Sometime after McIntyre's Bakery had closed for the day found Jacob patiently folding, buttering, and rolling the puff pastry dough in the large kitchen. This was a job that would drive an impatient person to insanity. Not Jacob, who'd learned patience throughout his life and knew just how special a well-made puff pastry could be. Tasks like this in a bakery could be very therapeutic, as well, and Jacob was grateful for this one.

Christmas was now three days away, and his new family was doing their best to keep a festive spirit. He'd planned out scrumptious suppers for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as plenty of baked goods in between. Nagini, who had an artistic eye that she'd never truly been able to express, was in the process of decorating not only her own shack, but each of the three flats in the building; Bunty took every opportunity to help her, since she would be with her own family come Christmas. Theseus, who knew the city of London and where to find anything that anybody needed, proclaimed himself the "gift procurement czar." He discreetly gathered from everybody what they planned to give as gifts to each other, and was able to find everything (and even implanted gift ideas for himself into their heads in the process).

Newt was having the most difficult time of all (to the surprise of no one). He attended meetings about his book (which had just been commissioned for a second edition) and a signing at Flourish & Blott's in honor of their holiday sale with a stiff upper-lip. His true solace he found with his creatures in his basement. At night, when he was alone in his flat and in bed, he would cope by falling asleep with Tina's photograph and most recent letter held over his heart.

But there was one aspect of the holidays that Newt not only remembered, but took charge of with a nearly-religious zeal: the Christmas tree. While he left Theseus and Jacob to their own trees, the one for his own flat had to be absolutely perfect. The tree that he brought home nearly touched the ceiling, and he trimmed it with his wand with a stylist's eye. He gladly let Nagini and Bunty decorated with the prettiest silver and blue tinsel. Newt provided his special touch in the best way that he could: he came to the flat with enough multi-colored fairies to cover and decorate the tree.

Jacob had to wonder at Newt's zeal over making his Christmas tree perfect. In the end, he figured that it had something to do with Tina, for what else could it be?

His musings were interrupted when Paul came into the kitchen, whistling and carrying a colorful parcel; he must have just gone to a shop. "How's that bugger coming, my boy?" he asked jovially.

Jacob smiled; Paul's thick Scottish accent always amused him (though sometimes he felt like a translator would come in handy sometimes). "Nearly done, Paul. Once it's in the fridge, I'll start cleaning up for the day."

"Very good," said Paul, setting his parcel on a work bench beside several white boxes that Jacob knew were deliveries that Paul would send off after he left. From the colorful shopping bag, Paul pulled out some red-and-green ribbon and what looked like a dozen sprigs of leaves and white berries.

Jacob recognized them immediately. "Mistletoe, Paul? Are you about to propose to me?"

His boss gave him a mischievous smile. "Sorry, Jacob, no. This isn't real mistletoe, either; the real stuff is toxic, I'm told. I like to attach a sprig to the customers who are couples, especially new or young couples, during the holidays."

Jacob smiled and nodded approval for the idea. At the same time, an idea began to grow inside his mind as he finished folding the puff pastry.

Later that evening found Theseus going over some reports in the sitting room of his flat. His concentration was broken by a knocking at the door. He vanished the reports away to a locked drawer in his desk, got up, and walked to his front door. Upon opening it, he saw Jacob standing on the threshold. It was clear that he had something on his mind which wasn't necessarily bad but important.

"Come in," said Theseus without delay, and soon the two men were seated opposite each other in the sitting room.

Jacob's first words were a bit jarring: "We need to do something. About Newt and Tina."

Theseus's eyebrows rose. "What do you mean, Jacob?" His expression suddenly darkened. "Merlin's beard! Has that banshee of a boss of hers found a way to keep her there even longer?!"

"No, no, no, nothing like that!" said Jacob quickly. "Thankfully, nothing like that. I mean…when she's home again, and with Newt again…Look, we all know how they feel about each other, right?"

Theseus nodded, chuckling a little bit. "I think it would be obvious to a blind dog."

Jacob now leaned forward, elbows on his knees, and gave Theseus a serious look as he asked his next question. "Do you have a problem with it, Theseus?" He plowed on before Theseus could react or object. "I don't mean because of Tina herself, because I know you don't. I mean because of what you've just been through. Would it be…too much to bear right now?"

Theseus sat back in his chair and took a few minutes to really contemplate the fair question that Jacob had asked him. Truth be told, he was happy that Jacob had; he wouldn't have wanted this question to come from anybody else because only Jacob truly came close to understanding his loss. It was a fair question, too. Though Theseus took a few moments to answer, he had already known it in his heart from the moment he'd realized that his brother had fallen in love.

"No, Jacob," he said softly but firmly. "It truly wouldn't. I've only ever wanted Newt to be happy, and so did Leta, even if Newt has trouble believing that sometimes. For so long, I thought that he would live his life alone, dedicate it solely to his creatures. But now, he has found someone who is truly worthy of him, and he is worthy of her…" He rubbed the back of his neck with some embarrassment before continuing. "Also…right now, it helps that the both of them are not naturally, well, naturally demonstrative people, and that they are quiet about things like this and always considerate of others."

"Yes," said Jacob triumphantly. "And that is exactly the problem."

Now Theseus became truly confused. "I don't understand, Jacob."

"I mean, in terms of the situation we're all in right now, their selfless personalities are working against them for once. I can explain it better by telling you a story. One day, while I was in New York with Tina, we were taking a nice walk in Central Park. There was a couple sitting on a bench, holding hands and kissing. After we walked past them, I tried to tease her a bit, saying, 'Bring back any memories with Newt?'

"Well, her face became as red as a tomato and she seemed to…" He mimed a kneading motion downwards with his hands. "It's like she folded into herself, the way Newt does when he's uncomfortable, you know? Through some stuttering, I heard her reply, 'Oh, we've never done that…it wouldn't be right, considering…' Then she changed the subject so quickly that I knew it best to not push the subject." He raised his eyebrows at Theseus. "You see what I mean?"

There was a beat, and then Theseus covered his eyes with a groan. "Of course. They think it wouldn't be fair to us. Damnit…" Theseus dropped his hand and shook his head. "This is so typical Newt!"

"And so typical Tina," said Jacob. "Honestly, we shouldn't be surprised. And I love them both all the more for thinking of us. But, Theseus…" His voice softened, fixing the auror with that serious stare again. "We both know that what they have is a gift, the best gift there is…and you never know how long we're able to have it, especially in times like this."

Theseus wiped away a tear and nodded. "You're absolutely right. You truly never know…" He took a deep breath and met Jacob's eyes again. "Thank you for talking to me, Jacob. I think it was necessary, for the both of us. I truly wouldn't have a problem with it; in fact, I never have. And it seems like you don't, either."

Jacob shook his head. "I'd never forgive myself if I got in the way of the happiness of someone I love. In this case, two people I love, that I consider my brother and sister now. I needed to know how you felt, too. Thankfully, since we're of the same mind…" A smile began to form on Jacob's face. "I have an idea of how we could, say, give them our blessing…"

He reached into his trouser pocket, and pulled out something that he'd asked for from Paul before they'd parted for the day.

Theseus recognized it at once. And he grinned like a cat who got the cream.