Seven

The section of the book shop pertaining to magical creatures was quite a small section, at least in comparison to the other sections that the two of them passed to get there. When Tina made this observation to Newt, he nodded somewhat somberly.

"Unfortunately, that is true. Thankfully, the most essential information that I gained for my book came from my field experience and first-hand accounts. But, hopefully, my book with help to make this small section grow."

"I'm sure it will, Newt," said Tina. Her eyes scanned the rows of books, following the authors' names in alphabetical order. When she found the appropriate spot, she pointed it out with a smile. "A-ha! So here is where the customers will find it. Do you know yet what the book cover will be like?"

"Only the basics," said Newt. "I know that Mr. Worme – he's my publisher – wants the binding in a scarlet leather."

Tina nodded. "I like that. A bright color like that will catch the eye."

"Hopefully, yes."

"So, when will the book be released?"

Newt scratched the back of his neck. "Well, Mr. Worme hopes to publish at the end of June. The original release date was for this month, but remember the incident with the Hebridean Black I wrote you about several months ago?"

Tina nodded. His letters about aiding the MacFusty clan in the Hebrides with a particularly temperamental adolescent dragon had been riveting.

"Well, since I was needed for over a month, Mr. Worme felt it best to push back the publication date so that I would have the time I needed to put my manuscript together. For which I am exceedingly grateful."

He took a step closer to her, and his tone became almost apologetic.

"I had meant to tell you in my next letter, but you're here now, which makes it somewhat easier. Mr. Worme expects my finished manuscript by the end of this month, and then the following month up until publication will be taken up with editing and polishing. So, until my book is published, I will have very, very little free time…and I may not be able to write you until then."

Of course, this made Tina a little sad. But the pure apology in Newt's tone, and the nervous way that he was looking at her, completely melted her heart. Taking his hand in hers, she squeezed his fingers and said, "I understand. I'm glad that you warned me. Just as long as you keep your promise to me about delivery my copy in person, I have no cause for complaints."

Newt's worried expression melted into a relieved smile as he squeezed her own fingers in return.

Tina mirrored his smile and said, "Now, how about we go back to the Leaky Cauldron and into your case?"

This surprised Newt, but Tina could see the spark of excitement that appeared in his eyes. "Really? Are you sure that you wouldn't like to see a bit more of Diagon Alley?"

"I can do that tomorrow after the conference is done. What I can't do then is be with you in your case, since you have your family dinner. And since I have to turn in early tonight, I don't want to waste one more minute outside of it."

For a minute, going by the look that appeared on his face, Tina had a wild thought that he might kiss her again. But he merely grinned at her fit to burst, and held her hand as he led her out of the shop. Despite the little drop of disappointment that Tina felt, she still laughed and eagerly followed him out.

When the pair were back in Tina's rented room of the Leaky Cauldron, Tina spoke as Newt set his case down on the floor.

"You go down first, Newt. I'll follow you in a few minutes. I just want to change into something a little more appropriate and comfortable first."

Newt looked at her over his shoulder, and he murmured, "Ah…of course…" as his eyes unconsciously drank in the sight of her in the dark blue dress one last time. He then turned back around (ears bright red), opened his case, and said "Please be sure to close the lid on the way down" before he climbed inside.

Once he had disappeared from view, Tina walked to the dresser in which she had unpacked the clothes which she brought. After pulling out a pair of heathered-gray trousers, dark-purple blouse and her favorite black boots, Tina changed as quickly as she could. And before she climbed down into the case, she couldn't resist running a brush through her hair and peeking into the mirror.

Her heart began to quiver with excitement as she carefully climbed down into the case for the first time in six months. When she was halfway down the very steep steps, she carefully turned and lowered the lid of the case (thanks to a hidden latch at the hinge, which Newt had shown her long ago).

After that was down, she turned around again to find that Newt had come to the foot of the steps. He had removed his blue coat and rolled up his shirt-sleeves. Then, he held out his hands to her, with the clear intent to help her down. Smiling, Tina placed her hands into his warm, calloused ones and completed her descent.

Once her feet were firmly planted on the wooden planks of his case's interior, Tina felt a tugging at her left trouser leg. Looking down, Tina gasped as her smile widened even further. The creature – for it was indeed a wonderful creature – tugging on her pant-leg was a very familiar demiguise.

"Dougal!" she exclaimed, crouching down so that she could stroke his silver fur. He seemed to purr with pleasure, his front paws coming up to rest on her extended arm. "It's so wonderful to see you again!"

"He saw you coming," said Newt, who was watching the two of them with pure warmth in his eyes. "With his special foresight. He was here when I came down, and stayed waiting until you came."

Tina smiled up at him, and when she stood up, Dougal placed his paw in her hand. As she gently squeezed his paw, Tina was reminded of her other favorite creature that lived in Newt's case – well, as she remembered it, this one lived more in Newt's waistcoat pocket.

"Where's Pickett?" she asked. "I haven't seen even a hint of him since seeing you." A smirk now played on her lips. "Is he in one of his sulks again?"

Newt rolled his eyes like an exasperated mother, which made Tina giggle. In his letters, Newt had written of several occasions in which Pickett would get fed up with Newt – the way a teenager often becomes with a parent – and demand to be returned to the bonsai tree where his brothers and sisters lived. But then, after no more than a week, Pickett would beg to go with Newt again, claiming a cold or that his siblings were picking on him, any excuse like that. And Newt, of course, could never say no.

In response to her inquiry, Newt nodded. "Started it three days ago."

Tina giggled. "Well, hopefully he'll be happy to see me again."

Newt smiled again. "Oh, don't worry, he'll be thrilled. Shall we visit him next?"

Tina nodded eagerly. Her heart soared when, without hesitation, Newt took her free hand in his own and led her further into the case.

With her eyes and ears, Tina soaked in the wonderful feeling of being back in Newt's case – his world, really – again. Of being in his presence again after six months. Tina didn't want to forget a moment of it.

Soon, the bonsai tree came into view, and Tina could see the bowtruckles climbing on its branches and interacting with each other. As they came closer, one particular bowtruckle began to make frantic motions and squeaks, which of course drew the attention of the humans and the demiguise. And it was no mystery as to which bowtruckle it was that was demanding their attention.

"Hi, Pickett!" said Tina through her laughter.

Pickett continued his persistent chatter, seeming to speak to Newt as he motioned towards Tina. "He'd like to come down to you," explained Newt. "Just hold out your hands, palm down, right in front of the other, towards him."

Tina nodded and let go of both Newt's hand and Dougal's paw. She held out her hands as Newt instructed her right in front of Pickett. The little bowtruckle practically skipped down her fingers as if he were on the Broadway stage. And when he kissed the tip of her nose, of course Tina giggled. "Aww, I forgot how sweet you are!"

From the corner of her eye, she saw Newt roll his eyes again and mutter something under his breath. Pickett caught this too, and then blew a raspberry in Newt's direction. Tina threw back her head and laughed, and even Newt couldn't help but smile. What Tina missed was the absolutely entranced look on his face as he watched her laugh without restraint.

In that moment of perfect happiness, neither of them could ever conceive how different things would be twenty-four hours later.