Hello there ! New chapter out and this one is an anxious one. For this chapter I listened Spread the word from FB2, obviously, and the one which plays when Dumbledore is falling (not the farwell) but I can't remember its name. I hope you'd like it. By the way, I don't know if it's actually a good idea but I try to use british or american words depending on who's talking, thinking or acting. I thought it might be more realistic. Also, I hope i'm doing a good job in writing the character, it's sometimes hard to imagine how they would react, I have to rely on what I know from them !
Have a good read !
HW.

Chapter Ten - Broken links.

Monday 5 January 1928 - Ministry of Magic.

The day began in a very ordinary way: Theseus was doing some paperwork, Newt writing about Spooky, Tina training with Smith and Jacob helping Bunty at Newt's home. There were no prospect of the event to come. Smith was panting, lying on the floor. Tina just used Levicorpus against him and he didn't protect himself in time. Smith took it into his head to learn wandless magic, but it was far more hard that what he had expected. Tina offered her hand to help him to get back on his feet which he took as he mumbled thanks. They weren't alone in the training room. Most of Auror still disregarded Tina, but Smith, Mcdowell and O'connel didn't anymore.

- Try to focus on the effect, it's also easier if you actually pronounce the spell, she advised him.

- It's really a shame Hogwarts doesn't dispense Wandless magic class. You Americans are lucky.

She smiled at him. Ilvermorny wasn't perfect but it was true class were good enough.

- Let's have a break, i'm starving, he stated, Plus, Douglas is probably waiting for me.

- Are the two of you… ? Asked Tina curiously as they left the room together.

- I'll tell you if you tell me, he replied playfully.

- Tell you what ?

- C'mon Tina, don't play dumb even if you're good at it, he joked, you perfectly know what i'm talking about.

- Well, we're getting there… She eluded.

- Details ?

- Absolutely not.

- Killjoy. See you around, Porpentina, he said as a good bye, emphasizing on her name strongly.

He left the building by the chimney while she took her office's direction. She sighed half annoyed half amused. She knew he wasn't mocking her but just being friendly. She entered and sat at her desk. She waved her wand to do some tidying. At some point, she remarked a letter on her desk that wasn't there this morning. She skipped a beat when she recognized the handwritting. She opened it with shaking hand, prey to upheaval.

"Dear Teenie,

I wrote this letter to let you know that i'm okay. I hope you, Newt and Jacob are too. I miss you both very much. There might be a way to talk together. If you're willing to, meet me at the Knockturn Alley in front of the Coffin House shop this Friday around 11:00 pm. Please Teen, trust me and come alone.

Love, Queenie"

How this letter came ?! Isn't there a control or something ?! Thought Tina restless. She knew she was beeing watched by both Theseus and Travers, so how ? She wondered. And more importantly, what did Queenie wanted ? Was it a trap ? Suddenly, an idea, a dangerous one, came into her mind. I could get Queenie back, convince her to return with me. She will listen to me, i'm her sister and I have to try. I have to protect her, even from herself ! Tina decided she won't talk about this to anyone, not even Newt. She cared to much about him to involve him. With a Legilimens as a sister, she had become a fairly good Occlumens so she won't have issue to hide all of this. She genuinely believed she could do it. Now, she had to know where were that place without arousing suspicion. So, she began to calm down. She was so upset she felt cold and hot at the same time. Her mind and heart were racing. Pull yourself together Tina. She took a deep breath then stood up and left her office to work as usual.

Wednesday 7 January 1928 - Ministry of Magic.

- That spell almost got you Tina, no offense but you're better normally, Douglas told her when they came back from a mission. They had to arrest some darks wizards who wanted to form a secret Grindelwald's army. Since Queenie's letter, Tina couldn't focus fully on her job even if she tried her very best. So she made a few mistake, took some risk.

- Almost, she repeated, but it didn't.

Douglas, unlike Smith, knew it was useless to argue with her so he just shrugged, he was going to report it to Theseus anyway. And it happened, he came to her office later that day with the firm intention to tear a strip off her.

- Goldstein, he began and it wasn't a good sign, Mcdowell told me you were being rash again in the last mission. Moreover, the report you gave me yesterday contained numerous error. I expected better of you.

- I'm sorry, she offered apologies with lowered eyes.

- What's the matter with you this week ? He sighed, is there something bothering you ?

- No, nothing, she replied curtly.

- Tina.

- Look, i'm okay, really, she assured in a more gentle tone, I'm just a little tired lately, that's all.

Then Theseus noticed a London map on Tina desk. The Knockturn Alley was circled. Criminy ! She thought alarmed.

- What's that ?

- A map, she played dumb, taking it and putting it away in her desk.

- Right, he answered doubtful.

He found her really suspicious, she avoided both him and Newt since Monday. And now the Knockturn Alley ? It was clear she was hiding something from them. Newt noticed too actually but was too mild to report it. However, Theseus being an Auror did it unhesitatingly. Sorry Tina, I guess I'll have to inform Travers, he told himself as he left her office.

Some moments later - Newt's office.

Newt was rummaging through the room. It was a real mess with paper everywhere. He wasn't the organised kind but this beat records.

- Where did she go ? He asked himself, scratching his hair with confusion.

Theseus came straight in his office.

- Hey Newt, we have to talk about… Wow, what in Merlin's name happened here ? Don't tell me one of your beast is on the loose again Newton !

- Nothing dangerous ! He assured hurriedly, just my Dragon toad.

- Please, tell me it's more a toad than a dragon, breathed Theseus with wide eyes.

- Of course it is, otherwise The Ministry and even London would have already turned into ashes. Did you came here with something in your mind ?

- Actually yes, we need to talk about Tina. She's been weird since Monday.

- Yes, I noticed too but she avoided me or eluded the subject. There is definitely something though.

- So I was right… Anyway, Travers will talk to her tomorrow.

- You warned him ? Newt seemed displeased with the idea, C'mon Theseus ! You know he's waiting for a pretext to supplant her !

- She's safe as long as she tells the truth, Newt.

He didn't know how to reply. Theseus was right and yet, he couldn't agree with him because she was obviously hiding something. He finally resigned himself, thinking he couldn't do anything about it.

Thursday 8 January - Tina's office.

Tina was studying her map of the magical London and found that the shop Queenie arranged the meet was near the Diagon Alley. She didn't visit it a lot whereas she lived in the Leaky Cauldron, too busy with her job. She hadn't tried to ask her teammates where was that shop, to be as discreet as possible. She always worked on it a very little time so she wasn't discovered. She just finished putting her map away in a drawer when Travers bursted into the room.

- Goldstein, in my office, he ordered, immediatly.

She followed him, trying to stay composed. Theseus was talking with his fellow Auror when they came. She met his look on the way and glared at him, understanding he was responsible. He stared at her defiantly, as if saying "prove me wrong". Travers and she entered the latter's office.

- Let's not beat about the bush, he stated as he sat on his chair. His office was neat, ordered and cold just like him, I get wind of rumors saying you weren't working properly anymore. Moreover, some of your coworker believe you're concealing something from them. I'll ask you just once, Miss Goldstein, what are you hiding ? Think wise, you could be accused of disloyalty.

Tina took a deep breath before answering, composing herself. She was still standing since Travers didn't invite her to take a sit.

- Nothing, Sir, she finally replied very slowly and resolutely.

He clicked his tongue with irritation. Something inside him knew she was lying and he was determined to clear this matter up.

- Sit, he enjoined her, since I'm not allowed to use Verita Serum on subordinate on a hunch, I'll use the Legilimency spell.

He took his wand and pointed it at her. She swallowed apprehensively. Then, without any word from him, she felt him in her mind. She focused hard on closing it, or at least on what she didn't want him to learn. He saw her parents and her crying sister succinctly, then the Ilvermorny sorting ceremony. It changed again to Newt and her on the dock saying good bye, the fight in the Cimetière du Père Lachaise. It was tough, even if he wasn't as good as her sister, he remained a powerful wizard. He was even starting to see memories she didn't want to show like her years at Ilvermorny, the Christmas party or Milly, Hoppy and Mauler. She believed she was finished but then, as suddenly as he started, he stopped and withdrew from her head. She was drained, her breathing jerky. The curse lasted only some minutes but it seemed like hours to her. Travers frowned, thoughtful then sent her away. He asked her to call Theseus before leaving. The latter came and sat in front of his superior.

- Did you find anything ? He demanded with a serious tone.

- No, Travers said, but I'm utterly convinced there is indeed something. We have no choice Theseus. Tomorrow, I want you to conduct a search of her office when she'll be away. Just you, no one else, it has to stay confidential. Do you understand ?

- Yes, Sir.

- Good. Now go, act as usual with her.

Friday 9 January - Evening - Ministry of Magic.

After her "discussion" with Travers, Tina kept herself to herself even more as a last resort. She was surprised Theseus left her alone but felt the noose was tightening. She had vaguely knowledge of the fact he would try something eventually but it would be already too late in her opinion. She genuinely believed in her chance to get her sister back tonight. She left her office at 9:30 pm. As soon as she vacated the premises, Theseus tried to enter her office. Locked, of course, he told himself without surprise. He discreetly used his wand and after several spell, the door reluctantly opened. He get inside and began to search. He knew he had to find the map he saw last time so he turned everything inside out shamelessly. He didn't even notice Newt walking into the room some time later.

- Tina ? May I have - Merlin's beard, what happened here ?! He shouted as he saw the topsy-turvy state of the office. It was far worse than what he did last time to his own office.

- Newt ! You're not supposed to - Oh, for heaven's sake ! Come, help me !

He explained the hole situation to his brother while searching. After a moment, they finally found something. It wasn't the map, as Theseus expected, but Queenie's letter. They looked at each other with wide eye after reading it, startled. It was 10:30 pm already.

10:30 pm - The Leaky Cauldron.

It was dark when Tina left her room to meet Queenie. She took her wand, not stupid enought to ignore the fact it could be a trap, even if a part of her didn't want to hear it. The Diagon Alley was totally empty and silent. While it was noisy and very lively during the day, it appeared sinister at night. She chose to go by feet since she couldn't visualize the Knockturn Alley clearly in her mind and wanted to avoid unnecessary risk. She went there just once or twice to apprehend some suspect. She knew that street had a particularly bad reputetion. Her Auror mind was actually screaming it was a dangerous area and that, maybe just maybe, Queenie chose it for that exact reason. After all, nothing guaranteed that she would come alone herself as well. But Tina ignored the alarm bell in her head, sweeping aside her inner objections with only one argument: Queenie was her very dear sister and, even if she joined the wrong side, she would never hurt her. Despite it, Tina couldn't help but feel she was being spied on so she forced the pace. The Knockturn Alley wasn't as empty as the Diagon one and she didn't want to run into anyone shifty so she get along the wall, glacing around her surreptitiously.

- Coffin House… she mumbled to herself, there, Coffin house.

She flattened herself against a wall, her wand in her pocket ready to be used at any moment. Then she waited some minutes before she heard a whisper.

- Teenie ?

Her heart skipped a beat. Queenie was standing in the middle of the path, alone apparently. Tina left her hideout and moved forward toward her blond sister.

- Queenie… She muttered, emotional.

She stretched out her arms in an attempt to hug her dear sister but the latter took a step back.

- Step back Teenie, Queenie said softly but firmly, Oh, honey, i'm happy to see you too ! But you have to step away, she added when she noticed her sister's grief.

- Why ? Can't we be together again ?

- Of course you can, Tina, stated a masculine voice coming from behind Queenie.

Grindelwald left the shadow and came nearer Queenie, like a father figure, kindly but strict.

- What is he doing here ! Tina exclaimed, half indignant half bitter.

- Listen to me Teenie, Queenie begged, he allowed me to talk to you, so please. You could come with us ! With me…

- Of course not ! Tina shouted, can't you see he's manipulating you ?!

- You're wrong ! I chose to join him freely ! I saw his mind, he just want what I want ! To be free !

Tina was speechless, unable to find her word.

- You know the system you're working for… isn't right Tina, Grindelwald declared calmly, Look what it did to Credence. Look what it did to you when you bravely tried to protect him. Join us my sister, for the greater good.

He offered his hand gently. Tina stared at it then turned her gaze to Queenie.

- There is still a way back from this Queenie, she said desperately, walk with me !

- So you choose the Law over you own sister… again, Queenie whispered looking down. Grindelwald closed his eyes and lowered his hand with a wry smile.

- I told you she was beyond all hope. She is an Auror bankrolled by our persecutor.

Queenie took a deep breath and fixed a sharp gaze on her sister. Suddendly she aimed at her sister with her wand.

- Raise your wand, Tina.

- Queenie - Tina begged with a shaking voice.

- I said raise your wand, she emphasised one every word.

Tina watched her, on the verge of tears. She slowly and reluctantly pointed her wand toward her little sister. Queenie's hand was shaking from fear and sorrow so Grindelwald's hand grabbed hers reassuringly.

- Do it Queenie, for the greater good.

Tina still hoped she would change her mind but it shattered when the first spell was casted. She just had the time to use a counter-spell before it hit her. Queenie looked stunned by her own action but soon did it again with more confidence. Tina, who was crying now, used the Protego Maxima spell to avoid being hurt. She couldn't resolve herself to attack her little sister, even if the latter was attempting to do so for real. The shield was fairly strong so when Grindelwald was sure Queenie was willing to reject her sister, he helped her destroying it a bit but still wanted her to do it mainly. Tina, in reaction, began to reinforce it. But it was vain, Grindelwald was too strong. She had more and more difficulty to maintain her spell. She was panting and sobbing. She thought she was lost when they all heard a strange and loud roar not too far away. Grindelwald and Queenie halted their spell. She turned to him with a questioning look, he frowned with displeasure. Suddenly, a big feline creature fell from the sky. She was ridden by two wizards. Grindelwald disapparated, immediatly followed by Queenie. Theseus tried to Stupefy one of them as he get down from the beast but missed for they fled way too fast. Tina stood motionless behind the Zouwu, her tears flowing slowly along her cheeks. Newt called her and moved to joined her but Theseus rushed toward her before him.

- Give me one good reason to not incapacitate and denounce you at once ! He said to her with a low voice, his wand aiming at her.

- I… I'm truly sorry for what've done, she replied quietly then sniffed, I believed I could get her back but I was wrong.

Newt caught his brother up and told him to lowered his wand. He glanced at Tina with concern. She had shifty eyes, full of tears.

- Theseus, please, don't, it's not her fault -

- She did it because she wanted to, Newt.

- Yeah well, I dare you to tell me you wouldn't have done it if it was me who… He didn't finished, she's her only family Theseus !

Theseus sighed heavily and lowered his wand eventually.

- Fine, but from now on you'll be under my total surveillance round-the-clock by wearing this, he created an Admonitor, it -

- I already know what it is, she stated bitterly, the MACUSA forced me to have one in New York before I was reinstated.

- Then you know how serious i'm about it. Do you agree ?

- Do I have a choice ?

- You're not giving me one, he retorted and waved his wand to put it to her wrist, now I want you to come home, both. We'll talk about it later.

He glanced at them then disapparated, returning to his house.

- I think we should do as he said…

Newt told the Zouwu to come back in the case which she obediently did. He was just about to disapparate in his turn when Tina grabbed his hand. She immediatly let it go as he watched her in confusion.

- I'm so sorry I didn't told you anything, she breathed, I didn't want you to be involved so I… she guiltily bit her lower lip, I care a lot about you, you know.

- You're safe, that's all that matters, he smiled weakly, will- will you be okay on your own ? He asked after a while of watching her. Even with swollen teary eyes, she remained beautiful in his mind.

- I can handle it. Besides, she shook her wrist, i'm not really on my own anymore.