Strings Attached

Chapter 16

"Mr. Scamander. The wizarding and non-wizarding worlds have been at peace for over a century. Grindelwald wants to see that peace destroyed, and for certain members of our community his message is very seductive. Many purebloods believe it is their birthright to rule not only our world but the non-magic world as well. They see Grindelwald as their hero, and Grindelwald sees this boy as a means to make this all come true." Guzman said, an image of credence forming in the portion of the table.

"I am pretty sure your wife must have mentioned it." Spielman said, he looked at Celeste who shrugged in denial.

"This meeting was supposed to be discreet Mr. Spielman. You are not going to accuse me of breaking the protocols." Celeste answered in anger.

"No she didn't. And you are really talking as if he is still alive. I saw him die in front of me." Newt said, his lips turning into a frown.

"Newt, he is alive." Theseus intervened, his eyes darting between Newt and Celeste. "He's still alive. He left New York months ago. He's somewhere in Europe. Where exactly, we don't know, but-" Theseus was cut off by Newt.

"So you want me to hunt him down? To kill him?" Newt said, scoffing. But a bitter laugh resounded in the room, making both Celeste and Newt go stiff.

It's not news that the Scamander couple dislike Gunnar Grimmson and that he equally and vocally disliked them. But Celeste had him banned due to the security breach on the last mission he was let on.

"Same old Scamander." The bitter voice spoke up, making Celeste clenched her jaw. "Didn't I make it clear Mr. Grimmson that you are not allowed anywhere near my department?" Celeste spoke up, her voice stone cold.

"Mrs. Scamander, I was invited here." Grimmson said, his voice smug. Celeste turned her head to look at him. "I don't remember inviting you." Celeste said, her yellow eyes flaring up.

"What is he doing here?" Newt asked, his voice was filled with anger. "Taking on the job you are too soft to do." He said, smirk on his face.

Before anyone could say anything, Newt stood up and stormed out of the room making Celeste sigh. "Travel documentation denied." She said, as she rubbed her face in frustration.

"That means I have the job." Grimmson said, as Theseus left for the room. He sat on the chair Newt vacated, directly looking in the eyes of Celeste.

"No." Celeste simply said, gathering the papers on the table. She looked away from the papers and looked him in the eyes.

"You heard me Mr. Grimmson. I am not hiring some bounty hunter for this job. You can go now." Celeste said, standing up, straightening her coat.

"What? You cannot possibly do that." Grimmson said, scowling. "Well you have the job Mr. Grimmson." Spielman said, making Celeste whip her head towards the man.

"You cannot override my decisions here Mr. Spielman. You are just an advisor." Celeste said, her eyes turning into a shade of fiery orange.

"Mrs. Scamander, we are going nowhere with this. We have to take a step. You had one job in the New York situation. You didn't handle that properly." Spielman said, raising his brow.

"Says the man who let Grindelwald escape. Listen, Mr. Spielman, I get it, you are scared, but I am not putting my energy into hiring a bounty hunter for this job. I will find an auror, but I am not hiring Mr. Grimmson after his decision led to a security breach." Celeste said, turning around and starting to walk away.

"You are hired. Get on with the work." Guzman said, making Celeste whirl around. "Fucking fine then. Do whatever you like and ignore the decision maker of this hearing." Celeste shouted in frustration before storming out of the room.