*He's an Auror, and a Hugger*

by: Whitegloves

I believe a roll of tissue has been prepared!

Please feel free to pull on- until you reach the end!

Enjoy!


Chapter 9: The Awakening


Professor McGonagall looked anxious as she quietly crossed the aisle of the Hospital Wing while carrying a piece of parchment in her hands. It was almost dawn at Hogwarts, about time for students to start getting up, get into trouble and wreak havoc in the middle of the day, but still there was no sign of the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher anywhere. The parchment was from the Ministry of Magic delivered directly to the Head Master who had summoned her and informed her that whatever Dumbledore was up to, he was on his own when it comes to facing the Ministry so long as the school and its students are not the concern. But the content of the letter was not for Dumbledore but a notice that Ministry officials will be calling at the break of dawn to check on Theseus Scamander. Now McGonagall had to make sure first that the Scamanders are fit for any interview or whatever the Ministry had in mind so off she went in the Hospital Wing where the beds occupied not so long ago by the brothers are now empty.

Ignoring the fact that there was no one there, she went straight to wall at the end of the aisle where a portrait of a stoic nurse sat by a table, endlessly scribbling on her notes. McGonagall stopped in front of the portrait who looked up at her with raised eyebrows. There was a brief exchange before the portrait opened, revealing another secret passage she did not hesitate to enter that lead towards a large private room with no visible window on sight. The walls were white and the room was quite warm and well lit with lamps surrounding the four corners and fireside. The Transfiguration Professor found the bed of Theseus Scamander in the middle with the same enchantments as she had left it with Dumbledore's shield up, and the Patronus of the Head Nurse in a form of a large porcupine sleeping by the patient's chest. The matron herself was on his left side near the roaring fireside, mixing a healing potion using beakers while on the bedside table bottles and vials where standing including the Draught of Happiness from the Potions Master. Professor Slughorn himself was still wide awake, seated on Theseus' right side and was staring intently on the floor. Professor McGonagall was just about to ask him where Newt Scamander was when she noticed that he wasn't on the opposite bed, when her question was answered by loud clanking sounds of bottles from the ground. Following Slughorn's eyes, the Transfiguration teacher was not really that surprised to find the younger Scamander's suit case opened with his extended room visible from her view. She raised eyes at Slughorn questioningly but the Potions Master merely shrugged.

Seconds later the loud clanking stopped, followed by loud thumps of feet climbing up and then Newt's tousled brown hair appeared. The Magizoologist immediately stepped out of the suitcase and in an awkward posture of one not wanting to stand close but needed to anyway, he showed something to Slughorn eagerly. The Potions Master stared at the flask on his hand with his eyes widening in amazement.

"Merlin's Beard—is this really a venom from a Swooping Evil?" he asked in awe, taking the flask containing bright blue hue from Newt who shifted on his feet, eyes transfixed at the man's shoulder, his lips pressed as he nodded quietly. Slughorn could barely remove his eyes from the bluish venom. "But this is quite expensi—I mean— this cannot be extracted easily and must be done— "

"With extra precaution." Newt finished, still shifting from one feet to another with an unusual Bowtruckle clinging on his neck, "Otherwise its original strong obliviatory properties might potentially harm the extractor or anything it can get in contact with and erase everything. But if diluted properly it can also—" his bright eyes flew towards his brother's bed, "remove bad memories."

The Head nurse sighed as she also looked at the flask with a hint of disapproval. "That would be my last solution, if you ask me."

"At least we have one." Newt told her but not harshly.

"What is going on?" Professor McGonagall finally stepped in beside the Magizoologist who bowed his head and avoided any eye contact, "Am I reading this correctly?" she looked from Newt to Slughorn then the Matron before looking back at the younger Scamander, "You plan to make use of a venom to remove—"

"Bad memories, only." Newt licked his lips as turned to his previous Professor as well, "If my brother is suffering from depressing memories created in loop by Dementor's curse—if it gets stronger as it sucks out his worst memories then lifting the bad memories would render it ineffective—"

"At the same time remove the soul that is Theseus Scamander." Professor McGonagall's thin eyebrows rose up to her hairline while Newt stood there with jaw clenching. He was afraid someone would say that. "Memories make a person, whole, Mr. Scamander, and Theseus being a hero of the first world war, a brave Auror and your big brother no less, was never spared of bad memories. But instead of making excuses, he used them as his stepping stones to come at the top that made him a great man. Removing those which made him what he is now isn't only considered felon but a betrayal to his dignity, Newt Scamander. I thought you knew better than that."

Newt swallowed hard, his eyes transfixed at the foot of the bed. Even Pickett felt her intensity and had to hide down behind Newt's collar. Slughorn put the flask down the table but never let his hands off. It was obvious the plan did not get a favorable response from the general audience, especially the Healer who seemed ready to stun anyone who would dare come close to her patient. But just as McGonagall was about to turn back to her real purpose of coming here, a small voice spoke out again. It was Newt.

"But I'm losing my brother, see…" Newt shifted again, his eyes darting slowly from the bed to the Transfiguration Professor who was watching him, "Between betraying him and watching him die… I'd rather have him alive and safe. I'll keep him safe."

Silence fell in the room with only the crackling fire to be heard.

Professor McGonagall then went close to the younger Scamander with full understanding behind her eyes as she put a gentle hand on his shoulder while Newt kept his eyes on the floor, the tension on his ever shifting body an evident display of his restlessness.

"Desperate situation calls for desperate measures, that may be true, Scamander but if we can avoid it then we shall. Your devotion is well valued but it is a little hasty and the consequences would not back fire at you but at your brother. I do not believe you want to subject him in anything he'll regret for the rest of his life, do you?" she waited patiently for Newt to nod his pale face. He did. McGonagall pressed her thin lips too and had Newt looked up, he would have seen the earnest concern on her face as she looked at him from head to foot. "You look tired, Scamander, that won't do. You should rest first, especially with the Ministry coming over—"

"Ministry?" Newt's dead eyes came to life as everyone else looked up at her, "They're coming? What for?"

"They have received reports that Theseus Scamander was found. I suppose the aurors notified them. It is likely they will try to get him transferred to St. Mungo's if they see him like this."

"But if anything goes wrong and Theseus wakes up—" the Magizoologist's eyes were full of alarm, "they'll attack him—they'll kill him!" Because those are wizards who are afraid of an Obscurial… they will never understand.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves—"

"Professor Dumbledore—"

"—has not returned the entire night." Professor McGonagall lifted an eyebrow at Newt's dismayed face, "You are not listening, Scamander. I said 'They will try'. I didn't say they can succeed. I have orders from Dumbledore that you two must remain here. And remain here you will."

Newt stared at the Transfiguration teacher in wonder and gratitude as she was still on their side—or in this case, in Dumbledore's. Students often admire Professor McGonagall for her firm resolved and icy impartiality to all students but one thing she was known for was her loyalty. McGonagall quietly turned to Professor Slughorn who was in act of pocketing the Swooping evil venom. It made her sigh.

"Do let go of the flask, Horace, before it develops its own feet and poke your eyes out— stop holding on to it like it's the elixir of life, dear man. Now, you must stand guard on the Scamanders and help in covering the fact that he is cursed—in fact, I would appreciate it if you support me when I told them it is something the Hospital Wing can take care of. I believe they are sending one of the new Healers too—you are quite familiar with Abbott? I hope you can use your connections to convince them we can handle this."

Slughorn stared at her with mouth slightly open, but he nodded all the same.

"Now, Scamander—" she turned to Newt but was surprised to find him staring at her intently like she was some magical beast he found fascinating. "Scamander?"

"I have to go to Professor Dumbledore's office."

"He's not there—"

"Please look after my brother!" Newt raced towards the door without waiting for a reply as she called after him. Before he knew it, he was on to the passageway and out of the portrait door and was running along the familiar corridor towards his former Professor's office that had been one of the best places during his school life. Dumbledore must take credit for Newt liking the school as well for he was one of Newt's sanctuary every time he felt lonely or unfit anywhere else. He still dreams of running around towards the Defense Against the Dark Arts room every now and then.

So feeling like that student once more who was excited to attend one of his favorite classes, except this time his purpose was of self-interest, Newt rushed to Dumbledore's room, to his office where he knew the great wizard of his time would keep that important note somewhere—an important information—a connection that may just be Theseus' saving grace. A note that may just lead him back to one of Dumbledore's old acquaintances who despite his age was well and kicking—someone who was familiar to him as well as they have worked together at one point, someone who was in possession so as the rumors say of the one and true elixir of life—

Newt threw the door of Dumbledore's office open and went straight for his table with wand out as he murmured lumos. The room was as he remembered it with stacks of books arrange on the shelves everywhere, open cabinets filled with different kinds of small magical creatures whizzing or dozing, and then empty cages by the ceiling. Papers were stacked in order on desks by the wall and on Dumbledore's main table were parchments and books he had been in the process of reading and then his dark gloves. Newt reached for it even though he knew it would be empty now. He then looked everywhere and reached everywhere he could find. Dumbledore wouldn't mind him ransacking his office, their relationship has surpassed trespassing and sending one's student to dangerous missions. He rounded behind the professor's desk and began sorting on his letters, eager to find that one name that would lead him back, because such a man of greatness was always concealed and could only be found when he wanted to—

Flamel… Nicolas Flamel…

He was occupied with reading for the name when he heard a rattling noise on one of the professor's drawers. Quite surprised, Newt ignored it as he turned on the other drawer to look for more papers but was startled when something huge and dark jump out of it like a sneaky niffler out to prowl. Newt realized what it was before it landed on the floor as he had plenty of it to last him a lifetime—a boggart. Cursing himself for finding an interruption now among every other time, he pointed his wand to deal with the silly creature—only to freeze on the spot as his eyes fell on the form that boggart has taken—

There was a dead Theseus on the floor.

Newt's eyes rounded and for a moment he thought his heart forgot to beat. Of course, he realized that this was all the creature's nature, but still seeing what he has been dreading the entire day still made him feel numb in fear. Theseus there was gray and dead. But it was not real. Plain stoic but his flickering eyes showing more than his face would, he pointed his wand and croaked— "Riddikulus!"

The boggart cracked—and then turned to a dead Tina Goldstein.

Newt gritted his teeth as this reminded him of his concern for her safety, his guilt that he was unable to get and save her, and the anger deep within him for letting her go on her own when she could be facing Grindelwald now— "Riddikulus!"

Another crack—yet it seemed he forgot to think of something cheerful as there it was again, another form of Theseus. But this one was quite alive and with eyes that would haunt Newt to his sleep. The Boggart Theseus was kneeling on the floor with his beaten body, one hand supporting his shoulder while his other hand was raised towards the younger Scamander seemingly asking for help—

Newt's fist closed tightly as if he could hear Theseus calling for him because yes, this was how he imagined his brother to be now. All alone, suffering in silence in his head because he couldn't go there. No one could. He had been feeling helpless ever since they came at Hogwarts. How could he save his brother when it was his memories that was making him suffer? When was the last time he spoke to the real Theseus…? The thought came bounding in his consciousness. He did remember the time with the kelpie, the time his brother came and saved that lady… they argued after that. They always end up arguing when they were together, about dinners, about career, about behavior… Leta… but what struck Newt afterwards was his unfair accusations of his brother that had Theseus leaving with quite a load on his shoulders more than he deserved. Newt realized he had been staring at the Boggart Theseus' dead eyes and was silently apologizing.

No. He must say this to the real one whom he will save no matter what. A flash of his brother smiling at him came to mind and that stupid ruffling of hair he used to do. Newt pointed his wand one last time— "Riddikulus."

The boggart exploded.

He stood there for a few seconds, till he felt his knees buckle and he had to lean on the table for support. Dropping his wand on the table with his fingers unable to grasp it properly, Newt closed his eyes and pressed a hand on his face. And in that dark, silent room, Newt Scamander allowed himself to weep.

It was the Bowtruckle who came out of hiding and jumped to his shoulder. From there, Pickett ogled at him and raised its tiny hands on his cheek to comfort him.


It was already daylight when Newt came out of the office with gloomy eyes as he marched back to the Hospital Wing. There was nothing he could find in Dumbledore's office and he didn't want to stay another second after his encounter with the boggart. So there, he walked pass the Great Hall where he could hear sounds of utensils and students eating and chattering away, unmindful of his own growling stomach and pale features. He just wanted to get back in Theseus' room and stay there until Dumbledore shows up.

But just as he stepped in the Hospital Wing, he knew something was wrong. The nurse in the portrait was no longer scribbling away but was on her feet and staring at the back of the portrait as if seeing something others could not and was making her concerned. Newt quickly ran towards her, she recognized him and opened the portrait where he ran inside and saw to his alarm, the shield in which Theseus was held had black smokes filling the air with his brother writhing in pain at his invisible assailant. Beside the shield, the matron was trying her best to conjure a corporal Patronus, which she managed in another second but it seemed it was not enough to keep the nightmares away. Theseus body was rigid but it was twisting and jerking uncontrollably, the perspiration accumulating on his face was an evidence of his agony. Helpless, Newt nearly jumped inside the shield to hold him down if not for the matron stopping him—

"Patronus—boy! Have your Patronus help!"

"Expecto Patronum!" but nothing happened. Clearing his thoughts as his heart was heavy as it is, the Magizoologist tried again—this time with one thing in mind—that he can help his brother. "Expecto Patronum!"

The magnificent unicorn jumped out and rounded around the shield, driving away the dark smokes with its power and then settling down by the older Scamander's head. Newt heaved a sigh with own cold sweat on his face as he slowly walked towards the edge of the bed to observe his brother. Theseus had stopped thrashing around but his expression was still full of discomfort.

"What happened?" Newt turned slowly to the Head nurse who kept her wand steady. She turned to him with a sigh.

"The Professors went to deal with the ministry men while you were gone. I was checking on his vitals when he suddenly started getting violent—I believe whatever's happening on his head is tormenting him enough to reach his unconscious body. It must be awful to suffer so much." She paused with a frown on her face as she stared at Theseus' face. Newt pulled his eyes back to his brother too blankly.

"Why can't we just use the venom?" he whispered, stepping close to his brother's shoulder and dropping himself on the chair with both arms on the bed, one hand holding his wand for the Patronus. "At least stop his suffering…?"

"If there is no other way then we might just use your option."

Newt threw her a look, and then sighed as he buried his head on his arms. "Professor McGonagall's right. It's too risky."

The Head nurse agreed with a sympathetic look at the younger Scamander who had dropped his head on his arms looking exhausted, "One should never tamper with memories, the mind is a complex thing, Mr. Scamander, especially when a curse is connected. He will never be the same. As muggles have it… cure is sometimes worse than the disease." Silence filled the room for a while, and then she spoke again. "It is clear the reason for his torment is caused by memories, that is true. But you heard Professor Dumbledore as well, one hope for him is to remember any good memory—any at all— that may reduce the hold of the curse. We should be working on that first rather than obliterate his whole memory. Dumbledore did say you could be a key for this. We can try."

Newt looked up at her with tired eyes. "What do you want me to do?"

Without another word, she rounded the bed towards him and before Newt could say anything, she let her Patronus disappear since the unicorn's charm was strong to point her wand in his forehead. She blinked at him as he sat straight.

"Well? Are you going to give me one good memory you and your brother shared or not?"

Newt blinked back in understanding and then looked down at his brother. Good memory of Theseus? He grew up with this man who was always there when he needed someone whenever he was alone. Newt maybe different than other children but his big brother had never made him feel anything but family. Whenever their mother would scold him, it was Theseus who was there to make him smile. Whenever they had arguments over trifle matters, it was always Theseus to come around and pull him out of the hole he's created for himself. Whenever others do not understand his actions and laugh at his strangeness, it was Theseus whom he found sitting beside him, laughing at them for all being the same. Theseus never taught him anger or resentment towards other people for doing harmful things. His open mindedness enabled Newt to understand how to look at the world without losing the high road, and that people do things for different reasons. It was Theseus' support and protection that lead Newt to ultimately accept his nature to love magical creatures freely. There was never any restraint there despite their difference in ideology about careers. Even during the times that he was working and Newt was at Hogwarts, his older brother's gifts were always mesmerizing other students whenever parcels arrive from the post for it bore things only Newt appreciates. Because Theseus knows him best.

So no. Newt was never alone. There was a twig that sprang up in front of Newt's nose. Looking down, he saw Pickett still ogling at him with its black eyes blinking up at him. The Magizoologist smiled, closed his eyes and gave the matron a memory—one of which was when he was ordered to help in the Ukrainian Iron bellies during the First World War and out of nowhere, his older brother was there, wishing him the best. Theseus also handed him a small box where looking inside he saw not only one but six Bowtruckles all perched on a tree except one.

"What?" he asked, suppressing a chuckle at the unexpected parting gift. Theseus shrugged with hands inside his pockets.

"You realize this is your first actual mission? We don't want you getting caught in the middle of the war, do we? You know Bowtruckles—"

"I know what Bowtruckles do, Theseus, I can practically dissect them." All the Bowtruckles stared at him in horror that Newt had to press his lips. "Of course, it's only a manner of speaking..." He cleared his throat and stared back at his big brother with obvious delight, "But why six?"

"Take it as an extra measure." Theseus winked at him. "Yes, I'm counting your luck here, Newt."

Newt chuckled as he kept the box well, planning to but then silence fell between them, as if both suddenly realizing the meaning of the parting of their ways today was unlike any other they had in their lives. It was more poignant. And dangerous. Newt looked down the floor with pressed lips as this dawned on him too.

"You're also heading—?" the younger Scamander began uncertainly.

"Yes, we're going there now. Should be before day break so we can get advantage." Theseus was calm, even half cheery but Newt knew better that his brother was only assuring him. He quietly nodded and the two exchange looks. Theseus smiled. "You be careful now, you hear? Don't push it too much since you're dealing with—"

"It's just dragons." Newt said pointedly, eyes now on his only sibling. "But you're dealing with much more deadly creatures."

Theseus paused for a moment as the meaning sunk in, but then only managed a smile. "Well, then let's hope I'm deadlier than they are ever going to be. I should be going." He placed a hand on Newt's shoulder who awkwardly stood there, waiting for his brother's embrace, but Theseus only ruffled his head before turning around. Newt blinked on the spot his brother just stood, and then raised his eyes as he saw Theseus walk away.

It was an unpleasant feeling, but he had to turn away too. On to their own path.

The memory ended there. The Head Nurse twirled the tip of her wand to the white string of memory, and then slowly approached Theseus' head. Newt waited expectantly, but just when she pressed the wand on Theseus' temple, the string unhinged from her wand and disappeared like dusts. The Magizoologist stared quietly at her wand while the matron sighed heavily and put her wand down saying,

"I was afraid of this. It's the curse. It won't allow anything in that does not belong there previously. I'm sorry, Scamander, but it would seem that all we can do for now is wait."


Tina had her arms crossed as she stood by the window surrounded by dark walls in the Nurmengard Castle where she could already see the sun rising up from the horizon. From behind her, a hollowed voice spoke that belonged to her sister, pleading her to see reason.

"You have to go now, Teen, please." Queenie was standing behind her looking very stricken indeed, "He will be back any moment now and he's wanted to get you because Credence responds to you! Listen to me, please!" she tried grabbing the older Goldstein by the arm but Tina whirled around and jerked her hand away looking furious.

"Then good so we can have a talk! You forget, I worked under that fake Graves for weeks—he knows me! He knows I always get around when I'm least wanted! Maybe this time I'm the one who gets the best of him—I haven't made him pay for New York yet—"

"Listen to yourself!" Queenie wiped the tears streaming unstoppably on her cheeks, "He's the Dark Wizard—"

"Who right now has my little sister wrapped around his fingers." Tina crossed her arms again, her dark eyes flaring with fire and Newt would have been proud of her for he was right—they were like fire in dark water— "You can't make me cower away from the man who took away my sister be him Dark Wizard or dark pineapple! If anyone's going to listen here, it's you—Queenie! And you know I'm serious!"

The Legilimens user could hear her thoughts loud and clear, which only made her cry even more for Tina was at her most difficult when she was determined—a real Thunderbird that she was.

"Teenie…"

"And what can he do to me anyway that he hasn't done to Newt's brother?" Tina's voice broke as she remembered the pain the younger Scamander had went through all those times his brother was gone, "Do you know how much in pain Newt is right now? Do you even know what Grindelwald has done to those brothers? What he's doing to us?"

Queenie was unable to meet her sister's eyes as she pressed a hand on her eyes, her mascara already wearing off badly. The older Goldstein understood her silence. "Huh… so you know what he did to Theseus Scamander?"

The younger Goldstein looked up in time to see Tina looking at her with obvious dismay and accusation. It hit something painful in her chest— and a hollowed feeling crept up to her that had nothing to do with the castle's innate coldness.

"No—" she began in a strangled tone. Tina shook her head.

"You must've watched it happen and didn't do anything about it, did you?" a fat tear rolled down the auror's right cheeks who wiped it away angrily while Queenie tried to reach a hand towards her.

"Tina—" she could hear everything her sister was going through— all her suppressed emotions of guilt, anger, and pain—there was so much pain in her too. Tina's eyes were red as she stepped away from her younger sister.

"So you can just stand there and watch him murder me—"

"Tina!" Queenie lunged towards her sister as her unspoken words already reached her before Tina could even say it, because she knows that the auror meant it—by lunging, she wrapped her arms on her sister and embraced her tight, crying nonstop because Tina was serious—serious about dying— "Stop it, already, please!"

Tina sniffed, and then embraced her younger sister back. "Let's go home, Queenie… we've always had each other, always… don't just leave me behind like that, what were you thinking?"

The two stayed like that for a moment, before both collected themselves and wiped their tears. In the middle of the tears, sniffing and swollen eyes, Queenie suddenly shook her head that had Tina's face falling again.

"I can't go yet; I can't leave him."

Tina looked at the spot where she could see a boy's shadow by the end of the corridor, intently watching them but staying far all the same. The auror turned to her younger sister and clasped her hand.

"Then I'm not going."

"No, you have to go. You have to help Newt and his brother." Queenie then reached for her golden brooch and pulled it out of her garment. She pressed it down Tina's hand who recognized it because it was the twin of her own locket that she owned. She looked up at Queenie whose beautiful face was a mess with mascara. "Give this to Newt. This is my only way to help—I didn't know what to do when his brother was caught here. I had to stun him even when he was so nice to me, I didn't want him under that curse any more than you did…" she sniffed and blinked her eyes were tears began to fall, "I… tell Newt I'm sorry, okay?"

Tina stared at the brooch, and then at her sister. "Queenie…"

"You have to go to him, Teenie, before it's too late! Or else his brother will die!"


"You have to eat, Scamander. You haven't touched your food and its almost noon."

Newt raised his head from his arms as he sat at the edge of the bed, his worn-out eyes quickly searching his brother's features. It had become a habit of his as he stayed beside Theseus, to see if his brother was having nightmares, and even if he couldn't go there himself, the mere touch of his hand on his forehead seemed to wane his pain even for just a little. Theseus was still under the sleeping charm, and though his expression was far from peaceful and very pallid, his breathing was still easy unlike the previous ones to which the younger Scamander was thankful for. But then like he was electrified, he jumped and sat straight, eyes on the matron.

"Is Dumbledore—?"

She shook her head, "Afraid not. Though, it's not the longest that he hasn't been around. It's Dumbledore, he's probably looking for a better solution than your venom. The Ministry officials have left too so there is no need to concern yourself over them. Why don't you eat and replenish your energy? You simply cannot deal with this when you're all skeleton. It gets your head all muddled."

The Magizoologist stared at the tray of food, then at Theseus who probably hasn't eaten anything since he was cursed. But he owed it to his brother to be prepared during these trying times which means to have an capable body. Oh, his worrying has made him suffered more than twice alright. So quietly, he ate what was on his plate while giving bits to Pickett who had found the best possible place for himself when the coat was not available was Newt's shoulder. When the food was half finished, Newt stopped for he was unconsciously thinking of something since last night. He had been thinking about it—about the extraction of the Obscurial to its host. The last time he did, he managed to separate the obscurial to its host, but the Sudanese girl died regardless. What would be the implication of an Obscurus planted on a wizard anchored in a curse? Would it take the same process of extraction? Would it endanger the life of the wizard?

Before Newt realized it, he was already on his feet and throwing open his suitcase with that determined glint on his eyes. Before he could step any further down the ladder, however, the portrait door opened and in came Professor McGonagall whose eyes fell immediately on him pointedly.

"Scamander, someone is looking for you."

Newt's eyes went from her, then to the tall dark haired girl that came in after her. It was Tina.

"Newt." She whispered, crossing the distance between them while the younger Scamander stared at her with open surprise and other emotions only hidden in his expressive eyes. The last time he saw her, she had thrown herself after her sister without any hesitation or regard to her own safety. That was just like Tina Goldstein. But whether Queenie was behind her finally liberated, or whether she escaped—Newt could just tell it was Tina with her dark, fiery eyes, already anxious to meet him. It was his Tina finally back, no question.

There was an embrace that Newt couldn't remember who initiated, but both responded warmly. Newt was overwhelmed and was a washed with relief from a load he didn't know he carried quite heavily. It was not something that could easily be expressed. She was safe—she was alright, he kept repeating in his mind.

Breaking apart, it was obvious both had plenty of things to say and ask—

"Tina, how did you—?"

"I can explain later—but how's your brother?" she kept her eyes at the older Scamander by the bed, her features worried.

Newt's eyes flickered as he caught her tone. "Why?"

Tina took something from inside her pocket and gave it to the Magizoologist who recognized the golden brooch he had often seen fastened on the younger Goldstein while Tina kept hers as a locket. He looked up at the auror, as if reading her mind, and then slowly opened the brooch.

He gave a small gasp as he saw the content for in it were swirling white memories.

"What—?"

Tina stared at the white, gas like strings and met Newt's eyes. "It's Queenie. She seemed to have encountered Theseus when he was caught by Grindelwald. I'm still not clear what happened between them, all she said was he was nice to her and he didn't want him dead so she stunned him. Probably the moment when she took this. You know my sister's a Legilimens, she knows what Grindelwald was planning—his thoughts must've been so strong at that time so she saved this… I don't know, Newt—" She paused, seeing the thunderstruck look in his eyes as he stared at the brooch again, "I don't know if this is any help—"

Newt kissed her. It was a light brush of their lips that lasted for a second, but Newt did.

"Oh." The Head Nurse chuckled while Professor McGonagall cleared her throat.

Tina and Newt were staring at each other, both shell shocked at the same time. Then both turning scarlet, the Magizoologist dropped his eyes and mumbled on saying, "Thanks—I mean, not the… the you know—I mean thank you for the memory—not—not this memory, but I'm also thankful—of this memory—and that memory…"

He looked up helplessly at her to find that she was smiling already.

When both had agreed to speak of this later, Newt began heading for his brother's bed.

"Wait—" Turning around, he found Tina looking at him quite meaningfully. "Don't… don't you want to look what the memories are about first?" Newt stared at her. She pressed on. "It might be an imposition for me to say so… but you never believed what your brother said, right? About her… about his real feelings when he was not himself? This might… this just might clear things. If my sister did save his cherished memories… then she will be there."

Newt knew exactly what Tina was trying to say that made him look down the contents of the brooch again.

"But we haven't got any Pensieve." He whispered.

At that, Professor McGonagall clear her throat again.


Moments later, we find Tina, Newt and Professor McGonagall inside the empty room of the Head Master which was empty for the time being. The portraits of different Head Masters above their heads were all snoring loudly, or at least, all pretending to be. McGonagall lead them to one of the large cabinets where a shallow stone basin was standing with its clear water and swirling mists of memory. The mirror in front of them made Newt see his own pale reflection while Tina's beautiful dark eyes was staring directly at him. Both were determined together.

"The Head Master has allowed its usage, provided this will aid in solving the current crisis regarding your brother. He understands he at least need to lend a helping hand with Professor Dumbledore out of commission. I'll give you enough time and then we can do something about the memory to help your brother."

Newt nodded at her and watched as she retreated towards the door and then she was gone.

"I'm sorry I had to say that." Tina said behind him as they stared at each other from the mirror. "I just want you to know the truth so it won't hold you back. You were hurt by his words even when you thought it wasn't him talking."

Newt nodded and stared down at the basin, sighing. Quietly, he poured the contents of the brooch on water surface where it whirled around to the bottom. With one look at Tina, he dived his face down the water and felt that sensation of his feet leaving the ground.

The next thing he knew he was standing in the middle of the Ministry of Magic where soon people came buzzing pass him to go in their respective offices without any inclination of his presence in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. Wondering if Theseus would appear soon as this was his memory, he was surprised to see something black and fluffy scuttle on the floor—dodging feet quickly and diving underneath chairs and tables. Newt gasped as he tried following the creature for it was something very familiar to him—what was it doing in this memory?

Not everyone seemed to notice the niffler scampering away—except a young woman with long black hair hurrying after it. Newt's held his breath as he recognized her—he would always recognize her. Leta.

Following her with his eyes, he watched as Leta tried to find the niffler that had disappeared somewhere. The next thing was the niffler sliding towards the open elevator. Newt gritted his teeth as he saw it get away with his instincts wanting nothing but to catch it, but also realizing he couldn't do anything since this was a memory—

Just as the niffler was able to successfully slid inside however, large hands caught it squarely on his palms. Standing up, Newt saw his older brother and sighed in relief. Theseus looks very young and healthy in this memory, give or take, this must've been five years ago. He was wearing his usual suit and tie when he raised the niffler to the level of his eyes as the elevator closed.

"You little bugger…" Theseus muttered, and then gently poked and rubbed the baby niffler on the head that came sniffing the air for it saw the golden chain on his suit and his golden wrist watch. "I turn one second and you scamper about."

"Excuse me?"

Newt watched Leta approach Theseus. Then it dawned to him—this was their first meeting.

The older Scamander turned at her with his smile at the tiny creature slowly disappearing. Finding Leta staring up at him as well, Theseus lowered the baby niffler and pressed his lips, looking inquiringly at her.

"Yes? Can I help you?"

"Um… that niffler." She asked quite realizing how tall he was, "Does it belong to you?"

Theseus turned at the niffler then back at her, "I'm sorry, did it take anything from you?" he raised the baby niffler between them with an apologetic look, "I'm so sorry. It's my brother's. It sneaked inside the parcel he sent me this morning and did nothing but robbed the people in the Auror section. I gave them order not to panic or report anything missing be it spoon, tooth or nose ring. It was quite a fiasco upstairs." He smiled at her while she did the same. "So did it take anything?"

"Yes, my pendant."

Theseus nodded and with a sigh, and then turned the baby upside down. A ring, pendant and several gold coins fell from its pockets to his hand. "You're losing your touch there, little fella." He handed Leta her pendant and stood straight. "I'm sorry about this, I'll let my brother hear an earful."

"I'm sure he'll be quite happy his niffler's got out of the cage for practice. It was never meant to be caged in the first place." Leta kept the pendant in her pocket while Theseus chuckled and nodded.

"You know what—I can imagine him telling me something exactly like that! You sound just like him."

"And you look just like him." Leta stared him in the eye in wonder while he did the same. "I've heard about you a lot from Newt. You're Theseus Scamander."

Theseus blinked, quite taken aback but managing all the same. "You know Newt?"

A sudden sigh, but she smiled as if reminiscing some memory, "We're friends."

A twinkle that wasn't there suddenly appeared on Theseus' blue eyes. "Newt—Newt's friend? He has one? A lady friend?"

"Why do you sound so surprised?" she asked with a giggle as he shook his head with a grin. "He's not that bad. He's the best guy I know from school. Now, just because you're the Theseus Scamander doesn't mean you're any better from my point of view. Newt will always be the best. You're just Newt's brother."

Theseus paused. Then a smile so honest was there before Leta realized what it was and had to blink at the older Scamander's warmth. "You must really like my brother, Newt's friend."

Leta smiled again. "What's not to like?" she asked as a challenge.

It was then that Theseus put the niffler inside his pocket and extended a hand on his new acquaintance.

"Theseus Scamander." He said formally with an irrepressible smile. Leta stared at his hand, and then slowly shook it with hers.

"Leta Lestrange."

Newt watched as the two shook hands with their eyes meeting, and then the whole memory faded. The next thing Newt found himself in was in Diagon Alley. It was easy to identify the buildings forming in the memory with Gringotts ahead, then Ollivanders, followed by Flourish and Blotts and many other obscurities in its surrounding. Then his eyes fell on Theseus almost immediately who came out of the Apothecary shop holding a parcel in his one good hand while his right hand was wrapped in bandaged. Wondering what kind of trouble the auror had come from, Newt followed his brother casually walk around in his suit, looking around the shops casually. He stopped once near the Magical Menagerie where cages of pets were on display. Cramped and noisy, the tall Scamander did not venture on but decided to walk away while Newt followed close behind him. Soon, it was obvious his brother was headed for the Leaky Cauldron with the route he was taking, but no sooner had Newt decided this, he found Theseus stopping on his tracks.

Newt stood next to him and found his brother gawking ahead the head of people. Looking around the same spot, he saw his brother had actually spotted the familiar figure of Leta in the crowd, her in her stylish dress for Leta had always been glamorous no matter what everyone says, with her hair on her shoulder. But something was wrong with Leta and Theseus must've noticed it. Leta was walking ahead but other witches and wizard would follow her with their eyes and whisper behind her back. Newt stared at her with his fists closing. She knew they were whispering behind her, could catch their eyes straying in her direction. It was a common scenario, even in school. To think that Leta would still suffer the fame of her name even at this age made him feel like an idiot for not being there for her. The next thing, Leta had turned, onto one of the darker alleys Newt realized to be Knockturn Alley.

In an instant, Theseus was on the move, as Newt had expected his brother to be involved. The man hurried his pace, went pass those ogling eyes that didn't matter and then stopped just outside the alley. Newt wondered why his older brother had stopped—he nearly pushed him if not for it being a memory—so looking pass Theseus shoulder, Newt found out why.

Leta didn't really go all the way in the alley, but was standing on the corner with her back pressed on the wall, eyes closed. She was mustering her will not to cry, as she had learned in her formative years in Hogwarts. Newt wanted to talk to her, wanted to comfort her, but all of this was all part of memory…

"Hey, Newt's friend. What are you doing here?" Theseus' calm voice resonated even to Newt like a beacon of hope. Leta opened her eyes and shot the owner of the voice a surprised look, only to find the older Scamander smiling at her with his blue eyes dancing in pleasure, "Not planning any mischief are you?" he looked pointedly at Knockturn Alley with one eyebrows raised.

Leta stared at the man with round eyes as she recognized him, before pulling herself together and looking behind her to the empty alley.

"So what if I am?" she asked in a tone of challenge, but she had crossed her arms around her, in obvious defense. "Do you always appear and stand like a guard in places like this, Newt's brother?"

Theseus narrowed his eyes then looked back at her. "Having a brother like mine, you'd understand why I have to keep myself ahead of him and tinker in places unimaginable, Newt's friend."

Leta chuckled. Theseus seemed glad she smiled, and so was Newt. It was then that Theseus slowly raised his uninjured hand in her direction and offered it to her. Leta stared at it quietly, as if uncertain of its meaning, till the older Scamander nodded at her and inclined his head to the outside of Diagon Alley.

"Come, a lady friend of my brother should not be alone in places like this."

Slowly, Newt watched as Leta looked from Theseus to his hand, and then reached her hand to him. And then together the two walked in the streets of Diagon Alley, a unique pair they made that made people stare, but this time no one paid it any heed as both were engaged in conversation so deep that the world didn't seem to matter anymore. Newt watched them go, and then heaved a deep sigh as the memory began to fade again.

He found himself inside what looked like a café with food served, people on bar drinking and others eating on small, circular tables covered with cloths. It was not Leaky Cauldron, but something more proper but still filled with magic. House elves would appear every now and then to clear used tables, carrying trays with them that disappears I thin air. Newt's eyes fell on his brother who was seated in the middle of the room, but he was not alone. Leta was with him.

Newt watched them quietly, watched as they laughed and drink quietly. Once or twice, he thought he heard his name being mentioned and had to shake his head. He always had the notion that they talk about him behind his back, this was a proof of then. But they seemed to be having a great time. Newt's smile disappeared however, when he saw that the people surrounding the two were once again looking in their table and whispering with their neighbors.

The Magizoologist gritted his teeth. When would these people ever stop—?

He wasn't able to finish his thoughts for it seemed that Leta and Theseus became aware of what was going around. Both stopped, especially Leta, whose light smile faded to be replaced by a cheerless look. Newt felt for her. And felt stronger even more when out of the blue, Theseus suddenly banged his hand on the table so loud like a gunshot that rendered the room in total silence. He then he stood up, eyes glaring at the people around, daring anyone to meet him in the eye. Newt stared at his older brother with a smile for he never forgot how short tempered Theseus could be some times. Especially around intolerable situations. The memory faded with Leta smiling at him and holding his hand gratefully. Her eyes were fixed on him.

The next memory was in Theseus' house. It was dark and from what Newt could make out, the two were seated by the fireside with silent, muffled cries. Leta was crying. Theseus was there beside her and was comforting her. Newt didn't want to pry on that one and decided to move on to the next memory. Wherever he went, the two were always together. Especially when he offered her marriage. Then the memory developed further till most of the time Newt was there too, like in the release of his magical book, a memory of Theseus asking him to be his best man over Butterbeer and a drunken Pickett, Leta comforting him because Newt once again did not come over dinner. There were other memories Newt had seen that was also familiar, but the last one he saw was something that he carried until he surfaced back in reality.

Of Theseus standing bereft outside the amphitheater in the dark with himself after successfully saving the city of France from the blue fire. Newt was standing behind his memory version, watched himself struggle to approach his brother, he remembered feeling disoriented too, but the look on his brother's face had blown away all his concern. Theseus needed him, and he will be there for him. Newt then wondered why this was part of the memory since Tina said Queenie saved what she could—the things he cherished. Then it hit him when out of nowhere, he saw himself walk towards Theseus and embraced him tight.

"I've chosen my side."

And from there, Newt could see Theseus' anguished face he had never seen before. Behind this embrace was his brother crying like he would crumble any moment, but he kept himself and looked thankful at the same time. Theseus considered this something to cherish because he realized, he wasn't alone.

Newt stood there and closed his eyes. The next thing he knew he was back on the Head Master's office with Tina waiting for him.


"It will be alright," the Head nurse said as she twirled the memories in her wand, with Newt, Tina and Professor McGonagall watching her. "Since these naturally belonged to him, there should be little resistance. What he is missing are some good memories, those uncorrupted by the spell, whoever saved these memories, you have to thank them."

Newt glanced at Tina who nodded in his direction.

"Now brace yourselves, this will be an ugly sight." The Matron pressed the tip of her wand on Theseus' temple and from there, unlike what happened previously, Newt watched as the memories seeped in his brother's skin till the last string was gone. There was silence that followed this, and then Theseus' body began shaking and his breathing became rapid—Newt pointed his Patronus closer with the porcupine appearing again and settling by the man's head. Soon, the movements began to cease, with his hands still gripping on his blanket and his frown deepening. Just when Newt started worrying that something had gone wrong, he saw his older brother slowly open his eyes.

Newt put his wand down as Tina took over with her own Patronus and went closer to the bed.

"Theseus?" he whispered as the man fully opened his blue eyes with fear striking in his features. Newt saw that something wrong the moment his brother jumped out of the bed, clutching on his blankets with a wild look everywhere—everyone else was stunned by his reaction—like he was pulling himself away from invisible hands pulling him down—down—

"Get away!" Theseus was shouting, unable to see, unable to recognize— till Newt threw his arms around him in a very tight embrace, not letting go even when his older brother was struggling as he might in the weakened body.

"Theseus! It's me! It's me—I got you!" Newt whispered, not letting go no matter how much he thrashed around in his arms, "I got you, it's okay—it's me! I'm here, Theseus!"

Tina had put her hands on her lips, her eyes filled with tears while McGonagall stared in pure bafflement. Newt kept Theseus in his arms, not letting go even when his spasm of attack had stopped. He could feel his brother's chest heaving and pounding against him, could feel his uncertainty of his surrounding as if waking up from hell.

"It's me… I'm here, it's Newt…" Newt went on numbly, his eyes streaming with tears as he buried it on his brother's shoulder who had frozen on his embrace and was only breathing hard.

"Newt?" Theseus whispered hoarsely, his thin hands clamping behind him and it was all Newt could do to stop himself from crying.


-Penultimate-

TBC! (My hearrrrrrrrrrt)