Chapter Three: The Irish Woman of Featherbeak
When the couple Apparated they found themselves outside, feet planted in gravel with ornate, sculpted shrubbery encompassing them. They stood just shy of a gate of polished black iron with the words Featherbeak Estate melded into the arch over the drive of crushed stone. On either side of the gate, atop brick columns, stood majestic Hippogriff statuaries. The black bars of the gate were swung open in welcome, giving way to a long path leading to what Tina could only assume was Newt's parent's home.
The Magizoologist lead her with nimble, eager strides; never surrendering her arm – not that Tina minded. Newt, too, seemed heartened to have a hold of her - she spotted the smallest little smirk tugging at the creases of his lips. He was truly magnificent in the shower of golden rays shining upon the both of them; Tina couldn't help but to marvel at him with wide brown eyes. The country breeze tussled his auburn hair into a helix of chaotic elegance she'd never seen the like of. There was something ethereal in the way the natural air swirled around him; he was much more in his element – rid of the stark confines of government buildings and clamor of the city.
Soon the greenery broke and revealed the vast countryside of hills and fields stretching out as far as Tina's eyes could see – green grass kissing the blue sky in a beautiful contrast of color at the horizon. It was a most surreal sight for her, seeing so much open space. Nothing obstructed her view of the rolling pastures or drifting clouds. There were no towering structures of gray stone in sight, and the splendor of it all was practically staggering. She could hear the singing birds as they soared on the warm evening breeze wafting over her cheeks, and the tangy smells of honeysuckle and turned earth filled her nose with scents that were almost foreign to her.
The only manmade structure her eyes landed upon was the Scamander estate – Featherbeak. While there was certainly an English country charm to the home, there was no denying it was a true estate. High-pitched gables roofed the stone architecture, smoke billowed from the chimneys, and large windows offered a glimpse inside. Hearty vines adorned most of the front exterior, and the landscaping was as well manicured as the rest of the property. The whole scene was picturesque, but ultimately made Tina feel as if she had underdressed to visit such a posh place; she was even in her good slacks and spring blouse. Newt's clothes seemed far more suitable even though they were their usual somewhat- mismatched combination, and smelt of soil and various creatures.
"Most of my extended family is coming to Theseus' wedding…" Newt mentioned as the entwined pair grew nearer the home. There was a guarded tone in his voice that made Tina feel as though he was slightly perturbed at the idea of so many of his relatives staying in such close proximity to him. "…So the house – I'm afraid – will be quite full. Thankfully my mother did inform me that not all of them are staying with us."
"That's a good thing, isn't it?" Tina asked, having trouble reading his tone towards the end of his statement.
"Mmm. I believe so." The smirk returned to his face and he cast her sideways glance. "You're truly the only guest attending I care about."
Tina's heart skipped in her chest with an altogether unfamiliar yearning as she met his gaze, feeling a lump in her throat. She leant into the crook of his side, wanting nothing more than to be close to him, and Newt pulled her closer still; bracing against her weight, holding her snug to him.
There was a woman near the side yard knelt on her hands and knees, a head of wild red curls bouncing as she tended to her vegetable garden and hummed soft tunes to herself. Newt cut their pace from the shifting gravel under their feet to the spongy cushion of grass in her direction. The sound of their approach caused the woman to whip her head around in a frenzy of vibrant flaming curls, and a familiar crooked grin overtook her features.
"Newton, darling!" The woman's smile widened on her full lips as her grey eyes twinkled.
Newt was forced to release his arm from Tina's as his mother yanked him into a tight hug.
"Hello, mother." He said, embracing her as well.
"'Ow was work?" She queried, dusting the shoulders of his coat with her hands. Her words rolled from her tongue much different then Newt's did, Tina noticed right away. There was almost a folk-like feel to her accent.
"Same as usual." Newt shrugged dully.
The woman shook her head at her son fondly, before turning her kind light eyes to the Auror beside him. "An' ya must be Tina."
As the dark-haired witch was about to introduce herself, the Irish woman scooped Tina into her arms, encompassing her with a warm, motherly embrace. "Tis lovely ter meet ya my dear. I'm Louise." She smiled unbelievably wider as she gently caressed Tina's cheek.
Usually the Auror shied away from a stranger's touch, but Louise's wasn't even remotely threatening, it was compassionate – a mother's touch – something Tina had almost forgotten the joy of experiencing. The thought nearly made her teary-eyed, which was something that happened most times when she thought of her late parents - it was neither the time nor the place for water works.
"Me dear Newton speaks of you often." Louise glanced at her son with a stern, knowing smirk. It was the same smirk Tina often found planted on Queenie's face anytime the Auror's thoughts ran amok; thinking about the scruffy haired wizard beside her, and she felt a blush creep into her cheeks. Pink tinted Newt's face as well and he turned his eye to the grass, mumbling quietly in protest. "Not that often."
Louise hadn't seemed to hear him, or if she had, she chose to ignore him, and drew her wand from the pocket from the apron she wore. She gave it a spirited wave and the basket of harvested vegetables levitated into the air.
"Why don' we go inside?" She tucked her wand behind her ear like a pencil and placed a feather light hand on each of their backs to usher them into the house.
It was all Tina could do to keep from gasping when the three of them entered the grand home. The spring breeze from outside wafted through the house from the open windows, bringing with it the fresh nectary scent of pink jasmine growing in the garden. Each billowing breath of air spun the long curtains in a lively dance throughout the surrounding rooms that created a carefree aura in an otherwise – seemingly – stuffy atmosphere.
"Off to de kitchen witcha." Louise flicked her wand at the basket, and waved it down the corridor parallel to the staircase. As the wicker basket of veggies floated off down the hall, Newt's mother called up the stairwell for someone named Moxie, and a moment later a house elf appeared.
"Yes, Mrs. Lou?" The creature asked.
"Wud ya kindly take me son an' Miss Tina's things up ter each of their rooms?" She spoke softly to the creature in an endearing tone.
"Yes, of course." Moxie hopped down the stairs and snapped her fingers. Tina and Newt's cases gently pulled free of their grip and began ascending the stairs behind the house elf.
"Thank you, Moxie." Newt called up after the elf.
"My pleasure, master Newt."
Louise continued down the corridor, gesturing with a flamboyant twirl of her hand for her son and Tina to follow her. The kitchen she led them to wasn't quite as extravagant as the rest of the home, but was still grand nonetheless. The savory aroma of baking bread and rich herbs lingered in the air, mixing with the smells drifting in through the open window. A blonde woman sat quietly at the wooden breakfast table peeling an apple. She was not much older than Tina, a year or two perhaps, and she smiled delightfully when they came into the room.
"I must say, Louise," the woman started, dropping the corkscrew of a peel onto the table, "I don't think I'll ever get used to things just floating into the kitchen by themselves." She pointedly eyed the basket on the counter and took a bite of her apple.
Louise chuckled in response. "Tina, dis is Lillian, Theseus' fiancé."
Lillian smiled at the dark-haired witch with the same jovial expression Queenie often did. "Nice to meet you, Tina." She gave Newt a sideways glance and an impish smirk. "I'm so glad you could make it."
"So am I." Tina admitted with a faint smile. "It's nice to meet you, too."
Lillian was lovely, Tina noted, and reminded her of Queenie to some degree; be it her golden hair or bright blue eyes. The woman and her sister even shared the same sweetness in voice; as she spoke it made Tina a bit homesick.
"Newt says you're an Auror like Theseus. That must be so exciting for a young woman to have such an esteemed position." Lillian gestured for Louise and Tina to join her at the table, leaving Newt standing somewhat awkwardly next to the counter.
"I'll, err, make some tea." He spoke before Tina could comment on Lillian's statement and began gathering what he needed. He froze a second later, and faced Tina. "Unfortunately we don't have any coffee; I know how much you enjoy it. I'm sorry, Tina."
She quickly shot him a forgiving smile before remorse could settle deep into his features, and shrugged. "It's fine. I like tea, too."
While he took to brewing Tina immersed herself in conversation with Louise and Lillian, finding it effortless to get to know them. Any previous concern she'd thought up about meeting strangers had vanished as she listened to the two women discuss the wedding. Regardless of how cozy their affable company was, Tina noticed the return of a pinch of annoyance that threatened to snuff her cheer. Listening to Lillian and Louise speak so freely with enthusiastic smiles for the wedding to be – a union between a No-Mag and a Wizard – was a joy Tina longed for Queenie to have.
Theseus and Lillian would not have to live in secret, or in fear of their government coming between the both of them. It wasn't fair.
Tina swallowed and tried her best not to think about it, knowing if her sister had caught her thinking such deplorable thoughts, Queenie wouldn't hesitate to hex her for not enjoying herself. It wasn't until Newt seated himself in the empty place beside her, bringing with him a tray of cups and a steaming pot, that the American witch felt herself able to relax. A calm smile even crept onto her face and she managed to push the annoyed thoughts out of her head completely; focusing instead on the man next to her.
Newt politely poured each of them a cup before himself and leisurely leant back in his chair.
"So," Lillian asked taking a sip of her fresh tea. "How long have you and Thaddeus been married?"
Louise stirred her steaming drink as she smiled with a nostalgic gaze in her grey eyes. "Thirty-four years."
Lillian's face twisted in a quizzical expression – her perfect brows stitching together as if the number was somehow alarming. A chuckle escaped Louise's lips as she watched her soon to be daughter-in-law's face.
"I was already expectin' Theseus when 'is father an' I got married…" she divulged casually.
Lillian's eyes grew wide, and her color paled slightly as pink filled her cheeks. Newt shifted uncomfortably in his chair, gnawing at his lip.
"Bit scandalous, I know. But Thaddie an' I couldn't keep our 'ands off each other…" Louise sipped her tea, her face exuding mischievous delight.
"Theseus was barely a year auld when Newton was conceived…"
Tina fought a grin, biting her lip, and set her focus to the untouched cup of tea in front of her.
"Mother…" Newt swallowed, turning bright red.
"…Me water broke in the 'ippogriff paddock wit 'im." She nodded to her son, "shudda known then Newton would take ter magical beasts, 'e was so eager to pop out an' meet 'em!"
Newt choked on his tea and his cheeks flashed an even brighter shade of crimson.
"Mum, please. This is hardly appropriate..." he begged, eyes wide and locked with the table. Newt was obviously the only one not entertained with the embarrassing story Louise was sharing. He was slouched over letting his hair fall into his face as if he were trying to hide. Tina did her best to conceal her amusement, not wanting to make him feel any more uncomfortable.
Louise continued to chuckle to herself, but gave her son an apologetic smile as she continued sipping her tea.
"I'm going to show Tina her room." Newt announced suddenly a few moments later, when his mother began delving deeper into her relationship with her husband. There was a silent plea in the glance he imparted to Tina, and she quickly stood to come to his aid. The dark-haired witch bid Louise and Lillian a quick goodbye for the time being, and trotted after the Magizoologist who had already vanished from the kitchen. She found him at the top of the grand staircase, looking as though he was still trying to recover from his mother's story telling.
Much like the rest of the house, the upstairs hall was adorned with Victorian charm. Thick patterned rugs cushioned each step she took, cradling her feet in plush fibers. The crisp spring scents weren't as strong on the second floor, overtaken by that of the timber beams constructed into the ceiling. Even the air was different – thicker – in a sense, but not unpleasantly so. Tina figured it might have had something to do with the lack of a breeze swirling down the corridors, which below made the air seem feather light and wispy. The other thing she noticed was how empty the house appeared to be. She thought about asking where all his family was, but decided against it out of fear of seeming to nosey.
The room he led her to made Tina instantly feel as though she had wandered into a first class suite at one of Manhattan's most luxurious hotels. It was the kind of accommodation that would've taken her two-month's wages to afford. Golden rays extended over the wooden floor let in by the towering window of crystal clear glass unveiling the rolling hills outside. Thick drapes stood sentry on either side of the widow, decorated with patterns akin to the one on the rug. Second best to the window was the bed; which could comfortably sleep three people if need be. The tall mattress was flanked on each corner with polished wooden posts as meticulously sculpted as the spires of cathedrals. There was an obvious intricacy to the headboard, though it was blocked behind a mountain of decorative pillows. There was an overt, absurdity to the opulent accommodations in the room – just the notion of someone living their day-to-day life swaddled in such superfluous amenity. The room was nice – breathtaking even – Tina wouldn't deny it, but the bedroom very distinctly wasn't home.
Home was a modest apartment that she'd shared with her sister for years. It was never meant to be extravagant, but over the years Tina felt that she and her sister had done well to mask the ramshackle interior. Their beds were narrow – barely sizeable enough for one – with springs that bit into their ribs while they slept. The windows, large as they were, couldn't compare to the grand casement before her. Her home often smelled musty, or of the fumes from the city - all she could smell standing in the room was the fresh linen sheets and the earthy smell of the timber beams.
She suddenly had a sinking feeling that she'd done Newt a disservice by urging him to stay in her mediocre apartment those few times he'd visited. It was abruptly clear to her he was used to much more lavish things that she herself could never offer him. Tina found herself frozen and at a loss of words – which was odd for her – and instead chose to stand gnawing her lip as she soaked everything in.
Newt was much the opposite. His vitality restored, he crossed the room to tie back the drapes allowing more of the glow of the setting sun into the room.
"You'll have to forgive my mother." He muttered as he situated one of the curtains. "I don't think she realizes when she acts that way." The Magizoologist was mumbling something about her Irish blood as he finished his task.
"I adore your mother." Tina recounted with a smile. Just be glad you still have yours she wanted to add, but bit her tongue. That was too strong of a topic for the moment.
Newt took a few long strides to cross the room and stood next to her, gazing at her from under his ginger fringe. He threw his hands in his trouser pockets and rocked on his heels.
"You'll be quite comfortable in here I believe…Moxie already brought up your things." He inclined his head pointedly to the foot of the bed where her suitcase sat – a worn brown block against clean, crisp sheets.
"My room is just across the hall…" he continued. "If you should need anything."
"Thank you," Tina said, lowering her head in an attempt to meet his eyes – hidden under his scruffy hair. "I'm sure I'll be very comfortable."
A silence fell between them, and it wasn't by any means uneasy; with Newt in such close proximity to her, she doubted she could ever feel anxious. The room was more inviting somehow when she could feel his gaze upon her as she wandered about the space – documenting every detail. His green eyes were entranced with her as she glided around him.
"When do you have to leave for your brother's Stag Party?" She asked.
The sound of ruffling fabric against fabric, accompanied by the faint metallic clicks filled the quiet air as Newt drew out his pocket watch. It was well into the evening, a simple glance out the window was enough to know.
"Soon," he spoke softly.
She could see plainly on his face how much the idea of a night out with his brother's friends was the last thing he wanted to do, and Tina even greedily hoped he wouldn't go.
"I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself." She told him trying her best to sound encouraging. "And before you say it, there is no need to apologize. It's important you go to your brother's party."
Guilt, and even the slightest hint of annoyance, had already started to seep into his features the moment she brought up the party; even after her optimistic encouragements, he remained unconvinced.
If you really don't want to go, you can always stay with me… Tina scowled and mentally kicked herself for having such thoughts.
"Don't feel pressured into attending Lillian's party downstairs. I don't see why both of us must suffer on account of my brother's marriage…" he was starting to sound cranky, and it was all she could do to keep from begging him to stay with her. Tina shrugged however, leaning casually against one of the bedposts, trying to appear indifferent.
"I don't know. I like Lillian. She reminds me a little of Queenie." She was already missing her sister, which didn't bode well since Tina still had almost two whole days left away from her. Hopefully the blonde No-Mag a level below could temporarily fill that void until she was back in New York. "I might join them for a little while."
Before Newt could sound a response a man, who Tina could only assume to be Theseus, waltzed in from the hall. At first glance, there was no denying he and Newt were brothers, but the longer and more in depth look Tina took of him, their resemblance faded. Theseus had his mother's eyes, and a much darker shade of auburn hair, which, next to Newt's, looked almost brown. He had a broader build, with wide set shoulders and a narrow waist. His dusting of facial hair was arguably the most striking contrast between the brothers. Any time Newt neglected to shave, his stubble came in light - almost blonde - whereas Theseus' was just as dark as the hair on his head. He was even a whole inch shorter than his younger brother.
His narrow lips were parted as if ready to speak when he entered the room, but no words fell from his tongue. Theseus' gape instead morphed into a charming grin the moment his eyes landed on Tina and gave her a quick head to toe glance.
"Oh!" his eyes twinkled, and his brows raced towards his scalp. "Is this the famous Miss Tina Goldstein I've heard so much about?"
Newt shot his brother a look, and sighed deeply. "Yes, Tina, this is my brother, Theseus."
His older brother tilted his head politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Tina mimicked the gesture. "You too. And congratulations to you and Lillian. She's very nice."
Theseus brandished another charming and sincere smile as he thanked her.
It was practically staggering to Tina how different Theseus was to Newt. The older brother was suave, charismatic, and exuded confidence on such a scale that even the dark-haired witch felt her own esteem become overshadowed. He was shorter than the Magizoologist, but he held himself in such a way he seemed taller. Theseus kept his shoulders squared and his chin ever so slightly upward (but not enough to make him come off as overly smug). A completely different aura radiated off him; it was powerful and complacent, much less inviting to her than the one Newt emitted.
"I hope you'll forgive me Miss Goldstein, but I've come to collect my brother for my Stag Party." He slung an arm around Newt's shoulders and flashed a crooked smirk.
Must be a family trait…Tina mused.
Newt forced a smile and patted his brother's back with no small amount of chafe. "So you have."
"Don't worry," Theseus sang as he swung his cool grey eyes to Tina. "I'll take good care of Newt for you." He winked impishly as he spun himself and his brother towards the door.
"If you're asleep before I return, Tina," Newt glanced over his shoulder. His green eyes locked with hers and in that moment she felt a spark burst within her, ignited by the intensity of his gaze. "Sleep well."
Tina's words stuck in her throat, taken aback by his heavy and somehow longing glance, and the feeling it set off within her.
"Enjoy yourselves…" her voice was barely a whisper when her words finally floated out of her mouth, but they were already gone.
A/N: Wanna give a shout out to my beta onebethatatime who's been with me since the beginning of this series. Also to katiehavoc for giving this one final glance over. You guys are rock stars!
Chapter 4 should be up on Monday the 8th!
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