So, you know I said when I uploaded chapter 14 in July 2020 that this chapter was in the works? I promise it was, but stuff happened. Work happened – I GOT A PROPER ADULT JOB! I actually have a week off work this week though, hence why I am FINALLY uploading this chapter. Quills & Swords and I actually wrote this one together, and I think we may do that from now on – I'm yet to discuss this with her though.
Anyway – enjoy the chapter! It starts right from where the last one left off.
There was no mistaking that voice. Tina whirled around to find the man she had thought about every day for several months stood in front of her. He was just as handsome as he had been when she'd last seen him – but his omnipresent blue coat had been replaced with a stylish grey one, and he seemed not to have shaved for a few days. Tina did not mind this at all, in fact he was somehow even more attractive. Sweet Morrigan, does he have to look that good?
It quickly came to Tina's attention that she was standing there staring, and Newt was looking at her quizzically - like he was studying her, but in a friendly way. Finally, she found her voice. "Newt." She breathed – she was barely even speaking. She saw something flash across his eyes for a split second before he smiled that heart-stopping smile that had sealed Tina's fate from day one.
There she was. The breathtakingly beautiful witch with the salamander eyes that had never been too far from Newt's thoughts ever since he left New York. She was dressed to the nines in a cobalt blue and black fringed dress, and he couldn't stop staring at her. It's like the Blind Pig all over again. And my God does that haircut suit her. Newt opened his mouth to speak (without knowing what it was that he wanted to say) before being interrupted by his brother clearing his throat.
"Would you two mind having your little reunion later? We kind of have a critical situation here." Theseus sounded authoritative but he had a slight smirk on his face.
Tina turned to face the elder Scamander brother. "You must be Theseus." She held her hand out. He shook it and raised an eyebrow, so she explained, "The resemblance is uncanny. Plus, you're clearly the one who loves dishing out orders." She added, turning to look at Newt, who found that it was his turn to smirk.
Theseus laughed, "Smartarse, are we?"
Tina cracked up laughing, presumably at how his British accent sounded to her. Newt's suspicions were confirmed when, bringing her laughter under control, she explained, "Sorry, it's the accent." Then in a calmer, more professional tone of voice,
"Do continue with your briefing."
Theseus proceeded to explain the plan of action.
Tina huffed as she squatted down in a bush just outside of the Ministry. From this angle she could just about see another Auror stationed across the street looking down from a neighbouring rooftop. Like most Auror work, Theseus' plan required them all to take up defensive positions surrounding the Ministry and wait for Grindelwald's men to make a move. Though, naturally, Theseus himself had the pleasant post just inside the doors as a "last line of defence". Tina scoffed at the thought. To avoid freezing his butt off more like.
She blew on her hands to stop them from going stiff while holding her wand. Tina wasn't usually one for violence, but at least a duel would keep her moving around instead of shivering in the British cold. If the weather was like this the whole time she was here she might have to give in to Newt's threats of a cup of tea.
She smiled at the thought of Newt and pulled his coat in tighter around her body. Even Theseus had conceded that Tina couldn't stand outside in her thin party dress and heels. Newt had offered up his coat in an instant and a pair of boots had been sourced from one of the female Aurors.
Tina stifled a scream against the coat when something tapped at her face. The shape was so close up that it blurred in her vision. Jolting back in shock Tina realised that the spindly creature in front of her must be Pickett. In the rush of preparing for battle it seemed Newt had forgotten to remove him from his coat.
Pickett huffed in response and dived into one of the bottom pockets in search of something. Tina grinned when Pickett dove further into the pocket than seemed physically possible. Clearly Newt treated his coat as an extension of his case and had charmed the pockets to hold more than they appeared to.
Eventually Pickett re-emerged from the pocket holding something, and offered it to Tina. Curious, she took it, never taking one eye off the street. The object was brown, rectangular and just less than half of Pickett's height. On closer examination, the word Bourbon was stamped onto the top and it smelt faintly of chocolate. Tina guessed that it must be some kind of sweet British snack and that Pickett had given it to her because he thought she might be hungry. So she shook her head but smiled politely at the bowtruckle, letting him know that she was grateful but didn't want to eat it. At this the tiny creature squeaked in indignation.
Tina sighed at Pickett's antics and resigned herself to holding the biscuit in her hand. She could always toss it away once the action started.
Something she hoped would happen sooner rather than later. The winter wind was biting against her exposed skin. The time difference between New York and London was also starting to catch up with her. After some quick mental calculations, Tina estimated that she'd been awake for at least 20 hours. She could feel fatigue settling into her limbs from the forced stillness of her hideout.
She shook her head to clear it and focused on going over the exercises she'd learnt from the Auror academy. Simple tricks like counting the trees or listing objects she could see, to keep her mind alert during long hours on guard.
From her vantage point, Tina could see three lampposts. One of them cast a shadow on a stray dog that would circle past every few minutes and search the bin for food.
Odd, now that she thought of it. Tina had often observed that the New York strays were surprisingly clever. Some had even worked out how to use the subway to travel to different parts of the city. Though she doubted they ever paid for a ticket.
It seemed strange in comparison that this dog would keep returning to the same bin despite walking away with nothing each time.
Tina frowned when the dog passed under the lamp, it's fur shining rich and glossy in the light. Strays were usually shabby and unkempt. This one looked proud, like some type of greyhound, though Tina didn't know enough about dog breeds to pinpoint which. It was either very recently abandoned by its owner, or-
Or it wasn't a stray dog at all.
The dog moved to the side as though to get a better angle to dig through the bin. As it did, Tina watched as it's head lifted and it looked intently at the Ministry entrance.
Tina craned her neck, careful to stay out of the dog's line of sight, to see what it was looking at. If she leaned out just enough she could see Theseus reflected in the glass entrance. He was milling around by the front desk pretending to share some chips with the front desk night shift. The dog was looking right at him.
Tina flexed her toes, readying herself to move when the moment came.
The dog barked. Tina braced herself. She could see Theseus straighten as he took in the animal.
The dog barked again.
"Looks like he wants some crisps." The night shift said. Must be what the British call chips. Ridiculous. Tina thought at the back of her mind.
"Alright, alright." Theseus said when the dog barked a third time. "Would a few crisps keep you quiet?" He walked to the entrance of the Ministry.
He must be scouting it out, Tina thought. Surely no one's stupid enough to-
Theseus stepped outside.
Tina gritted her teeth against the groan bubbling up in her throat.
She watched as Theseus threw a chip at the dog's feet. He didn't miss the look of disdain the dog shot the chip. But, instead of clocking it as odd behaviour, Theseus laughed. "Snooty are you? I suppose you want hand feeding."
He stepped closer, now fully out in the open several meters away from the entrance to the Ministry. Tina held her breath.
Theseus went to crouch to pet the dog. As he did the dog transformed into a man, his fist coming up sharp to catch Theseus under his jaw. There was a shout from another Auror who appeared from his hiding spot, wand raised, though he was cut off by a hex coming from behind.
Tina turned to look at where the shout had come from and stood, wand out, in a defensive position when a gang of ten rushed towards them from the shadows.
Then all hell broke loose.
The Aurors leapt out from their covers to defend the Ministry. It was clear within minutes that while the gang was large in numbers they were untrained. Likely a group hoping to gain approval from Grindelwald but not yet officially aligned with him.
Tina stunned a man who tried to slip into the Ministry now that Theseus had been drawn outside. She turned to shoot Theseus a glare for his idiocy only to find him missing.
Pickett squealed in her ear and pointed down a narrow side street. If she squinted, Tina could just see the shadow of a man being pulled into the alley.
"Nice spot, Pickett." Tina grinned.
What Pickett had seen was two masked Grindelwald followers dragging a struggling Theseus into a nearby alleyway. Slowly and stealthily, Tina crept towards the alleyway, pressing herself into a little alcove in the wall when one of the masked men came back out of the alleyway and walked past her. She signalled to a fellow Auror on the street opposite to tail him while she took care of the one in the alleyway. She slid into the shadowy side-street unseen and observed the other masked man as he held Theseus in a headlock from behind a giant wheelie bin.
Tina came out of her hiding spot with her arm raised high above her head, the biscuit given to her by Pickett still clutched in her hands. She pointed her wand at the man holding Theseus hostage and then moved it purposely so that it was pointing at the snack.
"Don't move or I'll destroy it." Tina puffed out her chest forcing her words to come out bolder than she felt.
The man glared at her, his gaze flickering between her face and her hands. The dim light in the alley made it too dark for him to see what she held in her hand. "What is it?"
"Let's just say Grindelwald won't be able to locate Credence Barebone without it." Theseus said. Tina forced herself not to react to the news that Credence had survived.
"Yeah, but if you harm Mr Scamander I'll destroy it right now. Good luck explaining your failure to Grindelwald." Tina said. "I imagine he doesn't take kindly to failure."
The man swallowed. "You're bluffing."
"I'm not." Tina adjusted her grip on her wand. "I swear to you I'll destroy it."
The man narrowed his eyes. "You're just making this up aren't you?" His choke hold around Theseus tightened.
"You're just a lackey. I doubt Grindelwald discusses his plans with you." Tina pointed out.
"So what?" The man asked. "I let your boss go and you'll just give it to me? You wouldn't do that. It's too important."
"She's American, she might do anything." Theseus choked out.
Tina resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "I'm not going to give it to you." She readied herself to move. "But I will let you jump for it." She threw the biscuit as hard as she could. The man's grip around Theseus loosened just enough for him to pull free.
"Stupefy." Tina shouted once Theseus was clear.
The man collapsed to the ground unmoving.
"If anyone asks, it was all part of the plan." Theseus muttered to Tina as they passed the man along to one of the other Aurors who took him to the cells. The man's accomplice had also been captured, along with three others. Turns out this 'attack' was more like a recce gone wrong.
At that they heard a voice from behind them. "Part of the plan my arse."
The two Aurors turned around to find Newt standing behind them, grinning. "Heard you got yourself taken hostage, Thes."
"Keep your voice down, Newton." Theseus scolded his brother through gritted teeth.
"What, don't want your subordinates to know that Theseus Scamander, the great war hero and Head of Magical Law Enforcement, managed to get himself captured by one of Grindelwald's lowest ranking soldiers?" Newt had lowered his voice a bit, but was still enjoying this immensely.
Theseus stepped closer to his brother, looked him in the eye and said in a low voice, still through gritted teeth, "Yes. Exactly. And I swear to you, Newton, if you tell another living soul…"
Newt interrupted him, "And not only that, but he got rescued by the American female Auror that he considered so incompetent that he had her shadowed for months. Just goes to show, doesn't it, Thee?" The younger Scamander was having the time of his life making fun of his older brother - Tina guessed it was because it didn't happen very often.
"Don't call me that." Theseus was getting more and more irate by the second, which only spurred Newt on more. Tina was starting to wish she had a box of popcorn on hand.
Newt continued to ignore his brother, "Just goes to show, Thes, that she's a better Auror than you ever thought." He turned his attention to Tina - his eyes glittering, and she suspected (hoped) that it wasn't just to do with his glee at his brother's mistake, "Well done, Tina."
Well this evening turned out to be better than expected - Theseus cocks up massively, and I get to see Tina again was the general trajectory of thoughts running through Newt's mind in the aftermath of the attack. Really, how could Theseus not have seen that the dog was quite clearly an animagus? He thought that was what Theseus had dragged him here for - to advise on such matters. But no. As always, Theseus thought he knew best, and this time his arrogance came back to bite him on the arse. And Newt always enjoyed it immensely when that happened. He loved his brother, but at the same time he also had his face on a dart board in his house.
At present, Theseus was still glaring daggers at Newt, but he paid that no mind. Instead he focused on the way Tina's eyes lit up when he congratulated her - and somehow managed to convince himself that it was not a coincidence, or a high from the successful mission. She was smiling too - that sweet, almost shy smile that melted his heart."Well, what can I say? I'm used to cleaning up after Brits."
Newt laughed in spite of her obvious reference to the recapturing of his beasts in New York. "I knew it'd come in useful." he retaliated.
"If you two are done flirting?" Theseus interjected, and suddenly Newt remembered that his brother was there, and felt himself blushing. He saw Tina was the same, which he found oddly endearing.
"I wasn't flirting!" both of them said at the same time, causing them to blush even harder.
Theseus chuckled, "Of course you weren't. Anyway, I'd like to congratulate you, Tina. My brother is right, you did a sterling job out there. You will be an asset to my team."
Tina inclined her head, "Thank you."
Theseus smiled and held out his hand for her to shake, "Welcome to the British Ministry of Magic, Auror Goldstein."
Tina maintained a professional demeanour in front of her new boss as she shook his hand, smiled and said, "I look forward to working with you and your team, Head Auror Scamander."
Theseus chuckled at the formality. He released Tina's hand and turned to his brother. "As for you…you'd better not tell anyone about what happened tonight. There will be consequences."
Newt laughed, "I'm not scared of you, Thes. Never have been."
Theseus rolled his eyes, "Isn't that the truth."
"Exactly. And what's more, I happen to know who you're scared of, Thee."
"I told you not to call me that. And I'm not scared of anyone."
"Don't be a cocky bastard, Theseus. I know that, unlike me, you've been scared of father your whole life. And you'd best hope I don't tell him about tonight when Tina joins us for dinner this Sunday."
Newt regretted the latter part of that sentence as soon as he'd said it. He'd gotten so carried away with teasing his brother that he'd just blurted it out. He looked at Tina, who looked stunned, then at Theseus, who was smirking, and then back to Tina. Finally Tina spoke, "Aren't you supposed to invite me first?". There was no malice in her voice, but if Newt hadn't regretted his words before, he certainly did now.
"I do apologise, Tina, I-" he started but she cut him off by walking straight up to him and laying a hand on his arm, looking him right in the eye. "Newt. I'd love to." She was smiling, and only for him. He was stunned, "Are you sure? Don't feel like you have to, it's-"
"Newt." she cut him off again. "Seriously. I'd love to have dinner at your parents' house."
He smiled back now, his free hand involuntarily coming to rest on top of hers.
Theseus broke the moment by laughing. "Oh, this is just brilliant. You two are utterly hopeless."
Newt shot him a look, quickly removing his hand with Tina following suit. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You know perfectly well what it's supposed to mean. Anyway, Newt, you do know that mother will absolutely lose her mind with excitement when she finds out?"
"I do. Don't worry, Thee, I have a plan for that."
"For Christ's sake, Newton, stop calling me that."
Newt grinned like a child. "Don't worry, I won't."
Theseus rolled his eyes. "I'll leave you two to catch up. Tina, I believe your things have been transferred to a room at the Leaky Cauldron - just give your name at the bar and they'll give you a key. I'm sure Newt is all too willing to escort you there?"
It had to be the bloody Cauldron. Newt blushed again but smiled, in Tina's direction of course. "Of course." Then he turned to his brother. "Are you going to bugger off then?"
Theseus chuckled, "Of course. I have arrests to process. Enjoy your rest, Tina - you're going to need it."
With that the elder Scamander strode off down the hallway to his office, leaving Newt and Tina alone.
Newt held out his arm. "Shall we?"
Tina giggled a little despite herself and placed her hand on his arm, "We shall."
"So, I'm guessing the Leaky Cauldron is some kind of hotel?" Tina asked, after a few minutes of only-slightly-uncomfortable silence.
Newt laughed softly, "It's an inn. So it's a pub but you can also stay there."
Tina had heard of British 'pubs' - from what she could gather they were simply bars in old buildings that were mostly frequented by men. "What about the No-Maj's - sorry, 'muggles' - can they see it?"
He laughed again at her use of the British word for non-magical people, "No. All they see is a derelict building. It's also the entrance to Diagon Alley - where all the magical shops are - in London. I can show you tomorrow, if you'd like?"
Tina smiled, "I'd like that." She could see his answering smile in his eyes. I still can't work out what colour they are...focus, Tina! "Do you want your coat back?" she asked, realising she was still wearing the grey overcoat he had lent her before the attack.
"Not at all. I'm used to this weather. Are you warm enough?" He seemed genuinely concerned for her wellbeing, and it made her feel all fuzzy inside.
"Yes, very, thank you. Where do you buy your coats? I might have to get myself one. Do they do women's sizes?"
"Coincidentally, I buy them in Diagon Alley." he chuckled, "And yes, they do make women's sizes. I'll take you there tomorrow."
Before Tina could thank him, he suddenly said, "Here we are." Tina looked up to see a slightly shabby-looking pub on the street corner opposite. A faded black wooden sign bearing the name The Leaky Cauldron hung outside, swaying slightly in the breeze. The inside of the pub looked very cosy and inviting, and Tina suddenly remembered how exhausted she was - she'd been awake for almost 24 hours. Before she knew it they'd crossed the street and they were standing directly in front of it.
"Would you like me to come in with you? Tom the bartender can be a cheeky sod sometimes." Newt asked her as Tina turned her attention back to him.
Tina laughed, "Trust me, I've worked with plenty. And that's putting it politely." He laughed out loud at that, before she added "I'll be fine, but thank you for the offer."
He inclined his head. "Very well. I'll leave you here then. You'll find a pouch containing some of our currency in the inside right pocket of my coat, and I'll meet you inside at 10am tomorrow - assuming that's okay with you?"
Tina searched the pocket he had mentioned, and found a brown leather drawstring pouch, in which she could hear coins jangling. She looked back up at her companion and offered a tired but genuine smile. "That will be perfect, thank you. And thank you for the money." She opened the pouch and inspected the contents - a mixture of gold, silver and bronze coins were inside. Newt obviously sensed her confusion because he stepped forward to explain. "Gold galleons, silver sickles, bronze knuts. 17 sickles in a galleon, 29 knuts in a sickle. Not that they should charge you - if Theseus has any decency he'll have paid for your stay."
Tina laughed, "Even if he hasn't, I don't mind. Here," she removed his coat from her shoulders, wincing as the cold breeze hit her bare arms. "Have your coat back."
"Absolutely not - I can cope without it, and you need it more than I do."
Tina thrust the coat at him, "Newt. Remember my things are in there," she gestured to the inn behind them, "Plus, I don't think Pickett would be too happy about it."
It was like Newt had just remembered Pickett was in his coat pocket. At the mention of his name the bowtruckle popped his head out of the top pocket and squeaked indignantly at having been woken up. Newt chuckled, "Alright, I suppose I'd better. Sorry Pick." he said as he put the coat back on his own shoulders. "Wait, does this mean Pickett was with you earlier on?" he said after seemingly having a sudden realisation.
"He was indeed, in fact he was instrumental in my rescue of your brother." Pickett looked incredibly proud of himself at the mention of the earlier attack. Tina laughed, and Newt rolled his eyes fondly. "Alright, Pick, don't get too cocky. Go back to sleep." Pickett squeaked again and retreated back into the warmth of Newt's pocket.
He then turned his attention back to Tina. "I'll let you get some well-deserved rest. Sleep well, Tina, and I'll see you tomorrow morning." Before she could bid him goodnight back, he had taken her hand and kissed the back of it. She blushed a little, and hoped he couldn't see it in the darkness. "Goodnight, Newt. And thank you."
"Whatever for?"
"For everything you've done tonight. Including your congratulating me earlier."
"I like to give credit where it's due, and it certainly wasn't due to Theseus." Newt remarked, but then went serious, "But honestly, Tina, you did a wonderful job this evening despite how last minute it was."
"Thank you, Newt. I appreciate that." Before Tina knew what she was doing (she blamed her almost delirious tiredness) she had stepped closer to him and kissed his cheek. "You're a good man, Newt Scamander. Goodnight." and with that she entered the pub before he could say anything more.
Newt stared after her, his hand unconsciously moving to his cheek. Pickett popped his head up again and squeaked loudly in his ear, snapping him out of whatever reverie he was just in. "Bloody hell, Pick," he said, rubbing his ear "There was no need for that." The bowtruckle squeaked again, quieter this time, and Newt sighed, "Yes. Maybe she does feel something for me." And with that he turned on his heel and headed in the direction of his house.
When he finally retired to bed that evening, he couldn't help but imagine holding her close, and allowing the scent of leather and coffee to help him drift off.
Tina practically fell into bed that night, and as sleep overtook her, she couldn't help imagining strong arms wrapped around her waist and the smell of parchment, herbs and animal feed lulling her to sleep.
Hopefully that was worth the wait! We will get to work on chapter 16 ASAP.
As always, reviews are appreciated (please be nice…!) and follows and favourites etc etc. See you soon!