Harry Potter's : Fantastic Beasts Guide

"Thanks!" Tariq gasped, his face pale from lingering fear.

David ignored him, his focus locked on the battle unfolding before him. Spells lit up the sky as the fight between Davao's group and the Ministry wizards raged on.

As the last of the transporters disappeared with the iron cage, Davao raised his wand, and a burst of flame shot into the air, distorting the surroundings with intense heat. With a flick of his wrist, the fire twisted and transformed into fiery birds, which screeched through the night and hurtled toward their enemies.

"Go!" Davao barked, turning sharply on his broom and speeding toward the others.

David followed immediately, his grip on his wand tightening. Tariq, surprisingly, was quick as well, flying faster than David and eventually overtaking him. Perhaps he had been truthful about his Quidditch skills, though he was far from the ace he claimed to be.

After shaking off their pursuers, Davao led them into a dense mountain range. They landed in a clearing surrounded by thick trees, where those who had escaped earlier were already waiting. A man hurried to Davao's side and whispered a report. From his stance and the nodding exchanges, it was clear he was Davao's second-in-command.

David took in his surroundings. The smugglers were scattered, some standing while others collapsed onto rocks and tree stumps, exhausted from the escape. Keeping his distance, David sat against a large tree on the outskirts of the group, keeping a watchful eye on everyone.

"Ron, I really owe you one! If it weren't for you, I'd be splattered all over that battlefield!" Tariq plopped down beside him, his face split into a relieved grin.

"If you really want to thank me, stay away from me," David muttered without looking at him.

"Don't be like that!" Tariq pouted, stuffing a piece of bread into his mouth. "I just know a good guy when I see one. You saved me, and that makes us friends."

David exhaled, already regretting his decision to save Tariq's life. He closed his eyes, attempting to rest while Tariq continued his cheerful rambling.

Half an hour passed before Davao clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Get up! We need to move."

There were groans and murmurs of discontent until he added, "To avoid pursuit, we travel on foot. No flying."

That announcement stirred immediate complaints. Flying was their fastest mode of transport, and many were reluctant to abandon it.

Davao, however, anticipated their protests. "I'll increase your commission." That shut them up quickly, and the group trudged forward into the thick forest.

Night fell, and they finally stopped in another clearing. A small fire was lit in the center, illuminating the weary faces around it.

David sat apart from the others, leaning against a gnarled tree root. Most of the smugglers, despite traveling together, kept their distance from one another, though a few huddled in groups.

"Ron, want some?" Tariq nudged David with a chunk of bread.

David ignored him, eyes fixed on the fire, watching embers rise into the night sky.

Movement caught his attention. Davao emerged from the darkness, having returned from scouting the perimeter and setting up protective spells. He exchanged a glance with his second-in-command, who immediately stood and followed him toward a masked man sitting near the fire. They flanked him, settling on either side.

The masked man, whose bird-painted mask concealed his features, fidgeted nervously. His fingers kept adjusting the mask as if fearing it might slip.

The other smugglers turned their attention to the unfolding scene. Even Tariq stopped eating, his mouth half-open.

Davao tapped his wand against his leg, his voice low and cold. "Brother, you called those Ministry wizards today, didn't you?"

"W-what? What are you talking about?" The masked man's voice trembled.

David watched, his expression unreadable, but his mind was alert.

Davao tilted his head, studying the man. "Did you really think we wouldn't find out?"

"It wasn't me!" The masked man stammered, his body instinctively shrinking backward.

Davao's hand clamped down on his shoulder, stopping him. "We have proof."

In an instant, the man bolted, but Davao was faster. He lashed out with a powerful kick, sending the masked man sprawling forward, landing hard on the dirt.

The camp fell silent, all eyes watching.

Davao rose, twirling his wand. "Why do people like you always cause trouble? Can't we just do business in peace?"

The masked man panted, then suddenly turned, wand drawn. "You call this peace? You're nothing but animal traffickers!"

Davao moved first. He caught the man's wrist before he could cast, twisting it until his wand clattered to the ground.

A sharp cry echoed through the camp.

"Such a shame," Davao murmured, releasing him. He reached into the man's pocket, pulling out a small enchanted orb. Holding it up, he explained to the group, "This little thing left a trail for the Ministry to follow. That's how they found us."

The masked man snarled and lunged, attempting to bite Davao's leg. Davao stepped back smoothly and leveled his wand at him. "Cruciatus!"

The man screamed in agony, his body writhing on the ground. His pained wails sent birds scattering from the nearby trees.

Tariq gulped beside David. "That's brutal..."

Davao's voice carried over the suffering. "No need to worry. I took care of the traces. The Ministry won't find us now."

He turned to the group, a casual smile on his face. "Just to be sure, we'll search everyone."

That sent a ripple of unease through the smugglers.

"Relax," Davao continued. "If you're clean, we'll compensate you. We're all businessmen, after all. But if you refuse..."

His tone darkened. "We'll assume you're another undercover agent."

At his signal, three more men stepped forward, eyes scanning the crowd. The smugglers fell silent, suddenly wary.

Two men at the far end exchanged glances, gripping their wands.

"Trying to Apparate?" Davao sighed, shaking his head. "I already placed an Anti-Apparition Jinx."

One man attempted to run. He only made it a few steps before a curse struck him down, and another Cruciatus Curse filled the night with tortured screams.

"Go teach the other one a lesson," Davao ordered, sending his men after the second runner.

When they were gone, Davao turned back to the group, his smirk returning. "So? Anyone else? If you act now, you might still have a chance."

No one moved.

Davao chuckled. "Good. Then let's get started."

David clenched his jaw, his mind racing. His mission had just become much more dangerous.