"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." - Lao Tzu.

It turned out that Hogwarts wasn't just great at providing spells and education for Wizards. They also showed compassion for those that needed the help. It was around 2:00pm in Hogwarts by the time that Ethan and the crew gathered supplies. Ethan had received Hagrid's Tent, the same one that Ethan used when he went to Romania with his friends on Bill's Curse Breaking adventure. Kettleburn also donated some of his own supplies like blankets and sleeping rolls. Pitts had Jae and the House Elves make the group some food, sandwiches and those sort of items, including cooking utensils. Even Snape had donated some Potion ingredients for their journey.

For Ethan, it felt different. He should've been excited about going to the United States. The last time he went was a few years ago with his family. Nearly every year around the Christmas holiday, The family would go to The U.S. to visit some relatives of Ethan's Mom. It wasn't Ethan's favorite time, but he made due with what he had. He and Jacob did have some good times learning about different things in America. "The Last time we went to North America was years." He commented as they were starting to wrap things together.

"I wonder if those Hippie Communes or whatever they're called are still around." Jacob replied as they got the sandwiches from Pitts. Ethan told Jacob that was extremely unlikely.

"No, but we're only going to America briefly through the Portkey. Then it's South to Mexico." Ethan pointed out.

"You up for this?" Jacob asked. "This isn't a trip to that Dragon Reserve. This is Mexico."

"I'm aware of what it is." Ethan answered. "And Penny's in there. We've got to get her out." He declared. He couldn't forget that Trotsky knew that Ethan was on his way to Mexico. And that threat. "Come to Mexico. I await you."

"I'm going to Mexico, alright. And I'm getting my girl back." Ethan declared.

"That's the spirit." Jacob replied.

"Hey, Bauer Brothers." Pitts called. "Heard you're going after some nut job named Derek Slayton." 

"You know Slayton?" Ethan asked.

"Every House Elf knows Slayton." Pitts answered. "He's a monster." 

"I'll tell him you say hi. After I knock his teeth out." Ethan replied.

"Come on, Ethan. That Portkey's not going to wait forever." Jacob said. And both he and Jacob took off. Jacob had his usual outfit on, and Ethan had changed into his exploration gear. Which was essentially some leather armor. 

(What the Leather Armor looks like.)

By the time both Brothers got to the Training Grounds, they could see a small group gathered. And not just the Hogwarts Professors, but Ryder, Mad Eye, Dumbledore, Fudge, and Sanders were there as well. Tulip, Barnaby, Diego, and Erika were already there in their own leather armor. And they were saying goodbyes to some other people. One closer look and Ethan could see who these people were. Their family members. Diego's Mother was hugging Diego. And Tulip's Parents were constantly talking with their daughter. To tell her they love her as well. Rath's father put a hand on Erika's shoulder. "Be careful." He said. 

"Ethan! Jacob!" Ethan and Jacob could see their mother running towards them. And hugged her sons.

"You called her?" Ethan asked Ryder.

"Had no choice." Ryder answered. "Figured your mother should know."

Caroline looked at Ethan with tears in her eyes. "Oh, Ethan. Are you sure you want to do this?" She asked.

"I have to, Mum." Ethan answered. "Penny is in trouble. I did this, I have to make this right." 

"Don't say that, Ethan." Caroline quickly replied. "This isn't your fault. It was Trotsky. And I know she's in trouble. You're right, you have to do this." She added.

"Mum." Ethan felt tears in his eyes. This wasn't like going to Hogwarts. This was on a Continent and an Ocean away. He hadn't felt that sad to leave his Mother since arriving at King's Cross for Ethan's first year. He hugged his mother tightly. 

"Oh, Ethan." Caroline hugged him back.

"Mrs. Bauer. They'll be fine." Mad Eye assured.

"You raised him well. Ethan's a smart kid. And he's had the best professors that Hogwarts has seen teaching him." Ryder added.

"Mum. It'll be okay. We have to do this." Jacob said.

Caroline also hugged Jacob as well. "Oh, Jacob." She cried. "Take care of your baby brother, you hear?"

"You know I will." Jacob replied hugging Caroline right back. "Mum, I love you." And as much as Caroline wanted the moment to last forever. She had to let go, fighting back the tears in her eyes.

"We got everything?" Ethan asked.

"I think so." Jacob answered. "Wands."

"Check."

"Tent."

"Check."

"Food and Pots."

"Check."

"Etc."

"Check."

"And I think that's everything." Jacob confirmed.

"Jacob!" Lizzie ran over to Jacob.

Jacob scratched his head. "You're going to Mexico?" Lizzie asked.

"Yeah, to rescue my brother's girlfriend. Someone's gotta watch Ethan while he heads into uncharted waters. Or in our case, Uncharted deserts and jungles." Jacob explained. "You going to stop me?" He asked.

Lizzie shook her head. "I've been trying to stop you for years. And if there's one thing I've learned: Don't." She answered.

"Hey, I thought you were still mad at me." Jacob pointed out.

"Yeah. But..." Lizzie stuttered.

"Well, look at it this way. If I die out there. You won't have to worry about me coming back this time." Jacob noted. He turned back to his squad.

"Jacob?" Lizzie asked. Jacob turned. "Come back." And Lizzie smiled when she said that.

Jacob smiled back. And he could see his Mother give him the thumbs up.

"So, Lizzie?" Caroline asked.

"Oh, hi. Mrs. Bauer." Lizzie greeted politely. "It's been a while."

Caroline nodded.

Ethan went over to speak to Dumbledore first. "You think I'm ready for this, Professor?" He asked.

"You'll be fine." Dumbledore assured. "But just in case." He held out the Runestone.

"The Runestone?" Ethan asked confused.

"Trotsky said he's after the Runestone, if all else fails. That might be the best negotiation chip, you'll give him." Dumbledore explained.

"I'm only going to use it in the event of an emergency. Or if its chips down." Ethan vowed.

Dumbledore nodded. "Let us hope that it doesn't come to that. When the time comes, do what you feel is right." And he sounded like Ethan's Dad for a second.

The Six gathered in the center. And Ryder put a Sombrero Hat in the center.

"Why is the Portkey a Sombrero?" Tulip asked.

"I wanted to stay on theme here." Ryder answered. Made sense to Rath.

"First of all. Let me say that I thank you for taking this risk to go into Mexico." Ryder started.

"I was forced between this or detention." Tulip interrupted.

"Hey, Barnaby. Where was your family?" Ethan asked.

"Oh, they didn't come. I wrote to my Grandmother and said I was going to Mexico to rescue a Hufflepuff. She wrote back telling me to wear Clean Underwear." Barnaby answered.

"Well... That's nice." Ethan commented.

"Hey, Clean Underwear is very important." Barnaby shot back. "Oh, sorry. Mr. Ryder." He apologized.

"No harm done." Ryder replied. "Now, then. This Portkey will take you to our Outpost in Big Bend, Texas. You'll be able to enter the Mexican Border from there. Out Aurors will point you in the right direction. But once you enter Mexico, you're on your own." He continued. 

"On our own, and in a foreign country. I've faced worse odds on the Pitch." Rath commented.

"This isn't for the fate of heart." Ryder warned. "You'll be on your own. You're each of age in the Wizarding World, but that doesn't guarantee safety. And that Portkey is only a good connection between the U.K. And the U.S." 

"So there's no turning back when we go through the Portkey?" Diego asked.

"Not until you get Penny." Ryder answered.

"Good." Ethan replied. He was either coming back with Penny or not at all. 

"Then let us away on our journey!" Diego declared. "To lands of the desert to the darkest of seas-"

"Can we go now?" Rath asked. She didn't want to listen to this. "I swear if I have to listen to this one more time."

"Well I do know is that I'm the best hope you've got at navigating Mexico." Diego replied.

"Then Navigate." Rath shot back. "Quietly."

"Can we wait until we get underway?" Ethan asked.

"Okay. This is it." Ryder declared. "Touch the Sombrero. And I'll activate it."

Everyone put their hands on the Sombrero. Ethan took a nervous look at his brother who nodded his head. He looked around and saw the Hogwarts Professors giving him looks of confidence.

"Don't let it get in your head. Find Penny, that's all that matters." Sanders said.

"Show Trotsky what happens when he kidnaps a Witch and Wizard of Hogwarts!" Fudge shouted. 

Ethan nodded.

"Remember, once you get into Mexico. You're on your own." Ryder reminded. "Good luck." He swished his wand. And the Portkey activated. 

"Here we go again." Ethan muttered. He did the Portkey thing before. Once to the buried Vault and once to Romania. 

The whole scene for the six changed. Now they were spinning. "Let go when I say!" Jacob yelled.

Tulip was screaming in horror the whole time. Barnaby was silent and closing his eyes, same with Diego. Rath seemed to be enjoying herself the whole time. "This is Awesome!" She shrieked.

"Let go!" Jacob yelled.

"What?" Tulip asked.

"Let go!" Ethan let go as did the others.

The next thing everyone knew was they were in a whole Desert area. Some mountains, and a range of Cacti.

Ethan landed on his feet, one in a hundred lucky shot. Jacob landed next to him. Tulip screamed as she hit the ground. And Barnaby landed right on top of Diego. Diego had to shove him off.

"Well that wasn't so bad. I think we landed in the right Country." Jacob commented.

"Hey! That hurt!" Tulip yelled.

Rath also landed hard. "You alright, Rath?" Ethan asked.

"Good." Rath answered. "I've had falls worse than that in Practice." 

"So this is Texas?" Ethan asked.

"Apparently." Jacob answered gathering all the supplies with him and looking at the desert. "It seems nice and beautiful."

"So... where are those Aurors?" Rath asked.

"I don't see them anywhere." Jacob answered.

"Hey!" That was when the American Aurors showed up.

"Now I have." Jacob said.

The American Aurors were nothing like British Aurors. Or at least the ones in Texas. They all wore Cowboy hats and looked like some old Gunslingers.

"Is this America?" Barnaby asked.

"Well it ain't Canada." One of the Aurors answered.

"If it was, everything would smell like Pines." Rath commented.

The Aurors laughed. "I like this one." Another Auror said.

"Well, we're the Crew that Ryder sent. You know the ones that are going into Mexico." Tulip announced.

An Auror spat in a spit bucket, hitting a bullseye in there. "Yeah, we heard. Brave of you to go there." 

"I'm doing it for my Girlfriend." Ethan explained. "Trotsky took her. I was told you could guide us to the Mexican Border."

"That we can do. But we're not going into the Country with you." The Auror answered. And they started to move. 

"We're aware of that." Ethan replied.

"Then come on." The Auror ordered.

"They don't give us a second to rest, do they?" Tulip asked.

"It's not looking like it, no." Ethan answered.

"Besides, we've already got our stuff later for resting." Jacob added.

"Even thought it's the afternoon." Barnaby thought out loud.

"Actually it's morning here in America. Different Time Zones." Jacob corrected.

"That's going to take some getting used to." Rath thought as they walked on.

Meanwhile.

Slayton was walking by around the town he and his crew was in. Trotsky was recruiting for his cause. He also noticed Penny sleeping in the cage. Or at least trying to. It wasn't exactly comfortable for her. Well Slayton was about to make it more uncomfortable for her. He kicked some sand in Penny's sleeping face. 

Penny could feel it when the sand hit her. It was hard and rough. "Ugh." She groaned.

"Wakey, Wakey. Princess." Trotsky laughed. "Have a nice nap?"

"No." Penny answered. "I dreamt I got taken by some nut jobs who want to launch a Genocide against Muggles."

"Hm, you must be in a living nightmare if that's the case." Slayton replied without a care in the world. He got out a bowl. 

"Oh, goody. More scraps." Penny thought out loud sarcastically.

"Enjoy." Slayton threw it on the cage floor as Penny scrambled toward it. He also took the liberty of throwing some water at Penny's face. 

"You really are sadistic." Penny said. "No wonder you get along with Trotsky and his New World Order." 

But that made Slayton laugh. "Ha! You think this about that New World Order?" He asked. "Trotsky can preach all he wants. But we both know that the world revolves around one thing. Money." He explained.

Penny glared at him. "That's all you care about?" She asked. "Money?"

"Where have you been for the past 7 years?" Slayton laughed. "Once Trotsky gets his New World Order or whatever he calls it, I'll be lined up in that silver dough. Yeah, not only will I be the head of the Mid Atlantic Cartel, I'll be the richest gangster who ever lived. Twice more than when I suggested we use Red Dust on those Animals."  

That's when it hit Penny. "So the Wampus Cat?"

"That cat. Found him when he was a little kitty. Put him on some Red Dust, and he won me more matches in the Fighting Pitts than that Horntail." Slayton answered. "Do you know what the Cartel was like before I took over? A bunch of squealing pigs who couldn't get their organization straight. They didn't have the ambition, no imagination. We had a trade of Magical Creatures going on. Then I found out about a little thing they called Red Dust. And the Fighting Pitts." He explained.

"You suggested the Red Dust?" Penny asked.

"And did the money poor in, Princess." Slayton waved a pouch of Galleons. "I killed my boss. Nothing personal, it was just business. Took over the Cartel. And here I am today. Already a rich man. Maybe if this goes well..." He looked at Penny's chains. "I'll even consider No-Majs as slaves. The ones that Trotsky might be willing to spare. If I can convince him." 

Penny looked in horror. Normally she didn't believe in killing others. But in this case, she hoped that Ethan would do the honors of killing Slayton. He was literally the devil.

That was when Trotsky arrived back with Greyback and Talos. And some Mexican Wizards and Witches.

"This is all we got?" Slayton asked.

"The ones from this village. But there are more, we'll go to." Trotsky answered. "Come we continue South. Ethan will no doubt come this way. And I want him to follow."

"You heard him, Princess. Looks like we'll be seeing your boyfriend real soon." Slayton joked.

"My name is Penny." Penny scoffed. She hated it when Slayton called her Princess. It gave her the creeps. She lost track of how many times she wished she could close her eyes and pretend this was all a nightmare and find she was back in her soft warm bed in Hogwarts. But no such luck, she ate gruel and slept in chains locked in a cage, with nothing to do but wait, and hear her stomach growl. 

"Does it look like I care what your name is called?" Slayton asked laughing. "I don't."

While this was going on, Talos continued walking with Trotsky. "I don't like him." Talos commented on Slayton.

"Nobody does. That's why he's good at his job." Trotsky replied. He then looked at Talos directly. "Stay focused. The Runestone will be back in our possession soon enough. And when the New World arises, everything in our efforts will finally come to fruition." He ordered. "Not that Slayton cares for that."

"So why are we bringing him, Uncle Iosef?" Talos asked.

"We need Slayton and his Gangs to cause some chaos and some more wands for our cause. And he'll only cooperate if I say he's getting paid." Trotsky answered. "After the Ministry falls. I'll kill him myself. He'll have served his purpose well."

Talos shrugged. "Alright. I trust you."

Ethan and his friends walked for miles. Until the Aurors suddenly stopped. And Ethan could see the whole landscape that lay before them. Right past the wooden fence. "Alright, we're here." One of the Aurors said.

"All I see is more desert." Tulip pointed out.

"No. This is Mexico. You see that fence there?" Diego asked.

"Is that really the border to Mexico?" Ethan asked.

"That would be the one." The Auror answered. "Well, have fun. And watch out for wild animals." He laughed.

"Did he say Wild Animals?" Tulip asked.

"Oh, there are more than just Wild Animals in the Mexican Desert." Diego answered. "There's the elusive Chupacabra, the Chaneque, La Larona, Huay Chivo, Alebrije, the Duende. To name a few." 

Tulip just stared in the distance with a deadpan expression. "Of course there is."

"Makes you wonder why we didn't learn about these creatures in Care of Magical Creatures Class." Barnaby interrupted. 

"Because we're not in Mexico." Diego answered.

"Point taken." Jacob replied.

Ethan looked over the fence. "This is it." He said. "Remember what Ryder said." He reminded.

"Once we cross the border. There's no turning back." Rath remembered.

"You up for this, Rath? I know you're great on the Pitch, but I've never seen you duel." Ethan asked.

"I know spells. You don't really see me in class all that much do you?" Rath asked back.

"Not so much no." Ethan answered.

"Well I wouldn't be on this team if I knew diddly squat, Bauer." Erika pointed out.

"And we're grateful." Jacob interrupted.

"Penny's in there. That's good enough for me." Ethan declared looking at Mexico, and hoping over the fence. "No turning back now." 

"You heard the man. Let's go." Jacob ordered hoping over the fence.

"Ariba!" Barnaby yelled as he hopped over the fence.

Rath hopped over as well.

"Welcome home, Diego." Diego told himself.

Tulip instead hesitated a little. "I think I was better off with Pince for my Detention." She grumbled as she hopped over the fence as well.

And they were all in Mexico now. 

"Well, Diego. Where to?" Ethan asked. Diego was the one who knew about Mexico the most.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. In a land that you don't know well about. I have one thing to say: Follow me." Diego answered as they all walked South. The U.S. Border getting further away from distance.

The sun was going down by the time that they all stopped walking. They walked for about 8 hours through the desert. With nothing but wide open spaces in all directions.

"We're going South. Right?" Tulip asked.

"Yes." Diego answered.

"Okay, I think we should stop, though." Jacob suggested. "We've all walked a long way, and I think that Barnaby's getting overheated."

Barnaby gave a little thumbs up. "I'm good."

"Good idea." Diego agreed. "Mexico is not a place to be walking around at night." 

They all started to get their things unpacked. The Tent was put up by Jacob with the Erecto spell. And it also had the Undetectable Extension Charm on the inside so that it could fit everyone. Over at dinner as everyone ate part of their Sandwiches. Diego put some maps of Mexico on a nearby table. "So, Day 1 was somewhat successful." He recapped. 

"How far are we in Mexico?" Rath asked.

"We're still in the Northern part of the desert." Diego answered. "But our first stop should be this one, just south of Nuevo Leon. That could take us about a week at most."

"A week at most?" Tulip asked in disbelief.

"The Professors did say that it could take us a long time." Jacob reminded.

"I don't care. We do what it takes to get Penny back." Ethan said.

No one could argue that back. "Okay. Chow down then get some sleep. We'll start up again at Dawn." Jacob ordered.

By the time everyone had went to bed, Ethan was taking the first watch. And looking up at the clear skies and all the stars. It reminded him of his first date with Penny. Them looking at the stars. And he and Penny holding hands, while Penny looked very pretty, at least according to Ethan. That was when Jacob came to check on his brother. 

"Trouble sleeping?" Ethan asked.

"Had some things on my mind." Jacob answered. "My Brother for one thing." He noticed that Ethan looked very serious at dinner.

"I want her back, Jacob." Ethan admitted. "I want her back in my arms." 

"I know." Jacob replied putting a hand on Ethan's shoulder. "You must really love her if you're going to all these lengths to get her back. Do you love her, Ethan?" He asked.

Ethan nodded his head. "Yes. I love Penny." He answered. "I loved her from the day I saw her after I dueled Merula in our First Year. She's smart, pretty, funny, great at potions, there for me, and I know it's meant to be." 

"Then we'll get her back." Jacob assured. "You just got to have faith, Little Brother."

"I know." Ethan replied. "I just hate the thought of Penny locked up and in chains. She doesn't deserve that." 

"Try to get some sleep." Jacob suggested. "I'll take the first watch."

"Night." Ethan felt himself being tired as he walked into the tent.

"Night." Jacob replied.

Meanwhile, Penny still felt the chains around her wrists as she tried to use her arms as makeshift pillows. "Please come for me, Ethan." She whispered silently to herself.

"I'm coming, Penny." Ethan told himself silently as he went to bed. And tried to ignore Barnaby's snoring.