Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dear Zeus,

How are you? It has been a while since you last wrote. Were you busy?

Things have been hectic here the past few months, the paperwork alone is endless. It was refreshing to get a letter from you.

Mother is doing better, thank you for asking. The new mediwitch seems to know what she is doing, as opposed to the last one. Mother sends her regards.

Don’t be a stranger.

Percy

...

Theseus Scamander read and re-read the letter in his hands several times, but its contents remained unchanged. Even after a Revelio and several other spells which came to mind, there was something inherently not right about it.

Scratch that. There was a lot of wrong with it. On so many levels.

Passing by the strange shortness of the letter, the most glaring deviation from the norm were the names. Since when did Percival refer to himself as Percy? It was one thing for Theseus to teasingly call him such, but the American had always been adamant that my-name-is-Percival-get-it-through-your-thick-skull-Scamander from as early as their first written contact back in Hogwarts days. Not that it stopped Theseus from using the shortening - or Percival looking like a besotted idiot when Newt occasionally addressed him as such.

Whatever the case, the man using the variant so out of the blue was certainly strange.

And yet... If it only were the shortness and the atypical signature, Theseus might have ignored the strangeness.

But there was more.

It was a running joke among them for Percival to address Theseus as various mythical and mythological characters and creatures, just like it was Theseus’ habit to sign himself off as one. But there was a system to it. Percy would come up with one then Theseus would sign himself off as said character in his response. Percival would come up with a different one in the next letter and then Theseus would use the new name in his response.

Given the number of letters they had exchanged over the years, some names were re-used every now and then. Zeus the rare one which re-appeared repeatedly after a few months had passed, given it was more or less a shortening of his name and what Percival often called him when they saw each other. Ironically enough, his actual name – though also found in mythology – had only ever been used in their earliest letters before they started feeling comfortable enough with the writing to tease each other. Thus it came to be that Theseus was addressed as everything from Zeus to a banshee. 

It wouldn't be that strange for "Zeus" to reappear eventually. Except Theseus had signed himself as Zeus in the letter he had sent two weeks before.

As far as Theseus remembered, Percival had never re-used the same name two letters in a row. Oh, wait, he had. Once. And with the ribbing he got from Theseus for losing his creative streak, he had not repeated the mistake in over a decade.

And if any of that did not ring any warning bells, what was wrong with the impersonal letter itself?

Theseus knew that the letter he himself had sent two weeks ago had been on the shorter side and, truth be said, rather bland, but Percy knew his moods following a long period spent undercover. He had never, even indirectly, blamed him for his troubles with readjusting after a long time undercover, nor for the absence of letters which the assignments caused.

This time Theseus had not been able to write for over four months, a time which he had spent investigating a group of Grindelwald's supporters. Lovely people, really, if you liked the company of murderers and fanatics.

Theseus did not regret going, the assignment had been a success, after all. Not that he had written as much in his letter. He wouldn't send such information via mail, even to another Auror. The post could be intercepted after all.

It did not change the fact that it was almost five months since he last heard from his best friend and he got a five-line letter from a man who generally wrote at least a whole list. Generally two. 

It had been almost five months and yet… No teasing? No relevant news?

Not even asking about Newt!?  His best friend and his baby brother had been dancing around each other for years. It was quite pathetic to watch the two exist in the same room, really. Maybe it was finally time to confront the two of them together, not let himself be rebuffed when he tried to do it separately.

But first things first.

Theseus re-read the letter for what was possibly the hundredth time and its wording remained just as strange as it had appeared on the first read.

‘It has been a while. Were you busy?’ Percival knew where he had been.

Mama Graves ‘sends her regards.’? As if the two weren’t even acquainted. Theseus could only hope that the woman was, in fact, getting better.

'Don't be a stranger.' What a curious ending to a letter which appeared as if it were written... to a stranger.

Something was wrong.

Something was very wrong even.

But Theseus had to make sure first.

...

Dear Percy,

I am sorry to hear that you are buried in paperwork. Maybe foist some of it on the underlings?

I am also sorry for not having written earlier, I was overseas for some time, you know how time flies when you are having a good time.

Happy to hear that your mother's condition is improving though. Talking about family, have you heard? My sister got betrothed in the time I was gone. The nerve. I will have to visit the husband-to-be and give him a piece of mind for not having waited to ask my permission.

Be grateful for only having brothers.

Zeus

...

Dear Zeus,

I will consider relegating the paperwork. There truly is too much for one person to handle.

I am sorry to hear about your plight as an older brother of a young lady. I admit I haven't heard of the betrothal. Send your sister and her betrothed my congratulations.

Now that your overseas vacation is over what do you plan to do? Will you be similarly swamped with work or will you come to visit?

Percy

...

Hey there Baby Lizard,

Is your next stop still New York? Would you mind much some company from your most favourite and very handsome brother?

T.

...

Thee,

you are my only brother. But most favourite nonetheless. Unless we are counting the herd, then you are maybe the fourth. 

Still New York and I definitely won’t mind the company. Just don’t wear anything shiny… or do. I’ll use it to distract Herbert if you irritate me.

The ship is leaving next Wednesday at noon. I already bought you a ticket, so no need to worry about that.

Did something happen to Percival?

N.

...

You are ever perceptive, Baby Hippogriff. (We are all a part of mum's herd, I suppose.) I will be at the harbour and explain on the way.

T.

...

To: Torquil Travers, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement

I have decided to accept the leave offered as compensation for the free days missed during the latest assignment in order to resolve a family matter.

I expect to report back to work no later than December 20. If the matter appears unlikely to be solved by then and my presence is required in order to do so I will contact you promptly.

Theseus Scamander, Head of the Auror Office

...

Dear Percy,

Although I planned to visit, something came up at work and it turns out I won’t be able to leave town in the upcoming weeks. I will write when the situation clears up.

The happy couple sends their thanks. You should expect a wedding invitation, then again, it might take a few weeks before the preparations get to that stage.

Take care of yourself in the meantime.

Zeus

Chapter Text

My dearest Lamb,

have you heard from your brother recently? His replies to my letters are strange to say the least, and the elves say they haven't seen him at the estate in weeks. Could you or Tor go check up on him?

And how are you? I haven't heard from you for some time either. Will you come home soon?

Love,

Mum

...

NO WITCHCRAFT IN AMERICA!

We need a second SALEM

We march for America and for Justice against modern Sadducism!*

...

Incident report: 31 October 1926

Involved:

• Porpentina Esther Goldstein, Auror, Cross-reference record of employment
• Mary Lou Barebone, No-Maj, a known descendant of Bartholomew Barebone and a yet-unknown Scourer line, on watch-list for activities threatening the Statute of Secrecy, Cross-reference: New Salem Philantropic Society (NSPS)
• Credence Barebone, No-Maj, no blood relation, in care of Mary Lou Barebone, member of NSPS through association with Mary Lou Barebone
• No-Majs, members of NSPS (24)
• Obliviator squad #21 - lead obliviator: Charlene Avery, 6 members

Recount of the incident:

In the early hours of 31 October, 1926, Auror Porpentina Goldstein reportedly confronted No-Maj Mary Lou Barebone in regard to her disciplinary actions towards No-Maj Credence Barebone. The confrontation happened in front of no less than 24 other No-Majs present, requiring the Obliviator squad #21. When questioned, Auror Goldstein...

...

Sorry ma, I can’t go shout some sense into him now. I tried to a few weeks back and I was sent to oversee an issue in the Peruvian dragon reserve within a week. I am reasonably sure it was his doing.

Tor was in New York over the weekend and met with Percival. He said Percival was a bit short with him but seemed healthy. I sent Tor a letter to check the estate wards and a query for further details.

Maybe Percival has a new flame and houses elsewhere? Quite unlikely, pining after that Brit of his as he is, but one never knows.

I'm still in Peru, unfortunately. I might make it home for Yule.

Take care ma,

Lamorak

...

Porpentina Goldenstein,

In response to the incident on 31 October, 1926. you are hereby relieved of your duties as an Auror.

Reasons being a breach of Statute of Secrecy and of Rappaport’s Law

On account of your successful service preceding the incident it has been decided that your status within MACUSA is changed from Auror to Federal Wand Permit Officer. You are also put on probation for a period of two years, a review being periodically scheduled for every three months in the upcoming two years. Your closest review is scheduled for 2 February, 1927. If your performance is deemed unsatisfactory at the review or at any point during the two-year period, you will be put under trial.

You are expected to clear your current workstation and report to Wand Permit Department by the end of the workday.

Percival Graves, Head of Auror Department

...

Mr Jacob Kowalski,

your request for a loan from Steen National Bank
for the purpose of: setting up a small business - bakery
filed on: 2 November, 1926
is: rejected
on account of: insufficient information presented.

In case of a second appeal, we recommend setting up a personal meeting.

...

"Thee!"

Even without the shout to catch his attention, Theseus Scamander would be able to spot his brother among the crush of people going about their day. Even little shorter than him as he was, Newt was still taller than the average.

The wild curls and his favourite blue coat also didn't hurt in that aspect.

"Hey there, baby lizard!" Theseus reached out and wrapped the younger man in a hug. Dear Merlin, he had missed him.

"Stop calling me that," Newt mumbled into his shoulder. "People look at me weird when you do it."

"Newt, believe me. People call each other things that are much weirder than that." Theseus couldn't help but laugh as he drew back. 

From close up he could see that Newt looked tired. Worried about Percival, perhaps? And it seemed as if he had lost some weight. Again. He'd need to keep a close eye on that.

"If you say so..." Newt didn't immediately shy away and seemed oblivious to his scrutiny. Good.

"Come on then, little brother. We need to board before they leave without us!"

"Where are you going? I have your ticket!"

...

Dearest Agatha,

How are you? I hear you’ve been feeling under the weather. I hope nothing serious?

I am sorry for the lapse in correspondence. My assignment (which you of course know nothing about) ran longer than I expected.

Maybe soon enough we will be succcessful in bringing our families together. Speaking of, whenever shall we inform Percival and the rest of your sons of our romance?

Eternally yours,

Thercival, your humble servant

...

The boy sat shaking on the ground. His wounds were stinging. The sound of his mother's belt hitting skin was still resonating in his ears.

Was this all that was meant for him in life? Why? Was he as rotten as his mother made him out to be? Or was it because he sometimes lost track of time? Where was he when he was not here?

He curled up his palms and his vision blurred for a moment but the sound of steps echoing through the alley made his surroundings snap back into clarity. He turned around and...

"Hello, Mr Graves."

"Hello, Credence."

...

Señor García,

Obrigado mais uma vez pela gentil oferta de reabilitar Frank, o Pássaro-Trovão sob meus cuidados, a quem escrevi a respeito. Infelizmente, estou a caminho de Nova York e parece que será necessária uma estadia mais longa do que o esperado.

Continuarei a cuidar dele da melhor maneira possível e chegarei no final do ano, o mais tardar. Se, entretanto, você tiver uma palavra de conselho sobre os cuidados dele, ficarei muito grato.

Sinceramente,
Newton Scamander

...

"I told you to ward the case!"

"I did!"

"Why are we searching for an escaped mooncalf then?"

"It's not my fault! Herbert let him out!"

"Herbert? Who the bloody hell is... Herbert... ... Newt?"

"... Yes?"

"Are we searching for an escaped niffler, too?"

"... Maybe?"

"By Morgana, why?"

...

|| ? |||| ? || ? |||| |||| |||| |||| || ? |||| |||| |||| ? |||| |||| |||| |||| |||| |||| ?  |||| |||| |||| | ? |||| ||| ? | ? || ? |||| |

...

It was not a strange occurrence to see MACUSA workers have a drink after work in The Wyvern. The two people sitting at the bar, however, were not frequent patrons of the place.

"One has to wonder why No-Majs banned alcohol. All it does is make for more miserable people and promote underground dealings," the woman said as she raised her glass of Daisyroot Draught in salute before drinking.

"Strange creatures, those No-Majs," the man agreed, his second Gigglewater of the evening yet untouched. "Why so many wizards want to pollute our society by their customs, I will never understand."

"Harsh today, aren't you?" the woman noted, side-eying her companion.

"Is it harsh if it's the truth?" he replied, looking through rather than into the mirror behind the bar. "Just think about it. Among No-Majs, we wouldn't be able to drink here together. You wouldn't have your job. If you were even able to have any job at that."

"That is true enough."

"In all the years we have known each other, have I ever not told you harsh truths?"

"Harsh truths? Oh you certainly told me many of those. I've always thought of you as one of my rare honest friends. But what you're talking about now borders on the things Grindelwald's flunkeys say when we catch them."

"I suppose it does," the man acquiesced and turned to the woman. "How long have we known each other, Seraphina?"

"Is your memory going, too? We've known each other since Ilvermorny so that makes it... Twenty-six years? Give or take. I'm fuzzy on the details of which year we started interacting more," Seraphina Picquery responded after a minute or so of contemplation.

The man laughed at the answer and then kicked back his Gigglewater shot. Instead of the carefree giggle the alcohol was supposed to induce, however, it only amplified the man's pre-existing merriment. Loud enough that some of the other patrons turned their heads only to quickly look back to their own drinks and companions.

It was one thing to chastise a loud drunk.

It was another thing to draw the attention of the Head of Auror Department on yourself.

"Twenty-six years. That's a long time, Seraphina." The man placed the empty glass on the bar and summoned his coat with a flick of his wrist. "And even you don't know all my opinions enough to not be surprised by some of the things I tell you these days. Isn't it strange? Merlin's wand, twenty-six years."

"I fail to see what is funny here, Percival." She narrowed her eyes at the man who was still shaking with intermittent laughter as he put on his coat, brushing non-existent lint off it. Seraphina wasn't sure what it was about the sight that raised her hackles. The movement? The man's previous statement? Or was it that strange laugh itself? It was uncharacteristically harsh, somehow.

Maybe it was the wide grin that her friend turned to her before leaving.

"No. I suppose you don't."

Had it always looked like that?

...

Theseus, you cad, there has never been a humble bone in your body. There shall be no romance ever.

I'll be quite content to be an in-law to you, thank you very much.

Your brother may be more skittish than a mooncalf but he has the protectiveness of a mother nundu and I still firmly believe he would be a perfect match for my son, however strange my boy is behaving at present. Maybe I should remind him what are our family values.

I do hope you are recuperating well from your assignment.

Agatha

...

"Hey, Thee..."

"Yes?" Theseus woke up from his light slumber. Muggle transport of any kind always put him to sleep.

"Do you think Percival will be happy to see- us?"

'Always so unsure.' Theseus couldn't help but think as he turned to his brother who was very resolutely not looking back at him.

"Oh, Newt. There's no need to worry." He reached to pat the hands that Newt seemed determined to wring together until the joints turned white permanently. "He'll be thrilled."

As if Percival Graves would ever be anything else at the sight of his baby brother. And if he wasn't... Well if there was ever an indicator for something weird going on, that would be it.

...

Loveliest Agatha,

I am heartbroken. Devastated! Utterly and irreversibly destroyed. A mere in-law! IN-LAW!

Sounds delightful.

I am currently overseeing a related project, so no need to push from your side immediately. I am hoping to arrange for something by Yule at latest. Please don't mention my brother to Percival, if you can. Or me for that matter. I am hoping for a grand surprise.

Keep safe until then,

Your hopeful in-law to be

Chapter Text

After Newt deposited the two captured escapees into the suitcase - the mooncalf lured with lunch and the niffler, Herbert, with some poor schmuck's lost watch - Theseus realised that there was no way he could put off informing Newt any longer.

His little brother had the right to know about his suspicions of Percival Graves having been replaced by an impostor.

Past the initial description of the weird letter, the conversation went about as well as expected.

"An impostor replaced Percival? What? How? And since when?"

"I don't know much more than you do, Newt. Something must have happened in the four and half months I've been gone. Or maybe even in the five after he's visited us for Litha... I can't quite be sure about the impostor thing, but the letter I got from him two weeks back was simply wrong. Here. Read." Theseus held out the letter which had started the whole ordeal.

Newt snatched the offered piece of parchment, skimmed it, and then held out his hand.

"There isn't any more than that, Newt," Theseus stressed.

"What?" Even though Newt was too shy to initiate an extensive correspondence with Percival himself, he was well-versed in the older man's writing habits.

"That's it. What you're holding is the whole letter."

"That's it? But that's…"

"Weird, yes. And that's not even all of it. The second letter is even stranger." Theseus reasoned, holding out the reply that stank of deception. "I set up the response to the first letter with some trap phrases... Whoever responded to the letter triggered pretty much all of them."

Newt read through the response quickly. Then he turned the parchment over, as he once again expected there to be more than the strange missive. Then he visibly reread the letter.

The scrunch which formed between his little brother's eyebrows as he subvocalized the words "older brother of a young lady" would have been adorable in any other context.

"But that doesn't even make sense," Newt said as he finished reading for what seemed to be the third time. "Even as a joke it wouldn't make sense. And if someone truly took Percival's place, wouldn't they study his habits and acquaintances?"

Therein lies the core of the problem.

"I thought about that as well," Theseus admitted. "It would be one thing for Percival to suddenly start using "underlings" as an acceptable word, despite chiding me about it anytime I used it in our correspondence over the years. It's entirely another matter if someone has taken over and is so blasé about not keeping to Percival's persona. That is mostly why I decided to come with you in person."

"Explain." Newt's eyes narrowed.

"If this has been going for a few weeks at most, then maybe the person is just that sloppy. I'd happily let someone else deal with it. But if by some truly cosmically bad coincidence, this has been going on the entire time I've been gone... Merlin all the implications of that." Theseus rubbed his palm over his face. "For a start, while the Graveses don't partake in a weekly Sunday roast, they are quite close, usually."

"Do you think this person did something to Percival's family?"

"At present? No. But they could, in time. Agatha is already worried. Tor and Lamorak are probably digging into it by this point as well. That means that whoever this person is, they don't care much about keeping up appearances. Only enough to hold for an everyday observer. For people Percival is not particularly close to. They..."

Dangerous beasts have always been Newt's speciality. He easily followed the line of Theseus' deductions.

"They only care about holding the ruse until they reach some goal. But why do it like this?"

"Aside from temporarily getting the influence of the second most powerful person in the magical United States? I don't have the slightest, Newt. But even simple spells like Confundus or Notice-me-not are draining if used daily. Never mind long-term transfiguration. No one would use subterfuge like this if they didn't have a big goal in mind or if they thought their spells wouldn't hold for that long. And if this has been going on for literal months..."

"You're not just coming to check up on Percival. You're coming as a backup," Newt summarised accurately.

"Of course I am! Putting aside the good sort, there are only five or six people I can think of who would be capable of starting a deception of this magnitude and getting away with it. Really truly dark wizards and witches, Newt. Only three of them are currently unaccounted for. Never mind a possible unknown player. Whoever this person is, they are bloody powerful. When this crashes down they won't go down without a fight. And you bloody bet I won't leave you and the other Graveses alone in New York for when that happens."

...

Lam,

the wards on the estate are a mess. Percival must have been around recently enough for the wards to feed off him passively, but he hadn't done the strengthening rituals for Mabon and Samhain. Quite possibly, he hadn't done the Lughnashad ritual either.

I know we are not supposed to and I know Percival normally doesn't, but I did the offering for Brumalia. It was too late to try the one for Samhain but I had to do at least something. If you'd felt the feebleness of the wards you would understand.

I am not sure if I should confront him about it. Our last conversation was... strained to say the least. Given your current assignment in Peru, I assume yours was even worse. I fear that his temper is slowly growing worse.  How could he have gotten so bad so quickly? I don't understand.  It's a mess and I need more information. I'm going to see Ma later this week, maybe she will have some insight about the wards at least.

I will write an update as soon as possible but let's hope this gets solved before Yule.

Tor

...

Regrets.

Percival Graves had many of those.

He regretted burying himself in work. He did good work. He knew that. But he did so at the expense of his personal life. He was never going to get the chance to make that right.

He regretted letting the relationship with his brothers grow distant in recent years. Maybe Tor or Lamorak would have noticed something was wrong, had he been a better brother?

He regretted the last row he had with his mother. In hindsight, he understood that she just wanted to see him happy. His anger over the last "accidental encounter" with the daughter of one of her friends seemed so damn stupid now. But when he had said he needed space after… Surely she did not think he had wanted that much time to cool off?

He regretted leaving that damned bar while still inebriated. Why did the one attempt at building a better relationship with his Aurors backfire so spectacularly?

He regretted not telling Theseus that his letters were sometimes the only sense of normalcy he had. He was so grateful for his friendship and bringing Newt into his life yet he never took the time to tell him that.

Newt… He had many regrets about Newt. Would the man grieve his absence?

If only he had taken up Newt's offer of travelling with him when the younger man asked during his visit. So endearing with his shy offer. So gracious in accepting Percival's refusal.

If only his annual two-day leave hadn't just ended when Grindelwald accosted him.

If only Theseus hadn't gone on that undercover assignment. Maybe he would have noticed something wrong.

If only he...

If only they...

If... If... If...

Too much time spent alone gave him space to be maudlin and regretful.

How long has he been held captive already?

Weeks?

Months?

Surely it was several of those at least...

But what if it had been more? Time flowed so strangely in this place.

...

G,

Four of ours, Krafft included, had been caught by the British Aurors. We had a mole among the previous batch of acolytes, one we had not known about. I am unsure if the mole had not left since. I am working on a thorough cleanse of the ranks.

A's experience with Legilimency might prove useful, should you not need him at present.

VR

...

Abernathy,

Come to my office immediately. Make sure Goldstein doesn't see you leaving.

...

He lost a couple of hours again. It was becoming more common.

What happened? He just went to hand out some leaflets like Ma wanted them all to. And then...

"Credence," a voice interrupted his thoughts. He tensed as he turned around sharply but then relaxed his posture again.

He knew this woman. He was sure. But what was her name? He was usually quite good with names and he was sure he knew hers but for some reason, it took a while before the name appeared from the fog.

"Miss Tina?"

"Ah, you remember me. It makes me so happy to hear that."

Happy? She was happy to be remembered by him. How peculiar, Credence couldn't help but think.

It must have shown on his face because Miss Tina laughed softly.

"Of course, I'm happy, Credence. I was so worried that they... Ah, never mind. Do you want to grab a bite?"

Credence wanted to. And not just because he was hungry, but... "I shouldn't."

"It's okay. Neither should I. Let's go anyway. It will be our little secret." She winked at him and held out her hand.

Just talking with the woman, Credence's mind was calm as it hadn't been in days.

He went.

...

Theseus was giddy with excitement when he reached the upper viewing deck.

"I see land!" he exclaimed. Then he turned to Newt. "Is that New York already?"

"It should be. It's been close to nine days since we left Southampton. We must have been slowed down by that storm the day before yesterday," the younger man mused. "We still have over an hour before we reach New York Harbour though."

Both brothers fell silent as they watched the horizon slowly be overtaken by buildings.

"Thee?"

"Yes, Baby Lizard?"

"You're genuinely thinking that Percival has been impersonated, aren't you?"

"Yes." There was no use in pretending. Newt was too perceptive (in matters not of his heart) for anything else but honesty.

"What will we do?"

"We'll deal with it."

"But what if Percival is..."

"He's not."

"But-"

"Percival is not dead."

Silence stretched for a few minutes. Then Newt spoke up, voice soft: "You don't know that."

"No, I don't. But I have to believe that and you should too. If nothing else, I think Agatha uses a well-being tracker on her sons. She would have written differently if she thought for even a second that one of her children might be dead."

"Thanks Merlin for protective mamas."

"I'll drink to that."

"You can't until we reach the magical areas. There's a prohibition in the States now, remember?"

"Damn, forgot about that."

...

Sr Scamander,

Estou confiante em suas habilidades. Aguardarei mais notícias sobre Frank. Dê-lhe uma coçada na cabeça por mim.

Espero que sua estadia mais longa em Nova York seja útil.

Sinceramente,

Tiago García