4. Torquil Travers
A demanding and commanding aura filled the once-still room when Torquil Travers entered the meeting room. It's insufferable all the same, even if Theseus has been experiencing this since almost day one. Travers gives his junior a stern look - a sign that he doesn't want to be here, but he will be regardless, so make good use of his time.
Even Travers' aura could fill in the spacious meeting room. It stretched another good six or so metres to the other side, with a metallic silver table stretching nearly the entire length and accompanying wooden chairs on all sides. Theseus was already seated on the opposing side of the door, waiting for his boss to do the same. He does as a nonverbal spell is cast that pulls the chair back, then as he seated himself, another spell pushes the chair back forward again. Pure-blood things, huh, Theseus thinks to himself.
"I hope you actually have something useful to say, Scamander," Travers pauses for a millisecond, "at least I know it'll be better than whatever monster-related blabber he talks about." Theseus doesn't comment; Travers'' rude comments about his brother cease to distract him. It's known throughout the Ministry that Travers has never been fond of Newt; even Teddy could tell you that. "I wanted to discuss Grindelwald briefly and recommended action based on the results of recent Auror and Alliance-related activities, Sir. I hope you don't mind using up a bit of your day." Travers gives Theseus a suspicious eyebrow raise, not entirely convinced of the matters his junior was suggesting. But he let the Auror continue anyway.
"There's been more uprisings and riots around Europe, and more in England too. All of them appear to be connected to anti-Muggle and Muggle-born beliefs - in other words, what Grindelwald is advocating to the world. It's highly possible that there might be an abundance of Grindelwald allies in Britain right now, and it's likely that could have severe consequences if we don't further investigate. Especially with how Grindelwald's allies know how to multiplate politics."
Travers doesn't say anything, but Theseus knows that all this isn't wrapping around his closed-minded head. In his world, as long as every order of his was met, all was good. Unfortunately, every order of his was, in fact, met, so convincing Travers to take more action as the Head of Magical Law Enforcement was going to take some time. "Really, Scamander?" Travers finally says, his voice seemingly neutral, yet his stern, unchanging face shows that he doesn't agree at all. It's a question, all the same, so Theseus compels himself to answer it.
"Yes. I've recently been in contact with the MACUSA Head Auror, Ms Goldstein, and it appears MACUSA has implemented a system where monthly checks are done in the Congress to make sure no Alliance members are secretly working for Grindelwald," Theseus tries to reason, but gets cut off by Travers. "MACUSA is an incompetent government - only those blasted Americans could let the man himself control the puppets of their politics. And you really take Ms Goldstein, who I believe got knocked down from Auror previously for being too much of a 'must-do-everything'. And I heard she's acquainted with your damned brother of yours."
Theseus internally sighs and tries to stir the conversation away from his family. "Yes, that might be true, but MACUSA is also going through some positive reform and is working more closely in order to keep everything in check, Sir. It's important that our Ministry doesn't receive the damage MACUSA has gotten, and I believe that requires tighter security. Grindelwald's power and influence is only getting bigger globally." "Do you doubt our current security, Scamander?" the older one says in an accusatory tone. "There's no doubt, Sir. Only concern for the people. At a time like this, 'what ifs' should all be considered, for the safety of Britain."
"Scamander, you're well aware of the fact the Ministry has implemented plentiful defences against Grindelwald. If you're here to discuss things we both know, you know damn well you're wasting my time." Anger was starting to seep through Travers' voice, it was clear that Travers wasn't going to agree with Theseus any time. "I am, Sir. But I believe the Ministry should take further steps. It's likely Grindelwald could come to Scotland and find Dumbledore himself. It won't be just the Muggles and the Muggle-borns - it will be everyone, pure-blood or Muggle."
"Rest assured, Grindelwald won't attack, Scamander," Travers says as if it's obvious, "even if he does aim for us, he can't get through Dumbledore. Dumbledore can take him down." Travers' attitude brings Theseus' blood boiling: how can he care so little about a job that gives him so much? But Theseus forced himself to calm down, reminding himself that this was Travers - his boss - that he was dealing with. "I heard Grindelwald has a base in Austria, Sir." Travers freezes. "If we send some of our Aurors there, we could get some evidence back. It's unlikely Grindelwald would be there with his whole World Domination tactic. If we make it back alive, evidence can be shared, and if countries come together to destroy it, it's going to be a huge victory on our side, Sir."
Travers gives Theseus a hard look, "We need Aurors more than anything. If this mission proves to be futile, then it would have major consequences."
"It's worth the risk. It's a major base, Sir. It's what us Aurors signed up to do, anyway."
Travers stays silent as if calculating Theseus' idea (the Auror has his doubts, but he doesn't comment anyway). When Theseus thought Travers would just apparate out, so he doesn't need to make a huge decision, Travers speaks up.
"Don't let what happened in Paris happen again."
Theseus swallows down the shame before giving his strongest voice: "Yes Sir."