#378 - Vampire Clan (asking for monthly ticket recommendation ticket)

Newt raised his eyebrows in surprise at Anduin's open admission that he was the one who had appeared at the Scamander's house.

“You never cease to amaze me. Tina and I haven't even had a chance to thank you yet.” Newt had originally intended to tease the young man and then expose his identity, but Anduin's direct confession caught him off guard, leaving him unsure how to respond.

“It's nothing.” Anduin, having rested, had finally regained some color in his pale face. “I was after those Silver Spears to begin with. I couldn't find their hiding place, but I ended up disturbing you instead.”

“In fact, Rolf was put in danger because of me. I was just trying to make amends. I apologize for leaving without saying goodbye. By the way, could you please not reveal what happened that day? Only the higher-ups in the Ministry know about it. We have other plans for those Silver Spears.”

Anduin spoke eloquently and calmly, his high emotional intelligence leaving Newt with nothing to criticize. In Newt's eyes, Anduin hardly seemed like an underage wizard still attending Hogwarts.

“No problem. And after seeing what those Silver Spears did, I think hiding your identity is a smart move. But in any case, you've helped us a lot. Please give us a chance to repay you.” Newt now had a very good impression of Anduin.

“You're too kind. We can talk about that later. Let's get to the scene first. There are many magical creatures there that need professional care.” Anduin gave a slight smile. Newt was a hidden big shot, and getting on his good side would be great.

Newt smiled and nodded, then glanced curiously at the bat on Anduin's shoulder. “By the way, why are you carrying a vampire? Is it a friend of yours?”

Xhatoya stiffened. She didn't expect this old man to be so perceptive, recognizing her identity at a glance. She now realized that Anduin wasn't a vampire, but she didn't have the strength to run away.

Besides, there were so many powerful Aurors around. She had only wanted to hide on him and muddle through, hoping to slip away later. After all, she didn't want to deal with the Ministry of Magic.

“You mean her?” Anduin tilted his head to look at Xhatoya, almost forgetting about her. He reached out, grabbed her by the scruff of the neck, and lifted her up, then stared at the little bat strangely. “I found her on the road. By the way, why would a vampire be in the forest?”

“Master, do you want to cruelly abandon Xhatoya? Waa… Master, you're so heartless! Have you forgotten the glorious days we spent together?”

Xhatoya noticed a hint of disgust in Anduin's eyes and burst into tears, putting on a pitiful expression, tears streaming down her face like a wronged little wife.

But after hearing Xhatoya's words, Anduin's face darkened. What glorious days? I've only picked you up for a short time! This was the first time he had seen someone so dramatic.

“Stop acting. If you say another word, I'll hand you over to the Ministry of Magic.” Anduin glared at Xhatoya.

Xhatoya knew she couldn't fool him and immediately stopped crying. Based on what she had seen and heard, this young wizard was very powerful and had a remarkable identity. Her life and death were now in his hands.

“You mentioned earlier that your name is Xhatoya, right? Tell me, what's your background and why are you here?” Anduin still didn't know where she came from.

“If I tell you, can you protect me? I don't want to be taken away by the Ministry of Magic.” Xhatoya pouted, looking at Anduin with hopeful eyes.

“Tell me first. I advise you to be honest. If you dare to lie to me, it won't be as simple as handing you over to the Ministry of Magic.” Anduin used his remaining magic to subtly activate 'Legilimency' to detect lies.

“I've already told you, I'm a low-ranking viscount of the 'Toreador' clan. I used to live in New Orleans, USA. I'm only 46 years old. I've been in slumber since I received the Embrace, and only woke up ten years ago.”

“Recently, our 'Toreador' clan in New Orleans had a conflict with the 'Lasombra' clan. During the battle, I was accidentally captured by the 'Lasombra' clan and sold to the Silver Spears. During the battle between the Aurors and the smugglers, I found a chance to sneak out, and then I met you, Master. I'm telling the truth, please don't abandon me…”

Xhatoya was about to cry again, but Anduin glared at her, and she immediately became quiet.

“Mr. Scamander, this vampire doesn't seem to be lying. What do you think we should do? Would keeping her be dangerous?” Anduin remembered seeing a humanoid iron cage among the smuggler's goods, which must have been for her. However, he decided to ask Newt for his opinion, as his knowledge of vampires was limited to books.

“It seems this vampire lady has had a very rough time.” Newt smiled slightly, then looked at the pitiful Xhatoya.

“I didn't expect the differences between the Camarilla and the Sabbat to be so intense after all these years. The 'Toreador' clan this vampire lady belongs to is part of the Camarilla, a relatively well-behaved faction. As for the 'Toreador' clan, in my limited memory, this clan is also known as the 'Clan of the Rose', and likes to call themselves 'gentlemen and artists pursuing all symbols of beauty'. Am I right, vampire lady?”

Xhatoya looked at Newt in surprise. What was this old man's background? He even knew the details of their clan.

“That's right. Our Camarilla has a long-standing feud with the Sabbat, where the 'Lasombra' clan belongs. The fighting is fierce in the United States. I'm just cannon fodder, and I don't want to be sent back to die by the Ministry of Magic. Can you two please help me and stop the Ministry of Magic from sending me back to the United States?”

Xhatoya didn't try to play the victim anymore, but stared at the old and young man with wide eyes, trying to move them with her gaze.