Prologue
The Truth Seeker
13/12/1928
Dear gentle readers,
The Holidays are around the corner, I hope you all have gotten your shopping done. The holidays are a time that brings people together whether family or lovers or friends. I love drinking hot cocoa as I stare out my window at the falling snow. The Wixen world is going through dark times as Grindelwald rises to power but there are other interesting things happening too that this author would like to tell you.
I wonder if you have heard of the brief “friendship” the British Minister for Magic, Hector Fawley, had with the Director of Magical Security, Percival Graves (read page 3). Or the illicit activities of renowned Magizoologist, Researcher Robert Lee to get funding for his research when he was starting out (read page 9).
I bet my premium golden cauldron you didn’t know that the heart of our most eligible bachelor who is a famed Magizoologist and author of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” was stolen by the talented American Auror Porpentina Goldstein (read page 7).
We are mere mortals compared to these elites. And the elites are connected, and this author has brought you talks from all over the world from all seven continents. Believe me or not, it’s all up to you. For everything that has been brought here is true for I only seek the Truth, the truth we all have a right to know.
Auror Theseus Scamander’s letter to his younger brother, Researcher Newt Scamander sent on 20th of December 1928:
Dearest Newt,
How are you? How was your trip to Thailand? I know you have returned because John told me so. I am not going to lie that I am a little hurt that you didn’t come to visit. Leta and I were looking forward to hearing about your recent trip.
Have you gotten the dinner invitation from Mother and Father? Are you coming or are planning to catch the flu? I know this is a lot to ask from you but please do come, even if you don’t stay the night. I don’t think I will be able to handle fake pleasantries and smile this season.
Grindelwald has taken the life out of everyone, literally and metaphorically. Anyways, take care little brother.
Love, Theseus.
April and Lewis Scamander’s invitation to the Yule of 1928 to their younger son Newt:
Dearest Newt,
You are cordially invited to dinner on the Winter Solstice. Please attend it, we really look forward to your presence.
Love your mother and father.
Researcher Newt Scamander’s letter to his brother Auror Theseus Scamander 21st of December 1928:
Dearest Theseus,
I am well and the trip to Thailand was fine. I apologise for not visiting. It's just the breed of vultures known as the paparazzi, who have been hovering over me ever since that piece of dragon dung, The Truth Seeker, started publishing their shitty gossip. If you haven’t heard of them, ask Leta because she certainly will know.
I don’t even know how they found out about me and Tina and how they found out about the offer from Ilvermorny. I guess someone must have leaked it from Ilvermorny. But what they wrote about Minister Fawley and Director Graves was so out of line. And poor Robert too.
About the dinner, I have received the invitation from Mother and Father. I was planning on catching Occamy Fever (a malady common in my line of work and contagious too) but since you begged I will delay it for Easter brunch. You know, I hate fake pleasantries and smiles more than you do (and I am not even good at them).
I am sorry your work has been tough, Grindelwald is growing, I heard his name in Thailand as well but not in a good way. They are intrigued by his ideas and some even agree. Even at home I have heard people speak highly of him. I don’t understand how people can’t see the truth right in front of their eyes.
How are you doing? How is Leta doing? Tell her that I have mailed her the papers she asked for and thank her for me for the book she lent me. It really helped me in Thailand. Also, I have bought some interesting souvenirs for the both of you, I am really excited to show you. I will most likely visit after the holidays.
Love Newt.
Auror Porpentina Goldstein to Researcher Newt Scamander 15th of December 1928:
My dearest, Artemis,
Thank you for the pressed flowers you sent. They were so beautiful, I do love lilacs. Work has been the usual, nothing interesting and like a chore. I hate working with the people I work with so much. I just can’t help but remember how none of them did anything when I was demoted and how they just let me be executed. No one contested it.
I am afraid or rather glad that Picquery isn’t as popular anymore. The emotions I have regarding her are complicated. On one hand I did like her, she is a good president but then that faithful December she made so many missteps and nearly killed us both.
Since Abernathy betrayed us, I have been hearing so many people both in MACUSA and outside, speaking of Grindelwald in a good light. And MACUSA is certainly not helping by arresting his sympathizers even if they haven’t done anything incriminating. It’s going to get worse from here on. I just know it.
Queenie and Jacob are also fine. They are just preparing for the wedding. Jacob is going to ask you to be best man and I know you don’t like that Jacob and Queenie are engaged but you can’t do anything about it. All you can do is let Jacob deal with the consequences of his choices.
How was the trip to Thailand? I heard from Lally who heard it from Professor Dumbledore that it was a bit eventful? I do hope you are safe and uninjured. And before I forget I will be in London this coming February because of a conference there. We can meet then and I hope the attention on us created by that The Truth Seeker article has died down by then. I can’t go anywhere in Magical New York without reporters following me anymore.
I spent Hanukkah with my mother’s sister. I suppose I have told you about her. She is very condescending and acts like she helped us poor orphans a lot when all she did was send us cards from wherever she was travelling to. Anyways, my cousins didn’t believe me that I was dating you until the article. I guess it was good for something. Oh Newt, you should have seen their faces.
But oh how I wished you were there with me. You could have made it all so much bearable. I miss you so much. I hate that there is an ocean between us. Please consider the offer from Ilvermorny. It could be something good.
How are Theseus and Leta? Please send them my love. I can’t wait to see you in February. I love you so much.
With Love, Tina.
Researcher Newt Scamander to Auror Porpentina Goldstein 20th of December 1928:
My dearest Porpentina,
I apologise that this letter comes late. Things in Thailand are much worse than I expected and I did run into some trouble there. There are sympathizers there as well but the ministry over there is handling them much better than MACUSA or even the British Ministry.
You’re allowed to have whatever feelings you are having about Picquery. You knew her longer, and way before she was the President. It’s only natural to feel conflicted feelings. But as you know I don’t have a high opinion of her and Abernathy.
So, Jacob is actually going through with the wedding? I can’t say I don’t feel disappointed but when he asks I will graciously accept the offer. And I will also try to accept the fact that it is his own choice.
I am sorry your holidays with your family weren't that good. I would have loved to see their reaction to the article. For all its worth my family is hosting their annual Yule dinner and I have to go because Theseus begged. I guess I’ll have to save the Occamy Fever for Easter Brunch unless you want to meet my family.
I hate this ocean between us too. Every waking moment and even in dreams I think of you. I think of you when the golden rays of the sun filter through my windows, I think of you when the rain's pitter-patter consumes every other noise. I miss you so much.
I will think about the Ilvermorny offer. A move will be tough. I will need to make a lot of preparations but I am willing to do it if it means I will get to spend every waking moment with you.
Leta and Theseus are doing great, they recently returned from their honeymoon but their honeymoon hasn’t left them. You don’t want to know where I caught them. It was so unhygienic. Anyways, they are doing fine and they also send you their love. They would love to talk to you again.
I miss you so much too, can’t wait to see you in February. Give Jacob my love.
Love, your Artemis.