Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Newt was starting to wish he’d actually paid attention to his publisher's ramblings as he walked down the same street for the third time. He was meant to be finding a magical library designed to give underprivileged magical children a place to learn before Hogwarts as well as a way to make sure any muggle-born children could at least read before learning magic. His publisher had been weary about him doing a lesson to the children on creatures, as was everyone else he talked to, and suggested he go for a walk to ‘see what he was dealing with’.

However, by the time his publisher had started rattling through instructions his mind had drifted to much more pressing issues of which creatures would be suitable for a young audience and who were the least likely to be offended by a potential poke or accidental tug. All that the publisher had written down was the building name so Newt was relying solely on the few parts of his brain that had been actually paying attention. However here he was wandering around an area of London he had only ever heard of stated conspiratorially in newspapers complaining about various aspects of the day-to-day goings on.

Poplar, he believed it was called. The industrial part of the Thames and it seemed most men were docksmen, strutting around with grease-stained clothes and hands calloused and blackened with soot, while women chatted colourfully with baskets of washing they were stringing up in the streets or reprimanded herds of children that were playing in the unpaved roads. As he passed all eyes were on him, chatter diminishing to rapid whispers while he desperately avoided eye contact. None approached until he reached the end of his third walk of the same road and a kind-looking woman with exhaustion etched in her features and a gangly baby on her hip approached and asked 

“Yer lost Love?”

Surprised at even being approached he fumbled with the case, nearly dropping it in the process, and asked with a tight smile

“A little, I believe”

“Aye, I know most round here- Betty get that out yer chops” she tutted as the baby guiltily removed her fist from her mouth “I bet I can help yer”

“I’m looking for Emington House?”

“The little ‘uns place? Closed years ago love. Ol’ government saw it as a sink, like the rest of this poxy place”

Must be under protection spells then

“Would you mind directing me there anyway?”

She looked him up and down then nodded

“Aye, I’ll come with yer or yer gonna get pinched”

She hefted the baby up and then shouted to the herd of children 

“Oi Moll keep an eye on yer brothers”

“But mam!”

A girl of around ten with ringlets shouted and the helpful woman snapped 

“Any more whinging from you and I’ll put you over my knee right here!”

The girl still huffed but returned to her play and the woman hiked the child up and stated

“This way”

Before walking them the opposite way Newt had been walking. 

“So… Yer an Emington sprog then?”

“Oh?” Newt murmured, avoiding a suspicious stain on the road, before realising what she said “Um no. I’m just-“ He was going to say he was an author but he felt that wouldn’t help matters. “Just visiting”

“Ah”

She replied, sounding as if she believed none of it as they came to a stop in front of a battered-looking building. Emington House for Underprivileged Children was etched above the decrepit-looking doorway with a sort of Victorian grandeur that Newt assumed came from a rich Victorian businessman trying to get his workers on side.

“Was shut down years ago now. Yer see, apparently keeping unloved little’uns safe was too much of a waste for those off in their mansions. I’ll leave yer now Mister.-“ She hiked the baby up again and pointed down the road in front of them “Just go up there and you’ll pick up the signs for civilised folk” 

Then she walked off, him calling 

“Thank you!”

The only sign that she heard him was a raised hand.

Once she had rounded the corner he slipped his wand out in the vacant street, stepping into the covered entryway only to jump at the sight of a moving blanket on the doorstep. He had been expecting that once he passed under the entry porch he’d pass through into a delightful children’s library but instead the building was still as old and crumbling as it had looked from afar. Taking a tentative step forward he approached the blanket, he initially assumed it was some sort of rodent but as his step caused a small pile of rubble to go skittering across the floor the bundle made a small whimper that sounded horrifyingly human-like. He crouched down to see that the dirtied blanket was covering a tiny infant, face pink and pinched from cold and screwed up in protest at what Newt assumed was the rather pungent smell emanating from them. 

“Hello, little one?”

He stammered, double-checking he was alone before performing a quick drying charm on the blanket and gingerly picking up the bundle. He rose to his full height 

 stood momentarily staring down at the child that had let out a long whine at his contact. 

Raising a finger to the baby’s cheek he murmured in surprise at how cold their skin was. There was some residual warmth in the height of their cheeks but mostly the early spring day had sapped most of the heat from their body. Holding them closer to his chest, his heart beating now at an almost alarming rate in his chest. He was certain he was about to walk into a children’s library, there would be a cheery woman who would take the baby and sort out the local authorities and he could then spend some time with the children finding out what they wanted to learn more about. However as he pushed the door, hanging off its hinges, open his stomach fell through the floor. It was clear the room once held a thriving hub of books, education and games but now all that showed that ever existed at all were some dust-covered desks with some enchanted graffiti etched in the tables as well as some child’s level maths and English textbooks. Other than that the place was barren.

Heart beating impossibly fast as the baby let out another small cry he held his wand higher and began rapidly muttering every revealing charm he knew until finally, a message appeared on the cracked chalkboard.

“We have moved to a place safer for the children, please contact Elle if you wish to find us”

“Bugger.”

Newt shouted, louder than intended, startling the baby in his arms and causing them to start to cry loudly. Realising his mistake Newt shook his head of any annoyance and breathed deeply as his mind began to produce a dozen possible solutions for yet another problem he’d found himself in.  An onslaught interrupted by the growing wails so instead he shuffled the baby more onto his shoulder and unbuttoned his coat before trapping the baby between his body and the layer of wool before buttoning partially so his hand could still support them while their head poked out of the top. This seemed to be slightly effective as the sobs quietened slightly yet the baby still whimpered against his chest.

Knowing that the best thing he could do next would be to return to his flat he sighed as he tried to get the infant as close to his body as possible before murmuring a quiet apology and apparating into the centre of his living area.

By some miracle the flat was absent. He assumed that Bunty had actually adhered to him saying she was free to leave at lunchtime, a lot better at that since Bhutan, and his brother was nowhere to be found. Despite the fact Theseus had gone back to living on his own for a while now it wasn’t uncommon for him to find his brother “checking up on him” occasionally. Usually with some kind of alcohol in toe. So, infinitely glad of the silencing charms on the house since the Nifflers caused the police to be contacted, he started trying to bounce the terrified child while murmuring a string of nonsensical words. When all that did was reduced the screaming to hiccuping sobs he decided to instead shrug off his coat and move over to his scarcely slept-in bed. 

The baby seemed confused at the change in scenery as he lowered them down which stopped the crying long enough for Newt to unravel the filthy blanket and undo the nappy. Not even bothering to see if either was worth saving he directed both in the direction of the bin with a wave of his wand then looked down at them.

“Well, I suppose I should be calling you Madam… hmm?”

She just looked up at him with big dark eyes, not unlike Tinas but missing the fire of them, her cheeks red and tear-stained as she seemed almost in shock.

“How about a bath then? That’s what you do with children, yes?”

Of course, the baby didn’t answer, but Newt took the fact that she was no longer screaming as a good sign as he lifted her up. His eyes lingered momentarily on the damp patch on his bed and added “Then I think we need a nappy for you”

Gently he filled up and heated the metal sink in his kitchen area with a couple of jabs of his wand with the baby in the crook of his arm. Then, placing the wand on the side he tested the water wasn’t too hot and then lowered her in. Summoning a few bubbles to entertain as he considered how on earth he was meant to bathe her and hold her at the same time.  Eventually, he worked out a semi-functional technique only to freeze as he noticed five finger-shaped bruises on her shoulder.

“Oh, Merlin…”

He mumbled, tracing them with his finger as anger swelled inside him. One of the most innocent creatures in the world, not yet plagued by anything, completely new yet someone had decided to hurt her. He watched as she attempted to eat a bubble and Newt was brought back slightly to his senses, nudging the foam away.

“I know you’re hungry little one…”

He murmured then he went back to washing her. 

After he was content she was clean and her body temperature had risen to what he considered a normal amount, he summoned a towel and a blanket then lifted her out of the bath as he wrapped her in a towel, wand in mouth. She let out a noise then, the first one he had heard her make that wasn’t just pain and a smile flitted across his face as he held her close to his chest. The blanket was old yet soft enough to make a passable nappy and with a few hasty wand movement’s a rather lopsided bit of fabric was cut out. He lowered her on top of it then with the few safety pins he owned pinned it with a degree of caution he didn’t know he had until she was lying, gurgling and kicking her feet as he thought about what to do next.

“Food. Milk, I’ll get the goat's milk I use for the babies in the case- That should work? Humans are just creatures- Although they have significantly larger brains… Do they need- Merlin's beard” 

He spoke aloud, the baby watching his rambling with utmost interest, then he opened the cold store to see a bottle of goat's milk in stasis from the last time he had to bottle-feed a creature. He poured the milk into the bottle, keeping an eye on her all the while, then he scooped her back up and carried her to his sofa where he pulled the blanket off of the back and wrapped her up in it. It took a bit of manoeuvring before she was nestled against him drinking from her bottle with loud greedy sucks.

Giving him a chance to realise what on Earth he was doing. He had found a baby. A baby who was clearly unloved by one and so loved by another. Then, instead of taking the baby straight to the correct authorities he’d taken her back with him. Theseus was going to be impressed. What even were his long-term options? Did he keep her? He had barely been in the country since Bhutan, mostly on Dumbledore missions or in New York but he couldn’t keep going back and forth with an infant. He couldn’t keep leaving her… 

He mulled it over, looking down at her content little expression as she gulped down her milk. At most he would guess she was three months old and already she’d been a little fighter. He couldn’t just leave her to the mercy of the Muggle authorities. He didn’t even know if she was Muggle, it seemed pretty well known the orphanage was shut long ago but not that the magical children’s library was. There was squirming in his arms and he looked down to see an empty bottle.

“Well I bet that feels better”

The baby let out a coo as he set the bottle on his coffee table then he lifted her up to burp her. Once she was done he brought her back down to see that her eyes were barely open and the only noise she made was an occasional coo.

“Alright little one, bed for you”

Standing up, he began to sway gently as he held her with one hand and picked his wand up again. Pointing it at one of his decrepit dining chairs he focused the best he could and transfigured it into a passable cot before floating it over to his bedside. Then, seeing she was almost asleep, he lowered her gently onto the transfigured cushion in her bundle of blankets before settling to watch her eyes slip close.

Once he was content she was asleep he collapsed onto his battered sofa with a sigh. It was bordering on impressive how he kept managing to get himself into such situations and it reminded him of something Queenie said to him at the wedding as he'd been musing quietly in the corner.  Thinking how he’d gone from quiet occasional loneliness to a room full of friends. “You’re a rescuer Newt'' She had said to him, patting his arm gently, “Creatures, people… you don't do it on purpose, you just see someone in need and help ‘em”

“A giver. That's what you called me once”

He had replied and Queenie had smirked

“Yeah, and I stand by that. And what I said after-”

She had then very obviously looked over at Tina who had been waltzing with Theseus and had moved to bickering with him about who should lead.

He then went to get up to do the creatures when he realised his problem at the sight of a little fist raising in sleep and relaxed back in the seat with a heavy thud.

“Merlin…”

He muttered, crossing his arms and hoping Pickett would forgive him for leaving him on the tree for so long. He had gone to Poplar creature free in case there would be any problems so he would probably be subjected to a very sulky bowtruckle, a bowtruckle that would probably get worse when he would learn that he would be sharing his shoulder at least temporarily with a small child that screamed sporadically. Deciding that sitting there staring between the bars in the cot wasn't getting him anywhere he reached for his notebook and began making a list of everything he needed to do, starting with “Find Baby Shop”.

He had made a rather substantial list when the mirror on the coffee table began to buzz violently causing him to start and drop his self-inking quill. It also appeared to have awoken the baby who had begun to sniffle in a way Newt was quickly finding was a prelude to screaming so grabbing the mirror he mumbled “Tina Goldstein” before moving over to the cot.

“Sh sh shhh little one”

She seemed to quieten slightly at his murmuring then the mirror loudly projected Tina's voice into his living room 

“Hi!”

This seemed to be the last straw as the baby took a deep breath and then began to sob in earnest.

“Oh merlins beard- One second Tina”

He spoke to the mirror, just catching her confused expression before he placed the mirror on his coffee table and reached down to grab the bundle. A tiny hand breaking free to reach for him.

“Shhhhhh, it's alright it's okay..” The baby quietened slightly again and Newt held her to his chest and bounced them over to the sofa “There we are, that's it”

“Is that a creature?”

He heard Tina ask and he picked the mirror back up and made it hover in front of him so both of his hands could support the still slightly crying baby. He made eye contact with her for the first time and he could see now the confusion had moved to more one of shock as he supplied

“Of sorts…”

“Newt what the hell are you doing with a baby?” Her voice then gained a more lethal tone  “Oh Mercy Lewis it isn't yours is it?”

“No! No definitely not- I haven't- You're um still the only- No. She isn't mine”

His words stumbled over the other as he desperately tried to explain himself but after the first no the anger had slid to a mix of relief and confusion.

“Then is she Theseus’s”

“No. Well- actually it can't be entirely ruled out but I just found her on the step of an abandoned orphanage”

“Oh.” 

“Yes, she has some bruises on her and such so I'm assuming it was out of desperation”

“No one ever gives up their children willingly, Newt.”

“Um y-yes of course”

He watched her shift her head as if trying to see something and seeing where her eyes were he picked the now quiet baby off of his shoulder and settled her in the crook of his arm, half sat on his knee so both she and Tina could watch each other.

“She’s got real dark eyes.”

‘Hasn't she? She’s quite fascinating.”

The baby cooed and lifted her arm, fascinated by the appearance of another person.

“Has she got a name?”

“Um, no. She hasn't even got any clothes, she was just in a nappy and wrapped in a blanket. I just found her and made sure she was fed, bathed and warm as if I would a wounded creature- But Tina I have no idea what to do now”

“Well she seems pretty happy drooling on your hand”

He looked down to see that the finger he had offered to her flailing hands to play with had gone slowly but surely into her mouth.

“She seems to enjoy having things in her mouth” He smiled slightly then looked back to Tina “But she's not going to sit drooling like that forever. I mean- she needs a mother, a family. Someone who can teach her how to read and write and-”

“Are you saying you couldn't be that person?”

She replied patiently and he sighed, watching Tina smile at the baby in his lap who had just let out another noise at his nervously bouncing knee that sounded like the beginnings of a laugh. For a second he let his thoughts wander where instead of a too-thin baby, it was a chubby toddler and instead of her reaching towards the floating mirror instead it would be Tina crouched in front of them tickling the baby’s feet. They would laugh at the baby’s happy giggles then they would spend the evening curled in front of the fire. A family perhaps.

“Not… necessarily”

She studied him for a moment, seeming as if she was working up the courage to say something with her lip caught between her teeth.

“Look Newt, how about you come to New York for a bit? Baby’s can be hard work and if you have an end date for leaving it might give you time to work out what you want”

“Would I be staying with you?”

Please say yes

Tina chuckled slightly shyly, her cheeks colouring as she murmured

“Well… There's plenty of room for the three of us”

“Three of us…” He murmured as the baby in his arms let out another happy noise as Tina smiled, making another move for the mirror. Stopping her from toppling over he hiked her up more “Don’t worry you’ll meet her tomorrow?”

He phrased it as a question and watched as Tina gave him that bemused look of hers

“I'll send a portkey via your brother for 12. It should mean you get here when I finish work. I’ll floo Queenie and ask her to make some baby clothes. Just- try and get the creatures sorted for the trip and keep her happy. I don’t know much more about babies I’m afraid….”

“Well, keeping her happy shouldn't be too difficult as long as she can chew on my fingers and the other things I suppose we can work out on the way”

They shared a smile then Tina whispered

“I’ll see you tomorrow Newt”

“Yes, I suppose you will”

He grinned and as usual the happy feeling at the prospect of seeing Tina flooded through him

“Well, both of you I suppose”

“Yeah…”

She then looked down at the baby in his lap and said 

“Hopefully you'll have a name by then… Bye Newt”

There was always a gap when they said goodbye, while he thought about what to say. Truthfully he knew exactly what he wanted to say but through the distance and agreements and acceptance of feelings he still wasn't entirely sure where they were. Some strange middle ground where when they were together they acted married and when they were apart they acted like blushing school children.

“Stay safe Tina”

“I will.”

She then put down the mirror, the image of her smile still ingrained in his memory. Only disrupted when the baby began trying to pull at his shirt and Newt took the cue to go warm more milk.

Chapter Text

At 11:55 the next day Newt found himself standing in the portkey office praying beyond praying that his case would not be inspected upon arrival. The previous evening, after another two bottles of milk, he had strapped the baby to his back as he had seen many tribes women do, then he had packed his case with any creatures that would need his care and wrote a short letter to Bunty saying that he had gone to New York and chances are it would be awhile. Afterwards, he had proceeded to get at most three hours of sleep. The little girl had slept in two-hour blocks and halfway through the night picked up a raspy chest and an unnerving temperature meaning even as she had slept he had been reapplying cooling charms and racking his mind for a suitable substitute for pepper up that was suitable for an infant. He was hoping that Tina would know someone, a healer or anything, that would know how to help her. However, that required actually crossing the Atlantic so as the port key manager stared him down with an analysing look he was now staring at his reflection considering how much he looked like a maniac and how likely he was to be deemed as suspicious by MACUSA security.

In his defence, he didn’t need to do much to receive the title of ‘suspect’ but considering the precious cargo nestled in her transfigured cradle with Dougal and Pickett on watch in the depths of his case, he was wishing that for once MACUSA didn’t just see him as a potential cause of their fluctuating threat meter. The only benefit that had come out of the restless night was that he had settled on her name. 

He had been feeding her yet another bottle, this one laced with a sprinkle of feverfew oil in a desperate hope it would cool her, and while bouncing her had taken her for a walk around the case in hopes of lulling her to sleep. She instead had been fascinated by the stars, dark eyes wide in wonder as the faux constellations lit up her features. He’d smiled then, stroking her cheek

“One for the stars I see?”

The name had then flittered into his mind, not entirely sure where it came from. Tina had told him the story once of Esther in the Old Testament but when he had asked where she had learnt so much she had brushed him off with pinkened cheeks. Esther was a strong woman, but it also meant star and Newt didn’t think there was anything more perfect for a baby with eyes so bright.

“Esther… I think that suits you well”

The baby had just blinked up at him, slightly drunk on milk and most likely woozy from the feverfew. 

And so Esther was tucked up with Dougal and he was waiting for the blasted port key manager to activate the key, jittery not even beginning to describe how he was feeling. He had completed yet another lap of the room when finally the portkey manager waved his wand and a battered water canister appeared in the middle of the room, twitching slightly. Then the manager pulled the microphone towards him and spoke slowly

“12 o’clock portkey to MACUSA, Local time is 8 o’clock and the weather is- overcast”

Newt crouched down to grab the canister then the manager gave a bored yawn looking down at his watch before counting down. Newt felt the metal tremor once, twice then the usual feeling of being sucked down a plug hole. 

He slammed onto his feet in the MACUSA arrivals room and thanks to it being a Saturday the hum of people was rather subdued as he blinked around.  Unlike the desk clerk who almost jumped in glee at his appearance and stated with excitement, Newt felt bordering unnerving 

“Welcome to the Magical Congress of the United States of America!”

“Hello?”

He murmured, stumbling over to the desk and fishing out his passport before sliding it over the huge desk.

“Is this your first stay?”

Obviously a new clerk

“Oh um no…”

She stamped the page and scribbled something then handed the booklet back over to him. Her voice still overly enthused.

“Anything to declare?”

Trying not to think about the million undeclared extension charms, the multitude of beast ban violations and the literal infant in his case he shook his head.

“No.”

“Enjoy your stay!”

“Thank you.”

He mumbled and walked off in the direction of the auror department knowing that chances were that she’d have been finishing some work for the weekend while waiting for him. 

He stepped on the lift, looking down every few seconds to check the catch wasn't being pried open by Dougal's hands. And they shot away, only coming to a stop once they’d reached the auror department.

The floor was predominantly empty, a few bored-looking Aurors in the corner shifting through paperwork awaiting the excitement of Saturday night arrests. He peered around the desks then saw that Tina's office light was on and he could just about catch a head of dark hair stooped down over some parchment. Her neck cricked in an awkward position that he knew she would be complaining about to him later until he persuaded her to let him give her a neck massage. If he had any time at all that was outside of Esther. Flicking his nervous gaze down to the case once more he loped across the Major Investigations department and rapped shortly on the door.

“Come in” He heard faintly and he pushed open the door.

She didn’t look up from her parchment as she said

“Peterson, I’m out of here at twelve and I might not be in for an extra few days… Family stuff y- Newt!”

She had gradually looked up as she spoke and was now looking up in surprise.

“I’m assuming based on your expression there’s been a slight communications problem with my brother”

“Yeah… A little” She chuckled as she stood and looked around him before looking back confused. “Where’s the baby?”

“In the case, she screamed quite a lot when we apparated yesterday and I know the Portkey effects aren’t felt much in the case. She’s with Dougal but I want to get her out as soon as possible- she was feeling rather hot”

“Oh- Of course um…” 

She grabbed her coat and wand and with a flick of her wrist the office packed itself away, files leaping into boxes and pictures straightening until it looked like the office had never been touched at all. “Let’s go..”

She whisked out of the room, smirking lightly at him over her shoulder when he fumbled first with his case and then with the door.

“Aurors, if there’s an emergency buzz me!”

She called and there was a chorus of “Yes ma’am” ‘s in response followed by a few conspiratorial whispers as they went. It was only when the lift doors shuddered shut she spoke again to him.

“You been okay?”

She did it with that head tilt that made him all warm inside and he nodded before murmuring

“Rather missing you though, I must confess”

They had been stood side by side but at that, she turned fully to him and gently held his hand. She seemed to contemplate what to say before leaning in slightly

“I’ve missed you too Newt”

He looked fully at her and saw that small smile was still on her face which made him have to distract himself pulling on the case handle to prevent himself from pouncing on her in the middle of MACUSA. However, something in her expression told him she wouldn’t exactly mind. 

It certainly wouldn’t be the first time…

His brain rather unhelpfully provided and he squirmed slightly at the memory of the empty lift at the MACUSA New Year Party. It had come three weeks after Queenie and JAcobs wedding and while he and Tina had been staying together during those weeks, the occasional kiss turning into something more the New Year party had been such a combination of nerves, longing and something darker that they had struggled to keep their hands at bay long enough to get into the lift without arousing too much suspicion. 

What had followed still supplied his daydreams with far too much and while it had only happened a few more times before he left on January fourth he was still eager to show Tina how much she meant to him. However, first came Esther and he felt it would probably be a while before he and Tina had the opportunity to revisit anything close to what occurred in the lift.

Finally, the doors shuddered open and they moved swiftly across the atrium to the designated apparition zone that had been added recently before they disappeared with a crack. Opening his eyes he saw that they had landed in the middle of Tina's apartment. Long gone was the two-roomed brownstone, now Tina lived in a surprisingly light flat with two bedrooms and a bathroom that didn’t require him creeping out in the early morning praying the landlady wouldn’t clock him. The living space was still mostly one space with a red sofa and almost matching armchair on a slightly aged rug in front of the fire, sitting in front of the windows and doors to a balcony which held some plants and flowers he had grown for her. On the other side of the seats was a functional kitchen and the same dining table he had first sat at years ago. 

He gave it a cursory look around, the general scent of Tina, fireplace and coffee washing over him, before placing the case on the ground and popping it open just in time for Dougal to appear and the sound of crying to reach his ears. Hearing Tina's exclamation he wordlessly accio’d the goats milk he brought with him as well as the bottle and asked

“Would you mind filling and heating the bottle? Body temperature please.”

Before dropping into the case with a thud.

As expected she was sobbing and kicking her little legs with all her might, the blankets pushed aside in favour of getting more leverage.

“Now now Essie, It’s alright little one…”

He picked her up attempting to wrap her back in the blankets and then held her to his chest. Dougal was watching in abject fascination and he tossed a look to his friend.

“Thanks for looking after her old chap” The demiguise nodded then flickered out of vision, looking down at the baby in his arms he mumbled, “Now let's get you sorted hmm?”

As it had that morning it took no small feat to carry her up the ladder but as his head poked out he came face to face with Tina who was crouched by the opening with intrigue on her features. Esther was still crying but seemed to be trying to chew on his coat collar a little at the same time, quieting her slightly. 

“Wanna hand?”

She asked, voice still soft as she peered at the fuzzy head of dark hair.

“Um Yes please”

He leaned back against the opening of the case and extracted the baby, handing her to Tina who was clearly about to offer her hand to help him up.

“Oh” 

She murmured before shuffling awkwardly and then picking her up, holding her almost at arm's length as she studied her. Thankfully the sight of another person had quietened Esther to the point both girls were staring at each other with matching dark eyes. However where one glowed with innocence the other burned with fire. Seeing Tina not make a move, and Esther make a rather telling whimper, he murmured with amusement light in his tone

“Tina, you are aware she isn’t infectious”

At this Tina blushed, letting out a nervous chuckle

“I ain’t held a baby before… Not since Queenie was in diapers anyway”

“Here-“ He snapped the lid of the case shut before standing beside her. “Bring your arms in like this-“ He gently took her arms and brought them in so the baby was close to her chest before placing his hands under Esther's arms “Then I've got her don’t worry- bring one hand so you're supporting her bottom and the other…”

Tina hesitantly moved her arms so Esther was more cradled then Newt gently let go “There we are…”

Newt murmured and Esther grizzled making Tina giggle as she spoke in an awed whisper

“Hi…” 

Reaching behind him he checked the milk temperature before asking

“Do you want to feed her?”

Her head snapped up 

“I don’t know how…”

“You’ve bottle-fed moon calves…there isn’t a lot in it you see”

He gave her an encouraging smile then she nodded tentatively before sitting down on her sofa. Grabbing a cushion from beside him he put it under the baby and then handed Tina the bottle. Esther immediately held her arms up causing Newt to chuckle slightly.

“Just hold the bottle to her mouth, she’s actually quite good at feeding from her bottle”

Tentatively, Tina held the bottle to Esther's lips and greedily the baby began to suckle it down.

“She's hungry…”

He heard Tina mumble and Newt nodded from his seat at Tina's shoulder

“She is rather but I did plan it that way. The port key effects aren’t very strong in the case but can be a little nauseating and I didn’t want her to be sick, not any more than she already is.”

“She does feel a little warm…”

Tina replied and they watched for a little longer, Tina seemingly entranced by the baby and Newt by the sight in front of him.

They sat in silence for a while then Tina spoke up

“Has she got a name yet?”

He looked up at her, head tilted so he was almost eye level with the little girl 

“Um yes, actually…” She looked up expectantly and he swallowed “Do you remember the story you told me about the woman from the Old Testament? The Queen who saved all those people-“

“Wait, you’ve named her Esther?”

To his alarm she looked more surprised than happy, something bordering on shock as she looked at him eyes wide.

“Yes?”

Her tone was still slightly high as she replied 

“That was my Moms name…”

Seeing the small smile creep up on her face he relaxed slightly

“Oh?”

“Yeah, Eitan and Esther Goldstein…” Then her voice dropped and she shuffled awkwardly with Esther on her lap “And it’s my middle name”

That made sense based on her expression and he murmured slowly

“Porpentina Esther Goldstein… How on earth did I forget you had such a beautiful name?”

She blushed at that, trying to brush him off with a shake of her head 

“I don’t think I ever told you, it's on my ID but it’s a bit of a weird thing to know”

She chuckled awkwardly just as Esther made a noise of protest and pushed the bottle from her face.

“Um,” Tina stated, holding the bottle and the baby at an awkward angle.

“Here-“

He reached down and pulled Esther into his arms, she made a protest at being moved from Tina's arms but Newt bounced her lightly

“Sh shhh Essie it’s alright Little Love”

“You got a bassinet for her?”

He looked at her quizzically and she looked equally confused at his reaction

“A what?”

“A bassinet? You know, for her to sleep in”

“Oh, a cradle?”

“Yeah?”

“Um, yes but it’s transfigured from my dining chair so we may want to think about replacing it”

“Ah okay,” Tina chuckled slightly before continuing “In the case?” He nodded and she climbed down her voice faint “I got Queenie to make some clothes, she thinks she’s making it for a case at work but she should be bringing them over soon…”

There was a pause then the cradle came floating out of the case lid, landing with a soft thud on the carpet in front of him.  Slowly he went to place her in the cradle before catching a very definite smell and diverting to the dining table.

“She was happy to do it though then once she’s dressed and not as feverish maybe we could go get her some stuff”

She reappeared out of the case and Newt acknowledged her with a small smile as he cleaned Esther thoroughly.

“I think that’s a rather good idea” 

The last part of his sentence was muffled by his wand in his mouth as he attempted to get Esther's kicking legs back inside her nappy.

“There’s a place in Manhattan that’s a magical baby shop”

He looked over at her in mild surprise as he held his hand out as the bottle of feverfew oil went flying into his and while he dropped a few drops on his finger and rubbed Esther's gums she continued “What? We ran a case in a Goblin drugs gang opposite the store…”

Newt watched Tina then stoop down to grab the once again whimpering Esther whose tongue was flying out at the taste of the feverfew

“That tastes yucky, doesn’t it?”

Tina chuckled, holding her more naturally than she did earlier leaving Newt quite content to settle back on the sofa as Tina began to rock Esther, singing softly in a language he didn’t quite understand.

He almost went to ask about it when the tug at his eyelids became too much and he settled against the cushion before letting his eyes close, the gentle singing lulling him to sleep.

Chapter Text

He didn’t know how much later he awoke, but this time he had Esther asleep on his chest and Tina was sat cross-legged on the armchair with glasses perched on her nose as she scribbled something.  He made a slight groan as he went to stretch before stopping himself at the sight of Esther's bunched-up fist tapping against his chest in sleep, the only part of her breaking free of a blanket draped over both of them.

“Tina?”

He murmured and she jolted, glasses sliding off of her nose 

“Sorry… She kept crying for you and I didn't know what else to-“ Her eyes then lingered on his tired expression before stating “-you aren’t sleeping properly again, are you?”

“In my defence-“ He whispered “There is a reason I named her after a star”

“Newt…”

She replied with a yawn and Newt chuckled

“Was that a yawn Miss Goldstein?”

“You’re the one who passed out on my couch Mr Scamander”

They shared a smile and Tina placed her parchment on the coffee table, watching as he sat up more before she continued “She really seems to have…Settled with you”

At her tone Newt let his eyes drop down to where Esther was now sucking her thumb, eyes closed.

“She’s settled so quickly it makes me wonder how little kindness she was shown before, no child should be so comfortable with a stranger”

Tina nodded and then replied 

“You’ve got her now and that’s what matters”

He opened his mouth only to be interrupted by a knock on the door. Yet the knocker didn’t pause and came bursting into the room to reveal Queenie carrying a paper bag with some sort of vegetable poking out of the top of it in one arm and a cloth bag that seemed to be bulging with wool and fabric. Queenie didn’t seem to notice their little cosy arrangement and began at the top of her lungs

“TEE-“ Only to be quietened by Tina's rapid shushing “Oh hey Newt-“ There was a crash as she dropped her bags on the table and her voice went almost painfully high as she stated “Is that a baby?” There was a beat of rather tremulous silence where everyone sort of just looked at each other then Tina exclaimed

“Queenie! I could’ve been changing!”

Queenie suddenly rounded on her, hands on hips.

“We lived together for years! You ain't getting away with that! Who’s baby is it? Mercy Lewis, it isn’t yours is it?”

The last question was directed to himself and he scrambled to explain, more than a little annoyed that the woman who could literally read his thoughts deemed it viable that he’d had someone back in England.

“I found her outside an abandoned orphanage! She’s been abused and I don’t trust the Ministry to look after her you see”

There was a beat then Queenie asked in disbelief 

“So you just have a baby?”

“Yes… for now I suppose”

“He’s giving himself until he goes home to come up with an idea”

Tina explained and Queenie nodded before she suddenly plucked the now awake Esther off Newt's chest, with much confusion for the former, and half squealed.

“Oh, you’re so sweet! I’ve gotta little pink dress, you’re gonna look the absolute berries!”

He sat up and watched as Queenie gently laid her on the table and began summoning delicately embroidered nappies and dresses and every kind of knitted clothing imaginable in perfect proportion with Esther’s tiny limbs.

“See, told you Queenie would have it covered”

Tina whispered and he smiled 

“I hardly doubted it…”

“Mmm sure.”

“Oh, I guess as you get older I’m gonna have to make trousers again huh? Can’t have you runnin’ round in the case in a pretty pink dress, Not that that’s ever stopped Teenie when dances went wrong- Waddya guys think?”

She held Esther up to reveal a surprisingly toned down long-sleeved cotton pink dress with matching woollen socks which she was kicking with gusto. He stood up and walked over to her, Tina in toe, and gently took her from Queenie's arms.

“Do you like it, Esther?”

He asked with a smile which only grew as she went “Ba” alongside a grin.

“Well I believe that’s the seal of approval”

He pulled her in and while Esther settled in the crook of his arm to suck on her new sleeves.

“Thank you, Queenie”

Tina told her sister sincerely and Queenie just winked.

“You could have told me, I would’ve made ‘em more Newt proof”

Her voice was light but there was a definite underlying tone

“Newt only got here today…”

Tina murmured then she took on the expression he knew meant she was thinking words to her sister. Leaving them to it he moved Esther back over to the sofa, rather amused by her continued bewilderment in being in clothes. An eruption of whispering occurred behind them and he chuckled, taking Esther’s soggy fist out of her mouth to play with it.

“You’ll get used to it little one, it is yet another unfortunate paradigm of human existence.” Esther’s eyes were now solely on him “Like the insistence on multiple outfits or people saying one thing and meaning another. Although hopefully, you’ll find that easier than I ever did”

At that, she tugged on his finger and that too went into her mouth 

“I suppose that’s a little while off though. Until then you’ll just have me to deal with I’m afraid”

It was the first time he’d mentioned keeping her longer than the month and it didn’t feel as foreign as he first thought and, looking over his shoulder at the still minorly quarrelling sisters who were almost completely silent apart from the occasional tut from Queenie, his little daydream with Tina yesterday didn’t feel hideously far off either. “And Auntie Queenie and-“

He didn’t know why but it felt wrong to refer to Tina as an Aunt “and Tina and Uncle Jacob…” he paused for a second “and my brother I suppose, although I’m going to get a right lecture from him when he finds out”

Esther let out a babble and he grinned, tracing her cheek with his finger.

Queenie didn’t stay for much longer, the bakery apparently heaving with the life she'd given back to Jacob. So it wasn't long until she came over while Tina was putting away the vegetables Queenie had gotten. She pecked Esther on the head and then checked her sister was distracted before whispering

“You and I both know you love her, don't let her go again”

He nodded, looking down at Esther before scrunching his eyebrows

“Wait… Again?”

He turned to Queenie who was making it to the door, however in lieu of an explanation she just winked and looked pointedly at Tina before calling

“See you, you guys”

And walking out with a skip in her step.

There was a beat then Tina came over with a rather worn-looking blanket, a pink that Newt assumed came from the cupboard Tina had shoved all of Queenie's belongings in after Paris.

“Newt whatever she just said don’t worry about it”

She murmured then Esther cooed again. “She still feeling hot?”

“Oh um no I think the feverfew has done its job thankfully”

Tina nodded, folding the blanket over the back of the chair

“You think she’s well enough for us to go get her some stuff?”

He considered the babbling weight in his arms and then said

“I believe so but I'm not entirely sure how to carry her around”

“We could transfigure wheels on that?” She gestured to the basket “And get her a proper bed we can set up in the spare room”

“That should work…”

He cocked his head and Tina held out her arms to take Esther while Newt stood up and concentrated, flicking his wand around until four functional, if not a little rickety, wheels sprouted on the more basket-like bed. It didn’t look too far out from the current pram style and he chanced a look at Tina who was nodding approvingly.

“Not exactly the sleekest I'm afraid”

“Saves having to carry her around”

“Ba”

Esther babbled and Tina smiled down at her, murmuring 

“You approve then?”

It took a lot more manoeuvring than expected (and a change in clothes for both Esther and Tina thanks to a mishap while changing) but eventually they were outside in the weak sunshine fidgeting with blankets.

“We’re probably better walking, it's a bit of a walk-“

Newt grimaced at that, if there was anything that he had learnt from his previous visits to New York that if anyone (especially Tina) in the city said it was a ‘bit of a walk’ then it was definitely a several-mile trek through monotonous concrete. “It is only a bit, we can get on the subway”

He glanced at the pram between them and he twitched an eyebrow and she rolled her eyes 

“I forget you’re a country boy”

Before pushing Esther down the street so fast that he had to speed up into his usual fast duckfooted pace.

Newt decided he wasnt a fan of the ‘subway’. He could have told you this based on his prior knowledge of the overall suffocating tube system in London but somehow the New York equivalent was worse. It didn’t help that the moment they had gone underground he had felt the prickly feeling of bad memories the last time he was in a tube station. A glance at Tina showed that she was feeling equally uncomfortable and after a quick scan of a map, he felt it was only down to his War knowledge he understood they piled onto the train. Thankfully due to the odd time of day, there were plenty of places to sit and Esther was quite content with Tina pushing the pram back and forth to the extent that by the time they had gotten off at the correct station at Manhattan, she was rather soundly asleep. Meaning she wasn't very happy when she had to go in Tina's arms so Newt could carry her pram back above ground level.

So Esther was fussing quite boldly as they walked into a room that smelt so strongly of lavender Newt thought he was going to faint. He was already a little one edge from the crowd on the train, the people in New York and still being a little thin on sleep so the smell made his hand lurch to his pocket to start rubbing repetitively. Tina seemed to have caught the sudden movement and ignoring the stalking sales assistant she asked 

“You okay? I know it's been a bit…”

She trailed off but he caught her gaze and nodded

“I’ll be alright.”

He gave her a weak smile then a woman with two buns rather reminiscent of Bunty suddenly appeared opposite the mackled-together pram and squealed.

“Tina Goldstein? Oh my Gawd!”

Tina blinked and then said much quieter

“Emmeline… It’s been-“

“Nearly twen’y years now! You made a way bigger splash than I did Miss Chief Auror!”

She then seemed to notice both himself and the pram and himself stood awkwardly

“This is Newt-“

“Hello.”

Emmeline looked at him and he saw the glint in her eye which usually meant she already knew him

“The author? I thought that was a rumour about you guys being, you know”

There was a beat and Tina chuckled awkwardly. They hadn't had the chance to discuss what they would do if someone recognises them and happened to look in the pram to see a baby that by mere coincidence looked rather similar to Tina. Both are absent of rings and seeing each other frequently enough for a baby to not be a completely absurd coincidence.

“Yeah… It’s uh really not what it looks like”

Emmeline narrowed her eyes but she then smiled

“Don’t worry, it’s the twenties! People don't care about all that” Before looking into the pram “Especially when you got such a cute daughter!” 

Esther looked more than slightly offended when Emmeline tickled her foot before she clapped her hands together with glee.

“How can I help you guys?”

“Um, we sort of need… Everything?”

Tina murmured and Emmeline raised a perfect red eyebrow

“She was a surprise”

Newt supplied and she nodded more understandingly before gesturing broadly to the store 

“We’ll start with cribs!”

And they were half beckoned and half dragged to the arrangement of neat little cribs and sleep items in every colour. Some rocked automatically, some emitted some and some had more temperature charms on them than his case.

“Mercy lewis”

He heard Tina mutter as she turned over a paper tag and he ducked awkwardly to murmur

“Money isn’t an issue, the book has made me more than comfortable”

And with that, they began sorting through the items.

It felt like an eternity but must have only been half an hour when Emmeline had gone to ring up most of what they had already purchased while he and Tina stared at a wall of baby toys and books. 

“How are there so many?” Tina murmured, picking up a soft pink rabbit and turning it over 

“I suppose it's important to people, I had a hippogriff…” He replied, ears burning a little at the memory.

“I had a bear, it's still somewhere in my flat…”

“See, importance”

She chuckled and stood on her tiptoes to grab something looking lamb-like as he perused the bookshelf with every parenting book imaginable as well as several stories. He plucked up a book named “The Common Sense of Baby and Childcare”, as well as making a mental note to get a copy of Beedle The Bard next time he was in Diagon Alley, and moved to place it on the counter. Emmeline gave a sympathetic smile and said

“You’re gonna wanna burn that book in the end Honey. Mr Spock ain't got much practical experience-“ She then giggled and rather strangely rested a hand on his arm which he discreetly shuffled away from, “ I think they’d have been better if you interviewed an auror department!”

He smiled awkwardly, trying to think of a response as the lavender burned his throat when thankfully Tina came creeping behind him and placed the toy lamb as well as a toy bear on the counter.  Emmeline rung them up with the same smile as before, chatting to Tina about an Ilvermorny reunion that was being planned and shoving a flyer In her hand before a rather painful amount was written on a cheque to be taken straight out of his vault in Gringotts.

Once he had slid the unassuming piece of paper over, Emmeline picked up the cheque before tilting her head.

“Where’s Gringotts?”

“It’s the English bank”

Tina supplied, fiddling with the pram, and the girl nodded slowly. Newt, seeing this as an opportunity to breathe fresh air, slipped the bag of shrunken items over the counter and gestured for Tina in what he hoped was a relaxed manner. She nodded and soon they were standing on the pavement outside of the shop looking around for the nearest muggle. Suddenly he felt Tina stoop next to his ear.

“How bad is she with apparating”

“Rather-“ he began with a weak smile “but I suppose she does have to get used to it.”

She nodded before turning them around and walking them to the nearest alleyway instead, flicking a look at him still fiddling with his pocket

“I think it’ll be better for everyone if we get home quicker”

A sentiment he returned with a grateful smile.

It didn’t take long to reach a suitable alleyway and Tina directed him to stand by the wall as she plucked Esther out of the pram again and handed her to him. Then she shrunk the pram down and placed it in her pocket before grabbing his hand and apparating them on the spot.

They reappeared in the middle of Tina’s living room and as expected Esther took one great gulp of air and then began to wail from the bottom of her lungs, tiny socked feet kicking out with a surprising force that for one heartstopping moment, he thought he was going to drop her.

“Mercy Lewis I hope no one’s home!”

He faintly heard Tina exclaim before sweeping her hair back from her head with a stressed huff.

“Is there any milk left from earlier?”

He called as he began swaying gently making sounds he hoped qualified as comforting while Tina went straight to the cold store and pulled out a half-filled glass bottle of Goats milk

“There's enough!”

She called before there was the usual rattling as she rummaged for the clean bottle she had put away earlier. Thankfully, his mumbling and general movements seemed to have calmed her enough that as he sat down and Tina appeared her mouth was relaxed enough for the bottle to be taken in.

Once she was happily guzzling her milk Tina sat down with a thud beside him.

“She really doesn’t like apparating, does she”

“Which makes me think she’s a muggle… Or at least has a muggle mother”

“You think she might be a witch then?”

Tina asked, sounding genuinely intrigued and he turned to look at her, trying to bother the feeding baby the least he could.

“It seemed reasonably well known that the orphanage I found her at had closed for muggles but less well known that the magical side of things had been moved. I know in certain areas when potentially magical people are born members of the outreach group like that magical library in Poplar, will go see the mother when the child is very young in case the mother is muggle for example or unaware of what’s on offer”

Esther grizzled at that, turning away from her bottle for a second to rub her nose on his waistcoat.

“What’s it like for magic and muggle couples in England?”

“Not that different from magical couples, some people are bigots and awful but that’s rather unavoidable I suppose…” He then looked down at the gradually more sleepy-looking Esther in her arms “I'm Assuming this little one's father was awful too”

“Those bruises…”

Tina trailed off and he nodded 

“She’s safe now.”

Something not guaranteed if I let her go

The thought caused him to unconsciously tighten his hold on the baby

“Newt, you do know that if, if you like want to do this-“ her voice hitched as she seemed to be searching for the words “I’ll be here”

He nodded, his eyes searching hers as his voice faded at the tone of her voice. Her face was set, a way he knew meant there was no changing her mind, and with Esther now a sleeping mass in his arms he swallowed slightly shakily before pressing their lips together.

It was only brief, barely a hint of what he’d rather do but it still caused her to light up in a brilliant smile as she murmured.

“I was waiting for you to do that”

“I never meant to keep a lady waiting”

He replied and somehow her smile grew wider as she leaned back in to meet in a gentle kiss, this time slightly longer in a way that made him murmur his appreciation. He felt her shift suddenly as if to pull him closer before she stopped and they separated to look down at Esther.

“We better get her to bed first then we’ll have-“

“An hour and a half at most”

“Long enough”

She replied simply before dipping her hand in the pocket full of their recent purchases until she produced the cot and stood up. He followed her and they walked into the rather plain-looking spare bedroom, unused since he’d spent the first night in the neighbouring room. 

There wasn’t much in there, Tina’s old bed up against the wall with a battered side table and a worn chair underneath a window overlooking another street. Wordlessly Tina shrunk the bed before picking it up and replacing it with the cot and returning it to its original size. With a few more flicks the sheets were fitted and the blankets were gathered so that when Newt gingerly placed Esther on the mattress she settled seamlessly against the fabric. 

He stood there, holding his breath, waiting for the gasping cries when she merely lifted her thumb between her lips. The lights slowly dimmed and with careful steps, he made his way over to where Tina was leaning on the doorframe, coat now absent so her blouse caught the afternoon sun. 

“You look…”

He trailed off and Tina went to say something before seemingly deciding against it and instead pulled him toward her with a tug by the lapels of his great coat. With no sleeping infant between them, Newt eagerly met her kiss for kiss and he hardly protested when Tina slipped his coat off, his lips never leaving her skin, and pulled him by the wrists into the next room. Her hands were nimbly undoing his bow tie and waistcoat and as his hands went to her blouse she murmured breathlessly against his lips

“How long have we got?”

“Long enough”

A statement punctuated by her pulling him close again.

Chapter Text

It was two days later Newt found himself nervously bouncing his knee again with Esther resting on top of it. Her bouncing up and down in time with it and giggling around her thumb as he held onto her. He was getting many funny looks from everyone else in the child healers waiting room, consisting entirely of women with their sons and daughters. There was a child with their hand stuck to their head, a little girl with giant orange boils all over her and a baby who had clearly had some sort of potion spilt on him and was glowing green yet somehow all eyes were on him,Esther’s giggling face and the bowtruckle who was still pouting at him from his pocket for a. Being left in the case for so long and b. Being caught in the crossfire of Esther’s spit up earlier. 

Newt had been grovelling all day, working in the case with a stroppy bowtruckle and a fidgety infant had been interesting, and while Tina had said she would try to meet him at the appointment he assumed auror work had gotten in the way of her lunch yet again. Making a mental note to have plenty of food ready for her the moment she came home he kept his gaze on Esther. Thankfully her temperature hadn’t returned since that first day but her chest seemed to sound a little off and well, given the fact he had found her on a doorstep he wanted to make sure she was in perfect health. Disrupting the little arrangement to pull out his ever so slightly battered pocket watch, he noticed the appointment was running late so he let out a sigh while shifting his hand that supported her tiny body to straighten the tiny knitted cardigan Queenie had shown off with a lot of joy yesterday at dinner. Jacob had taken the news much as Queenie had, going from shock to utter joy and had spent most of the evening responding to her nonsensical babbles with enthusiasm. 

It had been nice, them gathered around the table with Esther in her cot beside them, occasionally interrupting the meal with a coo or a reach for either Tina or himself. So nice in fact that they had continued to eat and talk long after Esther had drunk her fill and been sung to sleep in what Newt found out to be in Yiddish. 

They felt like a family and even waiting on his awkward seat,prying Esthers wandering hand off of his watch chain, he felt a warmth spread through him.

If he was honest it had been a warmth with him for days. Just that morning he had awoke with Tina bare and cuddled around him rather reminiscent of his childhood kneazle, only disturbed by Esther’s cries. He went to tend to her and once he returned with his dressing gown tied loose around his hips, Esther changed and working her way through her bottle, he had slid back into bed and spent the next hour dozing with Esther on his lap and Tina glued to his side. Then Tina had gone to work and he had completed his creature rounds with Esther attached to his chest before making his way to the child healers in the East Side. 

Where he was now sat pondering whether the magazine on pregnancy would be an interesting read when there was a clatter of the door and Tina came launching in. Coat tied tightly around her and her mouth in a thin line as she collapsed into the seat beside him, features only lightening as Esther raised her arms and let out a noise for Tina. Obviously,she obliged, lifting the still too light baby to settle against her chest before resting her head on his shoulder with a huff. Giving her a moment to breathe he looked around the room again to see all eyes were on them still before asking.

“Everything quite alright?”

“No. The people I work with are idiots”

“Ah”

He tried not to let his amusement creep into his voice but he obviously wasn’t successful as Tina sat up with an ever so slight scowl. 

“I mean I know paperwork is like the worst part of the job and I got like three hours sleep max last night but how hard is it to send memos to the right damn place!”

Her voice had gone louder and more shrill before her head had gone thudding back down onto his shoulder again.  There were now some distasteful looks being directed towards them, especially at their lack of wedding rings, however it didn’t seem to deter a girl he’d put about four from toddling up to them. Blue eyes wide and thumb in her mouth as she looked up at them before asking

“You sound funny Mistah”

Slightly taken back he merely blinked before stammering 

“Um yes I suppose I do”

The little girl tilted her head

“My Momma says some people talk funny because they’re sick. Are you sick Mistah?”

“Oh um no, I’m from a place rather far away from here”

“Over the seas?”

“Yes actually, very far away”

At his words he felt a strange stab of rarely felt homesickness and he shuffled as he felt Tina sit up.

“Are you from far away too?”

The question was directed to Tina who shook her head as she replied

“Im as New York as it comes”

The little girl then went on her tiptoes to look at Esther

“Is she sick?”

“Maybe”

He replied honestly and she replied idly 

“My baby brother’s sick. Momma says it’s ‘cause of Papa's special smoke. Do you smoke Mistah?”

“No, I’m not a fan. My brother has a pipe but between you and me it’s because he thinks it makes him look distinguished”

He raised his eyebrows as he ducked down more to her height, carefully avoiding her eyes by looking at one blonde pigtail as she giggled 

“You’re funny.  My Papa isn’t funny…”

“Marlene! Don’t go botherin’ people”

An exhausted woman in the corner called as she came over,a feverish looking baby whimpering on her breast.

“I’m so sorry”

The woman sighed, going to tug Marlene away before Tina settled forward.

“It’s alright”

“Momma she said it was alright”

The woman looked between him and Tina then the seat directly opposite them that had been skilfully avoided since his suitcase had emanated a rather ominous growl,most likely from Edward enjoying his lunch, before sitting down exhausted.

Marlene sat at her feet and waved while their mother cast a whispered spell on a rag before placing it against the baby’s flushed forehead.

“Your first one?” 

“Um kinda?”

Tina settled on and the woman nodded 

“Good luck”

Just as a door opened and a far too perky looking healer, all wire rimmed glasses and gangly limbs chirped

“Esther Scamander!”

To what seemed to be the relief of the entire waiting room as they scrambled to their feet.

“Bye Bye”

Marlene called and they waved back as they hurried to where the Healer was smiling over at them.

“Come in and take a seat”

There were two of the same uncomfortable wooden chairs from the waiting room beside a rudimentary bed for examining. Esther let out a happy noise at the change of scenery and kicked her legs as he and Tina sat down opposite a stained oak desk. The Healer stuck a clipboard under his arm and held out a hand which while he shook slightly tentatively while balancing Esther with the other Tina seemed to nearly break the poor man’s hand in a silent threat. 

“I’m Healer Wilkins and I’ll be Esther’s healer until she turns Eleven”

Trying not to shift to obviously at his statement, despite his decision leaning in one definite direction the doubt made guilt pool on his stomach, he offered a weak smile. “Now I’ve seen that Ivy has written she’s a special case?”

“Um yes”

He murmered then Tina spoke

“You can’t say anything to anyone, can you? Like confidentiality”

The Healer blinked then stammered

“Well um- Not unless I have any concerns ”

“Yeah and you better keep to that” He didn’t need to look over at Tina to know her stare was withering at that precise moment “‘Cause as Head of an Auror Department, I got a lot of people to keep her safe from”

There was a beat then the healer nodded and stated solemnly 

“Completely understandable”

“Great, now we gotta fill you in”Tina began and the Healers eyebrow somehow furrowed further as he picked up a quill “She’s not ours- Not biologically Newt found her abandoned and we think someone might have hurt her”

“We just want to make sure that she’s healthy”

He added and the Healer nodded, eyebrows still concerned.

“So you have no idea about her parentage?”

“None at all, she had some bruises on her and I found her in London…”

“Right.”

The Healer did not look pleased, even when Newt offered a tight lipped smile, before gesturing to the bed.

“Let’s put her on here then and we’ll see what we’re dealing with”

He obliged and laid her down before reluctantly returning to his chair, only fully sitting when Tina had taken up hold on her flailing fist at the first grumbles of a cry.

Healer Wilkins didn’t appear too bothered by Esther's protests and simply held the stethoscope up to her heart and then more on her ribs as he mumbled to himself. He directed the quill to write something then he pulled out a wooden stick and began to push around in her mouth. Esther decided to make more of a statement at that point, Tina's hand no longer enough, as she began to cry and Newt was certain his heart cracked in two at the sound, taking Tina's hand in his. Once again though Wilkins didn’t stop in his probing, not even hesitating when he went to give her first round of dragon pox vaccination. Newt however was watching with abject horror at the size of the needle,he’d been vaccinated as part of the war programme when the vaccine was in its infancy and his was never that large. He remained seated as the Healer quickly squirted it in, then he couldn’t stop himself anymore and lunged forward,narrowly beating Tina and scooping Esther up as her cries turned into wails.

“I’m so so sorry” He stammered to her as she screamed and Newt pulled her close,starting to bounce her with her head cradled by his palm. “You’re alright, you’re okay”

Tina stood up to join him and she stroked Esther's back, whispering a string of nonsensical words into her ear which seemed to finally calm her slightly.

“She ain’t yours, huh?”

The Healer commented with a small smile, looking at the three of them with a peculiar look and Newt realised in the moment he may have shed a tear or two. Not quite knowing how to respond he looked to Tina who was too busy trying to dry Esther's eyes with a leather sleeve. Silently offering up his handkerchief she smiled in thanks and thankfully under Tina's ministrations Esther quieted to a sniffle.

“Well, Mr and Mrs Scamander” Tina didn’t even attempt to correct him, instead giving a huff, as she wiped at Esther's nose “Her lungs are sounding a little raspy so I recommend giving her a few drops of this in her milk” He produced a small blue bottle “Use it ‘til the crackling stops and i'm going to also prescribe this-“ He then pulled out a bottle that was easily four times the size “And four drops of this per bottle of milk, nutrient potion- will make sure she gets everything she needs”

He nodded and Tina replied 

“Other than that-“

“She’s far too light and i think she’s been quite injured but i believe you found her in time, no lasting damage”

“Thank Merlin” He murmured,looking down at her fuzzy head, and Tina added

“All healthy”

They moved to the door and the Healer waved them off 

“I'll see you in three months for a check up”

“We might um maybe- We aren’t sure whether-“

“I’ll see you in three months”

He repeated and ushered them out the door.The waiting room was as full as it had been when they went in yet this time it was a whole new array of problems including twins that appeared to be glued together by some kind of purple substance. He supposed that was one of the risks of raising children, you just had to roll with the injuries. He certainly knew he caused more than enough issues for his mother falling out of trees and cutting himself on rocks.

They had to wait momentarily to pay for their potions, Tina did so considering he hadn’t gotten any American currency yet, then they walked out into the freezing overcast day. Thankfully the pram had remained untouched and they deposited her in there with a discreet whisper of heating charms on the woollen blanket. He then turned to Tina 

“When do you finish lunch?”

She checked her wristwatch then squinted

“Twenty minutes?”

She replied and he gestured down the road where Central Park stood.

“Fancy a brief stroll in this lovely spring weather?”

She chuckled and began to push the pram down the street

“As long as Es doesnt get too cold”

“She's wrapped up in multiple layers of wool and heating charms, i fear she may be the only one of us who is actually warm”

“Probably, but you’re always warm”

Tina replied and he shook his head, taking his scarf off from around his neck to wrap around hers 

“I’m not always warm”

“You’re like an incendio charm, just a little bit less destructive”

At that he smiled and commented simply

“Well it's a good job you’re always cold then, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, I guess it is…”

She then looked down at the pram handle as they walked and Newt wasn't entirely sure if her pink cheeks were from the cold or his statement.

They reached the park and while Esther cooed at the surroundings, getting especially enraptured by the frills of his scarf bouncing in time with Tina's steps, they slowed to a more amiable walk as Tina identified a Hot Dog stand. Utterly incapable of arguing with her, and rather hungry, they didn’t speak again until they were perched on a damp bench with their coat collars stuck up around their necks. Tina was absorbed with seemingly eating her hot dog in the shortest amount of time humanly possible so he pensively rocked Esther causing her to give him , well his vicinity anyway, a delighted smile. Seeing her happy again caused some of the guilt at letting the Healer poke and prod her ebb and as he leaned in to tickle her cheek she let out a happy squeak and kicked her legs against the blanket. 

“She’s not going anywhere, is she?”

Tina asked quietly and Newt sighed 

“I have no idea how i'm going to do this- absolutely none” he scrunched up his napkin in his hand “But- the mere thought of leaving her at some orphanage- Where she might not be loved- I-I can’t-“

“I know” Tina whispered, reaching in to fiddle with the blanket while he continued to stroke Esther's cheek “Me neither. I spent way too much of my life without a Ma or Pa to let her grow up like that”

He nodded, swallowing

“Most parents don’t know what they’re doing, surely they don’t?”

“Yeah… everyone just sort of makes it up as they go along right?”

“Although…Most don’t have creatures to control”

“No… Or auror departments”

They fell into a quiet contemplation then Tina stated

“We’ll work things out- We worked things out with each other and that seemed impossible not too long ago”

“I suppose,” Newt murmured before looking at his palm “Your beast department isn’t hiring by any chance, is it?”

She gave a snort 

“It's basically non existent, its aurors that deal with the cases and you can imagine how well that goes”

“Hmmm, maybe I’ll try and talk to the President- Or someone remotely in charge”

“Use your classic Scamander charm, you mean?”

He gave a laugh that he’s rather embarrassed to admit sounded more akin to a giggle than a booming guffaw.

“Well it worked on the Head Auror didn’t it?”

Tina giggled too, biting her lip slightly as she looked over at him. Hands now brushing in the pram as Esther gave a coo.

“Maybe a little bit,”

Their eyes met and despite the fact they were very much in public with two very bare ring fingers Newt was utterly helpless to lean in and kiss her gently. In that moment,the entire world fell away as Tina's hand crept up to cup his jaw.

Unfortunately, as they kissed sweetly on the bench they failed to notice the faint snap of a camera and the barely audible delight of the person who snapped it. A front page article for sure.

Chapter Text

Newt stumbled into the kitchen the next morning convinced he was one wrong move from falling asleep as he stood. Despite getting Esther to settle rather swiftly after the Healer appointment the site of the vaccine seemed to be rather uncomfortable meaning that if she wasn't in either Newt or Tina's arms she would scream loud enough to make the walls shake. 

The longest stretch of sleep either of them had had was when he had fallen asleep in the chair they had stuck in her room for about an hour and a half before she awoke in need of a bottle. Tina had taken her for half an hour while he fed the creatures his breakfast and to pick up Pickett who must have been in cahoots with Dougal as both had refused to come up with him that night. The turncoat bowtruckle was now sat in his hair as he blundered around the kitchen trying to get some scrambled eggs to cook and for once he was leaning towards coffee rather than his usual cup of tea.

The eggs were almost cooked when Tina's arrival was heralded by a groan and he looked up to see her looking remarkably put together, if not for the dark patches under her eyes, with Esther looking quite pleased with herself in the crook of her arm.

“She seems to have finally settled”

He commented eventually around a yawn, beginning to do up his waistcoat and cuffs while Tina placed Esther in her basket and downed her cup of coffee in a way that endeared him more each day. 

“We’re going to have to try and keep her awake as well if we got any hope of sleepin’ tonight”

“I’ll do my best- Oh bugger!”’

He cast his eye on the eggs to see they were now a rather fetching charcoal colour, smoke starting to bellow quite impressively into the air.

“Newt!” Tina reprimanded,gesturing to Esther making him look somewhat guilty. She then padded around to see the mess on the stove causing her to let out a gusty sigh

 “Let’s just go to The Bakery.” She mumbled, pulling on her boots and beginning to lace them as he vanished the mess on the stove “Might be able to get a second cup of coffee too”

He hummed in agreement as he finished his mug, wincing at the bitterness, and he went to cringe again as he ran his hand through his bed head when his hand was swatted aside and he felt a comb land neatly in his hand making him shoot her a grateful glance before he stooped to lace them. By the time he had stood Tina had already placed Esther in her pram and tucked her in and was now waiting with a poorly muffled yawn. Taking his position at the helm of the pram he looked down at the little passenger, sucking on her thumb with wide eyes.

“It‘s a rather good job you’re so charming”

He said to her and he smiled to himself as she continued to stare up at him and Tina chuckled as she opened the door to the flat before pausing

“Uhh Newt-“

She gestured to his hair and he furrowed his brow when Pickett gave a squeak,causing him to pull him out of his hair.

~*~

The streets were starting to fill with the daily traffic of workers, something that Newt likened to bees in a hive, but they were yet to reach ‘rush hour’ so they could push the pram with ease towards Kowalski Bakery. Only receiving the odd look at Newt pushing the pram while Tina walked sternly next to him with her leather coat tied around her. They were walking steadily in almost complete silence,apart from Esther's intrigued coos at the various sounds and pigeons,given the mutual exhaustion. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence, in reality it was the silence he was most comfortable in. Silence with Tina never had any other purposes or ulterior motives, it was simply time with her and nothing filled him with more joy than that. 

They didn’t live far from the Kowalski Bakery and within ten minutes they had joined the short queue and stepped into the sweet smelling bakery. Looking around he saw that no one had noticed them yet, Queenie chatting away to someone as she packaged up a fresh loaf while Jacob was refilling one of the counters with cinnamon rolls. Seeing Tina perk up at the sight of her favourite sweet treat he smiled over at her who rolled her eyes lightly in response. It was nice to be so free, hidden in the grey backdrop of Muggle New York. No one scarcely tossed them a second look.

Yet one person set their sights on them and he watched as Queenie gave them a Queenie style grin as she waved on her customer. There were still a few in front of them so Queenie called to Jacob as she got an elderly man his order.

“Hey it’s the little family!”

He called over the hustle and he and Tina ducked their heads with a blush as they pushed Esther out of the queue to come to a stop the other side of the counter in front of Jacob.

“How’s my little niece?”

He asked and Newt went to correct him when he registered the pure joy in his friends voice and mumbled

“She’s fine”

“Had a shot yesterday and didn’t like it”

He watched as Jacob peered over the counter and at the arrival of another face she knew would gush over her she let out a pleased coo.

“She looks happy enough to me-“ he then paused on their faces “You guys okay?”

“She’s spent most of the past twenty four hours screaming if she wasn’t being held by one of us. Wouldn’t sleep”

Tina sighed, slumping against the counter

“You guys wanting some coffee then?”

“You’re the best brother in law ever”

She stated matter of factly and Jacob looked momentarily bewildered by Tinas sudden declaration before clearing his throat and given her a cheeky grin.

“You’re a pretty good sister in law too doll. You guys want food?”

He asked as he began getting his all new coffee press to hum to life and Newt could have kissed Jacob

“Please, my attempts at eggs this morning were rather abysmal”

“No worries”

He handed them both a sticky bun, his studded with fruits and Tina's sticky with cinnamon, as he busied himself with pulling faces at their little night owl.

“I guess you’re gonna be dealing with not much sleep for quite a while huh? She’s gonna be teethin’ and all sorts and then she’s gonna be this little person who’s gonna want stories and milk and cookies before bed.”

He smiled tiredly, the image of that same toddler he had thought of the night he had found Esther flooding his senses. This time she wasn’t just sat on Tinas lap, rather she was sitting up in a small bed with a book clutched to her chest and wide pleading eyes as she asked for “Just one more story”. A little bob of dark curls similar to Tina’s and a stuffed Hippogriff curtesy of his-

“Oh dear.”

Newt muttered suddenly, filling the somewhat happy silence and Jacob cocked his head from dangling his keys in front of a giggling Esther.

“My mother is going to kill me”

“Why?”

Tina asked around her bun, somehow with half the sweet treat in her mouth in one bite.

“I was meant to go to dinner the night after I found Esther. She’s probably got a howler on its way as we speak”

“Mercy Lewis Newt.” Tina sighed, placing the other half of her bun on top of the paper bag. “I’m guessing she’s not going to be happy about that”

“My mother is a very caring woman but she did threaten that if I missed another dinner she’d tie me upside down to a Hippogriff”

“She ain’t gonna be that bothered surely pal, next time you see her she’s gonna have a grandchild”

“Oh Merlin’s beard!” He groaned, running a hand over his face “ Mums going to jump to all sorts of conclusions-“

“To be fair buddy, everyone’s gonna-“ Jacob then gestured to Esther “for someone who weren’t  even born on the same continent- she looks plenty like Tina”

“Yes, just as beautiful”

He murmured distractedly as he took a large bite of his bun, mind racing with how on earth how he could explain to his parents and his brother before too many words were said, causing him to not notice Tina's healthy blush or Jacobs eyebrow raise. 

“Well um, I’m gonna get to work”

Tina murmured, pecking his cheek and reaching into Esther’s pram to tug on her foot in a goodbye. Esther just let out a coo before busying herself with chewing on her foot and Newt caught Tina's hand,giving it a squeeze.

“Have a good day?”

“Hmph I’ll try and if you’re Moms howler comes just write a letter back,okay?”

He smiled to himself at her concern 

“Alright…”

She then left with a wave to Queenie leaving him rocking Esther in the bakery.

~*~

MACUSA was oddly quiet as she made her way to her office. Not due to a lack of people,no the place was as busy as any other day,but as she passed people's conversations seemed to dim to mere whispers. Something that immediately made something unpleasant lodge in her stomach,reminded all too clearly of when she had been demoted.

However Tina wasn't the same insecure and hurt person she had been then so instead she rearranged her coat and boarded the elevator with a stern expression. Chances are it had nothing to do with her and she was simply being paranoid. There was nothing that could be so scandalous that would get everyone’s tongues wagging to that extent. Apart from maybe an illegitimate baby.

Her insides turned to ice.

Suddenly the elevator couldn’t go fast enough and she nearly fell out in her haste catching herself on the desk as her bustling auror department fell silent. Fear,annoyance and impatience flooding her sense she barked 

“Aurors, somebody has five seconds to tell me what in Circe’s name is going on!”

For a second nobody moved, at most a couple shuffled awkwardly under her glare, before Peterson (who was absolutely not her favourite) came forward.

“It was on the front page of The Ghost ma’am”

Out of all the things a Head Auror could hear,Tina was certain that was one of the worse.

“What was?” Once again,the question was met with silence as she cleared her throat “Aurors-“

Then a copy of that day's Ghost came flapping over before settling in her hand. She unfolded it with an air of confidence which immediately wilted at the front page. A picture of her and Newt gazing lovingly into each other's eyes before meeting for a kiss,not ideal to have their tentative relationship outed to the world but what was worse was what else was visible. Clear as day between their moving images sat the pram holding Newt's most precious rescue.

Scamander-Goldstein Baby?

Yesterday at 13:00 Head Auror Goldstein was seen in Central Park near the MACUSA building. Something that would not have been of note if it wasn't for those accompanying her. Since their daring actions in ‘26 and then again in ‘27 there have been many rumours about the unconventional relationship between the fierce Head Auror and the rogue Magizoologist Author yet here is proof of their relationship in the form of a bassinet.

There had been no remarks about any changes to Goldstein so her pregnancy must have been disguised using complex charms.

We have yet to receive any family comments which leads us to believe that the renowned Scamander family are embarrassed by their sons scandalous activities involving the New Yorker,especially war hero and fellow Head Auror of the British Ministry Theseus Scamander.

Will there soon be wedding bells to cover up such scandalous behaviour-

Unable to read anymore she slammed the paper onto the desk,looking up to see her entire auror departments eyes on her.

“Do you all truly believe this? Do you honestly believe that I’ve been pregnant for the best part of a year? That I’d leave a newborn at home ? That I’d go on raids and missions and arrests if I was actually carrying a child?”

The only person to respond was Achilles who murmured

“You aren’t exactly one for backin’ down”

“Honestly!” She huffed,hands going to rest on her hips, “Listen up, and none of you go chatting to the rags unless you wanna get real comfy in my old seat in wand permits” Watching people shift their arms so they were standing less defensively she took this as a sign to go on “She’s mine. But not by blood. None of the rest of it is any of your business”

She then strode straight into her office,slamming the door for good measure.

She then collapsed into her chair,wheeling back until she bumped against the bookshelf behind her. The minute she had moved into the office she hadn’t had trophies and awards to fill her shelves so instead the walls were stuffed with books and a few picture frames giving it a cosy appeal that completely erased Grindelwalds taint. Yet at that moment she looked at her childhood pictures and moving images of Newt and almost wished they were full of achievements she could use as an extra layer of armour.

Aurors were never mothers. Aurors very rarely were wed,not the women. Often they died or left once they had received a proposal,then she’d never see them again. Moving upstate to somewhere with a picket fence.She wasn't technically a Mother,not by blood, but somehow she wanted to be one to that little girl Newt had found. They could be a little family,just the three of them. Ever since Newt had arrived back in New York, when she had laid back in bed,sometimes with his head pillowed on her bare chest, she hadn't imagined her usual scenes of the future. Of war and pain and loneliness fighting on some long forgotten hillside before returning battle weary to an empty apartment the past few days they had been different. She’d still been tired from battle, the imaginary wounds deep,but she had been greeted by the thunder of feet as Esther ran into her arms. She could imagine her excitable chatter at everything she had done with Newt that day as she walked into the room then Newt would pull her into a kiss in greeting,maybe they would have even given Esther a sibling or two who would come crawling over.

It sounded so much nicer than her old expectations but she wasn't even certain if Newt wanted to raise Esther with her. He’d have to go back to England eventually and unless Theseus had a major promotion she would be going down a level in both skills and pay- 

Although he did talk about getting a job in New York…

She shook her head,she couldn’t let herself get ahead of herself like that. For now she was just helping Newt care for her while she and Newt lived as if they were man and wife. What happened next was officially in his court.

Trying not to let her confidence waver at her thoughts she pulled her still considerable stack of paper towards her,at least there was still paperwork to keep her busy.

~*~

And it did keep her busy,incredibly busy until just after her little clock,with miniaturised threat metre, struck three. She hadn’t left her desk,her stomach protesting a little at the choice, but MACUSA gossip was brutal and she didn’t particularly want to spend her time queuing for a sandwich while everyone was secretly eyeing her midriff.  Yet keeping out of the public eye had meant she'd been entirely undisturbed so when there was a brisk knock at the door she jumped,knocking her inkpot over.

Groaning to herself she stooped to the floor to pick it up, calling “Come in!” Through gritted teeth. There wasn't an immediate response so she was about to call again  just as she  closed her hand around the inkpot when a familiar voice stated

“Good afternoon Tina”

In her surprise she smacked her head on her desk before rising to sit back in her seat,putting the ink back in the pot with a flick of her hand.

“Theseus…”

The last time she had seen him was two days after Queenie and Jacobs wedding where he had almost been floating with new found optimism, even giving her a parting hug and a teasing ruffle of her hair. Standing in front of her now ,however, he looked simply furious . His arms were crossed and his shoulders broad forming quite a formidable wall.His face was almost blank and amongst the freckles he shared with his brother was a smudge of soot on his cheek from floo travel. He didn’t even speak as he dropped a copy of The Prophet on her desk,the same picture from the morning Ghost adorning the front page although with this one you could see Esthers fist poke out of the blankets. Then he stared pointedly at her. When she didn’t respond he gave a strangled sigh

“Why didn’t you tell me.”

“Tell you what?”

She spoke into her desk

“Don’t act stupid” He replied shortly “Why didn’t you tell me I had a niece or nephew I mean- Merlins beard! You must have been six months gone last I saw you!”

“Theseus will you lower your voice!”

She hissed, her room was supposedly sound proof but she didn’t particularly want to test it.

“No! You hid this from me! I just- I can’t believe” His voice broke a little then and the angry facade seemed to crack slightly under the force of the emotion “I can’t believe you and Newt didn’t tell me you were having a child of all things”

“Theseus… Please just sit down-“

She gestured to the seat in front of her and he hesitated before settling on the edge of the chair causing it to squeak slightly in protest.

“It’s not what it seems Theseus I-“

“Are you courting my brother?”

He cut in and she blushed slightly as she looked over to the photo of her and Newt dancing at the wedding

“Yes,I suppose you could say that.”

“And is that really a baby in that photo?”

“Yes.”

“Well-“

“Theseus will you just-“

She began before there was another knock,she glanced over to Theseus who just slightly tiredly waved his hand, clearly more interested on her supposed explanation so she hesitantly called 

“Come in!”

There was a moment of shuffling then the door swung open to reveal Newt pushing in Esther,eyes almost frantic as his gaze flickered around her features 

“I’m sorry to disturb you Tina-“ He began before pausing at the sight of his brother,the panic on his features worsening as his hands fluttered around the pram handle 

“It’s alright” She murmured,moving to rest a hand on his as she ignored Theseus momentarily. “I’m guessing you saw the paper?”

“Yes and I thought- It’s irrational- but I thought just in case someone wanted to-to hurt her because they now know a-and I- Well I guessed-“ His eyes landed on Theseus “That my family would be rather swift to respond”

“Yes…” Theseus mused before standing up and walking over to him before smacking him around the ears,tone back to lecturing “What in Merlins name were you thinking? I mean how irresponsible can you be Newt to have a baby with a woman you’re not even on the same continent on?”

“Theseus-“

“I mean i know you struggled with keeping your case closed I didn’t realise your trousers suffered the same-“

“Merlins Beard Theseus!”

Newt protested,ears instantly going an impressive red, and Theseus went to shout again when a tiny giggle issued from the pram. Visibly Theseus jumped before looking down and Tina looked to Newt who shot her a concerned glance.

There was a moment of silence where Tina didn’t even dare to breathe as Theseus looked down at her before he gently reached down and pulled her out of the pram,holding her up appraisingly before settling her against his chest. Then in a voice more gentle than she had ever imagined the brash war hero to possess he murmured

“Hello… Aren’t you a lovely surprise”

Tina could have fainted in relief

“She is rather,isn’t she?”

Newt whispered and Theseus let out a sigh,moving to stroke her cheek with a delicate finger.

“I’m not really that angry about you two doing- you know I just wished you would have told me, she’s really quite beautiful”

“She isn't ours Theseus”

Newt mumbled and Theseus looked up at him with a blank expression,not angry but simply stunned

“I don’t understand.”

“Tina didn’t- birth her I-I found her”

“You found her” 

“She’d been abandoned at an orphanage”

Theseus gave a long suffering sigh

“Yes, that is generally what orphanages are for”

“The orphanage didn’t exist anymore,it was abandoned and had been used for teaching underprivileged children before Hogwarts. I was meant to be giving a talk there on magical creatures but they had been moved to some unknown location. I couldn’t leave her there so I-I took her”

There was a moment then Theseus looked between her and Newt before back down at Esther 

“So you, an unmarried,thirty year old man who carries every type of man eating beast in his briefcase is going to raise a baby”

“Yes.”

There was an awful beat of stomach turning silence where Theseus assessed his brother and said not discouragingly but with no small amount of brotherly concern.

“Do you think you can handle it?”

She watched as Newt straightened his posture,speaking straight into his brothers eyes.

“I’m with Tina, of course I can”

Theseus nodded then, a swift motion, before returning his gaze to the baby in his arms

“So…What’s her name then?”

“Her names Esther, she was a-“

Newt supplied before Theseus interrupted

“Warrior queen wasn’t she,from the Old Testament?”

“Is that a problem?”

“Not at all.Suits her quite well actually” Theseus mused as Esther raised her fist “Esther Scamander… Has she got a middle name?”

Newt began to reply with a negative when she tentatively interrupted 

“I was thinking maybe,Leta?”

She looked to Newt for a reaction but he simply gave her a small,slightly stunned smile.

“Yes, I um I think she would have liked that”

He replied and Theseus added,voice cracking slightly under the force of the memories 

“She always was very passionate about children having homes- For children to be in homes with people who loved them. I-I of course now know why but… I think Esther Leta is a lovely name”

Esther let out a sniffle at his attention and then a gasp that Tina was starting to understand meant she wanted feeding or changing so gently took the bundle from Theseus’ outstretched arms. Seeing Theseus’ faintly insulted expression Tina explained

“She’s just hungry or something,it's nothing personal”

“If she takes after her father i fear I'll have plenty of much more personal slights later on”

Newt was rummaging around his pockets for her bottle so he didn’t seem to register that Theseus had called him a father but at the sound of it Tina's mouth pulled up in a small smile. He then reappeared clutching her bottle and passed it to her as she eased it into her mouth, smile widening at her little whimpers as she guzzled it down.

“I’m assuming Mum doesn’t know about her?”

“No… Do you think she’ll be happy?”

“I think she’ll be furious then absolutely over the moon- she’s been wanting Grandchildren the moment you left home. She’s going to be rather spoiled”

The brothers continued muttering between each other, clearly devising a plan between the two of them so Tina dropped her gaze to Esther who’s eyes were drooping. She would keep her safe, if not in the auror department then at their home and the little baby who had been left would be so loved. Tina would make sure of it.

Chapter Text

To everyone’s surprise, it took quite a few days for anyone else to bother them. The working body of MACUSA had appeared rather too horrified at the scandalous behaviour of two such high-ranking individuals to even dare voice their opinions aloud.

As if half of them haven’t done worse in broom cupboards 

Tina thought bitterly as she made her way out of the whispering Auror office into the hum of the main gates. Too exhausted to stay too late Tina had snuck away at five, she had a raid early morning tomorrow and had told everyone to leave at the same time for an early night, so happy to be joining the steady flow of people she set her thoughts to other things.

Newt hadn’t appeared too upset about the rumours, more upset about how it could officially affect her and Esther’s safety. She was well aware of any potential problems and she didn’t particularly care if people thought Esther was her daughter, she’d heard far worse from the MACUSA gossip mill. Still, until the gossip had fully died down she wasn’t very keen on leaving Esther unaccompanied during the night and for the past few days Esther had slept in her cot at the end of their bed while Theseus slept in her room. 

Rather irritatingly, Theseus had hastily booked a few days off and while he had brought some paperwork with him she had a feeling he was instead doing something with Newt to pass the time that neither of them were telling her about. So wondering what the brothers had gotten up to, and wondering whether they’d gotten into yet another argument, Tina disappeared in a twist of light to reappear in her buildings allocated apparition room, she didnt like to risk apparating into a potentially full living room. Well, Apparition room was rather an optimistic term, it was a cupboard set into the third floor hallway and Tina stepped out onto the wooden landing with a sigh. 

Esther had settled slightly since the shot for dragon pox but she was still waking up several times a night demanding something or other and while Newt wanted her to rest for work, Tina didn’t want Newt exhausting himself so she woke up every time. This coupled with the stress of MACUSA meant that Tina very much wanted to fall asleep on the couch with Esther passed out on top of her and Newt quietly writing using her legs as a table, she had very quickly found out that that particular lay out was strangely comfort. So eagerly, she pushed open the door to reveal Theseus sat in the seating area with an expression of amusement upon his face and following his gaze she saw why. Their living room floor was scattered with various toys and creatures where in the centre sat Newt who was crouched beside Esther on a blanket trying to stop a fight which had broken out between Teddy and Pickett about a shiny rattle that a confused Esther was trying to grab. In the commotion no one had noticed her arrival so smiling in delight she asked to the room 

“What’s going on here,then?”

Then several things happened at once: Newt in his delight at seeing her loosened his grip on the rattle causing Teddy to go flying backwards pulling Pickett with him, the pair of them landing with a squeak against the clothes horse,Esther completely unbothered by her arrival hiccuped causing milk to spew out of her mouth and Theseus gave a snort into his tea causing it to dribble onto his trousers. 

“Oh lovely.”

Newt stated, scooping Esther up to wipe her mouth as he got to his feet. Once she was sufficiently clean he loped over to peck her lips 

“Nice day?”

“I was about to ask the same thing”

She chuckled, gesturing to the splodge of spit up on his waistcoat, blending in with what looked like some seaweed,a grass stain and a smudge of blue potion

“It’s been… interesting”

“I’ve been watching her most of the day-“

Theseus began, also wiping his mouth, and Tina remarked drily as she plucked Esther into her arms

“Is it you she learned the spewing trick off then?”

“Ha ha” He remarked sarcastically “No,I have however been telling her how simply hilarious her mother is”

Tina simply shook her head, biting her lips in a smile as she spoke to the baby in barely above a whisper

“Did you miss me?” Esther let out a a coo as she reached for her and Tina leaned over so her fist graced her cheek “I missed you too…”

She felt Newts nose bump against her hair as he peered over her shoulder  causing her to lean into him slightly

“I certainly missed you” She felt him murmur into her hair and she chuckled

“Hmmm?”

“Yes,I-I feel the more time I spend with you the harder it is to spend time apart”

She opened her mouth to respond when suddenly Esther was plucked out of her arms by Thesues who,at their matching insulted expressions, stated

“You can have your daughter back when you don’t look like you’re about to make her a little brother or sister”

At the statement Newt whirled around and preparing for a trademark Scamander brother argument, Tina rolled her eyes and settled in the armchair feeling rather smug when Esther cried out and reached clumsily in her direction causing Theseus to deposit her on her lap. However Newt had scarcely opened his mouth when there was a brisk knock on the door.

For a moment they all simply looked between one another.

“Who…”

Newt murmured yet Tina was already on her feet, gently handing a protesting Esther to him then pulling out her wand.

“Newt stay back.”

She ordered, Theseus coming behind her as he whispered

“If this is an acolyte it will be the first recorded case of them having manners”

Tina shushed him, heart beating in her ears, as she slowly stepped towards the door. Newt hovering near the dining table watching them fearfully as someone knocked sharply again.

Checking one last time that Theseus was poised she took a steadying breath and threw open the door. 

The bang of the door colliding with their battered coat stand seemed to make the two people who had been looking out of the window at the end of their floor jump. At the sudden movement Tina went to raise her wand higher when she noticed that the two people standing in her hallway were an older couple,a man and a woman, and while Grindelwald had many older people in his ranks he wasn’t overly proactive in sending them out in the field. Especially as they seemed a rather affluent pair, the man wearing a quite garish purple waistcoat visible under his travelling coat with a pair of wire glasses perched precariously on his nose and a quiet sense of power and the woman wore a blue dress mostly obscured by a thick red cardigan and wavy reddish hair in a plait down her back. Not the usual candidates for psychotic Grindelwald fanatics.  

In response to the noise they turned to her and it was the man who stepped forward, giving her a calculating glance.

“Is Newton Scamander in this residence?”

He asked in a crisp English accent, more upper class than Newt’s yet with the same rolling vowels, and Tina went to stammer out a “Why?” when Theseus’ surprised visage appeared around the door.

“Mum,Dad?”

Oh dear

“Theseus!”

The woman called before her face settled into a similar expression Theseus wore when he had first arrived in her office as the two barged straight past her into her living room. She blinked then mumbled to herself “Okay then.” before following them in..

Theseus had remained near the door as the parents looked around the room, while Tina's brow furrowed at the lack of Newt.

“I told him to go to your bedroom”

Theseus whispered and Tina nodded silently, watching wide eyed as Newts mother inspected the cradle which currently had Teddy and Pickett hiding underneath it .

“How bad is this gonna be?”

“Rather.”

The English and their understatements…

The parents seemed to be expecting Newt to be hiding somewhere in the room, although where Tina had no idea,so when they seemed certain he wasn’t The Woman cleared her throat daintily then bellowed.

“NEWTON ARTEMIS FIDO SCAMANDER,GET IN HERE NOW!”

Tina blinked. The woman was five foot three at most and while motherly in shape certainly made a noise disproportionate to her body. However it seemed to do the trick as a second later a frankly terrified Newt appeared, Holding Esther close to his chest. 

His eyes flickered to hers before focusing quite intently on the leg of their sofa. 

“Hello Mum”

“Do not ‘Hello Mum’ me young man” Newts mother thundered “Look at me!” Tina felt a heart twist as Newt forced his eyes onto the bobbles of his mothers cardigan. “What. Have. You . Done?”

Logically Tina knew she shouldn’t get involved. She had wanted Newt's parents to like her, not that she knew much about them, but seeing Newt's growing panic she inched over. Seeing his grip tighten on Esthers back she acted potentially foolishly and as Newts father demanded

“Explain yourself Newton.”

She cut in front of them, easing Newts hands off of Esther and taking the baby into her arms.

“We’ve done nothing wrong” Tina stated simply to him, watching Newts eyes flicker up to her “just explain to them Newt-“ He made a pained noise at the back of his throat “it’s okay, just explain like you explained to Theseus”

She stepped away, Esther whimpering at all the shouting, and she cowered from the Elder Scamander's glare while still remaining by Newt's side. Theseus however appeared to have had enough and boldly stated

“Mum,Dad-“

“It’s alright Theseus”

Newt murmured and he raised his gaze to meet his mothers eyes,

“She’s not mine Mum”

A range of emotions flickered over the parents face before their eyes settled on her and the baby who was burrowing her face into her neck

“So what is this then? Some sort of honourable act?”

“I found her, Esther, in London. She was hurt and abandoned and I couldn’t leave her”

“So why on Earth are you in New York?”

His father demanded, glasses sliding down his nose as he ran a hand through his dark hair,flecked with grey.

“B-b-because-“

“Because of me.”

Tina finished and she met their shocked gazes face on 

“Newt and I have been courting-“ she winced at the outdated term of phrase. It seemed so impersonal,like a business transaction before marriage. It wasnt a term she’d ever use to explain whatever her and Newt were doing and certainly nothing like- “I love him, very much and when he told me about a baby I told him to come here so he could figure out what to do”

She felt as if she was about to throw up under their glare, or at the very least dry heave, but she still kept her eyes on Mrs Scamander who appeared to be analysing her before turning to her younger son, face almost startlingly different in its growing understanding as she asked.

“Is that true Newt”

“Yes.” He whispered “And I’ve decided what I’m going to do, I’m going to raise her as my daughter,as a Scamander”

The room was flooded by uneasy silence as his parents looked between one another, having a silent conversation. Esther however had seemingly had enough and began to cry. Sobbing loudly as her fists grasped at Tinas blouse.

“It’s okay, shhh it’s alright”

She soothed as Newt came around to her side, rubbing Esther’s shuddering back 

“I’m sorry little one, no more shouting-“ Then he jolted “I didn’t hurt you did I?” His hands scrambled with Esther’s top then he sighed in relief at the absence of any marks apart from the smudge of a birthmark on her right shoulder and the faint shadow of the original bruise. During Newt's scrambling she’d quieted a little so Tina continued to sway her while bumping her nose against his cheek,murmuring under her breath.

“Everyone’s okay Newt, you couldn’t hurt her if you tried”

He stopped then, hand freezing on Esther’s back, and he looked to her with a small smile tugging at his lips as he stated matter of factly 

“You just said you loved me”

She felt her cheeks heat up as she swallowed the lump in her throat, distracting herself by twirling Esther’s lengthening curl.

“I-I did. And-“ She raised her eyes to his “And I meant it Newt”

His smile grew even wider and it turned into something almost mischievous causing any fear at her sudden declaration melted away in an instant. He bobbed his head then ducked to her ear whispering 

“I love you too”

In a perfect world they would have been alone, perhaps on a beach at sunset or a rooftop bathed in moonlight. She would be in a flowing dress,him in an immaculate outfit, and they would kiss to a growing fanfare. A kiss that would be passionate and something to talk about for years. 

And for one perfect second it was as their lips met in a soft and familiar greeting. Then just as quickly it was gone as Tina felt something slide  down her arm. She pulled away and seeing Newts parents appearing to be enwrapped in a whispered argument she looked down to see Esther once again with milk and spit sliding out of her mouth and across her arm, her decidedly not flowing outfit receiving the harshest hit.

“Mercy Lewis!”

Tina exclaimed, trying to not get anymore baby fluids onto her work clothes as she manoeuvred Esther to her other hip. Esther,thoroughly unfazed by the redecorating of her trousers, gave a giggle and reached a similarly dirty fist to Newts surprised features.

“BABABABABABA”

“Merlin's beard this is a disaster.” She heard Theseus mutter as Newts parents seemed to finally reach the end of their discussion and now she watched as Newts mother sent a frankly withering glare at her husband, the room being submerged into silence.

“I’m um…gonna go clean us up…”

And with an apologetic glance at Newt she took Esther into the bathroom.

~*~

Newt wasn't the greatest at gauging tension in a room. He’d walked into a tent preparing for a battle once and it was only after the fifth person who told him to stop ‘yammering on about dragonite indigestion’ that he took the hint that something was going wrong. Yet he had the good sense not to say a word as his parents got themselves embroiled in a glaring contest. 

It was a rather common image of his childhood his father coming home late from the pub, singing a song loud enough to unsettle the hippogriffs, or even more often it was about him but that revelation did nothing to put him at ease as he curled into himself. He understood why Tina had left,not just because Esther had once again spat up (he really needed to look into that),but it was somewhat of a family issue and she didn’t have the ring to be having to deal with his family just yet.

“You’re probably feeding her too much in one go,thats why its coming back up”

His mother suddenly spoke, causing himself to jump about a foot in the air and whip his head around. To his surprise his mother didn’t look too angry at him, her eyes had a habit of flaring and right now they seemed quite subdued. He was so surprised that  all he managed was a stammered 

“O-Oh?”

There was one last shared look between his parents then his mother put a placating hand on his shoulder. Something else which wasn't a good sign.

“Newt darling-“ Nope, he was well and truly screwed. “We know you’re excited about all of this but, you’re father and I have been thinking…”

”For ten minutes”

He muttered as he sat down heavily on the seat beside his brother, trying not to look like he was contemplating running and hiding in the bathtub. He immediately regretted saying such a thing as his mothers glare bore through him. 

“We’ve been thinking that, this is all well and good for now. Babies merely require keeping alive but eventually this child will need a mother”

“She’ll have a mother”

He replied bluntly and his father remarked

“That girl is no more a mother than i am, she’s an auror, A Female auror.”

More effective than an electric shock,Newt leapt to his feet and, for what was quite possibly the first time ever, looked directly in his eyes at his full height.

“How dare you!” He thundered “How dare you assume anything about Tina when your entire knowledge of her is a footnote in some tabloid!”

“She threatened us with her wand!”

His father replied

“She’s Chief Auror! We’re hunted by Grindelwald on a fairly regular basis and you burst into her home to shout at me! At us!Of course she was inhospitable!” His mother raised her hand half heartedly stating 

“We’re merely-“ 

“Stop it! Tina may be stern on appearance but she is the kindest,most selfless- most loving person I have ever met!”

“That is all well and good but a child needs a family!”

There was an uneasy silence causing Newt to step unsteadily forward

“A family is far more than words on a page and bloodlines,Mother”

Then with the satisfaction of a very hollow victory he yanked open the case and disappeared inside.

Chapter Text

The dirtied straw soared neatly from his pitch fork to land on the growing pile of compost and Newt took a moment of satisfaction from the sweat dripping down his nose and the dull ache in his hands before returning to the Erumpents bed. Usually he’d do such a task at least partially via magic but the anger still flickering through his body meant that the only thing stopping him from storming back up to his parents was the promise of some more manual labour.

Perhaps not the most comfortable coping strategy, but it did the job.

He wasn't expecting his parents to immediately warm to the idea, history had taught him such,but he was expecting them to see things more logically than what they were. He was closer to forty than thirty,hardly the child his mother had him pinned as, and Tina was- Well simply brilliant in his opinion. There were far younger and far less responsible parents with great packs of children. What made him and Tina so different?

At the thought another stab of anger hit his gut and he shovelled the next heap of straw with an extra heave. Only narrowingly avoiding his mother who he hadn't noticed creep up behind him. Her scarf wrapped neatly around her shoulders and her freckles studding her ever so slightly sun burned face. He always admired his mother. While pure blooded she was far from the upper class world of being a Scamander. She had learned the airs and graces, become the perfect high class Lady and held lavish balls and society meets yet still always found time for them to steal their way into the Hippogriff stables for honey sandwiches among the great feathered beasts he’d learned to walk amongst. 

She’d fought to gain the respect of the people his father lived amongst. His father who wasn’t that keen of the title himself had fought for that too, being the only surviving Scamander by pure chance wasn’t exactly idolised by the pure bloods. Theseus had learnt how to act in the same manner, mostly through being the honest,dashing war hero he was born to be. Then there was him: a burning hatred for every society event,unable to shake hands successfully and rather unfazed by laws when they obscured goodness and truth. The nicest members of his family called him a rogue, the worst called him words he dared not think again.

So he could understand her concern but Newt wasn't particularly eager to have yet another uncomfortable conversation. Therefore with a sigh he mumbled
“Mother.”
Then hefted another load of dirtied straw. He turned back once the load had safely landed and a part of him hoped she would understand that he wasn’t particularly in the mood and leave him be. Yet he heard her soft voice,full of amusement
“I remember when you couldn't lift the latch on the Hippogriff paddock” He paused but didn’t respond causing her to shake her head and laugh to herself “In fairness I can remember when you couldn't reach it”
“Hmmmm, times change I suppose…”
He ran a hand through his gingery hair and his mother sighed
“Newton darling, can we sit?”

Half of him wanted to continue to be standoffish. Maybe pick up a bucket and go to the occamies but seeing his mothers tired expression he took a seat on the edge of the habitat and gestured wordlessly to his side. His mother then picked her way across and sat silently beside him. Well silently for a second then she gently rested a hand on his knee and squeezed it gently causing Newt to smile, a gesture he remembered well.
“Do you remember when you were little,and you’d be upset that the village children wouldn’t talk to you?”
A little surprised at the direction his mother was taking he shuffled uncomfortably then muttered
“A bit of an understatement”
They wouldn’t just not talk to him, he was frequently on the receiving end of mud balls and anything else they could hurl at him.
“And I used to say that you would one day find people who understand,who love you in whatever form. And I’m so glad you found them here but I’m worried” 
“Mum-“
“It isn’t easy raising a family Newt.” She searched his eyes and he flickered his gaze. “Especially in times like these. There’s hard times, times you’ll want to give up but you can't because there’s a lot more than just you. It’s even harder sometimes in ways you don’t expect…”
He shuffled again, this time desperately avoiding her gaze as he focused on a dung beetle who had just gone scuttling past.
“With Children like me you mean”
She grasped his knee tighter
“I have never regretted a single moment, Newt, no matter how hard,neither of us have. I love you and I just want you to be happy,I don’t want you to regret this.”
Finally he met her eyes
“Mum… These past few days have not been-easy. I’ve had very little sleep,been covered in about every fluid imaginable and had to spend a large portion of my Gringotts vault on cradles and toys and bottles…” It had been difficult. Almost impossible. But his mind's eye flickered to the night before, watching the milk drunk Esther fall asleep in Tinas arms,her thickening fist curled against her breast. Never in his life had he felt more like he belonged,not in the wilds of the rainforests or the plains of Africa. Somehow he felt that right there in New York, with a temperamental baby and an even more temperamental Chief Auror, was where he was meant to be. “But Mum, it feels for once that I’m doing something right.”

His mother didn’t respond for a moment, her eyes seemingly scanning him for any trace of a lie,as they sat there on the edge of the habitat. And he suspected she was about to start another round of probing questions when a soft coo broke the lazy chittering. He looked up to see Tina picking her way across the dirt as quietly as she could, Esther in her arms and propped up against her shoulder. When she realised he had saw her, she froze, her eyes wandering over his face as she grimaced, waving her free hand in a feeble wave.

He equally raised his hand in awkward reciprocation and she walked toward them,scanning them like a lioness protecting her cub, until she came to a stop in front of them. She gave his mother an awkward grimace and he flicked his gaze to his mothers responding warm smile. 
“Tina isn’t it?”
He practically heard the harshness of Tina's swallow as she replied
‘Yes ma’am”
“Oh darling, no need for that. You can call me Helena”
“Oh” 
Tina murmured and he watched his mother stand so her and Tina were eye to eye- well given six inches or so. 
“And this is…”
“Oh, um Esther Leta Scamander”
Rather aptly Esther appeared to screw her face up at her full title and both Tina and his mother chuckled slightly.
“She clearly already has quite the attitude”
“Yeah…”
“Between the two of you, you might actually keep her father in line”
He jolted. She’d just referred to him as a father. That could only mean-
“We’ll certainly try, won’t we Es?”
The tremble in Tina’s tone gave her away as having the same rush of hope he did and she met his gaze with barely restrained joy. Esther however seemed quite bored by the momentous shift in his mothers opinion and let out a whine at the absence of Tina's rocking causing all eyes to settle on her.

There was a moment of silence then his mother murmured
“Do you mind if I…” Holding out her arms. This time, Tina didn’t check his way and instead gently deposited Esther in her arms.
“My first Grandchild” She whispered with reverence,shuffling one of her supporting arms to grasp Esther's tiny hand “And how simply beautiful you are, hmm?”
He stood and moved to Tinas side, the crash of emotions breaking against an imaginary shoreline as her hand slipped in his. Esther let out a whimper that was quickly soothed by his mothers thumb and a gentle hum, a tune he faintly remembered from being sat at his mothers skirt scribbling on parchment as she knitted socks to send off to Theseus at Hogwarts. A little different to the one she’d hum when cooking among the house elves,Binky and Lonk, but an echo of the past and one,for once, he was happy to hear.
“I’m proud of you”
It took him a moment to realise she wasn't talking to the baby in her arms and he ducked his head in acknowledgement. “No Newton… I truly am”

The things he thought were history just kept coming back.

“Um” He began eloquently “Thank you mother”
“And I apologise about your father’s comments- He,he worries even more than I”
He tried to not to make his lack of belief too evident on his features but seeing his mother’s and Tina’s eyebrow raise he sensed he hadnt done a very good job “He does Newt he just isn’t very good at- expressing it”
“He gave up on me when I failed at acting normal”
“That isn’t true, son”
This time he truly jumped,whipping around to see his father looking around in barely restrained awe at the features of his case before focusing on him.
If anything Newt wanted to leave. He had avoided having a meaningful conversation for his father for nearly forty years, he wasn't about to start now.  His father seemed to sense this and sighed 
“I’m not disappointed Newton this is just- a surprise. I just need some time to-to calm the relatives”
“Ah.” He mumbled,that was most likely the best he was ever going to get from his father in terms of an explanation so Newt tossed him one last look. “I suppose you best not miss the last Portkey”

Before striding off in the distance of the Occamies, intended bucket in hand.

~*~

“You know, you’re getting real good at the dramatic walk offs”
He heard faintly over his shoulder and he turned to see Tina standing there once again,Esther back in her arms and falling asleep against her chest somehow despite the talking and continuous noise. Unable to make more than a weak grimace he looked at her searchingly. “You’re parents have gone, you’re Mom says shes really sorry”
“She always is,never seems to change much”
Tina sighed gently as she placed Esther down in a hay manger full of blankets that he had been using when he needed to put her down momentarily in the case. Once she appeared satisfied that their daughter was comfortable she moved so she was standing in front of him.
“Theseus is escorting them to the port key office, says he’s gonna try and talk it through with them.”
Unsure how else he could respond and exhausted by his own anger he stood their limply until Tina pulled him into a tentative hug. It took him a moment to respond,spontaneous hugs still not something he was used to, before he wrapped his arms tight across Tina's back and rested his head against her neck.

They stood there swaying slightly, the chorus of the case starting to dwindle with the late hour, and Newt startled at the sudden lump in his throat. He wasn’t ashamed of crying,his family for all their faults rarely discouraged his tears (His father occasionally threatening to ‘give him something to cry about’ but usually silenced by his mother), but he wasn’t expecting to feel so dejected so many years after his teenage years.
“Newt…” He felt her murmur against his neck and he hummed as she leaned back so he could see her gaze. Her face was gentle,eyes wide as she traced his jaw with the tip of her finger “It’s okay to be upset.”
“Tina, I’ve been on the receiving end of my fathers disapproval ever since I can remember” He then let out a dry chuckle,knitting his hands together behind Tina's back “Probably before then”

He watched Tina's expression shift to one he was far more familiar with, her eyes a light with a barely hidden anger.
“I know I don't really know him-“
“Tina you’re allowed to find my family difficult, Merlin I find them difficult”
She bit her lip in that endearing way of hers as she looked up through the remnants of her fringe before murmuring.
“I just hate that people don't see what I see” 
Moving his hand to brush away the errant strands he smiled slightly at her
“You see it Tina, that’s all I care”
She returned his smile with a gentle sigh 
“You’re a good man Newt”
Not knowing quite how to respond,he brought her in for a gentle kiss which Tina deepened by pulling his head down with such force they almost went falling to the floor.

He managed to steady them both then Tina whispered in his ear
“I think Theseus was taking your parents to eat before the next portkey”
“Oh?”
“It’s not until ten…”
He lowered her a little more and her face was alight with her idea. It was an expression he had first seen on his first trip to New York when she remembered Gnarlack and he had to confess he had never imagined there would ever be such heat to accompany that look,especially directed at him.
“So that would give us-“
“Almost an hour. And Esther is…” She leaned back to his ear and whispered “Fast asleep”
Unable to hold back his chuckle, he kissed her jaw before pulling away to wave his wand so that Esther's temporary cot floated up and into the shed without waking her then he let Tina pull him into his now scarcely used bedroom. 

Theseus having the good sense not to check inside the case once he returned home to an empty flat. 

Chapter Text

The room was alight with the morning sun as Newt leapt out of his case on the first truly warm day of the year. In the two months since they had acquired their daughter many things had changed, but none as much as Newt had himself. 

He had always been an adventurer, roaming the planes and the Tundras and he had never truly been content with domestic life. Certainly not domestic life around other people. Yet as he and Tina had grown used to being parents, and the press had stopped tracking their every move, he had found that there was an enjoyment to sitting in front of an open window letting in a summer breeze as he and Tina read together while Esther played on her blanket. In the past few weeks, she had even begun to grab and throw things, especially things that jingled, and delighting in the noise they made as they inevitably bounced under the sofa, a bucket or an erumpent.

Newt would be irritated by this, just as he would be irritated by the 2 a.m. screaming, but every time he felt his temper flare she would snuggle into his neck or smile up at him with her little stretch and he would melt. Tina often joked that the moment she could ask for things he would be utterly hopeless to say no to her and Newt simply remarked that he couldn’t say no to her now, let alone in two years time when she’ll be able to look at him with wide dark eyes and a pout that he had no doubt she would learn off of Tina. 

With that image in mind, he turned to the living area where Tina was kneeling on the floor in front of a freshly changed Esther where she was playing with her kicking legs. It seemed so long ago when Tina had been unsure how to even hold her, now she spent every possible moment caring for her and at that moment it involved her tugging on Esther's chunky legs, and occasionally tickling her toes, as she laughed loudly in delight. He stood unmoving for a moment, not sure if she had spotted him when he heard Tina chuckle in response to Esther's failed attempt to sit up

“Your Daddy’s just coming”

Still rather unused to the term (he had been mummy before of course but never daddy) he offered a small smile as she turned to him and then sat beside her on their threadbare rug.

“Good morning Esther” He chirped and Esther let out a squeal as she reached for him. Unable to do anything else he scooped her up off of the floor and settled her on his lap so that her head was cushioned by his thigh “Did you sleep well?”

Esther let out another giggle as she grabbed her socked foot and began gumming it fervently

“Well that was a wasted ten minutes tryna get that on”

Tina remarked drily as she pushed her hair out of her face, her eyes still blurry with sleep and Newt leaned over to squeeze her knee.

“How long have you been awake?”

“I woke up when you went down to the case and she started crying about five minutes after”

He mouthed sorry but she waved him off with a gentle smile

“It’s alright, we had fun listening to the radio didn't we Es while we had our drinks?”

As usual, Esther had no idea what was going on yet both of their gazes were on her meaning she was filled with delight.

They remained sat there watching Esther ruin more and more of her sock until he felt Tina lie her head heavily on his shoulder.

“Are you alright?”

He murmured and she sighed before mumbling into his neck

“Tired. Feel like I’ve done nothing but work and sleep for- Well forever” he leaned into her “She’s cute and I love her but- damn.”

“Quite…”

He chuckled as Esther stretched in his lap, looping his finger around her curl when an idea struck him.

“Have we ever been on a typical um…” His voice dwindled as he searched for the word causing Tina to echo

“Typical?”

“Well I believe the young are calling them dates”

He felt her head rise off his shoulder so he turned to see her with a pleasantly surprised expression across her features.

“No… I guess we haven’t… Gone on a uh ‘date’”

Sending her a small smile he shifted his attention to the baby

“Would you like to be spoiled by your Auntie Queenie and Uncle Jacob for the evening?”

Esther let out a joyful babble and Tina leaned over to straighten her tiny buttons

“She’ll be okay for the evening…”

“Of course she will-“ He took her hand and squeezed it gently “Her Aunt and Uncle will dote on her- They always do…”

“I know but Queenie’s been so sad lately”

It was true, recently Queenie had seemed down in comparison to her usual bubbly self and it had concerned Tina greatly which probably wasn’t helping her exhaustion.

“She seems to cheer up though when Esther’s there”

“I guess…” Tina sighed, resting her free hand on Esther's belly and stroking her chin with one finger “What were you thinking of doing”

“Dinner? Maybe a mildly less criminal-orientated speakeasy afterwards”

“You hate those places?” She chuckled, confusion lacing her tone

“Yes, but I did say I would take you dancing before the next wedding we were landed in if you remember?”

She gave another quiet laugh, looking up at him

“I guess you did…” then she made a happy noise “There’s this Italian place, run by a magic couple that everyone at work goes on about-“ She cut herself off “It’s kinda pricey though”

“That’s not a problem Tina, I believe for our first date we can spring to a smidge of luxury”

“Our first date” She giggled and Newt joined her “Mercy I feel like such a teenager”

He couldn’t help but grin now, he’d never been on a date before and to have one with Tina made him feel as if his stomach was filled with Billywigs.

“Yeah, a date.”

~*~

They remained seated on the floor for another while, smiling coyly at each other as they tried to encourage Esther to roll over for her rattle, as she had begun to do. Then they had pulled on their boots, forgoing coats for the first time and with Esther under a much thinner blanket than usual, they tucked her into her pram and pushed her into the sunlit street. 

“Gah!” Esther exclaimed as they began to walk and Newt replied, as he had become accustomed to, with utmost sincerity

“Quite right Esther, it is a beautiful day”

“You got all that from ‘Gah”?” Tina asked as she shuffled her hands on the pram handle and Newt huffed a laugh 

“Well, what else would she be talking about?”

“She did throw up on the stock market section of The Ghost this morning so definitely not that.”

“Maybe she isn’t one for politics”

He remarked and Tina rolled her eyes 

“Is anyone, anymore?”

Sensing she wasn’t expecting a response he merely hummed and they walked along the morning streets in comfortable silence which was only breached when they entered the yet-to-be-inundated bakery.

“Heya Teen, Newt got paczkis fresh from the oven” Jacob called as he emptied a fresh tray, seemingly unfazed by their intensely early appearance.

“That sounds great” Tina replied absently, peering round for her sister it appeared and Newt took up position admiring the various fresh breads and pastries ready to be snatched up in the morning rush.

“So what brings you guys here beating the rats?”

“And Queenie it seems,” Newt murmured

“Yeah, she ain’t feeling too hot again so I’m on my lonesome”

“Is she alright?” Tina probed and Jacob gestured up the stairs 

“I’m pretty sure she’s awake if you wanna say hi”

Tina shuffled with the pram handle for a moment before rushing off up the stairs with a mumbled “Back in a second”

“She’s worryin’ too huh?”

Jacob asked as he joined him in watching her retreating back

“It’s Queenie, she's worried about her since we met”

“Ain’t that the truth”

Jacob chuckled as he came around the counter, handing him the doughnut esc treat before leaning over the pram to play with Esther's hands. Newt gratefully tore into the breakfast while watching when Jacob suddenly spoke up

“I wish I knew what was wrong with her”

More than slightly zoned out Newt shook his head

“Sorry?”

“Queen. We’ve started trying for a baby y’know?”

“Oh,” Newt stated, nodding sympathetically and Jacob who thankfully was used to his lack of reply hummed

“Yeah, but it’s only been like two months and I know I don't know the details of that potion she takes, us No majs ain't got nothing like that. My Aunts got eight kids for a reason” Newt couldn’t help the dry laugh that escaped as he nodded sympathetically “but I guessed it was gonna take time, she just seems so-“

“Lost?”

He nodded sadly, letting go of Esther’s hands to instead lean against the counter facing him

“It’s like she still don't quite know what to do and I don't know nothing that can help”

Finishing his paczki he gestured up the stairs to the Kowalski apartment 

“I’m sure Tina can at least start to get to the bottom of it, She may not be a legilimens but she certainly has a knack for interrogation”

Finally, Jacob gave him a short chuckle as he scratched the back of his neck

“One day I gotta watch her do an interrogation on some schmuck” 

He echoed Jacob's amusement as he replied lightly

“It’s rather something to watch, although when it’s directed at me…”

He trailed off and Jacob truly laughed this time 

“That’s also good to watch”

As Jacob's laughter died down they settled into silence again and as Newt's eyes wandered around the windows his thoughts fell back to his and Tina’s dinner plans. A date, something Newt hadn’t been on a single one of. He knew the general idea, his mother was dead set on him and his brother not making fools of themselves but Newt knew that not only were things different in America he also knew that if he did half of the things classed as ‘gentlemanly’ he’d end up with a very angry Tina asking him why all of a sudden she can’t open her own doors. The only real dating ‘advice’ he had received since then had been very much unsolicited advice from his brother. Some of which had come in useful in his and Tina’s private moments most haunted his nightmares. Which left one man as his saviour.

“Jacob?” The man seemed to snap back into reality as he looked expectantly at him “You’ve been on dates, I assume?”

The man shrugged

“As much as anyone I guess, why?”

Suddenly Newt felt his cheeks heat slightly 

“Tina and I are planning on going on our first date tonight and I’m not entirely sure how to do it properly”

To his horror, Jacob's expression had changed from intrigue to shock and perhaps- Amusement?

“Wait, you guys have been together for what, like four years? You have a kid and you ain’t ever been on a date?”

His voice had become incredulous so Newt stammered to defend himself 

“Technically that’s factually incorrect because Tina and I were not in an official relationship until April”

“You loved each other before you left New York the first time Pal, Technicalities don’t mean squat” He must have seen Newt's face shift as he held up his hands in defence “I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with it, I'm just surprised is all”

“Yes well, I want to make up for it now”

Jacob nodded thoughtfully

“You see, my usual advice don't seem to cut it with Teen so… All I'll say pal is that you know her best. Just go someplace nice, eat some nice food, take her dancing or somethin’ and give her one of your special compliments she likes. Usually, first dates are like- talkin’ to ‘em tryna find out if they like music or art or something. You’re kinda past that with Tina”

Newt nodded seriously

“So- be myself?”

“There ain’t no one else you can be”

He heaved a deep breath and then looked towards the stairs again. Oddly Tina had not emerged yet so Newt turned to Jacob.

“I’m going to make some arrangements for this evening, would you tell Tina that I’ll be back in an hour or so?”

“Sure” He smiled at Jacob in silent thanks then tucked his case under Esther’s pram and began to wheel her out of the bakery as Jacob called “Get her some flowers too!”

***********Trigger Warning**********

Tina wasn't used to seeing her sister so quiet as she stirred sugar into her tea at the opposite side of the table. She felt a little guilty about ditching Newt when they had been planning to spend as much of the weekend together as possible but Queenie was a special circumstance and Newt wasn't one for holding a grudge.

“Honestly, I’m fine Teen”

“Yeah, ‘cause you look it”

It was true her skin was pale and her entire face seemed mysteriously pulled down.

“You ain’t looking the bee's knees either”

She heard her mumble and Tina rolled her eyes

“I've got a five-month-old baby.”

The memory of that morning came to the front of her mind. Waking up to seeing Newt's retreating figure as he went to the case, Esther's cries soon following. Stumbling into her newly reinstated room and plucking her out of the cot causing Esther to quieten slightly as Tina had held her yet it had taken her slowly rocking them around the kitchen table while her coffee brewed and the milk warmed before she had fully settled in her arms, watching her through big dark eyes.

She snapped out of her thinking at the distressed sniff across the table to see tears falling down her sister's cheeks.

“Queenie?” She simply shook her head and Tina reached across to grasp her hand “Queens? What’s wrong, Y-you’re scaring me…”

Her stomach felt as if it had fallen to her feet as Queenie took a shuddering breath then whispered

“I lost a baby…” before dissolving into sobs.

Instantly Tina was on her feet as she moved around the table and took her baby sister in her arms. Queenie’s crying grew even louder before she buried her face into Tina’s belly and all Tina could do was rock her gently while humming along to a song she liked to think she knew from her mother but time had made her unsure. They continued in that way, clinging to each other until finally, Queenie had calmed enough for her breaths to only be interrupted by the occasional hiccup. Choosing not to speak aloud she instead thought toward her sister ‘You ready to talk now?’. There was a brief moment of silence then Queenie shuffled so that while her head was still resting against Tina’s middle her tear-stained and makeup-streaked face was exposed.

“I’d only just started to guess I was pregnant… I wasn’t sick but I weren’t feeling too great. We’d only just started tryin’ anyway” She swallowed harshly and Tina pushed Queenie's hair out of her face in a silent prompt to continue “I was waitin’ until I’d figured it all out before tellin’ Jakie then-“ She choked on a sob again and Tina squeezed her tighter “-and then they- they were gone!’

“Oh Queenie” Tina whispered into the crown of her head as Queenie broke down again, crumbling under the weight of her tears.

“I didn't even really know them and they were gone! And Jacob doesn’t know anything ‘bout it and I just got thinking that maybe I’m like Aunt Ede and-“

She said something else but it came out as a string of inaudible gasps 

“Queenie we don’t know if Aunt Ede had anything to do with anything-“

“Mama lost babies too, remember!”

That had been a rather awful night, their Aunt angry and spilling every dirty secret she could think of in order to ruin the memory of their mother.

“Queenie-“

“What if I’m broken?” Queenie just kept sobbing “I just wanna baby!”

Deciding enough was enough she took half a step away and crouched down to her sister's eyeline. 

“You listen to me Queenie Goldstein-“ seeing Queenie's bloodshot eyes shift up to meet hers “You are not broken. Sometimes- sometimes stuff happens but it ain’t and will never be your fault!” Tina was startled to find her cheeks growing damp as she gripped her sister's shoulders “You’ll be a Mama, I know you will”

At that moment she put up her occlumency shields to give her some respite from the sudden peculiar feeling spreading through her. She had forgotten about the apparent family problems and now Tina felt a strange stab of anxiety.

“I still wanna babysit tonight though”

She heard her sister sniff and she came back to herself to cock her head and murmur

“How do you…”

“I could hear it in both your heads when you came into the bakery”

She sighed 

“You don’t have to Queenie”

“No- I love Esther, she’s beautiful” Queenie insisted, drying her eyes with a swipe of a palm “It’s ‘cause of her I know what I want and you guys deserve a night out- You better wear that dress you were savin’”

“How do you know-“ On the back of her quirked eyebrow she shook her head “Never mind. Thank you”

Queenie took a long sip of tea before smiling weakly 

“You’re welcome”

*******End*******

It was only as Newt was halfway to the Italian restaurant (he had also heard some of the Aurors bragging about their high society dates on occasion) that he realised that it was still rather early, the morning rush barely beginning. Now Newt would be the first to confess that his years travelling the world and his refusal to mesh with most of his colleagues meant that he had a bit of an altered view on the general routine but even he knew that often restaurants weren’t exactly accepting visitors at such an hour. Yet a quick glance down at Esther, who appeared to be frowning slightly in the sunshine, made him continue on. He sincerely doubted he would have coped without Tina, which made his indefinite staying time uneasy at best, and he felt that they had more than earned a night to just be a young couple.

“Isn’t that right Esther?” He spoke aloud in reference to his thoughts and she gave him a gummy smile as she waved her rattle he’d passed her. “Yes, and you get an evening with Auntie Queenie and Uncle Jacob”

“Ba”

“Quite right”

He chuckled to himself as he rounded the corner to come into sight of a quaint Italian restaurant decorated with green wooden signs. 

He’d eaten lots of food on his travels and he did quite like Italian food. The number of people emigrating had increased in recent years and with it had come an explosion of different cultures, another reason he believed he felt rather more at ease in New York than expected. So with an awkward smile to two elderly Italian women who cooed over Esther momentarily, he walked over to the restaurant doors.

Peering through the glass he squinted when he noticed lights on in the rear of the building. Trying to decide what he should do next he jumped at the sound of an accented voice over his shoulder

“Signore, I’m afraid we do not open for quite some time”

Leaping around he saw a man rather reminiscent of Jacob in size and stature but a much more elaborate moustache carrying a crate ladened with Tomatoes off a horse and cart piloted by a teenage boy.

“Yes, um hello, I’m sorry” Clearing his throat he offered another grimace he hoped passed as a smile “I was just wondering- would it be possible to- if it wouldn’t be too much of a bother-“

“Ah, the English” the man chuckled good-naturedly “you apologise for everything and nothing at the same time!Come in signore, bring the angioletto as well”

He opened the door as Newt went to heave the heavy metal pram before it lifted seamlessly off the ground and into the restaurant. Looking around he caught eyes with the Owner's grin.

“What MACUSA doesn’t know, does not hurt, ay?”

Newt let out a dry chuckle at what Tina would think of that as he followed the man and his tomatoes towards the back of the restaurant where a similarly small woman with tanned skin greeted him with a toothy grin before chopping tomatoes at an almost alarming pace.

“My- um partner wouldn’t agree but she works there”

“Ah we get many Aurors in here- but one taste of mio cucciola’s sugo-“ he clicked his fingers then and Newt nodded, smiling slightly at the word

“Cub?”

“Ah!” He exclaimed, turning to grin in a way very reminiscent of Jacob at the woman still furiously chopping tomatoes “She acts a lioness but I know”

He leaned in close as if telling a conspiratorial secret “She’s a cute scricciolo”

“Lorenzo?”

A call came from the back 

“Yes, Mi Amore?”

“Stop it before I add you to my sugo!”

The man nudged him with a laugh, stating admirably

“My lioness”

Before pulling out a large stack of parchment with names written in a long list.

“Now Signore, a table for two- A lover's dinner perhaps?” He raised an eyebrow and Newt stammered 

“Um yes, just the two of us, Esther is staying with her Aunt and Uncle”

“Sì, romance?”

“Uh, preferably?”

Whether it was his hesitance or his choice of words that made the man laugh he wasn’t sure, but after a moment of guffaws he scribbled something on the page.

“I’ve got a table in that window-“ he gestured to a singular table overlooking the street “Very romantic and you strike me as a man of privacy”

“Um yes, that would be nice-“Then a thought struck him “How did you know I was a wizard and not an auror?”

The man chuckled at his own private joke 

“You are Signore Scamander are you not? You are well known even in these parts”

“Well- yes”

“See, I know many things. And you never seem to seek the public”

“No, It usually finds me” 

He mumbled to himself and the man slapped him on the back so hard he almost fell over.

“So, a table tonight?”

“Um yes?”

He scribbled on a ticket and handed it to him, the parchment feeling oddly warm until he looked down to see that the ticket had a magical golden Wolf running up and down it before it howled at an engraved moon. 

“So we know when Wizards are present”

Newt nodded in understanding before murmuring 

“Thank you, we’ll return tonight”

“Yes-“

“Lorenzo!”

A bellow called and the man tapped his shoulder again as he sighed lovingly

“My lioness beckons”

Before walking back towards the kitchen area. 

Taking that as a signal to let himself out he pushed Esther out the door and then carried her and the pram back into the busy street before pushing her towards the bakery.

He hadn’t noticed but in the rush of people he had ended up on the same jewellery-laden street that he and Jacob had confronted a lion on and on instinct checked his case for any of Teddy’s pilfering paws. He still wasn’t a fan of Esther who managed to take up both his and Tina’s attention without trying and Newt was waiting for the day the little Niffler decided to go on a revenge tour of 47th Street.  However despite the fact he was now in need of something to drink and Esther would soon need a change he found himself slowing down in front of a glass case of rings spanning almost the entire window. 

A lot of them had rather ostentatiously large diamonds in them, designed for upper women forced to be decorations and housewives, with gold and silver bands which pushed the price up into the thousands. Yet there were a few of a more simple make, elegant but not obtuse like the rest and Newt found himself inexplicably drawn to one on the far side. On all sides it was surrounded by beautiful stones yet, for some reason, Newt barely registered them. It was a single diamond, a silver band which appeared to wrap around the stone meaning it lay flatter than most of the other rings. 

“She could still wear her gloves…”

He murmured to himself, watching the light refract through the stone before shaking his head.

They were getting there but they had only been together for two months

‘Four years actually’

His brain rather unhelpfully added and Newt huffed as he dragged his eyes away and continued down the street towards the bakery. 

The image of the ring adorning Tina’s finger firmly rooting itself in his mind.

Chapter Text

Tina examined her reflection with a scrutiny she usually left for crime scenes as she kept removing and pulling back on her headband causing her to have to keep repositioning her curls once again with a frustrated huff.

She was well aware she was being ridiculous. Newt had seen her in everything from filmy undergarments she pretended she didn’t own to her work clothes to her four-day-old pyjamas when she caught the flu and spent almost the entirety of one of his visits with her head down the toilet. Yet she wanted it to be perfect, for once for them to have a normal, fun, evening. She wouldn’t change her life for the world but she had to confess, she was looking forward to a bowl of pasta in a restaurant where Newt could talk about his creatures and they could share a bottle of wine.

Yet her damn headband was standing in the way. She was about to throw the thing at the wall when a distracted voice came into the room.

“Tina, have you seen Esther’s Hippogriff? I have a feeling she’s lobbed it somewhere…”

He trailed off at the end of his statement causing her to turn around.

He was wearing a suit, well as close to a suit Newt ever got on a day to day, with his usual brownish trousers and a blue suit jacket similar in colour to his old coat. His waistcoat was a sleek dark green silk but currently, his top buttons were undone and his bowtie hung loosely around his shoulders. On his hip sat Esther who was looking rather unbothered at not having her Hippogriff or at her appearance apart from a happy bounce, rather the opposite of her father.

His mouth was open slightly, his jaw loose, and his eyes were wide as he watched her awkwardly move her hair behind her ears. Under his gaze, she couldn’t help the heat that rose on her cheeks and she smiled shyly.

“Tina you look- you look-“ he coughed “You look so beautiful”

She smiled her thanks

“You look handsome”

He flustered at that, bobbing his head as he scanned their floor, although out of embarrassment or for the missing toy she wasn’t sure. 

“Thank you.”

At Newt's reaction, she dropped the headband onto the dresser and smoothed down the dress

“I uh-“ She heard Newt speak up, the hand not holding Esther up gently skimming over her cap sleeve to touch the soft fabric “I haven’t seen this one before”

“I was saving it, it was the last one Queenie made me before…” her voice trailed off at the memory before she cleared her throat “It was meant to be a- Not a forget about you dress but-“

“A, um, getting back out there dress?”

She blushed again

“Yeah…” she turned around and rested her hands on his chest “But I always kinda hoped it would be for you”

He ducked his head with pinkened cheeks as he let out a shy mumble

“Well I feel quite honoured”

Then his hand left her shoulder to instead unwrap her hair from Esther's chunky fist and tuck it gently behind her ear. Turning her attention to her daughter she smiled and similarly moved her hair out of her eyes.

“Having fun Es?”

Esther grinned at her around her new ‘baby soother’ Peterson had told her about after he had his sister and nephews stay with him for a week. It had taken some hunting but eventually, they had found the simple white rubber dummy and Esther had taken to it quite happily to the point that now if she started to get unsettled it tended to calm her enough to sleep. Something Tina often struggled to do on her own.

She hadn't told Newt but she did feel somewhat guilty that she wasn't able to be a normal mother. Tina worked and the only way she fed her was through a bottle. There had been one instant when Esther had decided that sleeping was beneath her and the only thing that had soothed her was resting on Tina's bare skin as she rubbed her back, but other than that Tina was much more of a father than a mother in reality. It was Newt who stayed home all day with her, she might have been the one to put her to sleep and got her up in the morning but it was Newt who got up in the night to settle her back down, Newt who could change her diaper in a minute flat and Newt who went wandering through the Market on a Tuesday morning pushing her along as he bought vegetables and cheese. 

Tina wasn’t sure if there was a title for what she was, but she didn’t particularly mind.

“Have you seen her Hippogriff?”

She heard him ask and she snapped out of her bubble to look him in the eye.

“Uh, no I don’t think so- I don’t think she’s too strung up about it though”

Esther answered her statement with a happy gasp as she kicked her legs wanting to get into her arms causing Newt to pass her over.

“I just want her to have it when she goes to Queenie and Jacobs-“ Half the statement, however, was muffled by him sticking his wand into his mouth as he crouched under the bed. He then promptly half disappeared under it and Tina chuckled to herself, resting her cheek on Esther's tufts. She may not feel quite like a mother, but she sure did love the baby in her arms.

“Your Papa’s silly isn't he?”

She murmured into her hair and Esther babbled something as she pulled on her sleeve just as Newt reappeared with his hair somehow an artful disarray clutching Esther's toy Hippogriff, a gift from Newt's mother had sent a week after their rather eventful departure.

“Here we are” He murmured as he stumbled to his feet, passing Esther the toy Hippogriff for her to throw it on the floor with a delighted exclamation, it bouncing to a stop by Newt's feet. In response, Newt crouched slightly and shot her a look Tina usually only saw him use with Teddy when he managed to break his way into their silverware. “Really?”

“Maybe she’s gonna be a- What are the guys who throw the quaffles in Quidditch?”

“A Chaser?”

“Yeah… Or a Spotter in Quadpot”

He picked up the Hippogriff but this time tucked it under his arm and Tina went to go to the door when he froze in the middle of the room.

“Newt?”

He swallowed harshly as he stepped forward to hold Esther’s flailing hand

“She’ll be okay, won’t she?”

Suddenly his concern over the Hippogriff made much more sense as she used her free hand to squeeze his wrist.

“She’ll be fine, she’s having a sleepover with her Aunt and Uncle. Probably the first of three billion” He let out a noise of amusement at that before going back to worrying his trouser pocket “Newt- Newt?” He looked up at her and she offered a gentle smile “We don't have to leave her overnight if you don't want to?”

His response was instantaneous as he shook his head 

“No- It will be good for all of us I think to have a night away I’m just…” She tilted her head imploringly as she shuffled closer so that Esther fit neatly between them “I don't want her to think she’s been abandoned again”

“She won’t.” Tina said with a sense of finality yet seeing Newt's unchanging expression  “She won’t Newt. She’ll fall asleep with her Aunt and Uncle fussing over her then after a couple of wake-ups where she doesn't know what’s what then we’ll be there” Watching him nod silently an idea sprung into her head that instantly made her cheeks colour yet desperate to see the uneasy features on his face ease she leaned in with a conspiratorial smile and whispered “And I’m sure I can come up with ways to distract you”

Finally, Newt's face broke into a shy but genuine smile as his blush became apparent on his cheekbones.

“I’m sure you can…”

They then giggled like teenagers greatly upsetting their daughter who narrowed her eyes rather oddly reminiscent of Theseus.

“I’m sorry little one, are your Mummy and I causing a fuss?’

She let out a whine which sounded enough like a “yes” to send them both giggling again. After they had gained their composure enough they moved into the living room where Newt immediately set to filling an old carpet bag with Esther’s shrunken cot, bottles of milk and various toys, blankets and clothes. Something which wouldn’t be particularly of note if it wasn't the fact the items appeared to disappear into a bottomless pit.

“Is that a legal extension charm Mr Scamander?”

He gave her a tentative smile

“Um, it depends…”

“Depends on what?”

His next words were spoken to his feet

“How lenient the Head Auror is feeling?”

She narrowed her eyes at him and had she not been holding Esther she would have crossed her arms and began tapping her feet yet Newt was looking up at her in the suit that complimented him far too much and his hair still a decisive mess

“You’re lucky I’m not on duty Mr. Scamander, bribing an auror by looking like that” He furrowed his brows and she chuckled “I’ll forgive you if you take me to dinner”

“Well, how terribly convenient…”He murmured to himself “I happen to have a booking in fifteen minutes and was hoping for company, Miss Goldstein”

Trying to ignore the strange tremor that worked through her at the curl of her name she smothered her flustering with what she hoped was a coy smile.

“Hmm convenient indeed”

~*~

The walk after dropping Esther off was a quiet one. Newt had not only left his overcoat but also his case meaning that as he walked he felt oddly weightless. He would be completely in a spin if it wasn't for the fact Tina's slightly cold hand was tucked in his. She was in a silk coat he had only seen a few times and folded into his side as they walked. 

It hadn't been as difficult as he thought it would be to leave Esther. He still wasn't entirely sure what Tina and Queenie had discussed but Tina had assured him that it was a good discussion and as they handed Esther over the blonde had lit up in quiet happiness. So Newt was starting to feel the beginning of untameable excitement as they walked in the gentle summer breeze. It was only as they idly moved to cross the road that Tina spoke up, squinting at the passing cars.

“I’m getting old…”

“I’d warn you before you continue that statement that I am another five years older”

He replied drily causing her to chuckle

“I'm not saying we’re, old I’m just saying I’m gonna be stuck with glasses soon and they ain’t good in firefights and they’re sort of- y’know,” watching his expression as they crossed the road “Old”

Not really seeing her qualm Newt shrugged 

“I think you look quite fetching in your glasses, I’d say more refined and authoritative than old”

Tina wrinkled her nose 

“I’d still rather be refined and authoritative in a few more years”

“I still think you look-“ he paused, the words, as usual, forming a blockade on his tongue causing Tina to turn expectantly in front of the restaurant “You are… Just-“ he dropped his tone and whispered in her ear for only her “simply exquisite”

She let out a shy chuckle and as he pulled back away he noticed the pink on her cheeks and the sparkle in her eye as she whispered

“Oh”

Regaining his train of thought he shuffled until his arm was through hers again and gestured up the steps

“Um, shall we?”

She smiled wider and nodded, allowing him to lead her up the stairs.

As they opened the door Lorenzo greeted them with a loud exclamation of

“My Friend!” As he pulled Newt into a hug, something Newt didn’t particularly appreciate as he kept his arms as glued to his side as possible until the man let go. “Ah! Not a hugger! Apologies my friend!” He then elaborately turned to the Host stand to pluck out some delicately painted menus, his gaze dropping to Tina who was still somewhat holding his arm.

“Ah! Your bella signora, good evening-“

He stooped low enough to kiss her hand and he glanced at Tina and offered her what he hoped was a placating smile as she returned it with a slight grimace. The man then turned back to him with an approving gaze “She is beautiful, and very tall, your lioness, non?”

Newt nodded his head awkwardly until finally the chipper man relented and guided them to their seats by the window, Tina allowing him to pull her chair out before he sat opposite. 

Then Lorenzo went waltzing off into the restaurant. It was thankfully not too busy but with enough activity around them so that they blended into the usual Saturday night scene as they rested their heads together to peruse the wine menu before settling on a rich elven red.  Then once Lorenzo had reappeared to take their order they settled into their seats with a basket of fresh bread between them.

There was a beat then Newt murmured

“Jacob said that on a first date, you should talk about music and art and such”

“I suppose that makes sense… Gettin’ to know new people. We’re kind of past that though, aren’t we?”

“Well… I know your favourite song is Let’s Misbehave”

She smiled at him over the top of her wine glass, her lips already a pleasant pink from the wine.

“Yeah… and yours is-“ she hesitated then blushed “I don't know the name of it, it’s- I could sing it from memory you always have it on when you’re working in the case”

Despite her obvious embarrassment at being incapable of recalling the title he still smiled and reached across the table to take her hand.

“It’s okay, I have a few-“

“It’s a waltz, I know that”

“It’s named ‘No one can change destiny’ a muggle creation and rather soothing, I find” He supplied, relaxing slightly as she appeared to lose some of the embarrassment high in her cheeks.

“I like it too, but it’s- soft. I rocked Esther to sleep to it the other night”

“Hmm, she seems to be quite a fan of ballroom music… One day I'll have to teach her to dance”

Tina nodded, her gaze a little more distant as she clearly cast her mind back to a memory.

“You are a good dancer”

“Only when I have a good partner”

He replied lightly and once again she gave him one of those bashful smiles of hers as she murmured “Flatterer” setting her chin into her free hand so her head tilted endearingly. He let his gaze flicker over her, allowing himself enough indulgent moment of disbelief that she wanted him before mirroring her posture and giving her a languid smile.

“Perhaps”

~*~

The rest of dinner was a gentle affair. Of rich tomato sauces and roasted vegetables served with pasta and cheeses followed by a dessert consisting of a slice of chocolate tart with a spoon of cream split between the two of them. They talked of nothing of particular importance: where they wanted to go, potential places to take Esther as she grew and childhood stories consisting entirely of sunshine and misadventures. As Newt sat there watching her laugh over a story about his six-year-old self and some baby hippogriffs he watched her push her hair back behind her ear and he was struck by how much he loved her. He loved her smile, her eyes, the way she looked at him when she was angry, her soft sighs as he hovered over her in anticipation in the dim light of their bedroom, the way she smoothed Esther's downy hair as she murmured the lines of her Yiddish lullaby and most of all he loved that he was the one who got to see all those sides of her. Just him. Like the true Tina was a secret he had gotten to tentatively unwrap.

He loved her.

He never wanted to be away.

And thankfully he didn't have to

Before his mind got too caught up in potential futures he cleared his throat and offered his arm to her as Lorenzo busied himself with slipping their payment into his apron. She took it gently and after a rather vigorous goodbye from Lorenzo and several rounds of compliments, they entered the quiet city street.

There were fewer automobiles in this part of town and most of the street's inhabitants had gone inside long ago. There were a few fellow couples strolling arm in arm between establishments but mostly they were left to their own accord as they began to walk in the direction of a popular Jazz speakeasy which seemed the worst kept secret in the city. 

The temperature had dropped considerably since they had entered the restaurant, the newfound summer still too weak to stave off the cold for long, so Newt found himself overcome with occasional shivers being vacant of his usual charmed great coat until Tina tucked herself into his side with a gentle sigh. There was a moment of silence then she clearly registered his shivers

“You cold?” He nodded briefly and she frowned lightly “You ain’t getting sick are you?”

“I don’t believe so… I feel fine, I think I’m just not used to being without my coat”

“Oh…Do you wanna go home?”

Immediately he shook his head

“Not at all.” She seemed quietly relieved as he added “I’m sure the speakeasy will be warm enough and I promised you a dance”

“You did”

She agreed and as they descended the steps into the speakeasy he cast his mind back to Queenie and Jacobs wedding. It had taken him the first half of the evening to gather the courage to ask her to dance and then spent the rest of it gently swaying them around the bakery floor. He had sworn after that that he would dance with her and even at the New Year's Eve MACUSA ball they had eaten, gotten caught up in excitable conversation from their colleagues then gotten rather caught up in each other.

So as the heat, noise and cigarette smoke hit his face he found himself unable to feel any usual dread as he let Tina pull him through the crowds towards the bar. Due to it being a Muggle establishment, they had to spend quite some time perusing the cocktail menu until they had decided on something that was more whiskey than fruit juice then gone searching to the furthest corner away from the noise. 

They were in a basement of some description with fairy lights and a few stray lamps providing most of the light which was mostly blotted out by the thickness of the cigar and cigarette smoke swirling around against the ceiling. There were candles on each of the tables and in the corner they had wedged themselves in a few other couples talking lowly in one another’s ears. From their perch, they could also see the dance floor,  not too busy so that people couldn’t move but with an energy that had people doing wild modern dances as they span each other around.  He was aware Tina could Charleston and the like but the only dances he was particularly proficient at were mating dances or ballroom waltzes and he doubted Tina would appreciate it if he began doing a Demiguise mating call in the centre of the dance floor. Self-doubt beginning to crawl up his throat, he ceased his scanning of the room so that his eyes landed back on his partner who was watching him with bright eyes as he shrugged off his jacket

“Still cold?”

She remarked and he shook his head, taking a sip of his drink.

“Rather the opposite now, it’s quite eh close in here, don’t you think?”

“Yeah…” She also took off her coat and Newt took it as yet another opportunity to admire her willowy arms and they rested on the sticky table, the faint glimmer of her bracelet catching the candlelight as she cocked her head at him. “If they made ‘em legal again it wouldn’t be such a sweat box”

“I forget alcohol is so unwanted over here” he added as he drank some more “I fear that back in England if you tried to take away Pubs you’d be fuelling a revolution”

“I can’t imagine you in places like that… With loads of husbands all bellyaching about their wives and their mistresses and their work”

“Merlin no” he chuckled “On particularly trying days I might indulge in a few Fire Whiskeys at the leaky cauldron but mostly it’s when Theseus wants a ‘brotherly chat’”

She smirked 

“You say that like he has ulterior motives”

“You've met my brother that isn’t exactly uncommon”

She laughed then, a gentle thing until their conversation was interrupted by a bouncing piano introduction followed by a flurry of trumpets and trombones. A recognisable song from Tina's well-worn phonograph as they cooked or read.

Watching her expression broaden with anticipation he got to his feet and offered his hand before letting her lead him to the now frankly vibrating dance floor. It took a moment of organisation before he had one hand resting on her hip and she had one resting near his neck while their free hands intertwined, most around them had launched into a convoluted two-step but Tina appeared content to lead him through a slightly slower version as they moved around the floor just as the lyrics began.

We're all alone, no chaperone

Can get our number

The world's in slumber

Let's misbehave

Her lips were pulled up in a smile as she mouthed the words and Newt stepped forward slightly to close the gap between them as he breathed the lyrics into her ear

“There's something wild about you child, That's so contagious, Let's be outrageous, Let's misbehave” 

She giggled a little, clearly amused at his put-on accent, before pressing her lips against his neck as he continued.

“When Adam won Eve's hand, He wouldn't stand for teasin', He didn't care about those apples out of season” he licked his lips as another verse began, “They say the Spring, Means just one thing to little lovebirds, We're not above birds, Let's misbehave”

The band in the corner then launched into an enthusiastic instrumental only ending when the final verse began and to his surprise, Tina's voice appeared quietly alongside his own 

“If you'd be just so sweet, And only meet your fate, dear, It would be the great event of 1928, dear” They took simultaneous deep breaths as they completed with drawn out breaths “Let's misbehave, Let's misbehave!”

The dancers erupted into applause as the band took a bow before starting another jazzy tune, allowing them one last elated look between each other before they took off again.

~*~

A few hours and many circuits of the dance floor later, they emerged onto the silent city street. Newt hadn’t looked at his watch but he guessed it was around one in the morning as they began to walk towards their home. Tina was quiet beside him, a content expression on her face, rubbing the scar that wrapped over the side of his hand with her thumb where their hands joined as she looked up.

“It’s a nice night…”

Sensing her thoughts he also turned his gaze upwards

“It is… It’s a shame it’s so hard to see the stars”

She hummed in agreement a pensive look on her face then she turned to look at him“When I was a kid I couldn’t  see the stars, the first time I really saw them was Ilvermorny”  He smiled gently in a silent prompt and she chuckled to herself “I must have spent the whole night just sat in my Dorm window looking up at the sky- couldn’t believe darkness could look so bright”

“I do find it quite comforting…” Newt replied, squeezing her hand “One of those odd little consistencies”

“We’ve always got the stars, right?”

Her face seemed to fall slightly, her still-painted lips drawn beneath her teeth, so Newt tilted his head and murmured

“Yes, you can look up at them and know I can see them too. Wherever we are.”

She sniffed then shook her head, slowing to a stop on the corner just before their apartment

“Tina?”

“It’s nothing, I’m being silly” she replied, taking a shuddering deep breath, her eyes damp.

“I can assure you you aren’t being, what’s wrong Tina?”

“This can’t last forever-“ His expression must have shown so she hastened to continue “It can’t Newt. The past few months have been great, with you and Es and being together but-“

“But?” He gently prompted but she suddenly let out a choked noise 

“But we’re on the brink of war! You’re gonna have to go back to England and- and” To his alarm tears had begun to fall down her cheeks, carving a way through her makeup, so Newt briefly checked that they were alone before apparating them straight into their living room. 

He checked they had managed to land in a furniture-free area then he cupped her cheek.

“Tina, I’m not going anywhere”

“But someday-“

“Someday I may have to go to another country for a few weeks, but I’m not leaving” He then thought back to the meeting he had had with the president last week, one that had ended with him signing a rather long document, causing him to walk over to his coat still hung by the door and pull out a small rectangular card before walking back over and placing it in her hand. She raised it to her eye line then turned to him, mouth agape.

“This is a MACUSA ID?” He then watched as her eyes scanned the line below “Beasts department advisor?! Newt- I thought-“

“Don’t worry” he interrupted “Despite initial hesitance on my criminal record once I’d brought to light the problems it could cause being so negligent he was happy to take me on in an advisory capacity”

“What does it mean?”

“Well, it means that I will answer most things from home here and only have to attend an occasional meeting that I will know about far enough in advance for Queenie and Jacob to babysit” He could still see the hesitation in her wide eyes so he added “It’s not much work in reality, but alongside the book royalties and your salary it should keep us a little more comfortable. So I’m officially-“

However, he couldn’t finish his sentence as Tina had surged forward to connect their lips, her hands grasping his suit jacket as his hands went to her waist, his MACUSA ID drifting to the floor.

They swayed together as he stepped closer, his neck craning up slightly due to her heels until she reached down to slip them off, her lips never leaving his until she leaned a hair's breadth away.

“You’re staying, you and Esther…”

“For as long as you want, and perhaps a little longer” He murmured against her as she rejoined their lips, letting him guide her back towards the door to their bedroom until he crowded her against the doorframe. Whispering in her ear “I love you” before she tugged him through the door.

Chapter Text

Tina awoke to screaming. Something that would’ve been a lot more traumatic had she not fallen asleep with her five-month-old adoptive daughter asleep in her basket set on the floor beside the couch where Tina had flung herself the moment she got home. It had been another exhausting day with a disrupted reconnaissance mission that she and a couple of the most experienced Aurors had taken part in and had ended in a firefight. They had won in the end but her body was definitely worse for wear, a few old injuries rearing their heads as she tried to sit up to take Esther into her arms. It probably hadn’t helped that after her and Newt's frankly wonderful date he had caught the Flu and spent the last several days with an alarming temperature, vomiting and refusing to let her take care of the Creatures and Esther insisting that he was fine.  

This had resulted in him, despite his best efforts, becoming more of a hindrance than anything as she tried to make sure everyone was fed and comfortable before she left for work before returning, cooking dinner then repeating the process. Accumulating in her being physically exhausted enough to drop off just about anywhere, but thankfully not tired enough for Esther not to rouse her.

“Hey, Pumpkin? What’s wrong?”

Looking over Esther quietened a little but she lifted her arms up as her lip wobbled, tears streaming down her face as she attempted to sit up. Tina sat up and then pulled her up and into her lap so that her chin rested on her shoulder. 

“Hmm?”

She murmured as Esther quieted, a wobbling babble interrupting her tears as Tina manoeuvred her to the floor to change her. The carpet was immediately of more interest than her arms and as Tina placed her on the rug she flung one fist to pull on the short threads as her eyes followed her every move. As she sorted her fresh clothes and a nappy out she straightened the newest dress Queenie had presented them and asked her

“Does that feel better?”

Before being interrupted by a hacking cough, deeper and rougher than Tina had heard from fire victims yet unlike when she was dealing with fire victims she gave a gentle eye roll and turned to the door where the cougher stood. 

He was leaning up against the door frame with his pyjamas hanging slightly looser on him than usual thanks to his days throwing up, his face pale yet a very unconvincing smile on his face.

“I thought you were both asleep?”

He croaked, shuffling over to where she was crouched on the floor. Ignoring him momentarily she looked down at Esther who had clapped her hands together in glee at the sound of Newt's voice and sighed 

“Your Daddy…” Before turning to him “I thought you were too?”

He sat heavily onto the chair and with a tired murmur replied

“All I’ve done for a week is sleep-“ he coughed again “I couldn’t stand to look at our ceiling anymore-“ he paused and his eyes settled more firmly on the two of them “and I’ve missed you both”

She lost some of her annoyance at his refusal to be in bed and scooped Esther up so she could sit beside him.

Esther, who had been thoroughly confused by Newt's avoidance of her in a desperate hope to keep her well, let out another happy noise as she clapped again until Newt leaned over and lifted her into his lap.  

“How are you, My little Love?”

Esther leaned into his chest and moved her tiny hand up to pull Newt's bowtie into her mouth where she then began to suck on it thoughtfully.

“Well she’s got a clean diaper, a full belly and is now having cuddles so I don’t think she’s doing badly”

“Ah, simple pleasures I see”

“Something like that”

She shook her head with a smile as she traced one of the downy hairs that had developed into delicate ringlets on Esther’s scalp, tucking herself further into Newt's side with a contented sigh.

“Are you feeling better?”

Tina murmured after a while and Newt let out a dry chuckle which morphed into a cough.

“Much thankfully, it hasn’t been an enjoyable few days I must confess”

“No, it’s not been good, but I think we’ve got away with her not catching it”

“Quite a relief”

They shared a chuckle and then leaned further into one another, watching the rain of a summer shower begin to trickle down their windows.

~*~

The next evening found them pressed together in their shared bed, on their backs and breathing heavily as they gradually regained their breath.

“Well-“ she heard Newt begin roughly “That was thoroughly enjoyable”

Her face had already been pink thanks to the heat of their room and their activities but she was certain she blushed harder at his words as she rolled over to watch him. 

The only light in the room was her old lamp which illuminated just enough of his face that she could see he was equally red, his blush washing out some of his freckles as he stared at the ceiling coming back to himself. Despite her embarrassment at what had been a rather more energetic night than they usually partook in, she couldn’t help her gentle chuckle as she pushed their rumpled covers aside so they were lying side by side and settled into the pillow. 

He took a few more minutes then rolled over to truly face her. He didn’t speak for a moment, seemingly taking a second to map the features of her face in an achingly familiar motion, until he whispered

“Hello”

“Hi…”

She replied, her voice slightly higher and more emotional than usual, and he wordlessly traced the shape of her face with his finger. Tina watched as he tilted his head slightly, his trail lingering on her still-pink cheeks before he murmured

“I love you”

“I love you too,” he tucked his arm around her waist and pulled her in closer, watching her expression as intently as she was watching his, before waving his hand and summoning the blanket from the opposite end of the bed. She scowled teasingly as he tucked it around them both while saying 

“You’re not meant to be using wandless magic so soon after being sick”

“Hmm I think I’m alright ”

He pulled her closer and she rolled her eyes while pecking his cheek then whispered

“I’m glad you’re feeling better, but did no one never tell you you’re a terrible patient”

His eyes shined as he let out a shy chuckle, burrowing his head into the pillow so his hair grew even larger around his head 

“It may have been mentioned- once or twice over the years” his smile grew slightly sad momentarily “Used to drive Leta mad, especially when she would then immediately catch whatever it was- I suppose the time after Hogwarts only made me worse. It was just me, so if I didn’t get up and feed the creatures- they didn’t eat”

Tina mirrored his expression before reaching over to flatten his hair and nestle in so her head was resting partially on his arm as she pondered what to say. She tucked her nose into his neck and then whispered

“Well… You’re never gonna have to worry ‘bout that again”

“No…” She felt his smile as he kissed the crown of her head “I suppose so”

There was a moment of pure silence, the noise in the room diminishing to just their shared breaths and Tina felt her eyes becoming heavier. They had just slipped close, the action followed by the click of her lamp being switched off, when suddenly distressed wails echoed across the wall they shared with their daughter. 

“Mercy Lewis”  She grumbled, rolling over automatically while reaching blindly at the floor for anything resembling clothing as the cries reached their peak when Newt gently pulled her back until she was almost horizontal on the bed before sliding out the other side. She sat back up slightly and raised an eyebrow as he grabbed his worn dressing gown off of the chest of drawers, he simply gave her a small smile in the dim light

“As I said, I’m feeling much better”

Before padding out of the room with a very rare wink.

She remained unmoving, listening as Newt creaked open the door and began cooing causing Esther to quiet slightly. As her cries diminished minutely she let herself relax into the pillows, her eyes slipping shut once again when Newt's voice travelled from the hallway 

“Tina!?”

Guided more by her auror instincts than anything else she leapt out of bed and grabbed her robe off the floor before rushing into the next room. Esther was still bawling, her face tearstained and an alarming red colour which reminded Tina of those first nights after Newt appeared in her office as she clung to him.

“What’s wrong?” She blurted, her words tumbling out of her mouth, and Newt shook his head frowning as he pressed the back of his hand to Esther’s clammy forehead.

“She’s been sick.”

“Oh-“ 

Esther’s cries suddenly became more desperate as she caught sight of Tina causing Tina to step forward and take her into her arms. Newt froze for a second, clearly a little disoriented by all the screaming, before shaking his head and saying

“I’m going to get my wand to clear the mess” as he left the room.

Tina was equally at a loss at what to do as the last time Esther had been ill everything had been new so she had hardly separated it from the general chaos from those first few weeks. This left her with a screaming baby far too late in the evening and not a thing she could do to stop her. Therefore her only option was to gently bounce her as she grabbed the toy hippogriff (who had thankfully avoided getting caught in the crossfire), her dummy and her blankets and carried her into their living area. Concerned about her being able to throw up she propped her up on her lap and then began to try and coax the dummy into her mouth. Thankfully her screaming had now reduced to occasional gulping whines but she seemed too unsettled to do anything but grasp at her dressing gown and whimper.

“Oh Esther…”

She let out another pitiful whine at the sound of her voice causing Tina to cradle her closer as her eyes flickered around the room for anything that might make her feel better. Last time Esther had been ill it had been the repercussions of being left on a step and they had been sent home with a variety of potions to help. This time they had nothing but the contents of Newt's case and she had no idea what in his rather expansive apothecary would actually be of use.

Deciding to do her best to keep her calm until Newt resurfaced from cleaning her bed she reached for her wand before remembering its current position by her bedside and hauling herself to her feet. She stumbled slightly, the weight of the day catching up with her for a moment, but maintained her gentle swaying as she manoeuvred the needle on Newts' beaten-up phonograph to the start of whatever record had been crackling along that afternoon. Thankfully the last that had played was a rather gentle sonata movement and with Esther quieting even more at the noise that usually accompanied her afternoon naps she began to rock them around the living room.

~*~

Newt stared at the wall of potion ingredients which stood above his desk with something which felt more akin to fear rather than anything remotely productive. His eyes wandering over each meticulous label as his mind rifled through his mental reams of information for something useful he knew. It was insanity. He had spent over a decade caring and tending to magical creatures and now the most magical creature of all was suffering and he had no idea how to stop it.

Apparently, his tutting and sighing had awoken Pickett who had conceded to staying in the case for the evening, he had thankfully finally gotten a hold of that being in his top pocket when he and Tina were having a private moment was a rather risky place to be. Therefore the bowtruckle had settled for a sapling Newt had not gotten around to planting of wand quality Maple after the most recent spat amongst the bowtruckle family and was currently chirping questioningly from his branch.

“Sorry Pick, Esther’s rather poorly”

He chirped some more as he dropped onto the desk

“Yes, I know. But unfortunately, I don't believe feeding her some tree sap-soaked woodlice will help…”

Pickett let out a chirp of indignation as he stomped to where Newt kept a jar of crystallised woodlice as a bowtruckle bribe and began chirping about his various opinions. Newt nodded along, rather distracted, until his eyes rested on the bottle beside Pickett's rant. 

Gripe water 

His slanted script read and he nudged Pickett aside to pluck it off of the shelf. He usually used it for Elsie's tummy trouble but he frequently used it on the sickly babies in the case. 

It would have to do.

Grabbing a spare bottle that had been left in the case he climbed out to what may have been the most beautiful sight he had seen. 

Tina was still only wearing her ratty housecoat, a purple one with grey silk trim along the bottom of it, and her hair was fluffed around her collar where one of Esther's hands had latched itself. Her eyes were closed and her chin was resting on Esther’s head, who had pushed her face into Tina’s chest as far as humanly possible but appeared relaxed enough by her stillness. One of his more classical piano pieces he had bought on his travels was playing in the background as Tina rocked herself and Esther around the living room, the moonlight shining through the window illuminating her footsteps. 

“Tina?”

He whispered and despite his best attempt she jumped as she turned to look at him, asking equally quiet

“Any luck?”

He held the bottles in his hand up and murmured “I’m not sure how effective this is going to be…” 

Before turning to the kitchen to assemble a bottle loaded with gripe water. When he turned back around Tina had sat down and shifted Esther onto her back as she reached for the prepared bottle. 

Esther had been becoming more reluctant to drink from her bottle and more interested in whatever was on their plates recently but thankfully she let Tina slip it into her  mouth and began to suck slowly. He watched Tina rearrange her slightly then she looked up at him and gave him a tired smile.

“Never boring, is it?”

He sighed, fiddling with his sleeve as Esther paused to cough.

“No…”Tina then rested her hand on Esther’s forehead “She feels really hot”. 

“Poor little love” Newt murmured in response, taking the slumped cushion beside her “I should have been more careful…”

“Newt, you’ve barely held her all week”

“I know but- She’s so small what if-“

“Nope.” Tina cut in “This ain’t like before. She’s got plenty of weight and she’s healthy. She’s just going to be sick for a few days”

He nodded

“I suppose it’s good I’m feeling better, it’s hardly fair for you to keep taking such a strain”

“I don’t mind-“ she began but quickly stopped as he turned to quirk an eyebrow at her “Okay…” she sighed before continuing quieter “Thank you.”

They sat in silence until Esther pushed the bottle away with a raspy gasp causing him and Tina to look down at her before locking eyes with each other in silent agreement 

“Our room?”

Newt confirmed as Tina already stood up and had begun walking in the direction of their door, causing him to stop the music with a tired wave of his wand.

It took a little bit of manoeuvring to shrink the cot and then to fit it back in their bedroom. When Theseus had been staying over she had stayed in their room but she had been smaller and his belongings hadn’t merged with Tinas quite so definitively. Now it was his badger brush on the chest of drawers, his slippers beside the bed and his clothes half-filling the wardrobe so by the time he had slipped the cot in, Tina appeared half asleep once again with Esther curled up against her. Seeing this, Newt walked as quietly as he could to where Tina was lying on the bed and gently unpeeled her hands from around Esther’s back before carrying his daughter over to her bed. After a slightly tremulous moment where a discarded rattle was kicked across the room, he somehow managed to lower her onto the soft bed and positioned a handkerchief with a cooling charm against her without her waking again. Then he turned off the lights and slipped into bed, the entire house seemingly letting out a sigh of relief.

Chapter Text

The morning light was harsh against Newt's eyes as he attempted to burrow under the blanket for an extra few minutes. Usually, he classed himself as a morning person but Tina had been called into a mission at four something that morning and Esther had managed to throw up on herself twice in the night meaning it was now Newt's turn to be on barely any sleep and in charge of keeping the household standing while Tina presumably was heroic and beautiful, as usual.

Trying to clear his mind, lest the now familiar concerns regarding Tina's job enter his head, he managed to relax into the bed just long enough for Esther's sudden cry to send him shooting upwards and cause him to smack into the headboard. Blinking blearily he cradled his now slightly sore head and looked to his side to see Esther face down and sobbing into her hippogriff. So trying not to groan too loudly as his brain catapulted into wakefulness he sat up and picked up both his daughter and her toy hippogriff and leaned back again. Thankfully she didn't appear to have thrown up again but she was still hot and rather unhappy. It had now been 48 hours since she had first been sick but she still seemed as ill as she had when Newt had first given her her first bottle of gripe water.  Newt had to be honest he knew the first time she was ill properly wouldn't be easy but he spent his entire time either feeding, bathing and reapplying cooling charms or worrying she would somehow choke. The only redeeming thing was that the creatures were fairly low maintenance currently due to a stabilisation in illnesses and climates and he had his first MACUSA case which while unfortunately involving desk work did mean he could keep her in view at all times. 

Deciding he should probably at least start with feeding himself and Esther he cradled her closer against his chest then hauled himself to his feet and shuffled out of the bedroom in the direction of the kitchen area. He then laid her on the table and after a quick change and a warmed bottle, he toasted a slice of slightly stale bread and made his way into the case. Thankfully he now had quite some practice in carrying Esther down ladders so he didn’t even hit his head on the forceps dangling from the ceiling (he would move them eventually) and instead landed rather nimbly on the boards of the shed. Instantly the cacophony of the dawn chorus washed over him and he stepped out into the early fake sunlight to simply blink himself awake while easing the bottle into Esther's mouth.

Slightly disheartened by the knowledge that it would probably come straight back up in about half an hour he tried to distract himself by trying to soothe a still quite stressed Esther with a gentle sway. Letting the heat shift him into wakefulness in blissful quiet until Pickett's squeaking grew louder and louder until Newt cracked his eyes open to see Pickett, hands on his branches, admonishing a rather unbothered Teddy who was admiring a very familiar necklace. Now rather thankful that Esther could hold her own bottle he made sure she had a strong enough grip then walked swiftly over to the source of the commotion and crouched down.

“Teddy…” He sighed and both the Niffler and the Bowtruckle turned to look at him with guilty expressions before Pickett hurled into a rather vocal explanation.

“Thank you Pick for being so diligent but I think I can take it from here”

Pickett appeared a little snubbed by such an action but gave one last huff and climbed up his leg until he settled into Newt's hair. This left him Teddy, who was snuffling guilty while holding the necklace between his paws.

“Is that yours Teddy?”

Newt asked patiently and Tina's pendant was revealed as Teddy defiantly put his paw on it. His heart sank a little at the thought that Tina would be without her necklace. It had once been her mother's and she scarcely took it off, not even to sleep only to bathe.

“Which must have been when you snatched it you pest” He spoke aloud. He didn't even know what was in it but it was important to Tina and that was all that mattered. Used to the Niffler’s antics he sighed and pretended to fix Esther's bottle before slipping his wand out of his pocket and whispering 

“Accio!”  

Teddy let out a string of indignant noises as he slammed his paws onto the floor rather reminiscent of Esther when she was upset and let out a whine as Newt hooked the jewellery onto the end of his wand.

“Look I’m sorry- '' Newt began only to be interrupted by another whimper and he sighed before fishing a Sprink out of the bottom of his pocket and flicking it across the floor. Teddy went bounding after it and Newt silently conceded that attempting to train him could wait another day.

Letting out a yawn he got to his feet and walked back to the shed where the scarf sling he had been using lay ready for him as he tucked the necklace into his pocket. Dougal was sitting in a repurposed dog bed and Newt watched his eyes swirl blue before the Demiguise decided it was too early and curled back into himself and rolled to face the wall. A little jealous of the Demiguise, Newt crouched down to retuck the blanket before moving in front of his desk. It didn't take long to settle Esther on his front and tie her to him in a now well-practised movement. She appeared initially a little upset at the jostling and having her bottle taken off her but once Newt had tucked her to his chest she appeared a little less offended, staring up at him and mumbling something that Newt felt even if she had been able to speak he would not have understood.

“Comfortable?”

He asked, more out of habit than anything and at the rumble of his still slightly sleep-clogged voice she squirmed a little before making a noise. Taking that as confirmation he grabbed her Hippogriff off the desk and handed it to her then moved out into the open area of the case. Thankfully the creatures now fully recognised Esther as his young (and Tina as his mate but he was still avoiding thinking too hard of the connotations of that) so when he carried her on him they often treated him with a little more respect than usual. Any that didn’t he briefly left Esther with Dougal but thankfully that was less common meaning Esther could stay firmly nestled against his chest. He quietly moved between the habitats feeding and tending the creatures in his daily rounds until the last Auguries were fed and their wings checked for the still prevalent lice infestation.   

This left him eyeing up his desk beside the moon calves who were bobbing up and down still chasing their breakfast around their habitat. Part of him was quite content with the arrangement of doing MACUSA work, it gave him the opportunity to do what his brother would call “actual good” and it was his first step to gaining citizenship in America should they decide anything. The other part of him was silently glad when Esther gave an upset warble before throwing up onto his neck meaning he could divert back to the shed to wash them both.

Many uncomfortable hours and a hastily made sandwich later found him taking a break from acquainting himself with current MACUSA creature law. While Esther napped in her makeshift crib constructed out of a hay manger, Newt was standing in the Mooncalf habitat on his incredibly rickety stepladder trying to fix the fake moon. For some reason, the charm had loosened and it had swung down to look like a broken lamp. The mooncalves had got very confused at the disappearance of their favourite thing and were currently staring at the sun in the neighbouring habitat with dazed expressions. His first step was to try and remove the last of the charms but it was proving to be a two-person job as whenever he attempted to pry away the charms the moon slipped from his grip and continued to dangle. He was about to try and persuade Dougal to hold the ladder steady when the sound of the case opening reached his ears.

He turned just in time to see a rather dishevelled-looking Tina holding her coat close to her around her middle as she seemingly peered around before she noticed him and gave him a weak smile. She then walked over as he climbed down the ladder meaning they met at the edge of the habitat.

“Hello” He murmured, bobbing his head as she let out a tired sigh before reaching out for his hand

“Hi…”

Slightly concerned at the lack of response he cleared his throat and squeezed her hand

“You sound as if you’ve had a rather trying day?” 

She gave a dry scoff then continued 

“I found out I was out of bed at 4 for nothing. False lead, I’ve had to suspend someone for one too many mistakes due to the false lead and they got all angry and started threatening me so I then had to demote them and then I found out they’d spread some Bull about me gettin’ ‘Too emotional’ and that I should be with the coffee witches and-“ She let out an angry exclamation before untying her coat and throwing it onto a stack of hay bales to reveal her usual blouse and slacks before returning to stand in front of him with her hands on her hips. He had to confess he found her quite attractive when angry but the furious glint amongst the fire in her eyes made him wisely keep his thoughts to himself and instead let his outrage at her colleagues show in a rather annoyed shake of the head.

“At least he’s demoted now, he’s where he belongs just as you’re where you belong”

She nodded then let out a much more sad-sounding sigh

“Yeah… It’s just…” She sat down on the hay heavily and he moved so that he was sat beside her “I wish people would stop acting like I’m the enemy- The infighting its just making everything so much harder”

There was a beat of silence then Newt cleared his throat

“You don’t really remember the last war I suppose”

“Not really, I was 17 when it finished and we didn't have many wizards enlist over here. There was the occasional black-banded owl but other than that it was like nothing was wrong ” She then looked over at him and tilted her head in clear prompting

“You see during War people are terrified”

“I an auror Newt Ive always seen that”

“No” He replied not unkindly “It's a type of fear I haven’t experienced before or since until recently. It’s the realisation of inevitability. When you’re sitting in tents and realise that half of you will not make it home or that everything you are doing, every man you’ve watched die was just a necessary sacrifice while the ones with the actual power make the decisions…” He took her hand “It takes far more bravery to lead during the waiting, especially while others lose their heads. It’s yet another quality about you which is simply- fascinating”

There was another moment of quiet contemplation then he felt Tina's hand cup his jaw causing him to look over at her 

“What was it like- The last war?”

“Theseus would be the one to ask… I was mostly up on the Eastern Front with the dragons and it was incredibly different to the three weeks I spent on the Western Front until I was um-“ Unable to finish the sentence he gestured to his shoulder where the shrapnel had torn its way through and Tina nodded being familiar with the scar “It was Hell, to be fair. I-I was eighteen and watching people b-be burned- burned alive”

Then all at once an awful wave of memories came crashing over him. They had come back mostly in horrifying nightmares after Paris, the blue flames being a little too close to the memories of the final dragon mission. The one where he had been the only survivor. He was the only remaining member of the Allied Forces Eastern Dragon Front and he had never told anyone about the final mission, not even Tina. But the memories had never left him. Nor had the smell. 

“I’m so sorry Newt-“ He heard her mention distantly and he shook his head to find him not in the middle of a battlefield but down in the case with Tina looking at him concerned “I shouldn’t have asked”

“No- It makes sense for you to be curious-you’re about to live it”

She frowned slightly then brushed his hair away from his eyes before whispering 

“I love you”

“I love you too”  he murmured in response, distracting himself momentarily by watching one of the beetles wrestle with a slightly too large ball of dung before swallowing a truly insurmountable lump in his throat “I love you so much it scares me and the fact that we’re about to live through that again and we have-“ His eyes drifted to Esther who while still visibly feverish had fallen into a rather content sleep.” we have so much more to lose than I ever had”

“But not yet” Tina added resolutely, getting to her feet “Right now we’re still here and we’re still together”

He joined her on his feet and stated 

“Quite right- Um” he continued eloquently before gesturing to the still dangling moon and worrying his hands “And we still have quite the job list I’m afraid”

“Would you like a hand?”

She asked, seemingly catching his desire to leave the frankly heartbreaking premise for another day and soothing him with a small smile. 

“Please”

With Tina’s able assistance the moon was soon reattached to the case ceiling and as he had retightened the charms, the Mooncalves now adamantly watching, Esther had awoken and was now chewing her fist in Tina's arms while Tina gave him instructions. A voice as stern as he had heard her order her department with as she held a flannel to their daughter's head and a toy hippogriff under her chin. 

“Left- a little more left- stop.” He heard her direct as he tilted the moon this way and that until finally he could climb back down from the rickety stepladder and let the Mooncalves crowd around their feet, sharing their excitement at the return of their favourite object in enthusiastic bobbing. 

He carried the step ladder out of the habitat with Tina and Esther in tow and they stopped on the edge to admire the new habitat.

“That looks far better”

“Well, it ain’t dangling no more so I’d say so,” She remarked drily, all previous tension gone “What do you reckon Es? Pretty?” Esther let out a coo then a wet blat as she sneezed “Mmm snot seal of approval”

Newt chuckled at that then took the Hippogriff from under Tina’s chin to instead tuck it under his own arm.

“Well I don’t believe I can ask for more than that”

They shared a giggle then Tina bounced Esther as she asked “ Cocoa?” Then to Esther “Bottle of milk on the rocks?” Esther whined and buried her nose in Tina's collar and Tina grinned. Her eyes mischievous and alight with her rather well-hidden good humour.

“Come-“ Newt declared grandly in a similar fashion “The ladies of the house need feeding”

“I’m a lady now am I?”

“I was talking about Esther and Pickett” Pickett who had been rather content in his pocket blew a loud raspberry at him before hiding in the depths again.

“I could be a lady”

“Love you are far more than just a lady”

“Love?”

He blushed and mumbled as they began to walk to the shed 

“Just something new… It’s-“ he hesitated and she asked as they slipped through the shed door “It’s?”

“It’s what my grandfather called my grandmother…”

She didn’t respond then and he was certain his cheeks were at the very least somewhat red so he tried not to look at her as he took Esther so Tina could climb up the ladder. She began to climb the first few rungs when she stopped and turned back to him, her cheeks pink

“I like it… I haven’t really had a nickname since my Mom…”

He felt his face split open in what was almost certainly a dazed smile as he whispered 

“Good- um I’m- that’s good”

“Yeah…Good”

She echoed before flashing him an utterly disarming grin and climbed up the ladder. Leaving Newt feeling oddly flustered.

Chapter Text

Sunlight filtered down from the fake sun in the case through the gently moving trees, illuminating the vegetable patch Newt was working on with a soft glow. Despite it being five in the evening it was still comfortably warm,  a perfect summer evening in his opinion (even if it was slightly manufactured.) He was in one of the older parts of the case where he had collated vegetables and fruits the world over and managed to fit them into a rather small paddock. Just the right amount of overgrown and providing just the right amount of shade.

It had been a labour of love, as had everything the case contained, and he smiled to himself as Pickett chirped along about his weeding and some of the drama going on in the bowtruckle family. Newt still didn’t know the entire complexities of the family’s relationship despite his best efforts so he simply nodded along while pulling a particularly stubborn carrot intended for dinner. Once it finally relented he sat up on his haunches and grimaced as he wiped his sweaty face with the back of his hand. It felt good to be doing manual labour after a few days reviewing paperwork and minimal creature maintenance needed but it had been a rather long day now and he could feel the ache in his shoulders beginning to crawl down his back. After pulling one more carrot and adding it to his basket he stretched and turned to his side where Esther was sitting watching him with Teddy tucked into her side. She had finally learned to sit up on her own and seemed to quite enjoy watching everything from her newfound height. An enjoyment which grew as his eyes settled on her.  The rate she was growing did scare him slightly, it hardly seemed like any time at all since she was more or less a newborn, but he was enjoying watching it happen.

“Is Teddy looking after you Esther?”

“Gabababa”

She had thankfully recovered rather quickly from her illness and as of yesterday had returned to her bedroom but she was still rather keen to have one of them in her eyeline. She also seemed to prefer it when they were outside, a sentiment he more than shared. 

His hatred for paperwork hadn’t gotten any better over the past few days. It wasn’t his greatest fear anymore, frankly, he knew what would now appear in the face of a Boggart and he hoped to never see it, but he wasn’t made for desks and chairs and indoors. He had chosen to work at the desk which was outside but ultimately it was still an office, even if it was saving innocent creatures from MACUSA’s ‘eradication laws’. 

He was about to start clipping away at his green beans when Pickett started squeaking and pointing past his ears. Turning around he saw Tina approaching the gate, her leather coat absent but still wearing her usual work uniform and a rather thunderous expression on her face which made him freeze his pruning and watch her march to the gate which separated the garden from the rest of the case.  She hadn’t been happy for days, since the first early morning start but this was the most furious he had seen her. He watched as she flung the gate open and as she approached he stumbled onto his feet just in time to catch her in his arms. Her arms wrapped around his back and she buried her head in his chest before taking several shuddering breaths. Taking this as a cue to do something, he began rubbing her back gently while murmuring rather nonsensically in her ear until she finally appeared to gather the strength to lean away. Unsure quite what to say, he tilted his head and asked

“Bad day?”

The absent ‘again’ was implied and her long-suffering sigh was rather telling.

Her lips were pulled tight in a grimace, and she looked at him with an unreadable expression causing him to continue to watch her until she sighed again

“I can’t say why, it’s all-“

“I understand-“

“It’s so balled up!” She exclaimed then removed one hand from his arm to swipe her damp face “There’s kids involved, brother and sister and-“

“Shhh” he murmured as her voice cracked, bringing her back in again “It’s alright, you’re alright” he then smoothed the frizz of her hair from the day “and I’m certain you have already changed their lives for the better simply by being there”

She let out a small sob then and Newt felt his heart clench, her constant exhaustion had made her more quick to cry than usual. Usually, she could separate her emotions but he was also aware that child cases were always tough on her. So he simply set his nose into her hair and let her cry against him. Which she did, until slowly she quieted to sniffs. He was quite content to stand there swaying with her until he felt a small tug on his shirt. Separating slightly he looked down at her confused to see her eyes on Esther. 

“Tina?”

“Has she ever done that before?”

He furrowed his brow and followed her gaze to see that Esther was decidedly not where he had left her on the centre of the blanket and was on her hands and knees nearer the edge. 

“No- um no she hasn’t”

She glanced up at him with a conspiratorial expression before crouching down in front of him. Following her lead, he squatted also and watched as Tina opened her arms and called

“Esther!” 

Then, to his immense surprise rather than muddling her hands and falling face first into the soil she took one shuffle forward then another before crawling slowly, if not a little unsteadily,  towards them.

“Merlin’s beard…” he murmured as Tina repeated “Esther! Keep coming!”

At the praise, Esther’s moves became more confident and soon she was in reach for Tina to pluck her up into her arms as she started laughing wetly. 

“Well done little one” He murmured as Tina kissed her forehead, taking a grabby hand in his.

“I can’t believe she just did it!”

“She was obviously concerned about her Mum”

He offered her a small smile which was thankfully returned as she gave Esther a gentle squeeze 

“‘M sorry about just coming home and crying on you.” She paused then emphasised “Again”

“Tina, I don’t mind in the slightest”

She sighed “I got sent home by Peterson, that's why I was kinda early”

“I was under the impression you outranked him” He replied, crossing his legs and unwinding Esther's hand from the pile of carrots in the basket.

“Sort of but he said that if I didn't go and sleep they’d tell my boss”

He smiled to himself

“You have been there rather a lot this week and when you had been home Esther was poorly…”

“Yeah but… I was managing”

“Yes. Managing. I don't think an early night would be too awful for you”

He watched as Tina yawned and then shook her head

“No, and I'm glad I did come home ‘cause otherwise I would’ve missed well- this”

On cue, Esther let out another happy noise as the carrot once again left the basket and went slowly into her mouth. 

“It’s quite fascinating isn't it?” He began “How much she's grown in three months”

Tina once again tried to remove the carrot but at Esther's insistence smoothed her hair down instead.

“I know… We’ve been parents for three months”

“I’ve been living in New York but three months”

“Yeah…” Tina swallowed before getting a much more pleasant expression on her face “What are we gonna class as her birthday?

“What do you mean?”

“Well, we don’t know her actual birthday. We just know she’s sort of six months old, she could be older than that and just small for her age”

“I suppose we just have to take it as three months before we gained her. The healer seemed quite content with that and we can always do something to commemorate the day, even if she doesn’t know the actual importance of it”

Tina nodded then her smile widening as she gave Esther a gentle squeeze 

“I can’t wait for Christmas, I’ve never been able to buy toys and stuff- No One's got any kids”

“I vaguely remember accompanying my mother to purchase gifts and attend various births and parties of small children when I was young but I believe the mutual dislike between myself and the other children meant that once I was old enough I was left with either my Grandmother or Theseus”

Tina shook her head and rested it on his shoulder, a slightly amused sigh escaping her causing him to ask.

“What?”

“Nothing. Just- you I suppose” He hummed, slightly suspiciously causing her to lift her head so he could see her face.”It isn’t a bad thing Newt” She added “I love you for it”

“And I love you”

He replied with a sigh, getting to his feet and pulling Tina up with him so that Esther dangled between them until he scooped her into his arms properly then they slowly made their way out of the case.

~*~

Several hours later found Newt creeping out of Esther’s room with a discreet wave of his wand causing the lights to dim further and the network of Head Auror-verified security charms to knit together across the doorway. Due to the excitement of her new talent, after a meal of a few mashed carrots and some milk, she had quickly been lulled to sleep in Tina's arms while he had finished his meal.

This had meant that once he had finished eating he had taken their sleeping daughter while she had set to cleaning the various plates by hand, something she often did while on a case that was puzzling her. So when he walked back into the living area he was expecting to see her perhaps finishing drying or maybe even reading on the sofa. Instead, she was leaning over the dining table, eyebrows scrunched, hands slammed on the table and her mouth in a fine line, as she poured over the reams of parchment covering every inch of their table. Amongst the jumble of papers, Newt could make out some photographs, something that looked like recorded speech from a quick quotes quill and a map of New York that he recognised from her office which outlined each individual building, street and illicit hotspot.

“Tina?” He watched her jump at the intrusion but she didn't fully look up. He had a feeling she was now looking in his direction but her short hair had fallen over her face and completely obscured it. 

“Can you come look at some of this?”

His eyebrows furrowed “I thought you couldn’t tell me these things?”

‘I can’t- well I shouldn’t but- You see things different and everyone is saying the clues don't mean nothing but-“ Her voice hardened “It’s all we got”

He moved to stand beside her and she shuffled to allow him space, her features relieved but not surprised. He reached over to pick up the first picture and immediately his stomach turned, two children around five he would guess were covered in bruises and cuts as they clearly cried to the person taking the photo. They were clutching each other meaning that two wounds were visible on their hands, carved with what looked like a cursed blade. 

“A triangle and a circle?” He asked aloud and Tina nodded

 “Everyone else thinks it was a cataloguing method for traffickers but rarely do traffickers do marks that last usually that's the buyer's pleasure” She shuddered at the words and Newt's frown deepened as he examined some of the other photos, an abandoned rope factory they were found in and the blood covered bales of straw they had been forced to sleep on. Then an idea struck him

“Tina, surely as Head Auror you could pursue the lead”

“The President said it was a waste of resources in front of my department, said that if I slipped into old habits I’d be back in wand permits”

“He did what?”

“The second half he said to me afterwards in my office but- I still didn’t really want to risk it”

“So what is this that we’re doing then?”

She turned to him then, properly, and gave him that excited smile with a mischievous twinkle in her eye which he loved so much

“Risking it”

“Right… Explain the case then”

Then she dove into an explanation.

It appeared on the surface to be a rather simple trafficking case. Magical children being shipped to foreign countries most likely to replace squibs or other dysfunctional magical children. But the more layers Tina explained the more strange aspects appeared. Such as the visible injuries to the children or the fact they had only taken two children from a family of seven with toddlers which would have been much easier and less traumatic takings than two dark-haired seven-year-olds. Most traffickers were more intelligent and more refined. They saw themselves as possessing a reputable skill (and Newt had had more than his fair share of runnings with them)but the more information Newt gained the more he began to be suspicious.

“These can’t be practised Traffickers” He stated as he handed Tina a mug laden with coffee so strong it was making his eyes sting slightly. “The equipment and locations they are using read like professionals but the execution is-“

“Crap?”

“I was going to say poor but yes. The only part that seems well executed are the marks on the hands -Did they heal at all?”

“No… We were going to obliviate the kids but the cuts weren't healing. There were no tracking charms or anything on them and it can’t be venom because the kids are fine”

Newt picked up the picture that was focused on the triangle wound, it was times like these when he wished that colour had entered photography, there was some bruising evident but other than that-

“Tina, is there any chance we could see them?”

“I doubt we’re gonna get anything out of them Newt- I had my best guys interrogating them”

“Yes- that’s precisely my point”

He put the image down and looked imploringly at her and she narrowed her eyes at him.

“You’re gonna have to explain”

“Interrogate. Tina love, these are children- damaged children. Aurors aren’t always the best with these things”

“Aurors are trained to deal with this Newt..” she sighed, her mouth forming a frown

“Yes, but not all of them are middle head like you”

Her face settled into a more determined expression.

“Yeah okay tomorrow morning, we’ll see if Queenie can look after Esther for a few hours and then we can go as partners”

“As partners” Newt echoed, trying to avoid showing the absolute joy at being able to work with her again after having to leave her behind during the Qilin, Berlin almost being killed by Grindelwald fiasco.

“Yes Mr Scamander” she chuckled, holding out her hands which he took and then suddenly she looked unsure again “Thank you for doing this- even if it is slightly illegal”

This in turn caused Newt to snort 

“Rules shouldn’t obscure what matters- And this is hardly my first time when it comes to this”

“As if I need reminding, Mr ‘Appaloosa Puffskeins’”

They grinned at one another then as he pulled her in for a kiss which bumped their noses together they shared a giggle before kissing in earnest. They stood there swaying slightly, lips joined, until Tina pulled away to tidy the table with a flick of her wand so that the table would be somewhat usable come morning.

“Come on- bed we gotta be ready for tomorrow”

“Of course, Chief Auror Goldstein”

He bobbed his head slightly jokingly earning a gentle shove to his shoulder as they walked the short distance to get ready for bed.

Chapter Text

The walk to the Kowalski bakery was a quiet one as Newt traversed the almost identical streets that lay between it and their flat. It was just him and Esther as Tina had left in a whirl of papers and toast, pecking him and Esther on the cheek and then almost running out of the house to try and get as much evidence as possible before their own investigation. This had left him to tend to the creatures with a whole new variable he had not accounted for. 

The development of Esther's crawling had been something Newt hadn’t expected to be such a challenge. Until now where he left her was where she stayed, with Dougal on her blanket or in her manger usually with her toy hippogriff, however, that morning he had forgone carrying her with him as some of the more volatile creatures needed to be tended to and instead left her on her mat which until that day she had stayed there. However that morning he had been halfway through bandaging the Nundus paw when Dougal came rushing over waving his arms and cooing causing him to panic, run to Esther (whom he had started envisioning a number of devastating incidents) to see her perfectly fine but a considerable distance from where he had left her and a bucket of grain about to be tipped on her head due to some overzealous tugging.

Thankfully he had managed to stop the fall of the grains with a flick of his wand but the clang of the bucket landing back on the table had startled her to tears. It had taken him about half an hour to calm her down and in the end, he had constructed a makeshift fence to keep her in and then spent the next two hours running backwards and forwards checking she hadn’t somehow magicked herself back out.  

Not entirely conducive for effective consideration of a case but he had decided to leave that for now as he continued his walk to the bakery. It didn’t take long and soon he was pushing the door open and his arrival was heralded with the jovial tinkling of the bell. There was a short queue, the remnants of the morning rush, which he joined without a sound meaning that the first time Jacob noticed him was after he had rung up the customer just before him.

“Newt pal…” He began jovially, dusting his hands on his apron “We’ve talked about this, you’re family.” He lifted up the counter and gestured for him to come through and more than glad he left Esther’s pram outside he walked without mention into the ovens and store room behind the main counter. There were a few stools behind here and he took his seat, folding his legs gingerly under him in a complicated manoeuvre so that Esther could balance on his lap.

“I-I know I’m family” He replied once Jacob had informed Alfred to get on the till and dragged the other stool so they were sitting face to face “It’s just-“

“Still taking some time to get used to?”

“Yes,” Newt answered with an easy smile at Jacob’s easy understanding. He opened his mouth to continue when Esther nearly toppled off his lap in her reaching for Jacob so instead he wordlessly passed her into Jacob's large hands. With three months' growth at least more than her head poked out when Jacob held her but she still appeared small.

“She’s sure growing, huh? I mean her hairs gonna be longer than Tinas soon” he twirled the steadily lengthening curl at the back of her neck as he spoke and Newt nodded.

“It’s going to be quite interesting when it does, I believe both Tina and I are equally hopeless when it comes to hair bows”

“She’s your kid, might be more with the ‘just rolled out of a creature habitat’ look”

“I suppose” Newt replied, smiling at Esther who despite being in Jacob's lap was continuing to watch him with undivided attention, reaching over to stroke the errant tuft that while now curling never seemed to belong on either side of her head.

They sat in a beat of silence, the only noise being the gentle ticking of the ovens, when Jacob asked

“So anything in particular bring you here pal? Not that I don’t like the company but-“ Newt gave a gentle chuckle 

“How did you know?”

It was Jacob's turn to laugh 

“I know you now Newt, You’re fiddlin’ with your bow tie, you usually do that when you’re tryna think how to say something”

Slowly Newt lowered his hand from his bow tie and blushed slightly but nevertheless continued.

“Tina and I are working an um Auror case”

He watched as the larger man's eyebrows furrowed and his head tilted slightly 

“I didn’t think you were working with the aurors like- on the direct”

“No… This is a bit of an underground thing”

“Oh” Jacob stated simply “Tina really hasn’t lost that rebellious streak in her, has she?”

“No…” he laughed gently before sobering “She's been outnumbered by both her department and her superiors but she had a feeling something wasn't right so she took some of the case files and we’re going to do some of our own investigating”

“Tina stole case files?”

“The term is ‘borrowed’ Mr Kowalski” A dry statement came from the door causing them both to turn to see Tina standing in full Auror uniform, Leather coat included despite the heat, with her hip cocked against the door frame.

“Teen! How’s it goin’?” Jacob stood from the low seat with a fair amount of grace considering he was about 6 inches from the floor and holding a baby who at the sight of her mother had begun cooing and reaching wildly. Newt also got to his feet as Jacob deposited Esther into Tina's arms. Tina gave her a welcoming squeeze and then asked

“So I guess Newts briefed you?”

“I was just getting there” He replied and Jacob prompted 

“So Tina’s gone and borrowed case files, Now what?”

They shared a glance between one another then seeing Tinas nod he continued briskly 

“The case was the kidnapping and injuring of two children” Jacob's mouth formed a silent O as he leant heavily on a stack of flour bags. 

“Why would anyone…” He tailed off so Newt continued

“Trafficking.” Then he dropped his voice to a whisper “Magical children trafficking”

“You see I think that’s just given me more questions,” Jacob remarked so Tina took over in a similarly quiet tone

“Jacob in our world you can be born something called a squib. Where a magical family and magical parents have a non-magical child. In theory, if the child is born to half-blood wizards or to one maj parent it is more likely but in reality it can happen to any family”

“So the kid’d be just an average Joe?”

“Yes” Newt replied “They’d have no magical ability, just knowledge of the wizarding world- much like yourself. You see in a lot of prestigious pureblood wizarding families across the world see it as a great embarrassment to have a squib, a sign of inferior magical pedigree so-‘ His throat hitched as he thought of the thousands of pictures he had seen in newspapers world over of missing children, toddlers snatched from parks, causing him to clear his throat and reach for Esthers flailing hand “So rich families will pay to swap a child for one of magical ability. In the best case situations, the squib child goes through muggle adoption”

“And in the worst case?” Jacob prompted again and Tina let out a shaky sigh as she murmured

“The squib child is found drowned or beaten or on a trash heap” At her words, her arms seemingly tightened closer around Esther, who let out an unhappy squeak at her mother's distress. “These traffickers who supply the kids, do awful things, one more off of the street would be great but I also don't think these people are just traffickers. So we’re gonna go investigate and that's where you come in”

Jacob smiled calmly at her 

“You want us to take Esther while you guys do your super secret wizard police stuff?”

“Please Jacob” They both murmured and he opened his arms taking Esther off of Tina and lifting her hand in an imitation of a wave.

There weren’t many things to hand over to Jacob but the small bag Newt had packed that morning seemed sufficient as Esther took her Hippogriff out of his hands to chew on its beak. Then with a quick peck to the crown of her head they walked out of the shop toward the stained and filthy alleyway a few buildings down from the Kowalski bakery in companionable silence. Not speaking even as Tina offered her arm and they disappeared in a twist of light.

They reappeared in an alleyway with soot-blackened walls, so dark it took Newt a moment to realise that it hadn’t suddenly become night again, and a thick smog of noxious fumes which seemed to be billowing from every visible chimney. Creating a layer of smoke around head height which caused Newt to cough daintily before asking

“Where are we?”

“Eastside, the industrial part- follow me and don't slow down”

He acquiesced easily and gestured for her to lead the way, well acquainted with the fact that they most likely were perfectly pleasant people but he didn't really want to find out if he was wrong. Following behind the more he looked the more he realised the similarities between it and Poplar where he had found Esther were unignorable. To the point that he was half expecting the woman who had directed him toward Emington House to emerge and begin questioning him on his heritage some more. The walk seemed to take them through monotonous streets, mud-paved paths and strings of colourful washing breaking up the dowerness of the children playing in the squalor piled up in the corners of the street. The children themselves didn’t seem upset though, making a game at leaping over the piles in continuously exaggerated movements which were only interrupted when a child no more than five fell to the ground and the shouts of an unimpressed mother came from a window. 

Newt never minded places such as this, he had grown up in a rather ostentatious house if he was honest and while that life suited his brother, Newt always found that places such as the east side world over were far more interesting places to be. Tina must have noticed his wandering gaze and she slowed down a step as she asked

“I didn't think this would be your deal?” He tilted his head as he fell more easily in step with her and she continued “I just meant I didn’t- never mind I just knew you were a country kid”

“Yes, I did grow up surrounded by fields and streams” He agreed “But whenever I travelled, given the odd location I spent my time in places like this. There’s far more to learn”

She nodded then “I guess I never thought of it like that”

“I mean it's not like you” He added “It’s not my life and soul” causing Tina to let out a soft laugh 

“It’s not my soul Newt”

“Perhaps not, but it is a large part of your life”

They came to a stop in front of an entryway, the door hanging off of the hinges in a slightly tired manner causing it to fit oddly in the doorframe, and Tina went to push it open when she smiled at him

“Which I'm glad you’re willing to share with me, now-“ 

She pushed open the door and they began to slowly climb the stairs until reaching the top floor where there were a few clearly handmade children's toys littering the corridor as well as a ball that looked suspiciously like a Quaffle. However, Tina paid no mind and stepped around them until they were in front of one of only three doors. She knocked and waited until a small, wiry dark-haired woman appeared at the door, her long hair pulled back by a pale blue headscarf and exhaustion pinching her features.

“Chief Auror Goldstein?” She questioned standing firmly in the doorway, arms going to cross defensively over her chest

“Hello Mrs Avrem” Tina replied gently but Mrs Avrem simply huffed then whispered, checking for any eavesdroppers it seemed.

“I have nothing to say to you people, My children were tortured and you’re saying there’s nothing that can be done. Just something that ‘happens’ If my husband were here he’d-“

“We understand that Mrs Avrem and We’re  just as angry as you are- which is why we’re here” Tina interrupted, hands held up slightly in defence, then seeing Mrs Avrem lower her arms slightly she continued “We don't believe that either, unfortunately, some of my department are a little more close-minded but- I won't see children hurt by others selfishness”

Mrs Avrem studied them for a moment, eyes narrowing in particular at himself standing crookedly alongside Tina with his case wedged against his leg, before opening the door and letting them in.

In contrast to the corridor, the flat was full of warmth and obviously under the influence of at least one undetectable extension charm by the way the windows seemed to be almost bulging out of the room. There seemed to be one main room much like the old Goldstein residence with a kitchen and large dining table at one end of the room then crowded around the fireplace were a variety of sofas, chairs and stools (some even with the MACUSA insignia on them) all padded with hand knitted blankets. Alongside one of the more established chairs was a small cradle rocking under the influence of a charm Newt had become more than familiar with in the past few months. Inside was a baby sleeping peacefully, thumb in mouth and thoroughly unbothered by the ruckus of their arrival.  Newt decided to try and steer clear of the cradle and instead perched awkwardly against the dining table while Mrs Avrem drew her wand and caused a teapot to leap to life and float over to the seating area to which she was gesturing to.

He and Tina sat on the only sofa present and accepted the matching floating teacups with gentle smiles. Once Tina had taken a sip she began 

“So firstly I'm going to ask for you to be completely transparent about anything the children have experienced”

“You see Miss Goldstein, I don't know. They won't talk to me” She sniffled “It’s like they took their voices as well” 

Tina reached over and rested her hand on hers 

“That’s why we’re here, Mrs Avrem, we want to find out who did this. My Partner Mr Scamander here is good at looking at things in different ways”

“You’ve joined the Beast Department from England haven’t you?” Newt was a little thrown by the question but cleared his throat and replied

“Um yes, I worked at the ministry before but I’ve worked a lot on trafficking cases both on and um off record and I do really think I can help”

“No sorry it's okay, it's just my husband Samuel Avrem he’s head of house elf management, directs them, does any wizard-only charms and he said he met you the other day”

A memory dawned on Newt

“Yes, he had a rather long discussion with me on the importance of ethical house elf treatment within MACUSA. It’s very rare I find someone as incensed by their mistreatment as myself”

“That’s my Sam for ya. Always standin’ up for the little guy” She then turned to Tina “He’s been so angry, he’s with the boys at the moment. Playin’ quadpot”

“ We understand”

Mrs Avrem took a long steadying breath 

“What do you need me to do?”

He and Tina shared a look then she nodded and said

“For now we just need to talk to them”

Mrs Avrem sighed then stood up and beckoned them towards an open door behind the dining table. It led onto a corridor with four more doors which were warped by extension charms and they waited as Mrs Avrem walked to the third door and opened it.

“Jonah, Miriam?”

Simultaneously Newt and Tina peered into the room to see two small child-size beds side by side adorned with the same colourful array of knitting as the living room. The room was a striving for cheery yellow and it was clear that the trees and flowers decorating the room were hand-painted with great care. However, only one person was visible in the beds, a small boy with dark hair like his mother and wire-framed glasses perched on his nose as he drew on a sketch pad. The bed beside him held a distinctly child-shaped lump which at their arrival had shuffled but not revealed a child.

“Hi Jonah,” Tina said gently, raising her hand in greeting, and Jonah looked at her wide-eyed before shaking his head and saying in a quivering voice, lip wobbling.

“You said we didn't have to talk no more ma’am”

Tina took a tentative step forward before crouching down so she was at eye level with the boy.

“I know and I’m sorry I’ve gotta come back here and make it all hurt all over again but I wanna make sure that no one’s hurt like you again”

Jonah just shuffled, dropping his pencil causing the triangular cuts from the photograph to be more visible. Instantly he leaned around to look at the cuts, trying to look over Tina’s head, which seemed to be the wrong thing as Jonah appeared to try and sink into the wall as he asked 

“Who are you?”

Tina turned around to see who he was addressing before stepping aside and gesturing for him, causing Newt to crouch in a similar position to herself just slightly closer to the head of the bed.

“I’m Newt, I’m here to help Miss Goldstein”

“Are you an Auwa?” He asked clumsily and Newt shook his head, looking down at the floor rather than at the boy in hopes of appearing as non-threatening as possible.

“No, I’m a um friend of Miss Goldstein, I help sometimes and right now I'm here to help you”

“Are you like Miri?” 

“Am I like who?”

He pointed to the blanketed lump beside him

“She doesn’t like looking in eyes, she looks at feet instead”

“Yes, I suppose I am,” Newt said slowly, glancing up 

“She hasn’t talked since they hurt her”

“I see, that must be horrible”

“They hurt her first, she shouted and they wouldn’t stop and Miri never shouts” The little boy looked up at her with big dark eyes, yet Newt didn't seem dissuaded.

“Do you know what hurt her?”

Jonah turned to frown at Newt and Tina held her breath ready to help persuade him when the boy nodded.

“A knife like Nanna had”

Tina turned to Mrs Avrem who supplied

“My Mother, she had a ceremonial blade. The kind the old European wizards used in- in-“

“Sacrifices “  Newt completed simply before turning back to Jonah. “Is that what hurt you as well?”

Jonah nodded silently then prodded the lump beside him until an equally dark-haired girl appeared, green eyes wide as she stared unabashedly at Newt.

“Hello,” Newt said with an awkward smile but Miriam kept staring.

“Miriam it's rude to stare” Mrs Avrem admonished tiredly from the doorway but it worked as Miriam’s gaze moved from Newt to her bed covers.

“My name is Newt, and yours is Miriam isn't it?”

Miriam nodded but made no other movement, staring at the bedding and the room sank into silence. Just as Tina was going to perhaps call the investigation off a squeak echoed through the room and even Miriam looked up to see Pickett come swinging out of Newt's pocket and onto his pocket watch chain.

“Pick…” Newt sighed attempting to grab the creature which chose to instead blow a raspberry and march across the children's bed to stand on a lump of blanket Tina was assuming was Miriam’s knee. 

“What is it?” Miriam asked quietly, hand hovering seemingly unsure whether to touch Pickett or not. Newt, seemingly taking the opportunity, held out his hand for Pickett to hop on then held him steady in front of her.

“This is Pickett and he’s a bowtruckle. They live in trees usually but when he was little he got poorly and had to stay in my pocket. He never really left after that” Miriam let out a giggle, the most childlike thing Tina had heard her do, as she asked to the bow truckle.

“So you’re his tree?”

“I suppose so, I'm certainly tall enough” She giggled again “But he is a good friend too”

It was then she placed her hand tentatively on top of the blankets to reveal the triangular mark. Newt took one long look at it then grabbed his case from where he left it and flicked it open. Both children gathered around it as he reached in and began to rummage around, eyes alight with excitement.

I can’t wait for Esther to look at the case like that

After a few more seconds of clinking Newt pulled out a small orange vial

“I’m sorry Miriam, would it be okay if I looked at your hand- I shan’t touch much. I just want to see if I can help”

“Miri doesn’t like-“

Jonah began but slowly but confidently Miriam offered her hand up and Newt took it as if he was holding a baby bird. Gently moving her hand before unstopping the bottle with his teeth.

“Now Miriam I’m going to put some of this on the cut, it may sting and it may make a hissing noise but it should feel better afterwards”

He watched Miriam until she nodded then with a practised movement which spoke of years of working with skittish creatures he squeezed several drops into the open cut. An orange puff of smoke blew up in the air but as the smoke cleared Miriam’s hand became visible. The redness was gone, only an ugly triangle scar remained.

“Mercy Lewis!” Mrs Avrem exclaimed, launching herself forward to inspect the wound only to trace the scar in amazement. “Mr Scamander how-“

Newt just smiled to himself as he moved to Jonah’s hand, repeating the same movement as he explained.

“Murtlap tentacles are used for healing when pickled so I thought I’d see what I could do with the pure venom and I found out that it’s a very effective antitoxin”

A puff of orange smoke followed the statement then Jonah let out a shocked laugh before wrapping Newt in a hug. 

“You fixed me!” Newt froze but still managed to tentatively pat his back before Jonah let go and picked up his pencil again “It doesn’t hurt no more!” marvelling at the back of his hand. 

“I’m glad to have helped”

Newt replied simply, putting the vial back in the case. He moved so Mrs Avrem could continue fussing and stood beside her.

“Do you have an idea what caused it”

“Unfortunately yes. Hungarian Horntail poison, I recognise the colour from the war”

She didn’t know much about Newt's time in the Great War. Knew that he worked with dragons and that the dinner plate scar which he hated, seeing it as a sign of foolish youth, was from one of his last missions. Other than that he had never shared, even their deepest and most heartfelt conversations where they discussed the worst times in their lives his stories usually involved his father or his time at school rather than the horrors of warfare. Instead of asking more than a dozen questions running through her head (who else had suffered the agony they had found those children in? Is that what the huge scar on his shoulder was from?), she stated 

“That seems a weird poison to choose”

“All of this is weird” he gestured discreetly “There’s something odd about this and not in the usual way”

Tina hummed then they quietly inched out of the room to wait for Mrs Avrem. 

She followed shortly after, tears streaming down her face, as she clasped both of their hands.

“You have saved my children, I will never forget that. Never- I must give you something”

She then went hurrying into the other room and they followed her into the living room where she had assembled a small bag which appeared to have a knitted blanket tumbling out of it and a slightly grease-stained bag perched on top of it.

“It’s my newest blanket and I baked challah as it’s the sabbath-“ she handed it to Tina “Please, take it”

“We were just doing our job ma’am”

“No, those yesterday were ‘just going their job’” Mrs Avrem replied, placing the bag in her arms “You have changed everything”

“Thank you”

Tina answered in a small voice and Newt took over, pulling a crumpled piece of parchment out of his pocket and handing it to her.

“Mrs Avrem, if Miriam ever has a further interest in beasts- Feel free to write and I’d be happy to assist”

This was met by another shower of thank yous meaning it took quite some time for them to make their way into the hallway and down the stairs.

They walked out into the now afternoon sun before steadily walking to the nearest alleyway. As they did this Tina slipped her hand into Newt's vacant one and as he looked over she smiled at him.

“We make quite a team Mr Scamander”

“I suppose we do”

She took a deep breath then in a rush of breath she stated

“I’m glad you stayed”

Then, instead of nodding or blushing or ducking his head, he held her gaze as he murmured 

“Always.”

Chapter Text

A few hours later found them gathered around a newly erected corkboard in the living room, Esther crawling around their feet, as they inspected the array of evidence they had managed to gather as well as potential suspects. It was quite a substantial wall, something that she’d be quite proud of even in a professional sense but between herself and Newt they had managed to assemble enough evidence that if they had any leads, additional ground force or a general idea of why those children were taken they would have actually been in a rather comfortable position.

But it was just them. Just the two of them running rather thin on sleep and eating cheese sandwiches that Newt had assembled after a rather swift visit to the local deli and neighbouring grocery after realising they had nothing in their kitchen apart from some jam that Tina was certain had been in there since Newt had come over last and the Challah Mrs Avrem had given them.

“I just don’t understand why those two children” Newt stated after swallowing his mouthful, moving to the ‘known victims’ part of the board. “Traffickers will often target poorer families but they tend to take younger children- If they take older ones it's usually a fast transaction lest the children escape or have enough magic to fight back it’s almost like-“

”Like they wanted to get caught?” Tina murmured before stating  “These people definitely aren’t traffickers”

”Certainly not seasoned professionals which means they are people working for someone bigger- Are there any major crime syndicates which have been known to use magical children?”

”Not really… Kids are hard work and although the Avrem’s father worked at MACUSA he was hardly high enough up for blackmail by kidnap to be worth their while- And there’s the marks on their hands which don’t make sense”

”So not kidnap, not blackmail and not Trafficking? Where does that even leave us?” Newt questioned and Tina shrugged as she plucked the photos of the cuts on the children's arms off the board and ran her finger over it. A triangle and a circle seemed so odd to choose to mar someone's skin with, with Hungarian horn tail poison at that- 

Tina dropped the picture to the floor, ignoring Esther’s delighted grab for it and asked

”Newt the Hungarian Horntail poison isn't a normal poison is it?”

”Um certainly not. It’s hard to find and hard to harness which means the blade is either an old dragologist keepsake or been made specifically and most of the poison blades have been confiscated by various Ministries”

”Newt what if this is a message?”

Newt blinked over at her, brushing his hands on his trousers and taking a step toward her

”A message for The Avrems?”

”No, a message for us- Nobody other than you would have been able to identify that as Dragon poison”

”I doubt that Tina- I’m not the only one to work closely with Dragons”

”Newt you said yourself you were the only surviving member of the Dragon battalion and I know there are still dragon reserves but there ain’t any in America”

”This still seems like a lot of bother to send a message that we aren’t exactly sure of its nature as well as quite risky. It was rather a given that you would see it but to assume that I would”

”Yeah but Newt who do we know who would quite happily take that risk to get one back on us- on you after everything in Bhutan” He took another step forward, panic flashing over his features.

“Tina surely not?”

”It would make sense Newt- You ruined his grand plan, I’ve been leading the destruction of Acolyte hotspots over here, and your brother is doing the same in Europe,”

”Yes but he’s readying for a war just like we are, surely this is beyond petty…” Newt trailed off mumbling to himself but Tina caught sight of the photograph on the floor currently in Esther’s hand. Stooping down she gently exchanged it for Esther’s hippogriff then murmured in exclamation, a flicker of a memory forming in her head.

”Newt do you remember Mr Graves- Well Grindelwald he had a token- a symbol?”

”Yes?” He replied looking back up at her, brows furrowed “It was an odd triangular…” He trailed off his eyes settling back on the photographs in her hand- the triangle-shaped cuts “Merlin's beard”. She swallowed shakily then murmured.

”Grindelwald is back in New York.”

-*-

Newt remained silent for a second, his eyes travelling over the photograph once more before sitting down heavily on the sofa which she moved to join him. Once she was sat he sighed 

“Is this enough evidence to get your superiors to listen to you?”

“Probably not… And the fact I went behind their back- it won’t end well but-“ she huffed a hollow laugh “I suppose it doesn’t look good for us either way”

”No” Newt murmured as he wrapped an arm around her, tucking her head under his chin before leaning his nose against her head tiredly. Enjoying a moment of just being held before mumbling 

“There’s no guarantee that this will lead to him directly hurting us” However even to her own ears it sounded hollow as she followed it up with “It may be just to unsettle us”

She felt Newt lean back a little before he let out a low sigh.

“Tina…”

“I know…I know”  Her eyes travelled to where Esther was sitting on the rug sucking on her sleeve as she looked at them both, seemingly concerned at the shift in tone. The innocence in her gaze made her stomach drop “Should we go to England?” 

“I can’t imagine it would make much of a difference… Besides, I feel like he’s got a plan as he hasn’t attacked us already, it may involve us less directly than we’re imagining”

Tina shuffled around until she and Newt were sat side by side again and she murmured 

“I guess…”

Newt mumbled something to himself and then asked

“What should we do?”

Tina stayed quiet, her eyes fixed firm on Esther and her soggy fist, and for a brief moment, she wondered if this was how her parents felt when they realised there was a chance the illness which had started with a tickling cough would lead to them never seeing their daughters grow up. Whether they felt the same hopeless feeling, the same dread in their gut as they looked at each other wondering if one would leave them behind. If one would have to bury the other.

Her stomach lurched, tears suddenly bubbling to the surface. She often thought of the similarities between her parents and her and Newt's relationship. In the deepest shadows of her memories the image of her parents sharing coffee at the kitchen table, their gentle teasing and laughter echoing through their cosy flat all too similar to the quiet evenings she had spent with Newt in the past few months. In her childish innocence, she had thought that it would stay that way forever, that the bedtime stories would turn to her mother braiding her hair for her first Auror ball, the family dinners growing and expanding to accommodate for spouses and friends. 

None of that ever happened.

Her gaze shifted again to Newt who was looking at her in concern, his fringe pushed aside so his full display of freckles were on show and his lips in a fine line. He then wordlessly kissed her on the side of her forehead mumbling “We’ll be alright” causing Tina’s lips to wobble but her resolve to strengthen. 

She’d be damned I’d she was gonna let Grindelwald take him now. They’d survived too much for that. 

She was about to tell him as much when there was a knock on the door and Newt silently rose with one last peck. As he walked to the door Esther came crawling over, demanding her attention, and she scooped her onto her lap, tucking her chin over her downy curls. 

When she didn’t hear any discussion coming from the door she called 

“Newt?”

He came rushing back into the room, hands trembling and holding something and it took Tina a moment to register what it was. A blade, ornate but old looking with a sheet of parchment stabbed through the point meaning Newt was holding it gingerly by the handle. Standing up, Newt hastily waved her away

“It’s a poisoned blade, don’t touch it- just pass me a tea towel or something”

Tucking Esther protectively into her side, she grabbed the tea towel off the side and handed it to Newt who used it to grab the parchment off of the end before wrapping the blade several times and placing it on the kitchen table.

“Do you think it’s the blade that hurt the Avrems?”

Tina asked, watching as Newt went to his case to pull out the same antivenom she had seen him use on the children.

“Almost certainly- it’s a ceremonial blade and from the colour embedded with some sort of venom”

He then poured a liberal amount on the parchment causing it to hiss and smoke until the tear where the blade had been pushed through went from black to the same off-white as the rest of the ream. He picked it up then before immediately turning grey and Tina moved to his side so she could read it. Merely a sentence written in black ink with the same sort of aristocratic curl to the letters that she recognised in Newt and Theseus’ handwriting.

I look forward to our reunion, the end cannot be rewritten.  Death finds us all in the end.

Beneath sat the same symbol they had seen on Grindelwalds chain and partially marked onto the children’s arms. 

They stood there, momentarily dumbstruck, before Tina straightened. The auror side of her suddenly clearing her mind of the panic. She had to treat this like a case, and what would she suggest a family do at this point?

“Newt, pack up everything you can in the case then take Esther to Queenie and Jacobs and tell them to pack up too- He’s only gonna use people we know if he can’t get to us straight away”

He nodded, turning to her with his eyes wide and his lip caught between his teeth.

“Of course,” Then he summoned the case over with a flick of his hand “We need to get out of here now don’t we?”

“Yes”

She watched as Newt began to accio things with surprising accuracy and she commented offhandedly “Damn you’re quick at that”

“Not my first quick retreat I’m afraid” he gave her a half smile and she returned it as best she could before kissing Esther gently on the head and passing her to Newt. He suddenly seemed panicked as he asked “What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to use the emergency international floo to get your brother to approve an international portkey, explain to Madam President what’s going on and get Peterson to momentarily take my place. Then we’re gonna go to England”

“Will England be far enough?” He asked holding Esther tighter, as the entirety of their food cupboards went flying down it to the case. “I have contacts everywhere”

“All we need is it to buy us time- Hopefully enough to rally the Order and maybe we can get him once and for all”

She walked swiftly over to her coat and pulled it on before eyeing the rattle Esther had been playing with, a rather ostentatious gift from Albus. Scooping it up she tucked it in her coat for good luck before walking back over to Newt and Esther and kissing him soundly on the lips. His free hand sliding up to her arm to hold her gently before they parted. He looked at her for one unblinking moment, his eyes never once leaving hers in a silent plea before murmuring.

“I love you” She kissed him once more, allowing herself one more moment before replying in a whisper.

“I love you too. Get to Queenies and be careful, use transfiguration spells if you have to”

“I will. Be safe, please Tina both of us are getting out of here- don’t-“

His voice hitched and Tina traced her finger along the side of his face 

“I’ll be at Queenies as soon as I can, I won’t leave you both” She squeezed his and arm then added “I promise”

Before leaving as quickly as she could, wand tucked up her sleeve and the rattle safely inside her pocket.

Chapter Text

Newt had not wanted to risk the short walk to the Kowalski bakery so breaking just about every MACUSA rule going he apparated the moment the case was full, Esther wrapped around him in the blanket from Mrs Avrem, and directly into the Kowalski living room.

At the jolt, Esther burst into panicked tears as she scrabbled to grab hold of him and Queenie, who appeared to have been making some sandwiches peacefully in the kitchen area, let out a startled scream dropping the knife on the floor. 

“Sorry! So sorry!” He exclaimed over the cacophony of Esther's sobbing, rocking her gently against his chest in a bid to get her to quiet slightly.

”Newt! What the hell are you doin’?”

Waiting an additional second to fish Esther’s hippogriff out of his pocket and hand it to her who quietened slightly as she buried her face in his neck he stated with as much resolve as he could muster.

“We need to get out of New York”

”Now?” Queenie asked nervously even as she walked over to a cupboard which had an unassuming feminine bag perched atop it and Newt nodded.

”Grindelwald is here, in New York. Tina is getting us an emergency port key but we need to leave now” 

Awkwardly he maneuvered Esther more onto his hip then flicked the case open with a calculated kick of his foot.

“Put anything and everything in the case- Food, anything. Tina said she would meet us here- hopefully with a port key courtesy of my brother”

Queenie nodded, face as firm as Iron, then with a swirl of her wand clothes, photographs and food began spiralling out of cupboards and into the case like an organised tornado before moving over to the door which led to the bakery and calling down it.

”Jakie honey, Tell Albert we’re gonna be gone for a bit, family emergency, then come upstairs” There was a confused affirmative noise from below then with a strained faux cheeriness she continued “Now!”

A few seconds later Jacob appeared in the doorway, now sans apron after clearing up the bakery for the day, just as the last few objects went hopping down causing the case to snap shut.

“Hey, pal?” He asked, looking around in confusion at his now empty home and turning to his wife “What’s goin’ on?”

”It’s Grindelwald Honey, we gotta go now”

”Wh-what?” He asked as he over to shrug his coat on “I thought he was all up in Europe right now?”

” That's what we thought” Newt replied “But the case that we’ve been following up-Tina and I, It was Grindelwald sending a message” 

“Damn.” Jacob muttered before gesturing to Esther “She okay”

“Yes, just still not quite used to apparition”

”Don’t blame her-“ He walked over and ducked slightly so he could see just enough of Esther's face “I don't like it neither” Queenie also moved closer, fussing over Jacob's coat as Jacob continued “Where we going then? Connecticut?” Newt thought that he could possibly be joking but decided to reply

”London, My brother's home most likely as Bunty is currently residing in my flat”

”Well uh I guess we can't have a family vacation without some sort of death threat anyway…” He murmured and Newt absently remembered his desire to visit there on a more casual basis. 

“Everything will be alright…” He murmured almost more to himself than his friend “We just need some time to work out a plan”

“I thought that was the one thing we’re not meant to do?”

Merlin, he’d forgotten about the foresight

“Foresight in people is just the same as Demiguises, once we get to England we are just going to have to try our best not to be predictable”

“While also planning?” Jacob asked and Newt nodded, bobbling his head as even he registered the obscurity of what he was saying

“Quite”

Jacob gave a little shake of his head in disbelief just as Tina came bursting into the room, her leather coat tight around her and her stern gaze contrasting with the battered rusted watering can she was holding tightly in her right hand. Newt couldn’t help the exhale of relief at the sight of her and she acknowledged this with a mirrored smile at his own presence before her features firmed again.

“The President has been notified and there’s gonna be Aurors on the case, I’ve gotta rendezvous with the British Ministry’s Head Auror but I don’t think that’ll be much of an issue”

She said the last bit with a sarcastic tone and Newt conceded with a dry chuckle as he scooped his case off of the floor.

“I’m so sorry you guys” Tina murmured as she secured Esther more firmly to him in his coat before taking the case into her free hand. “I promised I’d keep us all safe”

“And you are Teen” Queenie replied and when Tina only gave a weak smile she repeated “You are”

Tina still didn’t seem convinced but she held the watering can out in front of her and stated 

“Grab hold”

They all squeezed tightly together, grabbing hold of the metal object and Newt grasped hold of Esther tighter as Tina fished her wand out of her pocket and murmured

“Portus”

The watering can began to tremor, a bright blue light emitting out of it then the British Ministries emblem appeared on the side before the familiar hook pulled at his naval and they were pulled up in a swirl of magic.

~*~

Their arrival in the British Ministry of Magic’s Portkey office was about as undignified as their exit. Newt out of fear of falling and causing Esther had managed to stick the landing, as had Tina and Queenie who both were looking rather green and unsteady but at least were upright, but Jacob had held his breakfast down for approximately two seconds before Queenie had quickly accio’d a bin from the side of the welcome desk just in time for him to heave into it. Esther was in a similar position and as he extracted her from his coat she threw up before descending into loud gasping sobs.

“Oh little Love I’m so sorry” he murmured, rummaging for his wand and vanishing the mess she had made down both of them before holding her close. “I’m so so sorry, no more portkeys for a little while”

Esther let out another sob and buried her head in his neck so he reached into his pockets again and pulled out her hippogriff toy which she also buried her face tiredly in, her body still racked with little sobs but at least free of the coat she wasn’t trying to fight him anymore. Looking around he saw Tina leaving heavily on the welcome desk, frustration weighing deep in her brow as a prim and proper welcome witch that he didn’t recognise frowned disapprovingly at her.  The weight of the day beginning to sit heavily on his shoulders and now this woman’s look of disapproval prodded him the wrong way causing him to walk slowly over.

“Why can’t you just contact your supervisor or whoever the Hell is responsible for you!” Tina stated in her broad New York tone which meant she was quickly running out of patience 

“I’m sorry Miss Goldstein” The witch started with a sneer, nose turned up like something unpleasant was sitting just below her nose, “I have not been informed- and I don’t know how your blessed MACUSA do things but the Ministry is not a charitable establishment we do not take-“ She gave another sneering look, voice infusing with derision “American strays”

More than a little angry that this woman whom he vaguely recognised from Hogwarts was looking at his Tina as if she was something unpleasant she had stepped him and beyond exhausted he straightened to his scarcely used full height and trying infusing his voice with as much of the Scamander regality his father had desperately fought for him to adopt as he could he declared.

“Excuse me, Miss, my brother verified our passage to this country”. He then pulled his passport out and slammed it on the desk “ I am Newton Artemis Fido Scamander, a British National and an ex-employee of this Ministry. If you do not contact my brother Theseus Scamander this minute-“

“Easy Fido” A familiar voice came from behind and he turned to see Theseus' hands raised and his voice gentle “Ms Parkinson, terribly sorry for such unplanned arrivals- we’re in a spot of bother you see” he flashed this Parkinson a charming smile and the look of disgust on her face faded to a slight blush as she took the wad of Passports Tina had been brandishing and stamped each one in turn.

“Of course Mr Scamander” She simpered, tucking curly yellow-blonde hair behind her ear “It’s very kind of you to come down”

Newt barely suppressed his eye roll but Tina made no such efforts as she snatched the passports back off of the desk, tucking them into her coat pocket and then went stalking over to where Queenie was clearing the bin that the now decidedly less green Jacob had stopped heaving into. 

“Of course Ms Parkinson, always a pleasure” Theseus replied gallantly and to the untrained ear which hadn’t been on the receiving end of Theseus’ annoyance it must have sounded believable as the welcome witch let out a false-sounding giggle. However, Newt knew better as he saw his brother's jaw twitch at the sound as he approached. Theseus then pulled him into a slightly awkward one-armed hug as he realised at the last minute that Esther wouldn’t take kindly to being squeezed. Newt let him have his hug, even patting his brother's back slightly before Theseus let go still holding onto his shoulder.

“It’s good to see you Newt”  He stated with a smile “Even under the circumstances”

“It’s good to see you too” Newt replied tiredly shuffling Esther in a bid to stop his arm from going numb. 

“She sure has grown hasn’t she?” Theseus continued, gesturing to her and Newt's eyebrows furrowed

“It would be rather concerning if she hadn’t, surely?”

“Well I meant-“ Theseus began before looking at him fondly and squeezing his shoulder “Nevermind”

Tina seemed satisfied that Queenie and Jacob were okay so walked over to where they were stood. 

“You alright?” She asked him softly and he let out a more earnest smile

“Yes, for the first time today, I feel”

She replied with a smile before reaching to smooth Esther’s curls, clucking soothingly when Esther let out a little moan. “It’s okay Pumpkin, everything’s okay now”

He felt Esther twist to look at her mother so Newt manoeuvred her into Tina’s arms, Hippogriff and all, then stooped to grab his case still sat by the desk from when Tina had gotten the passports out. He turned to see Tina holding Esther in one arm and holding her free hand out to shake Theseus’.

Theseus smiled down at her and then pulled her into a similar one-armed hug.

“No need for that Chief Auror Goldstein” 

Newt heard him say as well as Tinas responding chuckle before she responded earnestly

“Thank you Theseus, especially with Queenie and Jacob as well- They’re not your responsibility and-“

“Tina they’re your family which means they’re part of ours-“ Theseus gestured towards Newt “I’m sorry but there’s no escaping us Scamander’s now” Newt walked back over as Queenie and Jacob began to move slowly over as well. Tina took his hand when he came close enough, squeezing it in greeting and Newt squeezed gently back.

“Well anyway- Thanks”

“Anytime, now come on- Mother has assembled a buffet lunch as far as I know- I imagine it was around dinner time in New York?” 

“Yes-“ Newt replied automatically as they began to walk as a unit to the lift before realising what his brother had said “We’re going to Mum and Dads?”

“Well Tina mentioned my flat but it’s only barely got two bedrooms and as we don’t know how long you’re staying I thought it was more sensible. Mum is quite over the moon”

“And Dad?” Newt asked tentatively as they loaded into the lift and Theseus pressed the button which would send them to the atrium. “He wasn’t as upset as you think about Esther- He’s quite warmed to the idea and I believe the Hippogriff was his choice-“ He gestured to the toy clasped in Esther’s chubby fist 

“He still said those things about Tina”

“Newt-“ Tina interrupted tiredly “I’ve been called far worse and I held them at wand point”

“Still-“

“I believe he’s planning on apologising- Merlin stop dithering little brother, you’re making me nervous”

This time Newt did not suppress his eye roll and Jacob let out a chuckle

“Man do you guys remind me of my brother and me”

Theseus turned to him with a smile 

“Are you the younger or the older in this scenario”

“I uh” Jacob began awkwardly as the lift slowed “I was the younger- heh guess I’m the older now” 

“Oh Jacob I’m sorry-“

“Nah don’t worry ‘bout it pal. You fought too, ya know how it was. He used to always go on that I could be doin’ something big with my bakin ‘stead of just baking for church meets before going off digging trenches with him in France”

“Speaking as an older brother or myself I suspect he would be more than overjoyed at the fact that you have indeed gone and done something big” Theseus replied earnestly as they got off the lift and at the sight of the apparition zone he looked at Esther in trepidation as she was almost asleep in Tina's arms. However, when his brother's words registered he glanced at Jacob who seemed to be holding back tears.

“Heh uh Thanks bud” 

Theseus nodded then offered either arm to Jacob and Queenie.

“See you at the house”

Before apparating away. 

Newt then turned to Tina who shifted the hand he was holding so that their arms were linked then looked at him expectantly. Seeing his face which he imagined looked less than thrilled she leaned over and pecked his cheek.

“We’ll eat some sandwiches, say hi to your Mom then me, you and Esther can go take a nap well away from everyone else before we start with the whole plan-making thing”

“That does sound nice” he pondered before linking their arms tighter  “Hold on”

Before disappearing in the blink of an eye.

Chapter Text

Tina was aware that Newt came from a more affluent background than herself. He didn’t mention it, but from the way his parents had talked and presented themselves (and the fact that her spending hadn’t increased at all despite having two extra people in her apartment) she had assumed he came from a rather wealthy household. 

An assumption that was proving true as they stood in the shadow of a large Manor House built of yellowish stone. It wasn’t a castle, or anything similar but the house seemed to spread out into two wings with a whole village of out buildings visible just behind it. The doorway was framed with bright purple wisteria flowers and ivy climbing around the door which was currently open with Newt's mother waving at them. 

She seemed happy to see them at least, her features which had seemed so judgemental and severe upon their first meeting were now creased with a crooked smile she recognised more in the features of her sons and the same ginger plait thrown over her shoulder in stark contrast to the powder blue of her cardigan. It was an oddly familiar sight with the gentle breeze and the chirping of birds over the only mildly distressed sounds of Esther. Registering the lack of response Tina pivoted to see Esther surprisingly looking around and only sniffling mildly in shock. Newt seemed equally surprised at Esther as his eyes flew to hers.

“Do you think?” He began and she shrugged 

“Well she had to get used to it eventually”

“I wish she could have figured it out before throwing up on me” He replied dryly and Tina let out a bordering delirious laugh as she reached to take Esther off of him.

They were safe

“We’re okay” She murmured into the top of Esther’s head, more to herself than to anyone else but still delighting at Esther’s happy warble in response to her attention. “We’re safe”

“Come on, you lot!” Theseus called half way up the drive where he was currently ushering Queenie and Jacob and Tina shot one exasperated glance at Newt before hurrying to catch up with him, Newt tailing behind until they were all standing in front of Helena who took one look at Newt before wrapping him in what appeared to be an ironclad hug.

“Oh my darling, I’ve missed you!” She was expecting Newt to freeze as usual but it was truly a testament to the day in which he dropped his head and seemed to sink into his mothers arms.

“I’ve missed you too Mum”

It was only when she seemed to squeeze him tighter that Newt discreetly wriggled out and reached for her hand. The moment Newt was out of reach Helena focused solely on her and the baby in her arms.

”Hello Tina Love,” She began pecking her on the cheek before crouching down so that she was eye level and cooing in the softest voice “And here’s my beautiful darling of a Granddaughter” Tina was expecting Esther to bury her head in her shoulder as she had begun to do with strangers but surprisingly at her grandmother's tone she let out a little giggle and watched as Helena let out a delighted gasp as she saw the hippogriff clutched in her hand “And you like mine and Pops gift!”

”Yes it's her favourite” Tina supplied and Helena let out a joyful grin most recognisable in her two sons and reached out and Tina deposited Esther into her arms. 

“She’s already a fan of Hippogriffs! Well I’ll say she must be a Scamander! Hmm darling?” She cooed “You are simply gorgeous”

There was then a cough from her right and Theseus stood with a still green Jacob and Queenie. Helena didn't even look up from where she was flattening Esther's wayward curls.

“Yes Dear you’re handsome too” Helena murmured off handedly and she watched Theseus blush to the roots of his hair before declaring 

“Mum, I was going to introduce the other half of the entourage”

Theseus then stood aside so Queenie and Jacob could nervously shuffle forward. Jacob held a hand out to shake her hand while stating

“Jacob Kowalski ma’am thank you so much for-“ before being cut off by Helena manoeuvring Esther so she could clutch his hand 

“It’s truly my pleasure, Helena Scamander-“ She then turned to Queenie and shook hers too “And you must be Queenie-“ She flicked over to look at Theseus “Theseus told me everything, Family of Tina’s is family of ours now come in- You’re looking ever so peaky, I’ll get some tea made” She then pivoted and hurried in to the depths of the house, Esther cuddled into her, shouting “Henry! Our boys are home! Get out of the library”

Newt and Theseus also strolled in with a shared shrug leaving the American entourage to glance blankly at each other before following them in. 

The hallway was about as impressive and large as the outside with dark Victorian panelling broken up with deep blue and gold wallpaper along the walls. An ornate coat rack stood which Newt had unloaded his coat onto and gestured for everyone else to do the same before dropping the case at the foot of a sweeping double staircase made of the same dark wood of the walls and floors. 

Despite the echoing richness bearing down from every angle, it didn’t feel hollow and cold like the few mansions of wealthy MACUSA benefactors she had visited were. These were old walls, embedded with centuries of ancient magic and most importantly centuries of families all growing and loving and simply existing within them. All of a sudden it was all too easy to envision a young Newt hurtling down the stairs in short trousers, excited to show off his latest artwork. 

After they had slipped their boots off and hung their coats, Theseus disappeared through a doorway to their left leaving Newt gesturing awkwardly for them to follow him through a grand arched door just alongside the stairs. Walking through the doorway Tina tried not to gape as they entered what Tina could only class as a drawing room. The back wall was entirely windows letting in the evening light and showing the shadowy outlines of a grand walled garden with flowering hedgerows and rose bushes making out pathways and patterns in front of a row of stables which were just visible in the distance. 

The inside of the room felt less grand, more homely. Ornate dark wood backed upholstered chairs and sofas circled a large floo sized fireplace which had a flame crackling merrily away. Above it hung an oil painting,clearly newer than the others of Hippogriffs and sleeping wizards that adorned the walls, which showed the Scamander family. A much younger Mr Scamander sat in a wingback leather chair in what looked like a library, an ornate decorative cane held in one hand and in the other he held the hand of a younger Helena with her long ginger curls loose and flowing over an emerald green dress. Besides his father a young Theseus in the finest military finery stood, a jaunty grin lighting up his face and his curls immaculately brill creamed as usual but Tina’s eyes gazed hungrily at the lanky young man who shared his mothers curls. He too was wearing a military uniform but whereas Theseus’ breast was adorned with the rows of ribbons of a Captain and a war hero, Newt had three ribbons and Pickett just visible from his top pocket and even his painted self seemed to be trying to disappear from the frame. The picture did move however and every now and then a shy smile would appear and his eyes would become visible as he tried to straighten his posture.

She smiled, the sight so familiar, before jumping at the feel of Newt leaning in and whispering into her ear

“I had just got back from the front- Was itching to get started on my book but mother insisted on one of us now that we were grown” 

“You don’t look overly happy” She replied with a chuckle, turning to look at him

“I hate oil paintings, thankfully most of the ones of my youth are just photographs-“ he then looked disdainfully towards the doorway “There’s a quite horrifying one of me as a baby somewhere- I had hoped Mum had burnt it but I can’t see that occurring”

She let out a true snort of laughter at the exasperation in his voice and he let out a smile at her amusement before sobering momentarily. “I hope this is okay- all of this. Hardly um-“

“Ideal?” He nodded, ducking his head and hiding his eyes from her. She also ducked so they kept at eye level and offered a tentative smile “Newt- we could be stranded in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest- for all I care. We’re safe, we’ve bought ourselves some time. That’s all I’ll ever care about, yeah?”

“Yes” he murmured, looking her in the eye again “Yes, although the Amazon is a rather spectac-mmph” She cut him off with a sweet kiss which he returned gently. For a moment none of the impending peril existed, completely faded into the background, that was until a pillow collided with the side of her head.

They whipped their heads around to see Theseus, Queenie and Jacob all sitting on the largest seat while Theseus prepared another projectile in the form of a throw cushion.  Newt opened his mouth to say something but Tina beat him to it.

“What the hell was that for?” And even she winced at how New York it sounded. Theseus however in lieu of an actual response threw another cushion which was deflected by a flick of wandless magic from Newt.

“I forgot you could do that” Theseus grumbled before clearing his throat “I just had no desire to see that you see”

“Prat” She heard Newt mumble just as Helena reentered the room with a plate of tea cups and a teapot floating alongside her as she bounced Esther along. At the sight of them both again Esther started to squirm out of her arms and towards them so Tina scooped her up.

”I’m fetching Coffee first thing tomorrow,” She explained as she poured tea into delicate china cups with painted Hippogriffs prancing about them “Theseus commented that you all mostly drank that rather than tea. There's a rather charming little- Newton dear don't slurp” She admonished gently causing Newt to bashfully place his tea back down “Yes charming little global wares shop opened near Diagon alley- You’d like it dear it had all those spices and such you like” Newt nodded with a tight lipped smile and he shot her a sideways glance which Tina felt said one thing.

Help

“Thank you Helena but you really don’t have to worry, tea is fine” Helena seemed to take this poorly as her smile fell slightly so Tina scrambled to add “I have been living with an Englishman for six months, I’ve grown to quite like it”

She waited with bated breath until Helena’s crooked smile returned.

“Well that’s good- If you’re to become a Scamander I’ll have to teach you the butterbeer-“

“Okay Mum!” Newt stood up abruptly before gently grabbing her by the elbow 

“It’s been a rather stressful day so I think we best try and get Esther down for a bit, she might settle faster then”

Seeing the panic in his eyes and trying not to laugh aloud she quietly stood up and followed him out back into the hallway but this time they walked up the double staircase, Esther giggling with the bounce of each step. The staircase separated into two wings, plush red runners breaking up the monotone wood as they led the way up past huge almost cathedral-like windows and into sun drenched corridors.

Newt guided them to the right which appeared to lead to a more worn and used section of the house. There were half a dozen doors staggered along the hallway all heavily ornate and carved with various beasts making them look almost like a corridor in Ilvermorny which had the story of its founding carved in huge oak slabs. Tina was so busy trying to take it all in that she bumped into Newt, making Esther let out an offended warble,who had abruptly stopped and gestured to a door with a hippogriff rearing fiercely on it.

She knew why he had suddenly hesitated, they may now share a bed and were raising their daughter together but sharing his childhood bedroom felt like a threshold of intimacy they had so far left uncharted. So being the braver of the two of them she gave him a hopefully disarming smile then entered his room.

At the foot of the bed stood an ornate and very Victorian dark oak crib but the rest of the room seemed almost obnoxiously Newt. Every inch of what Tina imagined to be very expensive wallpaper on one wall was covered in parchment with various drawings,handwritten notes of various legibility and feathers and other specimens he had clearly tracked in his youth. Beneath this collage stood a desk that was nearly groaning under the weight of books and inkwells. Knowing Newt she knew that despite the outward appearance there was a meticulous level of organisation, it was just a level of organisation absent of cleaning or stacking charms. In the centre of the madness was a large four poster bed with acorns carved as bedknobs and fresh tartan bedding made so precisely it looked positively foreign compared to the chaos surrounding it.

The curtains were also open and Tina was quite happy to see that they were just able to catch the last glimpses of orange sunlight as the sun dipped below the horizon. The gardens were almost eery in the dusk but in an odd way it was also calming, yet another hallmark they were safe. Letting out a gentle sigh she breathed into Esther's hair 

“I hope you like it here…” Only to be interrupted with the distinctive smash of a half full inkwell.

Whipping around she saw Newt mutter something to himself as a lot of the general detritus covering bedside tables and the old looking chest of drawers flew either under the bed or into a small bin beside the desk. When he finally looked up he grimaced

”Sorry, last I was here for an extended tie I had just returned after leaving New York for the first time and having company might have been the last on my mind”

She let out a soft laugh,sitting gently on the bed

”Newt I wouldn't mind if there was a hippogriff in here. It’s okay,you’re human”

He smiled to himself then,stowing his wand, and rested his hands on the crib before staring at it pensively.

”I have a feeling this may have been mine you know… Perhaps even Theseus’ too”

Tina followed his gaze along the carved wooden rails before remarking “I dont think i can picture your brother as a baby” a she pulled a bottle of milk out of her pocket and removed the stasis charm

”Nor I to be honest, by the time I could remember things he was a rather self important teenager with a prefect badge that would stick in my face as he hugged me” Newt replied, settling on the bed beside her as she fed Esther her bottle.

”Maybe he was just born in a suit and tie”

”Maybe…” Newt replied “With a Ministry of Magic code of conduct tucked in his pocket”

They shared a chuckle then quietly watched Esther for a moment before Tina whispered,mindful of Esther’s closing eyes,

”I do wonder who’s shes gonna take after- like establishment wise ‘cause you’re very you and i'm very me”

“I like to think we both have a healthy doubt of scepticism though…” Newt murmured equally quietly “And I wouldn’t say you were quite innocent in the disobeying of authority”

”Only when necessary Mr Appaloosa Puffskeins”

“I’d class that as a necessity”

”As a necessity for what?”

”Not being arrested?”

Tina tried to poorly muffle her snort in an attempt to not wake Esther but the noise still made Newt chuckle.

”Well that worked didn't it?”

She answered,voice filled with amusement, and watched Newt as he looked pointedly between her,the now sleeping Esther and back to her again.

”Well… I think I’ve done rather well out of the incident…” 

“Yeah” Tina replied “I suppose I have too”

Chapter Text

The corridor was dark, a steady drip coming from somewhere making a delicate *plink* each time it hit something which sounded like a pipe. Newt squinted at his surroundings, they were hazy, almost familiar but Newt didn’t dwell on that as he continued down into the darkness.

He was without his case, instead he looked down to see a small pink hand tucked in his. She wasn’t looking at him but he could see the dark curls the freckle which had recently appeared on the web of her thumb, there was only one child he knew like that. His mind didn’t really register that the Esther he was walking with appeared to be three or four he just continued walking. They reached the end of the corridor where it forked off and Newt began to glance around.

“Where’s Mumma?”

Esther asked, or at least he assumed it was her 

“We’re just finding her now. Remember we’re just playing a game”

“Okay” 

She seemed so content just following him around, holding his hand. His musings were disrupted by a scream and he went tearing off down the left corridor, picking Esther up and holding her on his hip.

He ran until he came into a large open space, the distant sound of motor vehicles rumbling above him, then he gasped in horror.

Grindelwald, with Tina at wand point.

She was shaking, eyes wide with tears as she choked out

“Newt-“

“Ah you’re here for the show, Mr Scamander” Grindelwald sneered digging the wand into her neck. He then gave him an almost pitying glance as he sighed “This is all your fault, you should have heeded my warnings- AVADA KEDAVRA!”

The chamber lit up in a brilliant green, and as it faded Newt let out a sound between a gasp and a sob at the sight of Tina collapsed on the ground. Lunging forward Esther slid from his hip but to his shame his eyes were solely on Tina. Desperately he tried to gather her in his arms, to try and wake her up but her eyes remained glassy, all light from her eyes gone. 

“Daddy?” 

He heard Esther ask, her voice oddly loud in the quiet room but all he could do was sob, his body shuddering.

“Now Mr Scamander” Grindelwald asked lazily, pointing his wand in his direction “Who next? Yourself…” he then pointed his wand at Esther “or-“

“NO!”

It took a moment for his eyes to adjust as he sat bolt upright in his childhood bed, narrowly avoiding cracking his head on the ornately carved headboard. The house was a similar eerie quiet to his dream and it only made the violent shaking of his hands travel to his core. 

They were safe, it was just a dream he reminded himself bitterly as he tried to wrangle his shaking hands into wiping his face only to let out a hollow sob when he felt how damp his face was with tears.  He had half expected the commotion of his violent wake up to have Tina  blinking blearily, taking him into her arms then holding him until they both fell asleep again but it appeared the stress of the day before had caused her to sleep much deeper than usual. Her eyebrows slightly furrowed but otherwise no other indication of him disturbing her as he gave a defeated sigh. Looking at the clock dimly lit by the moonlight he grimaced at the time,

3:00 a little earlier than he had planned 

Sliding out of bed he silently toed on his slippers before tiptoeing around the side of the bed to grab his dressing gown off his old chest of drawers. He had just shrugged the old red tartan fabric on when he heard gentle cooing from behind him.

Turning around he saw Esther who had somehow in the night broken free of her blankets, flipped herself over and was now happily playing with her hippogriffs claw. She didn’t seem to need anything however once she caught sight of him she let out a happy giggle and tried to crawl towards him before being blocked by the bars.

“Now,now little one…” he murmured, reaching into the crib and pulling her out along with her hippogriff then holding her against his chest. She let out another happy babble so in case he woke Tina up truly this time he silently picked his way out of the room and then slowly wandered down into the kitchen.

 In his opinion the kitchen was still obnoxiously large despite his mothers attempt at covering every visible surface in various objects and jars. It hadn’t  changed much since the house was full of Lords and Ladies and servants with a large wood fired stove and a large central table which would have been where the servants sat and ate but now functioned as a second more casual dining area which they tended to use more than the ornate dining room on the other side of the house. Grateful he had left his wand in his dressing gown pocket he dug it out before giving it a flick so the lamps turned on and  the kettle floated over to the hob to boil.

It was odd being back here. Due to the various disagreements throughout the years with both his father and brother he hadn’t spent the night willingly for a substantially long time or if he did he certainly didn’t linger in the house come morning. Most of the time when he visited he’d time it so his father would be at the Ministry or having meetings with important people so he could just enjoy his mothers company without constantly fending off endless questions and thinly veiled criticisms. 

Yet the past months with Tina had strengthened his resolve and he felt comfortable with her at his side that his fathers words couldn’t hurt him now. Smiling to himself at the thought he poured his tea, heating up some of Esther’s milk with his wand, then hefted Esther higher up on his chest before tentatively carrying the hot tea and bottle in one hand and his daughter in the other he shuffled into the sitting room and settled into an armchair .

He had hoped to doze a little, the dream too fresh in his mind for a true sleep but as Esther’s insistent little hands tugged on his pyjamas until he opened his eyes again he realised that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. He could have sworn if she could talk she would have berated him for even daring to close his eyes before launching into another story of the adventures that had occurred while he had been sleeping.

“I’m sorry little love… I am trying to stay awake, you are really very interesting”

She let out an odd little almost word and Newt perked up at the consonant sound of it.

“I suppose you’ll be talking before we know it and you can be even more interesting”

“Nannanana”

“Hmm agreed”  

Maybe he was going mad but he swore she understood his little remarks and jokes and even if she didn’t he sincerely hoped she would continue to look at him like that, as if he and Tina were the ones that built the universe. His creatures had always looked at him with respect, frequently with gratefulness, but when Esther looked at him it was almost awe. The only look that topped that was the way Tina looked at him.

It had taken a long time to decipher the various minute shifts in Tina’s expressions but when she looked at him, fire pooled deep in her eyes and her lips quirked up in a slight smile he was suddenly everything she believed he was. Newt was certain if he ever found he had even a hint of the same impact on her he could die right there and die a happy man. 

Mind occupied by various musings of Tina, mind occasionally straying to the little box he had hastily tucked behind his desk in the case, he sat in that strange position between awake and asleep. Occasionally murmuring or bouncing Esther in order to occupy her until she fell asleep again.

He had almost followed her, eyelids growing heavier until the creaking of the staircase caused him to jump awake. Esther protested with a sleepy grizzle before settling again but Newt watched anxiously at the doorway. The sun had now begun to rise more steadily in the sky, the outside painted in pinks and purples so assuming it was Tina or his mother he was surprised to see Theseus round the corner.

Theseus seemed equally surprised, tucking his hands into the pockets of a dressing gown Newt could swear he remembered from Theseus’ Hogwarts years and raising his eyebrows. However the effect was somewhat lost by the curly birdsnest that he spent so much time pretending it didn't exactly match Newts.

“Good morning?”

Theseus asked, lowering his voice midway through at Newt’s frantic gesturing to Esther

“Hello…” Newt replied softly “I thought you were Mum”

Theseus rolled his eyes slightly at the comment before instead responding 

“You’re awake early” He looked at Newt calculatingly “Nightmares?”

“How-“ He really knew too many Aurors “Nevermind, yes”

“Well, I remember someone saying that it’s best to share these things”

Well aware of the conversation he was referring to, which occurred a few weeks after Paris ,Newt gave a small huff as his brother sat in the armchair opposite, tapping the cold teapot causing it to spring to life and tip steaming tea into his mothers teacups.

“Theseus it was just- just some lingering fears”

Theseus paused mid sugar spoon with an unserious eye roll 

“I’m aware of that Newt, come on tell me”

“Fine” Newt replied with more bite than intended, rousing Esther just enough so that she pulled his dressing gown into her mouth to suck it slowly.”Fine” he repeated softer “I always have the same kind of one these days. Grindelwald has Tina. He kills her. It’s all my fault and I watch”

His eyes fell shut . Eyes suddenly feeling rather sore and not particularly interested in whatever Theseus’ expression was. However he reopened them to see Theseus frowning at his cup. 

“Don’t you miss when we were kids”

“Uh” Newt replied, brow furrowing “Sometimes, more frequently glad I’m no longer a child- well out of school anyhow”

“No, I mean. When you were little and would have nightmares and I would make some glowing orbs-“

“Quite illegally I might add” Newt murmured, receiving a bit of a glare in response 

“Perhaps, but I mean I’d tell you a story about dragons and it would all be okay again- the fears weren’t… real I suppose”

Feeling the heft of the conversation fall heavily on their shoulders, Newt coughed and suddenly felt the urge to share something he had only told Esther and Pickett. Both proved to be excellent listeners and secret keepers but rather limited in the advice category.

So with no preparation, in the near silent room only filled with the occasional sip of tea or Esther grizzle, Newt murmured

“I am going to ask Tina to marry me” 

Before hastily looking to his brother to respond

There was a beat as Theseus took one more long swig of tea, probably longer than strictly necessary, then he replied simply, smile tugging around his unshaven face 

“About bloody time if you ask me”

“Is that all you’re going to say?”

“Hmmm, have you got a ring?”

“Yes”

“A nice one?”

“Granny’s if you must know” Newt sighed, slightly bemused if he was honest “Anything else?”

“Do you know when you’re going to ask her?”

“I was thinking after we know there isn’t possible death in the following 24 hours”

“How romantic” Theseus remarked dryly “That will sound delightful in the speeches”

Newt rolled his eyes, choosing to instead look at Esther’s bed head and mentally untangle it. After a second of silence he mumbled 

“Do you think I’ve gone mad? To even think about it now?”

Theseus fell silent for a moment, his lip quirking slightly in thought before responding “No…I think… I think it’s natural. We’re approaching the darkest of times but unlike last time you-” he hesitated, glancing at Esther then himself “we have everything to lose. If you two are wed, well you know how handfastings work. Your magic will literally be intertwined as a display of your love and-” A sad sigh escaped him,eyes drifting to a photo his mother still had of Theseus and Leta  “-there is nothing more pure than that. Nothing more important in times like these”Off of Newts contemplative nod “There is nothing i wish more than wishing i had just married her you know…Ignored all the social acrobatics…Just gone far away…”
The silence swelled like a great crevasse in front of them only bridged by Esther’s sudden snore.

“Theseus-” Newt began tentatively,wondering how he could soothe the suddenly tortured contours of his elder brothers face before hesitating and changing tact “I will…and despite what society and the law says Thee. Not being married doesnt change anything. Your hearts were intertwined and that's what matters”
Theseus smiled sadly “You’re far more perceptive than people give you credit for little brother”
“So I’ve heard…”

There was a beat of gentle grief between them. He wasn’t entirely sure what he was grieving:Leta, the lost years of friendship with his brother,the past,the future? It was all so muddled he felt like he was staring into the pensive Albus once showed him when he was at school. A big mess of memories with no clear direction,just swirling endlessly in a fog. Then Theseus spoke up.

“Newton?”
“Yes?”

“Marry her. They can take lots of things from us, love isn't one of them”