Prologue
The tall young woman with dirty blonde hair pulled into a French braid was stood inside of an ornate office full of items that gave an impression of the owner's wealth. The office belonged to a plump man around 70, young by some standards but old by others. He looked upon the younger woman with both irritation and discontempt "why is it that whenever there is a diplomatic issue you are at the centre of it?" The woman's jaw dropped evidently not expecting to be spoken to like that. "Do you know what you were forbidden to do Miss Scammander?" He rhetorically asked. "You were forbidden to leave the country and that is precisely what you did. I have half the mind to snap your wand. You are lucky that the Puerto Rican ministry is so forgiving regarding your actions" he shouted, raising his voice to intimidate the younger woman.
"I created this organisation to protect magical creatures and that is precisely what I did" she retorted confidently. The man snorted in response.
"You have broken more regulations than I care to count. I'm dismissing you from this organisation" he told her with a brief look of glee on his face.
"You. You can't do that" she stammered.
"I can and I will. I've found your replacement already perhaps he will do a better job" the emphasis on the word 'he' was enough to enrage her like a nesting dragon. "I also doubt he will be so overly emotional as to act without permission" the plump man finished smugly.
"I created MCAPA from nothing. You can't do this" she continued to insist fearful that her life's work was about to become a corrupted, bureaucratic facsimile of what she intended.
"I do believe regulation 729 x3 gives me the exact authority to do this" he responded smugly. "I can no longer place travel restrictions on you. So why don't you do what your grandfather should have done all those years ago and write an extermination guide" the barb echoing her grandmother from all those decades past.
"I will be back Mr James" she said storming out of the building.
"That arrogant, misogynistic, close minded, bureaucratic, sorry excuse for a wizard" she yelled to no one in particular. The older witch with with black hair both laughed and felt sad for her granddaughter.
"Have you finished now dear?" She asked with her American accent.
"Quite alright now grandmum. I just thought I'd at least be treated with a modicum of respect" she groaned, angered by the the previous events.
"The world is an ever evolving thing, men on the other hand" she trailed off not needing to finish her train of thought for the younger woman to understand. As the two conversed shouts could be heard "Teddy stay. Look at the coin. No".
"It seems your grandfather needs some help" Porpentina said smirking at her husband's antics.
"I'll go help him" she turned and went into the briefcase room.
Unknown to the younger woman a familiar blonde walked into the room with a cup of coffee "don't worry I'm sure she'll find someone soon" came a light, airy voice.
"How many times have I told you not to do that?" The dark haired sister complained.
She walked down the stairs of the briefcase the wooden annex occupied by an older man who still had some traces of youth in his face. He was wrestling with a niffler who was very much against taking his medicine. "Hello granddad" she said.
"Ah Newtie give me a hand with Teddy will you?" He asked.
She took the golden pin out of her hair allowing it to cascade down to her shoulders. Teddy was balancing on the top of a chair causing it to wobble back and forth. Slowly extending her hand she holds the hair pin out. Teddy's eyes shine and his mouth opens in anticipation. Newt the elder takes the chance to give Teddy the medicine. The Niffler visibly gags at the horrid taste. "You need any help with the others?"
"We're all done down here for today" he sighed.
"Ok well I've got some news" she said avoiding her grandfather's eyes.
"Let's go. I think Jacob has made dinner" he said swinging his jacket on.
"Not so fast granddad or you'll have to run away from grandmum" she cast a quick cleaning charm on them both before exiting the briefcase.
Five people were sat around the table eating what the baker had made. "That is ridiculous" Jacob says causing a few head nods of agreement. "I am in need of another baker. I'll teach you all the tricks of the trade" he happily offered.
"I'm flattered but I think I might write another book" this caused her grandparents to perk up.
"What will it be about?" Tina asked her granddaughter.
The older occupants of the room watched as her eyes lit up. "Dragons grandmum, dragons" she said excitedly like a child in a candy store.
"Of course it is" Jacob said with a laugh. He had known of magic for decades but the ways of wizards and witches, especially ones with the last name Scammander still puzzled him.
(Two weeks later).
Newton Leta Scamander was stood outside the front door. A grey briefcase in one hand a journal in the other. The creature's normally found on her person were tucked out of sight much to their displeasure. The first stop would be the west coast of Africa and then she would venture into Asia, then Northern Europe, then Eastern and finally finishing with the quidditch world cup. Her grandparents had advised her to steer clear of South America while tensions cooled. Perhaps she would return one day to check on that poor orphan who had far too much power to handle. The whole extended family was there to wave her off. She embraced her mother who still treated her like a fragile child, apparently she would understand one day. "I will be back by September, it's not like I'm doing anything dangerous" she tried to reason.
Looks of horrors appeared on her elder's faces, apart from her grandfather who was reminded of a time when he was much younger. "You, know? After all these years I still don't understand how you can get these strange creatures to like you" Porpentina said, holding her husband's hand.
As if both shared the same mind they echoed "There are no strange creatures. Only blinkered people". The saying was so common that Porpentina often wondered if it wasn't her granddaughter's first words.
"I'll make sure to bring back lots of presents" she assured them. she knelt down to hug her cousin. "Have fun at school if I don't see you before" the young boy nodded with a smile. She waved at them as she appeared on the West coast of Africa.
Where Dragons Dwell by Leta Gold.
Chapter 2.
While the Vipertooth may not be the picture of Intimidating it's relentless speed matched with it's deadly combination of Haemotoxic and Neurotoxic venom make it a force to be reckoned with. The Ghana Dragon Sanctuary believe that the antivenom may also have medicinal effects on those infected with the disease known as dragon pox. It's dwindling numbers are a tragedy that needs to be prevented in order to not lose such a special and important creature...
If you ever find yourself in the presence of this creature you must remain vigilant and calm. Like most dragons it can breathe fire, but along with it's venom it becomes that much more deadly. The dark charm 'Oscausi' will nullify both of these in order to cast this charm you must...
Chapter 27.
The Hebridean Black. Arguably the most beautiful of all with it's shimmering black scales, being endemic to the outer Hebrides it is clear to see where it gets the name. Most are familiar with it being the mascot of the Banchory Bangers yet very few are knowledgeable in just how dangerous this magnificent creature is. It is often stated as the most aggressive species in the British Isles. It's claws are enough to tear through most defences a witch or wizard can throw yet it is possible to escape it. One must have a sharp wit in order to deal with this particular dragon for it has a mind just as sharp as it's claws. Patience is the key with such a dragon, one must bide their time, waiting for the right moment to strike
Soon she wasin Romania. She walked along the cobbled street, the evening chill starting to set in. Her Niffler Sam was sleeping in her Hood as if it was a hammock. A latch was flipped opening the magical side of the briefcase and Sam was placed in without stirring. Newton stopped outside a pub where she had a room for a week. it was a wizarding village made almost entirely of the Sanctuary workers and there families which in turn drew other business near. 'The Dragon's Flagon' it was called. It was warm as she entered, or perhaps outside was cold. people were drinking and talking the room brightened by the cozy fire. The wooden furniture enhanced the welcoming atmosphere. She strode up to the bar. "Excuse me" she said in her best Romanian. A man behind the bar turned around revealing an old bearded face.
He smiled at her "you are good miss, but English is fine". Newton was relieved to hear as her grasp on languages was never that good.
"I sent an owl. Leta Gold, room for one" she told him. The man set down a book from under the bar. his neat scribbles covering the lined parchment.
"Yes, the researcher" he handed over a piece of parchment with the room number and password. She gave her case to an elf who popped away with it. She had learned from her grandfather's mistakes applying every charm she could to it. "Drink on the house for our residents?" He inquired. Newton nodded as the man smiled handing over a glass of firewhiskey. There was a vacant round table that she made her way to. She drank for a while unwinding from her rather lengthy travel. Two men were arguing in good nature a table away from her. One was a muscled redhead the other a large blonde.
"No. No. No. Charles the Ironbelly is the most dangerous" the blonde proclaimed.
The man who the other called Charles smirked and shook his head. "Gunther my friend. I think you've had one too many if you think that. It's obviously the Horntail. Danger at both ends" the two carried on for a while, it was clear that they had this argument countless times before. The two were trying to one up each other as if debating their favourite sports teams. Neither man was willing to admit defeat. Newton stood her whisky in hand, the ice clinking together.
She sauntered over, a smile on her face "gentlemen, sorry for intruding but I couldn't help but hear your little argument" both men looked at her as if she was an alien.
The redhead was the first to speak a friendly smile on his face. "Which is more dangerous then?" She inwardly chuckled at the answer.
"Neither" she stated causing both men to look at her as if what she said was blasphemy.
"What is it then?" Gunther asked with his thick accent.
She took a sip of her whiskey before answering "the Hebridean Black".
"How?" Charlie asked her incredulously.
"By possessing something men don't have... Brains. It is not fire, or talons that make it dangerous it is the ever calculating nature that waits for the right time to strike" she reasoned.
"You seem to know a lot about dragons" he told her "I haven't seen you here before" he finished.
She stuck out her hand for the men to shake "Leta Gold. I am conducting research for my book at the sanctuary nearby".
Gunther seemed to know what she was talking about immediately while Charlie looked confused "yes the American visiting for the week. Writing a book I believe", She nodded her confirmation.
The week had passed far too quickly for Newton's liking. It had been an amazing experience to see the dragons of the sanctuary. To study them and she most certainly didn't mind the company. She was currently being given a tour of the town by Charlie who she had been working closely with "and due to the sanctuary it brought in those who work with dragon parts once they pass which has created much of the town we see today" he finished as they came to a stop in front of the pub. Newt had genuinely found the private tour of the area rather pleasant. "Well, thank you Charlie for a nice night" she told him as she kissed his cheek.
Charlie felt disheartened at her words but it didn't take long for his Gryffindor courage and inability to think before speaking "it doesn't have to end just yet". Newt hummed her agreement.
"No. I don't suppose it does" she spoke.
Newt looked back at the sleeping form of her? Well she didn't know exactly. With briefcase in hand she left the room and then the country.
The oldest child was annoyed. His mother was going on and on at him. First it was his hair, then his lack of a girlfriend and finally it was his brother's absence. "Yes, I'll come straight back" he told his almost sobbing mother. She had somehow managed to convince herself that Charlie had been mauled by a dragon. "Charlie's place" he said into the fireplace. He appeared in the familiar setting of Charlie's home. "Charles, Charlie" He shouted. Bill continued further into the small house. he reached the Kitchen seeing his brother asleep, his head on the table. Bill chuckled at his brother passed out with an empty glass next to him. Bill pointed his wand causing a jet of cold water to hit his brother.
Charlie screamed in shock "git" he said as he saw Bill. "What are you doing here?" he asked his older brother. Bill merely looked at him. Suddenly Charlie remembered "world cup" he mumbled under his breath.
"Exactly"
"Not so loud" Charlie complained covering his ears.
"Clean up or mum will have our heads" Bill ordered the dragonologist. 20 minutes later he walked back down the stairs the events of the previous few nights seemingly gone for the most part. "Want to explain all this?" Bill asked his. Charlie shook his head and Bill relented knowing there was nothing world ending.
The two brothers arrived at the burrow immediately being engulfed in a hug by their mother. "I thought one of those dragons had got you" she told her son. Her hand went to his hair "and what is all of this young man?".
Two identical redheads entered the room and never had Charlie been so grateful for their presence. "Hello brother" they said smirking. Charlie retracted his earlier thought. "We heard our favourite dragonologist" one of them started.
"Got his ickle heart broken" the other finished.
Charlie was in no state to guess which. Charlie glared at Bill. "Don't look at me I only told Gin" he justified, his hands in the air. Barely 20 minutes and everyone already knew. Molly was practically beaming to hear it. Soon she would have a daughter in law all she had to do was... "You'll never guess who I bumped into" she began "Andromeda and Nymphadora Tonks, she's a successful auror now" she told her son. Charlie was then saved by dinner.
Harry walked into the house with a smile on his face. He always liked being with the Weasleys. The twins dragged him into the kitchen. Harry saw Charlie sat brooding in a corner. "Don't mind him" one of the twins commented.
"His girlfriend dumped him" the other finished.
"She didn't dump me" Charlie corrected them.
"They would have to be dating in order for him to get dumped" Ginny said "Hello Harry" she added. The occupants talked, ate and laughed until they finally slept.
Newt was beaming she had published her book and had just enjoyed an absolute spectacle of a game. Her cousin came up to her, along with a girl with a flower crown resting on her platinum blonde hair. Her eyes ran over the both of them "Rolf what are you doing here?" she questioned the boy wondering if he had permission to be way from his parents.
"Mum said we could see you. This is Luna" he said gesturing to his friend.
"A pleasure to meet you Luna" she replied to the girl outstretching her hand to shake.
Luna shook her hand and cocked her head "you have lots of wrackspurts around you" she said airily.
She furrowed her brow recalling returning home and seeing her aunt Queenie "my aunt said the exact same thing" she informed the two students. Before anymore could be said screams and explosions rang out. Her wand appeared in her hand immediately. "Do exactly as I say" she told the children who nodded "we are going to run for those trees and we shall not stop" she said pointing with her wandless hand to the trees. By this time both children had already fumbled their wands out of their pockets. On the count of three the trio ran for the woods. Newt raised a shield protecting them from an explosion. Luna stumbled as the ground shook her hand hit the floor as she scrambled back up. Rolf immediately tried to help her up. Newt was no stranger to combat, these spells weren't aimed at them but around them. These people were trying to cause chaos and instill fear rather than trying to maim them. "Run" she told them and they did. Luna grabbed Rolf's hand as she pulled him along. She disarmed a man who had a woman raised in the air. Her wand lit as she lead the two into the woods. "We are safe now" she said catching her breath. She checked them over for cuts, which Luna had gained on her hand and muttered something under her breath as she drew a triangle over it. A twig snapped as a male voice spoke, instinct and fear took over. Newt spun with all the grace of a ballerina "Lacrima" she spat in anger causing purple light to hit the man in the shoulder. Only once the spell had been cast did she realise the man was not masked and dressed in black. she gasped "Merlin. Let me help" she rushed to the side but before she could do anything a girl spoke.
"Luna?" Luna ran and hugged the girl distracting the magizoologist from her patient. She looked at the man she mistakenly attacked. It was a good thing her aunt Queenie wasn't there to scold her for her language. "Why did you attack my brother?" the redheaded girl demanded. Yep definitely related she thought to herself. She looked away from Charlie pretending she had never met the dragonologist.
"Maybe it is not a good idea to sneak up on somebody when there has just been attack" she countered. Ginny's glare softened but it didn't disappear. More people appeared behind her. Three people rushed to Charlie's side who was currently unconscious. The others were talking to each other in hushed voices.
"Charlie" the man said disheartened "what happened?" he asked.
Arthur, she thought. That must mean the other two were a combination of George and Fred. "He came from behind. I reacted without thinking. I can heal him if we get somewhere safe" She explained. Bill and Arthur took turns apperating everyone to the Burrow. By the time it was her turn to go with Charlie, Luna had left to go home. The twins however looked at her as if she were a puzzle. They were far from stupid they knew that a random person wouldn't react this way even if they felt really guilty. They would most certainly endeavour to find the truth. Molly was waiting fussing over everyone. She shrieked when she saw Newt walk in levitating Charlie. She gently set him down on the sofa. Molly went over to him and began crying. The only sound that was heard was Newt saying 'Claude vulnera'. "He will be fine if not tired for the rest of the night" she told the mother. Molly hugged the girl owing her a debt that she could never repay, in her opinion.
"Would you like to use the fireplace? You and Rolf could stay until the morning" she offered kindly. "Thank you but your husband was kind enough to take a message to the ministry. Though do you think I could borrow your owl please?" she asked politely. One of the children, Bill if she remembered what Charlie had told her, came with a small owl in his palms. She nodded her thanks sending a quick note to Rolf's parents.
Molly herded the children to Bed even if she knew they wouldn't sleep for a while. Hermione and Ginny gossiped in hushed tones. Ron and Harry however, spoke to the Hufflepuff for a while.
Molly came back to speak to her as she was sat at the table. "I'm sorry but there is not much more space" she apologised feeling bad "you can take my room if you'd like" she offered.
Newt saw how tired and worried the woman looked. "You will have your work cut out for you tomorrow. I'll be fine. Your son will need to be told to drink some water and no heavy lifting when he wakes anyway" she told her. Molly placed her hand on the younger woman's and thanked her 'for helping'. Molly was filled with ideas and worry as she went to bed.
At some point in the morning Charlie woke up. His shoulder felt like it had been slashed. He forced himself to his feet. Events of last night played in his mind. "Leta" he murmured absentmindedly causing the blonde to stir from her place on the kitchen chair. Rubbing her eyes she turned to Charlie, the last remnants of sleep fading immediately.
"How is your arm?" she asked trying to force thoughts out of her mind.
"What are you doing here?" he asked ignoring her question. She looked at him hesitantly "what do you remember?" she asked him.
"You cursed me" he accused.
"Technically it was a hex" she said standing up to inspect his injured arm. The two shared a brief glance.
"It's good to see you again" he told her honestly.
She gave him a disproving look at his words. "you are tired and have a head injury. You don't know what you are saying". Hurt flashed on his face at her words.
"You could have said goodbye" he said solemnly.
"You knew I was leaving. That I was going back to America" she told him.
"So that's it then?"
"It was one night. That's all" she scoffed.
"And what of the rest of the week. You can't deny that time" he reasoned, becoming more impassioned as he did. It may have only been a week but that was all Charlie needed to know that there was more to life than the reserve.
"It was nice but it can't continue" she admitted.
Charlie had a sudden epiphany "you're scared" he told her knowing he was hitting a nerve. Her temper flared at the accusation and her wand found her hand. This only served to prove Charlie correct. "I'm right aren't I? Why won't you admit it?" It seemed Charlie's question would go unanswered either way as Molly Weasley entered the room covering Charlie in a hug. It was 10 in the morning, everyone else was still asleep the panic preventing their rest.
Newt Scammander was not having the best of times. He was panicking until he had both a memo from a ministry official regarding his grandchildren and an owl carrying his granddaughter's writing. He also had a letter from Albus saying he wanted to discuss something with him, Tina and Newt. It wasn't that he disliked the man but whenever he wanted to talk to him it tended to be important and important could have many connotations.
At just after 10 he made his way to the address he was given. His daughter in law had to go to St Mungo's to work while his son looked after the briefcases. He was beginning to struggle with some of the more lively inhabitants. Everyone pretended as if they didn't know but it was a sign of having to give up doing what he loved and instead spending more time with those he loved. Almost 100 he still had many more years left in him he would say. It had been over two decades since he lost his other son and daughter in law. It had left a tragic mark on the family that would never heal.
Ottery St catchpole he had never been there that he could recall, it was good to be somewhere different again. When he arrived he took in the odd shape of the house. He rapped on the door being greeted by a short redheaded woman. "Hello? Can I help you?" she asked him as she looked him over.
"I got an owl that my grandchildren were here" he told her as he fished the piece of paper from his pocket.
He saw the woman smile "Oh yes. I believe Rolf is still sleeping. I'll go get him. A right ordeal they've all been through. Come in come in" she told him. Newt smiled in return at the woman's kindness. He stepped into the home and saw his beloved granddaughter having a staring match with one of the woman's children. His entrance caused both the young witch and wizard to look at him.
Charlie was the first to speak "you're Newt Scammander. The Newt Scammander" he exclaimed. Both Newts smiled "What are you doing here?" he asked the man he idolised since first reading his most famous book.
"You took my grandchildren in which I must thank you for again" he said looking back to Molly.
Charlie turned to the younger Newt "you never said you were a Scammander" he said to her.
She merely sighed in response. "Perhaps you would like to join us for a late breakfast Mr. Scammander" Molly offered with several outcomes in mind.
Rolf soon appeared rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The elder Scammander looked to him "unfortunately we have much to do today" he informed her. He looked to the unfamiliar boy "I have seen that look before young man. If you would like me to sign a book I will" he offered as he always did for those who had a keen interest in magical creatures. Anything to draw interest in the preservation of magical creatures. He quickly scribbled his name in the two books that were handed to him. "Thank you again" he said before leaving with his grandchildren in tow.
As they appeared in Rolf's parents home the old man was the only one who didn't wretch. "Uh I hate that" Rolf said feeling somewhat nauseated. His father hugged him as he checked to see of he was ok. It was irrational and stupid but a spark of jealousy rose in the back of her mind.
"Rolf why don't you go with your father? There is a special guest for Newtie" Rolf looked at her and she shrugged unaware of the situation. She was quickly lead into the sitting room where Albus Dumbledore was sat in an armchair across from her grandmother.
"Perhaps I should explain" the headmaster said figuratively reading her mind. "There has been an opening for a Care of Magical Creatures professor and since your leaving the Magical Creature Anti-Poaching Agency made the Prophet I hoped you would be up to the task" he told her, almost causing her jaw to drop.
"What" she said dumbfoundedly. She turned to the two that raised her "did you have any input on this?" She asked accusingly not wanting the reason of her success to be her name.
Porpentina spoke up shaking her head "not at all darling. Though we can't say we don't think it is a good idea". Newt thought for a brief moment. The job intrigued her, a chance to shape the Magizoologists of the future.
She looked at the headmaster quizzically "I don't have any teaching experience" she told him. Albus had expected that to come up but as with almost everything he was prepared for it.
"You know your creatures better than anyone excluding your grandfather and our Transfiguration professor Minerva McGonagall will guide you through the other areas that come with being a professor" he reasoned and he knew it was good reasoning by the look on the young woman's face.
She suddenly had her answer "I have a few conditions" Albus nodded "I want to bring my briefcase. I also want to make any changes to the curriculum that I see fit". Albus contemplated her words he knew that she would be more careful than Hagrid and be a better teacher than the giant no matter how good a man he was. It was also his plan to keep her around as long as possible.
"Such things would require some simple paperwork that you would need to owl to me within the week" it was a fair enough condition in Newt's opinion, students did have to buy textbooks after all. Dumbledore reached into his robes revealing a rolled up parchment. "You knew I was going to say yes?" she asked the man.
"I was merely prepared for any situation" he countered handing her the piece of paper. Her eyes read over the words. "Eight years? I don't think that I have ever remained in one place for that long" she continued reading the contract. Her eyes went wide as she saw the number noted as her severance pay "why in Merlin's name does that number have so many zeroes?" she asked turning to her soon to be boss.
She held his gaze as he prepared to speak "perhaps you could do a favour and humor a paranoid old man" he spoke. She looked at her grandparents who gave no expression as to why the number was so high.
"I just sign my name here?" she asked pointing to the dotted line. All three others nodded their confirmation and Newt scribbled her signature onto the contract.
"That is your copy Miss Scammander we have our own at the school" he told her "now onto other matters. We will need to sort you so we can assign a house for you to assist with" he mentioned causing excitement within the youngest witch in the room. She was chosen by the trio of Horned serpent, Thunderbird and Wampus falling one short of Seraphina Picquery's record but had wondered what house she would be in at the same school most of her family went to.
She had changed the curriculum to give more examples of why they were learning this subject It was similar to transfiguration in that regard. It was not that you would need to know how to change a beetle into a button but rather the theory of doing so. It was much harder to learn things if you don't think that you are going to use it. She also knew that it was impossible to teach a subject if students had no interest in it and she would not be wasting her time like that She also increased the amount of content on dragons for the seventh years and had removed some textbooks that had become out of date. It seemed the school was still out of date in more than a few areas.
She was being taken by Minerva to the headmaster's office, "Apple pie" the older woman spoke. The enterance was revealed at the words. She walked up the stairs where she was greeted by her new boss.
"I trust you are settling in adequetely" he asked with concern.
"Yes headmaster, though I think it may take me a while to find my way around" she joked causing the old man to smile at her.
"let's see where you get sorted shall we?" He asked as he placed the hat onto Newt's head.
The hat looked ancient but she was glad that it wasn't getting dust all over her hair. "Miss Scammander a pleasure to sort you at last. Let's see. Intelligent, most certainly but does it drive you? I don't think so. Are you brave? Yes. It isn't what you value is it? Into the house of your namesake you shall go. But 'which one' is the question. Yes, you shall do well in the house of Leta Lestrange" he monologued while the human's remained quiet. "Slytherin" it shouted surprising Newt but not the headmaster.
No he was familiar enough with some of the house's more savory alumni to recognise the traits. The ambition to help people was ambition nonetheless. "I suppose I should inform you that the tri-wizard tournement will be taking place during this academic year" he told her nonchalantly. He saw her confused expression and informed her just what was going to happen. She knew this was not a good idea yet the headmaster remained impassive and allowed it.
"Severus our potions professor will explain your duties as assistant head of house. I can show the way to the dungeons if you would like" he offered the young professor.
"I think I will try to find my own way, get acquainted with where I will be living and working" she said as the headmaster bid her farewell.
The bearded man looked at his avian companion "do you think I should have warned her about Severus?" The bird nodded his head and screeched. He peered down his glasses "yes but if I did that she would have refused the position". Fawkes screeched again.
She eventually found herself in the potions classroom. She rapped on the door "enter" a voice spoke. She entered the room and saw the professor behind his desk. He was a gaunt man who looked far older than he was. His black hair was greasy from extensive brewing and a lack of hygene. He did not look like he knew what a holiday was. The man not once looked away from his text book that he was currently writing in "you are to assist me with my Slytherins, are you not?" It was not so much a question as it was a command. It took a moment for her to compose herself.
"Yes. The hat put me here after some deliberation" she said smiling at him. "The headmaster said you would explain what that entailed to me" she said. She almost took a step back at his sudden scowl.
"Very well" he said gesturing for her to take a seat opposite his desk. "Our house is one of very few dunderheads. They will not cause trouble but Malfoy will run his mouth and embarrass himself. As my assistant you will be helping discipline them when they step out of line" he told her as she paid attention.
"Are there any students I need to be concerned about?" She asked curious as to who the trouble makers are. "The Ravenclaws are foolish enough to work themselves to a breakdown near exams. Hufflepuffs will shut up and do as you say. Gryffindoors. Feckless, arrogant and the very definition of dunderhead". Did this man truly think this of his own students? She thought to herself. "The so called golden trio" he spat the words as if they were poison, and in his mind they were, "will undoubtedly cause trouble. Miss Granger will quote a text word for word without any originality of her own and also seems to be quite the arsonist. Weasley is an idiot who lacks any of the intelligence found in his inane siblings and Potter is as arrogant as his father with a need to play hero while endangering those around him. I believe Longbottom is in your class. The boy doesn't have a competent bone in his body" he monologued as she sat in silence. "That is all. I shall see you at the feast tomorrow" he commanded. Newt wondered back to her chambers. How was this man a teacher? He was clearly intelligent, beyond that even given he was correcting textbooks. Yet seemed to judge children by his own standards of intelligent.
Snape stormed into the headmaster's office, his cloak behind him. Albus remained focused on his work not looking up "I was expecting you Severus". The aforementioned man scowled in response.
"What makes you think I need an assistant headmaster?" He demanded politely if such a thing was possible. The older man finally looked up "as over competent as you are Severus you are unable to handle everything to the degree which you set yourself" He explained to his former student. Serverus' scowl did not lift in the slightest.
"Firstly, Miss Scammander is highly talented and deserving of the position. Secondly we are letting multiple unknowns into this school. I need you to keep an eye out for anything suspiscious"
"So you see fit to introduce another?" He complained.
"I assure you Miss Scammander will do no harm. I used to visit Newt, the elder that is, for tea quite often in the past. Of course our newest professor was still a student back then. Her father fought in the order when he could have easily left for a much easier life in another continent. I think you of all people will understand that" he spoke wisely. He was not done however, explaining his decision to the potions professor "I know you are protective of your Slytherins but do try to accept her help" he spoke knowing the man would relent.
Newt had bumped into McGonagall once again "Hello professor" she greeted the older woman.
Minerva smiled "please call me Minerva when there are no students around" she said politely.
"Only if you call me Newt then" she retorted as Minerva nodded.
"How was your meeting with Severus?"
"Interesting"
"That is one way to put it" a ghost of a smile greeting her lips.
"Though he has made me more curious as to what teaching is actually like" she explained.
"It is as infuriating as it is rewarding at some points. If you'd like my advice" Newt nodded. "The students won't arrive until late but tomorrow will be deceptively busy" she explained. Newt took her advice feeding her creatures and then herself and then sleeping.
Minerva was right. Teachers were hustling around the castle. Acquiring texts to double check their lessons making homework tasks that had a mark scheme. Newt never knew that this much effort was put into education, it gave her a new found respect for her teachers at Ilvermony. She herself had to triple check everything, making sure all paperwork was handed in correctly. It was a relief when the students finally arrived, She was sat next to Minerva at the table. She saw students give her curious looks. There were many differences between the UK and the US but one thing remained universal boarding schools were closed systems meaning that any gossip no matter how small traveled at light speed. Familiar faces were in the throng of students. She saw Rolf whose eyes went as wide as saucers at seeing her. They had kept it from him on order to surprise and surprised he was. Luna was sat at the Ravenclaw bench and then there was the unmistakable horde of redheads. She never factored that in. They looked at her in a way she was unable to understand.
The sorting was a very different affair, the hat sang a song of it's own making. While there were near parallels in the houses there were just as many differences. The hat decided where the student would go, there were no statues choosing the student and no student hesitating on where they would decide to go.
Dumbledore stood up immediately silencing the great hall. "We have two new staffing changes this year. Firstly Miss Newt Scammander who will be taking over our Care of Magical Creatures class" her eyes scanned the room nervously. Slytherin and Ravenclaw clapped politely while the Hufflepuffs clapped as loud as possible. They took pride in having a Scammander within the school walls even if she never attended herself. It was needless to say that they were her favourite house. She saw three Gryffindors whisper and groan as if she was an usurper, taking a position that was not rightfully hers. The headmaster waited for the applause to die down "secondly" he was interrupted by a clap of thunder and the great doors flinging open.
"Sorry I'm late" he grunted limping forwards.
Students whispered at the appearence of the infamous auror. "I would like to introduce auror Alistair Moody who will be taking over Defence Against The Dark Arts" he introduced. There was one more announcement to be made. "There will be no quidditch this year."
"You're joking" one of the twins shouted
"I assure you I am not Mr. Weasley. However, I did hear one about a hag, troll and a - " he was interupted by Minerva who cleared her throat and stared "perhaps not the time. We will be hosting the tri wizard tournament. A competition between us, Durmstrang and Bauxbatons. The prize for said tournament is glory, fame and 1000 galleons" this sent more whispers through the halls. "Do not enter this lightly as there is a chance of certain death due to this there will be an age limit" the headmaster dispersed the children to their rooms while Snape lead her to the common room waiting for their arrival.
They stood side by side waiting for the children to enter "you are all here because you possess ambition, cunning and subtlety. The other houses, especially Gryffindor, will act the self-righteous fool. They will tout that ours is a house of darkness I assure you each and every house has their fair share of dark wizards and creatures. Finally I must implore that if you are going to break the rules that you don't get caught." He warned the children who stared at him in awe, it was clear that the upper years held a great deal of respect for the man.
It was suddenly her turn to speak something she wasn't quite sure she was ready for, "my name is Newton Scammander, I will be assisting professor Snape in his duties as your head of house. I am sure that if you need my assistance I can provide it. Are there any questions?" She asked looking at the sea of first years.
One of them, a small blonde boy who looked too timid to be one of the ruthless Slytherins she had heard about, raised his hand "how are we supposed to find our classes?" It was a fair enough question given the sheer size of the castle.
She looked over at the black haired professor unsure as to the answer "a prefect or ghost will guide you if you get lost" he said emotionlessly. Newt noticed how he stared at the child who just spoke it wasn't obvious but it was like he was staring at a ghost. This time an older boy raised his hand and spoke before he was even acknowledged "why are you teaching at Hogwarts because my father said" Snape gave the boy a look and his aristocratic features went blank.
"Good question Mr" she paused waiting for a name.
"Malfoy" he said arrogantly as if it commanded her respect.
"I went to Ilvermony and I am teaching here because only one man knows his creatures better than me" she said sharply causing the entire room to know what she meant.
"Off to your dorms. If even one of you is late, I will speak with you personally" his emphasis of the word 'personally' made the entire room shiver herself included. The children did as they were told speaking as they left. Snape's eyes never left the boy's back as he left to his dorm. Once the last child left Snape turned to her "you handled yourself well" he congratulated her.
"Um thank you" she said confused.
"Last time I checked 'um' is not a word Miss Scammander. You are here as a professor not a student" he said as if he was trying to bait her. She had been raised by a man who was the embodiment of kindness luckily enough for Snape "look. I am sure you had everything under control long before I got here but if we work together I am sure we can be friends" she said trying not to earn the professor's ire.
"I advise you to be prepared for tomorrow. A starting speech is a good place to start" he drawled before storming away. A minute after she left for her own chambers contemplating his advice.
In her highly expensive home a woman wrote. Being the largest school in Britain pieces on the school always drew a lot of attention.
