Fool Me Once

The first day of school went great - as Hope had expected. She now helped Newt clean up from the day's first lesson. They didn't have any actual creatures on display for them just yet, it was mostly Newt explaining the rules and expectations of class, and Hope had to admit, he had them all enthralled. Well, mostly the girls.

Hope felt they might be less enthused about learning how to care for magical beasts and more about their newly formed crush on Professor Scamander. How could she blame them? She smirked over at him as he cleaned up forgotten papers off the ground where they'd sat, unable to stop herself from admiring his very nicely formed ass as he bent over.

"I think that's the last of them," he turned to look at her and raised his brows, "What?"

"Oh, nothing. You just have a nice behind." Hope shrugged, resulting in Newt's ears turning beet red.

Newt scolded her. "You cannot-"

"There is no one around," she pointed out with a smirk, "what are they going to do? Give me detention?"

"Or send you away." Newt frowned a real fear in his eyes at the very idea of her being sent off because of her desire to be with him.

Hope sighed softly and shook her head. "Everyone has gone off to prepare for supper, and all the faculty know about us. Albus is the headmaster, and he's perfectly supportive of it. He told me so himself."

Taking his hands in hers, she smiled and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth. "You're worrying so much about this, but I am here to tell you that today was a success."

He chuckled and squeezed her hands. "I don't know if I'd call it that. Hardly anyone seemed to care about what we'll be doing and…"

"Hey," she moved him backward so he was against the fence to one of the enclosures, "it is not your job to make people care. You can't; it's an impossible task. Newt… you're putting too much pressure on yourself. Your job is to educate, and with education comes the capacity to care about issues like this. Give it time if you just…be yourself. Your 'haphazard cares more about his creatures than his hair' self. They will learn from you, and one day, they'll even seek your advice."

With a sigh, Newt smiled sheepishly and pulled her closer before kissing her forehead. "Thank you." He bit his lip. "I suppose it was a good day then."

"A fantastic day," she smiled, kissing his lips, "now let's go eat."

It was nice to be inside, where it was cool and clean. Hope was starving when they'd cleaned themselves up and walked through The Great Hall together. Some professors came to eat while others didn't, but most students seemed to be there. Eating and talking with excitement about the day.

As Hope walked past a group of Ravenclaw girls, who were giggling uncontrollably, she felt she knew why. They were glancing at them but mainly at Newt.

Then, in Spanish, one said to another, "Think they're really together?"

"Yes," Hope replied, catching herself off guard. Knowing nothing about your life was strange enough. Then suddenly, you realize you can speak another language.

Newt glanced over at Hope with raised brows. "You speak Spanish?"

With a shrug. "I guess so."

"What's that?" Albus asked as they sat at the front table casually. It wasn't like during the feast the other night, this was much more relaxed.

"Apparently, I can speak another language; who knew?" She shrugged, sipping the blood goblet that always seemed there for her when needed.

His raised brows and smile made her grin.

"I wonder what other talents I have." She poked her lower lip with a fork as she thought it over.

Newt chuckled. "Well, you seem very seasoned at Wizards Chess."

"Ah, yes, but can playing a game of Wizards Chess help the greater good?" Hope asked, biting into a carrot.

"Maybe someday." Newt laughed in response.

Chuckling, Albus nodded. "And what greater good would you like to help?"

"Honestly?" Hope looked over at him.

He met her eyes and nodded. "Yes, honestly."

Taking a breath, she nodded. "I would like to rid the world of poachers."

They were all silent for a moment before Newt finally nodded and answered. "And we shall. One step at a time."

Albus smiled, eyes soft, and lifted his glass. "A noble cause indeed."

Grinning, Hope picked up her glass of water to her left and lifted it to her lips.

She froze.

The scent of something familiar and dangerous caught her attention. Gazing into the cup, she watched the delicate purple petals float to the top.

"Newt…" she spoke softly, causing both of them to stiffen.

Setting the glass down, they looked into the cup too.

Albus bit back a curse before exchanging looks with them.

"This is the second time," Hope frowned, her shoulders deflating a little, "whoever keeps doing this…must really want me to leave Hogwarts."

Newt frowned. "But why would they want that?" He asked, shaking his head. "You've done nothing but be helpful around here…I mean, you destroyed the Defense Against The Dark Arts Room, and you were chased by a painting demon and-" he was cut off by a scalding look from Hope. "I just mean… you've done nothing of personal intent to anyone here. Who would want you gone?"

Hope frowned and looked around the room, as did Newt and Albus. They scanned the teachers eating and talking amongst themselves and interacting with students. That really was a good question.

Who?