Nine
The next morning, Tina only allowed herself a few minutes between waking up and getting up to daydream about the previous evening. She traced her lips with her fingertips, letting out a few soft giggles as she did.
The young auror had never felt like this before about anybody. She'd had a few little crushes during her time at Ilvermorny – and a few disastrous blind dates that Queenie had forced her to go on after that – but this, with Newt, was so different from any of that. From the first moment she saw him, she had been intrigued, even attracted. But from the moment he had caught her in that death cell, Tina knew that this was not only a unique man, but a good one that she could trust. And Tina did not trust easily.
She had known for some time that she didn't only trust him: she was falling for him. And the time she had spent with him yesterday, from the conversation to the kisses, gave her true hope that he could be falling, too.
But Tina knew that she couldn't spend the day dreaming until Newt came late that evening. She had come to London to do a job, and it was time for her to do it.
So, as she got out of bed and got herself ready to face the day, Tina the woman falling in love was replaced by Tina the competent auror. Newt had been right when he'd said that her passion and dedication to her work was as great as his own. And if her experience being demoted and reinstated taught her anything, it was to make sure that your logic and reasoning held firm guidance and grip on the reins of her emotions.
Once she felt that she looked presentable in her dark-blue auror's robes, Tina left her room with her small briefcase that contained her notes and agenda for the conference. In the Leaky Cauldron, she found it deserted except for Paulie and two house-elves, who appeared to be cleaning up after a full night of business.
"Mornin', luv," said Paulie amiably. "The hearth is just to the right if you need to Floo anywhere."
"Thanks, Paulie," she said. She walked up to the blackened hearth, picked up a handful of glittering powder from the bowl beside the hearth, stepped in and said clearly, "The Ministry of Magic!" before dropping it.
The conference of representatives from over a dozen law enforcement agencies from different countries ended up taking nearly five hours (a lunch of sandwiches was eaten at the large conference table). When it was over, Tina managed to internalize a big sigh of relief. Though she was always her toughest critic, she couldn't help but feel that she had truly done her best. She had provided clear and detailed answers when questions were put to her, and had firm responses and reasons for any doubts and criticisms presented to her. All in all, Tina was satisfied with what she would report back to President Picquery tomorrow when she returned to M.A.C.U.S.A.
Standing up from the conference table, Tina shook hands with several of the representatives as they walked out of the conference room. However, she stayed put and didn't move to leave. Before the meeting had started, Theseus Scamander had asked if she would remain behind to speak with him for a few minutes after the conference ended.
When the two of them were alone, both collectively let out the long exhale that they had been holding in. "Well done, Auror Goldstein."
"And you, Auror Scamander." Tina meant this, too. Theseus Scamander had proven exactly why he was the head auror of the Ministry of Magic during the conference, and he'd been a gracious host to all of them on top of that.
"I won't keep you long," said Theseus, walking around the table so that he could face Tina. It seemed that there was now a nervous tinge in his eyes, though his demeanor remained as casually confident as ever. "Are you, by any chance, seeing my brother tonight?"
Not quite sure where this would go, Tina replied honestly. "Um, yes. He asked if he could come see me at the Leaky Cauldron this evening. Don't worry, he didn't propose skipping your family dinner, but to come right after."
"Good, that's good," said Theseus, sighing. "Frankly, I wouldn't have put that past him. I don't know how much he has told you about our father, but whenever they see each other, there is…well, there is friction even in the best circumstances."
Tina nodded. "I gathered as much from his letters. I've never met your father, but it sounds to me like the two are…well, polar opposites in a number of ways."
"You are correct. Well, I'm glad that he will be seeing you afterwards. This evening may be…" Theseus paused, and the nervous tinge in his eyes became more pronounced as he struggled for the right words. "Well, all I can say for sure is that it will be eventful."
A little worry rising in her, Tina asked, "Is everything alright, Mr. Scamander?"
He relaxed a little and gave her a small smile. "Theseus, please. Don't worry, there is nothing wrong. It is just that…" He hesitated, but that only lasted a moment. "Well, since you're not seeing my little brother until after dinner, I suppose I can tell you. At dinner this evening, I will be introducing my fiancée to my family."
Tina gasped and gave him a genuine smile. "Oh, are you engaged? Many congratulations, Theseus!"
He returned her smile with embarrassment but true happiness. "Thank you, Tina. Personally, I couldn't be happier. But when it comes to my personal life, I am very private even with my immediate family. They don't even know that I'm in a serious relationship."
Tina nodded, her eyebrows slightly raised, but spoke with encouragement. "Well, I would be the same way. Just be thankful that you don't have a Legilimens in your family."
Theseus chuckled. "Yes, there is that." He took a deep breath, and his casual confidence settled firmly back in place. "Well, after tonight, the worst will be over, and that all of the best is yet to come."
Tina had a very strong intuition that there was a lot that Theseus was not saying about this, but Tina couldn't say that she minded. It was none of her business, and she was glad to know that, if Newt came to her tonight in a state of shell-shock, at least she would know why. So, she only smiled and nodded before she said, "Well, Theseus, is there anything else?"
"Only that I wanted to say this," said Theseus, fixing her with a serious but genuine look. "My brother has always been socially awkward when it comes to people, and I can't deny that I sometimes worry about him. But ever since his trip to New York, I've noticed that he has walked a little taller and had more confidence engaging with people. Seeing you two together yesterday, I can see that you deserve much of the credit for that."
Tina modestly lowered her eyes and her cheeks flushed. She wanted to give a long and (in her mind) logical argument that Queenie and Jacob had just as much to do with that. But she was so touched by this sincere gratitude from this man that she could only say, "Thank you. I understand that worry, as the older sibling myself. Just know that I care about Newt, very much, and I only want him to be happy."
Theseus smiled warmly at her, and shook her hand with both of his. "I'm very happy to hear that, Tina. And on this high note, I bid you good afternoon."
"And the best of luck this evening, Theseus," said Tina.
He cleared his throat and nodded. "Thank you." As she moved around him towards the door, Tina could have sworn that she heard him mutter to himself, "I will need it." Tina wisely chose not to acknowledge it.
However, Theseus did stop her from leaving the room by saying, "Oh, and one last thing, Tina." She turned to face him.
"You really did an exemplary job today," said Theseus. "And anybody who can hold their own against Gellert Grindelwald is top-notch in my book. Should you ever find yourself living in this country, for whatever reason, there will always be a place for you in this department."
Safe to say, Tina was stunned. But she saw no lie or deception, only a little spark of playfulness when he said 'for whatever reason' she would find herself living in England. And, sweet Morrigan, she couldn't stop her whole face from going red upon hearing that. She could only stutter out, "Oh, um, that would be, I mean, just great, thanks!" before she practically fled the room, her heart pounding.
Tina opted to walk back to the Leaky Cauldron rather than apparate or use the Floo network. She had some nervous energy to walk off, and also some things to think about.
Yesterday, she had been so caught up in the joy of seeing Newt, being with him again, and those wonderful kisses. Now, the realities of their situation – or rather, the situation she was pretty sure that they were falling into – was catching up to her.
One, she was going back to where she lived tomorrow morning.
Two, where she lived was an ocean away from Newt.
Three, she only knew she would see him again in one month, when he would present her copy of his book in person. Beyond that, she had no idea when she would see him again.
Four, neither of them had discussed what their relationship now was or would become.
Yet, she amended her thoughts, and she walked a little more easily. We haven't discussed it yet. But we will.
Tina nodded firmly to herself as she made this resolution. Tonight, when Newt came to see her after his family dinner, she would make sure that they had a discussion about this…them…Tina groaned and ran a hand through her hair as she walked. She had no experience when it came to this. How in the world was she going to even begin this conversation? Oh, if only Queenie were with her now. She'd know exactly what to do.
It'll be ok, Teenie, her sister's voice said in her mind. Just go with your gut. Don't overthink it. Just feel it and you'll know what to do. I know this isn't something you're used to, but trust me, Teenie.
Tina sighed, and once again nodded her head. Even though she knew it was her own mind projecting her little sister's voice, she knew that she knew her sister well enough to know that she would say something to her just like that right now were she here.
Knowing that it was the best advice about the subject that she was going to get, Tina resolutely stamped down on her anxieties as she continued her walk through London. Following Newt's advice about suffering twice through worrying had helped her this morning during the conference. She could do the same thing now.
So, for the remainder of her walk, Tina allowed herself to soak up the sights and atmosphere of London on a Saturday afternoon in May. It was a little cloudier today, but the sun was still visible through the thin sheen of cloud cover. Smiling at the sight, Tina returned to the Leaky Cauldron with lighter spirits.
As she had mentioned to Newt the previous day, Tina decided to do a little more exploring in Diagon Alley, since the conference was over and Newt would not come until that night. So, after changing out of her auror's uniform and into a blouse and trousers, Tina did just that. After confirming with Paulie which brick above the waste bin in the alley to tap, Tina entered the magical street with a smile.
New York City didn't have a street like this, nor did any other U.S. city as far as she knew. Because their laws about being hidden were stricter, witches and wizards in the United States were more well-trained to blend-in with No-Majs than British wizards. An example of this was the way that they did their shopping. Instead of creating one singular place to go for all magical needs (which would attract No-Maj attention as a place where many people came and went), there were No-Maj shops all over cities that had a parallel and hidden magical shop. The best example of this was the M.A.C.U.S.A. headquarters mirrored in the Walworth building in New York City. Tina's personal favorite, being a bookworm, was the hidden bookshop of magical materials in The Strand bookstore back home.
Tina's first stop was the big white building at the end of the short street that was Gringott's Bank, which certainly couldn't be missed. There, she exchanged some of her money for English money (English wizarding money, that is) from a sour goblin at the Foreign Exchange booth. Her second stop was the wonderful Flourish and Blott's. Their section on Defense Against the Dark Arts section was two well-stocked rows that Tina spent a good amount of time exploring. She would eventually walk out with four volumes that had only been published in the United Kingdom. She couldn't wait to dive into them.
As she walked down the street, Tina thought that it might be a good idea to find a gift for Queenie while she was here. She felt that she owed that to her sister, after all of the support and that beautiful dress that she had given her. Her eyes roamed over the street signs, and they stopped when they landed on one that was a little more pretty than the others: Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
A clothing store was to Queenie what a book shop was to Tina. If she would find anything that her sister would like, it would be in there.
Once she walked in, she got the feeling that she always felt when she was dragged by Queenie to Macy's or Bergdorf Goodman's (the concealed magical parallels, that is): like an ugly duckling among swans. The shop was actually quite bare of customers, but the elegant and rich robes were enough to intimidate Tina.
"Good evening, miss," said a pleasant sales-witch, approaching Tina. "Anything I can help you with?"
Tina bit her lip, thinking for a moment, and then said, "Could you show me where your accessories are? Hats, handbags, things like that?"
"Right this way, miss," said the sales-witch, leading Tina through the shop.
Fifteen minutes later, Tina went to the register to purchase a lovely pink summer hat and matching shawl that she knew would look stunning on her stunning sister. She stood behind a woman who was shorter than her (since Tina was one inch short of six feet, most women were). A few seconds after she came to stand in the short line, the woman in front of her turned to face her.
"Excuse me, can I ask your honest opinion?" the woman said in a silky, sultry voice. This woman was strikingly beautiful, with coffee-colored skin and chocolate-colored hair that was pinned up in elegant curls. She was dressed stylishly in an exquisitely-cut emerald robe, and Tina noticed that she wore a stunning diamond on her left ring finger as she held up a silk, dark-magenta evening robe for Tina to look at. "What do you think of this color?"
Knowing the specific answer that this woman wanted to this general question, Tina looked from the robe to the woman and gave her honest opinion: "I think it's a lovely color for you."
The woman smiled gratefully, then leaned in conspiratorially. Tina caught a whiff of spicy perfume. "Well, got to take advantage of wearing this kind of cut while I can." As she spoke, she patted her tummy with her free hand.
Tina got the message and smiled. "Congratulations."
"Thank you." The woman grinned at her before turning back around; it was now her turn to make her purchase.
A minute later, Tina couldn't help but watch her as she walked elegantly out the door. She would never have that kind of natural grace, presence or beauty, like Queenie or that woman. But Tina only let this thought last a moment. She had a purchase to make, and she was seeing Newt again in a few hours. That was what mattered.