The Berlin Ministry

The team sat in their carriage, passing the time with their own activities. Tina and Lorna both sat alone near a window. Kama and Lally went over their roles for what was required. Jacob studied his new wand. And Newt and Theseus decided to talk.

Theseus noticed how concerned his younger brother was. "Don't worry Newt. Tom will be safe,"

"That's not what I'm thinking about," he lamented.

"Then, what are you thinking about?"

"About how this is gonna end. I trust Dumbledore with my life but I'm worried about what will happen to everyone. I couldn't bear to lose anyone else. Not since Leta," Theseus licked his lips, thinking of his beloved fiancé who gave her life to save them. Seeing his brother mourn a bit made Newt remember the final words she said to them before fighting Grindelwald to ensure their survival. "When she said what she said to us, I know it was definitely at you. She loved you very much you know. We both need to remember that,"

"I think in a way she was saying it to both of us," said Theseus; he expressed no envy. "You know you're lucky Newt. You still have a chance to have a life with someone," he twisted his head to Tina sitting all by herself. Newt eyed her worriedly. "Go and talk to her,"

"It wouldn't be a good idea," he said. "She focuses on figuring out how to get her sister back on her side,"

"It's not as simple as you think Newt," he warned. To him, Queenie Goldstein was still officially a criminal.

Newt tried to speak again but they heard sniffling from the other side of the carriage. They saw Lorna with a tissue under her nose staring out into the snow-laden lands through the window. He walked over to her. "You okay Lorna?"

"I'm fine," she didn't turn to him but her wet face bounced off the glass's reflection.

"Lorna…you can't keep blaming yourself for Leta's death,"

"It's not that. It's the fact that I was so horrible to her. And I never got the chance to make things right with her," she cried into her hand. Newt gave her a warm hug. "I'm a terrible person,"

"No. You're good and you're not cruel. Grindelwald was the cruel one. Not you. When we face him, we will make sure her death was not in vain,"

From her spot Tina observed them. Something inside her pricked. She had always known how close Newt was to Lorna but they seemed so close that she wondered if what they had wouldn't lead to something more passionate.

Jacob noticed. "You know they're not romantically involved," he sat in front of her.

"I know,"

"Then why are you looking at them like you're jealous?"

"I'm not jealous," she snapped. Jacob jumped at her temper. She sighed. "Sorry,"

"I get it. You're going through a rough time right now. I want Queenie as much as you do,"

"Jacob, you know once we get back it means…"

"No Tina. I don't care about that ridiculous law. Not anymore. I wanted us both to obey it once so she wouldn't go to jail. But I've come to agree with Lorna that perhaps the magic and non-magic worlds could co-exist peacefully instead of one trying to take over the other. She may not be on Grindelwald's side but she's right about many things. And I don't care if you think I'm just a Muggle. I love your sister and I'm going to do whatever it takes to help this team,"

He was expecting an argument back from Tina but in a way, she was moved. "Then you must be ready for what's to come," she advised wisely. "But you have courage. That's the greatest quality,"

Jacob blinked but he remained awestruck by her compliment to him. It seemed perhaps she accept his love for her sister after all. She stood up and went to get a drink and he sat near the window staring out at the snow. When he lowered down, he noticed that through the glass there was a shadow right on top of the carriage. "Hey guys," he spoke up. "I think we've got some animal stowaway on the train," Kama and Lally came over and peered through. No strange shadow on the train. "But that's weird I just saw it there,"

"What's going on?" Theseus asked him, his brother and Lorna coming over.

"Mr Kowalski seems to be under the impression that there is something on top of the carriage," Kama answered.

"I know what I saw," he defended himself.

"Jacob, we believe you," Newt promised. "Did you see what it was?"

"I don't know it…" Jacob tried to remember. "It had a small head, wings and tail. Kind of like some small, winged lizard thing?"

"I will check it out," Lorna waved her wand and the glass of the window disappeared. She leapt out and in mid-air transformed into a phoenix and flew up.

"Never ceases to amaze me how she does that," Theseus observed.

"That's her gift, I'll give it to you," smiled Lally.

Lorna flew high above the train but saw no creature. She dove down and saw the tracks of a dragon and a human on the snow-covered roofs of the carriage tracks. She perched and stared around and just in the distance she saw a glimpse of a small dragon disappearing into the clouds. She turned back into a human and waved her wand. Golden magic formed showing the past. She saw a tall man with dark hair tied in a man bun with a shaven face. HE wore no smart wizard clothes but nomad clothes. And his eyes glowed the purest blue she had ever seen. Then she watched as he transformed into a Vipertooth dragon and took off mid-flight. She felt her heart pounding in her chest.

Everyone waited inside patiently. As they saw the phoenix fly back inside, they all crowded up again as she transformed back into her human self. "Jacob was right. There was a creature on the carriage. Not just any typical creature. It was an animagus. Like me,"

"Wait so an animagus who can turn into a magical creature like you?" Tina asked. Her answer was a nod.

"What did it transform into?" asked Theseus.

"A Peruvian Vipertooth dragon. It was no follower of Grindelwald for certain. I doubt a nomad who wears traveller clothes would join his cause,"

"She's right," Lally agreed. "At Ilvermory there have been rumours about a stranger who doesn't stay in one place for too long. They say he changes shape, disappears after someone knows he's already there,"

"We need to weary nevertheless," Theseus said. "We don't know for certain who it is,"

Newt went into deep thought for a moment. Then he felt his head flash. "When you cast that spell, did the being have blue glowing eyes?" his question made everyone stare at him like he had gone weird. Even Lorna.

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

"That night in China, when Tom and I were attacked and I got separated from him…this person approached me as I lay wounded. He saved me,"

"Wait a minute. So, you're this shape-shifter, who was spying on, and saved your life?" asked Theseus.

"Yes," he answered. "I doubt he's an ally of Grindelwald,"

"We still need to be aware of him," his brother said worriedly. "We have no idea who he is or what shape-shifting trick he has up his sleeve. No offence, Lorna," he spoke quickly.

"None taken," she deadpanned.

Tina noticed a change in her tone. "Isn't that great Lorna? It means you're not the only animagi who can turn into a magical creature,"

Lorna remained uncertain. "I don't know what to say, Tina. Whoever he is, I should be the one to talk to him if he spies on us again. He might not on Grindelwald's side if he saved Newt but it doesn't mean he's on our side,"

The remainder of the journey was quiet. Before they knew it, the snowy countryside turned into a snowy city. As the train pulled up into the station towards the platform, they heard the megaphone speaking in German.

"Berlin. Wonderful," said Lally sarcastically as she stared out of the window. Theseus did his tie and the ladies fastened their coats.

Kama was the first to stand up. "This is where I leave you all,"

"Good luck Kama," Lorna bid. "And be careful," He nodded and departed the carriage into the station for his mission.

Newt closed his case after coming out of it from checking on his creatures inside. He grabbed the handle and noticed that Bunty was grabbing it too. "I must be going now Newt," He wanted to trust her but he didn't want to let go of his case. "I know it's important to you…but no one can know everything. Not even you,"

"The case will be safe," Lorna assured. "Remember what my father said,". Newt slowly let go of the case and Bunty took hold of it. "Good luck Bunty,"

The party watched with nervous eyes as Bunty and Kama departed the station in different directions, the former right, the latter left.

Newt remained tense about his case. Tina approached him. "Don't worry Newt," she consulted. "Your case will be safe,"

"It's time to go," said Theseus. They left the train and walked up the stairs and out of the station into the muggle world of Berlin.

It was now night-time back at Hogwarts and Tom was the only Hufflepuff in his dorm who had yet to get some shuteye. As Cheelo and Gilly purred as they lay beside him like purry pussy cats as he stroked them, he stared up at the ceiling wondering where his father might be right now. He hoped he was safe along with all their friends and family; he hoped he had managed to recruit Tina and Jacob and that they could get a chance of getting Queenie back. They had to.

A darker thought plagued his mind too. He thought about Credence, what plans Grindelwald intended for him to carry out as his personal weapon against Dumbledore. Would he come here? Would he try to attack his father or any of his friends again? He didn't know. What engaged him in fear was heart-crushing questions. Would they have to kill him if they didn't have any other? Was his brother truly incapable of listening to anyone other than that dark wizard whom he trusted more than him? Did he ever think of him over the years?

He wanted to close his eyes and succumb to sleep. As his eyes shut, his irises caught the glimpse of a glow from Cheelo's pure-kind eyes. A flash of visions came sparking through his head.

Newt was falling into an abyss deep underground.

A creature was descending upon him.

A tall figure with blue glowing eyes stood by in the Berlin hallway watching his party.

He saw Credence approaching him behind. He attacked him. He tried to fight back with his golden energy but his brother's black energy was too powerful.

Dumbledore fighting to protect him.

Grindelwald pointed his wand at him.

"No!" Tom woke up with fright breathing heavily. Cheelo jumped in fright and hid under the blankets scared of his outburst. Gilly moaned in annoyance at being woken and so did some Hufflepuffs who ranted at Tom to be quiet. But he didn't care. His face fell into his hands and he rubbed his wet eyes. It was all just a dream.

Cheelo chirped and Tom saw her poke her head out of the covers. What she had shown him through her all-seeing eyes was the foresight of the future. Ones of pain and fear and potential loss.

Tom leaked a tear-out. The Qilin baby chirped in guilt wishing she hadn't scared him light that. He reached forward a hand but she stood back, afraid he would lash out at her. "Don't be afraid. It's just me," Cheelo walked onto his lap and he hugged her. "You're safe. You're safe. I'm here with you," Bibo poked his head out of his neck frowning at Tom for waking him up and Gilly growled again. "Sorry guys," he apologised.

Hugging both his creatures, he stared out of the window into the night sky, praying that nothing he saw was real or would happen. But something inside him told him that it would.

Berlin was snow-laden on every road with tramlines and numbers of Muggles walking along the streets. They walked through the streets for a while until they came to the city's centre. Newt led them into an alley. Towards a wall. Waving his wand, the bricks parted forming a gateway. They walked through and Lally had to pull Jacob in behind them.

The next thing they knew they were in a giant courtyard that led up to the German Ministry of Magic. They saw hundreds of wizards gathered outside, holding up banners of different colours of Anton Vogel, Liu, and Santos from the paper. Colours of gold and red shot up from the wands, sparking like fireworks in the air.

"So, what brings us here to the German Ministry of Magic?" asked the British Auror.

"We have a tea ceremony to attend. And if we don't hurry we'll be late," Newt urged, leading the way. Confused glances were shared but they knew that they had to go along with him.

The team of six walked through the crowd of barging supporters chanting for the wizard they believed deserved the title of Supreme Mugwump. Jacob was quite nervous but Lally kept a firm watch on him so he wouldn't stray away. One mistake and he would be obliviated in seconds. They reached the entrance and they saw a wizard awaiting them.

Theseus stepped forward. "Evening…Helmut," he greeted. They spoke to each other in German but noticed that some wizards were blocking his brother and the others. "They're with me," They allowed them to pass and they entered the tall building into a hallway of shiny marble with a number of important wizards gathering around in smart suits and dresses. One important wizard made his way to some stairs on the far side of the room.

"Vogel," spoke Mr Scamander. He approached the current Mugwump. "Excuse me, Vogel…I was wondering if perhaps we could have a word with you,"

The wizard turned to them. "Merlin's beard. You must be Newt Scamander,". The Magizoologist anxiously nodded.

"I'm sorry to disturb you but I have a very important message to deliver," he tried to approach him but another wizard attempted to prevent him, Tina and Lorna stood by for backup. It wasn't needed. Vogel allowed him to approach. "I have a message from a very important friend and it cannot be right. He wanted me to tell you…to do what is right…not what is easy. He said it was important that I reach you tonight…that you have heard them tonight,"

Vogel looked annoyed but acted surprised as if to say 'Of course'. His countenance made Lorna's spine tingle. He turned and left them, his right-hand warm giving them a strange stare before turning and leaving. Right, when they were on the platform, she tingled her glass many times to earn everyone's attention. They applauded and gathered around. The group stuck together. Newt felt awkwardly shoved up against Tina but the closeness between them made him blush.

"Thank you. Thank you," addressed Vogel. "I see many familiar faces here tonight. Colleagues, friends…foes," the crowd chuckled but Lorna felt a strangle tingle up her spine. "Within the next forty-eight hours…you, along with the rest of the Wizarding World…will choose our next great leader. A choice that will shape our lives for generations to come. I have little doubt, that no matter who should triumph…the Confederation will be in able hands. May I present Liu Tao!"

The well-dressed Chinese Minister for Magic made his wall into the hall and he bowed a bit as everyone clapped in his presence.

"And Vicencia Santos!" Vogel rose his voice as the Brazilian minister for magic entered and she was applauded as well. He continued his speech. "It's in moments that we are reminded…that it is this peaceful transfer of power which marks our humanity…and demonstrates to the world, that despite our differences…all voices deserve to be heard…even voices which many may find disagreeable," As he spoke, he looked over at the party, directing that final sentence at them. The Scamander brothers and the women shared worried glances; something didn't seem right.

"Newt," Theseus whispered. Newt turned to him and he cocked his head through the crowd to see some familiar faces aimed at them. "Do they look familiar to you?"

Tina and Lorna observed what they were doing and copied their angle of direction. They felt their heartrates accelerate seeing a couple of familiar faces.

"They were there. In Paris," breathed Newt. "The night that Leta…" he didn't finish. His brother nodded. "They were there with Grindelwald,"

"What are they doing here?" asked Tina. "On Ministry Premises,"

"Don't know. Something doesn't seem right," Lorna's spine-tingling hankered more. Her instincts were right. As she observed the crowd looking for any more of Grindelwald's followers, she saw the Animagus that had been on the train in plain sight. He was dressed and blended in with the audience but his light blue eyes were mesmerizing as they were when she cast that spell to see who he was.

Vogel's speech kept them standing fixed on their spots; they couldn't stand out. "And so, after an extensive investigation…the Confederation has concluded that insufficient evidence exists…to prosecute Gellert Grindelwald…for the crimes of the Muggle community of which he was accused," His announcement made the crowd gasp. The team shared flabbergasted looks. "He is hereby absolved of all his alleged crimes," The crowd were furious; they clamoured in defiance and disagreement.

"What the…" Lorna didn't finish.

"Are you kidding me?" lashed out Jacob. "They're letting the guy off? I was there! I was there and he was killing people!"

"Why is he doing this?" Tina asked Newt worriedly.

"Grindelwald must have infiltrated the ministry," Newt spoke anxiously. "With Vogel's declaration, now he's got a higher chance of achieving his goals,"

"We have to get out of here," whispered Lorna. "Everybody, stick together,"

"Is that Theseus running off?" Lally pointed towards Theseus who had pulled out his wand and was dashing off to attack Grindelwald's followers.

"Oh no," breathed Newt.

"We gotta stop him!" Tina shot off after him, Newt, and Lorna in tow whilst Lally stayed behind to watch over Jacob.

Theseus aimed his wand at the wizards he despised for following a man who killed the woman he loved. "You're under arrest. All of you. Wands down!" Suddenly he was struck behind by Helmut with a spell. The followers grabbed Theseus and took him away.

"Theseus!" Newt tried to run forward but was held back by Tina.

"We can't Newt," she said, regret tinging in her voice. "We don't stand a chance,"

During her speaking and the crowd outbreak, Lorna saw the blue-eyed wizards stalking off. "Hey!" she shouted, making a sprint for him. "Stop!"

The stranger turned his head and saw her. He barged through the clamouring and into the hallways.

"Lorna! Wait!" Tina cried out, sprinting after her, newt in tow too, both pale and afraid.

Lorna chased the strange shape-shifter into the hallways but by the same she had turned around into an empty corner, all she saw were a pile of clothes on the floor, slightly singed from the transformation. He had disappeared.

"Lorna!" called Newt worriedly. He and Tina managed to reach her. "Lorna, what were you thinking?"

"The guy who was on the train followed us here. But he's gone now," she showed them the singed clothes.

"We'll use a tracking spell," Tina suggested.

"That won't help. If he can transform into a magical creature, it means he can get away too easily,"

"We need to free my brother," Newt said urgently. He pulled the ladies back into the main room where they saw Jacob crying out in defiance with Lally trying to hold him back so he wouldn't get himself into trouble.

"It ain't right. That's not justice. Extended investigation. I was there. Were you there? Were you there? I was there! You just let a killer off!" he shouted angrily.

"Jacob, it won't help," hissed Lorna. "Right now, we need to figure out to get Theseus free,"

"Come on," Newt pulled them away and they left the main building as quickly as they had left. "There was must be someone here who's against all this,"

"Why would Vogel do this?" wondered Tina.

"Because he's a traitor," said Lorna. "Just when we had to deal with Grindelwald having visions of the future, he's now a free man with more power than he should persist,"

That's another chapter done. Hope everyone's enjoying it. Seems the mystery of the mysterious animagus gets bigger and bigger every moment. See you all soon with Tom soon to be in action. If I don't update soon, have a wonderful Merry Christmas everyone!