Newt Scamander is what you would call the oddball of Hogwarts. He didn't have many friends, and he tended to spend more time with magical creatures than people anyway. So he was obviously the target of much bullying. He was used to it though. Every day he went through at least a handful of jinxes, a few fights in which he was a punching bag, and who knows how many times he was tripped down the corridors alone. Today was no different than any of those others. He was just walking happily towards his favorite class of the day—Care for Magical Creatures—when he received a shove from behind.

He tumbled to the ground with the corridor erupting with laughter as his books were scattered as he fell. He kept his head down not having to look up to know the assailants were Malfoy, Crab, and Goyle. They were usually the ones who went after him. Besides, he recognize their nasally laughter anywhere.

"Clumsy as ever, Scamander." Malfoy mocked.

Newt just moved to his knees to start picking up his books while hoping if he didn't acknowledge them that they'd go away faster. However, he didn't get his wish as Goyle kicked one of his books farther away. He retracted his hand quickly as if avoiding the chance of it receiving the same punishment.

"We're talking to you, Scamander." Goyle said. "Why don't you look us in the eye?"

He started reaching down towards Newt, who was wishing his friend Leta, was here to help him. Just as Goyle's hand was in reach, a voice called out.

"I believe that is enough, boys." A clear, bell-like feminine voice said strongly.

Things went quiet in the hall except for the sound of soft footsteps coming forward. Newt slowly looked up seeing who his savior was. His eyes widened when seeing it was Phoenix Black. Basically the princess of Slytherin House. She was a year below Newt, who was now in his fifth year, and she lived up to her name. Besides, resembling a black swan due to her dark luscious hair and beautiful form, she was fiery and had a certain poise about her that reminded Newt of the great, noble bird for which she was named after. She was like a rare Black Phoenix. The only one of her kind, which understandably made her the most wanted girl in the entire school.

She's never shown much interest in the suitors who came knocking at her door. She never showed much interest in anyone exactly, but for some reason—a reason no one could explain—she seemed to take a liking to Newt. Even he didn't know why. Just someday—halfway through her first year, his second—the princess of Slytherin had decided to join Newt out in the common grounds. It had been a shock to everyone when Phoenix Black sat down beside Newt Scamander, and decided to start up a friendly chat, which was really her doing most of the talking when Newt just sat there amazed someone as pretty as her was talking to him.

And right to this very day, Phoenix called herself his friend even though she never asked him if he minded. He didn't mind to be honest, but from the moment she declared themselves as friends, she never asked if he was alright with it. Of course, he would have been too shy to say anything in the end.

"Oh, Nix." Malfoy said grinning at the girl. "Come to save your boyfriend?"

There were a few stray chuckles around the corridor, however, they immediately stopped when Phoenix narrowed her eyes. She always meant business whenever doing that.

"I've come, Mr. Malfoy," She began in that formal manner of hers. "To stop this ridiculousness. You see, I find it rather sad when those of noble houses have to pick on others just to make them feel superior. It is actually more than sad if I'm being perfectly honest. It's pathetic, really."

It went even quieter after those words left her mouth, and Newt fidgeted nervously wondering what would happen.

"Pathetic, you say?" Malfoy said. "I'm just reminding this worm where this place is."

"Worm?" Phoenix murmured. "Have you forgotten, Mr. Malfoy, the Scamander family is a family of purebloods such as us?"

"They are not like us, Nix." Malfoy insisted. "They're muggle sympathizers, which is utterly disgusting."

Malfoy turned to look to Newt, which had the fifth year looking down once again. He didn't like confrontation. Especially with humans.

"What they believe is their business." Phoenix said. "Now, I suggest you three run along before I lose my temper. We all know what happens when a Black loses their temper."

A cold chill ran across the entire corridor because it was true. Everyone does know what happens when a Black loses their temper. It was quiet for a moment before Malfoy and his goons finally backed away. As they were leaving, the crowd dissipated as well since the excitement was over. Once they were alone in the corridor, Phoenix let out a sigh before kneeling down to help Newt collect his books.

"Thank-you," Newt said softly as he glanced up shyly.

Phoenix looked at him with the cold expression she used on Malfoy slipping away to form a kind, smiling face.

"You're quite welcome, Newt." She said then looked a tad worried. "They didn't hurt you, did they?"

She reached out to brush her hand across his cheek as if to make sure there weren't any cuts or bruises. Her touch had Newt's cheeks heating up as he cleared his throat.

"N-no." He said. "I just took a small tumble."

Phoenix looked worried a moment later before nodding her head as the small, soft smile returned. Phoenix never smiled much. Newt knew that was because things were hard on the young Black. So much was expected out of her because of whose house she hails from, and because she's reaching the age where it was time for suitors to be chosen for her. However, whenever they were alone, a smile would creep its ways onto her lovely face.

"Good." Phoenix said. "I don't know what I'd do if you were ever hurt, Newt. What I mean to say is—!"

"Newt, are you still sleeping?" Phoenix's voice, which suddenly sounded a bit more mature as if it belonged to a grown woman not a fourteen-year-old girl, interrupted. "We're almost there. Come now, wake up!"

Newt's eyes opened quickly before he sat up on the bench he had been dozing in. He looked around seeing that he wasn't in Hogwarts. He was on a boat…the same boat that was taking him and his companions to New York. He turned to the woman who woke him to see and older yet still very beautiful Phoenix beside him. She had her hand on his arm, and was smiling up at him. They're eyes met for a moment, but he soon darted his eyes away.

"Did I…did I fall asleep for long?" He asked.

"Just a bit." Phoenix said with a slight smile. "However, it's understandable. You were up all night with the children."

By the children, she meant the creatures residing in the suitcase resting at his feet. She always referred to them as that. Whether how old or how big they were. She said they were probably the only way she'd ever get close to motherhood, so she tended to baby them. Including the troublemaker Greedy, which in Newt's opinion didn't help discipline the little bugger. However, the last time he brought that up, they ended in an argument. An argument that led to her being in tears though she denied she was ever crying, so he swore to never bring it up again.

"Have we almost arrived?" He asked looking around.

Phoenix nodded her head while reaching out to brush some of his hair back from his forehead. Though it didn't do much good considering how his hair always fell across his forehead.

"We should be there very soon." Phoenix said nodding.

Newt nodded in return while trying to ignore the redness to his cheeks caused by her soft touch. He then reached for the suitcase at his side, and just as his hand touched it one of the latches popped open. An amused smile formed on Newt's face, as he latched it back. He picked up the suitcase to lean in towards it.

"Dougal," He began receiving a hoot in return. "Settle down now, please. Won't be long."

Dougal made a few more noises, but soon settled down. Phoenix was sure the demiguise went back to check in on some of the newly hatched Occumy-though some have yet to hatch such as the one in Phoenix's pocket. He was a very good caretaker to the younger creatures. Newt then looked to his traveling companion as she reached out to take his hand. She laced her fingers with his. A bold move, but Newt was quiet used to Phoenix's boldness by now. Though it still didn't stop the blood from rushing to his cheeks.

"Finally away." Phoenix hummed looking at peace. "No more looking over my shoulder—for now at least."

She gave him a tired smile then leaned her head against his shoulder as their ship brought them closer to New York. Newt looked to the city coming into view before glancing down at Phoenix. Maybe once they finish business here in America, they can postpone their returning to England just for her. He knew that would make her very happy, and he preferred to see her happy, which is becoming a rarer sight these days.

"Careful." Newt said to Phoenix as they were leaving the ship, which was finally docked. "Watch your step."

He walked in front of her while keep his hand out behind him to hold hers as they walked down the platform.

"Newt, I'm fine." Phoenix said sounding amused by his worrying.

He glanced back at her before darting his eyes to the side in that nervous manner of his.

"Sorry." He said as he finally reached the bottom.

He helped her down the rest of the platform while about to let go of her hand. However, she held on strongly.

"Shall we check in?" She asked him.

He nodded with the two of them heading over to customs where they had to show their passports and get asked the routine questions. Phoenix was quite used to the ordeal since she has went to many places with Newt when tagging along on some of his adventures.

"Passports." The man in front of them said once they reached the front of the line.

Phoenix and Newt handed them over, and as the muggle man looked them over, Newt looked around. His nervous tick growing worse now that he has to deal directly with a stranger. Phoenix squeezed his hands to calm is nerves as the guy looked up from their passports.

"British, huh?" He asked.

"Yes," Newt replied while still keeping his eyes anywhere, but on the man in front of them.

"First trip to New York?" He asked.

"Yes, sir." Phoenix replied this time with a charming smile. "We decided to take a holiday here."

The lie slipped easily off her tongue, which was a very Slytherin trait. She might not be cruel like her former housemates from their Hogwarts years, but her cunningness and masterful ability at stretching the truth made no one doubt where she was placed when they were children.

"I see." The man said while eying Newt suspiciously.

Newt never was one to keep calm in situations such as these. Also he was a very bad liar, which never helped much.

"Anything edible in there?" The muggle asked.

"No." Newt said while looking down and placing his hand near his breast pocket where a certain little friend of his was hiding.

The muggle look unconvinced, which didn't surprise Phoenix in the slightest. Even after all this time, Newt couldn't properly lie.

"Livestock?" The muggle asked.

Phoenix's brow quirked wondering how this muggle could even think they could fit livestock in such a case. Well, they could do it, but if this was just a normal muggle case they wouldn't be able. And this man was muggle, so there was no way he know about the extension charm. Or magic in general. Just then one of the latches on the suitcase popped open. Phoenix held back a frown while already knowing it had to be Greedy trying to get out. He and Dougal were the only ones who ever tried to escape. Dougal never goes far when let out, but Greedy is an entirely different story.

"No, no, livestock." Phoenix said then closed the latch. "You really must get that fixed, darling."

"Yes…yes, I should." Newt said looking more nervous than before.

Phoenix chuckled at how a tinge of pink appeared on his cheeks when he said that. He was so adorable sometimes. The muggle looked between them then down at the suitcase.

"Let me see that." He said.

Newt looked bothered at first, but went to do as the man asked of him. He set the case down then turned the muggle device on that came with the suitcase. The man turned the case towards him before popping open the latches. He opened it up while seeing a very neatly packed suitcase that was divided down the middle. One side had men's clothes while the other women's. He looked back to the couple in front of them with Newt looking at him though not meeting his gaze while Phoenix continued to smile politely. He then closed the case while turning it back towards Newt.

"Welcome to New York." He said.

"Thank-you." Newt said while quickly collecting his suitcase and their passports.

He went off with Phoenix at his side while glad they made it through another checkpoint. They always messed with his nerves.

"You would believe, Mr. Scamander, that after all the custom offices you've been through that they wouldn't faze you anymore." Phoenix teased.

"Not all of us are as poised and calm as you, Nix." Newt pointed out.

"True." Phoenix consented. "Now, shall we explore a bit?"

She looped her arm with his as she asked this, and he almost felt like they were back in Hogwarts. And she was leading them down the corridor not caring who stared at the princess of Slytherin being on the arm of the oddball of Hufflepuff.

"I suppose we do have time for that." Newt said with his lips turning up partially.

Phoenix's eyes lit up, and seeing her smile like this, made Newt's heart feel lighter. He knew things have been hard on her recently at home with her parents pressuring her to marry. Most noblewomen her age would already be married with children, but he's noticed Phoenix has been avoiding marriage—or more so all the suitors her parents try to throw her way.

They had finally lost their patience, and chose a noblemen from the Scottish pureblood family. They were technically betrothed, but Phoenix refuses to acknowledge their betrothal, so in her eyes it doesn't exist. And he wouldn't be mentioning it or her fiancé Carlisle while they're here.

"What shall we see first?" Newt asked.

"I don't know." Phoenix said honestly. "But a stroll does sound lovely."

Newt and Phoenix walked around New York taking in all the sights around them. It was different than anywhere else they've ever been, and Phoenix found that exciting. They were passing by what looked to be a muggle bank when a voice caught Newt's attention.

"This great city sparkles with the jewels of man's inventions." A woman said from the steps going into the bank. "Movie theaters, automobiles, the wireless, electric lights! All dazzle and bewitch us."

However, he was distracted from the voice when a train passed overhead. Muggles sure had odd looking trains. He then bumped into someone.

"Oh, so sorry." He said to the young woman he bumped into.

She looked at him curiously when noticing his accent then her eyes fell on the woman with him. Her eyes widened when seeing the brooch resting in her shirt with a family crest on it. A family crest anyone in the wizarding world would recognize. She's of House Black.

"Newt, you must be more careful." The woman chided.

The man—Newt—nodded to his companion before they went farther into the crowd. The woman watched them wondering what a Black could be doing in New York. They never left Europe. The women of the family never left England at all. She kept her eyes on them though continued to listen to the speech that seemed to have caught their attentions.

"But where there is light there is shadow, friend!" The woman continued. "Something evil is stalking our city. Reeking destruction, and then disappearing without a trace! Listen to me, we have to fight."

Phoenix's brow quirked at this muggle woman wondering what was going on in this city. Sounded like something magical was causing trouble. Someone wasn't minding their magic, and it seems to have caught attention.

"Join us!" She ranted. "The Second Salemers in our fight."

Second Salmers? Were they wanting to start another witch trial? Those days were the dark ones for witches and wizards, but here in America it was much worse. Phoenix remembers learning about those dark days in their history lessons back in Hogwarts. And a repeat of them didn't sound like something anyone needed. Phoenix looked up at Newt as he set his suitcase down at his feet. She didn't feel like they needed to stay here much longer. This woman made her nervous as she continued to rant.

"Newt, perhaps we should keep moving." She said as she turned towards him.

Before he could reply a robust man accidentally hit Phoenix after getting shoved from behind. She gasped in shock while tripping over Newt's case, which caused her and the stranger to fall to the ground, which of course, caused a scene.

"Hey, watch it!" Someone said as Newt scrambled towards Phoenix.

"Nix, are you alright?" He asked worriedly as the one who bumped her managed to sit up while looking appalled at the fact he knocked over a woman.

"Miss, I am so sorry." He said with slightly thick New York accent.

He and Newt both reached for her hands with Newt looking her over with his eyes for any sign of damage.

"I'm alright." She said gently as they helped her up. "Accidents do happen."

She then dusted off her coat as the man who bumped her noticed her Victorian like wear that was styled to fit a more 1920s vibe, and the large expensive looking brooch. And this dame spoke in a British accent. God, he must have bumped into someone of nobility.

"Are you sure, miss?" He asked. "I really didn't hurt ya?"

The Englishwoman gave him a kind smile as her friend put one arm around her to pull her close as if worried someone else would cause her to tumble over. He also picked up his suitcase, which had been knocked over during the fall.

"I'm fine, sir." She said politely. "Are you alright?"

She placed a hand on his shoulder as she asked, and he nodded his head quickly.

"Yes." He said. "I'm sorry again, but I gotta get going. I'm running a bit late."

"I completely understand." She said nodding. "Have a nice afternoon."

He nodded in return then continued up the stairs past those Second Salmer people. Phoenix watched him as he went while a bit intrigued. She's never had such an interaction with a muggle before. Nor ever been so close to one. She was sure if her mother was here that she would demand the muggle to be punished then cleanse her daughter of their muggle disease as she was fond of calling it.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Newt asked.

"I'm fine." Phoenix said then looked back to Newt. "But, Newt, I think—!"

Before she could finish that woman from the Second Salmers spoke up directly to them.

"You," She began pointing directly at them.

Phoenix held back a frown because all manner of eyes moved to them. That woman's gaze bothering her most.

"Friends," She said continued. "What drew you to our meeting today?"

"Oh, we were just passing." Newt explained with his lips turning up partially.

He was obviously uncomfortable with all the attention on the pair of them, and for once, Phoenix didn't feel completely at ease either. Most of the time stares didn't bother her since she often got them for being part of the Black Family. However, this time was different than all those others.

"Are perhaps either of you seekers?" She asked. "Seekers after truth."

"I'm more of chaser really." Newt said.

Phoenix didn't reply as she hoped the woman would just leave them be. The woman looked to the pair before looking back to the ground.

"Hear my words and heed my warning, and laugh if you dare." She said. "Witches live among us. We have to fight together for the sake of our children. For the sake of tomorrow!"

Her eyes returned Newt since he was the only one responding to her questions.

"What do you say to that, friend?" She asked.

Newt was silent since he wasn't sure what to say to any of that. However, didn't seem as if he needed to reply since Phoenix nudged him with her elbow. He looked down at her, and she nodded towards the steps of the bank. His brows furrowed in confusion before following her line of sight just in time to see a certain thieving Niffler nabbing some man's hat that was filled with coins. He then looked to his case wondering when the little troublemaker got out. When he looked back Greedy was pocketing the coins into his pouch. The creature looked to his two caretakers before making a dash for inside the bank.

"Oh bugger." Phoenix said under her breath before hurrying up the steps. "Excuse us."

She went up the steps with Newt right at her heels as they hurried after Greedy. While Newt paused to look around the columns for Greedy, Phoenix continued on into the bank. She glanced around wondering where the little beast could have run off to.

"Greedy, now isn't the time for one of your escape acts." She said to herself.

"Any sign of him?" Newt asked joining her.

She shook her head as she looked around at people's feet to see if Greedy was scurrying around them. Newt looked a bit higher, and their searching behavior caught the attention of one of the employees.

"Can I help you, sir, ma'am?" He asked looking between the two.

"No, we were just…we were just…waiting." Newt said gesturing over to the benches.

He couldn't meet the man's eyes as he lied though he said no more as he guided Phoenix by the arm towards the bench.

"You need to learn to lie better or leave the lying to me." She whispered to him once they were out of earshot.

"Sorry." Newt said then sat down on the bench with Phoenix sitting between him and the man who knocked over Phoenix.

Though the two weren't really paying attention to him as they continued looking around. Phoenix was worried about Greedy since he could easily get squashed under all the feet moving around. However, Newt was more worried about what the pest could get his paws on. He couldn't even remember all the times he's had to dump Greedy's pouch out to return what he had stolen.

"Hi." Their bench companion said.

"Hello," Phoenix said to be polite though her eyes were elsewhere looking for any sign of black fur.

If they didn't find him fast there's no telling what they might find buried in his pouch this time. Once Phoenix pulled out the Queen's tiara from his pouch, and she had no idea when he had even got close to the muggle's queen.

"What brings you here?" He asked them.

"Same as you." Newt replied without thinking.

Phoenix gave him a look, which had him wincing since he had forgotten to leave the lying to her.

"You're here to get a loan to open up a bakery?" Their bench neighbor asked.

"Yes." Newt said unsure what else to say.

"What are the odds of that?" The muggle asked looking bewildered.

Newt didn't reply as he leaned back in his seat to look around. That's when he caught sight of Greedy taking something shiny off the end of some woman's shoe.

"Well, may the best man win, I guess." The muggle said while holding out his hand.

"Excuse me," Newt said not even hearing what he said to go after Greedy.

The muggle blinked in confusion before looking to Phoenix who gave him a charming smile.

"Please, forgive him." She said as she shook his hand. "He's never been good with people. Now, please, have a lovely day."

She got up while quickly going after Newt leaving the muggle sitting there wondering what was going on. He then noticed a shiny egg twitching beside him, and he looked at it in confusion.

"Hey, mister, lady!" He called out as he picked up the egg. "Hey!"

Neither heard him as they continued looking for Greedy. The two got separated in the crowd, and Phoenix froze when feeling as if something was off. She started patting down her pockets while realizing she was missing a certain egg that she had been keeping warm in her pocket, so the soon to be hatchling could hatch without a problem.

"Oh, for Merlin's sake!" She cursed wondering what else could go wrong.