Hello everyone here is my Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them fic. I was a bit disappointed at the lack of bamf Newt and wanted to experiment with a few other ideas. I hope you all enjoy this chapter the first of a few (at least).

X

Staring over the edge of the rail, grey murky water thrashed and drummed against the hull of the ship. Looking up through damp curls of auburn stained the colour of autumn spices in the mist cloaking the deck, Newt could see large clouds swathed in silver and onyx clashing together and sending lightning hurtling towards the mortal earth below. Shivering slightly in the rich blue cloak that hung on his shoulders and shielded him from some of the wind, Newt whispered a silent warming spell under his breath, the currents of warmth traveling through his body a welcome relief. A rumble echoed ominously above bounding over the waves and bringing with it a downpour of rain the dam released. Newt sighed and flicked open the latches on his suit case after sliding it to the "muggle" setting Newt pulled out a floral pattern umbrella and with a 'pop' its wings spread open shielding himself from the downpour.

The deck was near empty as Newt's eyes cast about taking in a small child accompanied by an irate parent, an elderly woman gazing into the distance, and a crewmember lighting up a smoke, the pale wisps of silver dissipating in the harsh rain. Frowning slightly Newt crossed the deck with knees slightly bent and approached the old woman. Upon a closer glance muddled not by the mist Newt could see a coat of soft grey on her shoulders and on top of a plume of white curled hair a hat of dark ebony with vibrant green feathers bunching out from the top.

"Mam? Please take my umbrella you need it far more than I ever will."

The senior turned around revealing an aged face though kind with laugh lines and a gentle smile. Her gaze cast over his blue coat and auburn hair with a raised eyebrow before she shook her head and said, "Nonsense a lady such as I could not except such a kind offer, and you simply must keep your wonderful coat dry!"

Her tone was pleasant and reminded him of his father's mother, she had always stroked his cheeks and whispered whimsical nothings in his ear. Newt's eyes flickered up from where they had once again began tracing the hardwood of the deck to connect eyes with her for a moment before his head tilted and he said, "Really I insist my body is young and nimble a little fall of rain shan't hurt me."

The lady laughed and inclined her head taking the outstretched umbrella and sweeping it over her head, the sound of the drops cascading over the umbrella resumed. Newt nodded and swept away to the rail where he stood when the storm had started. A chill seemed to echo in his bones as he placed gloved hands on the iron railing below, old scars seemed to chastise him now for such reckless ventures. Shaking slightly Newt sighed knowing it was not from the cold, but merely memories bitter in their placement at the back of his mind, rolling his shoulders Newt took a deep breath his trembling hand of its own accord reaching for the pendent hung about his neck on worn leather string.

The gesture was familiar and a habit that had developed swiftly over time, shaking his head Newt remarked that the charm had its uses as the tension wracking his body faded away to the normal dull throb at the back of his mind. Lifting his wrist in a precise movement Newt slid his sleeve up slightly to glance at the watch on his wrist, the glass was cracked in a few places and the lettering smudged by water, dirt, and other substances but it was legible enough (Theseus thought quite the opposite). Nodding to himself with a few whispered words Newt turned, the movement shaking drops of water from his hair which landed on his face, and began to walk towards his cabin a small room with barely any space for a man much less a bed.

Entering the petite cabin Newt gently pushed the door close with a soft pulse of his magic, peering through the darkness Newt sighed and muttered, "Lumos." A soft orb of pale white light emerged from the tip of his wand illuminating the room and chasing away the shadows. The worn leather case sat in the corner of the room slightly shadowed, Newt could easily see the one lock undone but he spared no worry as the twine around the case held tight. Stepping forward Newt placed his wand in his mouth frowning slightly at the taste before crouching down level with the case. Long and nimble fingers danced over the knots tied in seemingly random places with intricate loops, the case rumbled beneath his fingers and he let out a soft soothing sound as the last of the string fell away. Flicking the last lock open Newt pulled the two halves apart allowing him to glance at the ladder illuminated by warm light below.

Familiar calls greeted him as steady hands grasped the wooden railing and sure feet clambered down wooden steps. Standing up straight Newt's eyes cast about the familiar clutter of papers and strange objects that served as his shed's walls (and floor). Stepping out of the shed and into the wide open space that served as his suitcase Newt let out a sigh feeling like he had come home, scanning over the many creatures that formed his menagerie Newt's shoulders slumped and he briefly mourned the solitude that accompanied him. People were difficult and Newt found companionship in his creatures much easier…yet it would be helpful to have an accomplice someone to help feed his babies, talk to about his problems, and help him on dangerous rescue missions. But Newt didn't want to put the weight of his own problems on any one, who would want to deal with him waking up in the middle of the night a scream heavy on his tongue, or his violent reactions to touch that never ended well for either party. Theseus might be able to deal with it; they were brothers forged in blood and fire a bond unlike any formed of common ground but he had his job as an auror.

A sharp pain in his pant leg distracted his mind from morose thoughts, looking down Newt spotted a bundle of chocolate coloured fur and intelligent eyes blinking up at him innocently. Shaking his head Newt scooped the Niffler into his arms cuddling the adorable kleptomaniac to his chest where he nuzzled the creature before setting it on the ground. Reaching into his pockets Newt pulled out a small silver coin; instantly the Niffler's eyes were traced on his hand. Reaching back he let his arm fling forward sending the coin careening away into the distance, the creature stared for a moment at a lost before scurrying away after the coin. Smiling softly to himself Newt picked up one of the stray buckets lying around and begin to make his rounds.

X

Newt could feel anxiety swelling in his gut as he stood in line, his case a reassuring weight in his hands and yet equally as heavy. It seemed he was fortune's fool Newt blithely remarked as he looked down to see the lack of string wound about the case, it was just his luck that in his haste to exit the dank cabin he had forgotten to rewind it. Looking up hastily when a cough broke through his thoughts Newt stared into the imposing visage of the man in decked in a navy blue outfit. Smiling shyly Newt let his head fall auburn bangs swinging to cover hazel eyes and a mischievous tilt to his lips that disappeared swiftly.

"First time in New York?

Newt mumbled yes even while his mind was flying over the few (mostly) disastrous visits to the American city held in such high regards. Then again the few times he had visited were during the war and everyone was taught with tension, though Percy appeared as unhinged as ever. Newt worried his lip as the official questioned him about his case, and asked to see it. Whispering a silent prayer that the Niffler kept its tiny paws to itself Newt heaved the case up flicking it over to muggle worthy before setting it before the man. A silent breath of relief left his lip when the man welcomed him, nodding his thanks Newt passed through the gate a shiver of foreboding tracing down his spine and sending shivers racing to and fro.

Newt's hand drifted upwards to clench the pendent hidden behind the folds of his coat a soft reassurance. Stepping out of the crowded terminal Newt couldn't help the awe that always overtook him when he saw the grand sprawl of buildings that formed New York in all its glory. The soft hum of automobiles moving to and fro, the warm smells of food entranced the senses and the bitter smell of smoke countered the overwhelming smell of hot dogs, and the cool wind became familiar sounds as Newt paced down the street.

X

Credence ran with his head down, fear plagued his thoughts like a virus taking over and corrupting them. His hand dug into his pocket holding the worn wooden cross kept there, rubbing his thumb over the smooth wood Credence tried to calm himself down. His breath was coming in large heaving gasps and his eyes felt suspiciously wet, Credence was late. Mary Lou had asked him to be at the square outside of the bank almost ten minutes ago, the mere thought of what she was going to do to him pushed him to go faster. If only he hadn't stared at the bakery display for so long, his mind running a mi-

Credence thoughts were cut short as he collided with someone, a bright flash of blue caught his eyes before he was falling the pamphlets clutched tightly in his grasp spilling everywhere in a frenzied flock of paper. Hesitantly Credence looked up afraid of the consequences of his ignorance, expecting anger Credence was surprised to see fear and an apologetic expression on the young man's face (Credence knew that expression all too well, he wore it often).

Studying the man in closer detail Credence noted short curly auburn hair that was swept towards the right side of his angular face revealing hazel eyes and sharp cheekbones. A vibrant blue coat donned the man's shoulders along with a white dress shirt and bow tie underneath. Following the man's outstretched arm Credence saw the hand extended towards him, the feeling inside his stomach whispered for him to take it and the honest expression on the man's face confirmed his decision.

Taking the hand Credence was surprised to feel calloused palms, raised scars painted white in afternoon sun, and long spindly fingers. The man swung Credence up with ease as if his body was nothing but air to his strength, as soon as they stood eye level Credence's eyes dropped towards the ground and he said, "I'm very sorry sir, please forgive my grave error."

The man let out a soft chuckle, pleasing upon the ears that instantly quelled Credence's fears. Looking up hesitantly Credence was met with kind eyes and a soft smile, the man shook Credence's hand still firmly entrenched in his slightly larger and warmer ones and said, "I'm Newt Scamander please call me such there is no such need for manners like that with me. Truly it was my fault please let me help you pick up your flyers."

Credence's eyebrows rose and he wondered if the slight shock of such kindness was visible on his face, a scarlet blush lightly painted his cheeks and Credence bowed his head once again and said, "My name is Credence Barebones, and I insist it was my fault, I cannot let you take the blame when it was I who was running so frivolously without looking up."

Bending down to pick up the scattered pamphlets Credence expected that to be the end of the encounter, surprise struck his heart once again as the man- Mr. Scamander bent down beside him the papers were swiftly gathered into his arms as they hunched over on the paved sidewalk. As they stood up Mr. Scamander glanced at one of the pamphlets in his hand, his brow furrowed and bitter disgust seemed to sweep across his features in an instant, his gaze snapped up assessing Credence, the stare was neither judgemental nor harsh merely assessing.

"Credence if you must insist upon this incident being your fault then perhaps you can help a tourist in need," Credence shuddered here it was, no kindness came without a price Mary Lou's vile words always seemed to ring true these days, seeing the expression upon Credence's face Mr. Scamander hastily continued, "I don't need money! Merely directions New York has changed a bit since last I visited. I need to visit the Steen National Bank do you perhaps know how to get there."

Relief lifted the heavy weight off of Credence's shoulders and he nodded as Mr. Scamander passed over the small collection of pamphlets held in his hands. Credence swallowed slightly before saying, "I'm actually heading that way my… mother is there if you would like to join me?"

Mr. Scamander noticed the way Credence hesitated when speaking of Mary Lou if the keen flash of his eyes was any indication, the man nodded picking up a heavy coffee coloured suitcase, before his eyes one of the latches popped open. Mr. Scamander hastily closed it muttering about "fixing the dam thing" before looking at Credence and nodding his acceptance.

Together they began walking down the street two contrasting characters, Mr. Scamander in his vibrant coat of blue, light auburn hair, and beaming smile and Credence cloaked in black and grey, with raven hair, and pale skin. Silence surrounded the two as Credence led them further into the city towards the bank with its grand architecture and crowds of people, Credence thought silence would be their only companion until Mr. Scamander spoke again his voice rich and soothing.

"So you live with your mother and she's the founder of this organization… the Second Salemers?"

The question set unease roiling through Credence and he turned to look at the hazel-eyed man for a moment before he replied in soft tones loud enough for only Mr. Scamander to hear.

"Yes she's the founder, but she is not my real mother I was adopted by her. Personally I do not believe what she speaks, witches may indeed run among us but if they were as she claimed then we would have already fallen. Besides I have met one, he seems no worshipper of Lucifer."

The last part of his sentence was whispered so quietly under his breath that Credence wondered if Mr. Scamander had heard the words he hadn't dared whisper aloud. Credence wondered why he trusted this man so easily. The swirling sensation that filled him with a slight warmth led Credence to believe it might have something to do with his magic, but how could Credence trust this force he was so unfamiliar with? His mind snapped back to that night long ago where Modesty was young only a toddler, his senses (things he wasn't supposed to feel) screamed at him and he had raced towards her his senses guiding him to her just in time to stop her from falling out of an open window.

Then why did his… magic (he still hesitated in calling it that) whisper only darkness and unease when he met with Mr. Graves? Shivering slightly Credence turned to Mr. Scamander a sinking feeling in his gut prompting him to ask, "Mr. Scamander are you a… someone who uses magic?"

Credence turned worried when he heard coughing followed by spluttering and wide eyes, Mr. Scamander took a moment to regain his breath before he fixed Credence with a stare slightly more serious than before and said, "And if I am?"

Credence paused for a moment before sliding into an alleyway between two buildings, Mr. Scamander followed him a patient and understanding expression on his face. Credence sighed and rubbed a hand over his face contemplating his decision, a soft pulse of light seemed to swell within himself, trusting his magic, a force that hadn't yet proved him wrong Credence said, "Then you know I have magic… or something like it? And you know I won't speak of this to my mother… how could I? She wouldn't believe me anyway."

Mr. Scamander took in a sharp breath piercing Hazel eyes seemed to stare into the depths of Credence's soul, suddenly Mr. Scamander outstretched his hand in a silent ask for Credence's hand. Nodding Credence hesitantly rested his hand in Mr. Scamander's calloused hand, his lips formed an 'o' as lightning seemed to race up and down his arm and through fingertips. Then Mr. Scamander was pulling him from shadows and they were walking in daylight, casting a curious glance Mr. Scamander merely shook his head and made a silly motion with his hand referencing magic.

"I believe you do have magic Credence but what you have is slightly different because of your… circumstances. I could explain it better if we had more time, as it is you're probably already late… I'm sorry"

Credence was intrigued, this man, magic user could tell of Credence's other power, whatever it was. Mr. Grave didn't know and he had held Credence's face and hands when healing him, doubt once again flourished in him. Regarding meeting Mr. Scamander again… Credence wracked his brain trying to figure out a time when he could slip away from Mary Lou and her wretchedness.

"Tomorrow in the evening around six I must go to my post down the street from the bank near a small café, it's supposed to rain like a wrathful God's fury upon this earth. It would not seem suspicious if I slipped inside the café and met you there. Do not apologize she would punish me already, at least I have met someone else who can aid me, are you sure you know what's going on?"

The sounds of a crowd pierced their ears as they drew closer to the bank and Credence's chest tightened with worry and fear, looking to the side he was met with reassuring hazel eyes which glanced at the crowd and Mary Lou preaching on the steps before landing on Credence once again. Leaning forward slightly but not so much as to invade Credence's personal space Newt whispered, "In this I am sure I will be there, and I will help you… my own mother flesh and blood," Newt pulled his shirt away to reveal a long white scar crawling across his collarbone and thinning at his neck he continued, "Gave me this when I was but nine for being unable to perform a spell my brother had completed years earlier. Our circumstances may be different but know that I understand you Credence. And please call me Newt."

Then with a reassuring glance full of promise the man disappeared into the crow reappearing at the front moments later. He said a few words to Mary Lou full of coldness and disgust before climbing up the stairs and entering the bank. It was a shame the man hadn't noticed the creature that slipped from his case, or maybe he had?

X

The bank was crowded with patron's scurrying to and fro in a hurried frenzy, casting his eyes around Newt spotted the Niffler scraping at a silver buckle ensconced on a man's shoe. Attempting to move forward, Newt was halted as a man older in years with white hair and a stern face questioned him, Newt stuttered out an answer before awkwardly sidling over to a bench on the side. A man of slightly over average size with dark hair cut in the typical fashion, warm eyes and a well-trimmed mustache sat on the bench a suit almost identical to the one clenched in Newt's own hands sat beside him. Sitting down beside the man Newt's eyes cast about the bank once more trying to spot the tiny Niffler, the man introduced himself as Jacob Kowalski. Distracted Newt replied with his own name and looked up when the man asked why he had come to the bank, Newt glanced at the man his eyebrow arching at the aura of Mr. Kowalski, a faint trace of magic clinging to his soul.

"To make a deposit for my brother Thee."

Mr. Kowalski nodded and Newt cast one more assessing gaze at him before the Niffler appeared out of the corner of his eyes, instantly Newt was on his feet springing away from the bench and Mr. Kowalski and towards the wayward kleptomaniac. Muffled shouting followed him but he was too focused on the task at hand to pay any attention to the words that followed him, they quieted soon enough as Newt attempted to stop the Niffler from stealing a man's watch.

Newt watched with quiet despair as the Niffler bounded down the stairs towards the vaults and out of sight, Mr. Kowalski's warm tones alike to the pastries he was so found of baking pulled his eyes away from the stairs towards the man. Newt winced with an arched eyebrow when he saw the Occamy egg clutched in his large hands, the silver glimmered in the warm inner lighting of the bank and Newt saw cracks spreading over the shiny exterior. Feeling curious eyes on him, Newt shrugged there was no point in worrying, pulling out his wand he drew Mr. Kowalski towards him and then apparated them to the stairway below.

Hastily putting the wand in his mouth Newt took the Occamy eggs from Mr. Kowalski's slightly shaking hands, cradling the silver egg the two watched in awe as the baby Occamy broke free of its shell, a pale beak with feathers of sapphire and amethyst blending in some spots to form touches of emerald. Looking up into Mr. Kowalski's warm chocolate eyes Newt smiled at the mystified wonder apparent on his face, casting his gaze over the man Newt could see now why traces of magic lingered on his soul, he was a squib, not first generation if his wonder of magic was any indication. But an Occamy would not hatch in the hands of a muggle (or No-maj as they're called in America a bloody silly name if Newt had any opinion… he wondered what they called squibs?) a squib, well that was another matter entirely as they still held magic deep inside themselves though not enough to draw on and cast spells but enough for fortune to smile kindly on them.

A clang below distracted Newt from his musings as he cursed tucking the young Occamy into his case he whispered a few calming words to it before shutting the case and hurrying down the stairs after the Niffler. He felt a small surge of warmth as the sounds of Mr. Kowalski following behind him echoed in the stair well, perhaps he wouldn't obliviate the squib and if Professor Dumbledore had taught him any important tricks it was how to avoid the law.

As the Niffler disappeared under the vault Newt shook his head and opened the vault door with his wand, the heavy metal door swung open with ease and the two were greeted with the Niffler digging through one of the trays; a collection of other ones already unhinged and emptied. Newt prepared to enter the vault when the clatter of footsteps behind him alerted his senses, turning he spotted a bank attendant. The man has already pressed the alarm, the shrill ringing bouncing off the walls flicking his wand with a flourish the man fell to the ground immobilized and Newt turned his attention to the Niffler. The creature looked up, innocence shining in its bead like eyes only to be picked up, turned upside down, and thoroughly shaken. Newt shook his head as the collection of objects in the Niffler's pouch fell out in a clatter on the ground, smiling in good humour Newt reached out to let his fingers dance across the creature's soft belly eliciting more coins and the like to fall.

With the guards approaching and the last of the treasure emptied from the Kleptomaniac's pouch Newt stepped towards Mr. Kowalski and wrapping his arm around the man with a wince apparated them outside of the bank and into one of the side alleys nearby. Starring at Mr. Kowalski Newt debated casting the obliviate spell on the man, he seemed to have a good heart and no hate lay in his gaze, only confusion. Before he could make his mind up a case was flying towards his head, casting a wandless cushioning charm Newt winced and let himself fall backward as the case hit his head.

Hauling himself up Newt couldn't blame the man for his reaction, it probably didn't help that he was muttering suspiciously to himself… again. Looking down at his case Newt's eyebrows rose in their places upon his forehead Mr. Kowalski had taken the wrong case! Newt's case had the figure of a badger carved beside one of the latches miniscule in size and hardly noticeable unless your eyes were looking for it.

Newt's head whipped up to watch Mr. Kowalski move away into the hustle and bustle of the streets, automobiles roaring past him and building crowding in from all sides. Standing up Newt moved as if to follow Mr. Kowalski but before he could take a step a female witch was in front of him, she had ebony hair that hung about her neck in a bob-cut, seriousness shone from eyes of onyx and a small frown rested on her lips.

"My name is Porpentina Goldstein I work for MACUSA and you sir have revealed magic to a No-maj and a creature escaped from your case which you have entered into the city without a permit."

Newt sighed as Ms. Goldstein declared she worked for MACUSA his eyes tracing the pavement below Newt could feel a slight headache beginning to form, he was only supposed to be here for a few days and it seemed it was likely to be longer then that. Eyes flickering briefly upwards Newt smiled apologetically and said, "Please Ms. Goldstein my name is Newt Scamander I'm a Magizoologist I study magical creatures," recognition however slight seemed to pass through her eyes before it was gone, "And I'm merely here to meet with a breeder I have no ill-intent. I must insist that we follow the muggle as my cas-"

"Mr. Scamander I insist that we visit MACUSA, I'm taking you in we will deal with the No-maj later."

Before Newt could continue and tell Ms. Goldstein of his case the woman frowned and interrupted him her voice stern yet soft at the same time. Making a move to grab his arm Newt hastily stepped back, fear flashing in his eyes like a caged animal. Ms. Goldstein hesitated, confusion and concern flashing in her eyes before she slowly stretched out her hand making her movements clear. Newt took a deep breath looking up into kind eyes before gingerly placing his hand in Ms. Goldstein's dainty hand, a shiver traced his spine as they apparated away.

The tension in Newt's shoulders seemed to fade slightly as they passed through the doors MACUSA's grand hallway gold and stone made up the foundation of the entryway along with row upon row of glass climbing to unfound heights. Newt thought he would try once more to convince the witch of his plight, almost pleading with her he said, "Ms. Goldstein I insist we go back my case-"

"Mr. Scamander I must take you in I'm sorry."

Newt sighed it was useless to try and continue as she seemed a women on a mission blind to all else; taking the lead her raven hair swirled around her neck as she walked through the busy lobby the eye catching clock in the middle distracting Newt for a second before he followed her. Stepping into an elevator Newt listened with a curious ear as the house-elf questioned Ms. Goldstein when she told them her destination, the pieces were beginning to come together and Newt couldn't help but wonder what awaited him.

When Ms. Goldstein entered the auror department Newt didn't expect to see Percival and Picquery standing around a table with a collection of aurors surrounding the two leaders, Ms. Goldstein obviously didn't expect to see the same if the shock and slight fear was any indication. Letting his height curl in on itself and auburn bangs shift to cover his eyes Newt watched the scene unfold with slight confusion and distaste. Percival hadn't even noticed Newt which was rather hard considering the vibrant blue cloak and auror skills, Newt expected Picquery's eyes to pass over him when Newt hid himself in the shadows and assumed such a folded position such a different presentation from whenever she saw him.

Newt felt sympathy for Ms. Goldstein as she was harshly put down by Picquery and Percival said nothing, not standing up for his auror or even a former auror was unlike him. Newt's eyes cast over Percy taken in his visage like a hungered man, he still wore the ridiculous haircut that he insisted was popular, and his suit was impeccable as always yet something seemed off in the way he held himself.

Newt had no time to ponder the thought as he was forced to follow Ms. Goldstein as she left the auror department. When they arrived at the wand permit offices Newt let out a sigh accompanied by a small frown once when injured he had been forced to a desk job. His blood had boiled, and he felt like tearing his hair out at the endless paperwork that appeared constantly. As Ms. Goldstein marched to her desk Newt followed almost dejectedly as a million thoughts ran through his head and a hundred questions followed in swift vengeance.

Arriving at her desk Newt let his eyes wander over the overflowing collection of books and paperwork as Ms. Goldstein sat down pulling out a long sheet of paper, with a heavy sigh she began to question Newt. She asked how long he had been in New York, his reasons for visiting and other mundane questions that Newt answered evasively. Silence fell between the two neither taught with tension or uncomfortable it simply was. A question surfaced at the front of his mind and Newt's curiosity (what led him to find a passion for creatures) burst forth in a question.

"Ms. Goldstein why were you relegated to the wand permit office?"

Ms. Goldstein looked up at Newt seeing the sympathy and understanding that filled his eyes, she seemed to hesitate assessing him with a critical eye before nodding her head raven locks swaying and saying, "There was a boy… adopted, he had magic… his mother beat him… I lost control and used magic in front of No-majs."

Newt's eyebrow arched in confusion and disbelief, the Percival Graves would never dismiss and auror for such a mistake, it was easy to fix and Ms. Goldstein seemed like more than an adequate auror; she was kind yet firm, with a strong heart and vibrant magic. Newt coughed his gaze traced on the cement below, daringly Newt looked up and said, "In England we wouldn't have dismissed you for so minor a grievance. But then again that's what makes a country different."

"And how would you know what they do to aurors in your country Mr. Scamander?"

Ms. Goldstein questioned Newt neither angry nor happily merely seeming defeated by the news and her own circumstances, Newt rubbed the back of his head eyes casting to the ground in a familiar habit. Newt opened his lips to answer his mind thinking of his brother, strong and overprotective so caring in a way that warmed Newt's insides pleasantly, when Ms. Goldstein ducked behind the desk with a whispered, "I'm not here!"

The man that swept forward was thin with an air of arrogance about him, he immediately called Ms. Goldstein in outright disregarding Newt only to call him another one of the many she picked up on the street. The man was going to continue when Percival entered the scene his presence halting all conversation as Ms. Goldstein and the other employee saluted and Percy nodded, his greeting eyes passing over Newt with no recognition.

Surprise and confusion once more bubbled up in Newt's chest as he stared at the man he knew like a brother, letting his magic reach out Newt felt Percy's aura and recoiled at the feeling of it. Somehow the aura so familiar to Newt, the magic that had reassured him many times over was distorted almost false in its taste. A lesser wizard or witch might have been fooled by the feeling of his magic but one who knew Percival Graves should have been able to instantly sense the abnormality and the wrongness of his aura.

Feeling heavy stares on his head Newt glanced up to see the Percival's pointed stare accompanied with a soft pleading look from Ms. Goldstein, pointing at his case slightly she nodded to confirm his silent question. Newt frowned internally knowing this might hurt Ms. Goldstein but there was nothing to be done, if this was the Percy Newt knew than it would hopefully be a small matter to solve.

Heaving the case up Percival reached out to take the case from his hands. That was when Newt saw it, his left hand, the pinkie finger was bare. Percival never took off that ring a gift from Theseus at the end of the war, the ring was far more than it appeared and its absence sent dread roiling through his gut and shivers cascading down his spine. This man in front of him was not Percival Graves.

X

I hope you enjoy, sorry for the slight cliff-hanger this story will be canon-divergent so expect some interesting twists ahead. I hope you caught some of the subtext and clues left for you all. Till next chapter!