She was a Taker

Chapter 5

The Scamander Christmas party was in full swing, people were laughing, drinking, dancing, even marveling at the size and likeness of the giant chocolate Hippogriff.

Hazel Scamander was walking around chatting with everyone, as the host of the party, it was her responsibility to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves, including Newt. Looking over at her youngest son, she smiled to see that he was happy engaging in a conversation with Albus Dumbledore.

A loud chortle could be heard from across the room, Theseus was entertaining a group of star struck witches about his great feats in the wizarding war, and boasting about all his medals currently locked in a secret hidden safe in the house.

On the other side, her beloved husband, Henry, was speaking to some important ministry diplomats about politics.

Hazel smiled to herself, the party was a success. Just then some movement caught her eye, there was a man hovering by the window gazing out at the Hippogriff stables.

Hazel walked over to him with a large grin on her face, "Hello, welcome to the party. I'm Hazel Scamander, would you like some punch or..." the man turned to face her and she could see that he was writing down notes on a clipboard.

"You are Hazel Scamander?" he asked professionally, taken aback she nodded. "I am Joe Carter, ministry employee for the beast division. I am sure you have received our notice about your Hippogriffs and their purpose to the ministry?" he said raising an eyebrow at her.

Hazel stood up straighter, "Yes, I sent back a reply just after saying that I do not accept your request, my Hippogriffs will not be used for war Mr Carter." She said sternly.

He chuckled, "Well Mrs Scamander, I'm afraid you don't have the right to decline, according to clause 83 of the ministry law book, any methods of magical creature war-craft must belong to the ministry of magic." he said smugly, Hazel's jaw dropped.

He turned back to look at the Hippogriff stables, "Shame they probably won't last long those big ugly brute-"

he never got to finish.

Hazel jumped on him and shoved him to the ground kicking and punching any part she could see.

"How- dare- you- say such- THINGS!" She shouted as he cried out in pain.

Theseus, Henry and Newt ran over to pull her off of the Ministry employee, Hazel was red faced and wheezing when Henry pulled her away, Theseus helped the poor gentleman off the ground.

Carter turned fiercely to face Hazel, "Just you wait women! The Ministry WILL have your Herd if I have anything to say about it mark my words." then he marched out of the door.

After that, the guests began to trail out of the room until it was just Hazel, Henry, Theseus, Newt and Dumbledore.

Tears were leaking out of Hazel's eyes and she was gasping for breath, "Come now Hazel, let's get you to the kitchen, some tea might help." Said Dumbledore putting an arm around the woman.

Henry and Dumbledore helped her into a chair and poured her a hot cup of tea. "Oh, yes thank you Albus..." Hazel said blowing the liquid and taking a small sip.

"Mother, that man was a big man at the ministry, when word gets out that Hazel Scamander started a fight with a highly popular ministry worker people are NOT going to like it." Theseus said pacing around the room

"Oh let them talk," Hazel huffed "I've got important work to do and those bumbling bozo's at the ministry don't scare me!" she declared.

Newt kneeled down before his mother, "Mum, might I why does the ministry want your Hippogriffs so badly?" he said softly.