Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

An elevator opens and Langdon Shaw bustles excitedly through the room, leading the Second Salemers. He carries maps, several old books, and a handful of photographs.

Mary Lou is composed, Chastity looks shy, and Modesty is excited, curious. Credence looks nervous—he doesn’t like crowds.

LANGDON

. . . and so this is the newsroom.

Langdon spins around excitedly, eager to show the Second Salemers that he holds authority here.

LANGDON

Let’s go!

Langdon moves around the office and speaks to some of the workers.

LANGDON

Hey, how are you? Make way for the Barebones! Now, they’re just putting the papers to bed, as they say.

Looks of veiled amusement from journalists as Langdon leads his group to double doors at the end of the open-plan area. Henry Shaw Sr.’s assistant—Barker—stands up, anxious.

BARKER

Mr. Shaw, sir, he’s with the senator—

LANGDON

Never mind that, Barker, I wanna see my father!

Langdon pushes past.

SCENE 38

INT. SHAW SR.’S PENTHOUSE OFFICE—DUSK

A large, impressive office with spectacular views across the city. The newspaper magnate—Henry Shaw Sr.—is talking to his elder son, Senator Shaw.

SENATOR SHAW

. . . we could just buy the boats . . .

The doors burst open to reveal a harassed-looking Barker and an excitable Langdon.

BARKER

I’m so sorry, Mr. Shaw, but your son insisted—

LANGDON

Father, you’re going to want to hear this.

Langdon moves toward his father’s desk and begins spreading out photographs. We recognize some of the images: The destroyed streets from the start of the film.

LANGDON

I’ve got something huge!

SHAW SR.

Your brother and I are busy here, Langdon. Working on his campaign. We don’t have time for this.

Mary Lou, Credence, Chastity, and Modesty enter the office. Shaw Sr. and Senator Shaw stare. Credence stands with his head bowed, embarrassed, nervous.

LANGDON

This is Mary Lou Barebone from the New Salem Philanthropic Society, and she’s got a big story for you!

SHAW SR.

Oh, she has, has she?

LANGDON

There’s strange things going on all over the city. The people behind this—they are not like you and me. This is witchcraft, don’t you see.

Shaw Sr. and the senator look dubious—all too used to Langdon’s harebrained little projects and interests.

SHAW SR.

Langdon.

LANGDON

She doesn’t want any money.

SHAW SR.

Then either her story is worthless, or she’s lying about the cost. Nobody gives away anything valuable for free.

MARY LOU

(confident, persuasive)

You are right, Mr. Shaw. What we desire is infinitely more valuable than money: It’s your influence. Millions of people read your newspapers and they need to be made aware about this danger.

LANGDON

The crazy disturbances in the subway—just look at the pictures!

SHAW SR.

I’d like you and your friends to leave.

LANGDON

No, you’re missing a trick here. Just look at the evidence—

SHAW SR.

Really.

SENATOR SHAW

(joining his father and brother)

Langdon. Just listen to Father and go.

His eyes shift, focus on Credence.

SENATOR SHAW

And take the freaks with you.

Credence perceptibly twitches, disturbed by anger in his vicinity. Mary Lou is calm but steely.

LANGDON

This is Father’s office, not yours, and I’m sick of this every time I walk in here . . .

Shaw Sr. silences his son and motions for the Barebones to leave.

SHAW SR.

That’s it—thank you.

MARY LOU