It's Christmas! Our core quartet follow their usual traditions, Emma makes a new friend, and Theseus and Newt try to outdo each other's gifts.

***

It wasn't Christmas morning without Emma being woken by her door banging open and her son launching onto her bed, subsequently onto her, chanting "It's Christmas!" over and over.

Emma blinked sleep out of her eyes, sitting up and grabbing her son, wrapping him in a hug as he squeaked. "Yeah, Merry Christmas to you, too, kid," she grumbled, though she was smiling as she kissed the top of his head. "Why don't you go wake your aunt and uncle, too?"

"Already happened, Em." She looked up to see Newt in the doorway, a mug of tea in his hands. "Happy Christmas," he smiled.

"Merry Christmas, Newt," she grinned. "Go on, I'll meet you downstairs."

"Yay!" Harry cheered, jumping off the bed and barreling past Newt out of the door.

Newt stepped to the side, watching Harry disappear with a fond smile. "I'll never get tired of watching his excitement, especially for the holidays."

"Me, neither," Emma agreed with a smile. "After everything he went through with the Dursleys . . . "

She trailed off, but Newt nodded in understanding. "He deserves all the wonderful Christmas holidays we can give him."

"Absolutely."

Newt smiled at her. "Take your time getting ready. Queenie and I can distract him until you come downstairs for gifts."

"Thanks," Emma nodded.

Newt raised his tea in reply, whistling a Christmas tune to himself as he departed.

Emma smiled to herself as she got up to brush her teeth and her hair. Every year they stayed in their pajamas to open gifts and eat breakfast while watching "A Christmas Carol" on TV. They did gifts first, followed by breakfast, and after that Harry and Newt went out to the reserve to check on the animals. While they did that, Emma and Queenie would start on lunch. After lunch, they would gather outside in the yard to mess in the snow, having snowball fights and building snowmen. After that they all came in and warmed up by the fireplace, watching a movie and drinking hot chocolate, before Queenie made a start on Christmas Dinner, where Tina would usually drop by to see them.

She grabbed her phone as she passed her dresser and walked downstairs, finding Harry laughing as Queenie and Newt's patroni flitted across the room playing what seemed to be a game of tag. The small niffler was ducking under and over the thunderbird, goading the larger creature. The wiser animal wasn't taking the bait and was instead trying to smack the small animal with his wings. Emma smiled, opening the camera on her phone and snapping a picture of it before making herself known to the three other occupants.

The entire reserve was ready for Christmas. The fire was lit, giving off a warm glow to the room and bringing warmth to ward off the chill of the snow coming down heavily outside of the window behind the tree. The fireplace was in the middle of the longest wall, which was littered in pictures of all of them, the first family picture they had taken proudly sitting in the middle of the mantle, next to a picture of Newt and Theseus hugging on the right and Queenie and Tina holding up two wine cups filled with wine and toasting Emma, who had been the one taking the picture. Their stockings were hanging in front of the fireplace, Harry's with a pegasus on it, Emma's with a swan, Newt's with a niffler, and Queenie's with a thunderbird.

The big pine tree in the corner near the fireplace was covered in ornaments, garland, lights, and popcorn strings. All of Harry's magically made ornaments glimmered in the firelight, giving them an ethereal look. Queenie had taught Harry how to make Christmas ornaments a few years ago, and the first year he made them, the tree only had a few on it, but this year, it was littered in his ornaments. Emma had made one of the family too, and it sat next to Harry's favorite ornament, the first he had made. It was of him and Emma dancing in the snow, or least that's what he had said it was. It looked more like two blobs, one dark haired and the other blonde, against a white background. Emma smiled fondly at it. The lights around the tree were made by Emma and Newt, the bright colors of pink, blue, green and red blinking proudly in the shapes she had chosen with Newt. Each shape represented the occupants of the reserve, so it had a niffler for Newt, a swan for Emma, a pegasus for Harry and a thunderbird for Queenie as shapes. Under the tree sat a mountain of gifts, most of them probably for Harry, all clad in either gold, red or green wrapping paper with silver bows.

Emma jolted as Harry yanked on her hand to tug her to the floor with him in front of the tree. She followed easily, and ruffled his terrible bed head as Queenie and Newt canceled their Patronus Charms and sat next to them. Newt handed Harry his first gift, a small box clad in silver, and after Queenie and Emma got out their phones to video it, nodded at him and he tore it open.

It was a bracelet with a pendant that closely resembled Newt's necklace. It was connected to a black steel chain, and was round with House Potter sigil on the front, with runes carved into the back. The runes were protection, safety, luck, power and strength.

"There are protection charms and a permanent sticking charm surrounding it so you won't lose it or break it. I can track your magical signature with it, all you have to do is tap it with your wand and I can find you, no matter where in the world you are. It has runes carved into it so that you are always protected, and your house sigil is on it so you never forget where you came from," Newt explained, and Emma smiled at him gratefully as Harry launched himself at him. He easily caught him, kissing his head as Harry cheered in thanks, putting it on with Newt's help. The bracelet immediately sized to fit his wrist, and felt the band connect to his arm and the magic of Newt's runes seeping into his magical core, already doing what it was supposed to do.

When Harry went back to his seat, he was handed a bigger box clad in red by Queenie, who looked at him seriously. "These are only to be used on the reserve when you are with the more dangerous animals," she warned. "Particularly the dragons." Emma looked at her warily, and Queenie grinned at her as Harry tore into the wrapping paper and the box.

Emma wasn't the type of mother to want to know every one of the things their family gets Harry, mostly because she knew no matter what, they would never give him something he couldn't use or was dangerous, but times like these, where Queenie had that innocent smile on her face that comes with a warning, it made Emma wish she was.

Harry pulled out three items all made of dragonhide: a pair of newly made gloves, a bright red cloak (Camelot's colors from the Arthurian Legends, Harry noted with a grin), and a pair of boots he knew would fit him perfectly. "Thank you Aunt Queenie!" he grinned at her.

"You're welcome, honey," she grinned, pulling up her phone to snap a picture of him.

Emma quickly got up and hauled a chest up from beside the pile, plonking it down in front of Harry and quickly sitting back down next to him. He looked at her curiously.

"Go on, open it!" Emma grinned, ruffling his hair.

Harry unlocked the chest, pulling it open, peeking inside. His eyes widened in shock. "Mum, that is a lot of books!" He pulled it the rest of the way open, grinning. When the chest was fully opened, it revealed thirteen different books and a camera, twelve of the books a different mythology type. All of them were ones that Harry didn't have and each book was from the countries the mythology focused on. The first one Harry pulled out was from Scotland, a book on Gaelic myths and gods. The second one he pulled out was the thirteenth book, a scrapbook. He flicked it open to reveal writing on the inside of the cover.

Kid,

The first half of this book is filled with our memories and adventures so far. You, me, Newt, and Queenie. Tina even pops up a few times as well.

It's up to you to fill the second half of this book with your own memories. After this book is filled, you will get a second one, and after that a third. For each year at Hogwarts you will also receive a photo book for that particular year. Fill this up so you always have your memories with you.

I love you,

Mom

Harry looked at the picture on the first page. It was a picture of him and Emma the day he was adopted. He was perched on her hip with his arms around her neck and her arms were wrapped around him holding him tightly to her. Their heads were bowed against each other and their eyes were closed, both with big grins on their faces.

Harry looked up at Emma with tears in his eyes. "Thank you, mum. I love it," he smiled, wrapping an arm around her as she kissed his head.

She shook her head, clearing the tears that had gathered in her eyes. "Always, kid. I love you more," she whispered to him, ruffling his hair as Newt quietly took a box, that would probably be taller than Harry if he were standing straight up with it next to him, and put it on Harry's lap, crossing over onto Emma's pajama clad legs.

Harry pulled away from Emma, eyed the long box, and gave Newt a look that said "Mum is going to kill you," because he already knew what it was. Newt merely shrugged, taking an innocent sip of tea. Emma took in the broom as Harry opened the box. It was clearly brand new, but Emma was completely unaware of what it was called. She glared at Newt. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack, Newton?"

"Of course not!" Newt denied, shaking his head with an innocent grin that did not fool Emma in the slightest. "It's for flying with the pegasi."

Emma rolled her eyes. "Sure," she deadpanned, shaking her head. Harry looked at her with pleading eyes, and Emma sighed. Damn her son's impeccable puppy eyes. "Alright, as long as you are careful."

Harry cheered happily.

"You still have more presents, Harry," Queenie said, placing a small green covered box on his lap, banishing the chest of books to his room.

He looked down at it for a moment, and then read out the tag curiously. "From Theseus. Isn't he your brother, Uncle Newt?"

Newt hummed, peering down at the box in the boy's lap. "Yes, Theseus is my older brother. I know what he sent you, it's harmless. Go ahead," he nodded at the box.

Harry did as he was bade and opened the box, gasping in shock when he saw what was inside. Inside was a ring that looked new. It was sterling silver, with the Scamander family coat of arms. The band was relatively thick and had his initials carved into the side of it. It had an antique finish, leaving the sterling silver looking older than it was.

Harry's head jerked up at Newt, and the magizoologist smiled sheepishly, running a hand through his hair. "It's a signet ring, Harry," he explained. "You're already family, but this ring makes you a part of the Scamander family officially, especially because it was given to you by the Lord of House Scamander."

Harry just stared at him in shock, still trying to comprehend the magnitude of the gift. "Theseus sent it to me . . . he wants me to be part of your family?" he asked, his voice quiet.

Newt moved over to Harry, tilting his head up so he was looking at him. "You are family to me, and to Theseus. You may not have met him yet, but I have no doubt that when you do you will immediately start to see him as family. So yes, Harry. He wants you as part of our family, and so do I."

Harry nodded, slipping the ring onto his right middle finger, feeling it slip into place and lock onto his finger like his bracelet had his other hand. "Thank you," he mumbled, wrapping his arms around Newt's neck.

Newt kissed his head and wrapped his arms around his torso. "Happy Christmas, Harry," he whispered to him.

Harry smiled, sitting back against his mum, taking the last gift of his from her. He unwrapped it, smiling up at his mum when he saw what it was. "I thought I was done collecting them?"

Emma nodded. "You are now. Now your collection is complete," she said, ruffling his hair.

Harry held a small tabby cat stuffie from Tina in his hands, running his fingers over the cat's fur. "I declare her name to be Minnie!" he announced dramatically, and Emma laughed at him. Then he turns to the adults. "It's your turn for gifts!"

Emma went first. She had gotten two new designer leather jackets and a recipe book with delicious looking breakfast foods in it from Queenie, a new arm holster engraved with "Amor Vincit Omnia" - Latin for "Love Conquers All" - on one side, and "Aut viam inveniam aut faciam" - Latin for "I will either find a way, or make one" - on the other made in Italian leather from Newt, a picture frame made by Harry with a picture of them in it from her son, and from Tina she received two different spell books containing protection charms and spells.

Newt received a book of both muggle and mythical creatures from Emma, along with a new scarf with black and yellow that Queenie helped her pick out for him, a niffler statue Harry made himself with magic, a new coat from Queenie, and Tina got him a black silk blanket with both his and Theseus's initials and their birthdays sewn into the corners.

Queenie had gotten several recipe books from Emma, on all kinds of pastries from all over the world, Harry got her a pink wool hat and Newt and Tina had gotten her two new pairs of black high heels, one pair strappy and the other close toed with no straps at all.

After each had opened their presents they all went to put their gifts away and then came back downstairs for breakfast as they watched "A Christmas Carol" on the television in the family room.

As they ate and watched, Harry snuggled in close with his mum and Queenie on his sides, Newt on Emma's other side. After all the years of not having Christmas at all, any Christmas with his family was good. Even with the mishaps and mistakes, Harry always felt loved during the holidays. It was so much more than he'd ever gotten in his short ten year lifetime that felt more like an eternity than ten years, and he knew he would never take advantage of it.

***

It was nearing lunch time, and Harry and Newt were both out working on helping the animals stay warm. Instead of doing what he was supposed to be doing though, Newt was focusing on the small silver and white wolf pup that had been rescued by Tina and sent to the reserve. Her pack had been killed by another winter wolf pack and Tina knew Newt would be able to help the small wolf pup. The young pup felt special to Newt for some reason, but he had yet to determine why.

A crunch of snow under boots caused Newt to look up, and he smiled when he saw Emma lean against the fence. "Decided Harry didn't need supervision?" he joked.

"I thought that was your job," Emma riposted with a smirk.

Newt smiled innocently. "Only once he gets on a broom."

Emma closed her eyes. "Heart attack, Newt. Heart attack."

Newt snickered, then looked down when a small paw batted at his knee. "Yes, I'm still paying attention to you," he promised, picking up the pup and letting her curl in his lap. "Yes, I promise."

Emma brushed snow off the top of the wooden fence, then hopped up to sit and watch. "It's incredible how you are with all these creatures," she admitted.

Newt beamed at her. "Most rewarding job ever."

"I believe you," Emma nodded, then blinked when she felt something bump her back. "What the - ?" she twisted. "Hey, I was here first!"

Newt couldn't help but laugh at the pegasus that gave Emma the equivalent of a deadpan stare in response to her words. "I don't think he's going to accept that answer, Em."

She sighed, running her hand through the pegasus's flaxen mane. "Guess he isn't." She tilted her head, examining the pegasus's coloring. "I think he's the only one on the reserve who looks like this."

"Because he is," Newt nodded. "He's got the Black Forest coloring . . . and Black Forest horses are endangered in Germany. You can only imagine how rare that means pegasi with that coloring are."

Emma hummed absently, still distracted by the pegasus's dark chestnut coloring and flaxen mane and tail. "Don't tell Adherion, but I think you're prettier than him," she whispered. The pegasus stallion snorted and tossed his mane, then proceeded to bob his head. "Wait," Emma blinked, turning to look at Newt in surprise. "Did he just - ?"

"Now you've done it," Newt grinned. "He likes you!"

Emma couldn't help but smile, twisting on the fence to stroke the pegasus's neck. "Yeah, I like you, too." The pegasus snorted, nudging her hand, and Emma patted his nose. "You got a name yet? Hmm?"

"I was a little more occupied by healing his left rear gastrocnemius tendon," Newt admitted.

Emma stared blankly at him. "In English?"

Newt coughed. "Think of it as the horse's version of the Achilles tendon."

Emma nodded, then peered behind the fence to check the horse's leg for herself. "You made quite the recovery, didn't you?" she asked, then snorted when the stallion cantered around his part of the pen. "Oh, yes, you're perfectly fine now." She paused, tilting her head. "You said his Achilles?"

"The horse equivalent, yes," Newt nodded.

Emma smirked, watching the pegasus trot back to her. "Guess we're really embracing the mythology theme, huh? Whaddya think, handsome? You like the name Achilles?" She was delighted when the pegasus neighed and bobbed his head in response. "Alright . . . I need to tell Harry that name is taken."

"What name is taken?" Harry's head popped up from where he was buried under pegasi foals.

"Achilles!" Newt called in response.

Achilles turned and snorted, black eyes staring down the boy. "Oh," was all Harry responded with, blinking up at the magnificent stallion. "Mum, he's beautiful!"

"We're just gonna keep boosting your ego, aren't we?" Emma gave Achilles an exasperated look.

Achilles merely stared her down, then abruptly snorted and backed up, tossing his head anxiously. "Oh," Newt blinked, standing with the pup in his arms. "What's that for, Achilles?"

Before the pegasus could respond, there was a flash of flame from the center of the pen. Emma almost fell off the fence, she was so startled. "What the - ?!"

"Aunt Queenie!" Harry called as Newt scrambled to climb the fence and get to the chest that had appeared.

Emma heard the faint sound of crashing china from inside the farmhouse, then Queenie rushed out the door, beanie hastily pulled over her head. "What is it?" she demanded, wand in hand. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know," Newt shook his head, examining the chest.

"It appeared out of nowhere," Emma explained, reaching out to calm Achilles as Harry hurried into the pen. "There were flames, then . . . there it was."

Newt stilled in his actions. "Just like Theseus's fire letters."

Queenie's eyes widened. "You're sure?"

"The chest is beechwood," Newt nodded. "His wand is made of beech." Queenie's mouth fell open in understanding, and Newt tapped the lock on the chest. "Alohomora." The chest popped open, and the magizoologist peered inside. He blinked in surprise, then looked up. "Undetectable Extension Charm," he said in confusion.

"Like your suitcase?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Newt frowned, getting to his feet. "Let's see . . . " He experimentally swung one leg into the chest, and he nodded. "There's a ladder."

Harry immediately looked up at Emma with wide eyes, and she huffed, rolling her eyes. "I'm going down first, kid. Queenie can come behind you if she wants."

Queenie smirked. "Like any of you are doing this without me."

Once Newt disappeared from view into the chest, Emma hesitantly swung one leg into the chest. When she found a ladder rung, she gripped the edge of the chest and carefully made her way down the ladder. She shuddered when she was bombarded with humidity, and she stuck her tongue out, working to get out of her winter coat. "It's like a sauna in here," she griped, turning around and bumping right into Newt. "OK," she huffed, removing her beanie. "What are we doing - " She cut herself off, staring around in shock. "Whoa."

"Wow!" Harry had the same reaction as he jumped off the ladder, looking around at the forest around them. "This is so cool!"

"Atmospheric Charm," Queenie identified as she joined them, smoothing out her curls as she tucked her beanie under her arm. "There's . . . " She tilted her head. "Two?"

"Uncle Newt?" Harry asked, seeing the man still frozen. "What is it?"

Newt gulped, taking a tentative step forward. "Queenie?" he whispered. "Tell me I'm not hallucinating."

"Hallucinating what?" Emma folded her arms.

Queenie, however, saw exactly where Newt was looking, and she gasped in shock, covering her mouth. "Is that - ?"

Newt merely nodded, sinking into a crouch and looking at the deer-like creature that was peering out of the bushes. "Hello, sweetheart," he murmured, voice choked. "Hello."

Harry clutched Emma's hand as the creature emerged from the bushes, taking hesitant steps towards Newt. "Mum?" he asked in a hushed tone, looking at its gold-bronze scales in awe. "I haven't seen this creature at the reserve."

"Me, neither, kid," Emma shook her head, looking at Queenie inquisitively.

"You wouldn't," the witch told them, her hand over her heart as she watched the creature approach Newt. "This is one of the most revered, if not the most, creatures in the Wizarding World. We've thought it far too dangerous to even have one here, because if the Ministry knew . . . " She trailed off, shaking her head. "This is a Qilin. They have precognitive abilities . . . and they can see into a person's soul. The last time we saw one . . . "

" . . . was the Walk of the Qilin ceremony in Bhutan, when the blood pact between Dumbledore and Grindelwald was broken." That came from Newt, who was smiling through tears as the Qilin sniffed his fingers. "I helped a pregnant Qilin in China, but Grindelwald's followers arrived and killed the mother and abducted one of its twins. I was able to save the other twin, but Grindelwald killed the other to take its precognitive abilities and revive it with necromancy to cheat the ceremony." He swallowed hard. "That has haunted me for years." He let out a soft, wounded noise as the Qilin bowed her head to him. "And this one is pregnant, too."

"Oh, my God," Queenie closed her eyes.

"How did she get here?" Harry asked in wonder.

A wisp of silver caught Emma's eye, and she pointed. "I think that might be our answer."

Newt looked up to see the telltale magic of a Patronus soar through the trees before coalescing into a familiar creature that bounded from branch to branch, ending on a rock. "The," he croaked.

The niffler nodded. "Newt, if you're receiving this, then the goblins have ensured the chest has gotten to you," the Patronus message began; Emma started, realizing this was the first time she was hearing Theseus's voice. "And hopefully it's in time for Christmas, too. A few days ago, I was dispatched by the Ministry to raid a warehouse with two additional Aurors. It didn't end up as simple as I hoped it would be . . . when we arrived, we discovered the traffickers were trading magical creatures." Newt flinched as if struck, and Queenie placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing supportively. So that had been the mission where he had lent his older brother magic for aid. "The Ministry is in the process of delivering each creature back home . . . except for this Qilin. I discovered her in the corner of one of the cages, and as soon as I saw her, I knew I couldn't let the Ministry find her. While the Aurors were meeting reinforcements, I took her to the goblins and asked Gornuk to keep her company while I sorted the rest of the creatures out. It was with the goblins' help that I was able to create this chest with the charms needed to keep her comfortable . . . but I knew there was only one person I would trust with her safety . . . well, technically four now, isn't that right?" Harry giggled, and Emma smiled in agreement. "I know you can help her, Newt," the message from Theseus continued. "There's no one more qualified in the world to take care of her. I have no doubt in my mind. She deserves the best, and hands down, that's you."

"Damn right, it is," Emma nodded.

Newt smiled through tears as the niffler looked up at him. "I know what happened the last time we saw Qilins, Newt," Theseus told him. "And you did all that you could. Saving one was far better than saving none. You can help her, I know you can. You have this, little brother. Happy Christmas. I love you."

Newt sniffed, looking like he wanted to reach out and hug the Patronus. "I love you, too," he whispered.

The niffler bowed its head. "By the way," Theseus's voice was lighter. "The Qilin seemed to make a thunderbird friend while in captivity . . . just in case one tries flying to the reserve."

Newt did a double take, then choked on laughter as the Patronus dissipated. "Only you, The'," he shook his head, using his sleeve to scrub tears off his face. "Only you."

"Well," Queenie attempted to lighten the mood. "As far as Christmas presents go . . . I think Theseus wins this year."

"Oh, hands down," Emma agreed, taking a small step forward and crouching to join Newt in looking at the Qilin. "Oh, Newt, she's beautiful."

"She is," Newt nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "And none of them are going to die on my watch."

"That's the spirit," Queenie smiled proudly.

"This is the best Christmas ever," Harry gushed, sitting on the ground to look more closely at the Qilin, only reaching out to pet her when she bowed her head at him. He knew better than to touch a scared animal before being given permission. The last time he had done that he had had a bite on his wrist in the shape of a pegasus' teeth.

The creature turned her head to examine the child, and Emma grinned a Cheshire-like grin at Newt. "No pressure on getting your brother a better present than this."

Newt rolled his eyes fondly, then paused. "Yeah," he agreed slowly, already thinking. "No pressure."

***

Lucius was grateful he had his Christmas morning with his wife, son, and best friends at Malfoy Manor before being subjected to the Ministry's Yule celebration in the evening.

Currently, he watched from the shadows of a pillar as Narcissa spoke with Evelyn Greengrass and Stefania Zabini, two pureblood witches his wife deemed "worth her time." Evelyn was the wife of Lord Darius Greengrass, one of the few members of the Sacred Twenty-Eight that Lucius found a valuable acquaintance. In fact, it was with the Greengrass family that the Malfoys had left Draco. While Lucius had no doubt that Harry and Draco would have been as thick as thieves had they grown up together, Draco had grown to forge friendships with Stefania's son, Blaise, and the Greengrass daughters, Daphne and Astoria. It relieved Lucius to know his son would have allies in Daphne and Blaise, at least, when he went to Hogwarts.

The click of heels caught his attention, and he straightened as Narcissa all but glided across the floor towards him, the hem of her black velvet gown rustling on the tiles. "And how has your evening gone, husband?" she asked, tilting her head.

"I do believe I must have a face that makes our colleagues want to avoid me," Lucius answered with a smug smile, extending his arm.

"Oh, that does explain why not even Darius has attempted to approach you," Narcissa matched his grin, slipping her hand into the crook of his arm.

Lucius rolled his eyes, taking a sip of his champagne. "Politics," he grumbled.

"I don't think I have ever agreed more with how that word is said."

The Malfoys stopped, and Lucius took a moment to remove the surprise from his face and compose himself before he turned. "Lord Scamander," he said smoothly, bowing to the man clothed in black and ice blue as Narcissa dipped into a curtsey.

"Lord Malfoy," Theseus returned the bow, then held out his hand to Narcissa. "Lady Malfoy."

"What a pleasant surprise," Narcissa smiled pleasantly, not a mask in place as he kissed the back of her hand. "I don't believe I have ever come across you at a Ministry Yule Ball before."

"I'm a man who is apparently quite in demand, according to the Minister," Theseus smiled, not batting an eye.

Lucius nodded, knowing just how important the Head Auror was to the Ministry. There wasn't a member of the Sacred Twenty-Eight who didn't know of Theseus Scamander's service in the Global Wizarding War, and the sacrifices he had made once the war concluded. No one played the political game like Theseus, and Lucius had personally witnessed the man run rings around the Minister. He would pay a ridiculous amount of Galleons to see him go head to head against Albus Dumbledore. Theseus had been working in politics and the Ministry since before Lucius was born, and there were few he respected more.

That was why he figured he had to be very careful with his words. "Yes, I heard of the warehouse raid a few days ago," he told Theseus. "That many magical creatures? Impressive work with the traffickers."

Theseus's eyes flashed, and a dangerous smirk curved his lips. "Show me creature traffickers any day. It will always be a pleasure to end them."

Lucius felt Narcissa's concealed shudder, and a shiver went down his spine. Theseus's brother, who had been in hiding since aiding Head Auror Goldstein's sister, was still the most respected magizoologist in the world. He knew they were on very thin ice here. "Then if I ever hear of such problems, you will be the first to know," he promised.

Theseus nodded. "I appreciate that, Lord Malfoy."

Laughter from the opposite side of the room caused the trio to look over, and Narcissa sighed, shaking her head as she looked at the ginger couple. "I do not understand that family."

"The Weasleys?" Theseus raised an eyebrow.

Narcissa snorted. "You will never find another family more obsessed with a child."

Lucius gave her a dubious look. "No one?" he asked, thinking of Dumbledore, holding back a sneer at the thought.

"A family," Narcissa stressed. "According to Evelyn, their youngest have been all but raised to make themselves Harry Potter's closest confidants. Next year, when Harry Potter goes to Hogwarts, their youngest boy, Ronald, will try to befriend him. Dare I say, if the Potter boy has been raised right, he'll be able to tell if it's genuine or not."

Lucius was sure horror showed on his face before he wiped it away. "I pity the poor boy then. If they are being raised to be his closest confidants, it will only end up one of two ways. He's receptive or he doesn't care for the boy. Not that I would blame him," he scoffed quietly. "Not many of the Weasley children have proper manners," he finished. He wasn't being a bully to the family of redheads, he was stating the truth. Most of the Weasley family in general didn't have manners, but more specifically their youngest boy, who, whenever Arthur was seen in public with him, was screaming and whining about food. Lucius had always been polite to the family, but that didn't mean that his thoughts had to be. Anyone under Dumbledore was already immediately placed with Dumbledore: in the lowest place. The Weasleys were under Dumbledore's thumb and were now, apparently, raising their children to be the same way.

"I'm surprised you're taking an interest in Harry Potter's well-being, even if it's just a little," Theseus remarked, narrowing his eyes.

Lucius and Narcissa exchanged looks, not sure how much to reveal to the Head Auror. On the one hand, Theseus's word that Lucius had been held under the Imperius Curse had been vital to Lucius's exoneration . . . on the other hand, they knew Theseus had fought under Dumbledore during the Global Wizarding War. "Pardon me for wanting to keep my side to myself, Lord Scamander," Lucius finally said. "After all, my family suffered enough in the last war."

"Of course," Theseus nodded. "Let me assure you of mine." Lucius raised an eyebrow, and the man's eyes slid to the main platform in the room. "It's to ensure that no one is a manipulator's pawn in the years to come."

And Lucius knew he did not imagine the nasty look Theseus aimed specifically at Albus Dumbledore, who was in what appeared to be a very cheerful conversation with the Minister. "Then I believe we are on the same side after all."

Theseus nodded, then a bewildered look crossed his face, and he searched his coat. "Lord Scamander?" Narcissa blinked.

"I apologize," Theseus drew a pulsing stone from his pocket, brow furrowed. "The wards on my office are warning me of an intruder." He put the stone back in his pocket, an apologetic look on his face. "Excuse me, I need to handle this."

"Do you need a hand, my lord?" Lucius offered, then concealed a wince. He felt Narcissa squeeze his elbow at the same time; who was he kidding? Like Theseus Scamander, of all Aurors, required assistance.

He was surprised, therefore, when Theseus considered. "There's no harm in being too careful," he said. "That is, if you don't mind if I borrow your husband, Lady Malfoy?"

"Not at all," Narcissa shook her head, reaching up to kiss Lucius's cheek. "Be careful," she whispered.

"I will be," he promised.

***

Theseus hated Yule celebration at the Ministry. It had always been easy to bow out by claiming he was needed elsewhere, but with the successful warehouse raid two days ago, there was no excuse he could create that would get him excused.

So when he was alerted that his wards were breached, he found himself more relieved by the chance to escape the celebration than suspicious of an intruder in his office.

That Lucius Malfoy, of all the politicians in the room, had volunteered to accompany him was more of a surprise. He knew the man had been under the Imperius Curse while he worked for Voldemort, he had seen his share of Imperioed loyalists from the war with Grindelwald. While Theseus had worked to make sure he was well-respected, he made no clear declarations for which delegation he belonged to in the Sacred Twenty-Eight. The only true alliance the House of Scamander held was with the House of Peverell and subsequently the House of Potter . . . and really, that was the only alliance Theseus required.

They breezed through the Auror offices, and Theseus frowned, not seeing anything wrong with the door or outer walls of his office. "Curious," he muttered.

"Does this mean someone has gotten directly into your office?" Lucius asked, tilting his head. "It doesn't look like they even tried to get through the door."

"It appears so," Theseus nodded, drawing his wand. "But my wards are the best in the office. If something got through . . . "

That was all he needed to say, for Lucius's expression hardened and he drew his wand from his walking stick. "Understood."

Theseus steeled himself, running through the different curses and hexes he could use in his mind, then he pressed his hand to the door. The runes glowed, recognizing his magic, and the door unlocked. Theseus hastily opened it and stepped into the room, wand raised.

He almost dropped his wand, however, when he heard a small, almost pathetic whimper come from behind his desk. "What was that?" Lucius frowned in confusion.

Theseus rounded his desk, and he inhaled sharply. "Merlin's beard!"

A spacious crate of bars that gleamed like silver was behind his desk, and batting at them was a small wolf pup with fur the white and silver colors of pure snow. Glittering crystal eyes peered up at him curiously, then the pup whined and scratched at the door, her tail wagging furiously.

It was the most beautiful wolf Theseus had ever seen. "Sweet mother of magic," he gulped, hastily crouching next to the cage and unfastening it. He barely had time to brace himself before the pup launched out of the crate and into his arms, sniffing him all over. Her fur was cool to the touch, and Theseus ran his hand over her back. "Well . . . I guess this beauty triggered the wards."

"She's beautiful," Lucius marveled, placing his wand back in his walking stick. "I don't believe I've ever seen a wolf like this before."

"Neither have I," Theseus admitted, letting the pup lick his hand. He refrained from shivering; everything about the pup was cold, and that meant one thing. "I've only heard about her kind. She's a winter wolf."

"A winter wolf?" Lucius looked shocked. "They are incredibly rare, Lord Scamander. For one to have been delivered to you - "

He saw the exact moment realization hit Lucius, and Theseus narrowed his eyes. "Speak a word of this to anyone, Lord Malfoy, and you will discover just how much pull I have in this Ministry," he warned. "Are we clear?"

Lucius nodded slowly. "As clear as crystal, Lord Scamander," he nodded, eyeing the pup. "I will inform the Minister you have been indisposed."

Theseus nodded in relief. "Thank you." As Lucius headed for the door, Theseus sighed. "I mean it, Lucius . . . both of those. Thank you."

Lucius nodded in return, heading for the door. "Happy Christmas, Theseus," he wished before shutting the door behind him.

The wards immediately activated once more, but this time, Theseus saw the silver magic that snuck through the crack and bounced off the walls before landing on top of the crate. He took a deep breath, sitting in the chair at his desk, making the wolf pup comfortable in his lap. He braced himself, then nodded at the Patronus atop the crate.

The niffler nodded in reply, then started to speak. "First things first, Harry was overjoyed to receive the ring you gifted him," Newt's voice came from the Patronus. "He's delighted to be part of our family. I can't wait for you to meet him, The'. You'll love him, just like I do." I don't doubt it, Theseus thought fondly. "Second . . . thank you for the warehouse raid. I know you didn't know what you were getting into, but you made sure the rest of the creatures were taken home. That means the world to me. And third . . . the Qilin." Here the Patronus paused, and Theseus's heart clenched when he heard Newt take a deep breath. "I don't even know where to begin. You're right, the Ministry can't know about her. To know that you trust me to take care of her . . . words can't begin to thank you, The'. But . . . thank you."

Newt coughed, clearing his throat before he continued. "Though you should know I've been teased relentlessly by Emma ever since because you won the award for Giving the Best Christmas Gift at the reserve and there was no pressure to return the favor. Well . . . I'm doing my best. This pup is the last of her pack. Tina was the one who found her - she's the sole survivor. I knew there was something special about her the moment Tina brought her to the reserve, but I couldn't figure out why . . . not until you had the Qilin delivered to me. I hate that we can't see each other, The'. You know me, I don't use that word lightly, but I hate what Dumbledore has done to us. I hate you can't come to America without Dumbledore on your arse to see if he can find where Queenie and I are located. I know Tina sees you . . . but I want you to have someone else, too. Someone you can absolutely trust. So . . . this pup is yours." Theseus's eyes widened, and he looked down at the pup. She tilted her head at him, her tail swishing side to side. "Wolves are one of the most loyal creatures in existence, and winter wolves form those bonds right away. I think she has the making of a good familiar for you, The', and she deserves to be bonded to someone who will value her. Just like you know I'll take care of the Qilin, I know you'll treasure her."

Theseus swallowed hard, looking down at the hopeful pup. Newt loathed parting with his creatures, he had heard firsthand from Tina about how sad he had been to separate from Frank. For Newt to have taken care of this pup, then decide to gift her to him . . . "My brother," he shook his head fondly, smiling at the pup. "Looks like we're stuck with each other, huh?"

The wolf tilted her head, then sneezed, a few frost crystals dancing in the air. "I love you, Theseus," Newt concluded. "And Happy Christmas." He paused, then added, "And really? A thunderbird?"

Newt's Patronus dissolved, and Theseus laughed, scratching his new friend's head. "Yeah," he agreed. "Happy Christmas, indeed."

***

The crackle of fire made Newt look up from removing his wet boots, and he snatched the incoming message out of the air. He could hear Harry excitedly recounting the day for Tina as the female Auror joined Queenie and Emma in the kitchen, so he stepped into the side room, easily opening the envelope.

There was no letter inside, just a photo that made his heart sing. Theseus grinned widely for the camera, dressed for a formal event in a three-piece suit of black and ice blue, the color of the House of Scamander. Theseus was quickly distracted by the giddy pup cradled in his arms, the female wolf licking his face excitedly. Her tail was a blur of white in the frame, then she turned and barked at the camera, tongue lolling out of her mouth.

Newt smiled warmly, then flipped the picture over to see Theseus's familiar handwriting.

Newt,

I swear to Merlin, if Christmas from this point forward means we keep trying to one-up each other, I will never forgive you.

That's a complete lie, there's honestly nothing you could do to make me never forgive you. On my honor, I will treasure this girl with my life. I know what it means for you to part with one of your creatures, and to be trusted with her means the world to me. We'll look out for each other. I promise.

All my love,

Theseus

P.S. Tell Harry and Emma I look forward to meeting them one day in Britain. Family always finds its way to each other, one way or another.

Newt smiled, flipping the photograph around to look once more at the delighted face of his older brother. Just like Emma, he had previously had a love/hate relationship with the holiday since the war with Grindelwald and going into hiding with Queenie. The holidays without his brother had never felt the same.

To be able to put that smile on Theseus's face? Best Christmas ever.

***

Name a better sibling duo than Newt and Theseus. I dare you. *narrows eyes*

Should anyone have developed cavities from reading this chapter, please forward all dental bills to myself or Miss Singer . . . though if it was from the last half of the chapter with the creatures, send them to me. That was my doing. XD I hope you like the new introductions! You will be seeing more of Achilles (the Black Forest horse is gorgeous, isn't it?) and Theseus's new pup (her name will be revealed in time) in the future, I promise! The winter wolf is an inspiration from the D&D-inspired computer game I play . . . she has lots of surprises in store!

Come on, we had to have a chapter that was mostly fluff. Christmas was a wonderful way to provide it to all of you. Theseus hasn't met Harry nor Emma yet, but he knows his brother. If Newt adopts someone as family, you can sure as hell bet Theseus will make that adoption official.

And, well . . . it's Newt and Theseus. What else are they gonna give each other for Christmas except magical creatures? XD

We don't have much further to go, everyone! Just the epilogue left, and then it's Hogwarts bound!

~ Miss Moffat

***

Me: *is sobbing because Newt and The' are absolutely adorable*

Anyways, hi! It's summer, and it's not July, and yet. . . Christmas is here early! Double update and an abundance of Newt and Theseus fluff! Can you tell who our favorites are? What did you think of the wolf pup? Think she's a fit to Theseus? We hope you love her as much as we do!

After this, it's one more chapter - the Epilogue, and then off to Hogwarts for our favorite vanquisher. We told everyone there were some big deviances from canon here, so. . . Theseus and Lucius have met and found out they are on the same side!

What'd everyone think? What was your favorite part of this chapter? I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as we did writing it!

As always, stay safe, stay cool, and stay reading. We love you!

~ Miss Singer xx <3