2 updates in 2 days, you lucky people! Quills and Swords finally finished writing her chapter and I couldn't have done it better myself. I hope you guys like it! Sorry it's a little short, I'll try to make the next one longer to make up for it!
Thank you again to everyone who has reviewed, means a hell of a lot!
Enjoy!
"Miss Goldstein!" Madam Picquery said sharply, her headpiece shaking as she gesticulated in exasperation. She slammed both her hands on her desk and leaned across, meeting Tina's eyes. "I have spent the whole morning trying to persuade the British Minister not to have you fired for your insubordination. He is determined to use this to have Grindelwald transferred to British custody and I will not let that happen. Your foolish antics put the whole unit at risk. I'm warning you Goldstein, one more slip up and you'll be off this case."
"Yes, Madam President." Tina nodded quickly. The President's sharp tone was not unlike the one she had used when Tina had been fired from the investigative team, but there was something about it that wasn't quite the same. "I promise from now on I'll be professional. I don't know what came over me."
A sly smile tugged at the corner of Picquery's mouth. "Remember Tina, you mustn't allow your emotions to cloud your judgement. Even if they do concern Mr Scamander."
"Excuse me?" Tina frowned in confusion, partly because the President had just called her Tina, and partly because of what she seemed to be implying. "I'm not sure what you're referring to. Newt and I are just friends." She inwardly cursed herself for calling him Newt. It's so informal! What will she think? Does she know we've been writing to each other?
"Well, we'll see. Also, there will be no more questioning Grindelwald this week as the British Ministry is conducting an investigation of our conduct and I won't give them a reason to take this from us." Picquery nodded for Tina to leave and as she did she was sure the President was still smiling.
Once Tina was out of sight Madam Picquery unfolded a piece of parchment from her pocket. It read:
Dear Madam President,
While I am deeply disappointed to hear about the misconduct involved with Grindelwald's interrogation, I would remind you not to be too harsh on those Aurors involved in the incident as we at the Ministry understand Grindelwald's deceptive nature. It is clear that the event was unfortunate however we are confident that no such thing will happen again and feel no need for you to take any disciplinary action.
Sincerely,
Theseus Scamander
Madam Picquery smiled at Newt's sloppy attempt to mimic his brother's tones and handwriting as she placed the letter into the files on Grindelwald's interrogation. Then she picked up the letter which had arrived on her desk the same morning. Like the first, it was written on official parchment and stamped with the Ministry's seal. However this one said:
Dear Madam President,
I was saddened to hear about such an unacceptable outburst from one of your Aurors. Especially one that is so newly reinstated. Here at the Ministry we believe in only recruiting the best talents - especially for such an important job. While we understand that you currently have jurisdiction over Grindelwald's captivity we remind you that if any further slip ups were to occur the Ministry would have no choice but to seize control. With this in mind, I would urge you to remove any rogue Aurors from the line of duty as you proceed with the interrogation. The Ministry has also decided to send several Aurors of our own to conduct a full investigation into your conduct given the recent events.
Sincerely,
Theseus Scamander
Ordinarily, Madam Picquery would have forced herself to file the official letter despite its rather damning nature. However, today Newt Scamander would have his way. She wasn't going to fire one of her best Aurors just because some jumped-up Englishman asked her to. So before she could change her mind, she pointed her wand at the letter from Theseus, "Incendio." She smiled as she watched the flames turn the parchment to ashes.
"Oh my gosh Teenie how did it go?" Queenie grasped Tina's arm and pulled her aside as Tina left Picquery's office. "Did she fire you again? Well not again because the first time was a misunderstanding but… oh you know what I mean."
"Queenie, it's fine. I don't know what happened really. She was angry of course but she…well, she was smiling, and I have no idea why." Tina frowned.
Queenie smiled knowingly. "I think I do." When Tina looked at her questioningly she quickly changed the subject. "So you're back on the interrogation team! That's great, are you going there now?" Queenie jumped up and down in her heels with joy – and Tina noted jealously that she somehow still managed to retain perfect balance.
"No, I've got the rest of this week off because the British Ministry has turfed us out of the interrogation room. No doubt that has something to do with Newt's brother." Tina replied bitterly. She now completely understood Newt's resentment towards Theseus that had been so clearly implied in his letters.
"Ooo, Newt's written back already has he? He must like you." Queenie teased.
Tina sighed, a faint blush rising in her cheeks. "I got the letter this morning. Newt's heard about the trouble with Grindelwald. I didn't tell him because I didn't want him to worry. But now he knows and what am I going to do Queenie?" Tina tugged the cuff of her jacket nervously. She wouldn't be able to stand it if her stupid, reckless act had destroyed her relationship with Newt, whatever it was. Was it friendship? Was it something else? Tina had no idea and she'd never been so confused in her life. She had always been sure of everything – mostly because she had only ever had her career and her sister to worry about. Tina stayed away from men for a reason, and now…she didn't know what to think.
Queenie seemed to notice this. "Relax Teenie, we can handle it." She squeezed her sister's arm. "Come on, let's go down to Jacob's bakery while we think about it. At least with the investigation from the Ministry this year we'll both be off on Christmas day!"
Half an hour later Tina was sitting on a bar stool, a glass of firewhisky in front of her, licking powdered sugar from her lips as she struggled to keep the crumbs from falling on her letter to Newt. When she'd finished, she downed the glass for a little Dutch courage before reading over what she'd written.
24th December 1926
Dear Newt,
I would be deeply honored to receive the first copy of your book on the condition that you sign it and deliver it to me personally as you promised. Queenie and I would love for you to try Jacob's pastries so you must come to visit.
About Grindelwald…
I'm so sorry I didn't mention what had happened before but I didn't want you to worry about me or think that I had wasted my second chance at this job seeing as you were the one who fought for me. Grindelwald used his abilities against Queenie and threatened people I care about. I understand that hitting him probably wasn't the best idea but I lost control. On a better note it seems that I won't be losing my job. I have no idea why but thank Merlin.
I'm sure that it's only Queenie that your creatures are missing as she's always been the more charming of the two of us. But give all your creatures a big hug from the both of us and tell Pickett I say hi.
On another note, as it is Christmas, Queenie is insisting that we include you in my favourite tradition of buying each other a box of Turkish delights. You don't have to eat them if you don't like because they're quite sweet. This particular tradition started when we were children and we couldn't buy toys so instead we would compete to see who could eat the Turkish delight while spilling the least amount of sugar. Needless to say my lack of grace means I have never won this game.
Merry Christmas,
Tina.
I hope you guys enjoyed that, and if you haven't already and you want to know where this story goes, hit that follow button (and the favourite button too if you like)
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Peace!