Bunty was decidedly miserable. Flying on a Thestral, in the middle of a thunderstorm, over the Atlantic Ocean, not being able to see what she was sitting on, only having found out her friend, Newt, had disappeared three hours ago would put anyone on the edge of a panic attack.
Usually, it took weeks to travel from London to New York, if you went on a boat. Like Newt did 12 years ago. But Bunty was able to obtain a Thestral, who could fly quickly if you urged it enough. So, in only a matter of 6 hours of non-stop flying, Bunty finally arrived in New York.
Her back was killing her, she was cold and hungry. But Bunty was also immensely anxious to get to Jacob and Queenie's apartment. The only reason she knew where they lived was because Bunty had kept in touch with everyone from Dumbledore's First Army, including Queenie. She envisioned in her mind the apartment building, and twisted quickly on her heel, Apparateing away.
Bunty staggered a little from exhaustion, looking up at the tall building before her. She sighed, walking towards the door which led to the apartments. The hall was dimly lit, the air was musty, smelling of dust. The floors were made of wood, and the wall had wallpaper which was decorated with pink and red floral patterns. Remembering what apartment number the Kowalski's lived wasn't too hard. Number 43. That meant that Bunty had to climb four flights of stairs. She let out a frustrated noise and not wasting time, ran up the stairs.
Queenie waved her wand around, preparing dinner. Jacob was also there, getting out plates and silverware. He put three out on the table. Tina had come to visit. Queenie was very excited, she hadn't spent much time with her recently, seeing as Tina was very busy trying to conduct a fruitless search for the whereabouts of Grindelwald.
When Tina first entered the apartment, Queenie was bombarded with many thoughts and emotions that weren't her own. She had been practicing trying to keep out of other people's minds. Newt had been helping her along the way, sending letters occasionally, to check up on them. She hadn't seen Newt for about a year, but they were as close as aways.
Tina sat on the couch in the other room, her eyes were closed. She frowned. Queenie glanced at Tina, allowing herself to reach out to Tina's mind, attempting to check on her. Suddenly, a new mind entered the current. Unlike Jacob's, whose was quiet and calm, or Tina's whose was anxious and tired. This mind kept thinking one thought repeatedly and sense of urgency rippled through the air. Got to get to Queenie, got to get to Queenie. I hope Newt's ok… So tired…
"Jacob, honey," Queenie spoke quickly, "Set another plate at the table."
Jacob looked confused at this request. Tina sat up suddenly, looking to her little sister. "Who is it?" Queenie was putting her hand on the door handle. "I'm not sure, but their thoughts sound familiar." Someone knocked urgently on the apartment door. Tina had pulled out her wand, looking suspiciously at the door. Queenie opened it.
Bunty stood there, shivering. Her wet closes dripped on the floor of the hallway. "Oh, honey!" Queenie gasped, her face turning a pale shade, putting a hand to her mouth. Tina became confused, and after using a spell to dry Bunty's clothes, put her wand away. "What is it, Queenie."
But Queenie wasn't listening. She sunk to the floor, hand still over her mouth. "Babe," Jacob rushed over, "You alright? Queenie!" He shook Queenie slightly. Queenie came out of shock, her eyes drifting sadly toward Tina. Jacob hauled Queenie off the floor, shutting the door. Bunty had dark bags under her eyes, which were sad and urgent.
"C-come sit at the table. We have some food that's almost ready." Queenie stuttered slightly, trying to compose herself. "Queenie! Are you going to tell me what's wrong?" Tina's voice was raised a little. Her heart was panicking. Something wasn't right. She could feel it in her bones. Queenie shook her head, "This is Bunty's story to tell, Teenie." She used the nickname Queenie made when they were kids.
Bunty meanwhile was still a little dazed and cold, but her mind was finally catching up to the present. She sat down at the table, where Jacob set down warm steaming food in front of her. Tina joined her, attempting to calm down. Thankfully she was able to conceal most of her emotions due to being an Auror. Soon, Jacob and Queenie sat down at the table.
"Bunty?" Tina asked quickly, "What's wrong?" Bunty took a deep breath, closing her eyes. Queenie bit her lip as a bunch of thoughts, horrors, and emotions rushed into her head. She could feel a slight headache coming on, but then she closed her mind off.
"Dumbledore needs us." Bunty began, "Newt's in danger. He attacked him, kidnapped him." She told the group everything she knew. Bunty held up a slip of paper. "Professor Dumbledore gave me this. It's a Portkey. He said that it'll leave in three days, taking us to the grounds of Hogwarts. He wants us to get Eulalie Hicks from Ilvermorny."
Tina had shut herself off completely. She was in shock. Hurt, scared, anxious. She realized how much Newt meant for her now that he was gone. Tears dripped from her eyes, and off the bridge of her nose. Queenie tried to comfort her, but she didn't know how. Tina had always been there for Queenie, especially when she needed her most. But now, Tina needed Queenie, and she didn't know what to do. Rubbing her hand along Tina's back, Queenie whispered words that Jacob and Bunty couldn't quiet catch.
Finally calm, Tina spoke up. "I suppose I need to tell President Picquery what's going on. She'll understand, I'm sure."
The four finished dinner, all in their own thoughts. Tina cleaned up the table, and Bunty was sent to bed by Queenie. "You need sleep too Tina. We have a long road ahead of us." Jacob said gently. Tina smiled. The baker was always so sweet and kind. Tina nodded and headed off to bed.
Two days later: They were in Massachusetts. Tina had gotten permission to leave MACUSA until Newt was found. Queenie was excited to show Jacob around her old school. They finally reached Ilvermorny.
The school stood majesty on a hill surrounded by many trees. It wasn't a castle like Hogwarts. It was more of what you'd call a manor. The stone was laid professionally, each in a precise location. The wooden panels on the glass windows stood out. The doors leading inside were huge oak doors, with metal brandings. Flower beds could be spotted around the land, and greenhouses were found in the back. There was also a courtyard, with a fountain in the middle, and benches surrounding it.
Queenie reached up and tapped the doors with her wand. There were clicking noises and the great oak door opened slowly. "Headmaster Goodwell." Queenie bowed her head a little. A stately witch stood in front of them, her robes were a dark red, with black beads attached to it. The witch suddenly broke into a warm smile. "Queenie Goldstein. It's good to see you again."
Queenie smiled. "Headmaster, I got married. My name isn't Goldstein anymore, rather it is Kowalski." She blushed a little as Jacob grabbed her hand.
"Ahh. That is wonderful news! Come in, come in. You must be cold." Goodwell moved aside, letting the four of them to enter. "What brings you here?"
"I'm afraid we can't talk about that in the open halls, Headmaster Goodwell." Tina said quickly. "There may be prying ears."
Goodwell frowned slightly but led them down the medieval style halls. She led them to a fountain in the building, which above it was a portrait of a wizard with wise green eyes, holding a scroll in one hand and wand in the other. The scroll said, "Strength does not come from power." The witch held up her hands, her left holding a wand. In a commanding voice, she said, "Thunderbird." Then she stepped into the fountain and disappeared. The other's followed suit, Jacob the last.
He expected to be soaking wet, but instead he was quite dry. Looking behind him, Jacob found a huge fireplace, where wood burned merrily. In front of him was a desk, with chairs. The rug on the wooden floor was red, with little patterns. Suits of armor lined the walls, and paintings of past Headmasters were put there. There was a great window, looking out to the lake in the back.
Tina, Queenie, and Goodwell sat down at the desk. Bunty also followed, looking around the room with curiosity.
"Alright." The witch began, "What is happening?"
With that, Bunty started to tell the tale. The headmaster nodded occasionally, rarely asking questions. When Bunty finished, there was a peaceful silence. "So," Goodwell started, "You need my Charms teacher?"
Tina nodded; her eyes downcast. Goodwell hummed thoughtfully. "I suppose I can let her go with you. I have a substitute teacher who is eager to assist."
Queenie squealed, squeezing Jacob's hand joyfully. Tina sighed with relief and Bunty smiled. A little while later, the group now was made of five people. Eulalie Hicks, Lally, was delighted to see her old friends. But she was devastated to hear of what happened to Newt. Bunty felt something twinge in her coat pocket. She took out the slip of paper, which was starting to glow a light blue. Apparently, the three days were up.
"Guys!" Bunty cried out, "Portkey!"
They looked back and grabbed the slip of paper just as it started to vibrate. Then, they were gone just as suddenly they had come.
