Catastrophe || n.s

vi. pyra

The guards came to the cell later that day, telling Penelope and Jacob that they were to be obliviated in thirty minutes. To normal people, and perhaps to Jacob, the news would be a horror.  But to Penelope, it was a relief. Thirty minutes would be more than enough time to put her plan into action.

She didn't tell Jacob exactly what her plan was, as she already knew he would follow through with it. She hardly knew this man, but she could tell he was completely mesmerized by the wizarding world, as was she. He wouldn't want to forget it all.

As soon as Penelope was sure the guards had left for good, she brought her hand up to her mouth, mumbling a simple phrase into her palm. A moment later, there was a bright flash of orange light beside her, and her Phoenix appeared in a burst of flames.

"What the hell!" Jacob yowled, obviously startled at the sight of the fire bird. He leaped  on to the bench where he was sitting, staring at Penelope with wide eyes.

The young woman only chuckled lightly, reaching her arm out so that Pyra could perch. The magnificent bird folded her wings as she landed on her arm, squawking at Penelope as if she were greeting her.

"This is a Phoenix, Mr. Kawolski," Penelope explained to the startled man standing across from her. "This is how we're getting out of here."

By now, Jacob seemed to have relaxed. He slowly got down from the bench and approached the red bird. Pyra tilted her head as the man approached her, though as he reached out to pet her, she snapped at his finger.

"Yeah, watch out," Penelope laughed as Jacob stuck his finger in his mouth. "She doesn't like strangers too much."

Jacob raised his eyebrows and gave her a look as if he were saying "No, really?" before taking his finger out of his mouth. "So, what's the plan?" He asked, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

Penelope said nothing. Instead, she reached out her hand towards Jacob, gesturing for him to take it. Jacob raised an eyebrow at her, though hesitantly took her hand. Penelope looked to Pyra and whistled once; the Phoenix nodded, understanding her order, and stretched out her wings. She let out a long call, rising into the air and swooping around the two humans. With one last final flap of her wings, Penelope felt her and Jacob become engulfed in heatless flames.

A second later, the pair appeared in an isolated area of the MACUSA lobby. Pyra landed on Penelope's shoulder once more, folding her flame-colored wings against her body. The Phoenix nuzzled her cheek as she stroked her head.

"Wow," Jacob breathed out, staring at the magnificent bird in awe. "If you told me a few days ago that I would be surrounded by a bunch of wizards and magical creatures, I would have laughed in your face."

Penelope glanced at the man, laughing a bit before turning back to Prya. "Now listen to me, girl," she murmured to the creature. "I know Newt wouldn't give in to any kind of punishment without a fight. I need you to find him and Goldstein and bring them back to me, do you understand?"

The Phoenix squawked as if she were answering the woman. Then, with a flap of her wings, the creature vanished in a burst of flames. Just as she did so, a woman stepped around the corner, stopping suddenly as she saw Penelope and Jacob. She had short, curly blonde hair and wore a small smile on her red lips.

"Jacob!" She said in a high voice as she noticed Mr. Kawolski. "What are you doing here?"

Jacob didn't answer her, as he was too busy staring at the woman as if she were a siren luring a victim into her trap.

"Who are you exactly?" Penelope asked the strange woman, nudging Jacob in attempt to break him from his trance.

"Oh, I'm Queenie Goldstein," the woman responded, reaching her hand out for Penelope to shake. "I'm Tina's sister. Jacob and I met when my sister brought him and an awkward Brit home last night."

Penelope couldn't help but laugh as Queenie referred to who she knew was Newt as an "awkward Brit". She took the woman's hand, shaking it. "I'm Penelope Finch. I'm friends with Mr. Kawolski here, and the awkward Brit, Newt."

Queenie's smile suddenly fell, and her eyes darkened as if she was just told her sister was dead.
"They're both in trouble," she said quietly, glancing around her to make sure no one was eavesdropping. "Where are they?"

~

Penelope stuck close to Queenie as the strange woman led her and Jacob through a dark hallway of the Woolworth building. She could hear the faint voices of men echoing through the large corridor; it sounded as if they were giving orders. Suddenly, a bright flash of light exploded in front of them, and Penelope could see the faint outlines of men falling to the ground. Something was happening up ahead.

Penelope turned to tell Queenie and Jacob that the commotion ahead could've been caused by Newt and Tina, though she was cut short as a sudden flash of red light appeared in front of her. She jumped, startled by the sudden light, though relaxed as she heard the beautiful call of a Phoenix. Then, in a wave of orange flames, two figures appeared in front of the trio. Penelope didn't have to take a double look to recognize Newt and Tina.

She couldn't help but smile, knowing they were alive and safe. Though her smile disappeared when she noticed that Newt's hand was entwined with Tina's, and she felt her heart sink. As soon as Newt saw her, however, let go of Tina's hand and ran towards her, engulfing her in a hug. Her face was buried in the thick blue fabric of Newt's trench coat, making it difficult to breath. She didn't mind, however, as she was instantly calmed by Newt's warm touch.

"Your Phoenix is magnificent. Did I ever tell you that you were a brilliant woman, Penelope?" Newt's chest rumbled against her cheek as he spoke, his thick British accent causing her heart to flutter for some reason.

She pulled away from the man, looking up at him and smiling as she chuckled, "Yes, you have."

~

[ I'm sorry this chapter is quite short, I figured this spot was a good time to end the chapter :) I really hope you guys are enjoying the story so far! ]