"Because... Newt, you're Dumbledore's fa-vor-ite student."
Hermione deliberately drew out the words.
"What kind of reason is that?"
Newt looked utterly baffled. "Besides, aren't you Dumbledore's student too? I didn't notice him showing any hostility toward you."
Hermione spread her hands, perfectly justified. "Grindelwald wouldn't target me over that, because I'm a girl."
Newt, Queenie, Jacob: ???
"Could it be..." Only Thena seemed to realize something. Her lips parted slightly, but she couldn't bring herself to say it.
Hermione snapped her fingers with a crack.
"Exactly. It's that 'could it be.'"
The others caught on one after another, leaving only Newt still frowning.
And you call yourself British... Helpless, Hermione could only lower her voice and say meaningfully:
"When Dumbledore and Grindelwald were young, they shared an unforgettable past..."
Even Newt couldn't fail to understand now. His heart lurched, and a spectacular assortment of expressions crossed his face.
No wonder.
Remembering the sinister way Grindelwald had asked him, "What exactly does Albus Dumbledore see in you?" and the indescribable meaning in his eyes, Newt felt a chill shoot straight to the crown of his head.
Ewww!!!!
"Merlin's beard..."
Everyone regarded him with solemn awe.
"I'm not, I didn't..."
Seeing their strange looks, Newt hurried to explain.
Watching Newt squirm, Thena sighed.
"It's all right, Newt. This isn't your fault. You're just an innocent victim."
"Britain has its own ways. We understand..."
"No, you don't!" Newt grew agitated, trying to defend Britain's good name. "You can't let those two give you such a dreadful misconception about our British Wizarding World. Not everyone is... Those two are just exceptions. Look, Hermione and I are normal. If you don't believe me, you..."
"Um, Newt."
Hermione suddenly spoke up. "Actually, I am."
The air froze in an instant.
Everyone mechanically turned their heads toward