Chapter Text
“You’re sure you’re okay to do this, Alfred?”
“Yeah, Queens, I’m ordained just like others like me. We’re given the power by our individual governments and can do it so long as we’re on our land or if we’re on the battlefield in times of war.” America said, as he adjusted his bowtie in the reflection of a pan hanging above the counter. They were at Jacob’s bakery in late December of 1932, Christmas Eve.
Alfred never asked for specifics, anything going too far into magical related events would go ignored or over his head. But in truth, he was just happy that things seemed to have worked for Newt and the others. He was also ecstatic that Jacob and Queenie had made up and had decided to get married- after thinking about and discussing it anyway. Tina and America had been included in these talks as they went over everything that would need to be set up, and even Newt and his brother, Theseus, got involved when they needed to discuss how the European ministries handled marriages between no-majs and wizards, especially if they were coming from places like America that forbade such unions.
“No, I mean, you’re sure you won’t get in trouble, and neither will your friend?”
“Eh, my current boss in the magical world has a little more of an open mind on no-maj and wizarding relations; more than Picquery did. At the very least he’s working to rewrite the law on them being able to at least be friends so long as the wizard or witch hides their magical heritage. It’d make things a hell of a lot easier for no-majborns at least, and while it isn’t the progress I’d personally like, it’s a start. Besides, this is like me sticking it to them on dragging me to every crisis they have even when I’m not interested or busy.” He barked a laugh. “Anyway, I’ll handle the ceremony here, then you two will head to France and he’ll handle the legality of it, he feels like he owes your group anyway after ’27. You two can enjoy your Christmas Day and New Years honeymoon afterwards.”
“...Thank you, America.” She said, quietly after making sure no one could hear her say his true name.
“Any time, Queenie.” He smiled and turned to her, “So, what do ya think? Arthur can eat his words, I clean up pretty good, don’t I?”
“Yes, you do.” She nodded.
“Albert, don’t forget the pierogis.” They could hear Jacob in the front of the store, anxiety in his voice.
“Yes Mr. K.” Albert said, walking back into the kitchen where America and Queenie were, trying to follow his orders to the T. He was a nice kid, at least America thought so. He’d been hired shortly after Jacob had returned and had been a loyal customer to him beforehand. The no-maj nephew of a witch who raised him, he’d been aware of the magical world and seemed like the best employee candidate after it was decided Jacob and Queenie would be married. At the very least, it meant that he could attend the wedding, and America would be there to help him run the shop while Jacob was away.
“Albert, no more than eight minutes on the kolaczkis.”
“Yes, Mr. K.”
“Don’t worry, bro, I’ll be here so he doesn’t undercook anything or burn the place down.” America reassured, poking his head out to see Newt trying to make last minute adjustments to Jacob’s own suit.
“Alfred, you know I trust you… with anything that doesn’t involve a stove.”
“You wound me, old friend.” America feigned suffering, walking over to the two. “Besides, my cooking and baking isn’t as bad as my brother’s. Arthur can’t cook to save his life, and I swear, he messed up my tastebuds for a time. He made scones once and somehow burned them to resemble coal.”
“Okay, yeah… that sounds bad. Look, he’s a sweet kid, but he doesn’t know the difference between paszteciki and gelabki.”
“Hey sweetheart.” Queenie took this moment to come out.
“What?!” Jacob shouted, though they could tell he didn’t mean to and immediately regretted it. It was the anxiety. He covered his eyes. He wasn’t supposed to see her in her wedding dress until the ceremony started.
“Newt and Alfred don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t know what you’re talking about. And you are not working today, remember?” she said, covering his eyes for him. She turned to Newt, reading his mind a little. “Oh, you’re nervous about the speech. Don’t be nervous. Tell him honey.”
“Don’t be nervous.” Jacob said, his eyes still covered as he tried to calm himself down.
“I’m not nervous.” Newt insisted.
America sniffed the air as he smelled something… burning. Jacob did too as he said, “What it that smell? Why is there burning? Albert?” The man walked into the kitchen.
America put his arms up, “In my defense, I wasn’t watching him this time.” He followed him to the back and watched as the short man was trying to save what he could.
America crossed his arms and resisted the urge to laugh. In the end, he lived, no, thrived for moments like this. Watching his citizens live their lives, get worked up over small things, and be happy for events like this wedding. He and Queenie had talked about revealing his true nature to Jacob, Newt, and Tina. While he wasn’t sure about Newt’s brother or assistant, or the charismatic Lally, he did feel like he could trust those three as he trusted Queenie, even if she had gained that information without his permission.
He was drawn out of his thoughts when he heard the door open, and Tina, Lally, and Theseus walked in. He’d only met Theseus once before, when they were planning how to go about the wedding without breaking any laws that would’ve forced the couple apart. The three poked their heads inside the kitchen and watched with America as the chaos unfolded.
“Should we be concerned?” Tina asked.
“Nah, Jacob’s just taking his anxiety out on poor Albert. It’ll pass.” America shrugged. “Anyway, Miss Goldstein, might I say that you look lovely.” He said, playfully bowing to her.
“You may Alfred. Someone’s being a gentleman today.” She laughed.
“Well, maybe Arthur’s lessons on being a gentleman did teach me a thing or two. Theseus.” America greeted, shaking his hand. “How’re things in Europe?”
“Alfred.” Theseus nodded. “Tense, but better since the election’s over.”
“Hello, Alfred.” Lally smiled.
“Lally, jumping into any more books?”
“Figuratively or portkey-wise?”
“Surprise me.” Alfred shrugged.
“Well, I am going through a book called Little House in the Big Woods, it’s by a no-maj author about her childhood that my first and second years are all absolutely raving about it; so much so that I had to check it out for myself. Queenie tells me you’re into American history; I recommend it even if the reading level is aimed for children.”
“I’ll have to check it out.” America grinned. He loved it when his citizens immortalized their experiences for others to learn from.
“The rings- damn it, does Newt have-“ They watched as Jacob began to get more and more nervous.
They heard Queenie walk past behind them, saying she’s got this, as she walked out and stuck her head out the door, shouting to Newt and asking if he has the rings. Moments later, she confirmed to them he did, and she then went to talk with her sister.
The group was interrupted as Newt walked in, followed by his assistant, Bunty. Everyone had arrived.
America stood in the back of the kitchen, Jacob in front of him with his eyes closed as their friends and family stood in the front of the shop, watching through the doorway. The small white flower pinned to Jacob’s suit jacket bloomed. He looked next to him and saw Queenie. America grinned as he heard the man tell his bride how beautiful she was.
It didn’t take long for the ceremony to happen. America asked both of them if they wanted to be wed, heard both say “yes”, asked if anyone had any objections, and after a moment of silence, asked Newt to hand them the rings. After one ring each was on their fingers, America proclaimed them to be married.
“Oh, I can’t believe it.” Queenie said as she pulled Jacob into a kiss.
America stood and watched as they all chatted amongst themselves, congratulating and cheering for the new couple. As Newt began to introduce Albert to Lally, a big, happy smile filled America’s face, almost touching his eyes.
Yes, he decided, he may not magic, but deep down he knew he couldn’t outright hate it. He wouldn’t have met any of them otherwise.