...

Wands went from pointing at him to pointing at the Dark Lord. Spells were immediately cast to secure him. Only when he was secured did a few including Picquery relaxed. Newt did not relax however. He knew how tricky such wizards could be. Until Grindelwald was gone he did not trust the man not to attack.

Seven aurors surrounded him while two pulled Grindelwald to his feet.

Picquery said oddly proud, "Hello, Mr. Grindelwald."

"Do you think you can hold me?" Asked the dark wizard in his german accented voice.

"We will do our best," She sneered.

Newt was not so sure that their best could hold the man. Their best couldn't even hold him and he wasn't all that powerful on his own. Most of his strength came from surprise and being underestimated. It was why MACUSA had failed to begin with.

"Get him out of here. Straight to the magic suppressing cells."

"Yes Madame President."

They marched straight past Tina and towards Newt. If the Dark Lord was going go try something now would be his best chance. Newt felt a thrill of fear and oddly excitement go down his spine. A part of him wanted to test his skills. To finally let loose, something he had never done. Nor did he ever intend to do so.

Instead of trying of rush Newt the man just stopped and would not allow himself to be pushed further. Newt refused to look at Grindelwald at first. However it was as if a compulsion washed over him. Ridiculous given that compulsion wouldn't work on him. Only the most powerful of imperious worked. The feeling forced him to look up not quite meeting the mismatched gaze.

Grindelwald asked in a sultry whisper, "Will we die, just a little?"

What?

Newt didn't get the chance to ask any questions. The aurors began to pull the unresisting Dark Lord away. He was left feeling uncertain what the other had wanted. Unfortunately he was not able to consider it for long. In his distraction the aurors had closed in. Not yet attacking but preventing him from escaping.

Picquery held up a hand when one opened his mouth. She was watching Newt with dark penetrating eyes. Already he was reaching out to his creatures and cutting his connections with Tina and Jacob. From the corner of his eye he saw the way both of them stumbled. The lack of a presence in their minds causing them some pain.

Calmly Picquery ordered, "Put away your wands. Mr. Scamander here is not our enemy as he has proven."

Newt blinked in surprise. She wasn't going to try and kill him? Or at the very least try to capture him again?

"Mr. Scamander," commanded the woman, "Follow me. It seems we need to have a conversation. Miss Goldstein I expect you to stay out of the aurors way. I still haven't decided on what to do with you."

She turned to leave almost as if she expected him to follow because she said so. It actually wouldnt surprise him if she did believe that. So many were like her in Hogwarts. Newt refused to be bullied into submitting however.

Newt narrowed his eyes distrustfully, "How do I know you won't attack me again, Madame President? Forgive me but so far you have done nothing to show that you can be trusted."

Picquery turned back to face him. Once more a considering light entered her eyes. Newt stood closed off and had a tight hold on his magic. This was shown by the way they glowed bright green. No one could mistake that he was holding onto a power they didn't understand. A few of the aurors twitched nervously unsure of his intentions. Tina eyed them warily. The adventures of the last day had given her a healthy skepticism of those she had called her colleagues. A twinge of guilt went through his chest. If she had never met him she would still have faith in them. Then again there would still be a strong chance that Grindelwald would be free. Lesser of two evils as his brother would say.

Finally she conceded, "In a show of goodwill, Mr. Scamander I'll allow you to retrieve your case. Under the condition that you will release your magic and not allow a creatures to attack me."

He scowled, "Will you listen to me this time, Madame President? If you don't then we will simply be wasting our time."

She too scowled but said, "I will do my best."

That was the best he was going to get he knew. So reluctantly he agreed to the bargin. With one last look to his new friends he followed the woman.

...

Half an hour later found Newt nursing a cup of tea. It wasn't the best he had but it was drinkable at least. In his lap was his case and he had been allowed to confirm that all of his creatures were safe. Pickett was currently sitting on his shoulder much to the surprise of Picquery. For her part Picquery did not comment on his sudden appearance. Instead she watched him with a keen eye.

Picquery was silent behind her desk. The desk was covered in papers that if he had to guess were reports. Curiosity ate him whenever he looked at them. Despite his lack of social skills he did not stare. It would have been rude.

Finally she asked without preamble, "How long have you practiced Low Magic, Mr. Scamander? I had thought the practice was out of date in England. Few even here still practice it."

Cautious Newt lowered his cup of tea as he answered, "I have struggled with it since I was a small child. My parents had me hide my true abilities as I went to Hogwarts. How do you know about Low Magic?"

Pciquery answered truthfully if somewhat reluctantly, "I have a small ability in Low Magic myself. Nowhere bear the level that you're at but still it's there. The real Mr. Graves has a stronger ability in it but rarely uses it outside of raids."

The ability to form connections between people if he had to guess. Someone as powerful as Graves was supposed to be he would not be surprised if the man could hold a dozen or more at a time. In a duel it would show undeniable results.

Having powerful Low Magic wielders would be a boon to any govern... that's why he was here. Cold green eyes shot to finally look the woman in her eyes. Surprisingly she flinched at the look he gave.

He did not back down as he growled, "You want me to join MACUSA. That's why you called off your aurors."

Picquery steepled her finger in front of her and looked at him over them. She admitted easily, "I would like you to join MACUSA as a consultant."

"Consultant?" He queried.

"Yes," She said, "We need someone who can understand creatures. Someone like yourself."

"Conditions?"

Hufflepuff he was but stupid he was not. They wouldn't just offer this to him after everything unless they wanted something from him. Something very specific.

She sighed, "And I heard you were a Hufflepuff. Fine. To prove that creatures don't need to be put down as soon as captured I would need to show proof. Unfortunately they wouldn't just accept your case as this proof. Currently I am missing one of my directors. If you can find Graves I will guarantee your safety and the safety of your creatures as well as a job."

Guaranteed safety? That was more than anyone had ever offered him. And it didn't just extend to his creatures but him. He wasn't stupid however. He knew that he needed this in writing. Otherwise they could go back on their word.