Many of those who personally knew Rolf Scamander, were quick to share how he was the spitting image of his grandfather, Newt Scamander—the legendary Magizoologist and author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. From his earliest memories at his grandfather's knee, the storied histories of dragons, chimaeras, hippogriffs, bowtruckles, nifflers, and so many others, had made an indelible impression on Rolf, so much so, there was simply no way he wouldn't have ever not followed in his legendary grandfather's footsteps.

But even so, he was still learning all sorts of new and interesting information about magical creatures. Take the Mombacho salamander for instance; it was reclusive and difficult to find, even within its native habitat. Rolf had spent many an evening trying to track down the small and endangered creature, having little success until just under three hours ago.

It was nearly two in the morning, local time—and Rolf was working with a native tracker who only went by the name, Navila. Navila had lived in these jungles near the Mombacho Volcano for her entire life and had dedicated herself to the preservation of this magical habitat, up at 1200 meters within the canopy.

The Mombacho salamander habitat could range from about 900 to 1250 meters, but according to Navila, they only reproduced at higher elevations, in the edges of the montane forest closer to the subalpine areas, which were slightly less dense and colder than the lowland climate of the region. According to Navila, reproducing in these areas were what gave this particular species of salamander their unique magical blood properties of regeneration.

Pointing down into a small niche, near the base of a copse of trees where revenants of residual ash could be seen, Navila whispered in broken english, "This is the primary spot you are looking for."

Rolf nodded and crouched down, using his right hand to stabilize his balance on the ground, as he leant over the narrow opening and smiled.

Inside the tiny den-like structure, were about a dozen salamanders, all huddled around each other. He lifted his camera and took a few magical photos and once done, he sat back on his haunches and took out his notepad from inside his robes. Jotting down the coordinates, time, and surrounding landmarks, (so he could find this place easily again on his own), he was quick to finish before asking Navila if there were any other spots for them to venture to.

"Not tonight." Navila answered easily enough.

"Is there a way to mimick the surrounding environment for transportation?"

Navila shook her head. "No, they would not survive outside this habitat."

Rolf nodded, suspecting as much. "Is there anyway to get approval to test their blood?"

At this Navila shrugged, "That is up to the director, and the magical government. I suppose you could request, but they will take their time to make a decision."

Rolf sighed in defeat, also suspecting that might be the case. He thanked Navila and followed the witch back to the main encampment, before plopping down on his cot and falling asleep.

The next day when Rolf awoke, it was to the sounds of excited commotion coming from outside his tent. He yawned, stretched, and grabbed his wand, checking the time.

It was a bit after one in the afternoon.

Rolf was quick to dress, spelling a few refreshing charms and a scourgify over himself and silently wishing he could take a nice long, hot shower, but knowing that luxury wouldn't be possible until he returned back home. He could hear several loud voices speaking as he emerged from his tent, the sounds coming down from the immediate pathway towards the main cabana, about a hundred yards away.

When he neared, he was surprised to see most of the workers of the preserve standing outside, and they were all whispering excitedly to themselves. However when he walked inside, he stopped in shock at seeing the wizard who was standing in the center of the room.

What in Merlin's name was Harry Potter doing here?

Bright green eyes turned towards him, and Harry beamed in welcome, coming over with his hand extended.

"You must be Rolf Scamander?" The wizard in question nodded dumbly, but shook Potter's hand profusely. Potter then patted him warmly on the shoulder and gestured to the wizards he was talking to, one who was the local Minister of the Central American Ministry, Alfonso Ruberio.

"Minister Ruberio, have you formally met Rolf Scamander?"

The Minister shook his head and bowed politely in greeting, replying in fairly good english, "I have not had the pleasure, no."

It took a few minutes to make the formal introductions. Along with Minister Ruberio, there was Professor Samisq Bolinero, who taught Magical Creatures at Castelobruxo, the South American Wizarding School of Magic. The other two guests were Aquila Albarez, the Central American Ministry's Head of International Cooperative (as they called it here), and Tiberius McLaggen, Head of Britain's Department of International Cooperation.

Rolf was stunned. When he agreed to do this favor for Draco, he had no idea it would become an international affair, but he couldn't figure any other rationale for Harry Potter to be here.

"Mr. Scamander," Professor Bolinero addressed him politely in english, "Navila explained earlier this morning you both were successful in tracking down the Mombacho Salamanders."

Rolf nodded again, "Up near the subalpine zone, about 1200 meters into the canopy near the terminator on the leeward side of the volcano."

"I'm sure you must be curious why Mr. Potter is here, yes?"

Again Rolf nodded, because that was a supreme understatement.

Harry cleared his throat and offered evenly, "Hermione Granger Alphonse is doing her internship with Professor Flamel," Rolf's eyes widened at that admission, but he just kept quiet as Harry continued on, "and she has reason to believe that the Mombacho Salamanders might be the key to her research project. Draco Malfoy mentioned to me he was having you help track them down, and I'm here to try and see if there's a way to create an environmentally sound reproductive habitat here. Malfoy said you're quite the prodigy, and I was hoping you might be willing to work with Professor Bolinero in developing the necessary habitat."

Rolf quickly glanced at the other interested parties, feeling like he was missing something important.

"Their habitat is quite fragile, Mr. Potter…"

"Harry, please." The Boy who Lived interrupted with a casual grin.

Rolf nodded again, for what felt the upteenth time. "Harry, I'm sure Master Bolinero can confirm this."

"He did," Harry agreed readily, "however, Hermione's research is dependent on finding a way to safely harvest the blood of these salamanders."

"And there's no other options?" Rolf asked, "Many other kinds are utilized for blood replenishing potions."

"True," Harry replied, his hands tucked behind his back, "however, Hermione is fairly certain this is her only hope. I'm willing to lend my personal support in this endeavor, plus the financing necessary to see it done."

It took every bit of restraint Rolf possessed, for his mouth to not drop open in utter shock.

This would not be a cheap endeavor.

"I see."

"Professor Bolinero believes it might take at least a year to build the research area, and Minister Ruberio and Madam Albarez would be working closely with the British Ministry as well. Due to the devastation after our recent war, Minister Shacklebolt is eager to open new economic opportunities overseas, and this would be the first, in that regard. Will you help us?"

It was definitely an interesting opportunity, and could pave the way for him to be on the cutting edge of researching an elusive and endangered magical species, Rolf thought to himself.

"I would need to discuss this with my grandfather, as well as Professor Barne, whom I was to be starting my apprenticeship with, later next month."

Harry nodded thoughtfully, his eyes shifting to the other British wizard in the room, who didn't look exactly thrilled to be here, even if his demeanor was stiff and polite.

"Perhaps it might smooth the way if I spoke with Alistair?" Bolinero inquired, leaving Rolf a bit befuddled.

"You know, Professor Barne?"

"I'm familiar with him, Mr. Scamander. His work on Thunderbird habitats and mating practices is quite the treatise."

"Yes. They are his speciality."

"Another highly elusive creature."

Rolf just bobbed his head up and down, not knowing what else to say. Harry however, could see the wizard was thrown, and he turned to their group and asked kindly, "Could I speak with Mr. Scamander alone, for a bit?"

Minister Ruberio answered, "Of course, Mr. Potter." He then turned to his colleagues, "Let us head to the canopy, as there is a fine luncheon prepared."

Rolf watched the group leave, and then Harry gestured for him to follow, which he did.

They walked down the pathway, towards the lower canopy, where there was a rich plethora of flora and fauna. Potter took off his glasses and wiped them on the edge of his shirt, before using his wand and placing a cooling charm over them both.

"Sorry, mate. It's a bit muggy here. Definitely not in London, anymore."

Rolf chuckled and nodded. "Never been outside of Britain, have you?"

"Just for school, which is in Scotland. And Hermione lives in France, so there's that. Went to magical Paris for the first time not too long ago."

"Quite the place."

"It is." Harry gestured towards a small gazebo and once Rolf entered, the Chosen One waved his wand and warded it for privacy. "I understand you're good friends with Draco Malfoy."

"I am fairly well acquainted with him." Rolf admitted evenly, "I do know a bit about the war back in Britain, and Draco's part in it."

"I figured you'd might." Harry offered easily, "And I'm wondering if he shared about his betrothal with Hermione?"

Rolf nodded yet again. "I was surprised, as I didn't know Hermione Granger was really a member of the Alphonse family. I'm not personally acquainted with the family, but my grandad was."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I don't know how much you're aware, Harry—but my grandad was the one who helped Dumbledore defeat Grindelwald."

Harry's eyebrows rose at that admission. "I know a little about Dumbledore's relationship with Grindelwald, although what I know is based in large part on Skeeter's book."

Rolf snorted in disgust. "I did read that trash, but there are some parts that are actually true. However, what isn't widely known was that my granddad helped Dumbledore break the blood pact he'd made with Grindelwald."

"Blood pact?"

"Yes. Apparently, Skeeter got that part of her story correct. Dumbledore and Grindelwald made a blood pact as young wizards, to rule the Wizarding world together. Dumbledore and Grindelwald loved each other, but Gellert had also loved another and formed a blood pact with someone else."

Harry's eyebrows lifted. "Do you know who that was?"

"His wife."

"Excuse me?"

"Gellert Grindelwald was married to his most loyal follower."

Harry scoffed and then shuddered in disgust. "Sounds like Voldemort and Bellatrix."

Rolf however, snickered. "Well, be that as it may, Grindelwald was married to Vinda Rosier."

"I know that name. Rosier? There was an Evan Rosier that was a Death Eater."

"Probably related somehow."

Frowning, Harry couldn't help but wonder just how much Grindelwald and Voldemort had in common. Bellatrix's mother was a Rosier too.

"Well, the real reason I wanted to speak with you in private, is because I need you to understand how important this project is."

"So you said."

"Yes, but there's more, and unless you take the offer, I'm afraid I can't risk explaining the particulars to you. Suffice to say, this research could change the Wizarding world as we know it."

Rolf was taken aback, but could see the sincerity on Harry's face. It was crystal clear that whatever this was about, was not only extremely important to Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Draco, but could have far reaching ramifications.

It didn't take Rolf but a minute to offer, "I'll do it. I'll need to clear it back home, but whatever this is about, it sounds far too intriguing to walk away."

Harry grinned and offered his hand again, which Rolf shook earnestly.

"Glad to have you on board, mate. Hermione will be thrilled."