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Chapter Text

*He's an Auror, and a Hugger*

by: Whitegloves

I own nothing except the tissues ;o

Enjoy! :D 

Chapter 2: The Visitor

“You know I can’t take you. This meeting is different. And it doesn’t help to sulk.”

Newt, with a left hand under his chin, his elbow on the table, was staring at his Bowtruckle buddy, Pickett with a gloomy look on his face. He was in the sitting room of his quiet house, a place where he looked entirely out of place as his real world was in the basement to the menagerie of his magical creatures. But Newt has business to attend to in the Ministry and so waiting for the hour to strike, he waits quietly with a cup of tea on the table and Pickett in front of him with a mug of butterbeer it was swinging at.

“You like that, don’t you?” Newt said as he scratched his ears, “Stay here and you can have all of that. At least I can convince myself not to bring a drunk Bowtruckle.”

Pickett had its back on the Magizoologist as it attempted to swing up on the mug’s handle. In no time, it was clambering on the side till it was able to dip its head on the mug. Newt gave a short sigh.

“Now you really can’t come. Imagine their reaction in the meeting if you appeared there drunk. You’ll show them how dangerous you are, Pick. They might actually choose you to fight in the war.”

Pickett raised its head and gave a whine and stuck its head on the butterbeer again.

Newt waited, his eyes staring into space as he tried to remember what his brother told him. The Minister was going to be there himself with Travers, Yaxley and the other members from the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures’ three different divisions. He’d be representing the Beast Division of course, but the other two divisions as far as he can tell do not have as much say in the matter. The beasts are the ones considered to be utilized in this war designed by humans just because their reasoning isn’t quite the same with others. Why can’t humans just prosper and bathe in peace like Bowtruckles do? They do tend to bully their playmates, but they know how to stop when a leaf has fallen on the ground. Bowtruckles are smart creatures. Why can’t humans…?

And he is aware of how powerful the beasts are, he is the man to know. It was not that he sees them as cuddly as they ought to be seen, but magical beasts are both a danger not only to humans but to themselves as well. Remembering how he found the Chinese Zouwu, fierce, angry and injured yet scared—how many of these powerful creatures do the Ministry think controllable? Even Theseus admitted going against it.

Heaving a deep sigh, Newt’s eyes fell on Pickett again and gasped when he saw the mug of butterbeer half empty with Pickett no where in sight. Sitting straight, he looked around the table, then jumped down to look underneath—that was when the doorbell rang and Newt bumped his head on the table getting up. Pickett was nowhere there, the little bugger. He hastened to stand up, eyes towards the doorway. Still distracted at Pickett’s disappearance, Newt started towards the door after the second bell rang. That must’ve been Bunty who was running late. She was supposed to look after the menagerie on his absence and while she was quite adept for the job, Bunty has this tendency to request for personal instructions not left on notes which was very professional of her. If Newt was going to assign anyone to replace him, that would be Bunty who takes her job seriously. Only half an hour left and he was supposed to meet Theseus in the Ministry for the summon.

Opening the door, however, Newt had the surprise of his life to find himself staring at four red headed ladies all staring up at him, beaming. Blinking and obviously flabbergasted, Newt stood there, unmoving at all the attention he was receiving from these strangers. Questions after questions jumped one after another and the urge to awkwardly slam the door and forget their presence moved him to rub the door’s knob in silent contemplation.

“It’s Mr. Scamander!” said the tallest of the four with a wide smile which made Newt blink for wherever he puts his eyes, there seemed to be four pairs of eyes ready to meet his. Oh yes, he thought decidedly, he’d rather be in front of the Ministry officials, now please. The four ogled at him with visible twinkle in their eyes, much like how a Wampus cat’s eyes would brighten upon seeing its prey.

“How may I help you?” Newt began softly, hoping he couldn’t.

“Oh Mr. Scamander, we are the Wagtail sisters—I am Honey, this is Hether my eldest sister, and then Hellen and Hester and we are your biggest fans!” squealed the youngest of the four who was almost directly staring at the Magizoologist.

A beat, and Newt’s eyes went left and right without having any eye contacts.

“Excuse me?”

“Well, fan is a strong word,” said Hether with a forced smile, leaving Newt staring at them, lost for words. That was when a familiar voice from the back broke the silence that fell—and Bunty emerge from the middle looking disgruntled.

“Alright, you four—you’ve seen him. You can go home now.”

Newt relaxed at seeing his assistant and managed to finally sigh in relief. She stood in front of him apologetically.

“I’m so sorry, Newt, these are my friends—they insisted on coming when they heard I was on my way to work—I couldn’t shake them off no matter how many times I tried.”

“Wh- why would they want to see me?”

“Because you are a Scamander!” said Hellen and before Newt knew what was happening, she had forced her way inside, smoothly followed by the other three while Newt and Bunty exchange looks, the assistant shaking her head in apology. Newt, not wanting to close the door, but worried that some of the creatures may get passed, silently shut it with a heavy heart while weighing down if he should remain outside it.

When he looked back, he found the three sisters by the hearth of the room, looking over some photos while the youngest was standing two feet from him with an awestruck look in her eyes. Avoiding her, the Magizoologist put both hands inside his pocket and waited for anyone to declare their purpose. Half an hour never seemed that long before and he’s never wanted to be in the Ministry this bad.

“Why don’t you have pictures of your brother?” said Hester, looking back at him from the photos by the side table. Looking around the sitting room wasn’t exactly like looking at a treasure cove. Even for a muggle’s standard, it was empty with lamps and books on tables.

Newt was caught surprised, remembering the only photo he’s ever kept was of Leta and Tina safely tucked on his suitcase.

“Why would I keep a picture of Theseus?” the idea of a picture of his brother in his suitcase was… not comprehensible.

“Because!” said the outspoken tall sister, Hether, looking at Newt with a matter-of-fact tone. “He’s only a celebrated war hero and one of our generations’ finest gentleman! You must be worshipping the ground he walks on from the sideline, aren’t you, Mr. Scamander?” she giggled for reasons Newt could not understand.

Helplessly, he turned to Bunty whose eyes was transfixed on him too. Blinking fast, she turned to her friends.

“Theseus Scamander is not here, how many times do I have to tell you?” she moved around, tapping and pulling on their shoulders, “Now be off—Mr. Scamander here has an urgent meeting in the Ministry and you lot know well he can’t be bothered with your nonsense about his brother—”

“I’m not here for his brother,” squeaked Honey, the youngest and in a flash, Newt found her in front of him carrying a copy of his book with her cheeks flushing. “I really am a fan, Mr. Scamander, and I’ve heard so much about you—and the wild magical beasts—and your suitcase—!”

Newt have no words for her except a meek, “Thank you.”

“Would you mind signing this? Flourish and Blotts said you never want book signing.”

“And there’s a reason for that.” Newt said, hesitatingly taking the book and heading towards the table where he quickly signed it. Behind him, he could feel her hover.

“I really am wondering about that suitcase, Mr. Scamander.” She said eagerly.

“I’m sorry,” Newt said as he shut the books close and looked at her eyes once, remembering that his suitcase was safely left inside his bedroom, before moving away towards the coat hanger and grabbing his blue coat. “But no tours allowed.”

He smiled at her as he pulled on the coat and then looked around to find that Bunty had successfully trapped the three sisters in front of the door with a stern look on her face.

“But we want to talk to him a little more.” Complained Hester, “We want to ask his brother’s description—how is he outside work—what’s he like to eat for dinner—his favorite hangout place!”

“Are you all demented? At times like this when we’re all possibly in danger,” Bunty was flaring, “You have the leisure time to ask stupid questions? Of course, Mr. Scamander’s too busy—and he’s older brother’s working in the Ministry—you really think he’ll have time to hang out and have a drink with Grindelwald?”

That hushed the three sisters while Newt sighed deeply again. “Well… he is an Auror. And hugger.”

The sisters stared at Newt, and then at each other with excited expressions.

“Ask him about how Theseus is doing after Leta!” blurted Hellen as if she couldn’t help herself.

A crash of frying pans on the kitchen all made them jump back and look away. Newt, who was the last one to look at the source of the disturbance, was quietly staring at the Hellen for a moment, before dropping his eyes and pressing his lips.

“Pickett.” He said to Bunty and he moved swiftly to the kitchen with a frown.

Ask Theseus about Leta? She wants to ask him that so casually when Newt hasn’t the courage…?

Seeing the frying pans on the floor, Newt looked underneath the table again and found nothing. Looking around, he picked up the pans and placed them on the counter carefully. It wasn’t that he hasn’t braved through it yet, or hasn’t thought of asking his brother, but finding a reason to talk about it was not Newt’s specialty. After her death, Theseus has found every means to spend his days in the Ministry, determined to see that her death was not in vain. This would mean stopping Grindelwald at all cost. As a general rule, Theseus can always handle his affairs. Not once has his older brother asked him except for the frequent request that Newt put his head together and not make trouble. There were little favors to be given as it was always Theseus to give it. And then before Newt realized it, it seemed that Theseus has made his resolved to move on.

The only remaining question to be answered was has he, Newt, moved on?

It made him blink on the kitchen tile and the urge to see Tina came out of nowhere.

Then scream ensued from the sitting room that rattled Newt and, in a flash, he was running with his wand at hand.

“What’s happening?” he asked, ready to dodge in case he was attacked—only to see that another lethal and unexpected visitor had come in the flesh and was right by his door in his black three-piece suit, getting smothered by the three sisters, looking quite startled but polite at the same time—

“Theseus?” Newt started in his own amusement to see the older Scamander standing his ground firmly with no trouble keeping up with their enthusiasm as he still towered above them. He lowered his wand. “What are you doing here?”

“Newt,” Theseus replied and with a gracious bow at the three maidens, headed towards his youngest brother while Bunty closed the door, preferably to secure the lock down of any escaped creatures. “I meant to wait in the Ministry but thought of… heading here, have a talk. I didn’t think you’d have so many visitors.” Theseus grinned.

Newt knew that grin. Theseus had a way of teasing him when it came to the opposite gender’s acquaintances. Having Tina around was already uncomfortable with his older brother smiling at him every time they would make eye contact in her presence. Which then would always push Newt to remind Theseus that Tina was the same Auror who overpowered him in the French Ministry as a comeback. That never got Theseus however as he would often brush the whole matter like a sport—but only because the brothers believed that had Theseus been serious, a duel of two Aurors could have happened then. Tina was spectacular, truly spectacular… but against Theseus, she never stood a chance. Except that time. Oh, yes, she was still remarkable. And it was still one of his best memories.

“They’re… they didn’t really come for me.” Newt said without smiling, knowing what lies outside the house and into the Ministry, and a talk with Theseus. “They’re Bunty’s friends. Anyway, I was already on my way outside… Just… just let me check on Pickett.” And he disappeared towards his room, but not before he heard the ladies come after his older brother again.

Typical of his brother to be surrounded by admiring eyes. Like a hobby, Theseus had a way of easing himself to people’s approval without even trying. Newt could never find the ground to be the same. He checked his study room, even the extended room of his library for magical creatures but there was no loose Bowtruckle there. Where would a drunken creature who loves clambering things, picking locks and Newts be off to after a happy hour with a glass of Butterbeer? Distinctly, he heard yet another scream as he entered the kitchen again. Probably clamoring over Theseus’, Newt didn’t think women were supposed to make that sound over a male. Much like an Erumpent during mating season.

Smiling at the comparison, Newt noticed that the cupboard for butterbeers was opened and that something was clanking inside of it. Breaking into another smile, the Magizoologist carefully reached the cabinet, opened it slowly and there found, hiking his way to one of the closed bottles, albeit swaying, was Pickett.

“There you are,” Newt exhaled as he took the half asleep Bowtruckle in his hands. “I’ve been looking. I can’t leave you attacking all bottles around.” He smiles more as Pickett answered in hums and hopped at the back of his hand. Newt straightened and was just about to put him inside his pocket when he heard Bunty calling for him urgently. Running again, he met her in the middle of the corridor—she looked panic stricken.

“Newt—” she began as he remained calm and listened, obviously something happened, “The girl—Honey—she entered the basement without anyone noticing— the Kelpie pulled her in!”

Oh.

That’s what happened.

Newt was running again, this time to the flight of the stairs of his basement where the enclosures of the menagerie was located—towards the stairs leading to the patch of black water. She saw the three sisters there by the edge of the pond, all leaning down, embracing and sobbing in concern over the fourth Wagtail sister in the middle—Honey was choking and soaking wet, her red hair plastered and dripping on her face. She was crying.

“What happened?” he asked, dropping on his knees and looking over her in case she’s been bitten anywhere.

“She was pulled just as we entered the basement. It was horrible!” answered one—

“Why did you all enter the basement?” Newt was glad there no visible injury.

“Theseus noticed she was missing when we told him we four sisters came—” answered the other—

“He jumped in the water to pull her!”

“My brother?” Newt was in the process of looking around but had Bunty, who just sprinted after him call him—

“Newt, he was pulled back by the Kelpie just as he threw Honey back!”

Newt was on his feet at once and stood right at the edge, looking at the black peaceful water with no sign of disturbance. When after many seconds no brother of Kelpie of his emerge, the Magizoologist opted to jump right in by removing his coat and dropping it on the floor—only to see ripples disturb the darkness—and then seconds again and the head of Theseus Scamander resurfaced. Newt watched his older brother swim back to the edge and then reached a hand towards him and pulled him to the ground.

“Did you stun it?” he asked immediately, not staying long beside Theseus as he planned to dive head first to check.

“If only it’s that easy.” Theseus said rather scathingly as he pulled himself together, his whole body drenched and cold. He received Newt’s shocked expression. “I didn’t stun it.” he pressed, “And before you worry about any Kelpies, you might as well worry about your lady visitor! She nearly drowned.”

Newt looked over the four Wagtail sisters with Bunty who had draped Honey with a thick blanket. Mutually exchanging glances, Bunty ushered her up to the sitting room with the three elder sisters walking in her wake, leaving the Scamander brothers alone. But before Theseus could say anything else, Newt had already gone for the water. It didn’t take him long to find the gigantic semi-spectral horse to meet him, as if expecting another treat and that’s when Newt realized when he put his arms around its neck that the Kelpie was playing. It must’ve pulled the Wagtail girl thinking of it as a playmate—then Theseus came—whatever it is that Theseus did to subdue it, there was no evident pain on the magical creature’s side.

Making the no harm was done, he kicked away from the Kelpie which actually pushed him back onto the surface till he was once again at the edge of the pond, breathing heavily on the ground as he got on his feet. There, he found his older brother waiting for him in his dry clothes and crossed arms about his chest. On his arm hung Newt’s blue coat, but Theseus’ expression said he dared Newt to get it.

The younger Scamander got to his feet, dried himself up and stared awkwardly at his brother.

Theseus looked gravely at him.

“She could have been killed.” He said quietly, not moving from his spot.

Newt looked at him. “Well, she didn’t.”

“And you still prioritize your magical creatures.” Theseus shook his head in dissatisfaction, making Newt frown.

“She was okay, I checked, and you saved her—Bunty was there, too and her sisters—

“That’s not my point—”

“I specifically told her not to come— she didn’t listen!”

“And that justifies leaving her to other people?”

“Who else is left to worry for the magical creatures if I don’t?”

“You actually believe I would hurt it knowing I’m inside a hospital for creatures? How heartless do you think I am?”

“In saving humans, Theseus, you know there’s every bit of possibility.” Newt said solemnly, making his older brother to stare at him in disbelief and to shake his head again. Newt was almost apologetic at his own accusation but he was rebuffed at the idea that he didn’t care for the lady. Of course, he did, and Theseus knew that. But considering the circumstances, what Newt said was the truth. He was a care giver of Magical Creatures, and if there was any sign that they have been mistreated, it was his job to save them.

And Theseus too. Above anything else, his main concern will always be the well-beings of humans.

The difference that matters…

“Well, I didn’t.” Theseus said rather firmly as he straightened with a testy look on his face, “What gave you the faintest idea I planned to slay the beast?”

“Because it was not your priority to protect them. It’s not the Auror’s part—”

 “Here we go again,” Theseus closed his eyes with a sigh, Newt shaking his head. “When will you understand that I am not your enemy?”

“The moment you stop trying to convince me you’re not here otherwise.” Newt dropped his eyes on the floor but the frown remained on his face, “That’s why you really came here, isn’t it? To convince me to let the Ministry do what they want to them?” he looked up, meeting his older brother’s eyes with contempt, not directly at his brother but to the idea he represents, “The Ministry wants to make sure they will encounter no problem before the meeting later, don’t they?”

Theseus did not react and Newt gritted his teeth at the revelation.

“It’s not as bad as you think—” began the older Scamander, “It is a fact that Grindelwald is recruiting even giants—”

“Yes, and a kelpie is a good asset against them. That’s the reason you didn’t hurt it, did you? Get out, Theseus.” Newt turned around with hands on his waist with his anger welling up. He couldn’t believe they were having this conversation, this fall out, right before the Ministry meeting. Okay, then maybe he was a little angry at his older brother for being the Ministry’s pet—but wasn’t Theseus smart enough not to be controlled? Which only means he too thought of the aid the magical creatures could give. But Newt knew that Theseus meant no harm. Newt was just angry. So angry because what was inevitable was finally coming, and there was nothing he could do about it but to vent.

You can vent on me. He remembered Theseus saying.

With a sigh and words that weren’t meant to be said out loud, Newt was surprised to even hear his own voice say it:

“Leta would understand.”

His eyes widening, Newt quickly turned in Theseus direction.

His brother was not looking at him, but at the space in the middle of the cages in front of him. Quietly, Theseus nodded.

“You’re right. She would understand you.” The older Scamander then straightened, an act that got Newt standing properly as well with his heart hammering on his chest. He had just said something more offensive than anyone ever told his brother. And to think just awhile ago, he was thinking of how to brought up her subject into the light—so as to know what Theseus must be going through. He did, but at the wrong moment. Newt could only bite his lips.

“Theseus—”

“It’s alright.” Theseus gave him a piercing look. “Just know this, Newt, I didn’t harm your kelpie not because of whatever scheme you think the Ministry is doing, but because I happen to care of what my younger brother would say had I hurt one of the magical beasts he’s sworn to protect.”

Newt stood quietly as his blue coat was sent in his direction using a spell, and then Theseus turned and was climbing the stairs in no time. The Magizoologist sighed but then noticed that his older brother had stopped in the middle of the stairs with one hand clutching on the railings as if something was stopping him.

“Are you okay?” Newt called, suddenly remembering he forgot to ask of how his brother had escaped the Kelpie.

Theseus considers this for a moment, before he half turns to Newt.

“The Ministry will be insisting an inspection one of these days. You better make a list of what you plan to show them as legal. I noticed some of these magical creatures…” he travelled his eyes on the enclosure, “can qualify as something that is smuggled illegally.”

Newt hesitated. “You won’t tell them?”

This time, Theseus did look hurt as he grappled something internally, then mustering his expression he shook his head.

“If I did, you’d have no home to call and that’s more disturbing.” Theseus then silently headed upstairs without another word. Newt pressed his lips and watched him go. Newt understood that he disappointed Theseus again. He too understood that he had subjected his brother to his unfair judgment but he was expecting the man to retort back. He would have appreciated it too if Theseus had lashed at him for mentioning Leta’s name. What was suddenly wrong with Theseus?

Quietly, too, he wore his coat and followed his brother with one last look at the menagerie, he locked the door.

When Newt came up, the Wagtail sisters were all thanking Theseus who was refusing them any embrace. They seemed to believe he was a hugger according to someone’s source. But Theseus only patted Honey’s head who was now clutching her signed copy of the Fantastic Beasts. The moment she saw Newt, she retreated by the door looking embarrassed. Newt pressed a smile at her, an indication that it was alright. When they were all gone with Bunty closing the door and ten minutes left for the meeting, the Scamander brothers found themselves standing right outside Newt’s house with grim expressions.

“You should go ahead to the Ministry.” Theseus told him, making Newt shoot him a side glance.

“You won’t be there?”

“I have to…go home.” Theseus frowned, “It won’t take long.” And then he disapparated.

Newt was left staring at the space that his older brother had left. With the urge to follow Theseus for his unusual behavior, but also not wanting to make the rift between them any wider, the Magizoologist disapparated to the Ministry.

Theseus apparated at the premises of his Victorian home.

With a struggle, he unlocked his white door and went in, not bothering to turn on the lights. He headed straight for the living room where he unavoidably had to flick lumos on his wand. If only Dumbledore would allow him to borrow that tricky Put-Outer, he wouldn’t have to suffer as he struggled to remove his coat and tie with an excruciating pain on his chest; that was because in his battle with the Kelpie and his avoidance of hurting it, Theseus was struck around the middle that nearly robbed him out of his breath. The itching and pain he felt now was an indication that a wound of some sort had manifested and he had to heal it before flying to his younger brother’s meeting, which in reality Newt had no chance of winning without his presence.

Just then, it felt like something thin and cold suddenly was clawing at the back of his neck that Theseus became aware that someone else was inside his house.Stopping halfway of unbuttoning his shirt, Theseus raised his wand and turned behind him with clenched jaw—to find himself facing two luminous blue eyes in the dark. Those menacing blue eyes in the middle of the raging blue fire! Leta’s killer!

Theseus had the mind to attack as he realized who it was but he moved too slow as his injury had limited him, and his wand had flown out of his hands before he could—

“No.” Grindelwald said deeply as he took possession of the older Scamander’s wand. “We don’t want to raise false alarms.”

“I’m not afraid to die.” Theseus retorted to his uninvited visitor, clutching his hands into ball of fists at having been disarmed quickly.

“Of course.” Grindelwald said quietly and there was something in his cold presence that told Theseus the Dark Wizard already thought himself the victor, “No one would dare believe you are, Mr. Scamander. Not with your title and fame, no. You are very, very brave… but you chose them, I could not be more disappointed.”

“I’d choose them anytime.”

Standing up defenseless, Theseus Scamander stood his ground, waiting for the Dark Wizard to finish him—he knew at time like this would come. But he didn’t expect Grindelwald to be the one to personally end his life. In a flash, Newt’s angry face came in mind and this made Theseus regret ever having that argument when he was about to die. What would happen to Newt now?

“My my,” there was a plain lack of emotion, “You were hurt. It was your brother, I presume?”

Theseus didn’t reply, still gazing hard at the Most Wanted of their time. But as seconds rolled and the older Scamander still found himself breathing, he couldn’t help but fear the worst part than dying—

“What do you want?” he swallowed hard, already knowing what was to come next and bracing himself for it.

“A proposition.”

Theseus smiled. “No.”

Grindelwald’s eyes flashed dangerously—and before Theseus realized what was going on—he was on the floor, twisting in pain as his whole body erupted in cold fire—like he was being ripped to thousands of pieces and was still whole—and he screamed with his voice in his head—and everything that was there was just unexplainable pain that was ripping his head open—

When for a moment, he felt himself able to breath, he felt another coldness had wrapped his mind, telling him to fall asleep for the pain has ended. Telling him there was no need to worry and only comply—

Theseus gritted his teeth and broke away from the Imperius curse almost too quickly and found himself breathing very hard with his face on the floor. His whole-body sweating and the pain on his chest adding to his movements, Theseus tried hard to focus and attempted to close his fists.

He saw Grindelwald’s feet on his left, he was standing above him.

“So, you chose to suffer? Admirable.” The wizard was saying softly, “But there is no award to those who resist. Why do you fight, Scamander? Is it because I killed her?”

Theseus breathed hard, and then felt his whole body get consumed by the pain of fire again— it was under his skin, on his very chest—to his limbs—everything was on fire and electrifying all at once that Theseus’ only wanted it to stop— but when the cruciatus was lifted, it was followed shortly by another controlling curse—to which he was so adamant with Leta’s death hanging on his mind.

Grindelwald broke the occlumency wall of the Auror and in no time was able to see pass the man’s mind. This made him smile briefly, before stepping forward and kicking the Auror to lie on his back.

Theseus could barely close his fists now, his chest rising and falling, the mark on his chest that reached on to his neck forgotten. And Grindelwald shook his head.

“Is this because of love?” the Dark Wizard inclined his head on the left. “Love for Leta Lestrange?”

Theseus opened his eyes and threw a contemptuous look at Grindelwald’s direction. “Whatever you’re after…” he breathed strong, “NO!”

Grindelwald doesn’t look amuse now. “But she never truly loved you. You know she loved your brother. You know it, I see that. So why resist?”

Theseus’s lips trembled in anger, but after a moment, he reached a hand a grabbed Grindelwald by the leg. Rage was on Theseus’ eyes—and his message was only too clear for Grindelwald to see.

“Don’t ever…” the older Scamander hissed forcefully, “Don’t ever read my mind… of her…” his clutch on the Dark Wizard not weakening, Theseus tried as he might to get on his feet, but only managed to get on his knees. Tiredly, he let go and sat there with trembling hands on his legs, Theseus Scamander then managed to raise his chin, his fierce eyes meeting that of Grindelwald who was silently watching him.

“She never loved you.” Grindelwald repeated indifferently, pointing his wand on Theseus’ forehead.

To which, for the last time Theseus focused his eyes and smiled.

“I know…” he sighed, his eyes watering all of a sudden, “but that’s not’ actually true… I needed someone that loved my brother as much as I do.”

Grindelwald’s eyes narrowed. He just knew it was going to take a while.

Inside the Ministry’s long-winded corridor, inside one of the staggering tall, dark-tiled rooms, Newt Scamander sat in the presence of the Prime Minister, three Aurors including Yaxley, Travers from the Magical Law Enforcement and two others more from his department.

Theseus’ chair remained vacant. Newt looked down his hand till Travers’ loud voice announced the beginning of the meeting. Looking up, Newt blinked at the panel and then unconsciously back at the empty chair of his older brother. When no sign of Theseus came, Newt sat straight and sighed quietly.

It was going to be a long day. 

-TBC-