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“Mr. Scamander!” Newt looked up at the nickname with a large smile on his face until he realized that the voice speaking it was wrong. The smile, however, remained fixed to his face when he saw Lally. She had a wide smile as she approached.
“Professor Hicks!”
“At long last.” She had a patented smirk on her face now.
“Professor Hicks and I have corresponded for many years, but never actually met.” Which is true, Newt thought to himself. He’d never had the pleasure of meeting his wife’s dear friend. He and Lally always seemed to miss each other when she visited Tina in New York. “Her book in advance charm casting is a must read.”
“Newt’s being far too kind. Fantastic Beasts is a required reading for all my fifth years.”
The notion that his book was being used for its intended purpose at Ilvermorny brought a humbled smile to him. Newt turned away to make introductions. He’d only realized he’d missed one when Theseus cleared his throat. “This is my brother, Theseus. He works for the Ministry.” Newt nodded his head back.
“Head of the British Auror office actually.”
Really, Thee , Newt thought until Lally spoke. “Oh well I’ll make sure my wand permit is up to date.” The comment made him smile at the ground. Not just for the jest at his brother, but knowing Lally was making a joke for Newt and Newt alone, referencing Tina’s time in Wand Permits. Unknowingly Lally was also reminding him of his anniversary that would be coming up soon. Shit he needed to make sure he had something special for that. Especially given he was off on a mission leaving her home alone with three toddlers. Newt heard Theseus make some comment back to Lally, but he forced his mind to move on. He moved to the front of the room and laid out the plan. Newt made it through the mission details or lack thereof he’d received from Dumbledore before anyone mentioned the missing member of their crew.
“What about Tina? Is Tina coming?”
Newt had a shy smile on his face at Jacob’s question. Theseus shot him a knowing look while Bunty seemed to be fighting an eye roll. Kama also looked up with piqued interest at the question that Newt knew came from Tina reaching out to the man consistently after Paris. She’d been rather adamant about making sure he was alright after Leta died. Newt had agreed. But his eyes were drawn to Jacob as he answered. “Tina’s…” what was the right word. “Unavailable.” No he didn’t like that. He tried again with a side look to his friend. “Tina’s been promoted. She’s very, very busy.” He could see Theseus holding in a laugh in his peripheral vision. Oh yes, Uncle Tree was going to make sure Mrs. Scamander was aware of his flub. Newt smiled, knowing she’d find it endearing. Hopefully. After a beat, he added, “From what I understand.”
“Tina’s been made Head of the American Auror Office.” Lally said it to Jacob with a tone and look of pride. “We know each other well, she’s quite a remarkable woman.”
The last comment came with a look at Newt. Immediately he had a large, proud smile plastered on his face. “She is.” He whispered into the air. Theseus began adding his own commentary regarding their team, but all that was one Newt’s mind was Lally’s comment. She’s quite a remarkable woman. No, Newt thought, she’s more than that.
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“She’s busy?” Newt looked up from his journal as Theseus sat beside him. “She’s going to love that excuse.”
“She doesn’t need to know that was the excuse.”
Theseus leveled him with a look that told Newt his wife was going to hear about it regardless of Newt’s wishes. Then Theseus turned more serious as he lowered his voice. “Tina isn’t going to like that Dumbledore didn’t even consider her for this. Even if she is with the kids. Newt, she deserves to know why Jacob is here.” Newt hadn’t told her that if there was a chance to save Queenie that’s why Jacob was here. It was how Dumbledore had convinced Newt it was a decent idea. An idea he still hated. “She should be here, Newt.”
“I know.” He wanted her here. He did. Beyond measure did Newt want Tina at his side. But they also had three children at home. She had a job to focus on. He could do a simple spy mission. It would be fine.
“Newt.” He looked over at his brother, realizing he’d been silent too long, provoking Theseus to speak. “I need you to promise me you won’t be reckless.”
Newt rolled his eyes and went to stand up, wanting to move to a hidden corner of the couch, pulling his two way mirror out. “Theseus, I can assure you I have zero plans to be reckless. I rather like my wife not being upset with me.” He heard Theseus snort a laugh before Newt put up a silencing charm and sat huddled away. He lifted the mirror and called out, “Love, are you there?”
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Today was not going as planned for Tina Goldstein-Scamander. She’d planned to get up, get her children ready for the day, get herself ready for the day, and have a quick breakfast with them before Graves came to watch them so she could go to work. Instead, her babysitter had gotten called in to babysit Lally’s classes for the day. The headmaster had claimed Lally had requested Percival Graves specifically. Which if she did, boy was she in for a rude awakening the next time Tina saw her best friend.
With her babysitter down for the count, she’d been forced to work from home. Tina had debated taking the kids in with her, but after a quick floo call with her now boss Achilles Tolliver, she agreed to work on case files from home. He’d advised he would send a patronus if anything pressing came up, but that she should enjoy the day with her kids for the most part.
And Tina tried to. But that was about two tantrums ago. She’d put Joe down for a nap about forty minutes earlier and was currently working on Jack, who decided he didn’t need to nap with his brother today much to Tina’s dismay, as she read a case file at her desk in the home office she and Newt kept. Ellie was sitting in the corner, pouting as she sat in time out. She’d tried to make a jailbreak for the basement when Tina had been setting Joe down. It had taken Tina two seconds to realize where her daughter was headed. She’d hefted Jack on her hip and chased after Ellie. When she’d caught the little girl, Ellie let out cries about wanting to see the creatures and how it was unfair and stupid she had to stay upstairs. Tina would have taken her down and all would have been fine, but Ellie kept calling her stupid and mean. A sentiment Tina didn’t appreciate one bit. So now her daughter was sitting on her window seat bench in the office pouting until Tina told her she could get up.
All in all, Tina was already over today. And it was maybe 11 o’clock in the morning. Morrigan, she had a long day to go.
“Love, are you there?” Well at least this would be a present surprise. Tina smiled as she picked up her mirror that she’d set on her desk just in case Newt had a minute to talk.
“I’m here, honey.” She smiled at him and Jack cooed. Newt smiled at both of them.
“Well, this is a pleasant surprise. Hi, Jackal. How are you today?” The one year old cooed again. Tina smiled as Newt talked to their son. She chanced a glance at Ellie, who was glancing over at her in longing now. “Do I want to know why you have Jack, love?”
Tina turned back to him with a small smile. “It would seem Eulalie Hicks decided Percival was the best candidate for a sub. So I’m working from home today while he teaches Charms.”
“I see.” Newt smiled a little more. “And where are the other two?”
“Joe is currently napping, which is what this one was supposed to be doing as well.” She shot Jack an exasperated glance. The baby just smiled up at her and murmured ‘mama.’ Tina grinned slightly before continuing. “But he seems to be like his father and is unable to sleep when I want him to.” Newt laughed at her.
“Sorry about that, love.” He didn’t sound very sorry. He didn’t look like he’d been getting sleep again either. Tina frowned at him, prompting Newt to move on. “And what about little love?”
“Your daughter is in time out.” Tina said in a frustrated tone. Ellie was looking sheepish over in her little corner.
Newt shot her an amused look. Normally Tina would give him that Ellie acted more like her. But he hadn’t been the one called stupid. “She’s my daughter right now, is she?”
“When she calls her mother stupid, she is.” Tina looked back down at the mirror to see Newt had an upset look on his face.
“She- Eleanor Ruth Scamander, come here please.” He called and Ellie rose from her seat. She trudged over to where Tina sat, dragging her feet the whole time. The whole scene was a bit comical to watch. Newt rarely used the tone he was with the kids, especially his little girl. Watching Ellie act as if Newt using his ‘Teddy I know you have my ring’ tone was a death sentence was rather funny. When Ellie arrived at the desk, she immediately hid her face in Tina’s side, not looking at her father. “Little love, look at me please.” Ellie just buried her head deeper into Tina and ignored Newt. “Eleanor.”
Finally the three year old looked up. “Yes, Daddy?” Ellie was throwing on the charm in the short question. If Tina wasn’t still a little butt hurt, she’d be upset. As it stood though, Tina was hurt that her daughter called her stupid. Regardless of whether or not Ellie meant it, the words had stung.
“Niffler, why did you call your mother stupid? You know you aren’t supposed to say that word. Nor are you supposed to say it about your mum.”
“I know.” Ellie whispered, turning again. She reached up for Tina to lift her up which Tina did. Ellie immediately curled up on Tina’s free side. Newt seemed poised to continue, but she shook her head. She had a sneaking suspicion Ellie wasn’t done. “I’m sorry, Mommy.” Tina looked down to see little tears in Ellie’s eyes. “I’m sorry I called you a mean name and used a Mommy and Daddy word. I’m sorry I tried to sneak into the basement.” Out of the corner of her eye, Tina saw Newt’s eyes light up with worry. The creatures Ellie normally played with were with him. Teddy and Pickett were off saving the world. The little girl had little reason to sneak into the basement unless it was to see Dougal, who Tina would let up in a bit.
“It’s alright, my love.” Tina whispered, kissing Ellie’s head. She knew Ellie was sorry. Known it the moment the words came out of Ellie’s mouth and the girl’s face crumbled, realizing what she’d said. That didn’t change that Tina had to give her some sort of punishment. “Just don’t do it again. Calling me that or going to the basement without permission. You could have been hurt, Elle Belle.” Ellie nodded as she hugged her mother tighter. Tina smiled and looked at Newt, who was shooting them a longing stare. Before Tina could open her mouth, she heard a faint cry from upstairs. Sighing, she looked at Newt apologetically. “Sounds like Joe is waking up. We should-”
“Could I see him?” Newt looked like he was begging. Like he was desperate to be reminded of the family he had to fight for. Tina looked between her husband and her hands, trying to make a plan to carry both her kids and the mirror upstairs.
“Newt, I don’t-”
“I can hold onto Daddy.” Ellie spoke in a timid voice. Tina looked at the three year old and smiled. Ellie looked scared to even suggest it. “Just until you get Joey, Mommy.”
“Mmmmmm, I like that idea. What about you, Newt?” Tina was already handing off the mirror to their daughter as Newt grinned.
“Well, hello, little love. I have to compliment your drawing you made for Uncle Tree’s birthday for a minute. It is quite lovely.” Tina watched Ellie’s face immediately brighten as she slid her off her lap.
“Da portrait?!”
“Yes, the portrait. Uncle Tree actually duplicated it so I can keep a copy in the case if that’s alright.” Ellie was nodding enthusiastically while Tina and Jack went across the hall. She’d set Joe up in a transfigured crib in the guest room for his nap. When she walked in, he was sitting up, fussing about.
The moment he saw her, Joe was reaching out. “Mama. Mama!” He got a little more insistent the closer Tina got, which caused her to smile as she sat Jack down in the middle of the guest bed.
“Hi, Joey. How are we after our nap?” The little boy visibly calmed as Tina lifted him out of the crib. She noticed he needed his diaper changed so she quickly went to work. Before leaving the room, she went ahead and checked Jack as well who also needed a change. Once both twins were changed and giggly again, Tina placed one on each hip and walked back across the hall to the office. The office where Newt was telling Ellie all about saving the baby Qilin again.
“And just when I thought hope was lost, I arrived back at the mother Qilin to discover she had twins. I was able to comfort her in her las-.”
“Daddy, is Polly doing okay?” Ellie asked after the baby Qilin she’d decided to call Polly when Newt had arrived home battered and bruised. While Tina had cared for him, Ellie had opened the case to discover her new friend.
“She’s doing alright, little love. She’ll be better I’m sure when we get home to you lot.”
“When will you be home?” Tina walked up to the spot on the floor Ellie was sitting on. She lowered herself, Jack, and Joe to sit next to Ellie. Immediately, Ellie found a bit of free space in Tina’s lap so Newt could see all four of them in the mirror. Tina watched as a myriad of emotions went over her husband’s face before he finally spoke.
“Soon, little love. I’ll be home soon.” Ellie had an annoyed look on her face at Newt’s response. ‘Soon’ wasn’t an answer, she seemed to be trying to convey to Newt. Tina knew he was fighting back tears at this point, knew he’d much rather be at home with them than off on this mission. It didn’t make him being gone sting any less. It didn’t make her not being there to help hurt less either. Changing the subject, Newt turned to Joe. “Hello, mooncalf. Did you have a good nap?”
“Dada.” Joe reached toward the mirror, clearly wanting Newt. Tina pulled his little hand away and he immediately looked at her in betrayal. “Mama, Dada!” Joe pointed at the mirror and Tina smiled.
“I know, sweetheart. But you are too young to play with the mirror right now. We don’t want Daddy getting motion sick.” Joe didn’t understand her reasons, but he huffed in annoyance all the same as Tina turned back to Newt. “How is everyone?”
“Fine.” Newt hesitated for a moment before he continued. “Jacob asked about you.”
“He did?” Tina smiled sadly. The last time she and Jacob had spoken hadn’t ended the best. He’d yelled about Queenie, placing a lot of the blame on Tina for what happened. Much like Ellie’s fit earlier, Tina knew Jacob didn’t mean what he’d said. That he’d just been upset and was looking for someone other than the woman he loved to blame. It still stung though. It hadn’t stopped Tina from checking on him from afar or sending aurors to go get pastries from Kowalski’s Baked Goods. She did her penance for the situation in little ways, giving him space until she felt it was time to speak to him again.
“He did.” Newt confirmed with a smile. A guilty smile. Dear Godric, what did he do? “You should know he was rather excited and wanted to know where you were. And I ah well I panicked.” Tina lifted an eyebrow, not saying a word. The kids were all still in her lap, holding on to every word their father spoke. “See I said you were um well you were very busy and would be unable to join us.”
Tina let out a laugh, a loud, genuine laugh, thinking Newt was kidding. When she saw the look on his face, she knew he was being serious. “Newt!”
“I don’t want to distract anyone from the mission by mentioning the kids.”
“Everyone in that room except Jacob knows we have kids.” She countered. Newt looked sheepish.
“I know. But, love, I feel like and you will probably yell at me for this, but I feel like you being at home with them severely downplays your abilities as a witch. You are Chief Auror for Merlin’s sake. You are more skilled at dueling than me or Theseus. You are the strongest, bravest witch I know. And you are also the most amazing mother. You being home with the kids makes my heart happy, but it makes me feel as if I have failed you by you being on the sidelines when we have a chance to save Queenie. Even if I want you as far from this mess as possible.” Newt’s thoughts were jumbled, but Tina understood the point. He wanted her there, but they both knew she was where she needed to be. Someone needed to be home with the kids and if Tina was honest, she was happy it was her. Despite her anger at Queenie, she knew she’d be reckless if she had the chance to save her sister.
More importantly though, Tina loved her children. She loved the time she spent with them. Being Chief Auror kept her away enough. And one of them needed to be home with the kids. She’d be damned if her children became orphans because she and Newt were too reckless to recognize that they both couldn’t be gone at the same time. Ellie seemed to understand Newt was wanting Tina with him and curled into her. It was as if the little girl was begging her to stay, to not leave. Tina smiled down before speaking. “I’m right where I need to be, my love.” She squeezed the three children in her lap tighter and saw Newt give a sad smile.
“I know. I wish I was too.”
“You are, Daddy.” Ellie spoke quietly. Newt looked at her curiously. “You have to save the world, Daddy. Normally that’s Mommy’s job, but this time the world needs you. And we miss you, but sometimes we have to share. And we are okay with sharing this time.” The innocence Ellie spoke with was endearing. Tina kissed Ellie’s head to keep herself from crying. Ellie didn’t understand the danger Newt was in, not really, all she knew was that her father needed to help save the world so whatever was going on was important. And that was what mattered.
“Little love, I love you.” Newt smiled at their little girl, unable to say anything else. He looked away for a moment. Someone was clearly calling him. Newt nodded at the figure to join him and then Theseus came into frame.
“UNCLE TREE!” Ellie cried in excitement. Tina smiled as her brother-in-law’s face lit up.
“Elliphant! My darling, how are you today?”
“Good!” Ellie went to continue, but seemed to see Theseus wasn’t here for a long visit. Tina raised an eyebrow at the man as the twin’s leaned forward to have their heads in line with Ellie as they stared at their uncle.
“That’s wonderful. Hello, Tina.”
“Hi, Thee.” She nodded at him.
“I’m afraid I have to steal your husband. We are getting close to Berlin.”
“So you’re in Berlin.” Tina raised her eyebrow at the Scamander brothers. Theseus immediately panicked.
“You didn’t tell her.”
“No, I didn’t tell her.” Newt was glaring at his brother while Tina tried to hold in a laugh. “Ellie, say goodbye to Uncle Tree forever.”
“Daddy, no!” Ellie cried.
“Elliphant has spoken, Fido.” Newt shoved his brother out of frame. Theseus bounced back and smiled at them. “I’ll let you all say goodbye. Jackson, Joseph, always good to see you gentlemen.” The twins in her lap cooed at their uncle when he spoke to them. “Tina, a pleasure as usual.”
“Back at you, Thee.” Tina smiled.
“And Elliphant?” Ellie looked at her uncle mesmerized. If Newt hung the moon to Ellie, then Theseus helped hang the stars. She was as fond of her Uncle Tree as he was of her. Tina suspected if anyone had even suggested Ellie call him by the now beloved nickname before she started talking, Theseus would have scoffed. But the moment she said ‘Tree’ when asking for Theseus to pick her up, Theseus’s cold demeanor he had after Leta passed melted.
“Yes, Uncle Tree?”
“I want to thank you for my birthday presents. I love them.”
“You do?” Ellie turned shy all of a sudden. Theseus just grinned at her.
“My mantle has a new centerpiece in a drawing of you and I holding hands.” Ellie grinned. Tina kissed her head. Ellie had drawn it all on her own, refusing Tina and Newt’s help on it, claiming she wanted to do something for Uncle Tree by herself. It was good to hear that the effort hadn’t been in vain. “Now, I have to go, but I love you, Elliphant. Tina and the boys too!”
Tina smiled at the man she considered her brother as he zoomed out of view as her daughter called out, “We love you too, Uncle Tree!” Ellie turned to her father then. “Not as much as we love you though, Daddy.” Newt gave a little shy smile, but Tina nodded in agreement with Ellie.
“I agree, Elle Belle. We love Daddy the most.” Newt’s smile grew bigger as Tina shot him a wink. “We’ll let you go, honey. Its not everyday you have to save the world, Mr. Scamander.” She gotten him to blush as he rolled his eyes.
“Yes, that is normally your job, Mrs. Scamander. I’m just filling in for a few days.”
“Hmm as long as that means you’ll be home soon, we don’t mind. Right, niffler?”
Ellie nodded and finally slumped back against Tina to complain, “Mama, I’m hungry.”
Tina tilted her head down to look at her daughter. Ellie was looking up at her from her spot between the twins. “Well, let’s say goodbye to Daddy and then we’ll go eat lunch, sweetie.” Ellie nodded and turned back to her father.
“I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you too, little love. Be good for Mummy for me alright?” Ellie nodded and blew him a kiss. She handed the mirror to Tina who pointed it at the twins. “Bowtruckle, Mooncalf, I love you two as well.” The boys cooed at him and waved before Tina turned the mirror back to herself. “And I love you. More than anything. I love you.”
“I love you too, Newt. We’ll talk to you when you get a chance alright?” Newt nodded. “No unnecessary risks, Mr. Scamander. And keep an eye on everyone.”
“I will, love. I promise. I’ll talk to you soon.” With that Newt was gone. Tina felt part of her heart go with him, but she didn’t dwell on it for long.
“Mama, lunch, please.” Ellie cried as she stood from Tina’s lap. Jack tried to follow her, while Joe turned his head into Tina’s neck. Sighing, Tina scooped Jack up and followed Ellie out of the office, carrying both twins with her as she and Ellie walked downstairs to the kitchen for lunch. It’s never a dull moment with these kiddos, is it? Tina thought as they made it to the bottom of the stairs. As she passed a framed photo of her and Newt from their wedding, Tina smiled. She’d already been pregnant in that photo. And about five months later their lives changed when Ellie was born and they’d started chasing after not just wild nifflers or bad guys, but toddlers as well. As she followed her daughter into the kitchen, Jack wrapped a hand in her hair, and Joe slept on her shoulder, Tina couldn’t help but smile. If I’m “too busy” to be there for this mission, Tina thought as set Jack in his highchair next to Ellie, there’s no other band of heathens I’d rather be busy with. She smiled as Ellie opened a book Tina had summoned and was sharing it with Jack. Tina kissed Jack and Ellie’s heads before turning with a still sleeping Joe to begin cooking lunch. Unknown to her, miles and time zones away, Newt had pulled out a photo of their little family as the train came to a stop in Berlin and smiled at their shining faces.
“Remarkable woman indeed.”