I am very sorry this chapter took so long. I wanted to get it right and I hit a mental block for a long time before putting this together! Please don't give up on me, trying to write Hogwarts was a very large hurdle, now that I've gotten past it there should be smooth sailing from here!

Thank you to all those who are following on this adventure! I hope you continue to enjoy it! I really appreciate your kind words!

Chapter 14

"So what do we do now?" Newt glanced at the slumped form of Howard hoping that Brady wasn't going to request that he help him relocate the unconscious wizard.

"I'll kindly return Howard to his glass of scotch and you can think up some creative excuse for Tina about how we came by this information". Newt shot Brady a glare as he departed the room, Brady's voice calling after him "You also might want to inform Dumbledore of our plans". Newt made his way towards the Floo network department taking a quick detour to Brady's office to send a message by patronus to Dumbledore. For a moment he was caught up in worry as he thought about their last conversation which ended with Newt leaving in anger. He knew that Dumbledore had spoken out of concern for his welfare but at that time Newt wasn't ready to deal with the truth. There had been too much hurt, too much buried anger and resentment over the loss of his friendship with Leta and the consequences that had followed for Newt to heed his former Professor's kind warning. "Maybe I have changed, a little" he had said to Tina before leaving New York six months ago. Looking back over the last six months Newt realized just how much of a journey he'd actually made. With a flick of his wand Newt sent his Patronus, he was confident Dumbledore would find great interest in assisting in the care of his creatures but that didn't make the task of leaving them behind any easier.

With a sigh of resignation Newt made his way to the Floo network department. He had almost made it to the door when a disshelved and grumpy looking Tina exited the room in a fit of sneezes.

"I'm dine" she muttered trying to fend off a concerned ministry witch that was following Tina down the corridor towards him.

"I take it you were successful in contacting Madam Piquery?" Newt commented sympathetically.

"It's a minor allergy, nothing to fuss about" Tina ground out between sneezes, finally convincing the witch that she didn't require assistance.

"How very interesting! Allergy to Floo powder isn't common in England. When I was in Egypt I met a wizard..." Newt trailed off at Tina's baleful expression.

"Maybe you'd prefer a cup of tea before we travel?". Newt noticed Tina's expression darken as another bout of sneezes muffled her reply.

"Right. Coffee it is". He let her towards the cafeteria rummaging in his case for a moment to produce a small bottle with a nozzle spray and a small clothing brush.

"This may help" He told he told her before hurrying to the counter to order the coffee.

"Do I want to know what was in that?" Tina asked as he returned, the spray having seemingly put an end to a rather vicious bout of sneezes.

"It's a rather ingenious concoction actually... there's a hint of..." Newt frowned thoughtfully as he considered the ingredients list. "You're probably happier not knowing actually".

"So what was Brady up to? You mentioned travelling?" She raised her eyebrows as she noticed Newt's face flushing slightly and the fact he was no longer meeting her eyes.

"We have it under reasonably good authority that I am in fact being hunted for my expertise as well as my suitcase full of creatures". Newt winced as Tina almost choked on her coffee.

"That much we suspected, but what confirmed our theory?" Her eyes narrowed as Newt mumbled something into his tea cup. Tina remembered her conversation with Professor Dumbledore and couldn't help but imagine Leta trying once again to use her charm to try and convince Newt to aid Grindlewald's cause. Studying his shamefaced expression and remembering that Brady was involved Tina relaxed slightly. In the space of one hour they surely couldn't have caused too much trouble.

"It was Mervin Howard actually" Newt responded to Tina's questioning look.

"The wizard we were chasing down at the Evening Rose?"

"That would be the one" Newt continued to look everywhere but at her.

"He doesn't seem the type to turn snitch against his own people. He's too cowardly"

"Actually you'll find with the right motivation he can be most forthcoming" Brady answered for Newt as he joined them, his expression far too satisfied for Newt's liking. "We'll turn Newt into a first rate investigator yet". Brady smirked at him.

Tina glanced between the two suspiciously. "Merlin help the Ministry of Magic if they made you two partners, I can only imagine the mischief you'd cause together". She couldn't help a mischievous smile of her own at the two men's indignant expressions.

"So the outcome of this investigation is that we're travelling somewhere?"

"How would you like a tour of Hogwarts?" Newt asked her with a smile.

...

As they arrived in Hogsmead village by portkey Tina couldn't help but be amazed by the beautiful cottages surrounded by cobbled streets. It was so vastly different to anything she had experience in New York. Newt was very quick to begin telling her the history of the village, being very proud that it was founded by a fellow Hufflepuff. Brady and Newt argued somewhat good naturedly about which shops Tina had to visit before they made their way to Hogwarts. They settled on Butterbeers at the Three Broomsticks while Newt eagerly described the picturesque scene of visiting Hogsmead during the winter.

As they made their way towards the castle Tina felt like her eyes were trying to drink everything in at once as she admired the beautiful scenery and the charming architecture of the thatched homes and cottages. Hogwarts castle itself was enough to take her breath away and she turned to Newt with shining eyes.

"It must have been incredible going to school here" Newt stared out over the grounds momentarily lost in memories. He could hear Brady gloating over his Quittache prowess and the points he was able to score with his academic achievements for Slytherine house. Images of his own time at school seemed to flow through his mind as he remembered scrabbling through the Forbidden Forrest searching for fascinating creatures, the moving staircases, the tremendous feasts... Sitting alone by the lake doing homework and wondering why he wasn't able to fit in as easily as it seemed to come to other students. The headmaster Phinease Black who seemed determined to believe that Newt was a danger to the students. Newt was shaken from his reverie by Tina's hand gently squeezing his, understanding and empathy showing in her eyes.

"It's certainly not an experience I'll ever forget" Newt told her softly feeling slightly amused at Brady's ability to continue on talking about himself despite the fact that neither of them were paying him any attention. The gates to the school opened and they were met by the smiling face of Albus Dumbledore.

"I am delighted to see you all here!" He shook each of their hands, leading them towards the entrance to the castle. Newt walked quietly almost a step behind as Dumbledore began giving Tina a tour of the castle with Brady chiming in boastfully over the top. He was surprised when they reached the transfiguration classroom that Brady decided to go for a walk and leave them to it, a fact he was most greatful for as the time came closer to leaving his suitcase with Dumbledore. He knew he could trust Dumbledore implicitly, but he found it didn't make leaving his creatures any easier.

Dumbledore brought Newt and Tina to his office watching in delight as Newt opened his case and stepped inside.

"You did your Charms teacher proud my boy!" Dumbledore exclaimed in approval as he examined the shed and outer area of Newt's case. Newt couldn't but feel he was presenting a particularly impressive assignment and was waiting to be graded. As Dumbledore was introduced to Newt's creatures he told Newt bracingly, "I know you find this difficult but for the moment this is the wisest course of action. Grindelwald's supporters are evidence of the fact we haven't seen the last of him. I fear there are dark times yet to come". Newt heaved a deep sigh meeting Dumbledore's eyes fully for the first time that day.

"Last time we spoke I accused you of gathering an army Sir, I'm I think I'm beginning to understand why".

"Not an army Newt" Dumbledore responded gently. "Possibly something more along the lines of a covert operations team" he added with a teasing smile at Tina. "I do believe that the threat Grindelwald posses warrants the gathering of those that are prepared to stand against him" Newt glanced at Tina his eyes mirroring her concern of what the future may bring.

"It's best not to borrow trouble my boy, the coming future battle with Grindelwald I fear may never come to pass. Unfortunately divination was never my strong suit, and between us and this suitcase I have yet to find many for which it is" Dumbledore frowned suddenly as he reached for his pocket watch and realized it was missing. He used his wand to gently retrieve it from Jacob, pacifying the Niffler with a large shiny coin.

"Now where is this Phoenix I have heard so much about? I've been looking forward to meeting him!" Newt led Dumbledore to where the Phoenix sat upon his perch explaining the story of how he had come about caring for him. As they approached Newt was concerned to see the Phoenix rise up flapping his wings, for a moment he wondered if the creature disliked Dumbledore. A musical cry sprang from the Phoenix's beak as it took flight circling around Dumbledore and then landing on his outstretched arm.

"That's incredible!" Newt breathed to Tina. Dumbledore reached out a hand and stroked the Phoenix feathers speaking softly to him.

"I've never seen him do that!" Newt said almost wistfully, once again in awe of this amazing creature.

"If you don't mind Newt I might bring the Phoenix out of the case and let him stretch his wings" Dumbledore asked as the Phoenix rose from his arm and let out a cry which sounded very much like agreement to Newt. As they made their way out of the suitcase Dumbledore conjured a perch in his office and Newt was surprised that the Phoenix settled comfortably on the perch and promptly fell asleep.

"I take it that's unusual for a Phoenix?" Tina laughed at the fascinated expression on Newt's face. "I remember you saying how difficult they are to domesticate".

"There is something special about that creature" Dumbledore watched him for a moment with interest. I have no idea how long he'll choose to stay, but for now I very much get the feeling he is planning to stay at Hogwarts for a time. Now after I place protective spells around this office, I think it's time we found Brady and began to discuss your next plan of action in catching these Grey Wolves.

Please let me know what you think! As always I hope you are enjoying the adventure! Lots more fun and excitement to come!