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Chapter 1

British Ministry of Magic, London

"What the bloody hell am I going to do with you lot?" Torquil Travers slammed the door shut as he and Theseus Scamander entered the crowded interrogation room.

Niffler, who'd been attempting to fit the brass doorknob into his pouch, flew across the room. He bounced off the back wall and landed with a thunk on the floor. He sat up, shook himself off and glared at the Head of Magical Law Enforcement.

"Scamander, control your creature!" Travers glared back, showing the Niffler the bottom of his shoe.

Newt scooped the Niffler up, stuffing the protesting creature into his inner coat pocket.

Tina attempted to suppress a tiny smile at the furry animal's antics and failed. She'd been leaning back on the ugly, metal table in the center of the room, but now stood up straight.

Newt sat in the chair behind her, Jacob in the chair next to him, and Yusuf Kama leaned in the corner, arms crossed over his chest. After they left Hogwarts, the lot of them had been hustled into the room at the Ministry and left there to stew for over an hour. Pickett had proudly picked the lock, but he'd looked dejected when they'd all decided to stay to figure out what to do next.

"Sir, I need to contact the MACUSA right away and update them on the situation." Tina looked him directly in the eye, trying to exude confidence even though part of her just wanted to curl up and cry for her lost sister.

Travers held up a paper. "Already taken care of. I requested you be put on a long-term transfer to my department. It was least those wankers could do after their incompetence with Grindelwald's escape." He tossed the paper at her, seeming to deliberately aim at her feet. "You belong to me now."

Narrowing her eyes, she bent down to pick up the transfer order. She didn't belong to anyone, but she gritted her teeth.

Travers turned to Yusuf. "Mr. Kama."

Yusuf's eyes shifted from the floor to Travers, but he waited in silence.

"You are free to go."

He languidly dropped his arm, pushed away from the wall and strode to the door. He turned back and nodded to those remaining. Then he disappeared around the corner.

"Little brother Scamander." Travers leaned across the table towards Newt.

Newt's eyes stared at the far wall, his shoulders hunched.

"You had an international travel ban. Yet, I find you mucking about in Paris. I'd have every right to throw you in jail."

"Sir." Theseus spoke up behind him. Tina focused on him for the first time, noticing how pale and tired he looked.

Travers held up his hand at Theseus, not taking his eyes off Newt. "But I won't. However, if you dare leave this country without my express permission, I'll throw you in Azkaban. Understand?"

Newt nodded.

Travers stepped to the left and pointed at Jacob. "Theseus, obliviate this muggle and get him back on a boat to New York."

Jacob threw up his hands. "Why does everyone want to do that?" He pointed a finger back at Travers. "I'm a part of this now. If you even think I'm leaving without my Queenie, I'll kick your-"

Tina jumped in front of him. "Sir, please reconsider. My sister is in love with this No-Mag. He's the best way to get her back."

Travers whirled around at her, eyes blazing. "Your sister is a traitor to the whole magical community! She turned her back on all of you for Grindelwald. Why should I care if she comes back?"

Rage flooded Tina's senses. She felt Newt's hand cover hers, his long, elegant fingers squeezing gently. She opened her mouth in retort.

"Sir!" Theseus cut her off. "Queenie is a legilimens. If we could bring her back to our side, she may have knowledge gleaned from Grindelwald's own mind. This muggle could be useful."

Travers chewed the inside of his cheek. Slowly, he nodded. "Good point, Auror. Right then, he stays. For now. I'm placing Theseus in charge and you'll be working under him investigating Grindelwald's whereabouts. None of you better sneeze without his permission." Speaking directly to Theseus, he added, "You should keep them in close quarters. I know how obstinate your little brother can be." He glared at each one of them one last time, then walked out.

Tina breathed a sigh of relief. She watched Theseus' eyes drift to Newt's hand holding hers. A small smile played at his lips.

Newt drew his hand away, standing up. "What now?"

Theseus' body sagged, his shoulders slumping and he looked like he would fall over in a stiff wind. "Newt, can we go back to your place? I know my flat has more room, but I just can't go back there. Without Leta… I just can't go back there yet."

Newt stepped around the table, arms embracing his vulnerable brother. "Guess it's only fair that I invite you over for once."