*He's an Auror, and a Hugger*

by: Whitegloves

I knew I'd stay in this fandom ;)

Enjoy! :D

Chapter 1: The Summon

Newton Scamander briskly walked in the dark corridors of the Ministry of Magic in all-purpose donning his blue coat and brown trousers with his freckles much visible in his red face and already flaming red brown hair and his usually gentle blue eyes not without a fire of anger.

On his left hand was a crumpled letter bearing the insignia of the Ministry of Magic. Getting summoned by the Ministry by no fault of his own— for the first time— Newt was in no mood to make attempts of acknowledging people as he marched on, leaving them all staring at him and following him with their eyes as he passed by but he didn't care. It was unusual for him to be found fuming, but it was most unusual for them to pay attention. No one had started recognizing Newt, not until his misadventure in New York and his role in the capture of the then feared wizard, Grindelwald which made him an instant celebrity in the Wizarding world. A kind of fame Newt was always so averse to for it meant socializing.

He was never good socializer. Unless they had protruding horns or wings or eat his skin. Then again, these people could eat him alive all right.

Whether they attempted to make his acquaintance, or whether they were doing it because of Theseus, Newt's older, more successful brother, the Magizoologist could care less. Because just about now he was marching towards what he believed to be unjust and was determined to set it right. Right now, he was going forward carrying the resolve to protect those he loved without fail because only he can. That suitcase would not be pulled from him without half the Wizarding World running with Bowtruckles and flabberworms sparking chaos. Don't they realize these creatures can outnumber them with earth and aquatic creatures combined? But the creatures won't—because they know nothing of war and violence! Why would these wizards even consider getting them involve…?

And how could Theseus not mention it?

His fist shaking, Newt raged through the next corridors and flights of stairs till he reached the floor much familiar to his feet. Ministry workers there recognized him, some of them even greeting him when so few would even bother lift an eyebrow. This was because this was his older brother's department and there Theseus, the Head of Aurors and the war hero was much respected and supported that all the warmth intended for him overflows even to his most infamous relative, his younger brother.

Newt ignored them. So focused was he with his intention, even preparing for his lines to make his brother realize he would never agree. The usual content of their meetings these days that would put even Grindelwald's cause to shame. Or may be not. Newt was just not happy with his brother at the moment, even when on most occasions they do get along… only if Theseus stopped summoning him to lunch and dinners.

Which he remembered Theseus hadn't been doing for weeks now. Not after Leta…

They need to have a separate meeting for that.

On his way, Newt took the last lift going down to the Head Auror's level. Flying messages flew overheads and owls hooted across carrying parcels and letters. Most things were in synchrony, even the occasional screams and shouts from different places which of course everyone was accustomed with however intense. As the lift moved with him and three other passenger he never glanced at (he felt them look in his direction and swore heard one of them mention Theseus' name), Newt's attention was drawn to his reflection on the double doors. He saw the same man that he was—tousled brown hair, pointed nose, high bone cheeks and blue eyes. It was like looking at Theseus except that it was never a compliment for Newt.

It was a funny thing with them brothers, no one could be similar yet different at the same time.

Whereas Theseus was outspoken and assertive being both a Prefect and Head Boy, Newt had difficulties connecting and fitting in. Whereas Theseus was in command and followed, Newt was perfectly happy settling down with his magical creatures in quiet isolation, far from people who had nothing in mind except being human. And whereas Theseus oversee the safety of the everyone else, Newt was there to take care of the neglected and even misinterpreted magical creatures that no one ever cared about. Their difference did not stop there, but Newt never made a file. He never was on a competition with Theseus, but everyone seemed determined to see the Magizoologist's flaws.

Especially when Theseus became the hero, the spotlight of being compared to his more successful brother had always been Newt's cross to bear. Not that he lay any blame to Theseus, his older brother deserved everything being capable and talented and Newt could only be proud of him—except that even Theseus can sometimes be overbearing.

And overbearing he was when it came to his so-called Ministry family. You could not find a more loyal man for the job than Theseus Scamander who never thought scouting his younger brother in an office to be an imposition. Like it was only natural that Newt should follow his steps. Newt could still recall that old argument they had just as he graduated per se. Theseus came home after a long while to congratulate him for pursuing studies even after getting expelled, and then informed him of the plan to have him apply in the Ministry as a junior assistant. Newt could still remember his first retort at his older brother. He would never forget that. And Theseus too. Newt had never seen Theseus so angry but the younger Scamander was not one to listen to him, no matter how much respect he had for his brother. In reconsideration, that was the only time Theseus ever called him irresponsible and selfish. Newt, of course, was hurt, but managed to run away anyway.

So maybe they will rekindle that old flame—of arguing over something Newt felt strongly about that walking away was not even an option. There were so much he wanted to tell Theseus, so much he wanted to say about this summon, and so many he could not even believe he would be able to say properly.

Theseus, who also was Newt's benefactor in so many respects like giving out a good word for him despite their disagreement before, had him enter in the Department for the Regulation and Magical Control using his connections when Newt's record of being expelled in Hogwarts should have earned him little title in the government. Though, Newt was able to prove himself able to use his own skills to get promoted, it was Theseus' influence that had others regard him, though not without comparison to his more efficacious brother. Theseus was not a fan of Newt's career, but in the end, his support meant something to Newt when their whole family was so against it. This support was what the Magizoologist was clinging on as the lift's door opened and he marched out to the Head Auror's Office to meet his brother.

And there, Newt found himself outside his brother's office, looking at the closed door with the surname in gold plate Scamander, Head Auror outside. How was he going to give his brother the gist of it again? Was he to storm inside and to demand explanation? To demand his older brother to do something otherwise he… otherwise he would not put up with it and make trouble? He can always leave a Niffler behind if Theseus becomes difficult.

Newt hesitated.

Believe it or not, Theseus was one of those people difficult to deal with no matter how charming other people may find him. Especially when you are on his wrong side. His familial connection could not overlap his firm moral code. But surely even Theseus would understand… Theseus was a war hero, but most importantly, he values lives above others—all kinds of lives be it magical, muggles or beasts. Newt believed that firmly having been exposed to his older brother's gentler side more than anyone in the world. Blinking hard at this found confidence on his older sibling, Newt knocked and entered the door.

Theseus was alone when he came in.

His older brother, eight years his senior with the same physical attributes except he was much taller and generally the well dresser between the two, Newt found his brother working. Wearing only his waistcoat with his white sleeves folded up on his elbow, Theseus was found standing behind his table with parchment planes coming in and out of the room. He was leaning on his table with both hands on its desk, looking over what appeared to be a document with pictures piled up beside it.

When Newt came in, Theseus glanced up briefly before turning back on the report. Newt hardly had the time to swallow; but remembering his purpose gave him the strength much needed for this confrontation.

Well, it wasn't a confrontation per se. More like—questioning? Verifying?

"Newt?" Theseus' in command tone got the younger Scamander looking up with a start. Theseus always had commanding tone when in the perimeters of his work. Like he always meant business. Or he caught his brother in the middle of business, Newt could never tell. Still unsettled, Newt took steps forward till he was close enough to touch the table and stand before his older brother who was surveying him with understanding in his eyes. So Theseus knew? Of course he does.

Newt gritted his teeth.

"I won't let the Ministry use my magical creatures for their campaign." He said it in one breather, letting the letter on his hands fall on the table without breaking eye contact with his older brother who stood straight at this claim. "You know using magical creatures won't help with the war against Grindelwald—that's only prolonging the battle and wasting lives. No amount of dangerous magical beasts can save us from this—only we can do something about it, Theseus."

Theseus was quiet for a moment, studying Newt's face with calmness. The same face that could hold other expressions such as disappointment and rage. Newt had seen it all. But Theseus had always been patient with him. Always patient.

"I know, I perfectly made myself clear with the Minister." Theseus nodded as he took the letter while Newt let out a sigh of relief at finding a supporter—and Theseus' support always meant something to him, "I told him our magical creatures are not meant to fight in this battle. They seemed to have the lasting impression that we can also breed dragons and use them to our advantage like in the first world war. Remember the Ukrainian Ironbellys? They seemed to think something like it might happen again."

"It will if they don't stop pestering me." Newt muttered.

His brother gave him a narrowed look. "Cooperate, Newt. With these trying times we cannot be divided. We all have to work together if we want to win the war."

"I am willing to help to the extent of my ability, but I won't stand for it when the innocent magical beasts would be used as sacrifice—"

"Or ran amok and get uncontrollable. I am against it too." Theseus sighed with reservation as he shook head, "The amount of people eaten by the dragons in the war…"

"It's not like they're any treat for dragons." Newt said despondently, earning him an exasperated glare from his older brother.

"That's the kind of attitude I would advise you not to show to them later." Theseus quietly raised his wand and in one flick, got the other files from its shelves. "You know you can't always walk your way out of every situation just because you can't handle it."

"I can handle my own business— I can handle any meeting not exceeding thirty minutes give or take. But I don't want any discussion with your hypocritical team mates expecting me to use my magical creatures for their own benefit."

"It is not for their benefit—its for us to win this war."

"And you will be creating war right under your nose if you don't stop coming after my magical creatures!"

Theseus crumpled the paper on his hand and gave Newt a piercing gaze. "Newt, have you noticed how possessive you've become of these magical beasts? You breed them yes, but that does not mean they belong to you."

Newt stared at him a little taken aback. "I don't mean to own them. I meant to protect them."

"Well, you better stop using that word when you have the meeting with the Head of Magical Law Enforcement—"

"Travers?" Newt couldn't help feeling sick. "You know I don't want to deal with him."

"I thought you can handle your own business?"

"But he's… he' not even human. You don't see him caring about anything or anyone save his own skin, do you? He's cruel, Theseus, and he would have ordered the arrest of all house elves who were given socks by their masters because they abide no law of ours if he was given the opportunity. You don't like him either!"

"It's not a matter of liking him or not—it's about what job he delivers."

"Oh, yes. The job." Newt glowered, "What's with you aurors thinking everything is all about careers?"

It was that moment that Newt realized he had stepped out of line. Theseus raised an eyebrow in his direction and if possible, even gave him his coldest stare. Newt knew that expression well, but he had never found a way to get used to it no matter how many times it was thrown at him. As a boy, he had always looked up to his older brother. Theseus was the perfect example of an older sibling, his perfect model. The moment Newt found he could not live to Theseus' expectation was also the moment Newt realized he could never follow his shadow. But he never had once disrespected Theseus no matter how many arguments they fall into. Because Theseus was also always in the right, it so happens that Newt was more of the troublemaker. And Theseus was always forgiving.

He lowered his eyes and pressed his lips.

"I didn't mean you." He said in a whisper, "You're different."

"That doesn't make me feel any better, you are condemning the Ministry of Magic whose done nothing but to protect all worlds. I wish you didn't have to be so closed minded about this."

Newt heard that before, "Not all worlds. This is the same Ministry that has labelled so many magical creatures incorrectly that harbored fear to all—resulting in the hunt and extinction of most magical beasts. This place breed the hunters and you know that."

"Newt," Theseus' tone was hard, and Newt looked his brother in the eye with the same glint—and both knew they were embarking in a long argument. "You cannot blame the Ministry of the its past mistakes. Isn't that why you joined us? Because you want to set things right. Can't you see the reason why you're standing here in front of me now? You were given a job- it's to protect your magical creatures against this order from above. And you are going to make a fool out of yourself if you think indecisiveness or evasiveness will save you the trouble. And giving them rude epitaphs is not helping, either. You don't have to jump to all aurors just because they think differently from you. You don't have to judge us."

"Us?" Newt shook his head. "I never judged you."

"I don't think you mean what you say." Theseus suddenly said a bit quietly, and if possible, even a bit sadly that got the younger Scamander watching him with furrowed eyebrows. "Anyways, Newt, you will have to attend to this summon and do your best to explain. I don't think the Minister has quite forgotten the trouble with the Ironbellies but he is sure to inquire suggestion from you on how to utilize the magical creatures."

"They're not objects to be utilized as weapons!"

Theseus's face grew grim. "And do you really think only the Ministry has set their eyes on them? Don't you think Grindelwald would be looking for the same opportunity with Level XXXXX wizard-killer creatures?"

Newt could not think of any counter to that when back in the first war, he was one of those fighting in the front lines of Eastern sides to help with the Ukrainian Ironbelly situation. It was a confidential program that had gone wrong. The dragon itself, though not easy to tame, was persuaded in the end. By the time Newt was able to get its trust however, the members of Ministry Reinforcement came and angered it further—ending in a bloodbath as the dragon ate them one by one. It was not the likes of Grindelwald to miss using the powerful creatures knowing that it would bring fear about the muggle population who all these times believed them to be mere part of myth.

His silence and uncertainly suddenly brought Theseus to walk around the table and before Newt knew it, his brother was holding him on arm's length. There was a decided understanding in his eyes that Newt always liked to see for it never made him feel isolated or alone. Like he belonged. Only Theseus has that effect on him. Probably confounded him when they were children.

"Look, Newt, it does sound daunting at first, but believe me the Ministry is only beginning to take precautions. We do learn from the past. We don't want to get caught off guard. Not in this war when everything is at stake."

Newt was looking at Theseus without holding the fear in his eyes. Theseus recognized that and gripped his shoulder more.

"As long as they don't take the initiative to use them as weapons." The younger Scamander said.

"I will do my best that they won't." the older Scamander frowned this time, "And that is also against the statue of magical creature's welfare which both you and I are very familiar with."

"I have a mind to walk away if ever they mentioned it."

"That wouldn't be giving them a good impression."

"I never had a good impression to give them to begin with."

"It never hurts to try."

Newt sighed inwardly and shook Theseus' hand away from his shoulder. "I'm not you, Theseus. You know I'm never good at following anything. Especially if it concerns my magical creatures."

"There you go again," Theseus' gentle expression disappeared as both his hands flew automatically to his waist. "I said stop using that word—you can't own them. They're not pets—"

"You're right—they're my friends."

It was Theseus turn to pause. And then his hand was up on his forehead, like how Newt would usually see him whenever they were having an argument. The younger Scamander instantly looked away, knowing his older brother would never stop being disappointed. At the end of the day, Theseus will be Theseus, his older brother who had high expectations of him. It always made him feel crappy.

"I'm going." Newt turned away swiftly and was halfway out of the room before Theseus was calling him back.

"Newt—!"

He stopped. He felt Theseus approach him and didn't bother looking back. If Theseus was determined to stand by the Ministry's side then so be it. He does feel a little betrayed—but no one can ever move Theseus when his mind was so set on it. They were not brother for nothing.

"Newt—"

"I understand already—" he whirled around and found himself staring his brother in the face.

"No—you don't. Newt, you said it to me yourself," there was a serious look in his older brother's face now, "Even Grindelwald underestimates small creatures that will be his downfall. You proved it once the first time you caught him—and proved it twice when your niffler retrieved that locket. You may never know. Open your mind, Newt and talk to us. Maybe you're the one underestimating the magical beasts now. Overprotection is a crime you know, at least for you and for me."

Theseus' words sunk in deep in the Magizoologist who was left silent for a while. If Theseus meant he was overprotective of his Ministry and Newt of his creatures then yes, he might be correct there. As they both grew up, Theseus had nothing in mind except joining the Ministry and battling for the moral cause. He was not one to campaign for violence, but he was always ready to fight for others. One of the things he admires his brother for, only that, Newt learned how most wizards are not really like his older brother.

Hesitating again and shifting on his feet, Newt caught his brother's eyes. "I don't want to meet any of those people, I'm never good with them…"

Theseus only stared at him. Newt travelled his eyes around, before finding its way back to his older brother.

"Will you be there?"

Theseus put both hands inside his trousers' pockets.

"I am part of the deciding group. Or at least the man they expected to convince you. I've never once succeeded in that job, have I?"

Newt shook his head. Theseus gave a long, patient sigh.

"In any case, dealing with Travers is one thing. Dealing with Yaxley is another."

"Yaxley?" Newt frowned so hard it hurt his forehead. Yaxley was another Auror from a pureblood family that was also always on Newt's case. He didn't know why these thugs were always surrounding him. Theseus said it's because he never stood up for himself. Back in school he was also a major target of bullies, some of them only left him alone because some of the seniors would come to his aid, solely because of their respect to the legacy that Theseus Scamander has left behind.

And like some kind of magical ear force was on him, the door of Theseus' office flew open and there, like he was summoned by the devil himself, was Abernathy Yaxley, one of the oldest Aurors in command in London. One of the contenders to be a Head Auror, Theseus beat Abernathy Yaxley to the position and everyone knew of the tension between the two aurors ever since Scamander took office.

"Speak of the devil." Newt heard Theseus whisper as the Yaxley's tall form stepped in the room. Clad in gray cloak and with balding hair, Yaxley was one of those purebloods possessing blonde hair and dead dark eyes. Often reminding him vultures, Yaxley was also one of those believing that purebloods are superior. Newt never liked any of them. You can always tell if a person is good by looking at how they treat their equal. Yaxley treats his colleagues like trash. Newt didn't need to see him with a magical being, let alone a house elf. So, making an excuse to go, he stumbled forward, only to be blocked by Yaxley's tall form.

"Scamander." Yaxley started, but with his eyes on Theseus. "Still dealing with that wearisome younger brother of yours, I see." His eyes set on Newt who didn't meet his eyes.

"I believe manners comes first, Yaxley." Theseus said coolly without batting an eyelid, "Otherwise I might forget mine."

Yaxley smirked smugly with his thin brows wiggling in Theseus' direction. Newt gave one look at the floor, and then went pass the tall Auror who chuckled at his retreat. Before Newt could come out of the door however, Yaxley was once again provoking Theseus.

"I heard you forced your way in the meeting with your little brother. Travers wasn't in favor of that. He said it'd made no difference whether you were there or not considering your brother never thought highly of you to begin with. Aren't you going to be useless there, Scamander? Like how you were back there in Paris? Losing your touch, are you?"

Theseus stiffened but before he could say anything else, Yaxley's attention was taken when he saw a brown tousled hair was once again standing in front of him. Looking down, he found Newton Scamander staring him in the face with jaw clenched and eyes unwavering.

Yaxley frowned. "What are you looking at?"

But Newt's mind was set, his hands clenching in fists, ready to raise hell—

"Newt!" Theseus was already beside his brother with a firm hold on his shoulder. "Newt!" he repeated with much emphasis as his younger brother never showed sign of backing down.

The younger Scamander blinked back at his older brother and then down the floor.

"And what exactly would that action mean?" Yaxley asked testily, his hand already reaching for his wand. Theseus glared at the auror with a hand still holding back his younger brother.

"Give everything a meaning and I would gladly tell you your attempt of offense didn't come unnoticed."

"Are we now prohibited to speak of facts?" Yaxley grinned, hands falling down his side.

"If it does not bother you getting sent to the St. Mungo's immediately." Theseus was already holding his wand. Newt glanced at the older Scamander and then to Yaxley. It was one of those traits that people would say a kind of spice to Theseus Scamander's character. Bold and brave he was, and never one to retreat in the face of confrontation. It was one of those attributes that earned him his Order of Merlin after rebelling and leading a group of newly recruited Aurors to aid the Muggles in World War I that saved thousands of lives. Theseus, who by nature, was a leader and a hero—was never one to miss a duel when it so presented itself.

Because everyone knows he would win hands down.

Yaxley seemed aware of it too and before the brothers, he gave a short snort, before turning his heels and leaving.

Theseus gave a short sigh, before glancing at his younger brother, looking quite pleased.

"You sure are full of surprises."

"I was venting." Newt muttered.

"You can vent on me." Theseus suggested, but Newt shook his head vigorously, his hands relaxing finally.

"You already have your hands full without me adding to the trouble."

It was then that the Scamander brothers found themselves exchanging silent looks, and then both bursting into laughter they haven't shared in a long while. It was because of the length that they haven't stayed together that Newt often forgot that behind his older brother's hardened exterior of Head Auror was still his light-hearted brother who would listen to his whims as a child and let him fly his mother's hippogriff when he was just five years old.

"Oh, believe me, Newt," Theseus said with much adoration and to Newt's horror, found himself buried in his brother's quick embrace, "My hands are not full enough when it comes to you!"

He also often forgot how an easy hugger his older brother was. Some things never change. Or in this case, Theseus never changes. Newt knew he was the one who needed to be more of a brother to Theseus, he just couldn't bring himself to admit to it. He was never good with it.

Stumbling as he fell backwards, Newt bid Theseus a quick goodbye and left without another word. Leaving Theseus still beaming after him, after a short display of his younger brother's affection.

Grindelwald's patience was never his best quality. Sure, he afforded to wait silently as he progressed slowly in finding his Obscurus, but the toll of still waiting after capturing it as it was still unable to contain its power was thinning his limitations. He has a whole plan and concepts webbed together to restart everything, to make things right with Witches and Wizards rightfully claiming their place at the top. He could have taken the world a long time ago, he could have had everything in his hand but no—the mere notion of someone enough to overthrow him at a moment's notice—the presence of Albus Dumbledore still in power was a real threat and one that must be eliminated at all cost.

He knew a blood pact would sooner or later be useless to Albus when the wizard turns serious. Thinking of this, he could only rely on Credence to eliminate the man first. Dumbledore may not even be aware of who Credence Barebone is, but once he does, it would be too late. He only needed time. Only that, all this wait was making Grindelwald feel foolish.

The rally itself was the beginning. He wanted to do more.

But Credence was useless at the moment. Promising. But useless. He needs another distraction for now.

That was when Grindelwald found a Daily Prophet on his table. Staying in the old villa in the remotest part of the mountain, the newspaper was from Britain, it was one that was brought by one of those who followed him from France months ago. The Daly Prophet it was called and Grindelwald would not have given it any attention had he not recognized the three figures in its front page. Quietly taking the paper, he immediately recognized the pretty woman in the middle whose death he caused by his own hands.

Why. Leta Lestrange.

Beside her stood two familiar faces that made Grindelwald raise the paper to have a better look. Ah yes, he recognized the Scamander's. One of whom was his captor in New York who caused him many days in confinement, but the mistake was of his own and his disappointment that Credence was easily taken out. The other was unmistakably his correspondents who had thought him to be Percival Graves. The man working in the Ministry of Magic and the Head Auror. He has heard many things of this other Scamander during their correspondents and whose important news from Europe saved him from moving carelessly. Theseus Scamander.

Too bad the man chose them after the rally, and after Grindelwald made a persuasive speech. Then he remembered Leta Lestrange whom perished in the fight. His fiancé. It made Grindelwald smile. So, he made an enemy of the Scamanders that way. He expected them to be in the front lines of the fight against him, not knowing that only death awaited their struggle. What a waste of all those skills and talents. But then he supposed having a War Hero die by his hands would only bring the wizarding world morale instead of misery and hopelessness. A war hero was the last thing they needed. Grindelwald stared at the face of the Head of Auror.

Wouldn't it be perfect if the Head Auror was one of those people who believed in his cause?

Wouldn't it be perfect to correspond with him again as a spy?

And wouldn't it be just perfect if he also becomes a distraction to Albus Dumbledore whose trust in the Scamander brothers was obvious the way it was written on the paper? He did offer to be a godfather in the supposed wedding.

Grindelwald deeply considered this with the glint in his eyes returning. A little action from the Ministry wouldn't hurt. He knew this Scamander's reputation—all his connection and how he was a force to be reckoned with. He who had eclipsed that of the younger Scamander who was just lucky enough to earn glory from capturing the Dark Wizard. No siblings could be more different. He now wondered how Newton Scamander would feel if he unmasks yet another of Grindelwald's disguises…?

Feeling a slight stir of thrill, Grindelwald looked at the open window on his left. Sun was set. Somewhere in Europe, it was a perfect time to make an uncalled visit to one of the Scamanders. And he should make it himself.

Why not? He was dealing with a War Hero, wasn't he? It's only proper that he make the visit personal.

In a heartbeat, Gellert Grindelwald was gone.

-TBC-