A.N- As promised here is Part 2! Not sure when Part 3 will be up, but next stop is the Lionheart clan.

Hope you enjoy this next installment, would love to hear some feedback. (hope the end doesn't feel too rushed, this is quite a long chapter though).

Enjoy! The final part to follow soon.

Part 2

"Do you think he's gonna be okay?"

"That was a bit of a nasty blow. At the least he's got a concussion. We can't say for certain until he wakes up."

Voices again, this time they didn't sound as distant but they were slowly becoming clearer. Newt Scamander found the pull of darkness to be waning, as his ears honed on the voices.

"And he's definitely gonna wake up?"

Jacob, he could place the first voice he heard now. It was his dear friend.

"He will, like I said it was a nasty blow. And with that gas on top, it might take him longer to come round."

And that voice... his brother, Theseus. They were beginning to get louder.

"He's right Jacob."

Tina Goldstein, he knew her voice in an instant. And he swore he heard a shuffle of movement and a gentle wisp of air blew against his ear.

"Please wake up, Newt."

That whisper only heard by him seemed to command his eyes to open. At first the bright lights startled his pupils, causing his eyelids to blink in protection.

"Hey he's coming around!" he caught Jacob's relief in his voice.

"Newt, can you hear us?" Tina asked, a blurry form slowly coming into view.

A small groan escaped his lips, as everything came into focus. His gaze immediately drew to Tina, she was peering down at him with both a gentleness and concern. Even now he took in her beauty, transfixed by it.

"Tina," speaking her name made a smile cross across her lips.

"Newt," came her small but gentle voice, eyes caught by his.

He blinked a few times, issuing a few groans as he fully became more conscious. Once he had done that, he opened his eyes again and noticed the other faces peering down at him. Jacob and Theseus were side by side, looking relieved yet still concerned for the younger Scamander.

"Hey pal, you gave us a bit of a scare there," Jacob spoke, offering a smile for his friend.

"Ugh, what happened?" Newt stumbled out a question before he made to sit up. A hiss of pain left his lips as he felt his left temple begin to throb in agony. Instinctively he reached up for it, he felt a mixture of dry and sticky blood.

"Steady there Newt," Theseus' voice hit his ears, this time sounding closer. He hadn't even noticed that he had squeezed his eyes shut during the flash of pain, or the hands on his shoulders helping him into a seated position. Opening his eyes again, he flicked his gaze left and right confirming what he already knew. Tina and Theseus had instinctively reached for a shoulder each, aiding him to a seated position. Jacob was sat more in front of him now, peering at his friends.

"Yeah that looked like it hurt," Jacob said with a sheepish smile.

Newt returned the smile with a muttered, "Only a little."

He rubbed at the wound gently, feeling the beginnings of a scab forming in places, yet it still felt sticky.

The question he once asked left his lips again, "What happened?"

"We got caught in a poacher's trap," Tina answered.

Poachers? He then remembered the trap-wire and pushing Jacob aside. He had crossed paths with poachers numerous times and had spotted the signs of a trap instantly. But what happened next was still a mystery.

"There was some kinda fog and then we all woke up here," Jacob added.

After those words, Newt took in more of his surroundings. They were situated in a cage lined with various runes that looked like they had be carved into the bars themselves. The cage seemed as if it was intended to hold something much larger than their small group. Lanterns hung from the ceiling of the large tent enclosed around the cage, casting both light and shadows onto them. It seemed they had ended up back in the poachers camp. That thought alone made him realise he was without a case and the familiar sensation of his bowtruckle companion, Pickett in his pocket.

Panic seeped into his chest, making him feel like his throat was closing up. They had his creatures, the poachers had them. Sure his case was locked tight, but the thought of them possibly getting inside. And Pickett, if they hurt him.

"Oh Newt, I'm so sorry. They must have taken your case," Tina offered some sympathy as she picked up on his panic.

"They took everything we had on us, wands included," Theseus said, the frustration clear in his voice, without wands they were defenceless and seeing his brother so distressed weighed on his heart.

"There's still gotta be a way out of here though right? A way we can get them back?" Jacob tried offering hope, as he looked between the group even looking behind him to the others Newt hadn't spotted yet.

Evelyn, Yusuf and Nagini were a bit of distance behind Jacob. Not too far that they couldn't be called, but far away enough to not be able to quite coherently make out their conversation unless they were listening closely enough. Currently they seemed preoccupied. Nagini was sat on the floor, knees pulled up to her chest. She held an air of timidness and pure fear. Newt shouldn't have been surprised at her reaction. Nagini had spent most of her life in cages. Trapped, afraid and alone. At least this time she wasn't alone, but the thought of what they may do if they knew she was a maledictus was clearly playing at her mind. Yusuf wasn't stood very far from his ward. His eyes were moving across the runes in the bars. They were clearly emblazoned with magic as every so often they glowed bronze in the lantern light. Yusuf's eyes followed the runes right up to the ceiling where he spotted a broken lantern swaying above. The glass had been smashed, some still lingering on the lantern, the rest scattered to the floor. It left a small portion of the cage below in shadow. Within this shadowed portion was a crouched Evelyn Lionheart. She had managed to push her arm through the bars, it was a tight squeeze. Newt had no idea what she was doing, but her face was strained as she reached out into the open air. He thought perhaps she was trying to reach to open the tent flap beyond the bars. Maybe she was hoping to catch sight of their captors.

Perhaps she would get her wish sooner than she thought.

"Lionheart!" Yusuf offered quiet but blunt caution for the young auror. Noticing what Yusuf had, Evelyn withdrew her hand, moving back towards the others with Yusuf and Nagini. Footsteps could be hear on the other side, as the tent flap was drawn back.

A man towered before them, he had to be taller than Theseus and Newt by at least a few inches. His chest jutted out like an armour plate against his black clothing. He almost blended into the shadows, but his amber eyes... they shimmered wickedly. As he came closer, Newt could make out the scars littering his face. Many of the fingers on his right hand were reduced to stumps. If Newt had longer to linger on his past wounds he could probably narrow the creatures that had caused them. But the pure malice in the man's snarky smile caused him to look away as soon as he could. It was rare Newt was filled with such hatred upon meeting a person. But poachers... he hated them with every fibre of his being. Much like Nagini, Newt rose to his feet with the help of Tina and Theseus. He didn't want to be caught in a moment of vulnerability in front of this man.

"Well it appears you're all finally awake," the man spoke with just as much snark as his appearance, surveying the group like prey. He seemed to linger longer on Newt, that alone caused Theseus to step forward protectively.

"You have no right to hold us like this," Theseus hissed venomously. He hated poachers just as much as his brother.

"Ohh I have every right Scamander," the man retorted with another snarky smile.

Theseus couldn't mask his surprise.

"Oh yes, I know who you are. Didn't take me long to figure out. Newt Scamander, infamous for his magical case of creatures, now working with the Ministry, pops up in the Amazon. Of course he wouldn't go far without his head auror brother or Miss Goldstein."

Tina couldn't help but glare, so this man knew more than just her name but her connection to Newt too. He then turned to look at Evelyn and Yusuf.

"Honestly, I have no idea who you two are. But the way you carry yourselves, my guess is Aurors."

Evelyn didn't offer him a response. This man seemed to thrive of gloating, but the one thing she didn't like was how his gaze kept snapping to Nagini. Yusuf had noticed too as he stood protectively in front of his ward, an arm snaked around her as an offering of comfort.

"And this one."

Now his gaze was on Nagini and there was no escaping his piqued interest now.

"Must be the maledictus that obscurus boy was with."

Nagini flinched under his gaze and the mention of Credence.

"Now under the care of Newt Scamander and friends. I suppose he has a soft spot for abandoned creatures."

Again no-one replied, but if the glares he received had been spells he would have been reduced to ash.

"Well I have to say you planned this little trip of yours perfectly. Imagine how pleased Grindelwald will be when I offer him not one but three of his most valued targets."

This caught everyone's attention.

"Grindelwald?" Tina questioned in alarm.

"Oh yes, Grindelwald offers us freedom, freedom to do whatever we damn well please. So naturally, we wanted to make an offering to his cause. We thought an Ukrainian Ironbelly might make a fine offering and aid to his followers. But that'll just be the icing on top when they see you. Both Scamanders and Goldstein all in one place, plus two Aurors, could be useful for information."

He paused as the tension in the group rose. Tension he seemed to be lapping up like a hungry beast. He gloated but his attention fell back on Nagini.

"But you... I suppose you do have a connection to the boy... still you could fetch such a high price. The things people would give to own something like you."

"Keeping dreaming pal. No way you're getting a hold of her." Jacob had successfully drawn his attention for the first time since the man had arrived. Part of him wished he hadn't.

The man gaze held disgust as he eyed Jacob.

"Have care how you speak Mudblood."

Jacob may not have understood the term, but by the reaction of his friends he could tell it wasn't good. Especially Evelyn who had become incredulously tight lipped and almost murderous in her glare.

"You. You are of no use to Grindelwald or anyone for that matter," the man drew closer to the cage. He was within reaching distance now, but unlike him they were unarmed.

"And that... well that makes you expendable."

Before anyone had chance to react, the poacher had drawn his wand. Before Jacob knew what was happening, he found himself being hoisted up by invisible ropes that had wrapped around his wrists and ankles. He tried to resist but he could only squirm as his friends watched in horror.

"Jacob!"

"Mercy lewis, what are you doing!" Tina exclaimed in shock, she and Newt were reaching for their friend trying to bring him back down.

"Teaching this lesser being a thing or to about how to respect your superiors," the man raised his wand above his head.

"Cruci-"

He was cut short by white hot agony stabbing deep into his ankle. A shriek of pain left his lips, wand slipping from his hand. It clattered to the floor along with Jacob, who was now free from his invisible bonds. Newt, Tina and Theseus attempted to catch him as best as they could. The others had been under the impression, much like the now shrieking poacher, that they were all unarmed.

However, Evelyn Lionheart, who had been hoping to save the large shard of glass she had collected from the broken lantern, was. Now the poacher was within reaching distance, Evelyn had jumped at the chance to save Jacob. Stooping down low, she had plunged the shard as deep as she could into the man's ankle. When his wand clattered to the floor, she saw a chance, a chance to escape. So she reached for it as quickly as she could. The wand was in reaching as she strained to snatch it. But the chance was soon shattered much like her wrist.

Now it was Evelyn's turn to shriek in pain. She had been so close but the poacher had spotted what she was doing. Instantly he had slammed his uninjured foot down hard on to her outstretched hand. An almighty crack had filled her ears, and she knew from the wave of agony that hit her that he had definitely broken something in her wrist.

"You little bitch!" he sputtered, snatching his wand back off the ground. He gave a twist to his foot pinning Evelyn's hand to the ground to add insult to injury before he removed it. Evelyn withdrew her hand, holding it close to her chest. She didn't have long to recover as a handful of her redlocks were clamped in a vice-like grip. The poacher yanked her by her hair forcing her both to cry out and to rise to her feet. Whilst Jacob was now relatively unharmed and back on his feet, Evelyn became the subject of his cruelty. The concern of the group now shifted from Jacob to her. Theseus was quick to jump to her defence.

"Evelyn!" he cried out as he made to step closer, but he was stopped in his tracks by the poacher's wand.

"Watch it Scamander," he warned, wand aimed at the older Scamander. He made no move back to his previous position, instead he could only watch and stand his ground. Evelyn struggled in his grasp, but she too was made to cease her resistance. The poacher held his wand firm below her chin, continuing to hold her red locks in his other. His menacing gaze was now upon her, yet Evelyn didn't yield fear under it.

"Evelyn is it?"

She didn't reply, but held a pained but angry glare.

"Broken glass. I guess you got it from the lantern up there," he indicated the lantern above.

"That's pretty resourceful, but for a witch to resort to such a desperate assault... well that's just pathetic."

Evelyn grimaced and retorted a reply, "Pathetic is attacking an unarmed man just to feel sense of superiority. You can keep up this charade all you wish. But only a pathetic coward and would resort to such an attack."

"Coward? I'd have care how you speak you red-headed bitch!" he hissed, wand tip pressing deep into her chin now.

"Or what? You'll attack an unarmed woman too?" she paused before she spat in his face, "Do your worst."

Before he had chance to deliver on that, he was interrupted.

Another man, clearly a subordinate poked his head inside the tent with a "Sir."

"What!" the man snapped at the new arrival.

The new arrival shrivelled back from his anger before adding meekly, "They're here."

The man sighed in frustration, continuing to hold Evelyn in his threat. Taking a moment, he let go of her hair pushing her back as he released her. Evelyn stumbled, but found her fall stopped by Theseus' steady hands on her shoulders.

"This isn't over," he warned with his wand, before limping after the man and out of the tent once more.

The group fell silent for a moment watching after him. Theseus steadied Evelyn on her feet, looking at her with worry.

Evelyn caught his eye with a tiny smile, "Seems you're catching me a lot today Scamander."

"It would seem so," he could only reply.

She looked to Jacob who was back on his own two feet, Newt and Tina fussing at his side. He looked a little pale, but relatively unharmed much to her relief. She then dared to gaze down at her injured hand that she still held close to her chest. The damage site around her wrist was blazoned red and had begun to swell twice it's size. The site of it made her feel sick to her stomach.

"Let's have a look," Theseus offered, his presence behind her still keeping her grounded.

She tensed a little at his close proximity but didn't object to his request. Gingerly Theseus took her hand to examine the damage. She couldn't help but wince, the slightest movement was causing her wrist to burn with pain. While she was no healer, she had a feeling something was broken.

"That was a brave move Lionheart," Yusuf spoke, looking at the young Auror with some faint admiration. He had never seen her display such furiosity before, her act of attack had taken him by surprise. However he was starting to see why Theseus had brought her along, she certainly wasn't afraid to improvise if she had to.

"Or maybe a foolish one," Evelyn cast some doubt. While she didn't regret managing to cease his attack on Jacob, there was no doubt in her mind that the poacher would hold a grudge. He would likely return with more cruelty to his attacks than before, especially against Jacob.

"Then why do it if you thought it was foolish?" Tina pulled into question her comment.

Evelyn knew she only had one honest response to that as she rested her gaze on Jacob, "Because I couldn't just let him hurt Jacob."

Jacob noted the gentle kindness in her voice and was visibly touched. She took a big risk for him and he didn't really know how to express his gratitude.

"Oh... oh you didn't have to do that doll."

"Of course I did, I couldn't let him harm you. You are unharmed aren't you?" the young Auror had to make sure.

Jacob nodded, "Yeah... I'm okay, thanks to you."

Evelyn smiled and nodded in return.

"So what do we do now?" Nagini's question came out as an almost whisper.

"I don't know," Newt replied honestly for it was the truth they all felt. The glass trick wouldn't work twice and without their wands they didn't have a way of breaking the magical runes lining the cage. The only option they had was sitting and waiting for a miracle.

The miracle they had been holding out hope for appeared sooner than they realised. Everyone had settled into restless silence. Evelyn was sat beside Nagini, continuing to cradle her injured hand. Her eyes followed Theseus who was strolling up and down the cage, analysing for weaknesses somewhere anywhere. Yusuf kept vigil as close to the tent entrance as he could, watching out for the return of their poacher. Newt and Jacob were sat opposite Evelyn and Nagini. Jacob kept offering Evelyn some concerned glances over her injury, but she countered with reassuring small smiles. Newt was still nursing his head whilst wrapping himself up in fear for his creatures and also his friends. Tina was stood beside them her hands resting on the bars of their prison, gaze looking out. She hated feeling so hopeless, unable to do anything to let them free of this cage. The only hope she could hold onto was that the poachers hadn't found a way into Newt's case. The mere thought of the harm they could cause filled her heart with sorrow. A sigh left her lips as she rested her head against the bars, closing her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again a slight movement in the shadows caught her attention. She became puzzled. Had she imagined that?

Staring in the same spot, she soon came to realise she had indeed not imagined it. Something small was scuttling across the floor towards them. It was as it came closer that she recognised the tiny figure. Crouching down onto her knees, she drew Newt's attention to the new arrival.

"Newt look!"

Tina's voice drew Newt out of his realm of thought as both he and Jacob turned to look out of the cage.

Padding across the floor towards them was a small bundle of black fur. It didn't take him long to recognise his dear beloved Niffler. A sense of relief filled his chest as the sight of his little friend. But also confusion as the little guy stopped at the bar of the cage, peering up at them. He had been in the case.

"How did you-" Newt began, but his question was soon answered. The tiny green head of Pickett the bowtruckle peeked out of the Niffler's pouch. Newt smiled at the sight of them. It seemed they had their miracle after all, especially as Pickett seemed to be struggling with some items in the Niffler's pouch. Noticing the bowtruckle's struggle, the Niffler aided him with his paws. Tina could only watch in surprise as the familiar handles of hers, Newt's, Theseus', Evelyn's and Yusuf's wands came into view.

"Oh you clever buggers," Newt breathed with a wide smile. Reaching through the bars, he collected the wands from the Niffler and Pickett. He then distributed them amongst the group, who had all gathered around to see the two creatures. Everyone gratefully took their wands. It didn't take the Aurors long to set to work, wands sweeping over the runes. Now that they were armed, they had a chance to escape.

The three Aurors made quick work of the runes and before they knew it the group found themselves peering out the flaps of the tent. Day had turned to night, if they peered through the trees they could make out the stars. Directly in front of them were lines of tents. Distant chatter could be heard and a few poachers were strolling past. But otherwise the camp was quiet. (They had already taken care of the guard outside, who now lay unconscious in the cage behind.) The only noise they could make out were the whimpers of a large beast. The sound was coming from a tent to the left that looked twice the size of theirs. Newt had a feeling that inside was the original intended gift for Grindelwald's followers.

"So what's our next move?" Evelyn whispered.

"Well first we need to get the rest of our things," Theseus could still feel Newt's anxiousness over his case, they couldn't leave without it.

"How are we supposed to know which tent they're in? It could be any number of these," Yusuf questioned.

The Niffler, who had settled in the crook of Tina's arm, perked his head up. Tina could tell from that alone, he knew exactly where to go.

"No, but he does," Tina brought attention to the Niffler, who had his nose pointed up in the air.

"So he can led us to them," Jacob spoke with confidence.

"Maybe not all of us, a large group would draw too much attention. We have to think about this," Evelyn warned.

But her warning had fallen on deaf ears. Like a moth to a flame, Newt was drawn to the cries of the creature. He looked to Tina with complete trust, the small head of Pickett now peeking out of his familiar safe space in Newt's waist-coat pocket.

"Get the case," he requested and then he was gone, disappearing out the tent.

"Newt!" Theseus hissed under his breath, watching after him in despair. He looked to the others.

"I'll go help Tina get the case," Evelyn offered him. Theseus gave them a small nod, before following quickly in his brother's wake. Even with the offer Evelyn had presented, she knew there would have been little she could do to stop Theseus from going after his brother. She watched after him before looking back to everyone else.

"We'll wait here for you," Yusuf looked to Tina, "I'll keep them safe."

Tina nodded before she lowered the Niffler back down to the ground. Together her and Evelyn followed the bundle of fur as swiftly and silently as possible.

"Newt! Newt!" Theseus' cries for his brother were almost silent, but still he tried to get his brother to slow down. The younger Scamander had darted so quickly from the tent, that Theseus had a hard-time to catch up to him. It was only when Newt ducked down behind some crates and came to a stop, that Theseus finally caught up, slotting in beside him.

"Newt, what are you playing at?" Theseus didn't mean to be harsh with him, but their situation was time sensitive and they had to be careful not to waste it, no matter how noble the cause.

"We can't leave them in there," Newt looked to the large tent that now towered in front of their hiding place. Two guards were stationed outside, and the continuing whimpers of the beasts within were louder now. It's the only sound that filled Newt's ears and each one tugged harder on his heart. Theseus could see the concern and sorrow in his brother's eyes. He wasn't heartless, he didn't want to leave the poor creature to the mercy of the poachers any more than Newt. But the longer they stayed, the closer they got to discovery and that could quickly turn into chaos.

"I'm sorry Newt. I truly am. But it'll be safer for all of us if we can get away quietly, we don't know how many are in this camp. We are more than likely outnumbered, we shouldn't push our luck any more than we already have," Theseus tried to explain as calmly as he could, but his words fell on deaf ears.

"You go with the others if you want, but I'm not leaving without them," Newt hadn't headed Theseus' words, instead appearing annoyed at what he said. Theseus could do little to stop him as Newt cast a simple "Confundus" on the guards in front of them. It bought him just the right moment to slip inside the tent. Theseus could only swear under his breath before disappearing inside too.

Much like the Scamander brothers, Tina and Evelyn were faced with their own tent. Theirs however was considerably smaller, and didn't have guards posted outside. The Niffler, who had been guiding them towards the tent flaps, quickly retreated back to the safety of Tina. He crawled up her back, settling on her shoulder. The dark headed Goldstein looked to her younger friend beside her. Evelyn had her wand gripped in her left hand, her injured right still cradled to her crest. It looked odd seeing her utilise her non-dormant hand, but it was still clear that any small movement in her right wrist caused flares of pain. Whilst Tina had used many healing spells in the past, she was no healer and wasn't well versed in mending broken bones. She could most certainly try, but she didn't want to risk it going horribly wrong. Plus Evelyn not wanting to waste valuable time, didn't want to cause any more delays with the others fussing over her injury. She could make do with her left hand and deal with the pain till they got to safety.

Evelyn still managed to meet her gaze and the two silently communicated. They had both picked up on it, the voices that came from within the tent. Crouching lower, the two women peeked through the tent and surveyed the room.

Lanterns similar to their tent's hung from the ceiling. The inside was a little bigger than the out. On the far left wall was a sight that Tina was grateful Newt wasn't here to see. She could only think to describe it as sickening display of a trophy wall. The trophies in question had clearly come from a number of creatures, but Tina couldn't bare to linger on the specific details, suddenly feeling a little queasy. Up against the right wall lay a long table, that seemed to house another collection. Instead of trophies, there seemed to be an array of items and possessions. There was everything from knives to sneakascopes to an object Tina had never seen in person before, a muggle firearm. Maybe these items had also been stolen just like the familiar case and bags that Tina's eye's came to rest on. Evelyn's little leather pouch and Theseus' satchel were tossed beside Newt's case. Somehow Tina suspected there had been some attempts to get into the case, or at least they had the knowledge of the contents. Especially given the case seemed like it had been treated with more care, whereas the others had been throw on there as an afterthought.

Situated beside the table were two men, they were sat on small stools and each cradled flasks that Tina's guessed didn't contain pumpkin juice. They looked just as scarred and muscular as their leader. Unlike him though, their words were harder to follow as they spoke in Portuguese. Whatever it was they were discussing, it brought a wicked cheer to their faces. Or maybe it was a deep satisfaction. Regardless she didn't want to know what would make these men roar with unsettling laughter.

Tina once again looked to her companion. Evelyn had also spotted their missing possessions as well as their adversaries. She looked to Tina and gave her a small nod, she would follow her lead.

Feeling very trusted, Tina weighed their options. They had to be conscious of noise and how to limit it as much as possible. Also she didn't doubt Evelyn's skill, but more so how good her aim would be with her non-dormant hand. Still seeing those heartless trophies on the wall fuelled her with an amount of sickened rage. So to her there was only really one option.

Pulling back the tent flap, Tina took a brave step with her wand drawn.

"Stupefy!"

The stun spell flew out of Tina's wand with force and precision, hitting the man on the left clear off his stool. Before the other had chance to raise his wand or the alarm, another spell, this time a bit sloppy but still hitting it's target came his way.

"Stupefy," Evelyn hissed out a moment after Tina, knocking the spell into his hip and the stool that shattered upon impact, showering him in wood as he fell down to the floor.

That had certainly caused a little more noise than they had wanted.

Evelyn could only look at Tina and say a small "Sorry."

"Let's not linger," Tina replied as she dashed over, grabbing Newt's case and holding it close to her chest protectively. Thank Merlin that hadn't gotten inside. The Niffler could only graze his head next to her ear in relief and joy.

Evelyn followed after her, attaching her pouch to her belt and tossing Theseus' satchel over her shoulder. "Right, good to go?" she questioned Tina.

"Yes, let's go. Hopefully we'll still have chance to slip into the night unnoticed," Tina spoke with a little optimism.

But that hope quickly faded when they heard an almighty crash outside in the camp followed by a booming roar.

"Newt," Tina and Evelyn breathed simultaneously as they gazed at each other, before dashing out into the carnage they awaited them on the other side of the tent flaps.

Honestly, Theseus didn't know what he had expected. For years since his brother's expulsion from Hogwarts, he had both heard about, witnessed and tried to fix the unintentional mayhem that Newt's passion for defending and helping every lost creature had created. It had brought Theseus many headaches and restless nights as he had to come up with ways to ensure his brother's good intentions didn't accidentally land himself in Azkaban. Even after Paris, Theseus had been lucky to convince Travers that Newt was valuable to the Ministry. With him on side (or at least allied with them), they could gain the much needed support they needed from Dumbledore.

But for intents and purposes, Theseus couldn't find it in his heart to stop his brother's good-nature. Instead he was forced to be his accomplice.

The poacher hadn't been lying, encaged within that large tent had been the original gift intended for Grindelwald. Newt's heart had broken upon seeing the once mighty Ukrainian Ironbelly Dragon in such a pitiful state. Chains were encased around their muzzle and wings, strapping them tightly to their body. Cuts and scraps littered it's body, and a few of the spikes lining down their white scales had snapped off. Newt took his time, with a cautious and gentle approach. Theseus could only watch his brother in his element as he keep guard by the tent flap entrance. He shouldn't have been surprised, Newt had worked with numerous dragons during the war. Theseus couldn't deny he had a talent. But that talent also came with it's fair share of trouble.

Once Newt had earned at least a little trust from the dragon, he made quick work of the chains and shackles. They fell away much like the magical rune work lining the cage. Once the dragon had picked up on this, they didn't waste any time. The cage bars were ripped apart as it made it's break for freedom. All Theseus could do was grab his brother pulling him out of the dragon's path as it tore through the tent and to the chaos it would cause outside.

The next moments flashed by in quick secession. Screaming, roars and cries filled the once quiet camp with an array of noise. Flashes of colour lit up the trees around them. Any chance for a quiet getaway had quickly slipped away when the dragon had tore itself out of the tent. It unleashed both it's fury and fear in a sea of fire and talons, as poachers appeared out of the many tents with wands raised. Jacob could only watch in amazement and horror at the beast before them that it took him a moment to realise the hand pulling gently at his arm.

"Jacob," Nagini's soft voice called to him and his eyes instantly snapped to her, "Come on."

Yusuf was already beginning to lead them out the tent. Jacob could only follow closely behind as they dived into the mayhem.

"I thought we were waiting here for them?" Jacob called to Yusuf above the noise.

"Too dangerous now, don't want to risk that dragon setting our tent on fire," Yusuf replied.

Jacob could see his valid point, he could already see tents beginning to catch a blaze, the occupants forced to flee. Yusuf maintained his lead, his eyes had already spotted the emerging Scamanders, making his way to their side.

Tina and Evelyn quickly dashed out of the tent, now faced with a large scared dragon and some very pissed off poachers facing off.

"Okay, now what?" Evelyn purposed the question to her friend.

But Tina's attention had been snatched. Looking across to the burning tents, she caught sight of some familiar blonde locks. Could it be?

Tina set her course and dashed across, her grip tight on the case and her wand raised. She threw spells to any who dared get in her way or opposed her. Evelyn was only forced to follow her, crying out her name, "Tina! Tina where you going? Tina!"

The fire and noise seemed to be nothing to Tina now, she had a focus... a draw. This could be the chance they had been hoping for. Yet as she drew closer, she found a pull of hesitation. What if she didn't want to be found?

That hesitation pulled her to stop as she gazed across the shortened distanced between them. At the blonde hair woman, with her back to her. Tina took a deep breath. She had to know...

"Queenie!" she called out.

The blonde quickly turned, and Tina felt their eyes and minds connect in fast succession. Even from here, Tina could see the difference in her sister. Her smile was gone, now replaced with an expression of stone. A hard stare had fallen over her once soft, gentle eyes. Her attire was much more muted than her original vibrant colours she had prided herself on in her youth.

Queenie didn't respond to her sister, yet she didn't move away, instead rooted to her spot. Yet Tina could see silent recognition in her face.

Tina couldn't find any more words, instead she hoped her mind would say what she needed Queenie to hear.

"Queenie... please. Come home."

Tina didn't know if she heard it, but she prayed that would be enough. Yet it seemed she would never know as she heard a cry behind her.

"Tina look out!" Evelyn screamed at her, her wand and gaze pointing above the dark haired witch. Heeding her warning, Tina looked up to see a large scaly tail about to slam down on her. Tina raced backwards, almost crashing into Evelyn as she gripped on her arm to stead them both. The tail slammed down, blocking Queenie from Tina's view. Tina could only watch in horror. No she couldn't loose Queenie, it had been years. This was her chance to get her back. The tail quickly moved back up, and Tina desperately searched. But the spot where Queenie once stood was now empty. Maybe if she headed over, she could find her.

"Tina, we have to go!" Evelyn's good hand held her back as she made to move.

"No I have to-"

"Tina come on! We need to go!" And with those words Tina could only be led away, as Evelyn pulled her back and around to where they once were. Expect this time, they were greeted by their friends.

"Tina! Evelyn!" Theseus voice caught their attention, as Tina and Evelyn came to stop beside them. Fire and spells still raining around them.

"We got the case and our things," Evelyn informed him.

"Good, okay now we need to find the others at the tent and find a way out of here," Theseus thought out-loud.

"No need, they're coming!" Newt pointed out, as they spotted Yusuf leading the way towards them.

Tina head snapped up, she needed to tell Jacob that Queenie was here. Maybe they might still have time... she could only hope.

Yusuf and Nagini stopped before them, skidding to a halt.

"Kawalski's coming, he got a bit delayed by some of the fire," Yusuf reassured, looking behind him to where they could spot Jacob running as fast as he could towards them.

He wasn't far, but unfortunately his path became blocked by a large figure.

"Not so fast mudblood!"

Jacob recognised the sour tones of the head poacher, his face now bloodshot red and full of fury.

"Do you know what you and your filthy wizard friends have cost me?" he roared, wand raised, "I don't care if any of you are valuable to Grindelwald, I'll kill you all myself!"

Wand raised he was ready to strike, and Jacob was at his mercy.

"I don't think so," Theseus had quickly and quietly moved forward, casting his wand out.

"Expelliarmus!"

The poacher's wand shot off into the night, disappearing from view. The poacher head snapped around in fury at the head auror and his own sloppiness. When he moved his head back round in front of him, he was met with a cold hard fist to the face. He felt a crack of pain and blood poured from his nostrils.

Hands moved to his nose, cradling it in surprise.

"That's for Evelyn," Jacob commented with all the sincerity of friend but also some of the cheesiness of an action hero. He didn't stay long to admire his handiwork as he took his chance to dash to his friends.

"We got a plan guys?" he dared to ask, as they were forced to stand their ground, fending off spells and watching the raging dragon before them.

"I'm all for any ideas, if anyone's got one?" Theseus replied, throwing a spell over his shoulder to stun a poacher heading their way.

Newt, whose gaze was still fixed on the dragon, had only one thought on mind. There was a way out, as long as his friends were open to the idea of something a little unorthodox.

"Only one," Newt spoke, looking to his brother than at the dragon.

"You can't be serious?" Theseus already knew he was, but the reply had slipped from his lips upon instinct.

"This way we can all get away," Newt fired back.

"All? Wait... are you suggesting what I think you are?" Evelyn stared in disbelief.

"We're gonna ride the dragon out, aren't we?" Tina had read his mind. Sure it sounded crazy, but she had known him longer enough to trust him even with the craziest of plans.

"Yes, come on!" before Theseus could object, Newt dashed over towards the still very large, very angry dragon.

"Your brother's a little mad isn't he?" Evelyn watched in disbelief.

"Yes... but I suppose we don't have any other options," Theseus replied. And with that, the two of them agreed to his crazy plan. The others soon followed after, with a lot more wariness than Newt. There was still a chance this creature could very much set them on fire, than offer them a ride to safety. Tina seemed more hesitant than most, and Jacob picked up on it.

Could she really leave her behind again? But the longer they stayed, the closer to death they could be. Maybe it hadn't been Queenie she saw. But that stand off... surely that had been real?

"Tina, you coming?" Jacob asked her.

Taking a deep breath, Tina offered her mind out to the open again, "Forgive me Queenie... please."

"Coming," she then spoke aloud to Jacob, following after him with a pit of guilt.

Surprisingly or maybe unsurprisingly, Newt had managed to at least win over the dragon. They had certainly recognised him as the one who had released them, already earning him a little respect. Newt kept them calm and distracted as the others each took in turns to scramble onto their back, ensuring they had a spine to hang onto. Theseus left space for Newt at the front, as he settled behind a long spine, holding on gently but tightly. He didn't want to cause this creature more harm. Reaching down below, he helped pull Evelyn up behind him. The others followed suit, pairing up and clinging to spines (or in Nagini's case, clinging to Yusuf).

"I hope this works," Theseus heard Evelyn whisper behind, as she felt around for something to hold onto. Theseus had already gripped the large spine before him.

"Here," he reached back and took her uninjured wrist, he guided her to bring her arm around him, "Hold onto me."

Evelyn was glad that Theseus couldn't see her face, as her cheeks became a little flushed at his offer. She then shook her head, trying to shake the blushing school-girl away. This was so she didn't fall to her death. She shook her head again, no she didn't want to be thinking about that either. Focussing on what she had control over, she brought her other arm up and brought it around Theseus.

"You alright back there?" Theseus had picked up on the slight squeeze to her grip.

"Fine thank you," Evelyn replied, preparing herself.

Theseus was stopped from replying as Newt came into focus, climbing up in front of them.

"Everyone on?" he asked Theseus.

"Yes, now let's go before this beast decides it wants to throw us off," Theseus replied.

Newt only nodded, as he got to work in his element. Evelyn could only wondered if he had ridden a dragon before... despite the madness of it all, he definitely seemed to know what he was doing. Although Theseus had told her once that he had a knack for thinking on the spot, calculated guesses and dumb luck. Yet even he knew his brother's talent for creatures, he just knew how to communicate with them, knew exactly what to do. He had worked with dragons before, maybe he had taken to the skies on one in the past. Either way she was not ready.

The dragon's legs began to hunch up as it squatted back, about to launch itself into the air.

"Are you sure you're alright back there?" Theseus asked her again, her grip had tightened once again.

"I'm alright... I'm just not good with-"

The dragon shot up into the sky, with the seven of them clinging on for dear-life. They could all only cry and yell in surprise as they jolted up like a cannonball.

"Flying!" Evelyn's scream blended into everyone else's cries.

Once the dragon was above the trees and closer to the stars, did some of them dare to gaze down. Tina could only search in vain for a brief second for that familiar blonde hair, was Queenie still down there? Had she been real?

But it didn't last as within mere seconds, the dragon's wings boomed at either side of them and they were carried off into the night. As she turned away from hope, Tina felt a faint echo in her head.

"I'm sorry too Teenie."

Her head snapped back, gazing behind them. All she could see of the camp now was the rising smoke from the tents that were still burning into the night. As much as she longed to go back, to snatch her sister to safety, they only had one destination now.

Rio.