DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them belongs to J.K. Rowling. This fiction is purely for my own enjoyment and yours. No money is being made by me or anyone else from this fiction.

Author Note: Ahh sorry guys this chapter's mostly filler and a bit shorter, just needed to address what happens before they get back into Newt's case. I'm thinking some things need to be aired and addressed between the group before the films events come to an end and newt's case seems like the best place to have this conversation... but we had to get this group in there first and collect the last of Newts creatures.

Anyways I know this chapter may be a bit boring but look forward to what's coming next! Hopefully I won't disappoint! As always thank you for the reviews, I really do love reading them! Personal responses are at the bottom!

As always I can't thank The Queen of Thornes enough for continuing to edit this mess and adding more depth to some scenes... Seriously without The Queen of Thornes there would probably be quite a few confusing scenes... not to mention spelling and grammar mistakes.

Oh and i'm glad the normal chapter length is good! I don't like super short chapters either... find it irritating but i've heard some people aren't the biggest fan of lengthier chapters either so I just thought i'd see what you all thought!

Ah! Also I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We probably won't get the next chapter out until the new year so I also hope you all have an amazing New Years eve as well! Right let's get onto the story!

In the end, Tina decided to let it go. Though she wasn't entirely convinced of what Hermione was saying in regards to Graves, she couldn't bring herself to ask Queenie what she saw in Hermione's mind. She wasn't entirely sure she wanted to know what was hiding in the mysterious woman's mind and she had no wish to further upset Queenie.

After debating it for a bit, the motley group decided that the best course of action would be to locate the last of Newt's escaped creatures, no matter if Percival Graves was not the man he claimed to be. If nothing else, perhaps they'd be able to convince Madame Picquery of their innocence.

Decision made, the mystery of Hermione and Graves was pushed to the back of their minds for the time being and the group set off in search of Dougal, Newt's Demiguise. The invisible creature and the last of the Hufflepuff's creatures roaming wild in New York City.

However, to find the missing Demiguise, they needed information, and the only way to get said information, was through one of Tina's old informants from her days of an Auror. Gnarlak, a Goblin who traded in Magical Creatures.

Of course, Gnarlak's located in the seedy underbelly of Wizarding New York. Hermione thinks, mentally comparing it to her few jaunts through Knockturn Alley, as she and the ragtag group follow Tina down a back alley covered in bins, crates and discarded objects.

Tina efficiently locates a set of steps leading to a basement apartment and motions the group down. The steps appear to lead to a dead end and Hermione's eyes fall on a bricked over doorway, a poster of a simpering debutante in an evening dress, gazing at herself in a mirror, covering the bricks.

Tina and Queenie stand in front of the poster. They turn to one another and in unison and raise their wands. As they do so, their work clothes transform into stunning flapper party dresses.

Tina looks down at herself, smoothing her hands over the front of her black dress as Queenie gazes at Jacob, a cheeky smile on her face before turning to Hermione wand raised. Hermione flinches hand reaching for her wand before relaxing.

There's no danger here. A small friendly smile fills Queenies face as she casts her spell, transforming Hermione's clothes into an outfit more appropriate for the time-period and their task at hand.

She feels the magic tugging at her hair, pulling it from where it hangs around her face, securing her riotous curls on either side, Poppy clacking in protest. Her ruined blouse and trousers wash away as if doused in water, a wine-red flapper style party dress with a sheer overlay decorated with gold accents, in their place. The red fabric hugs her body tightly, the hem ending just above her knees, the neckline modest with thick straps, the back, dipping low, the fabric hanging slightly from her body.

"Perfect, for a Lion." Queenie says with a soft smile, their trip down memory lane causing the two women to grow somewhat closer, the blonde stowing her wand once more.

Queenie had refused to tell the others what she saw in her trip through Hermione's memories. Even when Teenie questioned her she refused to budge, as she knew Hermione's story wasn't hers to tell. A moment of understanding passed between the two shaken women on that rooftop overlooking the city as dusk fell, Queenie realising in that moment she'd found a friend for life in the mysterious Hermione Granger.

Ah- it appears she gleamed a little more from my memories than I originally thought. Hermione muses as she runs her fingers across the raised, beaded overlay of the dress, a small smile of thanks stretching her lips as her eyes meet Queenie's.

Hermione watches as Queenie and Tina's eyes sweep over her person, the tail end of Dolohov's cursed scar peeking out above the modest neckline of the dress, the slur carved into her arm proudly on display, various other scars both large and small, littering her skin with silvery marks. Queenie's eyes land on a bite mark, the indentations made by human teeth so very clear where her neck and collarbone meet. Queenie's eyes soften, her mouth pulling into a sad little frown before shaking her head.

Hermione straightens her back, smoothing her hands along her dress, chin held high. She's well aware that most of her scars are now on display but she refuses to let them affect her too much. She looks to Newt, a small sliver of insecurity flitting across her expression as their eyes meet.

"Stunning." Newts eyes confirming the single statement, a curious gaze on his face as he takes in her appearance. An attractive blush covering his cheeks.

He leans in close, his scent overwhelming her once more.

Parchment, Grass and why can't I put a name to that final smell. Hermione questions, brows furrowing in thought and she's transported back to that first day of Potions in her Sixth Year, when Slughorn brewed Amortentia to show the NEWT level class.

His warm breath on her skin sends a shiver up her spine.

"Gryffindor colours. Why am I not surprised?" He breathes, a hint of teasing in his voice.

Hermione's skin grows hot, her cheeks flushing as her heart thumps wildly against her chest. Hermione looks away with one final smile as Tina steps towards the poster and slowly raises her hand. As she does so, the eyes of the debutante move upward, following her every move. Tina knocks slowly on the door four times.

From the corner of her eye Hermione watches as Newt magics himself a small bow tie, Jacob looking on jealously. A small giggle escapes Hermione's lips at Jacob's expression, catching both men's attention as she raises her wand, giving Jacob the same treatment. The man smiles at her in thanks.

The hatch opens: the painted eyes of the debutante whip back to reveal the gaze of a suspicious guard.

According to Tina, The Blind Pig is a seedy, speakeasy for the down-and-out of New York's magical community. Every Witch and Wizard criminal in New York is here, their wanted posters hanging proudly on the walls. Hermione's eyes fall on the wanted poster of Gellert Grindelwald, her arm twined with Queenie's as the two women enter. His charges listed for all to see.

'wanted for No-maj slaying in Europe.'

Her own wanted poster springs to mind, the Propaganda Voldemort's Ministry spread during the Second War forever printed on her mind. 'Undesirable No. 2' She thinks with a small grin. The whole Wizarding World knew her then… and now, she's no one again and she's not sure which one she prefers.

Queenie gives her a curious look, clearly having caught a glimpse of her mind. Hermione gives the curious woman a small smile, a silent promise to explain later. A glamourous Goblin jazz singer croons on a stage full of Goblin musicians, smoky images wafting from her wand to illustrate her lyrics, her voice filling the air.

Even in the 20's America still treats Goblins better than Britain, Hermione thinks with a scowl

"The Phoenix cried fat tears of pearl

When the dragon snapped up his best girl,

And the Billywig forgot to twirl

When his sweetheart left him cold,

And the Unicorn done lost his horn,

And the Hippogriff feels all forlorn,

'Cause their lady loves have upped and gawn,

Or that's what i've been told-"

The group separates, Jacob stands at the seemingly unmanned bar, waiting to be served. A thin bottle of brown liquid zooms towards him. Noticing Jacob's struggle, Queenie untangles her arm from Hermione's with a smile before approaching the clearly overwhelmed man at the bar, leaving Hermione with Newt and Tina, the three grab a table, an awkward silence filling the air around them. Newt studies the room as Hermione's eyes fall on Tina.

"I've arrested half of the people in here." Tina shares, looking around.

"You can tell me to mind my own business... but I saw something in that death potion back there. I saw you- hugging- that Second Salem boy." Newt falteringly questions.

Death potion... The thought rolls around in Hermione's mind as her gaze passes back and forth between the chatting pair, absorbing as much information as possible.

"His name's Credence. His mother beats him. She beats all those kids she's adopted, but she seems to hate him the most."

"And she was the No-Maj you attacked?" Newt asks, understanding filling his face as he realizes something.

"That's how I lost my job. I went for her in front of a meeting of her crazy followers- they all had to be Obliviated. It was a big scandal." Tina looks at the table, seemingly lost in thought.

"It's him." Queenie whispers, signalling the trio from across the room.

Gnarlak emerges from the depths of the speakeasy. Hermione's eyes case the man as he walks towards them, he's smoking a cigar and is smartly dressed for a Goblin, he has a sly, smooth demeanour that reminds her of a Mafia boss from one of those old movies Harry was so fond of. He eyes the trio at the table as he approaches.

"Yes, love has set the beasts astir,

The dang'rous and the meek concur,

It's ruffled feathers, fleece, and fur,

Cause love drives all of us wild."

The Jazz singer croons from the stage, her breathy voice clear over the noise of the room, wisps of magic filling the air.

Gnarlak sits himself at the end of their table, an air of confidence and dangerous control dances about his person. A house-elf hastily brings him a drink.

I feel as though we're about to sell our souls to the devil. Hermione thinks as his deep voice fills the air.

"So-you're the guy with the case full of monsters, huh?" Gnarlak begins.

"News travels fast. I was hoping you'd be able to tell me if there have been any sightings. Tracks. That sort-" Newt begins, eager for the information the Goblin may hold before he's cut off by Gnarlak, holding up a single disfigured hand.

Gnarlak turns his unsettling black eyes on Hermione, taking in her appearance, a wicked and vicious smile curving his lips, sharp pointed teeth on display.

"And- who hasn't heard of the woman who took on Percival Graves- Word on the street is that you decked him good before knocking him unconscious and pocketing his wand. We all know how you Wizards feel about those silly wands of yours." He says with a short laugh, throwing his drink back as another house-elf approaches and hands him a document to sign.

"You stole his wand!?" Tina nearly shouts, her voice shrill as she stares at Hermione in disbelief.

Mmm I suppose I forgot to mention that bit. A small shrug shifts her body, eyes still focused on the Goblin sitting at their table, refusing to meet Newt or Tina's eyes.

"You certainly know how to make a name for yourself girlie, you got a big price on your head, even bigger than Mr. Scamander here. Why should I help you instead of turnin' you both in?" The house-elf scurries off, holding the now signed document.

"I take it I'll have to make it worth your while?" Newt asks

"Hmm- let's consider it a cover charge." Gnarlak says taking a heavy drag of his cigar, the smoke billowing from his mouth, watching Hermione from the corner of his eye.

Hermione's brows furrow in thought as Newt pulls a couple of Galleons and slides them across the table towards Gnarlak, who barely looks up.

"Huh- MACUSA's offerin' more'n that." The Goblin says clearly unimpressed.

There's a beat, Newt reaches into his pocket but his actions are stilled as Hermione lays a hand on his cloth covered arm, their eyes meeting. She shakes her head slightly before turning to the intrigued Gnarlak.

"And just how much more are they offering?" Hermione asks, an eyebrow raised in question.

"More'n you could possibly have girlie." He answers, sharp teeth glinting in the light.

"A number, Gnarlak." She pushes, voice hard, an odd feeling tickling her senses, alerting her that something wasn't quite right.

The Goblin laughs, his head thrown back, a vicious look on his face as his bottomless black eyes settle on her once more. Tina grabs her arm as if urging her to stop but Hermione shrugs her off, gaze unwavering.

"Just you or the set?" Gnarlak's expression is amused now, the vicious smile curving his lips ever present.

He's stalling. She realizes, gaze darting about the room.

"We sh-" Hermione begins before being cut off by Gnarlak, his gaze suddenly on Newt.

Hermione follows his line of sight, eyes wide as they fall on Pickett who's peeking out from Newt's pocket.

"-wait a minute-that's a Bowtruckle, right?" Pickett quickly retreats, Newt placing a hand protectively over his pocket.

"No." Newts answer is quick, panicked.

"Ah, come on, that's a Bowtruckle- they pick locks- am I right?"

"You're not having him." Newt says firmly, hand still held protectively in place.

"Well, good luck gettin' back alive, Mr. Scamander, Girlie, what with the whole of MACUSA on your back." Gnarlak gets up and walks away.

"All right." Newt says, agony clear in his voice.

"Newt don-" Hermione protests, the words dying on her lips as he places a hand on her arm, warmth flaring in its place, her mind going blank.

That's cheap. Hermione thinks, anger spiking as her senses return once more as Newt removes his hand, extracting Pickett from his pocket.

Pickett clings to Newt's hands, madly clicking and whining. Tears collect in the corners of Hermione's eyes, Poppy clicking quietly in her ear, still hidden in her hair and out of sight.

"Pickett..." He says as he slowly hands the squirming creature over to Gnarlak.

Pickett reaches his little arms forward, imploring Newt to take him back. Newt can't look at him and Hermione feels that small spike of anger grow, overwhelming her senses as she takes in Newt's defeated form and the desperate cries of the little Bowtruckle. Her wand slides into her hand, fingers clutching the wood tight in her grip, tear filled eyes full of anger as the urge to fight fills her senses once more.

"Ah yeah..." Gnarlak says looking at the struggling Bowtruckle in his hands.

Hermione moves to stand, leaning forward as if to strike but Tina stops her, her grip far stronger than before, holding her in place.

"Somthin' invisible's been wreaken' havoc around Fifth Avenue. You may wanna check out Macy's department store. Might help with what you're looking for." The Goblin supplies, eyes falling on Newt, a cruel imitation of a smile on his face.

"Dougal..." The name falls quietly from Newts lips.

Hermione struggles against Tina, not entirely sure which of the men before her she wishes to hex more.

"Right, one last thing. Graves, you mentioned him before- I was wondering what you knew of his background." Newt questions, a pause as silence falls over the group.

"You ask too many questions, Mr. Scamander. That can get you killed."

Does he know who the man claiming to be Graves really is? Hermione thinks, her movements stilled, brows furrowed in thought.

"MACUSA ARE COMING" A house-elf suddenly yells from across the room before Disapparating, the crate of bottles in his arms tumbling to ground, the sound of glass shattering filling the air as other customers rush to do the same.

"You tipped them off!" Tina accuses the Goblin, getting to her feet quickly, releasing Hermione's arm.

Gnarlak stares at them, chuckling menacingly, Hermione's head whips about the room, wand raised as the wanted posters on the walls update to show the trios faces.

Well this feels familiar.

Jacob saunters towards Gnarlak."Sorry, Mr. Gnarlak-" he begins, before punching the smug little Goblin right in face, knocking him backward.

Queenie looks delighted, a sharp laugh escapes Hermione's lips, finding it difficult to restrain herself from cheering the man on. Her anger being pushed to the back of her mind for the time being.

"-reminds me of my foreman!" Hermione laughs openly now at Jacob's smart words, earning herself an amused look from both Jacob and Queenie. Tina looks at the trio, irritation clear on her face.

Turning her wand on the downed Goblin Hermione sends an Incarcerous spell from her wand, a viscous smile curving her lips as the traitorous rat is bound and gagged.

Let the Aurors have him. She thinks with no small amount of glee, as their eyes meet. A promise of pain filling Gnarlak's eyes as retribution for her actions.

Throughout the bar, various customers are being apprehended by the Aurors'. Newt scrambles about on the floor looking for Pickett. Around him, people are running, diving away from the Aurors', trying to escape the bar. Newt finally finds Pickett on a table leg, grabs him, and runs toward the foursome now standing at the bar.

Jacob grabs two shots of a drink called Gigglewater passing one off to the still laughing Hermione, Queenie watching the pair in amusement, a small indulgent smile on her face as Tina shoots the three of them disbelieving and exasperated looks over her shoulder as she takes in the room before her, wand at the ready. Hermione and Jacob toss the shots back, giggling uproariously as Newt grabs their elbows and the group Disapparates away.

On the second floor of the Second Salem Church, in a bleak bedroom clearly belonging to a young girl, Credence searches under the single bed.

The room is modestly furnished, filled only with a single bed, an oil lamp, a sampler on the wall depicting An Alphabet of Sin and a few dolls lining the shelves. Two dolls in particular stand out, a doll with a little noose around its neck and another tied to a stake.

Credence pulls his thin frame further under the bed, searching among the boxes and objects hidden there, then suddenly he stops, staring...

Unbeknownst to him someone has heard his frantic search and is slowly approaching.

The young man stares at the toy wand in his hands, unable to draw his eyes from it.

"Whatchoo doin', Credence?" The young girl asks after quietly entering the room.

Credence bangs his head on the bed in his haste to get out. He emerges, dusty and scared. Relief fills his face as he takes in the young girl before him. The feeling is not mutual, the young girl is terrified, her wide eyes on the wand in his hand.

"Where'd you get this?" Credence asks holding the toy wand up in the air.

"Give it back, Credence. It's just a toy!" She begins in a frightened whisper.

The door bangs open, their mother enters, her gaze travelling from the young girl to Credence and the toy wand, her expression furious.

"What is this?" She demands, furious gaze boring into the young man still on the floor.

Credence, his mother and young girl stand on the landing of the second floor. The older woman looks at Credence, her face full of loathing as she snaps the toy wand in two. The young girl cowers in the background as Credence begins to remove his belt. The woman holds out her hand and takes the strap of leather.

"Ma..." Credence begins, his tone pleading.

"I am not your ma! Your mother was a wicked, unnatural woman!" She shouts.

"It was mine." Confesses the young girl as she forces her way between the two.

"Modesty-" The woman begins, looking down at the young girl.

Suddenly- the belt is whipped out of the woman's hands by supernatural means, falling in a far corner, well out of reach. The woman looks at her hand, a bleeding cut stains her skin, the force with which the belt was torn from her hand cutting into the tender flesh of her palm.

"What is this?" The woman asks clearly frightened but doing her best to cover it, her stunned gaze looking between Modesty and Credence.

The young girl, Modesty, stares at the woman defiantly. Credence is crouched behind the young girl, hugging his knees and shaking.

The older woman moves slowly to retrieve the belt but before she can reach it slithers away as if pulled by an invisible string. She backs away, fear welling in her eyes as she turns slowly back to the children.

Suddenly an almighty force explodes into her. A bestial, screeching, dark mass consumes her. A bloodcurdling scream tears from her lips as the invisible force throws her backwards, striking a wooden beam before flinging her body over the balcony.

She plummets to the main floor of the church, limp form slamming against the ground with an audible thump. Her body now lifeless, head lolled to the side, unseeing eyes wide, her face bearing the same scars seen on the face of Senator Shaw.

The dark force tears through the church, upending the table and destroying everything in sight.

"Could the three of you settle down!" Tina chastises in a raised whisper, her eyes on Hermione, Jacob and Queenie.

"I can't believe you just came right up and punched him in the face!" Hermione giggles from her spot beside Jacob, smacking his arm playfully.

"Says the woman who punched Graves in the face-" Queenie laughs her arm tucked into Jacob's, a delicate hand covering her mouth, eyes filled with mirth.

"That reminds me-" Tina begins turning fully to face the giggling trio. "Are you insane?" The irate woman questions, her voice raising once more.

With an innocent and apologetic look Jacob and Queenie break off from the group, approaching a glamorously decorated department store window.

"You physically assaulted a high level MACUSA employee and stole his wand! What in the world were you-" Tina continues, hands on her hips, gaze hard and most definitely not amused by the other woman's actions as she stares at Hermione.

Hermione's laughter quiets now, her gaze falling on Jacob and Queenie's still forms.

"Two wands actually-" Hermione replies offhandedly as she brushes past the irate woman, joining Newt as he hurries to Jacob and Queenie's side, the group watches as a bag hovers mid-air and floats off into the store.

"T-Two! Two!" Tina exclaims behind the foursome, clearly outraged, unaware of the scene playing out before their eyes.

The group enter the well-presented department store decorated for Christmas, with aisles of expensive jewellery, shoes, hats and perfume. The place is shut down for the night, all the lights are off, no noises can be heard but their steady breathing and an irritated huff from the still angry Tina.

The handbag floats down the central aisle, accompanied by small grunting noises.

The group quickly tiptoe through the store, coming to hide behind a large plastic Christmas display. They eye-up the floating handbag.

"So Demiguise are fundamentally peaceful, but they can give a nasty nip if provoked." Newt explains in a whisper.

The Demiguise itself appears- a silver-haired orangutan-like creature with a curious, wizened face. Hermione watches with a soft, amused smile as the Demiguise clambers over a display to reach a box of sweets.

"You three... head that way." Newt directs with a nod of his head, talking to Queenie, Jacob and Tina.

The trio begins to move, exchanging perplexed glances before heading off, Tina looking as though she might protest.

A small roar is heard in the distance. At the noise the Demiguise looks towards the ceiling, before continuing to gather sweets, now shovelling them into it's handbag.

Hermione looks to the ceiling before sharing a look with Newt.

"Are you positive Dougal was the last of your escaped creatures?" She asks with a raised brow, her irritation with the man before her still somewhat present.

"Ah- well- I suppose- I think that may be the reason that the Demiguise is here." Newt replies, cheeks flushed, his embarrassment clear.

Hermione sighs as she and Newt move swiftly toward the Dougal, now moving away through the store.

The Demiguise turns, looking quizzically at the pair, realizing it's been spotted before moving up a set of stairs. Newt smiles at the odd little creature before the pair moves to follow.

Hermione and Newt follow the Demiguise into a huge, dark, attic space, full from floor to ceiling with shelves packed to the brim with boxes of china. The Demiguise walks along the attic in a patch of moonlight. It glances around before stopping and emptying its handbag full of confectionery.

"I suppose I don't need to tell you how exactly it's abilities work?" Newt questions, his back still turned.

"Nope"

Newt creeps up behind the Demiguise, Hermione follows close behind, her body brushing against his back, causing him to freeze as her warm breath caresses the skin of his ear.

"So what's it doing now?" She whispers.

"It's babysitting." He answers in a quiet voice.

The two watch as the Demiguise holds up one of the sweets, seeming to offer it up to someone or something. Hermione squints at the darkened ceiling, seeing the large form of the creature hidden there but unable to clearly identify it.

"Any idea who or what Dougal has decided is in need of babysitting?" Hermione asks, voice still low, their bodies close.

"This is my fault. I thought I had them all- but I must have miscounted." He answers calmly in a whisper.

Hermione muffles a snort as Tina, Queenie and Jacob quietly enter. Newt moves away from her then, calmly and kneels beside the Demiguise, who makes space for him in front of the sweets. Newt carefully places his case on the floor.

Hermione's eyes look to the ceiling once more, a shaft of light revealing the scales of the large creature, hiding in the rafters of the attic. Tina and Hermione speak at the same time.

"An Occamy?" Hermione questions voice calm.

"What's that!" Tina exclaims, horror filling her quiet voice.

Hermione watches as the face of the Occamy comes into view- it's huge, coiled round and round itself to fill the entire attic roof space. Hermione can't help herself as she approaches Newt and the Demiguise slowly, feet quiet on the floor. The Demiguise looks at her over it's shoulder before turning back to the Occamy now slowly moving toward Newt. Dougal offers up a sweet as Hermione quietly kneels on its other side. Newt remains still, looking at her from the corner of his eye, concern leaking into his features.

"Well aren't you a beauty." Hermione croons quietly, a small smile stretching her lips, eyes shining with wonder as the Occamy draws near.

"Occamies are choranaptyxic. So they-grow-to fill-available-space." Newt shares with the trio behind them, watching as the mysterious woman and the Occamy appear to have a staring contest, neither one moving, gazes steady and calm as if sizing one another up.

Newt's mouth falls open in shock as the Occamy cranes it's head towards the young woman, it's decision made, eyes falling shut, accepting the stranger kneeling before it, inviting her to pat it's head.

Amazing. Hermione thinks, reaching a steady hand out towards the waiting creature, her smile growing wide, eyes softening as she strokes it's shining blue scales with gentle fingers.

Neither Newt nor Hermione notice as the Demiguise's eyes flash a brilliant blue, a sign of it having a premonition. Seconds later, still unnoticed, it's eyes turn brown once more.

Queenie moves slowly forward, staring at the Occamy. As she does so, she accidentally kicks a tiny glass bauble on the floor, which jingles as it rolls. At the sound, the Occamy rears up, screeching. Hermione's breath catches, eyes widening as Newt stands and attempts to calm the large creature.

"Whoa! Whoa!"

Jacob and Queenie stagger backward to find cover. Tina stands frozen as Hermione scrambles to her feet. The Demiguise runs away from her now, jumping into Jacob's arms.

The Occamy swoops, scooping Newt up onto its back as it violently thrashes about the attic, sending shelves flying, it's strong tail connecting with Hermione's side, sending her body flying through the air.

"Right, we need an insect, any kind of insect-and a teapot! Find a teapot!" Newt orders from his place on the thrashing Occamy.

Hermione groans from her place on the floor, boxes and shattered china surrounding her, head pounding.

Tina army-crawls through the chaos, dodging falling items, trying to find what Newt asked for.

Hermione pulls herself up into a sitting position just in time to see the wings of the Occamy crash down to the floor, narrowly missing Jacob as he stumbles around, encumbered by the Demiguise now clinging to his back.

Hermione holds her head in her hands, willing the pounding to cease as she moves onto her knees.

Jacob turns, he and the Demiguise spotting a stray cockroach on a crate. Jacob reaches his hand up to grab it, when part of the Occamy crashes down, destroying the crate and his chance.

Hermione's eyes open, falling on the crawling form of Tina who appears to be in hot pursuit of a cockroach. Hermione staggers to her feet, head whipping to the side as a scream fills the room.

The Occamy crashes into Queenie, knocking her to the floor. Jacob runs up behind her and dives forward, flat on the floor, finally laying claim to a cockroach.

"Teapot!" Tina screams, voice filling the room as she stands, a teapot clutched in hand.

At the noise, the Occamy rears its head once more, causing its tail to writhe, squashing and pinning both Hermione and Jacob- with the Demiguise- against one of the rafters.

Hermione groans once more, her entire body aching. Jacob and Tina are now at opposite ends of the room, neither daring to move, swaths of Occamy scales between them.

Fantastic. Hermione thinks as the Demiguise glances shiftily up to the side and promptly vanishes. Jacob slowly turns to follow the Demiguise's gaze- the Occamy's face is inches from his own, starring with full intensity at the cockroach in his hand. Jacob barely dares to breathe.

"Roach in teapot..." Newt whispers as he peers around from behind the Occamy's head.

Hermione would laugh if not for the crushing sensation being caused by the Occamy pressed tight against her body. Jacob gulps, trying not make eye contact with the huge creature next to him.

"Shhhhh!" He says as though trying to soothe the large creature.

As if in slow motion Jacob throws the roach. It soars through the air as the Occamy's body begins to move once more, uncurling and swirling around the room.

Newt jumps from the Occamy's back, landing safely on the floor, while Queenie takes cover, placing a colander over her head.

Tina runs, teapot outstretched, hurdling the Occamy's coils as she goes. She lands on her knees in the center of the room, the cockroach falling perfectly into the teapot.

The Occamy rears up, shrinking rapidly as it rises, before diving down headfirst. Tina lowers her head, bracing herself for a hit. The Occamy races down toward the teapot and glides seamlessly inside.

Newt leaps forward and jams a lid on top of the teapot. The entire group releases a breath of relief. Hermione and Jacob struggling a bit as they assimilate to the unrestricted airflow filling their lungs.

"Choranaptyxic. They also shrink to fit the available space." Newt shares with the room teapot now firmly in hand as he shoots a worried look towards Jacob and Hermione.

"Tell me the truth-was that everything that came out of the case?" Tina asks, expression pleading.

"That's everything- and that's the truth."

Author Note: Crimson-Midnight-Moon: Right?! I felt like I was on the verge of an anxiety attack while writing it. I'm glad the intensity came through in the writing... I was a bit worried the mind reading scene may have been confusing. Hmmm as for how newt and Queenie feel... well Queenie's feelings are addressed a bit in this chapter and we'll see how Newt's feeling in the next chapter I believe.

The Silvernote : Hmm i'm not sure she can avoid telling them. That said I don't think Hermione quite trusts Tina in particular with the information which may or may not be an issue. Newt at least knows that she's from the future, I think Queenie is much smarter than she appeared to be in the film so I would wager she at least has some suspicions and Jacob is a muggle, Hermione doesn't have anything against muggles but because of this I think there would be little harm in sharing the secret with Jacob. Well and for a few other reasons... but Tina... I really don't think Tina has earned Hermione's trust in any way.. and that feeling may very well be mutual between both women. Not to mention I think Tina straight up rubs Hermione the wrong way much of the time.

EliexChan: Ahaha spoilers! No but seriously, yes, some of your guesses are spot on, some are partially right. No worries though I will address what is happening between them eventually, I swear. I think i'm more set in continuing the story past where the movie ends now, some of my ideas are starting to come together I believe so I'm feeling a bit more confident and their relationship will be explored more in depth for sure. Graves is pissssed! With a capital P!

Ndavis77: Huh I didn't even realize I referenced Doctor Who there. That special is amazing though btw! That scene in particular was a defining moment for ten's run I think. It really showed the darker side of Ten's personality and Tenant pulled it off perfectly. One of my all time favourite Ten moments... and one of my favourite specials from his run. Honestly i'm not entirely positive how her actions are going to affect the timeline yet either. Haven't given it too much thought. Yet. Ahaha you might very well be reading it forever if all goes well and i'm able to map out an epic the way I want to.

CalmDisposition: Hmmm to be fair Graves is already slipping quite a bit by this point in the film... that said though perhaps Hermione's actions will further push him over the edge... Also thank-you for your kind words, seriously. I'm glad you're liking the story so far!

Aimee: Mmmm I believe Hermione is quite irritated with Tina. I think the reason her irritation hasn't really been voiced yet is because there just hasn't really been time. She's been go, go, go. Falling through time, punching Graves, running around with Newt. Tina is probably the character she's spent the least amount of time around and more to the point they've never been alone together (If i'm remembering correctly) or even had a proper conversation without one of the other characters acting a a buffer. Don't worry though I will be addressing some of her thoughts and feelings in regards to Tina in the next chapter (not just because of your review but mostly because I was already planning to), Tina asking Queenie to dig through her thoughts was definitely the last straw between the two women if that makes sense... like that's her breaking point. I think until that point she found the woman fairly irritating and a bit too straight laced but she also empathized with her slightly because she reminded Hermione of her younger self a bit. That's not to say she approved of Tina's actions at all really but she could somewhat see where she was coming from.

Oh! Also Newt will be finding out a bit in the next chapter but not every single thing. I imagine she'll share everything with him at some point but not quite yet. Ahah I got your second review as well. No worries I saw the first one! I just respond to any of the more specific reviews in the following chapter all at once. And no no! Feel free to share your thoughts, you aren't going to hurt my feelings, often you guys bring up things I haven't thought of or help me to better write the following chapters so I love reading them all! Agreed didn't get much chemistry between Newt and Tina in the film, i'm assuming it will be better addressed in the next film. Oh god I don't want to deal with a love triangle at all which is why I keep glossing over any scene between Newt and Tina or just taking it out completely unless the other three are present. In conclusion (sorry I rambled a lot) I definitely don't think Tina and Hermione will be becoming good friends anytime soon (read as ever probably) I think your opinion of how Hermione feels is spot on in all honesty and I may actually add a few of the specific points you brought up in your review in the next chapter when they finally have something of a confrontation if that's alright with you. Let me know if it isn't! Anyways feel free to let me know your opinions anytime!