Gathering Together

(A Day Later)

In a grand castle hidden by magic in the mountains of Berkshire country, an African-American witch walked through the hallways. She wore red, had her long curly hair tied in a braid and carried a unique wand of rare quality. She made her way back to her office in one of the high towers. Closing the door, the Charms teacher sat at her desk. She made work on papers but suddenly noticed a small box on her table. With a flick of her wand, the box opened revealing a lily blooming out of a soil pot. A smile formed on her face. "Always know how to greet a Charms teacher, dear friend?"

She heard a squawk. She looked up to the ceiling bannisters and saw a phoenix. It descended in front of her desk and transformed into Lorna. "I wouldn't forget to bring you a nice lily from Britain, would I?"

"No," Eulalie Hicks chuckled. She stood up and walked over to Lorna giving her a warm hug. "It's such a pleasure to have you here again dear Lorna,"

"It's so good to see you too Lally," she said.

"I take it this surprise is not just for a nice catchup?" her friend guessed correctly.

"Nope. I've brought a very important friend if you don't mind,"

"Show me," Lally requested.

Lorna waved her wand at the fireplace sending a ball of magic into the green burning flames. Then from out of the flames appeared Newt.

"Ah…such a pleasure to meet you Newt Scamander," Lally offered a hand and he nervously shook it. "Lorna has told me so much about you,"

"Newt, I'd like to meet Eulalie Hicks, the best Charms teacher in the world," Lorna praised.

"But please…call me Lally," she requested. "I've heard so much about you, Mr Scammader. Lorna sent me a copy of your book and it's spectacular,"

"Thanks?" the author and Magizoologist answered awkwardly, a little embarrassed by the compliment.

"What brings you both here to Ilvermory?"

"We're here at the request of my father," explained Lorna.

"Tell me how is dear Albus?"

"He's very well. But I'm afraid he's very unsettled for what's about to come," she said regrettably.

"How can I help?"

"We need you to be part of a very important mission Miss Hicks," Newt requested. "If you don't mind. Dumbledore specifically assigned us to lead a team of his closest allies and relatives including us two. The fight against Grindelwald has become more dangerous than ever and he can't stay in the shadows anymore. He needs us,"

"If he and the friend we both share need my aid, it would be my pleasure," Lally accepted without hesitation. "It's nearly the winter holidays anyway and I could some excitement,"

"Thank you, Lally. What would we do without you?" Lorna praised.

"Before we tell you about the mission…" Newt began again. "We need you to help request a friend whom we haven't seen for a long while. We know that if we appear to him, he'll just shut us out but if you…someone he doesn't know get his attention…because you could convince him for us. And he's a Muggle by the way,"

"A Muggle? Wow. You two sure know how to have all the fun out there in a dangerous world," Lally complimented.

"And you're about to too. If you accepted," Lorna did not want to force her into this.

"All I need is a name," said Lally.

"And this," Lorna offered her a special book with no title or writing on its covers. "Per my father's request,"

"Sounds like we're on a quest to save the world," Lally was excited already. "Can't wait to get started,"

Newt and Lorna walked away from Ilvermory across the bridge.

"I knew you'd love her," approved Lorna.

"Remind me again how you met her,"

"I was at a teacher's conference here from Hogwarts. And before I was a Charms teacher at the time at Hogwarts, Ilvermory requested someone to stand in as Transfiguration whilst their teacher was in the hospital. I accepted it and that's how Lally and I met,"

"Well, I'm glad that we can rely on her to convince Jacob to join us," Newt said. "Now what to do about Tina,"

"We just have to go and see her. She can't avoid us forever,"

"I don't think she'll agree. I couldn't bear to put her on that spot,"

"We need her Newt. And besides, maybe coming with us might help her. And us. With a Legilimens on his side, Grindelwald will be able to tell friends from foes. Only Tina and Jacob can convince her to come back to the good side. And I know you want to see her,"

"How I feel about Tina shouldn't be an aspect of consideration. And I don't…"

"I see the way you look at that photo of hers. And whether you know it or not, you need her as much as she needs you. With war coming upon us, we all need each other more than ever,"

Newt sighed. "Okay. But if she refuses, I'm not gonna push her,"

In the snowy streets of New York, Tina walked alone. She had finished her work for the day at the MACUSA Auror office and today had been so overwhelming. As the Head of the Auror department, hunting dark wizards had taken a great toll on her mind and she wanted nothing more than to be alone in the confinements of her lonely flat. She reached her flat and walked up to the very top. She entered solemnly through the doors and shut them behind, magically locking them. She pulled off her long coat and with a flick of her wand made it fly into a wardrobe. She walked into the kitchen, casting a cup to prepare itself with tea. She sat down and took a long slow sip. She sat there quietly. She flicked her head towards a pair of black and white photos on the kitchen table. A family of four: a mother, father and two gorgeous daughters. And a pair of sisters, one dark-haired, one blonde-haired. She shed a tear.

"Oh Queenie," she mourned. "I miss you," Not for a single moment since five years ago, could she forget about that awful moment when Queenie walked through the fire to join Grindelwald. Reflecting on that day made her heart crack in two like many times before. "Why? Why did you do it?" she knew the answer but still felt confused. A part of her felt ashamed for not supporting Queenie's relationship with a Muggle. All she wanted was what was best for her. She only wanted to keep her safe. But for a while now she had begun to realise how much disapproving of her love for Jacob had driven them apart. Was this what pushed her? She cried a little.

The doorbell rang. Alerted, Tina placed down her cup and wiped her eyes, hurrying rapidly to the door. She opened it. To her surprise, Newt was standing there. "Hello," he greeted awkwardly.

"Good to see you, Tina," Lorna waved.

Tina closed her eyes and took a moment of silence. "I'm sorry guys. I can't talk right now. I'm very busy,"

Newt was hurt by her choice of words. "Tina please…"

Tina shut the door on them. She wiped her eyes. When she turned around again, she was shocked to see Lorna and Newt standing there. Lorna crossed her arms. "Did you think we wouldn't apparate in here if you shut the door on us?"

Tina closed her eyes and grabbed tissues. "Guys, please…I want to be left alone,"

"Tina, we need your help," Newt spoke up quickly. "Grindelwald is moving now to gain control of the wizarding world. Dumbledore wants us to gather a team,"

Tina put books away, not looking at him. "I'm not interested,"

"Tina, you don't understand…" Lorna spoke up again. Tina stared at her downheartedly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound like that," she took a moment to calm herself. "Tina, we know these last few years have been difficult…"

"Please can you two just go," she begged.

"Tina please…" Newt begged. Tina struggled to contain herself but kept her heartbroken, unsocial face hidden from him. "We need your help. If you come with us, we could get Queenie back. You can talk to her. And Jacob can. I miss her as much as you do. But…we can't do this without you," Lorna gently nudged him. She a finger from his heart to her and blinked one eye. Newt swallowed his fretfulness. "I…don't think I can do this without you," Tina didn't move. She didn't speak. She just stayed where she was, the cold shoulder giving the message. He sighed. "She's not gonna change her mind,"

Lorna expressed a sad face for him. She took his hand and in less than two seconds. They had apparated out of the room. Tina turned around and saw they were no longer there. Only a simple white slip, a ticket and a note are attached with writing.

Tom sat in the courtyard in front of the clock tower with Cheelo, Gilly and Bobo alone, staring out into the distance, thinking about things.

A seven-year-old tongue dashed through the streets, heartbroken alone in New York. He found shelter in the streets. He sat under the pouring rain, cold and alone. He cried into his knees, ready to succumb to the darkness and give in. But then he felt no rain falling on him. He looked up and saw an umbrella and a tall boy with short hair towering over him. He flinched.

"Don't be afraid," the taller boy said. "I won't hurt you," he bent down so that he could look closer at Tom. "What's your name?"

"Tom….my name is Tom,"

"I'm Credence. Do you have a family?"

Tom shook his head. "They're gone," he cried. "They were killed,"

"I'm so sorry. You can come with me. I'll l take of you,"

Tom stared into Credence's kind eyes and saw the generosity that lay behind them. He offered a hand and the young orphan accepted it.

Tom wiped a tear away. Cheelo chirped and he stroked her. Gilly got jealous and shoved her for attention but Tom gently pulled them apart. Bobo sat on his shoulder and chirped.

Ron and Lucille walked up to him but he didn't turn to them; they didn't care. They sat down on either side of him. "You okay?" asked Lucille.

Tom didn't answer.

"We're here for you buddy," Ron clasped his shoulder. "We'll always be here for you,"

Tom managed to speak. "Thank you,"

"Tom, what happened to that baby wasn't your fault," Lucille consulted.

A sniffle followed. Then a tear. "That's not how I feel. I was an idiot to think he would listen to me,"

"Tom, you're not responsible for his actions," Ron comforted. "And you're not responsible for him changing sides. If anyone deserves to feel like this, it's Credence for leaving you like that,"

"Ron," hissed Lucille.

Ron realised he had taken it too far. "Sorry,"

"It's okay," Tom assured. "I really appreciate it you two," he looked at Ron and then at Lucille with a tearful smile. "I don't know where I'd be without you both," Ron and Lucille smiled and engulfed him in their arms, holding him tight. They had stuck by his side for years, giving him comfort whenever they needed it. They were here for him before. And they were here for him now. They let go and they stood up and walked together into the castle. They made their way up to the clock tower; their favourite hanging-out spot. Cheelo, Gilly and Bobo slept on some cushions as they talked.

"How's Nagini doing?" asked Lucille.

"Not good," Tom shook his head. "It seems like there's nothing Lorna can do to help her cure that blood curse,"

"Curses whoever did that to her," lamented Ron. "There must be something Lorna can do. She must know some way. She can shape-shift herself,"

"With a gift. Not a curse," reminded Lucille.

"I wish there was something I could do to make her feel better," Tom wished. "She just feels so lonely sometimes,"

"Does she have no idea where she came from?"

Tom shook his head. "Do you guys ever wonder if perhaps there are other Animagi like Lorna?"

"My folks have heard rumours but there are very few who believe them," said Ron. "Not too long ago, my father said he had an encounter with a man who could turn into a small dragon. Gossips say that these beings are sought out by other wizards,"

"So hunted," clarified Lucille.

"Exactly,"

"That's so sad. They're just as worse as those arrogant Aurors who came marching around our school,"

"Luckily my uncle Theseus is the head of the Auror office," said Tom. "And he was a Hufflepuff too. He is nothing like MACUSA,"

"Your dad's so lucky to have a brother like him," said Ron. "And don't worry, your father will be perfectly fine. Nothing will happen to him,"

(A day later)

Newt and Lorna emerged through the fireplace. They found themselves in a large train carriage on a train which pulled through a large snowy valley. They saw Theseus awaiting them along with Bunty and Yusaf Kama.

"Glad to see you both arrived on time," greeted Theseus.

"Such as pleased to see you again Mr Scamander and Miss Dumbledore," greeted Kama.

"Glad to have you with us Bunty," said Lorna coming over to hug her. "Hello there," she stroked the baby Nifflers that played with the earrings on her shoulders.

"So nice to see you again Lorna. How's Tom?"

"He's very well. And he's keeping our Qilin friend safe and sound,"

"Still, it's not right that he has to be left out of this fight,"

"He's staying at Hogwarts where he's safe," stated Newt strongly. "It's safer for him. I can't bear to pull him into this. Not after what happened to him last time," Not a moment went by that he didn't think about how Tom had been severely burnt by the blue flames. If he hadn't unleashed his Obscurial energy, he wouldn't have been able to protect himself and Nagini.

"America go well?" asked Theseus.

"Lally has agreed to join us and she'll bring Jacob with her as we speak," said Lorna positively.

"And Tina?" Theseus asked his brother.

Newt hung his head a bit. "She's not coming,"

Theseus pursed his lips and gently shook his head. He sat down and pulled out a Daily Prophet Paper where they saw the title 'Liu or Santos' printed on the front with two moving people above the names.

"What did they say at the Ministry?" Newt asked his brother.

He lowered the paper. "Officially, the Ministry takes no position. Unofficially, the smart money's on Santos," he responded. "Although anyone would be better than Vogel,"

"Anyone?" Kama questioned, eying the wanted poster of Grindelwald printed on the back.

"He wouldn't be allowed," disapproved Lorna. "Only a fool would allow a criminal to be elected for the most prominent position in the wizarding world,"

There was a roar of green flames and they turned to see Jacob emerging from the fireplace. "Spinning! Always with the spinning!" he cried out in shock.

"Jacob. Welcome. It's so good to see you," Newt greeted excitedly hugging him and earning a hug back.

"Good to see you too pal,"

"Such a pleasure to see you again Jacob," said Lorna. "I just knew Lally would convince you,"

Just after she said that Lally appeared out from another fireplace. "Well done Lally," they high-fived. "Everyone. This is Eulalie Hicks. She is the Charms Teacher at Ilvermory school. Check out her advanced charm-casting novel. It's a must-read,"

"You are far too kind," Lally said. "You know Newt. Fantastic Beasts is required for all my fifth years,"

"Time for some introduction," said Newt. This is Bunty Broadacre. My caretaker of creatures. Seven…"

"Eight years. And a hundred and sixty-four days," she corrected politely.

"This is…" he looked at Kama.

"Yusaf. Kama. Pleasure," He heard a cough of the throat but didn't realise it was his brother.

"And this is his brother Theseus. He's the head of the Auror office at the British Ministry," introduced Lorna, saving him the embarrassment.

"Well then…" Lally looked at Theseus curiously. "I'll have to ensure my wand registration's up-to-date,"

"Yes. Although strictly speaking that doesn't fall within my previous," Theseus' proud statement makes her chuckle.

"All right then," Newt spoke up, addressing everyone. I imagine you're all wondering why you find yourselves here. And in anticipation of that, Dumbledore asked that I convey a message," Newt received an encouraging nod from Lorna. "Grindelwald can see snatches of the future," his words cast a nervous look over nearly everyone's faces. "So we have to assume that he'll be able to anticipate what we do before we do it. So, if we hope to defeat him and to save our world...and yours as well Jacob…then our best hope is to confuse him,"

Bunty parted her lips in confusion. Jacob raised a hand. "I'm sorry. How do you confuse a guy that can see the future?"

"Countersight," Kama simply said.

"If we are to confuse him, we can't have any plan," Lorna simply said.

"Or we have many overlapping plans," Lally added in.

"Thus confusion," Newt clarified.

"It's working on me right now," said Jacob, already confused.

"Which reminds me. Dumbledore asked that I give you this," Newt pulled out of his coat pocket a wand with a curvy handle. Jacob looked at him surprised. "It's snakewood. Quite rare,"

"Are you kidding me right? Is this thing real?" Jacob sounded as excited as a child at Christmas.

"Yes. But it doesn't have a core," Lorna notified. "But still, yes it's real,"

Jacob took it slowly and gazed at it with fascination. "It's sorta real?"

"Yep. And where we're going, you'll need it. Now, I have something for you Theseus," Newt reached into his pocket but he looked like he was struggling with something. "Teddy, please let go now. Teddy, please let go. Will you behave please?" he jerked his hand and Teddy came flying out of his pocket. Jacob caught him on instinct.

Theseus saw his brother offer to him a red tie with a golden emblem. "Well of course.." he took it. "Now everything makes sense," he said sarcastically.

"Remember to trust my father," Lorna reminded. "Even if your instincts say no. Now, Lally, he told me to give you this," she reached into her purse and pulled out a special book.

The Charms teacher took it gladly. "You know what they say. A book can take you around the world and back…all you have to do is open it,"

"Now Bunty. It was told this was for your eyes on," Newt handed Bunty a piece of folded paper. She nervously unwrapped it and read the hidden message before it burst out into small purple flames.

"Yusaf.." he said.

"I have what I need," he answered.

"Wait. Where's Tom?" Jacob hadn't realised Tom wasn't with them.

"I'm afraid Tom isn't here," Newt answered. "He's a Hogwarts keeping something very important safe,"

"Oh," Jacob was sad; he wanted to see that kid again. "Just as long as I get to see him. I bet he's growing up so quickly,"

"He sure is," Lorna said admirably. "He's one of the best students Hogwarts has ever tutored,"

"You must be so proud of him, Mr Scamander," spoke Lally.

Newt smiled. "I sure am," "And what about Tina? Is she coming?" asked Jacob, remembering her too.

Newt sighed and shook her head. "She doesn't want to face…you know who," he muttered that last bit quietly. Right after he said that they heard a roaring of green flames. Pointing their wands at the fireplace, they saw a Tina appear. "Tina?" he breathed.

"I knew you would change your mind," said Lorna stepping forward.

"Your instructions were clear but quite difficult to follow," Tina complained gently, showing her the paper, she left.

"What changed your mind?" Newt asked.

"I realise I can't keep shutting you guys out like this. I want to help. And I want my sister back,"

"I want your sister back too Tina," said Jacob. "So let's go get her back together,"

Tina eyed a little tensely at the muggle she hadn't seen these last few years and nodded. They both were betrayed by Queenie. And they were both going to bring her back to the good side.

"I'm…we're glad you're here," spoke up Newt. They shared a tender look but Theseus broke the moment.

"So, this is the team that's going to take down the most dangerous wizard we've faced in a century. A Magizoologist, his assistant, an animagus who can turn into a phoenix, an American school teacher, a wizard descended from a French family, two heads of two different Auror depart and…" he popped his lips. "A muggle baker with his fake wand,"

"This wand does work," Jacob said positively.

"The most important thing to remember: It's not what's on the outside but the inside that counts," spoke Lorna wisely, eying Jacob admirably, remembering his bravery in protecting Tom.

"Just like Tom would say," agreed Newt.

"Who wouldn't like our chances?" Theseus asked smiling.

Jacob guzzled down some strange water and he released an obnoxious laugh from his lips. Everyone sat down in their seats, wondering whether what they would do would be enough to stop Grindelwald.

Atop the train, a tall wizard with long dark eyes perched on the moving train, hearing no more words being spoken. His heart tingled as he remembered the words, 'an animagus who can turn into a phoenix'. He felt enlightened. He was not the unique shapeshifter in the world. He didn't know what to say or believe. Most importantly, could he trust these people if they were friends with a creature who was just like him? It wasn't just that. They held a common enemy. Grindelwald. He could trust them. He was going to introduce himself the phoenix animagi and the wizard whom he had saved back in China.

Sorry for taking a while. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. And don't worry. Tom will join in the fight later. You'll just have to wait and see what happens. Please send reviews and let me all know. I bet you're all wondering who that strange man is, on top of the train. We'll all find out soon. See you later.