I've gotten such a great response for this story! This chapter is a bit slow, but sets up all the fun. This the longest chapter yet, but I just couldn't find a good spot to stop it. Enjoy!

It was well into the afternoon before Newt and Tina were walking into the Ministry of Magic. The healing salve had done its job, swiftly closing Newt's wound fully just after a couple of hours, but Tina had been adamant he remain laying down just awhile more. It was probably for the best though. Even now, his side remained sore as he worked the newly-grown muscle.

Tina kept pulling at the waistline of her new dress. Apparently, the style in London was a bit more form fitting than those in America; something Newt had neither realized nor cared about before. Tina had for the most part kept quiet on the issue, apparently just thankful to have something other than a bloodied night dress to wear, but Newt could sense her displeasure.

"Do I need something to be here?" she practically whispered as she kept up with his long strides. "Like a permit or anything?"

"No. The Ministry is a bit more relaxed than your office."

Tina shot him a look, but didn't reply as she was distracted the grand architecture of the building. As they passed through the long row of fireplaces, all sporadically releasing sparks of green, a man with a stack of newspapers shouted the current headline to them. "Magical Congress in Grindelwald's pocket! Refugees to swarm the country!"

Newt took Tina's arm, hurrying past but didn't miss the look that flashed across her face. He knew her thoughts had gone to Queenie. "Come on. We'll go to my office."

"Where's that?" she asked as he nudge her onto a golden lift. It moved backwards, slightly knocking her into him.

"Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. You can write to your sister, and anyone else, to let them know you're safe."

Tina nodded. The lift came to a stop and they quickly filed out before it closed behind them. As far as Ministry's department went, Newt believed his to be quite impressive. It was the second largest in the country, right behind Magical Law Enforcement. Cubicles ran along the length of the wide room. Posters of various dragons and world maps with pin stuck in them covered the walls while owls swooped just below the ceiling.

Newt ushered her through the line. Several witches and wizards greeted him as they passed, others simply just looked up. A few saw Tina and whispered behind their hands excitedly. Tina glanced at him questionably but gave no explanation as he pushed open a heavy wooden door, reading 'Newton Scamander' in a fancy script on the front.

"Merlin's beard, Scamander! Where the hell have you been?" Newt rolled his eyes at the voice, turning around as a short man, nearly bald, came running up the aisle towards them. Tina shrunk back, standing by the wall, as he came panting in and Newt slammed the door behind them. "You know the entire Ministry thought you were dead? You couldn't bother sending an owl that Grindelwald hadn't blown you to bits?"

Newt set his case down on his desk, sighing deeply. "Yes well, I'm here now. What's been happening?"

"You don't know? Oh, its bad. Real bad."

"How bad?" It was Tina who spoke, watching him with wide eyes.

"Hey. You're Porpetina Goldstein. Merlin, you're the one who helped Scamander here catch him in the first place, right?"

"Tina, this is my colleague Gregory Davies," Newt explained. "Go on then, how bad is it?"

Davies wiped a hand across his sweaty brow. "It's been a horrible twenty-four hours. The Ministry can't get through to the Congress. No one is answering them. Let me tell you I don't know how you did it, but it's good that you left when you did, mate. Hardly anyone is getting out of the country now. They've got every means of travel blocked." He looked to Tina apologetically. "No one really knows how bad it is over there, but it definitely isn't good. Everyone there is trapped."

"Oh God." Tina's hands went to her face, falling down into the chair behind her.

Newt shot a deadly look to Davies, before grabbing the collar of his shirt and dragging him back out the door. He shut it behind them, leaving Tina alone, before letting go of him. "Merlins beard, you couldn't have toned that down a bit?"

"What? She asked how bad it was."

"Her sister is stuck there, you idiot, and is hiding with a muggle, which happens to be highly illegal in that country."

"Well, I didn't know that. Listen Scamander," Davies lowered his voice. The surrounding cubicles turned their head curiously. "You know he's going to want her, right? That's Porptetina Goldstein. She's practically famous over here for what she did."

"I know. That's why I brought her here."

"Are you taking her on your trip?"

"No," Newt answered pointedly. "I think the second edition is going to have to wait. This is a bit more important."

It was Davies' turn to roll his eyes. "Don't be thick, kid. Grindelwald might not be walking into London anytime soon, but he does have friends. They probably already know you're here."

Newt would admit he hadn't thought of that. He had been so focused on getting somewhere Grindelwald couldn't reach them, he hadn't considered his followers. There were Grindelwald fanatics on nearly every continent, although Grindelwald himself appeared to have a distaste for Europe. The news of his return, and the famous Tina Goldstein was probably already across the Ministry.

"Go on and get back to work," Newt finally answered. "I'll figure something out."

"Fine, here." From his coat pocket, Davies thrusted a stack of envelopes and papers into his hands. "Everything you missed. Good luck, Scamander."

Going back into his office, Newt was thankful to see Tina was neither crying or seemed to be in any form of hysterics. She was waiting patiently in the chair across from his desk, looking up at him as he sat down as well. "Did he say anything else?"

"Not really." Newt began to flip through the papers. "We have a problem though. Unfortunately, you are very much well-liked here. Our arrival is going to be well known, if it isn't already."

"And Grindelwald has fanatics here as well, doesn't he?" she finished for him. Newt nodded and Tina sighed, rubbing her face and sliding deep into the chair. "Of course he does. Can I have some paper. I really need to write to Queenie."

It wasn't long before Tina's quill was flying over a piece of parchment. Newt kept to himself, going over the reports and requests Davies had given him. In the rainforest, a child in the jungle had completely disappeared; no blood, no tracks. The small magical community there suspected something dangerous. In Egypt, there were reports of a gang smuggling creatures into other countries. Newt made an important note on that one. It was most likely the same men he'd stolen Frank from. Another paper reported a nest of dragon eggs being found close to a muggle hiking trail. Just as he was nose deep in a note from a witch who claimed a vampire had stolen her daughter, when there was a knock on the door before it flew open.

Tina jumped, knocking her quill to the ground, while Newt scrambled to stand. "Hello Professor Dumbledore. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Tina's mouth dropped. The man had a small, gray beard and silver robes. She could hardly believe she was meeting him. Albus Dumbledore was rumored to be one the most powerful wizards of the age and nearly everyone, no matter what country, knew his name.

"You'll pardon the intrusion, Newt," Dumbledore spoke politely, smiling to the man in front of them. "I was just meeting with our dear Minister about the incident with our neighbors when we discovered you had returned and I thought I might be able to have a word." He turned a twinkling eye to Tina, who took in a sharp breath. "Hello Miss Goldstein. Might I say it's quite an honor to make your acquaintance. I was quite pleased to hear no harm had come to you."

"Thank you," she squeaked. "I can step out-."

"Actually, I would insist you stay." He waved a hand to the chair behind her and Tina obeyed, sitting down quickly. "Newt, why is it you are still finding yourself in trouble this many years after school?"

"Uh, not quite sure, sir." Newt almost looked embarrassed, making Tina want to smile. "I take it this about Grindelwald?"

"Yes. Just a few questions, then I will be out of your way."

Newt spent the next quarter of an hour telling Dumbledore everything that happened, while Tina filled in where she could. They didn't know how many Congress officials or Aurors were dead, but the President and were most likely gone. Tina told him all about the scourers as well.

"I'm going to try and reach my sister," she continued, "and my partner. He would tell us what's happening, but I don't even know if he's still alive."

"We're going to keep our heads low," Newt explained. "I know we won't be at the top of Grindelwald's list, but we just don't want any more trouble."

"Yes, I quite agree," Dumbledore answered. "You are aware he has his followers here in London? It is very possible they might come looking for you."

"We know." Tina looked to Newt as she answered. "We haven't really thought that far."

"I would say this seems to have had happened at the perfect time." Dumbledore was smiling. Tina frowned. "Newt, did you know Hogwarts has already agreed with your publisher to use your book as part of the curriculum." Her partner's ears flushed red. "Yes, it's very true. They are quite eager for that second edition. Have you already made the plans for your travels?"

"Well-yes. But, with everything going on-."

"With everything going on, I think it may be the perfect time for the two for you to disappear for a while. Wouldn't you agree?"

Tina didn't answer. Instead, for what seemed to be the millionth time, she looked to Newt. She had never considered the possibility of ever going with him on one of his trips. From the stories she heard and the entries in his book, she couldn't imagine what it would be like to travel to different countries, encountering all sorts of customs and the creatures Newt cared for so much. It sounded thrilling; a change from her every day, city life. Besides, Dumbledore was right. They were expected to be in Europe. Disappearing to track down magical creatures would be the perfect escape plan. She just didn't know if Newt wanted her to tag along.

Newt's face grew a shade of pink. "Yes, that does make sense."

"Wonderful." Dumbledore stood, bowing slightly to Newt and then to Tina. "Newt, a pleasure as always. Ms. Goldstein, I hope to see you again in the future. I believe the Ministry could use an Auror such as yourself."

She smiled, nodding in thanks, and then he was gone. When the door shut behind me, Newt fell back into his chair, wiping a hand over his face and sighing deeply.

"Did you know multiple children have gone missing in the Congo?" Tina raised a brow, but Newt continued, shuffling through papers as he spoke. "And have I mentioned I rescued Frank from a gang of smugglers in Egypt? Well, I think they're getting into trouble again. There are multiple plants that I've collected, but I need more samples to see if they have any medicinal properties. Apparently, some muggle ships went down and merchants keep claiming they're seeing sirens, which is highly unlikely but-."

"Why are you telling me all this now?"

"Because," he started, tilting his head towards her, "if I'm going to ask you to travel across the world with me, I want to make sure you know what that entails."

"Hm." Tina chewed on her bottom lip. "Would I still be able to write to Queenie?"

"Of course."

"Will it be dangerous?"

"At times."

Tina leaned back over her letter, ready to have it finished and sent off to her sister. Quill poised, her mouth twitched. "Then I suppose you'd better start making the arrangements."

The afternoon seemed to race past them after that. Suddenly, there was too much to do and not enough time. Newt flew around his office; bouncing from cubicle to cubicle all while a quill and parchment floated behind him. Tina helped where she could, after mailing off letters to both Queenie and Montgomery. Davies kept close behind her as she flittered around Newt's office, asking her question after question about their plans, although Tina had no idea how to answer any, but Newt hardly stilled long enough to be asked himself.

Tina had endless questions herself and wondered when she'd get the chance to ask them. She was surprised she wasn't more worried about what she was about to do. So far, her travels abroad had been nothing but disastrous, but it was comforting to know she'd be with Newt; one of the few people who had ever seemed to truly care about her. Instead, her mind was stuck on the fact Albus Dumbledore seemed to have such an interest in him. She could remember, ages ago when the imitation of her boss had asked why such an important man had such a likeness for Newt, but Tina had been so concerned with the fact that she'd been sentenced to death it hadn't been an importance. Now, it was all she could do to not pester Newt with questions about his life before she met him.

Her questions were forced to wait. It was late when Newt finally came back to her, tickets and written plans and agendas stuffed into his hands that he eagerly showed her. Flipping through them as they walked to the long row of emerald green fireplaces in the Ministry, she listened while he enthused about it all.

"We'll be out of the city before the morning light. With any luck, we'll be in Romania in a few days. I don't plan on staying there long, because I'd like to make it to Egypt in good time. That's where it'll be tricky. We could be there two days or two weeks, depending on easy it is to find out how they're smuggling creatures." He paused only a moment. Stepping through the glowing, green flames, Tina waited for the rush of air to pass before stepping into Newt's apartment. "Assuming we get the job done with our lives still intact, we can then make our way to the Congo."

"You lead the way and I'll follow," she replied, shaking ashes from her hair. "Did you let Davies know all this? He didn't seem to like the idea of you leaving last minute."

"He tends to worry." Newt went to his case, motioned for her to do the same, and went inside. "When I leave, I'm told I get too distracted and forget to write. It makes people anxious."

"You never thought to have him come along?"

He was shrugging out of his coat now, pushing up his sleeves. Tina imagined he was leaving to go care for his creatures. "No. I work better alone."

Tin paused, leaning against the heavy wooden table. "You asked me to come along."

"Yes, well I like you," he answered pointedly, making her grin. "Come on then. Are you going to help me feed them?"

"No, no, no." She jabbed a finger at the table. Newt stared. "Just this morning you couldn't even stand. No heavy lifting until you let me look at it. The last thing we need is you dropping dead from an infection."

"Its only a bit sore," he argued, but did what she asked nonetheless. Shrugging out of his shirt, Tina did her best not stare as he laid in front of her. "Honestly, I hardly feel it."

"Liar." She had caught him grimacing a few times throughout the day. Suddenly, realizing he was actually still and quiet in front of her, Tina's question fell from her mouth. "What was that with your teacher today?"

"Oh, Dumbledore? What do you mean?"

"I just didn't realize you were on a first name basis. I feel like maybe that should have come up at some point." Tina unwound the bandages from around Newt's middle as she spoke. "I mean, I knew he was your professor, but does Albus Dumbledore really just make a habit of wandering into your office?"

"Eh, we've remained in touch," Newt replied, propping himself up on his elbows to watch Tina work. The light wasn't great in his shack. Giving an absentminded wave with his wand, the lamp above them glowed brightly. "He helped me out quite a bit when I younger. Ever since then he makes it a habit to check in on me."

"Right, because I'm sure you were the quite the trouble maker," Tina grinned. "Hey, you look all healed."

Sure enough, the skin had closed, leaving a pink, raised line in its place. The jagged scar wasn't alone. Now that she wasn't distracted by exposed muscle and blood running down his side, she could see Newt's entire chest was scattered with different sized scars and burns. One in particular caught her attention, but only because it was so big. It spanned the entire length of his stomach.

"That one wasn't fun." Tina flushed. Newt had evidently noticed where her gaze had gone. "That was from Quidditch my fourth year. I ran into a goal post. The broom splintered and nearly guttered me."

"Jesus, Newt!" Her mouth dropped. Curiosity was starting to get the better the better of her. Raking her eyes over his chest, she found a burn on his right side. It was leathery and rough to the touch. She gave it a small jab. "What about that one?"

"Ukranian Ironbellies. The meanest dragons we had on the front lines," he answered easily. "Come on. You can find one more interesting than that."

She smirked, before pointing to three, old dark lines running from his shoulder.

"Hippogriff when I was nine. My mum breeds them."

Then to another, a half-moon, dotted line that disappeared beneath his pant line.

"Grindylow bite. That happened right before I came to New York."

She moved her fingers to a nastier looking one. This one started by his collarbone, slashing across his chest. Newt's grin smile dipped low and Tina instantly drew her hand back. "Oh, sorry. You don't-."

"No, no. It's fine." He gave her a weak smile, one that she thought was more for her benefit than his own. "It's really not a big deal. I just haven't talked about it in a while. That's from when Dumbledore helped me."

Tina swallowed thickly. "From when you were expelled."

Newt swung his legs over the table, sitting in front of her. "Yes. There was a jarvey lose in the school. It attacked a student; a much younger student. She was only a first year. It really did some damage. I tackled it. I worried if I tried to stun it I would hit her."

"What did it do to her?"

"She lost an eye. Besides that, she has some bad scarring." He'd been staring at the floor, but looked to floor, jaw hard. "I was charged with endangering a student's life and possession of a class three magical beast."

"But Dumbeldore helped you?"

"I was allowed to keep my wand," he admitted. "And the charges were dropped of my record. It's the only reason I'm allowed to work at Ministry now. That's why Dumbledore likes to make checks on me."

"Surely, you didn't mean it though," Tina asked incredulously. "You were under age. If it was only accident-."

"She almost died Tina." Newt hopped off the table, putting his shirt back on in a single motion. "An eleven-year-old child almost lost her life. Expulsion was an easy price to pay. Besides, I didn't do it."

Tina looked at him pointedly. "What? You didn't do it?"

"That's a story for another time," he smirked. "Come on. I'll let you trace over the rest of my battle wounds another time."

"But-."

"We have a lot do before we leave," he pressed. "And not much time. You still want to leave on time, correct?"

She rolled her eyes, stalking past him to the ladder to lead to his apartment. "Fine. You have to promise you'll tell me though."

"Promise."

At least, Tina thought to herself, she knew he was good at keeping those.

I'm a strong supporter in the idea that Newt doesn't mind when Tina ogles him. Please review!