Happy belated 121st birthday, Porpentina Esther Goldstein-Scamander.

Disclaimer: I do not own Fantastic Beasts. Or else, I already made 5 whole movies about Newtina.


Porpentina Goldstein woke up earlier that day. The moment she opened her eyes, she couldn't wait to start her day. She rose and slipped her foot into her slippers. The sun shone brightly through the bedroom's window.

The American witch sighed as she gazed at the bedroom beside her. It used to be Queenie's, her sister who was the complete opposite of her. All the bittersweet memories rushed through her head. The cute lingeries thrown on top of the footboard, the messy pink blanket which she didn't bother to tidy up, the radio which tuned in her favorite songs. They all were gone.

The loneliness and disappointment grew when her dearest sister left and decided to be Grindelwald's acolytes. She couldn't stop blaming herself. She was responsible for Queenie's action on joining the dark side. Her mind had been torturing her, day and night. She dreamt the same nightmare over and over again. The vision of Queenie Goldstein dying was more devastating than anything else. The only thing that could relieve her from the sufferings was crawling over the pink-themed twin bed and burying her face in the pillow as she couldn't stop sobbing.

She wanted her sister's twin bed to leave it as it was, perhaps one day if she came back. But… would she? Tina wasn't sure. The loss of Queenie Goldstein had put her in a slump. If only she let her sister be with Jacob, would it make any difference? She never thought the last time they met was arguing about her sister's choice and love life. Porpentina was lost in the dark, but slowly… a gentle light gradually pulled her.

The famed magizoologist Newton Scamander visited her often after retrieving his travel permit. He made sure that she had eaten and rested well. Even when she lost her appetite and motivation to live, he didn't give up on her. Those feelings made her realize how unfair she was. Newt who mostly slept on the coach or hammock in his magical suitcase as she wasn't ready to give it up on Queenie's bed. Although Tina insisted for him to sleep on her bed, the Englishman always found a way to refuse the offer.

Newt knew how much the American witch loved her sister. The remnant of Queenie Goldstein laid on the pink-themed twin bed. He didn't want Tina to be separated from her sister's remains. Besides, there was no way he would let her sleep on the coach. There was nothing he could do but to be there for her.

Tina thought that it wasn't right to be only longing for Queenie's return. Not doing anything wouldn't make Queenie back. Her loneliness mellowed down, thanks to the English wizard. His unconditional support pushed her back and motivated her to not give up on her one and only sister. Those feelings soon turned into determination. Working as an auror at MACUSA has benefits in giving her some hints on Grindelwald's whereabouts… Queenie's, to be exact.

The bed which used to be her sister's temporarily became the famed magizoologist. She changed the pink-themed sheets into yellow, just like his Hufflepuff scarf. Newt was hesitant at first by her decision, but he could see that she gradually changed. Not only her, but also her surroundings.

Mrs. Esposito found out about Newt, thanks to Teddy who frequently stole her jewelry. It turned out the landlady was a squib and promised her parents to take care of the Goldstein sisters if they were gone. Tina realized that she was strict about men because she cared. Mrs. Esposito knew who Newt Scamander was and she was glad that Tina had someone who supported her.

After a year of Newt's persuasion, Newt's persuasion over time, she finally took a step across the Kowalski Quality Baked Goods. She didn't have the guts to do so because she felt guilty and ashamed. Newt had assured her that Jacob would never blame her as it was purely Queenie's decision. Together with the magizoologist, she watched her no-maj friend from afar. His eyes were soulless, very different from the cheerful man she once knew. They were in the same boat, losing someone they loved the most. The least Tina could do was to keep an eye on her sister's man and protect him at all cost.

The American witch stood up from her bed and brushed the yellow bed sheet across her. She was grateful to have Newton Scamander in her life. He believed in her so much which made her wonder if she even deserved him. She used to be alone, taking all full responsibilities as Queenie's older sister as well as parents and MACUSA Auror. Newt pampered her which no one ever had and made her realize that she needed someone to lean on. His short visits became longer, the sweet nothings he whispered in her ears, the warm embraces which comforted her and the soft kisses which he planted on her cheeks. He assured her that she was worth it, that she deserved him more than anyone else. She felt like a fool to think that he was still into Leta Lestrange at that time.

He was truly in love with her… and so did she.

Tina snapped out of her thoughts and looked at the clock. It was already 6 and she had to get ready for work. She went to the bathroom to brush her teeth and take a quick shower. The two toothbrushes on the cup and the thought of sleepy Newt made her smile. She was surprised to learn that he wasn't a morning person. His brown ruffled hair, sleepy eyes and the toothpaste foam on his lips were adorable. She missed the time when they brushed their teeth together to start their day.

She got dressed in her white blouse and black pants. Just as any other day, she swirled her wand gently to make a cup of tea. Tina was originally a coffee person but Newt converted her to be a tea person. Newt's regular visits meant more quality time together and little by little, they shared each other's interests. Tina started to enjoy his English Breakfast tea while Newt was addicted to her ground coffee. It was strange but lovely how their mutual feelings could change their taste. With a cup of tea and coffee, they would usually sit on the dining table and talk over small things together.

The woman took a seat on the very same dining table and sipped her tea. Her fingers immediately reached for the well-thumbed book on the table. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander. She bought the first edition of the book when it was finally released in the United States. Even when she had a misunderstanding with Newt that time, she kept her promise. She looked out for the book. Although her heart was full of jealousy when she saw the scandalous photo of Newt and Leta Lestrange on Spellbound, it didn't stop her from admiring the book and thinking of him. Newt, who cared about the magical creatures and made a guide book on how to protect them, was one of the reasons why she adored and respected him.

She turned to the first page of the book. She found a short note and signature written in black ink.

To Porpentina Goldstein,

You deserve everything in this world.

Thank you for choosing the title.

With Love,

Newt

The magizoologist signed her book after the incident in Paris. They reconciled and cleared each other's misunderstandings. Newt apologized for not being able to give his book directly to her and explained about the travel ban. The miscommunication was a lesson learnt for both of them to not trust the media. They continued to send letters to each other when they were separated by the sea.

Tina reread the book numerous times. Whenever Newt came to New York, he would tell his adventures on finding and rescuing the magical creatures. He would take her to his suitcase and show her how to befriend the new creatures. They would also find a perfect name for the beasts together. His eyes sparkled as he enthusiastically explained about every beast that he had written in his book and manuscript. Tina wished that she could protect those beautiful eyes. She knew that he was a skilled wizard but deep inside her heart, she was afraid to see the magizoologist badly injured or disappeared from her sight… forever.

She shook her head and cleared her head from any negative thoughts. After she enjoyed her cup of tea and reread some pages of the book, she took her wand and quickly cleaned up the whole apartment. Before she took her black leather coat from the coat rack, she saw a familiar blue coat. The last time Newt visited, she fell asleep on the coach after a restless day of tracing Grindelwald and his followers. He covered her body with his coat and left first thing in the morning without waking her up. Tina wished she could send him off but she was exhausted at that time.

The apartment was filled with things which reminded her of Newt and she didn't mind. Thanks to the man, the atmosphere around her apartment was brighter than a year ago. It helped her reduce her pain. There were no words that could describe how thankful she was to have him. To have him as her partner.

The American auror wore her black leather coat and left her apartment. She took out the locket necklace in her pocket. Her eyes softened when she opened her golden, oval shaped locket. An old locket which she inherited from her late mother. There were photos of people whom she greatly cherished: The Goldstein family photo and a portrait of Newt Scamander. She wore it around her neck with the locket close to her heart as she apparated her way to the MACUSA headquarters.


The sky was dark when she got out of the Woolworth Building. Tina decided to take her time and walk back home. The no-majs and automobiles still roamed around with the shining lights decorated the city. An evening stroll cooled down her mind after a long, tiring day at MACUSA. She loved her job, although it could be demanding most of the time.

It didn't take a while until Tina could see her apartment from afar. She frowned when she saw a figure outside of the building. A tall man with a suitcase in his hand was waiting for someone. She didn't need to look twice. She knew.

Newt.

The British man whom she loved and missed dearly. He was waiting for her.

His lips curled into a smile, and his eyes beamed with joy as he watched her approaching. The way Newt Scamander looked at her was as if she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He was like a puppy waiting for his owner. How long had he waited for her all this time?

Newt didn't take his eyes off her even when she was standing before him. He put his suitcase on the ground then gently tucked her short hair behind her ear and whispered, "Tina."

Tina chuckled and gazed at him, "Newt."

"I bought you… flowers," the English wizard mumbled as he raised his hand with a bouquet of flowers.

"Oh—" Tina was astonished to see the awkward magizoologist being so romantic. She took the bouquet from him and sniffed the flowers.

"I'm not sure if you like it," he muttered as he shyly looked away.

"Thank you, Newt. I love it… very much," she grinned, still fixated with his unexpected present. The bouquet was indeed mesmerizingly beautiful. She didn't know this side of him and wondered if he picked the flowers by himself.

She then looked at him again—his eyes were fixed on hers. Tina noticed his lips were dry and his freckled face looked pale. She cupped his cheeks, which surprised him but his hand immediately touched hers. It was cold, just as she expected. If only she knew he was coming, she would've just apparated to her apartment. "How long have you been waiting?"

"Not long, just a few minutes ago."

A few minutes was an understatement. Before Tina could argue, Newt spread his arms and wrapped around her waist. She was stunned with his action but her expression gradually softened as she embraced him back. She rested her chin on his broad shoulder as he began to caress her hair.

"How was work?"

Newt was definitely changing the subject, but she let him go this time. "The usual. Queenie… She might be somewhere in Europe. We're not sure yet. I-I hope that we can catch her… I-If I can meet her and talk to her in some way."

Her lips trembled and she was on the verge of tears. The overflowing emotions rushed into her veins. She didn't want to show her vulnerable side to him. She tried to pull away but instead, he tightened his grasp on her waist, pulling her closer to him. He whispered in her ear, "You did well, Tina. I'm sure we'll get Queenie back."

Newt reassured her again and again with words of affirmations. He believed in her, more than anyone else. Even when her world collapsed, he was there with his scarred arms to help her get back and fight.

"What.. what did I do to deserve you, Newt?"

He loosened his grip and gazed at her, "Tina, You do… as you have always been. You're the most beautiful, kind-hearted and strongest woman I've ever met. You were there, being confident about yourself and trusting your intuitions more than anything else. I ask myself the same question… because you see, Tina… I don't think I deserve you."

The next thing she knew, her vision became more blurry and hot tears streamed down her face. She squeezed her eyelids shut in the hope her tears would stop, but it didn't. She tried to look away from him but it failed. He gently wiped her tears with his handkerchief.

He offered his handkerchief like a gentleman. She was embarrassed but she took it anyway. She sniffled quietly, "Where did you learn all of this, Mr. Scamander?"

"From the best."

Her lips curved into a smile. They both gazed at each other, unable to take their eyes off each other. He leaned towards her, way closer than before. His lips brushed against her tenderly, as his thumb carefully stroked her cheekbones. Her heart fluttered and a warm sensation spread through her body. Tina had been waiting for this moment all along. It reminded her how much she missed his affectionate smile, his gentle touch and his soft kisses. It made her feel safe. Without any doubt, she closed her eyes and returned his kiss passionately. Newt softly groaned as she deepened the kiss. After a few moments, they slowly broke apart, leaning against each other's forehead as they looked into each other's eyes. For once, she felt safe and sound.

"Welcome back, Newt."


Retrouvailles
[French. meaning: rediscovery]
noun. The joy of meeting someone again after a long separation.