Chapter 3
Newt and Remus materialized right outside the Three Broomsticks. He led Remus by the hand and into the Inn. Remus gaped in wonder at the place.
Fortunately for them, the place was rather empty as it was on a Saturday and the two of them were rather early. Everyone must be sleeping in. He went up to the counter and noticed that it was Rosmerta who was tending the place.
“Morning.” He greeted. “Is your mother not feeling well?”
Rosmerta rolled her eyes. “She went out last night and only just returned. Apparently it was an emergency. I’d rather go back to school and prepare for my N.E.W.Ts then do this.” She wiped the counter and started to clean the glasses.
“Right. Erm, We’re here to see Albus Dumbledore?”
“We?” Rosmerta quirked her eyebrow. Remus was too short to see over the counter. Rosmerta bent over and looked at him. She cocked her head.
“You have a son?” She asked incredulously.
Newt turned red. “I-uh. N-no. No. This is Remus Lupin, …” He stammered. “He’s not my son.”
Rosmerta laughed. “I’m just pulling your leg! Of course you don’t have a son! Oh, no offence.” She added. “News travels fast around here. If you had one I would be the first to know!”
Newt stood uncomfortably as the teenager giggled. He preferred it when her mother bartended. At least Martha Coleman kept the chatter to a minimum.
“He does look a lot like you though. Could have passed as your kid, you know!” She continued thoughtfully.
“Erm. So… Dumbledore?” Newt reminded her.
“Second floor, Second room on the left!” Rosmerta called after him. Newt had practically ran out of the dining area dragging Remus after him.
Remus stumbled after him up the stairs. The upstairs were warm and cozy. Newt turned a corner and knocked on a door.
Albus Dumbledore, in all of his glory, opened the door. His eyes twinkled and he ushered them in.
“Nice to see you Newt. And who might this be?” He addressed Remus.
“R-Remus Lupin… sir.” He said rather shyly. Remus hid himself behind Newt.
“Why have you called me here? Surely it isn’t just about a trafficked creature is it?” Newt demanded.
Dumbledore gave a long suffering sigh. He took his time shuffling around making them tea. “Can’t your former professor catch up with his favourite student every once in a while?”
Newt raised an eyebrow. Dumbledore handed him a cup of tea. He gestured for them to sit down.
“Remus,” Dumbledore called. “I have a little gift for you.”
Remus’ eyes went wide. “F-for me?”
Dumbledore chuckled and took out a glossy book from his coat. He held it out for Remus to take.
“Why don’t you make yourself comfortable and read it?” He suggested.
Remus slowly took a step forward and hugged the book to his chest. “Thank you Professor Dumbledore.”
Remus took a seat in the only other available armchair. Within minutes, he was completely engrossed with the new book. Newt looked at him before returning his gaze to Dumbledore.
Dumbledore was looking at Remus with a fond look. “Smart one that one. Very observant, called me Professor Dumbledore.”
“With all due of respect, what do you want?”
“Well.” Dumbledore cleared his throat. “I wanted to talk to you about Remus.” He lowered his voice.
“What about him? Do you know his family?” Newt inquired.
“His father is dead and his mother is a muggle. In fact, she was the one to turn him in to an orphanage.” Dumbledore paused for a moment.
“They didn’t treat him well there.” He continued. The twinkle had disappeared from his eyes. Dumbledore was deadly serious.
“Do you care for him Newt?”
“I- of course I do.” Newt responded truthfully. He was never one to deny anyone help.
“Then there is something very important you must know. I hope you won’t change your view on the boy although I suspect that the possibility is very low.”
Dumbledore lowered his voice even further. “The boy is a werewolf.”
Newt looked at him in shock. His brain worked slowly trying to piece things together. Of course… The scars, the orphanage… Fury built inside of Newt. The orphanage must have been responsible for the nightmares and self deprecating talk. How hadn’t he seen it?
“Newt. Newt?” Dumbledore said urgently. “I trust you have made up your mind?”
Newt looked at him with a steely gaze. “I would have thought you knew me better Dumbledore.”
“Of course, but one can never be too sure.” Dumbledore said lightly.
The two of them sat in silence. Newt avoided his eyes. He always felt like Dumbledore was reading his every thought. The only noise came from Remus who flipped his pages, still absorbed with his book.
Newt broke the silence. “Dumbledore, h-have you heard of powerful accidental magic… like weather? J-Just curious.” Newt squirmed under his gaze.
“Newt.” Dumbledore probed gently.
He sighed. He could never lie to him. “Remus destroyed the guest room with a storm. He must have had a nightmare.”
Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully. “I have heard … of young children with extraordinary powers. These children are capable of magic beyond the ordinary wizard. Perhaps you can train him.”
“I-i-i’m sorry what?” Newt spluttered. His eyes widened. He never got high marks at Hogwarts, he had just barely scrapped Acceptable in Charms and Transfiguration, what made Dumbledore think he would be able to train Remus?
“Yes, he needs someone he can trust.” Dumbledore said firmly. “I’m sure you will do well.
Newt scoffed. “I think you forget that I never graduated?”
“You will tutor Remus.” Dumbledore said with finality.
“H-how are you so sure that he will be able to do it? He’s just a child!”
“Remus had proven himself able to perform magic that any adult would have difficulty doing. You must help guide him, you’ve seen how his emotions control him.”
Newt sighed. “Alright. Alright, I’ll do it.” He rubbed his eyes in exhaustion.
Dumbledore stood up signalling the end of the conversation. He shrugged on his coat and prepared to leave. “One more thing.” He said, his hand on the doorknob. “There’s a thunderbird in Egypt who needs rescuing. I trust you’ll be able to manage it.” He winked and shut the door behind him.
Newt stared at the place where Dumbledore had previously stood. His mind swirled with all the new information. He turned around slowly and went to collect Remus.
“Remus.” He said. “We’ll be taking a short trip to Egypt.”
Remus looked up in surprise. He got up and closed the book Dumbledore had gifted him carefully. “Egypt?”
“Mmm.” Newt said, distractedly. Curse Dumbledore and his plans, he thought, disgruntled.
******
Only a couple days later, Newt and Remus boarded an ocean liner on its way to Egypt. During this time, Remus had acquired a new pet. One of his apparating puffskeins had grown rather attached to him. Remus had named it Maisie which Newt thought was a very suiting.
Newt had been so busy preparing for the trip that he hadn’t been able to tutor Remus in any way. That seemed to be almost no problem as Remus had gotten his hands on his old Hogwarts textbooks. He had been steadily making his way through them.
Newt collected all his notes and materials on Thunderbirds. He would have to go to America to return it safely to Arizona. Thunderbirds were creatures of nature. They thrived best in the wild, Newt would not be able to contain it for long before it became irritated. It would not be beneficial to its health.
Remus had yet to open up to him yet. Newt had been trying to have small talk with him. On many occasions it resulted in panic attacks and lots of hot chocolate.
A loud horn blew in the distance. Newt searched his small cabin for his coat. He threw it on and grabbed his briefcase. Remus followed him silently as the two of them made their way to the deck.
“Are we at Egypt Mr. Scamander?” Remus whispered. His new brown overcoat flapped in the wind.
“Yes.” Newt said. “We’ll be going to a location Dumbledore has sent.”
Remus tugged on his pant legs. Newt looked down. Remus seemed to be nervous. “M-mr. Scamander?”
Newt nodded encouragingly. Remus hesitated. “Im scared.” He mumbled quietly.
“There’s nothing to worry about.” Newt said. “You’ll be with me the whole time.”
Remus took in a deep breath and nodded. Newt’s heart ached for the child. He had learned that Remus was actually six, and that he was bitten when he was four. Newt had never seen a more quieter kid. Remus had an air of maturity that only came with pain.
The horn blew again and the ship slowly made its way near the dock before it stopped. After lining up and checking their tickets, the two of them were let off the ship.
Remus grabbed his hand tightly and his face was pale white.
Newt led them off the ship and onto the plank connecting the ship with the dock. Soon after, the two of them joined a line where officials were checking identification.
“Remember what we practiced?” Newt whispered out of the corner of his mouth. Remus gave another short nod.
They arrived at the front of the line and Newt handed over two passports. The man took a look at it and raised his eyes to compare.
“Your son, eh?” He asked Newt.
“Erm yes.” Newt gave Remus a little nudge. “This is my son.”
“Hello.” Remus said just like he had practiced. “My name is Remus Scamander.”
“Scamander…” The man muttered to himself. “Funny name… like salamanders.”
He double checked them again before handing the passports back. “Any food? Any livestock?”
“No.”
The case in Newts hand shook. Dougal’s timing was infuriatingly on point. Remus stared at him with wide eyes. This wasn’t part of the script.
The man eyed the case. He pointed at it. “Watcha got in there? Let me take a look.”
Newt placed the case slowly on the desk between them while pressing the muggle worthy switch. Just like that, when the man opened his case he saw nothing but a few pair of pyjamas and some books. The man returned his case and bid them farewell.
“Enjoy your stay.” He said, rather disgruntled.
“Y-yes er, Thank you.” Newt muttered.
Remus waved at him while they walked off. That was part of the script. When they were out of ear reach Newt grinned at Remus. “Well done.”
Remus looked at him with a smile. Newt was startled to realize that that was the only real smile Remus had ever gave him. A small squeak came from Remus’ pocket and the moment ended. Remus fished out Maisie and put her on his shoulder.
“We’re in Egypt…” Remus whispered in awe to her.
******
Newt took them to a restaurant to grab some lunch before heading to the location. He wanted to get the Thunderbird out of confinement as soon as possible.
Remus had stared at the menu in awe. “I can choose anything?”
Newt tried to ignore the fact that Remus looked as if he was given the most precious thing in the world. “Anything you want.”
Remus eventually picked a small salad and an orange juice. Newt looked at him curiously but didn’t say anything.
They continued to eat in silence. Once they both had their fill, Newt apparated him and Remus to the location Dumbledore had sent them. The minute they arrived they could hear screeches and chains clanking.
“That’ll be the thunderbird.” Newt muttered to himself. The two of them turned a corner and found an abandoned factory. The noises seemed to be coming from behind it. Newt brought a finger up to his lips, signalling to be quiet.
The area seemed to be abandoned for now. Newt had to move fast. He sensed no wards and he raced up to the thunderbird.
“Pickett.” He whispered. Pickett came out of his coat pocket and Newt motioned for him to pick the lock. Remus stood nearby with wide eyes. The lock fell into Newts palm and he pocketed it for now. The thunderbird let out another shriek.
“Shhhhh… Shhhhh…” Newt murmured. He opened to cage and slowly made his way towards him. He brought out some nutrition pellets that some of the diricawls liked to eat. He held the food out as an offering. The thunderbird lowered his eat and sniffed the food. Newt waited patiently.
After deeming Newt safe, the thunderbird ate the food. Newt brought a hand to his feathers and stroked him gently.
“You look like a Frank hmm? Hows that?” Newt said.
Frank the thunderbird shrieked in response. Newt chuckled good naturally. Frank was still locked up so he made his ways to the manacles on his feet. Just as he bent down to open them, with his guard down, a spell flew past him, narrowly missing his head.
“Hey! What you think you’re doing?!” A man yelled. There were four traffickers.
Remus was still outside the cage, defenceless. Newt looked up, alarmed.
Spells started flying everywhere and a couple hit Frank. The thunderbird panicked and started to thrash. Newt tried to calm him down to no avail.
He whipped out his wand and defended himself. Newt rushed out the cage and grabbed Remus by the arm. Remus’ eyes were filled with tears.
“Get away from that thunderbird!”
Spells ricocheted everywhere on the bars of the cage. A flash of green headed towards him and caught him by surprise, but before it could hit him a huge shield blocked it. He looked down and realized that Remus had his hands out and was keeping the shield up.
Newt didn’t take anymore time to dwell on how he managed to preform the shield charm. He hurried to unlock the manacles with his wand.
“M-mr. Scamander… I-i can’t” Remus whimpered, his face was deathly pale and sweat poured down his face.
Newt unlocked the last one and the thunderbird was free. He grabbed his case and pulled Remus toward him, the shield fell away. With a jump, he flung the two of them on Frank as he was flying away.
“Evanesco!” Newt vanished the cages’ ceiling and Frank flew higher and higher. Lightning crackled all around them.
“They’re getting away!”
Soon, they had risen high up in the clouds and could no longer see the ground. Newt leaned forward to speak to Frank.
“Take us somewhere safe.”
Remus slumped against him, drained from all the magic he had done. Newt was astonished at the burst of magic Remus has preformed.
“Very well done Remus.”
Remus hummed something listlessly and soon fell asleep. Newt smiled softly as they traveled further from Egypt.