with wonder. “It’s incredible how you’ve brought all of this together.”
Rufus smiled. “It’s been one of my proudest achievements, alongside the Public Library. Speaking of which…”
The pair made their way through Diagon Alley to the newly established Public Library, a grand structure that had become a hub of knowledge and learning. Inside, shelves upon shelves of magical tomes stretched toward the high ceiling, while students and scholars alike filled the reading nooks.
Genevieve marveled at the architecture. “It feels like a temple of knowledge,” she said, running her fingers along the spine of an ancient text. “And the muggle-born outreach program—it’s brilliant, Rufus.”
Rufus nodded. “Knowledge belongs to all. This library is for everyone, from the youngest student learning their first spell to the most advanced researchers. It’s another way we can bridge the gap between worlds.”
They spent hours wandering the library, exploring sections dedicated to magical history, potion-making, creature studies, and more. The sheer scope of it amazed Genevieve, and Rufus felt content, knowing that these projects were making a real difference.
As the sun began to set, they made their way back to the bustling streets of Diagon Alley. They stopped for a quiet moment on a bench near the entrance to the library, taking in the evening air.
Genevieve looked at him thoughtfully. “You’ve done so much, Rufus. You’ve changed things for the better.”
Rufus gave a small, humble smile. “It’s been a lot of work, but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. There’s still more to do, of course, but for now, I’m glad to have some time to enjoy it.”
Genevieve hesitated for a moment, then turned to him with a more serious expression. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
Rufus raised an eyebrow, sensing a shift in the conversation.
“My uncle,” she said slowly, “he wants to meet you.”
Rufus blinked, processing her words. “Your uncle… the French Minister of Magic?”
Genevieve nodded. “Yes. He’s heard a lot about you. He’s very interested in what you’re doing here, and he thinks there might be some opportunities for collaboration.”
Rufus considered this for a moment, his mind already calculating the implications. “I see,” he said slowly. “It seems I’ll need to prepare for yet another meeting.”