THE familiar aroma of freshly baked pastries filled the air as Newt Scamander pushed open the door to Jacob Kowalski's bustling bakery, the scent of freshly baked bread loaves and various pastries filling his nose and nearly making his stomach churn by way of response, though Newt forced himself to ignore the feeling, his mind fixated on only one thing. Fulfilling his promise to Tina to deliver her copy of his book in person.
Months had passed since the turbulent events that had unfolded in the wizarding world, and life had gradually settled into a new normal upon his return to England. Newt had delivered his manuscript to the Ministry for consideration for publication and had continued traveling, researching, and documenting magical creatures, but there was one important thing he needed to attend here in New York City.
As the door chimed softly and Newt let the door close behind him, Jacob, covered in flour, a sheen of sweat glistening along his scalp and surrounded by trays of loaves of bread and delectable treats, looked up from behind the counter. His eyes widened with surprise and joy as he recognized the British Magizoologist.
"Newt! Well, I'll be a Billywig's uncle, I think that's what Queenie calls 'em, anyways, but I can't be too sure! What brings you back to the Big Apple, pal?" Jacob exclaimed, his face breaking into a wide grin.
Newt smiled warmly, a bit awkwardly, "I'm afraid I can't stay long, just passing through, I'm afraid, Jacob. I thought I'd drop by and see how you were doing."
Jacob wiped his hands on his apron and made his way to the front of the bakery, extending a flour-covered hand in greeting, and before Newt could move to take the Muggle man's hand to shake it, Jacob instead clapped him on the back, leaving an obvious flour-shaped print on the shoulder of Newt's coat, though Newt chose to ignore it. "Doing great, my friend! Business is booming, and, you know, Queenie and I are back together, I got all my memories back. It's like a dream come true!"
Newt's eyes sparkled with genuine happiness for his friend. "I'm genuinely pleased for you, Jacob, truly I am. You deserve all the happiness in the world."
Just then, a flicker of movement caught Newt's eye. In the cozy corner of the bakery, near the window, a familiar face was peering into the shop.
It was Queenie Goldstein, the blonde's eyes alight with joy as she watched the reunion unfold, a knowing smile playing on her lips as if it the natural-born Legilimens had known this moment would occur.
Jacob noticed Newt's gaze and followed it to the window. "Oh, Queenie's here too! We're a package deal now."
Newt chuckled and then, with a slightly nervous expression, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, wrapped package. "I brought something for you, Jacob."
Jacob accepted the package, his curiosity piqued. As he unwrapped it, his eyes widened in surprise. It was a copy of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," a book that had played a pivotal role in their previous adventures.
"Wow, Newt! This is... this is incredible! But why?" Jacob asked, genuinely touched.
Newt scratched the back of his head, a hint of shyness in his demeanor. "Well, I promised Tina I'd give her a copy, and I thought you might want one too."
Jacob beamed, holding the book as if it were a treasure. "Thanks, Newt! This means a lot. But wait a minute, why didn't you just send it through an owl or something?"
Newt hesitated for a moment, and then with a sigh, he admitted, "I wanted to see you, Jacob. And, um, I may need a bit of advice."
Jacob's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Advice? From me? You got it, buddy! What's going on?"
Newt shifted uncomfortably, his eyes flicking toward the corner where Queenie stood. "It's Tina. I mean, I like her, and I—"
Jacob interrupted with a hearty laugh. "You like Tina! Well, why didn't you say so? Come on, let's sit down. I've got just the thing to settle your nerves – freshly baked pastries and some top-notch advice on wooing witches. Trust me, you're in good hands, Newt!" As the two friends settled into a corner booth, the cozy bakery became the backdrop for a conversation filled with laughter, friendship, and the promise of magical moments yet to unfold.
As Jacob enthusiastically shared his wisdom on matters of the heart, Newt listened attentively, occasionally sipping tea and nibbling on the delightful pastries Jacob insisted he try. The warm ambiance of the bakery and the genuine camaraderie between the two friends made the conversation more comfortable for Newt, who was not exactly known for his ease with matters of romance.
"So, Newt, you've got to be bold, you know? Women like confidence. Walk up to Tina and just tell her how you feel, give it to her straight and she'll appreciate it," Jacob advised, leaning in conspiratorially.
Newt furrowed his brow, contemplating Jacob's words. "I, uh, I'm not sure I possess that particular quality, Jacob," he stammered, an odd flush coming over his cheeks as he looked away for a moment to collect himself, and when he seemed to, he looked back to find Jacob eyeing him intently.
Jacob merely chuckled and stretched a hand across the table to pat Newt on the back. "Well, we'll work on it. You've got your creatures to show your passion for, right? Tina loves that about you. And don't forget to be yourself. That's the most important thing."
Emboldened by Jacob's encouragement, Newt nodded thoughtfully. "You're right, Jacob. I do have my creatures. Maybe I can invite Tina to join me on a magical creature excursion. She always did have a keen interest in the magical world."
Jacob grinned, pleased with the progress. "Now you're talking, Newt! Show her the world you love so much. And, of course, make sure to compliment her. Women love compliments."
As their conversation continued, filled with laughter and genuine camaraderie, Queenie couldn't help but smile as she watched the scene unfold from her corner. She could sense the connection between Newt and Jacob, a friendship that had weathered storms and emerged stronger.
And now, as Newt embarked on the delicate journey of expressing his feelings for Tina, he had a trusted friend by his side.
As the afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the bakery, Newt felt a newfound determination to approach Tina with sincerity and, yes, a touch of confidence. With Jacob's coaching and a copy of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" in hand, he left the bakery with a plan forming in his mind.
It had been months since the events that transpired in New York, and Newt couldn't shake the feeling that there was something left unfinished. He had returned to his magizoologist duties, studying magical creatures across the globe, but his thoughts kept drifting back to a particular witch with auburn hair and a heart as fiery as a Hungarian Horntail.
Unable to resist the pull any longer, Newt found himself standing in front of the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA).
He took a deep breath, adjusting his coat and glancing nervously at the entrance.
Memories of his last visit flooded back, but this time, he wasn't there to face accusations or dark forces. He was there for a more personal reason.
Summoning his courage, Newt stepped inside, greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of the wizarding world. He made his way through the magical bureaucracy until he reached Tina Goldstein's office. The door was slightly ajar, and he could hear the soft murmur of voices from within.
Standing before Tina's office door, an unsettling sensation nestled in his chest. He lifted a trembling hand to his eyes, rubbing slowly against the rugged texture of his skin. A fragmented sigh slipped through his cracked lips. Nervously, his hand journeyed to the back of his neck, the memory of Tina Goldstein vividly replaying in his mind—her face imprinted from the last time they had parted ways at the docks.
The recollection of Tina's radiant smile lingered in the recesses of his thoughts. If he concentrated hard enough, her laughter echoed as if she were right beside him. Her smile possessed a sweetness that, in his estimation, no other witch in the world could match.
A sudden, sharp pang throbbed through his heart as the memory of Tina's tranquil eyes saturated his mind. He had never fathomed that anyone besides Leta could stir these long-buried emotions. Yet, here he stood, marked by scars but still able to feel. These emotions were uncharted territory, yet they carried a strangely familiar foreignness—a connection to a distant, cherished memory.
Nevertheless, an internal struggle persisted within him. The emotions he harbored for Tina Goldstein felt light and ethereal, yet beneath the surface, a darker undercurrent stirred—a disconcerting sensation, a "wrong" feeling. His inner demons clamored for him to retreat, to Disapparate and escape before Tina could inflict the same wounds that Leta Lestrange had inflicted years ago. Despite this, fear and uncertainty held him in place.
"No, I couldn't... I came all this way." Newt's hand instinctively covered his mouth as he attempted to quiet his racing thoughts. "I could, though. But what would I say to Jacob if he asks me how it went?" He cast his eyes downward, and a flash of green peeking out from the pocket of his coat drew his attention.
Looking down, he caught sight of his trusted Bowtruckle, Pickett, eyeing him curiously, tilting his head as if inquiring about the source of Newt's distress.
Newt met Pickett's inquisitive gaze and couldn't help but feel a sense of reassurance in the tiny creature's presence. With a soft sigh, he carefully lifted Pickett out of his pocket, letting the Bowtruckle perch on his shoulder. Pickett's small, green hands gently patted Newt's cheek in a gesture that seemed surprisingly comforting.
"I know, Pick," Newt murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It's just... complicated."
As if understanding, Pickett nuzzled against Newt's ear, emitting a soothing hum. The rhythmic sound resonated with an almost magical calmness, easing some of the tension that coiled within Newt.
With newfound determination, Newt straightened his posture. "I can't let fear dictate my actions. If I've learned anything from you and the creatures I care for, it's that sometimes, facing the unknown is the only way to truly understand."
Pickett blinked up at him, seemingly approving of Newt's resolve. Taking a deep breath, Newt pocketed Pickett again and approached Tina's office door. The internal struggle persisted, but the gentle pat of Pickett's tiny hands lingered in his memory, providing an unexpected source of strength.
As Newt raised his hand to knock on Tina's door, he carried with him the echo of Pickett's hum—a reminder that courage could be found in the most unexpected places, even in the company of a loyal Bowtruckle.
Newt hesitated for a moment, his hand gripping the doorknob. "It's now or never," he whispered to himself, before pushing the door open. The sight that met his eyes was both comforting and heart-wrenching.
Tina was hunched over a stack of paperwork, her quill moving rapidly across the parchment. She looked just as focused and determined as he remembered.
The months spent apart hadn't dulled the sparkle in her eyes, and Newt couldn't help but smile at the sight of her. Tina glanced up, sensing a presence in the room. Her eyes widened in surprise, and the quill slipped from her fingers as she stood up, knocking over a few parchments in the process.
"Newt?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and delight.
He grinned sheepishly, his blue eyes meeting hers. "Hello, Tina. I, uh, brought you something, as I promised you I would." Newt held out the worn copy of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," the same book that had brought them together in the first place.
Tina's eyes widened further as she took the book from him, running her fingers over the familiar cover. "Newt, I... I don't know what to say."
He shifted uncomfortably, suddenly unsure of himself. "Well, you don't have to say anything. I just thought you might like to have your own copy. You know, for your own notes and observations."
Tina's expression softened, and she closed the distance between them. "Thank you," she whispered, her eyes searching his. "I missed you."
Newt's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't hold back the relief and joy that surged through him. "I missed you too, Tina."
And just like that, the awkwardness melted away as they stood in the heart of MACUSA, surrounded by the magic that had brought them together. The city outside continued its relentless pace, but in that moment, time seemed to slow as Newt and Tina found themselves back where they belonged—in each other's company.
Tina's fingers traced the pages of the book, and as she flipped it open, a small piece of parchment slipped out and fell onto her desk.
Newt watched nervously as she picked it up, unfolding the note. His heart raced, unsure of how she would react.
To Porpentina Goldstein,
In the extraordinary realm of magical creatures and adventures, none compares to the joy you bring into my life. Your spirit is the rarest enchantment, and your presence is the most magical of discoveries.
With deep affection,
Newt Scamander
Tina stared at the dedication, her eyes wide with disbelief. The words seemed to leap off the parchment, settling in her heart with a warmth she hadn't expected. She looked up at Newt, searching his face for any sign that this might be some elaborate magical prank.
"Newt, is this... a-are you serious?" Tina asked, her voice a mix of astonishment and delight.
He nodded, a shy smile playing on his lips. "Absolutely, Tina. Every word of it."
Tina's heart fluttered, and a rush of emotions washed over her. The weight of the magical world around them seemed to fade as she focused on the man standing in front of her, his earnest gaze never leaving hers.
"I... I don't know what to say," Tina admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Newt's eyes sparkled with sincerity. "You don't have to say anything, Tina. I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me."
Tina closed the book gently, holding it against her chest as if she could absorb the sentiment infused within its pages. "This is the most beautiful thing anyone has ever done for me, Newt."
He stepped closer, his hand finding hers. "You deserve nothing less, Tina." In that small office within the bustling world of magical bureaucracy, surrounded by the echoes of their shared past and the promise of an unwritten future, Tina and Newt found themselves on the brink of a new chapter.
The magical creatures in Newt's suitcase seemed to chirp and flutter with approval as if acknowledging the significance of the moment.
Tina, still holding the book, reached up and touched Newt's cheek, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Newt. For this, for everything."
As they stood there, the city outside continued its relentless pace, but time seemed to stand still in that enchanted space, where two souls rediscovered each other amid the magic and wonder of their own story. Tina's fingers entwined with Newt's, and a warmth spread between them, transcending the simple touch.
Their eyes locked, and a silent understanding passed between them as if an entire conversation unfolded in that shared gaze.
Newt's nervousness faded into a sense of serenity, and Tina felt a wave of gratitude for the man who had journeyed back to her, bearing not only a book but a declaration of the heart. At that moment, the chaos of the city beyond the office walls ceased to matter.
"Tina," Newt whispered, his voice a gentle caress, "I meant every word in that dedication. To find you and to have you in my life, has been the most magical discovery in my life."
Tina smiled, her eyes sparkling with affection. "And you, Newt Scamander, are the most extraordinary creature I've ever encountered."
They stood there, hand in hand, in the heart of the magical world. The bustling sounds of the city outside became a distant murmur, drowned out by the enchantment of the connection they shared. It was a moment suspended in time, a chapter closing and a new one beginning.
As the magical creatures in Newt's suitcase emitted a symphony of approving sounds, the two savored the quiet joy that came with rediscovering each other. Amid the everyday magic that surrounded them, Newt and Tina found a universe in the touch of their hands and the promise of more adventures to come.
And so, against the backdrop of enchanted creatures and the city lights, they embraced the magic of the present, ready to embark on the next chapter of their story—a story written with love, dedication, and the belief that some tales were simply meant to be told together.