Chapter 2: Like a Wizard in a Wand Shop

To Newt, the sight of bustling and buzzing ports was something he was used to. Screeching gulls, guano covered posts and bustling people were what came with docks and ships and travelling. Walking down the platform, he listened to the air shaking with excitement around him. Countless people, young and old, were milling about London's freighter port, each trying to find their bags and get on their way - away from the ship they'd called home for little less than a week.

With the clock ticking down, the group of friends, along with their newly discovered wizard ally, discussed where to start on their journey, with more disagreements, it seemed, than agreements. After hours of Newt and Tina arguing on end on where to purchase Jacobs supplies ("We have perfectly good shops here in New York!") and, most important, his wand ("Ollivander's wands are the best in the wizarding world!"). Jacob, having no say-so in the matter of the best wizarding shops, could only watch helplessly from the end of the kitchen table as his life was juggled around for him, glad that Queenie hadn't stopped holding his hand since they left the congress room of MACUSA.

The tie between Newt and Tina was broken by Queenie agreeing with Newt to travel to London as soon as they could, where they would purchase everything Jacob would need for the learning journey ahead and, quite possibly, escape the worst of MACUSA's uninvited eye. Escaping the confides of New York City, she quietly agreed, would be best for all of them, including Jacob. After the shopping plans were settled, Newt brought up the suggestion of staying in the case with him to continue to care for his animals and be sure another incident wouldn't occur on their trip to London. Unanimously, they all agreed and wasted no time in gathering all the scrap wood they could find and stuffed them in Newt's case, creating a makeshift home where Frank, the thunderbird, used to nest. With planks of scrapped wood, Newt cleared and rearranged the pen to accompany his friends, Queenie and Tina, and modified the current shack for his assistant and magic apprentice, Jacob Kowalski. The new building was simple, right across from Newt's shack, with two hammocks for both Queenie and Tina to sleep in. A small bathroom with running water was to the back of the one-bedroom apartment and a woodburning fireplace offered warmth and light to the small space. The Shack's bedroom area was rearranged to fit Jacob, getting a cozy spot of his own and consisted of all of his beloved belongings: an old iron bed, a scrubbed dresser and a fading picture of his grandmother, hanging on his side of the wall.

Scrapping together all the Muggle money they had, they were able to purchase a last minute ticket on the next freighter out of New York. The Goldstein sisters and Kowalski lowered themselves into the case while Newt, with a smile, purchased his ticket.

Although it was a grand adventure full of Muggle pool tables, cool drinks, and watching the golden sunsets dance across the waves, Newt Scamander, along with Tina, Queenie and Jacob, had their fair share of fun on the passenger ship and were more anxious at the end of the week to reach their destination: London.

Slipping by a few groups of people milling about the cobblestone street, Newt was almost knocked to the cobblestone as a small group pushed their way past him. Several men, all varying in size and suit, strolled hurriedly past, holding a camera and notebook in each hand. The group of rushing men wouldn't have bothered the magizoologist too much, except that every one of the men had his tie knotted in a large bow, the ends of the cloth hanging heavily around their necks.

Wizards, Newt realized with a start, without the knowledge of Muggle fashion, were wandering the port and, from the looks of it, were all Daily Prophet reporters. As he looked around, he spotted more and more magic journalists at different stands and shops, each as oddly dressed as the next.

Newt Scamander, hand growing clammy against the case, went through customs as fast as he could and beelined for the nearest ally outside London's port, slipping behind an overflowing trashcan at the mouth of the small space.

"This is going to be harder than I thought," Newt muttered.

After making sure he was indeed alone, he Disapparated, the Leaky Cauldron clear in his mind.

"Is it always this crowded?" Queenie asked, jumping out of the way as a small hoard of wand-waving eleven-year-olds ran past, shouting and laughing to their hearts content.

"No," Newt replied. "Not always. This is unusually busy." He smiled at Queenie, the witch quietly returning his gesture.

Despite the immense crowd, Newt could tell that Tina and Queenie were glad to be out of the case, the pair of witches absorbing the bustling energy of Diagon Alley. To his relief, he had seen no reporters at the Leaky Cauldron and had given the signal for them to come out. Much to his disappointment, Jacob had been advised to stay inside to avoid possible recognition.

Despite his reassurances, Newt caught Queenie glancing at the case every chance she could.

Newt chuckled, "You'll get us caught if you keep staring at it like that."

Face flushing, she grinned sheepishly, "Are you sure Jacob's okay in there? We haven't heard from him in a while..."

"I'm sure he's fine, Queenie," Newt reassured her, ducking to avoid a low hanging owl cage.

"But what if the Swooping Evil is chasing him?" Queenie persisted, voice low, "I know how agitated it can get sometimes."

Newt briefly flashed the yoyo-like chrysalis of the Swooping Evil from his inside pocket, "The Swooping Evil is right here, and there's nothing else in that case that could harm Jacob. My creatures adore him!"

At this, the latch of the case flipped open. Newt glanced at it, thinking for a moment he had heard a muffled yell, but brushed it aside and closed it, patting the case gently.

"You sure about that?" Tina questioned, her eyebrows raised.

"Positive," Newt responded, nodding back at her behind his unruly red hair.

"It just makes me so nervous," continued Queenie, "Not being able to hear his thoughts through that case."

"Queenie," Newt consoled, taking a hold of her arm, "The sooner we get to Ollivander's, the sooner Jacob can get out."

"And the sooner we can get back to New York," Tina muttered under her breath.

Ignoring her comment, Newt pointed to a shop a few storefronts ahead, "Fortunately, Ollivander's is right there."

The group stepped into the wandshop, and Newt hurried to close the door behind them. The shop was empty save for the old man sitting behind the desk, examining his wands. He looked up as they entered.

"Ah, Mr. Scamander," Ollivander greeted him. "What brings you here on this fine day?"

"Oh, just getting a new wand." Newt replied, walking up to the large counter.

"You didn't break the wand I gave you, did you?" Ollivander asked, adjusting his glasses, "It was a fine wand-."

"No, no." Newt interrupted, holding out a reassuring hand to the aging man, "This is for a friend of mine. His first wand, to be exact."

"Ah, a beginner!" Ollivander chuckled as leaned forward to try to look behind Newt, "And where is the little wizard, hm?"

"Er, in here, actually," Newt explained, patting the case still held firmly in his hand.

"That small?" Ollivander questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Sir, perhaps it would be best if we locked the door?" Tina cut in, hands clasped, "To allow some... privacy when he picks his wand."

Ollivander nodded hesitantly, "If, uh, it's make him feel better I don't see a problem."

Breathing a sigh, Queenie turned to bar the door as Newt knelt down and unlatched the case.

Immediately, a small, hairless, pink blur shot out and launched itself at Newt. Queenie, shrieking, ran to the opposite end of the shop, followed closely by Tina.

"What is that?" Ollivander asked from behind his desk as Newt wrestled with the creature, "Surely not the young wizard?"

"No," Newt grunted, successfully subduing the creature and pinning it to the ground, "That's my murtlap. He's easily excited."

"What about Jacob?" Queenie questioned, looking around to try to spot him.

There was a muffled moan from the case and Newt hurriedly opened it, the girls rushing back over to peer inside. Jacob lay at the bottom of the ladder into Newt's shack. He out of breath and sweaty, his ill-fitting suit askew in the struggle with the creature.

"Jacob! Are you alright?" called Queenie as she peered at Jacob down the steps.

He attempted to grin and gave her a thumbs-up, but the hand fell back at laying at his side and he sighed, turning to Newt. "Why didn't you open the case?"

"You were supposed to knock if you needed anything!"

"I was knocking. I'm surprised you didn't hear me screaming first!"

"Come to think of it, I thought I heard something. But I thought it was just the Occamy again."

"Mr. Scamander, just how many creatures are in that case of yours?" Mr. Ollivander asked as Queenie jumped in to help Jacob up and out of the case.

"A few," Newt replied with a sheepish grin.

"Yeah," Jacob chuffed as he and Queenie emerged from the suitcase, straightening his suit and tie, "Only a few."

Jacobs next smart remark, however, was halted as he regained his footing. His eyes widened as he looked at the shelves around him, lined with what he assumed were small and slender shoeboxes.

"W-Where are we?"

"This is Mr. Ollivander's Wandshop." Newt reassured, clapping his hand to Jacob's shoulder, "We've come to get you a wand, remember?"

"A wand?" He asked, simply perplexed.

"Yes," Newt chuckled, "A wizard isn't a wizard without one."

Jacob smiled timidly at Ollivander before taking Newt by the arm, pulling him aside.

"Look - Newt - I ain't got enough money. Heck, we barely had enough for the ride here! How am I gonna pay for a wand?"

Newt gave a mischievous wink, "I'll get it for you. You taking care of my creatures is repayment enough. Mr. Ollivander doesn't take Muggle money, anyway. "

Jacob fixed Newt with an odd stare, "So what do wizards use?"

"Come on, Jacob!" Tina interrupted, gesturing towards Ollivander, "Just go get a wand."

Jacob, traces of sweat still on his brow, looked at Ollivander nervously.

Ollivander straightened his glasses and peered intensely at Jacob. "I know you," he said. "I've seen your picture in the newspapers."

Jacob went rigid, panic coursing through his veins. Every possible scenario played over and over in his head.

What if he won't sell to us?

What will I do then?

There was a moment of silence before Ollivander shook his head and smiled, "Some story," he commented before he hopped down from his stool and went into the back of his store.

Jacob looked at Queenie and put a hand over his heart, smiling in relief. She too visibly relaxed and grinned back.

"Let's start with these, shall we?" Ollivander exclaimed as he set a stack of boxes on top of the desk with a loud bang. Newt, Tina, and Queenie sat down on chairs nearby to watch as he unboxed the first wand. "Black walnut, with a core of dragon heartstring. 12 3/4 inches, slightly flexible." Ollivander smiled. "A very handsome wand, sir."

Jacob stared, simply awestuck, at the magical instrument.

Newt cleared his throat, breaking Jacob out of his stupor.

"Oh!" He started, blinking rapidly, "Sorry."

As soon as the wand touched Jacob's hand, every light in the shop exploded with a crack, sending shards of glass flying freely through the air. Everyone ducked, shards scattering like diamonds on the worn wooden floor. Jacob, terrified out of his wits, breathed hard from where he landed on the floor, the ebony wand laying haphardily beside him. He scrambled to his feet, backpedaling away from the instrament. Seeing his panic, Newt crouched to his level, offering Jacob an encouraging smile.

"You're alright." Newt consoled, "Things like this happen when trying out wands."

Ollivander came around the counter and retreaved the wand, returning it to it's box.

"Perhaps, that wasn't the best fit," The old man commented, shoving the box at the top of a pile building on the far side of his desk. He pulled out a few more as Jacob looked at Queenie, eyes wide.

"Was that supposed to happen?" he comtemplated as they watched the man sort through the tall shelves, pulling out wand after the wand.

"Don't worry," He heard the voice of Queenie reassure, soft and warm, "You're doing great, honey."

"Let's try this one," Ollivander finally said, opening another black box, "Cherry wood. Unicorn hair core. 13 inches. Rigid."

Hestiantly, Jacob took the wand from the man's withered hands, relieved he didn't blow up the store on contact. He gazed at Ollivander, eyebrows raised.

"Well? Give it a wave!" Ollivander encouraged him.

Jacob obeyed, swishing the wand in the air. He flinched as every drawer in the shop flew out of its cupboard, papers flying everywhere.

"Sorry!" Jacob shouted as the papers formed into paper airplanes and started chasing each other around.

"It's no trouble," Ollivander shouted over the shrieks of Queenie and Tina as the airplanes narrowly missed their heads. "You should have been here for the last child. She flooded the entire store with pumpkin juice!"

Jacob yelped and ducked to the floor as one of the airplanes narrowly missed his head, rushing air disrupting his hair and suit.

Newt pulled out his wand, aiming at the accidental creations, "Immobilus!"

Immediately, all of the papers froze before dropping like flies to the floor, lifeless. With another flick of his wand, the shop was restored as if nothing ever happened.

"Now," Ollivander murmured as he brushed off a stray scrap of paper from his shoulder. "On to the next wand."

Jacob was starting to get nervous. What if he couldn't find a wand? Would he go through the entire shop, only to be turned away? Was this the Obscurial affecting the wands, or was it just him?

"9 1/2 inches," Ollivander was saying. "Apple wood. Unicorn hair core. Rigid."

Jacob hesitated. What catastrophe would he cause this time? A fire? He took a deep breath, then gripped the wand. A warm feeling spread throughout his body; this wand didn't have the cold steeliness the former two had possessed. Instead, holding this wand felt like holding someone's hand... Queenie's hand. It felt...natural.

"It's a perfect match..."

"You mean to tell me that youse guys sell owls? As pets?"

Newt nodded in Jacob's general direction, scanning the passing crowd.

"They're wonderful messengers, honey." Queenie elaborated with a giggle.

"I always thought witches had black cats," Jacob said.

"Some people prefer cats," Tina admitted. "But owls are a more popular pet these days."

"Huh," Jacob muttered, reaching in to stroke the feathers of a large snowy owl. He stared at it, pensive, "It's funny. I've never seen one this close before."

"I believe that's enough owl-gazing for now," Newt commented, looking rapidly around them. "Don't you think we should visit Madame Malkin's before they close?"

"Madame who?" Jacob asked, confused.

"Malkin's," Newt repeated. "You need some new robes."

"Oh," Jacob said, regretfully pulling his hand from the owl's cage. The owl hooted softly after him, clicking his beak.

Jacob offered a sympathetic look, "Look, I'd love to take you but we've got enough magical creatures as it is." He paused, "Don't worry, you'll get a good home, little guy."

"I'm sure he will," Queenie said, looping his arm under her own before coaxing him away.

Turning away, he saw there was plenty of activity in the alley; kids were running around on the street on their training brooms and owls swooped overhead, the occasional screech causing Jacob's head to snap up, expecting a collision but, as always, it never happened. They traveled deeper and the crowd grew thicker.

Thankfully, Madam Malkin's Robes Shop wasn't far away.

After getting fitted for robes ("These would look great on you, honey!"), shopping for potions equipment ("Newt, we are not getting the Advanced Potions kit- we won't even be focusing on potion-making!") and supplies to make the case more of a home for Jacob (which Newt shoved into the case before Jacob could look), they headed towards their last shop: Flourish & Blott's.

Newt breathed a sigh of relief as he walked into the store, the overhead bell tinkling as they entered. Unsurprisingly, the bookstore was busy.

After briefly glancing around, Newt began pulling books off of the shelves and examining them, muttering under his breath. Tina and Queenie looked over his shoulder, offering the titles of the books they had used.

Jacob, caught in a trance, wandered aimlessly about the shop. As he watched he noted how some books seemed to move on their own, turning their pages back and forth while others floated gently from shelf to shelf, organizing themselves by title, author, and size. Still staring overhead, he failed to notice the other customers until he pitched forward, tripping over on of their shoes.

As he landed, Jacob heard a surprised gasp above him. "So sorry about that! Here, let me help you up!"

Blinking back stars, Jacob took the man's offer and was pulled back to his feet.

"Thanks," He said, meeting the stranger's eyes.

The man held a cool gaze that turned icy at the sight of Jacob's face.

"You," he spat, jerking his hand from Jacob's grasp, "I recognize you."

"Oh? From where?" Jacob was shocked by the sudden change in the wizard's tone.

"You're the Muggle with the Obsursis." He growled, wiping his hand on a handkerchief he pulled from his luxurious black robes.

"Well, uh, I'm not a - muggle - anymore. I-I guess I'm a wizard, now."

"You guess?" the blond man hissed, "You should be ashamed of yourself. Endangering us all with your presence."

"Hey!" Jacob retorted, balling his fist, "I'm not hurtin' anyone!"

The mans eyes narrowed, as he gave a snicker, "But, you will, my boy. Given the time."

Jacob felt his face grow hot, "Thanks for the reminder, you dolt. Now, get out of my way before I-!"

Before he could say anything else, Jacob felt something press against his neck and quickly glanced to see the man's black wand pushing hard against his throat.

Panic set in his veins and he thought he could hear the faint voice of Queenie call his name.

"Don't toy with me! I can see what you really are. You're a monster." He leaned in closer, nose almost touching Jacob's, "And monsters like you should be exterminated!"

"Monster or not," came a quiet voice from behind a stack of books, "I would suggest lowering your wand."

Both wizards turned to see a tall lanky man emerging from his place, holding a worn copy of A History of Magic in his left hand.

"Release him," He continued, pocketing his book.

The blonde man glared and instead pressed his wand harder against Jacob's collar, "What would you suggest? That we accept this- this beast with open arms?"

The quiet man raised his eyebrows and smirked, "Well, we accepted you."

The blonde man hmphed. "Well, are going to do something about it? Try to stop me?"

His eyes fluttered knowingly, "No, I won't"

"But, believe me, we will!"

The sound of Newt's voice made Jacob want to cry with relief. He twisted his head to see his friends, behind him, wands raised and at the ready.

The pale man looked between Newt and Jacob, mouth twisted in a grimace.

"The shopkeeper will hear about this!" He scowled, lowering his wand.

"Consider him informed." The lanky man snickered, stepping forward, "Now, get out of my shop."

Without another word, the blonde man sheathed his wand and left the store, slamming the door shut.

Jacob watched as his head disappeared among the sea of people outside before turning to see the Samaritan offering him a small piece of chocolate and a smile.

"Eat it. It'll make you feel better."

"Uh, thanks," Jacob replied, offering a weak smile in return.

"Jacob! Honey, are you okay?" Queenie asked once they were sure the man was indeed gone.

"Yeah, Doll," Jacob breathed, taking a hold of Queenie's hand, "I'm fine."

"Now then," the shopkeeper said, clapping his hands together, "How do you feel about a warm cup of tea?"