Dumbledore

Newt and Lorna walked through the streets of London, dejected, and defeated.

"I promise you Newt, Travis hasn't won on this," Lorna was determined not to give up. She was a Gryffindor at school, hence her courage and fortitude. I will make sure you can travel again. And I will not allow him to take Tom from you. And neither will my father,"

"You don't have to Lorna," Newt said. "I feel like I've already put you in enough trouble,"

"You're the closest I'll ever have to a brother," Lorna spoke committedly. "And the Ministry so much as tries to harm a hair on Tom's head, they will have to answer to me,"

Newt was deeply touched; not romantically but brotherly. Lorna had always been like a sister to him for as long as he could remember. He didn't know what he would do without her. To him, she would always be the sibling in all but blood who would always have his back. No matter what the cost.

They crossed the street to duck behind a corner. Lorna poked out and saw a familiar face from the Ministry on the other side of the street. "As I suspected," she waved her black wand with floral designs etched up to the top and on the other side of the road, she saw a strange small whirlpool of wind blow him away.

"Good job," Newt complimented. He sighed. "How am I supposed to tell Tom that Credence is alive but he's being hunted? I can't let them do this,"

"You should just focus on keeping Tom safe. I will go after Credence," Lorna said.

"No Lorna! You're already in enough trouble with Travis. You saw the way he acted today. He looked like he wanted to send you to Azkaban,"

"He's always been like that to me. Even before Tom came into your life,"

Before Newt could speak, they heard something floating behind them. They turned to see a levitating globe with slapping fingers. It pointed up to Saint Paul's Cathedral high above them beyond the tall buildings they were standing between. They shared knowing glances. Newt took Lorna's hand, and then Lorna grabbed the glove.

They apparated to the ledge surrounding the dome of the cathedral. They saw a tall man wearing a long grey coat with a matching hat. He turned around and they saw pair of kind blue eyes.

"Dumbledore," greeted Newt.

"You never cease to amaze me," Lorna chuckled before walking over to give her father a warm embrace. He hugged her back and they pressed foreheads together.

"Do you remember I used to take you up to these roofs every night we came to London for a holiday?" he asked his daughter.

"I do," she said. "And you still like to do it,"

"I really do love a view," he pulled out his wand and waved it. "Nebulus," Clouds of fog swarmed the streets of London. He turned to the pair. "We have much to discuss," they apparated to the slightly foggy streets of the city, walking around near a grand park with tall, barred fences. It had become dark suddenly, so it increased the chances of not being eavesdropped on by any Ministry officials. "How was it?"

"As usual, Travis," scoffed Lorna.

"They're still convinced that you sent me to New York," said Newt.

"You told them I didn't?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes,"

"Even though you did,"

"You told me where to find that trafficked Thunderbird, Dumbledore. You knew that I would take him home and you knew I'd have to take him through a Muggle port,"

"I should have gone with him," said Lorna.

"You know that you had duties here in Britain. And I didn't want you to arouse Travis's attention," Dumbledore held her hand protectively. To him, she was always the same young helpless infant he felt outside Hogsmeade village. "I've always felt an affinity with the great magical birds," he said next to Newt. "You know you two, there's a story in my family that a phoenix will come to any Dumbledore who is in desperate need. They say my great-great grandfather had one, but that it took flight when he died, never to return,"

"With all due respect, I don't believe for a minute that's why you told me about the Thunderbird," Newt tried to say.

"How's Tom?" Dumbledore asked.

"Tired of having to hide all the time," Newt lamented.

"It gets worse. That treacherous Theseus gave him away and now they want him. And then they tried to brag Newt into giving him up by promising they'd lift his ban" The way Lorna spoke reflected her hatred for the Ministry. "As if he would ever do that,"

"I feel like I have failed him," said Newt. "And now I can't do anything to help his brother. We don't even know where he is,"

Dumbledore suddenly grabbed their hands and they apparated inside a parked bus. "Credence is in Paris. He's trying to trace his real family. I take it you two have heard the rumours about who he really is?"

Newt and Lorna shook their heads. "No,"

"The pure-bloods think he's the last of an important French line, a baby whom everyone thought lost.

"Not Leta's brother," denied Lorna.

"That's what they're whispering. Pure-blood or not, I know this...An Obscurus grows in the absence of love as a dark twin, an only friend. If Credence has a real brother or sister out there that can take its place, he might yet be saved. Wherever Credence is in Paris, he's either in danger or a danger to others. We may not know who he is yet, but he needs to be found.

"Well, we must find him before the Ministry does," said Lorna daringly. "The Ministry are wrong to hunt him down like he's the enemy when it's Grindelwald. I will do it myself,"

"Absolutely not Lorna," Dumbledore shook his head. "Travis already has eyes watching out for your activities. I will not put you in danger,"

"I can take care of myself," argued Lorna.

"No. You must stay at Hogwarts and Hogsmeade where you're safe," Dumbledore shut her out by talking to Newt. "I rather hoped you might be the one to find him Newt. And take Tom with you. He can be what Credence needs to control his Obscurus," he showed a golden card.

Newt took it. "What's that?

"An address of a very old acquaintance of mine. A safe house in Paris, reinforced with enchantments. Safehouse? Why would I need a safe house in Paris?"

"One hopes you won't, but should things at some point go terribly wrong, it's good to have a place to go. You know, for a cup of tea," Dumbledore instantly grabbed Lorna's hand and he pulled her off the bus and they apparated.

Newt chased after them shouting, "No, no, no, absolutely not!" he apparated onto a bridge crossing the River Thames. He bounded to his friends. "I'm banned from international travel, Dumbledore. If I leave the country, they will put me in Azkaban and throw away the key. And they will take Tom away from me!"

"Father please let me go after him!" Lorna implored. "I'm not banned,"

"No. But Travis thinks you're an ally to Grindelwald," Dumbledore said seriously to her.

Lorna opened her eyes. "What?" Newt was equally flabbergasted.

Dumbledore touched her forearm fatherly. "Our friends and I know how much you disagree with how wizards have to hide from the non-magic world. Unfortunately, Travis's spies informed him and now he's keeping a further watch on you,"

"How does that make me an ally to Grindelwald?!" Lorna snapped. "I don't want wizards to rule over Muggles. I just believe in a world where they can co-exist together in peace. That ridiculous law is what created Grindelwald in the first place. And the wizarding government's selfish rules saying you can't be with non-magical people is what's pushing more followers to join him,'

"Well, that's not what Travis believes. If you leave Britain alone, he will deem you a follower to Grindelwald and he will take you away from me," Dumbledore was scarred. He pressed his hand to her cheek. "I've already lost so many people I love; I can't lose you,"

"Dumbledore's right Lorna. Stay here in Britain where it's safe," Newt implored.

Lorna wanted to speak back but her father and dear friend's worried words made her press her lips together.

"Dumbledore, why can't you go?" Newt asked.

Dumbledore sighed despondently. His daughter held his hand tenderly. She knew how much he didn't like talking about this. "I cannot move against Grindelwald. It has to be you,"

"Why me?"

Dumbledore glanced at Newt admirably. "Do you know why I admire you, Newt? More, perhaps, than any man I know?" his words intrigued Newt. Nobody had ever spoken like that in such a proud manner. "You don't seek power or popularity. You simply ask, is the thing right in itself? If it is, you do it, no matter the cost. I'm so proud that Lorna made such a perfect friend in you. You could have left Tom all alone, but instead, you protected him and adopted him as your own son. That's who you are Newt. That's the man that is more special than anything I've ever met,"

Lorna smiled at him. Like her father, she thought so highly of him.

"Well, I can't blame you, in your shoes I'd probably refuse too," Dumbledore took the card.

"What...?" Newt drifted off.

"It's late. Good evening, Newt," he saluted. Then he took Lorna's hand and they apparated.

"Wait. No! Oh, come on," Newt rolled his eyes. He was left alone. What was he supposed to do? He couldn't allow the Ministry to harm Credence. But he couldn't leave the country at the risk of being arrested and then separated from Tom forever. Then he remembered: who would take care of Tom whilst he was away if he did go? He couldn't stay in London because the British knew he was alive. And he couldn't give him to Lorna or Dumbledore because they might be being watched by that no-good arrogant Travis's spies.

In the blink of an eye, Dumbledore's leather glove appeared with the golden card. It slid it into his pocket, patted it and then disappeared again. Feeling the tag in his pocket again, Newt remembered everything that Dumbledore had just said to him. He was a good man with a good heart. He decided he was going to search for Credence. And he would not be going alone. He was going to be taken his son with him.

Tom sat in a cosy armchair down in the basement watching the animals. He stroked Teddy the Niffler, his mate Tilly and their four babies. While he fed them, he made sure they were distracted by piles of gold coins. Then once he was finished, he returned the babies to their little cage of shiny items and Bunty locked it.

"Good job Tom," praised Bunty.

"I learnt from the best pair," Tom winked at her. He went over to feed some of the Mooncalves and then a large deer creature with a throat that swelled up. Bobo sat on his shoulder and Gilly trod alongside him. The creatures were greeted with gentle grunts and squawks. They loved him dearly. Like his father, he had become a dear lover of fantastic beasts. He treated them as if they had feelings and were not monsters like many people in the world deemed them. And he became one in return in spirit.

As he stroked a Mooncalf, he smiled as he felt its love and affection staring into his soul with its adorable huge eyes. These creatures had become his new family. And over the months of losing his brother, the emptiness in his heart had been filled by the kindness and compassion of these creatures. Bunty nearby smiled watching a boy who had lost so much find comfort.

Once Tom was finished, he said to her, "I'll go get us some tea,"

"Remember…" Bunty called up to him as he dashed up the stairs.

"I know, no opening the window or door!" he called down to her. Bunty had become like a nanny to her. An overprotective one. He went into the kitchen and made some tea but when he was about to head down, he heard a door opening. He turned and saw his dad. "Dad!" Placing the tray down, he rushed into his open arms. "I'm so glad you've come home safe,"

"I'm really glad to be here," his father smiled warmly.

"So, how was your day?" he asked.

Before his dad could answer, they heard flicking behind them. They turned to see one of the baby Nifflers playing around with a golden chain on a lamp. It broke off. Then they saw the other one trying to tear off the golden wrap of a champagne bottle cork. But it popped and in a swarm of that bubbly drink, it went shooting across the room and into the basement.

"Oh curses," groaned Tom. "Babies are harder to control than adults!"

"Bunty! Bunty!" Newt called as he grabbed the first one before dashing downstairs with his son behind him. "Bunty, the baby Nifflers are loose again!"

Bunty turned and saw what was happening. "Well done I'm so sorry, Newt. They must have picked the lock while I was cleaning out the Augureys. Not to worry," she grabbed a plastic glove and dangled a coin from its pocket compartment, she trapped the baby and brought it back to the cage. "Tom and I have fed nearly everyone, Pinky's had his nose drop. Elsie's droppings are nearly normal again.

"Wonderful you two," Newt praised. His smile faded when he saw bruises and cuts on Bunty's fingers. "I told you to leave the Kelpie to me. That wound needs more ointment. I don't want you losing fingers over it," he walked to the side of the large pool where the Kelpie swam underwater. "You can go home now, Bunty. You must be exhausted,"

"You know the Kelpie's easier with two dads," Tom offered.

"I can handle it, son," his dad assured as he pulled up his sleeves.

"Perhaps you should take off your shirt?" Bunty asked.

"Don't worry, I'll dry off quickly enough," Newt dived into the water. Tom watched a little anxiously as his father mounted the seaweed beast underwater. It then started splashing around with Newt riding its back and the pool magically rose and Tom was splashed. He burst out laughing. He dashed up some stairs to meet them as Newt hopped off. "Someone needed to let off some steam,"

"Ointment, Bunty?" Newt requested. Bunty gave it to him and he treated the Kelpie. "You bite Bunty again and there'll be trouble, mister," The Kelpie neighed and dived back in.

"I guess I'll take my leave then," Bunty said.

"Thanks for taking care of Tom again," Newt said.

"It was nice working with you," Tom offered a fist bump and Bunty did it. She then left through the open door. He and Newt then walked to some armchairs in their little office downstairs. "So, how was today?"

Newt struggled to speak. He hadn't quite planned how to tell Tom all that had happened today.

Tom already knew a slight hint of it. "I'm so sorry dad,"

Newt clasped his shoulder. "It's not your fault Tom,"

"How was Lorna?"

"All right. Apart from the fact that Travis is now watching her like she's a criminal,"

"Who's Travis?"

"The Head of Magical Law and Order. He has the title but doesn't act like one,"

"What's his problem with Lorna?"

Newt sighed. He sat down on the stairs and his son sat beside him. "You remember that law decreeing that magical people are not allowed to be with non-magic people?" Tom nodded. "Lorna is very much against that as Grindelwald is. But unlike him, she wishes the magic and non-magical worlds co-existed together in harmony. But because of that Travis thinks she might be a follower of his,"

"That's absurd!" Tom cursed. "He's just as worse as that awful president who had my brother killed. She's the sweetest woman I've ever met,"

Newt licked his lips. He remembered Credence again. He had to tell Tom now. He was about to speak when Tom asked, "Dad… can I ask you what's going on between Lorna and that witch Leta? When you were talking about her, she looked…sickened. Like she doesn't like this woman,"

Newt sighed again, bad memories sparking in his head. "I was kicked out of Hogwarts during my sixth year. Leta had played a trick that caused a lot of danger to some students. I took the blame. But…she didn't exactly stick up for me. She allowed me to take the blame. Dumbledore tried everything to keep me from being expelled. But he wasn't successful,"

"That was very selfless of you," Tom said admirably. "Did Leta ever feel regretful?"

"Not as much as I wish she had,"

"What happened afterwards?"

"Lorna had warned her that her tricks against other students for bullying her were going too far. But Leta didn't listen. When I was expelled, Lorna was outraged when Leta didn't stick up for me like I stuck up for her. To her, she was allowing me to get the punishment for her actions so she wouldn't be kicked out herself. She blamed Leta for everything. Their friendship ended. She tried to make amends later when she regretted it. But Leta…resented her for everything and Lorna kept resenting her back. They've never been the same again. I try to bring them together but…"

Tom felt both sad and sorry about asking his dad to tell him that story. "That's bad,"

"That's just how life turned out for me. And for them. Now Leta's engaged to my brother,"

"Do you still care for her?"

"Yes. But…I don't think there can be anything between us as I once wished," he lamented.

Tom shifted closer to him and Newt felt warmth. He would always be there for him so Tom wanted to be there for him too. "Tom…." His son raised his head. "There's something I need to tell you," Once again he was interrupted but this time by a sudden bang of the door coming from upstairs. Tom felt his heart jump. Newt pulled out his wand. Perhaps it was the Ministry coming to take his son away from him. He wasn't going to let that happen. "Stay here," he ordered.

Oh dear, so it seems Lorna is being spied on by Travis. What an awful man he is. And look at Newt, determined to protect his son. What a committed father. See you later.