#achilles with lalli !

[dmitri-smerdyakov]

Chapter Eight - Unable To Stay, Unwilling To Leave

Guess who finally pulled their shit together and managed to upload?! This girl!

I apologise for the delay but I've been ridiculously busy with work and other things unfortunately - but come on, let's be honest, I was *never* going to abandon a fic about Titanic, let alone a Newtina Titanic one! :D It just takes a while to write chapters sometimes due to life and other things getting in the way - I hope that it means the chapter is better for taking the time to work on it instead of just rushing!

Fun fact: I went to watch Titanic the Musical about a week and a half ago, and it was amazing! I had no idea that it was a thing until I accidentally saw an advertisement for it a couple of months ago while perusing pamphlets at my local inn while having dinner with family, and I'm so glad that I went to see it! Honestly highly recommend it for anyone interested in the sinking, even though it's not strictly 100% historically accurate (but it's a musical so we'll allow it some artistic license there), or anyone who loves musicals! It apparently premiered on Broadway six months before James Cameron's movie came out, which I thought was interesting - two different forms of entertainment about the same shipwreck releasing/premiering on the same year is such a coincidence!

This chapter features the scene with the soundtrack that this whole fic is named for, so I highly recommend you listen to the song "Unable to Stay, Unwilling to Leave" during *that* scene. I really hope I did the scene at least half the justice it deserves because it's one of the most emotional scenes, it's probably one of my favourites, and I cry every time I watch it - you can watch the scene HERE if you're unfamiliar with it (or if you just fancy checking out one of my favourite scenes)!

Unlike the other chapters, this one isn't named after one of the chapter names on the DVD - mostly because the scenes involved all had scene names like "Cal Spurned" and "Get on the boat, Rose" XD I figured it might be an idea to just name it after the piece of soundtrack the whole fic is named after, so here it is!

This chapter is, as always, not beta read and there are probably errors but hey ho!

A quick warning that this chapter features a few deaths - including an important side character.

Anyway, without further ado, enjoy the chapter!

[exasperatedtinagoldstein]

Family isn’t always Blood

“Only these people could Newt make that joke in front of. Only these people would he be remotely comfortable to. She was happy to have this small group, this small family.”

Note: As always I don’t own any characters or the world. This might be a slight spoiler warning based on information that has been circulating regarding ‘Secrets of Dumbledore’ like usual this is just a rough interpretation that is probably wrong of what might happen after the movie. I hope you enjoy!

“Please tell me it’s true.” Tina barely acknowledged Achilles as she continued working on the report in front of her.

“What’s true?” She asked as she shift the papers.

“That Theseus was the one who got arrested this time and Newt was a good upstanding citizen and didn’t.” He looked so excited and she wanted to slap him. She settled for rolling her eyes and not responding. “SO IT IS TRUE!”

“Shut up, Tolliver.” Tina hissed as she finally stopped working. “Why does it matter to you?”

“I want to rag on Theseus for it.”

“Achilles, that’s a bad idea.” Tina said as she stood up to take her report to Graves’s office.

“Oh come on, Goldstein. It’ll be fun-“

“He saw acolytes that were there the day Leta was killed, Achilles. That’s why he lost it.” Tina had stopped and turned towards him.

“Oh Morrigan.” Achilles let out a breath. Achilles Tolliver and the Scamander brothers had become a strong group of friends over the last few years. Well after Achilles and Newt got over the need to try and constantly prove one was better for Tina than the other. The two realized quickly there wasn’t a contest in her eyes, that Newt would win every time, and that they had more in common than they did different. It had also turned out that Achilles had worked with Theseus a few times over the years when running ops in Europe. “How is he?”

“From what I could gather when they all got to New York last night, he’ll be okay. Our resident Charms expert is helping, I think.” Tina said with a small smile. Despite being in different houses, Tina, Lally, and Achilles had been good friends at Ilvermorny. None of them could really explain the friendship or it’s origins. All they knew was that one day they had sat at one of the tables in the Ilvermorny dining together and the rest was history. When Tina and Achilles had their brief fling back in ‘27, Lally lamented in every letter Tina received from her that it was a bad idea and ‘don’t you remember how you used to carry on back in school that he was only going to get some idiot girl. Now you’re that girl, Teen, come on.’ Tina wouldn’t say the fling almost ended their friend group, but it came damn close. Ever since Newt had come in the picture fully, the dynamics had returned between the three friends. They went back to ragging on each other at the best of times and having detailed discussions over the troubling state of the economy and both the No Maj and wizarding worlds.

“Ahh. What does our favorite new Ilvermorny Professor think of the Scamander brothers?” Achilles asked as Tina laid her report on their boss’s desk. It caused her to hesitate to turn around. Lally hadn’t had the chance to meet Newt, though, they had been exchange letters ‘one author to another’ until Dumbledore asked for their help. Nor had she met Theseus prior to their mission. Achilles, on the other hand, had been forced to meet Newt when he’d decided to meet her at the docks as she returned after Paris. Newt had accompanied her and for the first several days life had been awkward between the three of them. After a while as mentioned before, Newt and Achilles became friends. And when Auror work took her and Achilles to London, Theseus often joined Newt, Tina, and Achilles for dinner and drinking. Lally had been complaining she had gotten to meet either man yet, but Tina reminded her that working at Ilvermorny limited Lally’s availability to travel with them.

“From what I could tell last night, she and Newt are two peas in a pod. She and Theseus are, well they remind me of when Newt and I met.”

“So two people with diametrically opposing personalities that have obvious romantic tension. Well obvious to everyone but them of course.” Achilles quirked an eyebrow as she whipped around to glare.

“Yes.” She gritted out as she headed back to her desk to grab her coat.

“Woah, where are you going? I was kidding.” He asked as he tried to keep up with her.

“My fiancé is back in New York. You think I’m staying here when I haven’t seen him in months?” She asked raising her own eyebrow at him.

“Graves won’t like that.”

“Graves has already approved the time off.” The man in question commented as he appeared over Achilles’s shoulder. The younger Auror jumped as their boss spoke. “Oh come on, Tolliver. You’re one of my top aurors I shouldn’t be able to creep up on you that easily.” Graves bumped Achilles shoulder as he pouted. “And anyway if you got here on time in the mornings instead of standing down in the atrium flirting with the new girl in the wand permits office,” Achilles cringed at that. “Yes I know about that. Anyway if you would just get up here on time you would know Tina got here early and spoke with me. And if you referenced a calendar like a smart friend, you’d see what was supposed to have happened yesterday.”

“The wedding!“ Achilles let out. “You two were supposed to do the small ceremony yesterday! Oh Godric, Teen, I’m so sorry that fell through!”

“It’s alright. Nothing any of us could do.”

“But it’s not fair.” Achilles said as he ran a hand through his curly, blonde hair. “If anyone deserves this happiness, it’s you and Newt.”

“We couldn’t agree more.” Came a voice from the entrance to the bull pen. There stood Theseus Scamander, Lally Hicks, Jacob Kowalski, and a shy looking Newt Scamander. Theseus spoke again as he lead the group the short distance to Tina’s desk, joining the three Americans. “That’s why they are doing their ceremony in, what was it Newt? 30 minutes?”

“Closer to 20 now.” Newt corrected his brother as he took a spot at her side. Tina linked her right hand in Newt’s left and felt him lightly squeeze her hand. “You didn’t tell them?”

“I told Graves. Achilles didn’t shut up about Theseus getting arrested long enough for me to tell him.

“Oh are we starting this already?” Theseus groaned.

“You told me not to mention it!” Achilles cried out, causing the few aurors in the bull pen to look their way. “That he wouldn’t be in the right state of mind for me to rag on him.”

“I told you not to mention it because you inevitably would be insensitive about it. I, on the other hand, told him Leta would want me to make fun of him in her place.” That earned her a snort of laughter from Theseus himself. “Anyway, back to the point. We are going upstairs and getting married. Either you’re coming or you’re not, I really don’t care at this point, Tolliver.” Tina stayed as she turned to grab her coat and bag. Both of which were already in Newt’s hands before she could. “Mr. Scamander I am perfectly capable of doing that myself.”

“Indulge me, love.” Newt said smiling down at her. A genuine smile only reserved for her, their creatures, and their family. They were broken out of their trance by Achilles groaning at them.

“At least wait until the honeymoon for whatever that is.”

“I think it’s supposed to be foreplay.” Lally commented as she greeted Achilles with a hug. Theseus was watching the two skeptically Tina notice, but also joined in on the fun of picking at his brother.

“Foreplay might be taking it too far, Ms. Hicks. I believe that was the foreplay to foreplay.” Newt glared at his brother before looking away from everyone. Tina, herself, was fighting down a blush as she squeezed his hand to get him to look at her.

“It’s not too late to un-invite all of them.”

“Hey!” Theseus, Lally, and Achilles yelled together.

“That’s not fair, Tina. I didn’t do anything.” Jacob said crossing his arms with a huff. She smiled at him, but gave him a look. “Okay fine. I was thinking something along those lines, but I didn’t say it.”

“We’ll need a witness, love.” Newt murmured just loud enough for the others to hear.. “We could have Jacob and Graves come and do that for us. Let the other three’s stay here and have their imagination run wild about what we’ll do tonight.” He had a smirk across his face that made Tina melt. Very rarely did Newt offer a cheeky response like that, but when he did, damn did hit.

“OH MERLIN! NEWTON YOU CANNOT SAY THAT.” Theseus yelled as Achilles gagged. Lally was on the floor hysterically laughing with Graves using her shoulder to support him as laughter overtook him. Jacob just looked at Newt in shock and awe. Tina was smiling at their group. Only these people could Newt make that joke in front of. Only these people would he be remotely comfortable to. She was happy to have this small group, this small family. It was missing a member in her eyes, but she wasn’t going to let herself dwell on that.

“Well when you start insulting our flirting, he can call you out for having minds in the gutter, Thee.” Tina said as she turned back to Newt. “We need to get upstairs. You ready?”

“I’ve been ready to marry you since I found you in Paris.” Newt said honestly. She smiled again. She went to speak to their small group, but Newt beat her to it. “Alright, we need to get upstairs to make our appointment with the minister. If you all can behave, let’s head upstairs. Theseus, you’ll sign as one of our witnesses?” Newt looked at his brother with hopeful eyes. When Newt had told Tina his request to have Theseus act as witness in a semi Best Man role, she was shocked. They both had agreed that a short ceremony at MACUSA or the Ministry was all they wanted and that the witnesses would people dear to them. Of course Tina was all for having Theseus sign, if Newt had wanted him to. He’d become an older brother fo her as she dated Newt, but with that came the recognition that the brothers more often than not had a hard time seeing the other’s point of view. Theseus saw everything as black and white, Newt had been forced to learn a world where grey exists. In the end, she completely supported Newt’s request to get his brother involved, happy to see them healing from the loss of Leta together. That also left her the task of finding the second witness. A task she had put off until today.

“Of course.” Tina heard Theseus respond to his brother. She could hear the smile in his voice. Tina hesitated as she felt Newt start to move towards the door, hearing most of their group go with him.

“Tina?” She looked up at Newt, who’s face was covered in confusion at her hesitation. She leaned up to peck his lips to alleviate that tension.

“Head on up. I have a question I need to ask Jacob. Alone.” She said the last part pointedly at Lally and Achilles who acted like they would never invade a private conversation and moved to follow Theseus into the hall. Theseus had his arm extended to Lally which she took. That made Tina smile. She hoped that Lally could help Theseus be happy if thats what fate had in the cards. At the very least, he had a friend who would give it to him straight now. Newt squeezed her hand as he let go and walked with Graves out the door. Tina turned to Jacob with a smile.

“What’s up, Tina? Should I not have come? I know there are rules about No Majs, but Newt said-“ she laughed as she looped her arm through Jacob’s, effectively confusing him. She started to follow the way everyone else had gone, taking care to make sure they all had boarded an elevator already before she spoke.

“Jacob, you are perfectly fine. I cleared you being here with Graves who cleared it with President Boot.” Jacob nodded, not asking about former President Picquery. “No, I have a bit of a favor to ask.”

“Whatever you need, consider it done.” Jacob said as he raised a hand to squeeze her arms.

“Oh you haven’t heard the favor yet.”

“Tina, I know we’ve had our disagreements and it’s been a few years, but I was almost your brother-in-law. You and Newt, you’re my family whether you like it or not.” Tina smiled at Jacob’s confession.

“Well you see, after sometime apart between the two of us, Jacob, I’ve started to see you’re way of thinking.” Jacob looked at her as they approached an open elevator. The house elf, Red, operating the elevator nodded at Tina before pushing the button to the floor she and Jacob needed. Someone from their group must have given the elf warning she would be coming soon. Tina continued on with trying to ask Jacob her question though, rather than dwelling on what the elf did. “So Jacob, I’m going to be clear. I never thought I’d get married without my sister by my side and before you try to say anything, I’ve made peace with it. That she chose her side for her reasons and I’ve chosen mine. I’m not happy about it, but for the sake of my sanity I’ve had to make some sort of peace with it for now.” Jacob nodded at her, still not knowing where she was going. This caused Tina to sheepishly smile at him. “With that being said, I can imagine a better person to take her place in what I’m about to ask you to do. You’ve known Newt and I since the beginning. Even before Queenie did.” Her voice broke on her sister’s name, but she just looked at Jacob Kowalski, her friend, Newt’s best friend, the love of her sister’s life, her brother and asked her question. “Will you be our second witness?” Jacob looked shocked.

“You don’t Lally or hell even that Achilles guy to do it?”

“Jacob, like you said. You’re family. You’re my brother, I need my brother with me today.” She felt Jacob hug her before she could react. When she had registered what had happened, Tina returned the gesture whole heartedly. “Is that a yes?”

“Of course. Anything for you and Newt, Tina.” When she pulled back she saw the baker had some tears in his eyes. Before she could speak again, the doors opened and the both moved to join their party. As she exited the elevator, Tina heard Red call after her.

“Congratulations, Goldstein.” Tina turned back and smiled at the elf.

“Thanks, Red.” He turned the gesture as the doors closed. Tina felt a hand slip into hers as she turned to face door of the MACUSA office they’d be using for the ceremony.

“Ready, love?” Newt whispered as the began to approach the door.

“Absolutely.” Tina whispered back as she pushed open the door.

[yesiamdrowning]

vivi, muori, ripeti (o non è bello ciò che è bello ma è bello ciò che è riconoscibile).

Riflettevo su una cosa. Imbattendomi nell'ennesimo acceso botta e risposta sugli sviluppi del fenomeno trap, mi sono soffermato sui commenti inviperiti di quanti, in special modo tra i miei coetanei, rimbrottavano di come si stesse meglio prima, di come stiano marcendo le cose, di come visti ‘sti Sonohra frà ho rivalutato i Finley (cit.). Per un istante il mio cervello ha staccato la spina, rotto l'empatia e l'affinità anagrafica e si è chiesto: ma tutti questi che ce l'hanno a morte coi trapper si sono dimenticati dei truzzi? Per quanti erano piccoli o se ne fossero dimenticati, un rapido excursus antropologico. Il fenomeno truzzi ha rappresentato una delle sfumature più cupe della moderna storia delle culture giovanili. In quella che, a ben vedere, è stata l’ultima epoca, perché mi pare sia stata proprio un’epoca, in cui si poteva aspirare a essere qualcosa, o grunge, o metalheads, o punk, o gothic, o indie, o gabber, o qualunque cosa, il “truzzo” era l’unico a volere somigliare al Nulla. Incapace anche solo ad abbinare gli articoli in modo corretto, il truzzo diceva “la rock” non “il rock”, aveva come scopo della vita solo l’opinabile gusto estetico: capelli bisunti, occhiali Carrera o Gucci a mascherina, giacchette imbottite rinforzate con improbabili pellicciotti, colori fluo come se non ci fosse un domani e tutto un armamentario di basica ignoranza (e non solo) musicale che al confronto Achille Lauro potreste pure portarlo a casa e presentarlo ai vostri genitori.  Allora invece di chiederci cos'è che ci infastidisce dei recenti fenomeni sociali, faremmo meglio a domandarci: “Cosa ci spinge a distanza di anni a rivalutare il nostro giudizio su tutte quelle cose ritenute in principio detestabili?”. Almeno dagli anni Sessanta, quando un tale chiamato Robert Zajonc sottolineò per la prima volta l'importanza del semplice “effetto da esposizione”, abbiamo capito che la gente preferisce cose che ha già sperimentato. Che siano immagini o melodie, le persone ammettono di apprezzare cose già espedite, anche se in primissima battuta le hanno perfino odiate. E attribuiscono la loro maggiore capacità di percepire ad esempio un politico non a un'esperienza precedente, ma a una supposta qualità insita nella stessa persona. Invece di pensare: “Ho già visto un tipo così, con la camicia bianca e la cravatta blu, quindi ora lo percepisco come familiare”, pensano: “Accidenti, alla fine è meglio uno così!” e si sentono più rassicurati e/o intelligenti. Di contro: Obama che cravatte non ne usava destò sia perplessità che ironia ancora più che per il colore della pelle - politici afroamericani ce n'erano stati anche prima. L'effetto si estende di certo alla musica. Negli anni ci siamo abituati a tutto, dai capelloni ai punk passando per le boy-band e tutto il resto. Per più del 90% del tempo che passiamo con la musica, abbiamo a che fare con dei suoni già sentiti e figure già metabolizzate. La ripetitività è certo la caratteristica assai più diffusa della musica, immaginata o reale. Aspiriamo, in sintesi, a qualcosa ci ricordi i Fugazi nell’attesa di sentire qualcosa di nuovo dei Fugazi, tra un vecchio brano e l’altro… dei Fugazi*. Si pensi al hype attorno al disco dei Messthetics di Joe Lally e Brendan Canty dei Fugazi - di cui in fondo anche sticazzi. La ripetizione nella musica funziona in questo modo: rende gli elementi espressivi sfumati e sempre più fruibili di quelli inediti, per cui la spinta a partecipare - muovere la testa a ritmo o adoperare la stessa estetica da pirla quasi incosciamente - sarà più irresistibile che mai. Può esistere quindi musica senza una ripetizione sensoriale, sia estetica che sonora? In effetti non è un oggetto naturale e i musicisti non sono tenuti a dei requisiti da rispettare. Anzi, nell’ultimo secolo alcuni compositori hanno proprio cercato di evitare, di sabotare, quando non direttamente scardinare questa ripetitività: pensate alle avanguardie ma pensate pure più banalmente ai Sex Pistols. Fa lo stesso. Durante uno studio condotto qualche anno fa dal Music Cognition Lab in Arkansas, sono stati fatti ascoltare dei brani in origine molto simili tra di loro per genere, struttura, eccetera. All’insaputa dei partecipanti, alcuni brani sono stati modificati con un programma audio. Alcuni segmenti sono stati tolti o inseriti. I brani modificati differivano dagli originali solo perché non contenevano una similitudine nella curva sonora. In teoria, così dovevano risultare abbastanza insoliti e sgradevoli. Ma i partecipanti, studenti universitari senza le conoscenze accademiche della musica, le hanno trovate non solo “piacevoli”, anche “più interessanti” e non hanno ritenuto che fossero state create da un computer. Allo stesso tempo, è storia di tutti i giorni il successo o l’insuccesso dettato dalla familiarità di qualcosa o qualcuno nella nostra mente, che poi ci permette di partecipare attivamente a ogni istante che viviamo. Così, il tipo alla Lip-Peep-anche-se-non-è-Lil-Peep verrà riconosciuto come “strafigo” dalla ciurma adorante di quel replay ma un “povero demente” per coloro a cui appare inedito, fino ai casi limite che arrivano a dimenticare o rimpiangere (per dire) i truzzi che di Lil Peep erano formalmente soltanto dei parenti alla lontana, distorcendone nella propria testa il ricordo.

Non tutti gli aspetti della musica hanno bisogno di essere resi più interessanti dalla ripetizione. Una singola nota di violino può suonare musicale anche senza ausili particolari. La ripetizione non spiega perché un accordo minore ci sembra cupo o uno diminuito sinistro, ma forse ci spiega perché una serie di questi accordi ci sembra inevitabile e trascinante. La ripetizione ci spiega perché un taglio di capelli ci fa riconoscere un appassionato di rock da uno di pop, ma non ci spiega perché a distanza di tanti anni e centinaia di look simili le enormi spalline di David Byrne nel 1984 appaiono ai più come strane e affatto invitanti all’ascolto della relativa musica. Percorrendo e ripercorrendo lo stesso sentiero nello spazio di tutta la storia della musica, la ripetizione fa apparire la sequenza di suoni e di immagini meno simile a una obiettiva presentazione di contenuti e più simile a una specie di coda che ci portiamo dietro. Attiva un circuito che ce la fa percepire come qualcosa che ci ricorda in fondo noi stessi, non quello che realmente percepiamo. Il senso di identificazione che proviamo o no attraverso immagini e suoni, e che nella nostra mente fa parte integrante della loro stessa definizione, deve molto all’esposizione ripetuta. Non è casuale. Quando iTunes vi segnala che state ascoltando per la 368esima volta lo stesso album, una piattaforma tra le tante tenta di suggerirvi 68 pagine di artisti simili o cercando una foto dei NoFX vi imbattete in un’immagine dei Prodigy ma non ci fate nemmeno caso, non siete pazzi o maniaci compulsivi. Il problema triste della musica è che ha smesso di ridefinire sé stessa, come invece ancora sembra accedere nel bene e nel male nell’arte contemporanea. C’è un limite e la ripetizione rappresenta la non volontà (o l’incapacità?) di superare quel limite. *Sostituite con chi volete e chi vi rappresenta meglio.

[alwaysalreadyangry]

deleted a reblog of my old post because the link is broken (love websites), but i wanted to share again my poem ‘Little Stomach’, which is -- well as far as it’s about anything, about Achilles/Patroclus in Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida, and the homophobic reception to them in a lot of older scholarship/readings.

you can read it at strange horizons here.

here’s how it begins:

1.

i will hold my peace when achilles' brooch bids me brache, bitch, not a dog more abusive a cluster of offensive gems of all the nation / spits / gold and silver the spit or bodkin forms a very small part of the whole.

2.

"his buddy Patroclus"—

3.

his best-belovéd i wept, my blest you, name stitched inside your vest paired // locked

4.

i am not interested in homosexuality. there should have been a warning.

5.

your body is produced pettiness & prettiness together dallying in his tents his grief: dishonour he intends— lallies in his tents he: valued honor / life the war lived laughed scratch out the wrong one rewrite it right this time his grief: deceit, self love

[opaquestrategies]

@animesemplemcpherson tagged me to post five songs that remind me of my childhood. I didn’t really get into music until I taught myself basically everything about having music taste when I was thirteen? so nearly all my childhood memories re: music are dependent on my family’s old VHS and minuscule CD collections. 

1) “So Long, Farewell” - The Sound of Music (1965)  

2) “Feed the Birds” - Mary Poppins (1964) | I watched our VHS tapes of Sound of Music and Mary Poppins to an ABSURD degree as a kid, to the point where my mom had to figure out which parts of each were least interesting for me (to wit: the Duchess convincing Maria to leave at the act break and the only tangentially plot-related “Sister Suffragette”) if she wanted to leave for the store because otherwise? I would make you sit through the whole rest of the film. 

3) “Oo-de-lally” - Roger Miller in Robin Hood (1973) | Disney Robin Hood is so iconic that it was years before I realized that them being anthropomorphic animals wasn’t part of the original legends. 

4) “We Can Work It Out” - The Beatles | When I was six or seven, I inherited our family’s 1 compilation after my grandma said my brother had Beatle hair and I called him a bug. I was also really into Greek mythology as a kid and in my head, this song really fit as a musical setting for the scene in the Iliad where Odysseus and Nestor try to convince Achilles to settle his beef with Agamemnon (I, and I cannot stress this enough, was such a weird kid).

5) “The Mysterious Ticking Noise” - Potter Puppet Pals (Neil Cicierega) | watching Potter Puppet Pals videos on the Wii internet channel in my friend’s video game room is PEAK 2008 nostalgia for me.

tagging: @justthatspiffy @sandstonebutch @weyesbloods @theraisincouncil @kenaiskoda @thelilliellama

[tvobsessed96]

Curious Archer Playlist

Since I kept thinking of songs that fit well with Curious Archer, I decided to put them in a playlist. Now that we won’t be getting any more episodes, I figured I should share it with the fandom. I didn’t want to keep it to myself and I wanted to do my part to keep the spirit of this show and this ship alive. So, here it is. My personal Curious Archer playlist. It’s divided into three sections, Pop, Disney/Movie Soundtracks, and Bonus Songs. I’ll provide a brief explanation as well as some favorite lyrics for each song. Enjoy!

Pop

1. “Brighter Than The Sun” by Colbie Caillet (The Meet-Cutes)

Explanation: This song captures the bliss of new love so well. It’s just so happy and pure. Kind of like this ship.

Relevant Lyric(s): “Stopped me on the corner. Swear you hit me like a vision. I, I, I wasn’t expecting. But who am I to tell fate where it’s supposed to go?”

2. “Never Forget You” by Zara Larsson and MNEK (from Alice to Robin)

Explanation: I think this is technically supposed to be a break up song, but I couldn’t help including it. If you look at the lyrics as written, they fit Curious Archer really well. It makes me think of the scene right before the curse where Alice tells Robin that they’ll always know each other, even if they don’t.

Relevant Lyrics(s): “’Cause once upon a time you were my everything. It’s clear to see that time hasn’t changed a thing. So, just what do you think could ever take you off my mind?”

3. “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne (from Robin to Alice)

Explanation: This one is less specific, but it still really works. It’s obvious how much these girls love being around each other.

Relevant Lyric(s): “If you gave me a chance, I would take it. It’s a shot in the dark, but I’ll make it. Know with all of your heart you can’t shake me. When I am with you, there’s no place I’d rather be.”

4. “Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities (from Alice to Robin)

Explanation: This song also reminds me of the scene right before the curse. I just love Alice’s optimism, promising Robin that everything will be okay and they’ll see each other again. These two will always support and protect each other.

Relevant Lyric(s): “I can show you love. In a tidal wave of mystery you’ll still be standing next to me. You could be my luck. Even if we’re six feet underground, I know that we’ll be safe and sound.”

5. “Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay (from Robin to Alice)

Explanation: I can totally picture a young Robin reading all the fairytales and seeing them play out in real life, then worrying she’d never find a True Love of her own. Until she met Alice, of course.

Relevant Lyric(s): “I’ve been reading books of old. The legends and the myths. Achilles and his gold. Hercules and his gifts. Spiderman’s control and Batman with his fists. And clearly I don’t see myself upon that list.”

6. “Let Me Love You” by DJ Snake feat. Justin Bieber (from Robin to Alice)

Explanation: Honestly, this is probably my least favorite song on the list. It’s not a perfect fit, but I still like it. I imagine that Alice was a little hesitant when they first acknowledged their feelings, but Robin probably made sure she did whatever she could to make Alice comfortable. If the scene before the curse was not, in fact, the first time said feelings were acknowledged. I find it hard to believe that it was.

Relevant Lyric(s): “Don’t you give up. Nah, nah, nah. I won’t give up. Nah, nah, nah. Let me love you. Let me love you.”

Disney/Movie Soundtracks

7. “Oo-De-Lally” from Robin Hood (Robin)

Explanation: This is the obvious choice for Robin in this section. How could I not include it? :)

Relevant Lyric(s): “Reminiscin’ this ‘n’ that and having such a good time. Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally. Golly, what a day.”

8. “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz (Robin)

Explanation: This might be the less obvious choice. I mostly included it so I could have at least two songs for each of them in this section. Also, because Robin’s mother is the Wicked Witch, a character in The Wizard of Oz.

Relevant Lyric(s): “Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high. There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.”

9. “In a World of My Own” from Alice in Wonderland (Alice)

Explanation: For Alice’s first song, we have a song from the movie. It’s a lovely little tune and fits well with Once’s version of the character.

Relevant Lyric(s): “All the flowers would have very extra special powers. They would sit and talk to me for hours when I’m lonely. In a world of my own.”

10. “When Will My Life Begin” from Tangled (Alice)

Explanation: I know this is from Tangled and not Alice in Wonderland, but it fits Once’s version of Alice so well that I had to include it.

Relevant Lyric(s): “What is it like out there where they glow?”

Bonus Songs

11. “Astronaut” by Simple Plan (Alice)

Explanation: Oh man, this song gives me ALL the Alice/Tilly feels. I can’t help but think of our precious bean all alone in that tower. It also makes me think of the scene where Tilly is trying to find an alibi, but nobody recognizes her.

Relevant Lyric(s): “Can anybody hear me? Or am I talking to myself? My mind is running empty in the search for someone else who doesn’t look right through me. It’s all just static in my head. Can anybody tell me why? I’m lonely like a satellite.”

12.  “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars (from Robin to Alice)

Explanation: I can totally picture Robin/Margot singing this to Alice/Tilly. It especially makes me think of the conversation Tilly had with Margot about good days and bad days, with Margot promising to stick by her no matter what. Imagine Alice/Tilly having a bad day and feeling down, and Robin/Margot reminding her how amazing she is.

Relevant Lyric(s): “When I see your face, there’s not a thing that I would change. ‘Cause you’re amazing just the way you are. And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while. ‘Cause, girl, you’re amazing just the way you are.

And there you have it! My Curious Archer playlist. I hope you found at least one or two songs to add to your own playlist!

[exasperatedtinagoldstein]

The Burden They Share

“‘Tolliver, I’ll be the one telling Theseus he lost. I’d like to kick my old friend while he’s down.’”

Note: this is a part of the one shot series I’ve been writing. Same as always, I don’t own any characters or the world. I will say this one mentions MACUSA a bit and I decided to make it function a little more like the US Congress/government does rather than the way it is described on Pottermore. I hope you enjoy.

By the time Tina and Achilles had arrived at the Ministry, he had already asked her 20 different questions about her engagement.

“Achilles, it’s new. Literally just happened. We haven’t even talked to his mother about it yet. You need to calm down.” Tina glared at his back as her wand was taken by security for inspection.

“I can’t help it that I’m excited! I’m assuming this means he told you about our plan to get him to the States?” Tolliver was practically buzzing from his excitement.

“Yes, he did. And the fact that you’ve been lying to me about ways to get his travel ban lifted on our end is insubordination at its finest.” Tina said as she took her wand back and followed Achilles towards the elevators. “Or are you going to claim that was for love too?”

“It’s always for love, Boss.” Achilles held his smirk as they stepped onto an elevator with the few waiting Ministry wizards. “Now anyway when are you two thinking of-“

“Not now, Achilles.” Tina gritted as she realized one of the officials on the elevator was Theseus’s boss Travers. Travers who in Tina’s opinion should have been relieved of his duties when he forced Theseus to take a group of aurors into Pere Lachaise in 1927 causing the loss of countless aurors and Leta Lestrange. Tina was in no way ashamed of her relationship with Newt, but if there ever was a man other than Gellert Grindelwald Tina didn’t want to know details of her and Newt’s love life it was Travers

“Ms. Goldstein.” Travers nodded at her with a condescending smile.

“Mr. Travers.”

“I was sorry to hear about Theseus. But this is what he gets for going against Ministry orders.” It took all her strength to not beat his head into the wall. Achilles kept his mouth shut from his spot next to her. Tina herself was counting to ten trying to not respond when Travers continued. “It’s a true shame though. Theseus Scamander was such a good young man, it’s such a travesty that he got pulled into Dumbledore’s little cult.” Tina was seeing red but held her composure. She went to open her mouth when Achilles beat her to it.

“Excuse me, sir, but you’re speaking as of Theseus were dead and not currently recovering in this country’s greatest wizarding hospital.” Achilles had a glare pointed at Travers then.

“That’s true. I apologize. I only meant to say it’s a shame it had to be the elder Scamander. He has so much to offer the world, while his brother is well he’s Newt isn’t, Ms. Goldstein?” Travers had a smirk of satisfaction. He knew exactly what he was doing. He was baiting Tina. Unknowingly baiting Achilles too. Tina turned toward the British wizard, her wand pulled out ready to strike, right as the doors opened on the floor housing the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. And at those doors stood Percival Graves.

“Goldstein! Tolliver! Put your wands away.” Tina had missed Achilles pulling his own wand out. Travers held his smirk as he nodded to his American counterpart and walked off towards his office. Graves glared at his two best aurors as they exited the elevator. “Do I want to know what the hell you two were thinking? Pulling your wands on a foreign official in his own Ministry?!” Neither one of them answered and Graves let out a deep sigh. “What did he say?”

“That Theseus deserved what he got.” Achilles answered in a tight voice as he began walking toward their designated office space the Ministry was providing. Graves looked at Tina, who remained outside the elevator, glaring at the floor.

“What else did he say?” Graves asked in soft voice. She looked up at her mentor, extremely grateful they had found him alive in the aftermath of Grindelwald impersonating him. Even more grateful that he was given the opportunity to return to his position within MACUSA.

“He essentially said it should have been Newt since ‘Theseus has so much to offer the world while his brother is well he’s Newt.’” Tina stated matter of factly in a calm voice as she too headed towards the temporary American office space.

“Mercy Lewis, Travers is asking for you all to kill him.” Tina heard Graves mutter under his breath as he followed her. Once the door was closed behind him, Graves gave her a sympathetic look. “I know what he said was out of line-“

“He was way past the line!” Achilles yelled out. “You can’t just say you wish someone’s fiancé is dead to their face!”

“Fiancé?” Graves questioned with an amused smile

“Tolliver, I’m going to kill you.” Tina said in the stillest voice she could muster as she sat in one of the chairs around an ornate table. Achilles had the brains to look both apologetic and terrified.

“Congratulations are in order then?” Graves’s smile had moved into the shit-eating grin category as he pulled out a bottle of champagne from a case by the door.

“Where the hell did you get that?” Tina demanded.

“I’ve been carrying it when we are over here since 1929. I figured one of these times it would be useful.” Graves retorted as he popped the cork and Achilles conjured three glasses. Her boss poured out the glasses much to Tina’s surprise.

“You’re as bad as him and Lally!”

“I would hope I am.” Graves commented as he handed her a champagne flute. “I just won the bet. And Tolliver, I will be the one to tell Theseus he lost. I want to kick my old friend while he’s down.” The grin on Graves’s face was absolutely child-like as he spoke.

Tina glared at him then turned to Achilles “Bet?! You four had a bet?!”

“In fairness, it was just Lally and I then the Big Boss here heard and wanted in. And i don’t know how Theseus found out I just got a note stating he was in and picked October through December for the possible months that one of you would propose.”

“One of us? And October-December?” Tina was confused on the parameters of the bet.

“None of us were sold you wouldn’t ask him yourself. And each of us had a three month window to decide on. I had January through March, Lally had April through June, and biggest loser over there said July through September.” Graves explained. He lifted his glass before Tina could ask another question. “To Tina and Newt! May you two live long, happy lives filled with love!”

“Here-fucking-here.” Achilles let out as the two men clinked their glasses against Tina’s and downed their drinks. Tina chuckled as she too took a sip of her champagne. As much as she hated to admit it, it felt wrong to sit amongst friends and celebrate. The feeling was caused by multiple reasons: 1. Newt couldn’t be here at the moment to celebrate with them, 2. Theseus’s injury prevented him from being here as well, 3. Merlin only knew if anything would happen to Jacob to prevent him from being apart of this special celebration, and 4. and most glaring to Tina, was that Queenie wasn’t here. It had been pushing 7 years since the betrayal. Since the unthinkable happened and not a day goes by that Tina doesn’t blame herself for it. She should have been more supportive and helpful to Queenie rather than judge mental and hostile especially about Jacob. And- no, Tina told herself. Stop that train of thought. As much as she held herself responsible for not helping to her sister as much as she should have, Tina had to remember Queenie had made her choice. She looked between her two friends and saw they had turned serious again.

“As much as I hate to ruin a good time,” Graves began as he sat his champagne down. “I have orders for you, Goldstein. You are wanted back in New York.” Tina expected as much. But she sure as hell wasn’t going down without a fight.

“I can’t leave England right now, Percival.” Graves leveled her with an unamused look at that response.

“Tina, I enjoy this as much as you do. Especially since the Ministry is requesting back up on this, but I can’t go against orders from Congress or the President.”

“What if we point out that my family has been gravely injured?” Tina pushed.

“The fact that Newt proposed and his brother is lying in St. Mungo’s might buy us a few days to get a better reason to keep you here for now, but the fact remains many politicians back home don’t like your ties to Grindelwald’s cult of followers.” Graves grabbed her hand as Tina looked at the floor trying to prevent her from closing herself off.

Tina knew most members of the Magical Congress didn’t trust her because of her connections to Queenie and Credence. It was the major reason she had been stranded in the US as much as she had. Right after Paris, she was under a crazy amount of surveillance. Sure they had let Tina stay short term in London after the attack, but as soon as the British Ministry made it clear her help wasn’t essential she was brought home. She could sneak away for several days at a time when things had calmed down with the help of Graves and Achilles. They would vouch that she was with the Scamanders. Tina was shocked last year when we returned home from Oliver Scamander’s funeral to hear she was being promoted to head Auror. She didn’t think anyone in Congress would let that happen. The new President after Picquery had seemed to trust Tina enough to know she wasn’t a threat to defect, but the long serving officials in MACUSA’s House and Senate disagreed. She was lucky they didn’t have to hold approval hearings and that the President could just appoint the head Auror position at the guidance of the Director of Magical Law Enforcement. Graves told her he was adamant she got the position. That he could think of no one else more deserving of it. It meant the world to hear her mentor say that, but it also meant more of a reason to keep her state side. Keep her from Newt and Europe, where the war was proceeding at a frightening pace. Tina fought Graves and President Boot over her need to interact with aurors in other countries. Both agreed with her, but claimed Congress was a roadblock to her getting clearance to do that. They were worried what would happen if she came across her sister out in the field while abroad. Tina knew the argument was over at that. It was a fair worry as Tina herself didn’t know how she’d react. But now, the war had escalated. Allies had been attacked more than they already had. Grindelwald had made it clear it wasn’t just civil disobedience he was brewing, but full scale attacks that would expose witches and wizards across the world. Exposure that could lead to much more harm than good.

That wasn’t Tina’s biggest concern though. Her biggest concern was Newt. Newt needed her right now. He needed her as a soldier, a partner, a supporter, a confidant. Well he needed her here as his future wife. She knew him better than he knew himself sometimes, and she knew he would need her help through not just Theseus’s recovery but also the fight. And if that meant she had to resign from her job in order to get MACUSA off her back about staying in New York then so be it. Graves seemed to have read her mind though.

“You aren’t resigning.”

“Director Graves, I will-“ Tina started only to be cut off by Achilles.

“Tina, he’s not going to let you resign. I’m pretty sure the man would resign right there with you and join Scamander’s little army. I know that’s my plan.” He shot her a meaningful look that she knew meant he was serious. Achilles meant it that if she left, he was right behind her.

“I already have our escape option in mind you two so please don’t plan any dumb stunts without me.” Graves leaned back in his chair lifted his hands to run through his hair in exasperation. It was in this moment he looked like an exhausted father parenting his two troublesome children. Tina could only think that description might be the most accurate one for his job and friendship with his two highest ranking aurors. “Now my first plan is to assign you two to deep cover work with Newt’s team. My argument with anyone who seems it to be a problem will be that this team of civilians is operating with two Americans and while they have the Head Auror of the British Ministry working with them, my preference is to have my own people in the mix. And since you two have an established relationship with the field commander-“ Tina bristled at this description of Newt’s role in Dumbledore’s army. “It makes you two the best for the job.”

“How long have you had this plan in your back pocket?” Tina sled with a cocked eyebrow.

“Months. Newton Scamander just had to move before I could implement it though.” Graves said with a smirk.

“More like Dumbledore told him it was time to move.” Tina grumbled as she sank back. Achilles had a grin knowing where this conversation was headed. Graves cocked an eyebrow himself at her then. “I can’t stand that man! I can’t tell you why I just-“

“You know Newt doesn’t really like him either, right?” Achilles asked with his grin in place. Tina raised a skeptical brow. “Okay sure he knows that Dumbledore is the one teacher who defended him when the whole Hogwarts situation happened, but Tina he can see that man is manipulative from a mile away. He doesn’t do the things he does because Dumbledore asks him to, Newt does them because he knows that they will help people and creatures. Or because it gives him a chance to see his favorite Auror.”

“I swear if you say your referring to yourself with that last bit I will actually cut your balls off.”

“As much as I would love to say myself, it’s you. He doesn’t even like to talk to me when I’m doing my job, but you? You ask for an official statement in the nude and that man would immediately strip. He’s in love with you that much.” Tina rolled her eyes and Achilles lewd description of Newt’s loyalty to her. But she was relieved to have someone else notice Newt’s slight disdain for Dumbledore. She and Theseus had discussed seeing it before, but they both thought it was wishful thinking on their end.

“Well it’s good to know my fiancé can see through Dumbledore’s tales of grandeur enough to know the man has a hidden agenda.” Both men sitting in the office laughed at her before they settled back into business. For the next two hours, the three of them worked out the logistics of this plan to make it as air tight as possible. By the end of it, Tina was feeling confident. She knew that things could go amiss, but seeing Graves help with the plan of attack made her feel better about this plan working. As she was getting up to leave she turned to her boss to ask, “Did you know about Achilles and Newt looking for ways to get Newt’s ban from the US lifted?”

“Who do you think told them it was possible?” Graves smiled as he hugged her. “You really think I’d let you move to England to raise your family and let you send them to Hogwarts instead of Ilvermorny? What would your old man say to me about that?” It was in these moments when Graves wasn’t her mentor or her boss or even her friend. In these moments, Graves was her father’s young hotshot partner who needed a good smack upside the head. “He would be so proud of you, Tina. They both would.” Tina hugged Percival Graves as tightly as she did the day he came to see her and Queenie after their parents died.

“Thank you. For everything.”

“I’ll always help you, kid. It’s what family does.” He squeezed her one more time. Before shooing her and Achilles out of the office with a, “Go check on the Scamanders! And Lally and that Kowalski guy! Tell Newt I’ll be by this evening for his shovel talk, Tina.” She rolled her eyes at him causing Graves to let out a hearty laugh.

Once they were back on the elevator, Achilles asked, “So boss, you ready for the fight to come?”

“I’m always ready for a fight, Tolliver.” She had a childish grin as she glanced at him.

[exasperatedtinagoldstein]

“The Blame He Bears” part 4

‘“Don’t dawdle, Mr. Scamander.” She called as she scooped up Teddy who had been her shadow all morning. “I’m not promising to save you any food if you take ten years to get upstairs.”

“I’ll be up there before you know it, love.”’

Note: so this one is around 5k words. Again I know it’s long, I got going and couldn’t stop. I hope you’ve been enjoying everything so far. This has become my outlet for what I hope is to come if we don’t a lot of Tina in the movie. The language gets a little more colorful in this one. Thanks everyone for reading and enjoy! As always I sadly do not own these characters.

“Should we wake them?” And Tina heard a voice ask. She cuddled in closer to Newt when she heard it. Who wants to wake her up? They were comfortable and this is probably the most sleep either of them had gotten in a while. Why can’t they just leave them alone?

“No, no. Trust me, Lally, they’ve earned this sleep.” As soon as she heard those words and that voice Tina’s eyes shot open. She turned out of her cocoon of warmth with Newt to look at the people standing several paces away on the stairs. Tina heard Newt give a little noise of protest in his sleep, but it was too late for her to be pulled back. She had found her target and jumped out of the makeshift bed.

“Jacob!” Tina yelled as she went and pulled the man into a hug. She could feel Jacob stiffen for a moment before he laughed and returned the hug.

“Hi, Tina.” She heard him say, but she had already pulled back to check him over. While he may have been present yesterday, Tina had only one focus then: Newt. She hadn’t even really spoken to Lally yet. But seeing Jacob Kowalski in the flesh for the first time in years was a true sight for sore eyes. Tina smiled and hugged him tightly again.

“It’s so good to see you.” When she pulled back this time, she slapped him upside the head.

“Ow! What was that for?!” Jacob asked as he rubbed the back of his head. Before she had the chance to respond a sleepy voice rose up behind them.

“It’s how she shows affection when you’ve done something stupid, Jacob. I can’t seem to get her to let that habit go.” Newt said with a small smirk as he stretched out of bed, picking up Teddy and Pickett along the way. Dougal lumbered over to him and demanded to be picked as well which Newt happily obliged him.

“When you and your brothers stop doing stupid, reckless things, I’ll stop with my harmless slaps.” Tina took Teddy out of Newt’s arms as he sidled up beside her.

“OUR brothers, love. Our. I’m not being the sole one responsible for our siblings whether biological or adopted or related through marriage and myself. That seems like too much.” Newt gave her a crooked grin as he quickly pecked her lips. He then smiled at both Jacob and Lally before moving to start gathering feed and supplies for morning rounds.

“Hey Newt, you want some help?” Jacob called as he gave Tina a shit eating grin.

“Sure, Jacob. Tina, love, can you and Lally check on everyone up top?” Newt asked gesturing up to the top of the menagerie.

“Of course, dear.” Tina called as she’d linked an arm in Lally’s and started guiding her upstairs.

“Don’t think I haven’t noticed the ring, Goldstein.” Lally whispered, a smile evident in her voice. Tina turned to her with a grin.

“What ring, Lal?”

“Teen, if you think playing dumb as you twiddle with what is clearly an engagement ring that was not there yesterday is cute let me tell you it is not.” Tina laughed as they began to check in on the augurey.

“Sooo Newt.” Jacob started as he grabbed the occamies food.

“Yes, Jacob?” Newt asked as he sliced up meat for his carnivorous charges. Jacob couldn’t help but notice there was a certain spring in Newt’s step and movement that hadn’t been there in the past few weeks. Jacob smiled to himself knowing it had everything to do with the American Auror a few staircases away.

“Brothers? Do you have more than just Theseus or-“

“It’s just Theseus and I, Jacob. I believe though that Tina was referring to you in the case of ‘brothers’ just now.” Jacob looked up at Newt a little stunned as they walked into a jungle like habitat that was some to many creatures. “Oh don’t be surprised, Jacob. I hugged you the moment you landed in the train. A welcome not even Theseus gets all that often. And I know that you kept in contact with Tina for a while after Paris. Whether you like it or not, you are apart of this crazy little family.” Newt called with a smile as he continued further into the jungle. A few fwoopers came and greeted him, welcoming Newt home. Newt heard Jacob stop to feed the occamies, talking to them as if he had never left at all. It caused a surge of warmth to go through Newt. To have his friend back here amongst the creatures was the only good thing to come out of this whole mission. Well that and finally getting to be in the same place as Tina again. That’s all Newt had wanted for a while, to be near her, to see her when he woke up in the morning, to have her help with the creatures she had grown to love as much as him. When he had asked her to marry him last night, it was spur of the moment. Not at all what he had planned. He’d planned to do it on Christmas, but she said she’d be ready to say yes anytime, anywhere. Newt realized in that moment that he had been scared. Scared she’d say no. Scared he’d lose the ring or forget his speech. And well when Tina’s involved he usually loses most thoughts in his head anyway. Newt realized as he moved to go feed the graphorns in the next habitat that he had a stupid grin on his face, and no matter how much he might try it wasn’t going away. Jacob must have noticed too because the next time he was in ear shot, Newt heard Jacob call to him.

“Newt? What’s with the grin?” Newt turned to his friend, the grin growing wider.

“Oh nothing, Jacob. Just got some good news last night.”

“You didn’t!” Jacob realized it much quicker than Newt thought he would. Newt didn’t say a word as Jacob got going. “I knew that ring hadn’t been there yesterday! When did you ask her? How did you ask her?!” Jacob was coming over with a smile and patted Newt on the back.

“I asked her as we went to bed. Nothing elaborate just a simple ‘will you marry me?’” Newt explained, thinking of the memory from not even 12 hours ago.

“You two and your simplicity.” Jacob said as he pulled Newt into a hug. “Congratulations, buddy! I’m happy for you!” Newt gave him an awkward hug back, still smiling hugely.

“Thank you, Jacob. Now if you wouldn’t mind to keep this news to yourself. Tina and I haven’t discussed how we are going to tell everyone and-“

“There’s a certain member of the crew you want to be sensitive about?” Jacob gave him a knowing look as he picked Dougal who had just reappeared.

“Yes. Well it’s-“

“Newt, if she hasn’t caught onto you and Tina literally being made for each other then maybe subtlety isn’t working.” Jacob said as Newt flared red and headed up to the kelpie lake. Before Jacob could try and pry a response from him, however, Newt dove into the lake. “NEWT!“ Jacob yelled causing a commotion a floor above.

“IS HE OKAY?!” Tina cried as she and Lally looked over the rail at Jacob.

“He just jumped in the-“ Jacob couldn’t even finish his thought as the lake rose and splashed him. “Lake.” Jacob mumbled causing Tina and Lally to laugh.

“Oh Jacob, he does quite a bit. It helps the Kelpie. Grab that bucket of meat and come up here.” Jacob did as Tina asked, grumbling about his best friend’s inability to talk about his feelings for more than two seconds.

“Congratulations, by the way.” Jacob said to Tina as he arrived on the landing. When Tina turned to him confused, Jacob nodded at the ring she now wore. “I can’t think of two people who deserve happiness more.”

“I concur.” Lally said with a smile. Tina just shyly grinned as she took the bucket over to the side of the now risen lake as Newt approached with the kelpie.

“Newt.” Tina said in a slightly amused voice.

“Yes, darling?” Newt said as he examined a new nick on the creatures neck.

“Please don’t run away from Jacob by jumping in the lake again. I think you gave him a small heart attack.” She said suppressing a grin as she feed the kelpie breakfast.

“I didnt-“

“Oh but you did!” Jacob called at the couple, giving Newt a mock stern look. “One minute we are discussing why we have to be quiet about your engagement, the next you sprint head first into a lake I didn’t know existed!” Newt gave a sheepish look of apology to Jacob as he began applying ointment to the small wound on the kelpie.

“Wait we have to keep quiet about the engagement?” Lally asked incredulously. “I have a bet to win with Tolliver! I can’t not rub it in his face. Tina? Come on!”

Tina looked over at Newt. He gave her a meaningful look, begging her to explain. And she would, regardless of if she agreed with this dumb idea. It was to save someone’s feelings who should have recognized years ago Newt enjoyed her company as a friend, not in a romantic way.

“We’ll keep it close to the chest for now. We don’t need it broadcasted all over in case Queenie or Grindelwald-“

“No! Do not use those two as an excuse for us not celebrating!” Lally cut her off with the same determination Tina recognized from school. “If you want to wait so you can tell Theseus when he wakes up, I’ll support that. Hell even if you don’t want to tell Achilles because he’ll be a world class douche about saying ‘I told you it would happen this year, Tina,’ I get that too. But this is not mainly about this godforsaken war. You know it, I know it. So cut the bullshit and give me the actual reason.” Lally looked between them in repressed anger. Tina knew what was lurking unsaid. She knew Lally saw this as a cope out for them to not go threw with a wedding if they were scared to tell anyone. Lally liked Newt and loved Tina, but Tina knew Lally was remembering the lonely girl stood up time and again for dates at Ilvermorny. She knew Lally didn’t want that to happen again.

“It’s about Bunty.” Tina sighed. Newt gave her a pained look.

“What about Bunty?” Lally seethed.

“She’s had s thing for Newt for years, Lal. And before you tear into him, we thought it was better. That she had moved on.”

“She hasn’t.” Jacob chimed in with a dead serious face. Jacob who hadn’t been around in years recognized this in days when it had taken Newt years and Theseus and Tina’s griping to figure it out.

“I can’t fire her, Tina.” Newt said gruffly as he ignored everyone and moved down towards Teddy’s cave.

“I’m not asking you to, Newt.” Tina let out in exasperation. This same old argument was getting just that: old. “I’m asking you to stop making decisions based on her feelings. If she can’t accept that we are engaged to be married,” Tina emphasized with a point to her left ring finger. “A question I will remind you that you asked me, then maybe she doesn’t need to be here and isn’t a beneficial presence to the creatures or you anymore.” The look she gave him could kill. Newt knew she was right. That if Bunty couldn’t respect his relationship with Tina then maybe it was time to let her go. But they wouldn’t know unless they told her.

“You’re right.” Newt let out as he leaned against his work bench next to the niffler den.

“I know I’m right.” Tina claimed as she stood in front of him with her arms across her chest. “We don’t have to tell her today, but I’m not hiding this from our friends, Theseus, or your mother.” Newt nodded his agreement to that and approached placing his hands on Tina’s shoulders.

“I’ll handle it.” Before Tina could reply to him a voice called from the entrance to the basement causing tension to return to her shoulders.

“Newt?” Bunty was walking down the stairs before anyone could respond. “Newt is everyone alright? I saw an untouched breakfast upstairs and-“

“Oh yeah! We came down to get you two for breakfast!” Jacob said without thinking. Bunty approached the landing that Jacob and Lally still stood on apprehensively.

“Two? Who’s here- Oh Ms. Goldstein what a lovely surprise!” Bunty smiled. Tina could tell it was slightly forced. She and Bunty had been on decent terms before Tina was forced to stay in the States extendedly. Theseus had wrote her with a word of warning regarding Newt’s assistant several weeks ago. Her soon to be brother-in-law advised that while Bunty wasn’t throwing herself at Newt, she had gone back to staying at work much too late. If Tina didn’t know Newt as well as she does and trust him whole heartedly, she’d be worried. She’d been through not trusting him once before and it had cost her time with him. Tina didn’t plan to lose anymore time with Newt than she already had.

She politely waved at Bunty, gathering her thoughts as she responded. “Hello, Bunty. How are you?” Tina smiled at woman, who just shrugged.

“I’ve been better. Has there been any word on Mr. Scamander?” Bunty quickly looked back at Newt. Tina gritted her teeth at the mention of Theseus. She still hadn’t gotten it out of Newt or Lally what happened yesterday. All she knew was that Theseus had taken a hit and had stayed down. Tina suspected it was the Cruciatus curse, but given no one wanted to talk about what happened her guess remained just that a guess.

“Not yet.” Newt replied as he pull Tina to him and kissed her forehead. “Go upstairs with Jacob and Lally. I’ll talk to her about the engagement. And the impending move.” He whispered in her ear.

“I forgot about the move.” She whispered back.

“I figured as much.” He gave her a devilish grin before shoving her towards Lally. “Why don’t you three warm up that breakfast and Bunty and I will be up to eat soon?“

“Oh know I’ve already eaten,” Bunty said as she descended the stairs to her desk in the corner.

“Of course she had.” Tina grunted to herself as she came to stand beside Jacob and Lally. “Don’t dawdle, Mr. Scamander.” She called as she scooped up Teddy who had been her shadow all morning. “I’m not promising to save you any food if you take ten years to get upstairs.”

“I’ll be up there before you know it, love.” Newt crowed with his handsome smile still on his face. Tina rolled her eyes as she climbed only to hear him call you at her, “And, Tina, unpack your case in my room. It’s yours for as long as you need it.”

Tina turned in the basement doorway to look down at him. Newt was standing there with his hands in his pockets as if he hadn’t just told her they’d be sharing a room while she’s here. “I’ll unpack when you unpack.” Tina turned on her heel before he could respond. She had sent her case here last night while they were still at St. Mungo’s. It sat waiting for her in the living room. Not that there was that much in it. She left enough clothes in the wardrobe here that she would be fine. Everything in her suitcase was toiletries and a couple spare clothes she kept at the office in case she gets called out on a mission. But her point stood. When he decided to sleep in an actual bed and not in the basement, she would unpack. Tina could feel the stares on her as she moved into the small living room of Newt’s town home. “Ask what you want to ask, Lally. Or I’m going to start interrogating you on your thoughts about Theseus.” She saw Lally blush before she cast a warming charm over the breakfast on the kitchen table.

“Well if we’re playing dirty.” Lally said as she sat on the couch. “Explain to me why you haven’t punched that woman yet?” Lally quipped.

Tina groaned as she sank into her designated armchair with Teddy. She scratched his head as he purred lightly. “Because I actually like Bunty. She’s a nice woman and is great with the creatures. She just happens to be-“

“In love with Newt, Teen. She’s quite literally in love with him.” Jacob voiced as he too came into the living room and sat in the other armchair across from Tina.

“I know, I know. And believe me I’ve made my displeasure regarding that situation known. But, Jacob, you know how Newt is. He doesn’t make friends easily and he doesn’t trust most people to properly care for his creatures. Bunty really has been a good friend to him despite the whole being attracted to him.”

Lally raised an eyebrow at Tina then. “And you’re telling me that’s a good enough reason for her to be here as late as she supposedly has been?”

“No it’s not. I never said it was. I just- I’m not going to ask him to give up a friendship he has because she can make me uncomfortable. I know Newt. I know he loves me. I’m not concerned he’ll cheat or leave me. And if he needs someone to talk to that understands his creature babble without him having to explain it sometimes than I would be a shitty fiancée to deprive him of that.” Tina stated calmly. Before Lally could play devil’s advocate again, Tina continued. “He knows what to watch for now. And he’s a little more assertive if/when she crosses a line. He’s not rude, that wouldn’t be Newt. But he does say something more forcefully about her needing to go home at the appropriate time or something like that.” Both Jacob and Lally nodded in understanding. Jacob had a small smile blooming on his face. “What’s that smile about?”

“Just you two. Making it work. I remember when we all first met and you despised him.”

“I didn’t despise him. I was just frustrated at him breaking the law.” Tina stated clearly. A wry grin making its way in her face.

“Sure that’s what was going on.” Jacob have her a knowing look. “When did you go from frustration to realizing you liked his company no matter how crazy?”

Tina thought through those two weeks he was in New York. The world wind that is was. She never regretted her decision to continue following the Second Salemers. Especially after the bank incident. “When he was interrogated and instead just letting Graves or well Grindelwald disguised as Graves sentence me to death Newt argued with him. Said that I wasn’t involved, had tried to turn him in. He didn’t let me die. For numerous reasons I’m sure, but Newt saved me that day and I’ll never forget it.” She had a dopey smile on her face. She knew she did. Then without meaning to she kept going. “Then when we were in the cells and he spoke about that little girl he couldn’t save and I realized that’s all he wanted to do. Was help people, help those creatures he saved. He did the same thing when he tried to save Credence the first time. He laid his heart and life on the line for someone he didn’t know. And I well-“ Tina cut her self off with a blush, but Jacob was giving her a knowing smile.

“You know I can’t get over that fact that ‘salamander eyes’ worked on you, Tina.” Jacob commented with a laugh.

“Wait what?” Lally asked as she too laughed.

“Hey! Leave him alone on that one!” Tina glared at her two friends as they both continued to laugh. Before anyone could say anything else a yell came from the basement.

“YOU’RE WHAT?!”

“I see he told her you’re engaged.” Lally said with a small smirk. Tina wondered what Bunty had done to have an already intense dislike from Lally. Jacob just tried to hide down in his chair. Anyone could tell he was praying Bunty didn’t come up here to yell at Tina where he would be caught in the crossfire.

“Well either it’s the engagement or he mentioned that he plans to move to the States when we settle down.” Tina commented without thinking. She realized too late the bomb she had just dropped on the two other Americans.

“HE’S MOVING WHERE?!” Lally demanded in excitement as Jacob stood up to go yell into the basement.

“NEWT YOU SON OF A BITCH I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU DIDN’T TELL ME.”

Newt was out of the basement with an agitated Bunty before Jacob had even sat back down. Newt looked between the three Americans in confusion.

“I didn’t tell you what?” Newt asked.

“You’re moving?!” Jacob all but screamed.

“Oh yes, well. I’ll be doing that as soon as I get the go ahead from MACUSA and the Ministry. I think I’m almost through all the bureaucratic hoops, but-“ before Newt could continue Jacob had him in a tight hug. Newt was smiling as he returned it.

“This is so amazing. You can finally see the bakery! You helped fund it, it’s only right you get to visit! And we can go to the Central Park Zoo and not be chased by that Erumpent of yours and-“

“Will I be able to spend time with my fiancé or will you be monopolizing his time Kowalski?” Tina asked amused.

“Oh I’m sorry, Goldstein. I was under the impression I was family so it’s only right he and I explore together. And of course you’ll be invited on occasion. When it’s not a guys night of course.”

“Dear Merlin, do not let Achilles near this one, Teen. They’d be more unbearable than they already are.” Lally groaned from her spot on the couch.

“Achilles? Tolliver? That guy you dated, Tina?” Jacob looked like he was trying to put the puzzle together.

“We’ve been friends since school, Jacob. And we’ve worked out of the awkwardness from that brief dating stint. He’s actually quite fond of Newt.” Tina said as she set Teddy down and moved to go eat breakfast.

“And we all thank every thing good and holy everyday you and Achilles didn’t work out.” Lally added as she came to sit at the table as well. Slowly everyone else came to join them. Newt sat at Tina’s right, resting his left arm around her shoulders. Jacob sat at the end of the table next to Newt and Lally sat at the other end next to Tina. Bunty stood awkwardly in the doorway to the basement before finally sitting in an open seat across from Newt.

“Why was everyone thankful she and Achilles didn’t work out?” Bunty asked in a small voice. Lally and Tina looked at each other before busting out laughing. Bunty looked up in shock and was stammering an apology before being stopped by Tina.

“Oh no, Bunty! You didn’t ask anything in appropriate. It’s just funny. In school I hated Achilles most of the time even if we were friends. He’s always been too arrogant for me. He’s a good, loyal friend, but well he was sorted into Wampus at Ilvermorny. And that entire house is full of arrogant macho types.”

“As opposed to the arrogant hero types of Thunderbird, Teen?” Lally asked Tina skeptically as she dug into her breakfast.

“Now listen here, member of the esteemed Horned Serpent. We are not arrogant. We are confident.” Tina pointed a fork at her friend.

“Especially in the Quodpot finals even when you were favored to lose.” Lally muttered.

“And yet I remember scoring the winning point.” Tina rebutted as she returned to the explanation to Bunty. “Anyway, Achilles and I were constantly at each other’s throats in school. Then we didn’t really talk that much for a while. He was too busy doing country wide field work for the Auror department and I was in New York. When he was relocated permanently to New York, I had already met Newt. He kept trying to convince me to go to dinner ‘for old times sake’ and when I refused he’d just keep going and be obnoxious in the bullpen it was very annoying.”

“I’ve never been annoying in my life, Boss.” Crowed Achilles Tolliver as he strode into the house.

“Agree to disagree.” Lally commented in Tina’s place.

“Eulalie Hicks, my love, my life, how are you, dear?” Achilles asked with a smirking taking the open seat across from Tina.

“Still not interested in you. So amazing.”

“You wound me, Lally. Very deeply.”

“Good.” Lally punctuated that by placing the last bit of a croissant in her mouth.

“Achilles, always a pleasure!” Newt said enthusiastically as he reached across the table to shake Achilles’s hand. Tina and Lally rolled their eyes at that.

“Newt! Buddy! It’s great to see you! I was going to give you a hug on sight yesterday, but someone beat me to it.” A pointed glare was directed her way. Tina just rolled her eyes again before responding.

“I outrank you, Tolliver.”

“I called dibs on the first hug.”

“Well now, love, if he called dibs that hug was his.” Newt said playfully and squeezed Tina’s shoulders. She glared at him before she heard Achilles introducing himself to Jacob.

“And you must be the famous Jacob Kowalski! Achilles Tolliver. It’s so nice to finally meet you!” Tolliver stuck is hand out to Jacob. Jacob looked skeptical, not sure what would happen if he confirmed he was the rogue American no-maj who knew of the wizarding world. Sensing Jacob’s discomfort, Achilles continued. “I promise I’m not going to obliviate you. For many reasons, but number one being I like my balls being attached to my body and I know Tina would rip them off if I turned you in.”

“You’d be dead before they apparated away with him.” It wasn’t Tina who spoke. It was Newt. Tina looked at him in slight surprise. Achilles, Bunty, and Lally also seemed shocked. Jacob looked touched. “He’s family. I’d have no regrets.”

“Neither would I.” Tina said squeezing Newt’s leg under the table.

“Forgot how violent you both were.” Achilles commented as he reached for a croissant. Lally slapped his hand away and the two entered a mock stare down. “Sooo Lally, I hear you were partnered up with Theseus Scamander. How was that? Did he live up to your-“ Achilles was cut off as Lally cast a paralyzing charm.

“If you’d like to be able to keep your favorite parts of your anatomy, I’d shut up.” When she released him from the charm, Achilles didn’t back down.

“Expectations? Did he? Please do the spell again. The more you avoid the question you know it means the more I’m going to ask.”

“Expectations?” Newt looked down at Lally in confusion. “You have expectations about my brother?”

“Not expectations per say,” Lally started. “More like-“

“Dreams about him, hoping he’d notice you?” Achilles asked in a light tone with a smug grin. Lally threw a napkin at him before turning to look at Newt.

“Look I know it’s weird, but he’s a war hero and-“ Newt started chuckling at Lally’s embarrassment.

“Lally, you don’t need to explain yourself to me. Most woman introduce themselves to me by asking if my brother really is Theseus Scamander and if he’s single.”

“And what do you say?” Lally looked slightly hopeful.

“Well I verify I’m his brother and then I walk away. However, as you’re a friend I will tell you he is single. Still blames himself for Leta.” There was a brief silence that took the room at the mention of Leta Lestrange. Tina reached up and squeezed Newt’s hand that was wrapped on he chair. He cleared his throat and began to speak again. “But as Mum and I have been telling him, Leta wouldn’t want him to mope about forever. And he seemed to take a liking to you these past few days.” Newt gave her an encouraging smile. “I’ll see what I can figure out from him once he wakes up.” That seemed to remind Newt that he needed to get to the hospital and he quickly rose from his seat. “Speaking of I should-“

“Um Newt, actually can you hold on for a minute.” Achilles looked apologetic for keeping Newt. “I’m not just here to harass my favorite classmates, I actually have bad news for Tina.” Tina knew the look in Achilles’s eyes. Knew what he was about to say before he said it.

“No. Tell them I’m taking a leave of absence.”

“Tina you know how Graves has been since he’s been back from captivity. He’s not going to like his Head Auror staying behind in Europe as war erupts in both the No-Maj and Wizarding worlds.” Achilles looked at her with pleading eyes.

“Remind then my brother-in-law is in a coma.”

“As you pointed out yesterday, Teen, he’s not your brother-in-law.”

“What about soon to be brother-in-law?” Newt asked quietly from where he stood.

“Well we could make an argument for that, but that would require you two to be- NO! You did it?” Achilles exclaimed as he looked at Tina’s left hand, finally seeing the ring there. “When?”

“Last night.” Tina and Newt said together. Achilles looked between them.

“I’ll tell Graves you need personal time to be with your family. He won’t argue.”

“Yes he will. But I appreciate the offer. I’ll go talk to him. Is he at the Ministry?” Achilles nodded at Tina as she rose. Everyone looked at her. She looked down to realize she had never changed yesterday. She turned to Newt then. “Do I still have an-“

“All your clothes you left are in my wardrobe. There was at least one that you could wear to the Ministry.” Newt answered for her. He turned to head towards the door as she walked to the small set of stairs that led to the bedrooms and bathroom. “I’m going to head to Mungo’s and let Mum run home to-“

“Newt, you need to change and shower.”

“Tina, I’m fi-“

“You only changed clothes yesterday because you went and took care of your mother’s ‘Griffs. We took of the creatures last night and this morning, you need to change. Come on.” Tina pulled him to the stairs much to the amusement of most people still at their table. “I highly suggest you all find something to do or at least gossip in the basement. Tolliver, we leave for the Ministry in 15 minutes. Get your gossip out now!” The couple heard chairs scrapping the floor as they walked upstairs. “How did Bunty take it?”

“News of the engagement was better than I expected. She looked slightly sad, but was still genuinely happy for us. The news regarding moving is what caused her to yell.” Tina nodded at Newt as they entered his bedroom. Tina had been in here a hand full of time before. Most of them at his insistence that she use his room due to too many people using the townhouse as a way station and him not wanting to prevent her from sleeping if they shared the cot in the basement. The room was still as she remembered it though. A simple bed in the middle of the far wall, a wardrobe on the same all was the door. A chest of drawers was situated next to a desk on the left wall while the right wall held the door to his small en-suite bathroom. As she entered the room she noticed the picture on his desk had been updated.

“Where’s the picture from the paper?” Tina asked as Newt headed for the wardrobe to get them both fresh clothing.

“Oh well Mum had an extra photo of us with Dad and since I had updated the photo in the case I figured this was the next place to put it. Is that alright?” Newt looked at her with slight concern that he had messed up. She smiled at him and nodded.

“No it’s fine, just not photo I was expecting. I’ve grown quite fond of you carrying the other one.”

“Don’t worry I still have it.” Newt winked as he opened his wardrobe wider to show the picture and article about her being reinstated. “You think I’d part with it after 8 years together?” Newt smiled as he walked over to her and leaned down for a kiss.

“Never.” Tina replied as she leaned up. “And as much as I would love to take time show you how much I love that you’ve kept that, we need to both quickly shower and change.”

“I rinsed off in the lake, Ti-“

“You smell like lake water. You’re going to shower before you go to St. Mungo’s.” Tina stated as she quickly went into the bathroom to shower as quickly as possible.

“I don’t even get to shower first?” Newt asked as Tina turned on the water.

“No. Welcome to what our marriage will be like, Mr. Scamander.” Unknown to Tina, Newt was grinning like a mad man in his bedroom as he waited.

“I can’t wait, Mrs. Scamander.”

[exasperatedtinagoldstein]

Prequel to “The Blame He Bears”

“That man!”

“Who? Newt or their precious Dumbledore?”

Disclaimer: I don’t own these characters or this world. Enjoy.

Tina was getting worried. She hadn’t heard from Newt in days, and while that wasn’t necessarily unusual for them, it was strange for him to not give her any indication of the lack of writing to come. They had agreed when she came back to the US, Newt desperate enough to follow but unable due to MACUSA’s request, that they would write as often as they could and would let the other know of any lengthy absences. That was the deal. They both knew that. Now Tina had written a letter almost everyday even if she knew he wouldn’t get them for several days due to the post, only to have not heard a single word from Newt in a week. Not a letter, not a patronus, not even a message sent through the Ministry.

She was almost to the point where she was going to write Theseus. He might give her some indication of what was going on. But as Tina sat in her office trying to develop a plan for what to say to her boyfriend’s brother, a knock sounded at the door. “Come in.” Tina called as she glared down at the parchment in front of her, willing the words to come together.

“Boss?” Tina looked up when she heard Achilles voice. The two of them had come a long way from the awkwardness that had been there after they briefly dated years ago. Now Achilles Tolliver was Tina’s most trusted American Auror, and somehow he had become a drinking buddy of Newt and Theseus’s when a mission took them across the pond.

“Yeah, Tolliver?”

“I’ve got a report for you from Hicks.” Ahh Lally. Why was Ilvermorny’s Charms Professor submitting a report to her?

“Just set it there.” Tina nodded to the one corner of her desk not clutter with either paperwork or photos. Instead of setting it down in the corner, Achilles set it on top of her blank letter to Theseus.

“Achilles?” Tina asked as she looked up with a raised eyebrow.

“You should read that now. Besides I have additional intel once you read that.” He gave her a smirk as he lounged in the chair across from her. She kept a skeptical expression on her face as she picked up the “report” from Lally. Report being a generous description as it was clearly a letter for her friend.

Teen,

Don’t be mad. At me or your British wizard. We were asked by Dumbledore to help on a mission. Newt has been worried sick about not contacting you and his brother seems like he’s about to kill him. I promise we’re safe. And no matter what you read in the papers remember we didn’t do it.

Lally

By the time she finished reading Lally’s note, Tina had gone from having a skeptical expression to one of exasperation. “That man!” Tina griped as she set the letter aside and looked at Achilles, who’s smirk had grown into a shit-eating grin.

“Who? Newt or their precious Dumbledore?”

“YOU READ MY MAIL?!”

“I would never do that, Tina. That’s a federal offense.” Tolliver’s grin didn’t change as he said it.

“If you weren’t my friend-“ She started with a glare that made even Teddy the niffler second guess touching any shiny objects.

“I know, I know. You’d write me up for insubordination. Believe me I’m glad every day to be on your good side, Goldstein.” She rolled her eyes at him and reread Lally’s letter. “You still haven’t answered my question, you know.”

“Who do you think would cause me this much exasperation?”

“In fairness the answer is usually Newt, unless his former professor is involved. Considering you despise that man almost as much as you despise Grindelwald, I think it’s a fair question.” Tina gave a small laugh at his response, knowing he’s right.

“Fine let’s say at this current moment 80/20 in Newt’s favor.” Achilles nodded as he chuckled. Tina turned serious then as she looked at her 2nd in command. “What’s the other news? Is he-“

“Newt’s okay.” Achilles said with a sympathetic look in his eyes. “We don’t have any reports that he’s been injured, captured, or-“ Achilles dropped off unable to finish the sentence. Tina nodded gratefully to acknowledge what he said before she gave him the look to continue. “There have been reports coming in from all over though about individuals with brown cases that seems to have creatures popping out at random.”

“Are you kidding me?” Tina let out her question before she could think. It caused a smirk to reappear on her comrade’s face.

“I wish I was. Supposedly there are 3 British men, 1 French man, 1 American male, 1 American female, and 1 British female that have been seen with the case.”

“I’m assuming it’s multiple cases.” Tina started with an eye roll. “Newt never lets anyone but myself or Jaco-“ she cut herself off before finishing her friend’s name.

“The Americans fit Mr. Kowalski’s and Lally’s descriptions, Tina.” Achilles grinned a little wider.

“I’m going to kill them.” She said. “And then I’m going to kill Newt.”

“Ahh, Boss, don’t say things you don’t mean.” Tolliver was standing now and heading towards the door.

“Anything else?” Tina asked before he could make a dramatic exit.

“Well we’ve been getting requests to help contain a threat in Bhutan. Supposedly Grindelwald’s been spotted as well as Scamander 1 and 2.”

Tina sighed as she stood. “Is Scamander 1 okay?”

“Teen, I just told you that Newt was fine.”

“We both know Theseus would never let Newt be Scamander 1.”

Achilles chuckles before responding. “At this moment I believe your brother in law is fine.”

“Not my brother in law, Tolliver.” Tina griped as she pulled on her coat and walked past him.

“Yet, Boss. Not your brother in law yet.” Achilles called as he ran to his desk in the bullpen to grab his own coat.

“Would you give it a rest with that?”

“With what? Manifesting you’ll be engaged before the end of the year?”

“You’re as bad as Lally or Que-“ Tina didn’t finish her sister’s name. She couldn’t.

“Well I can’t help it I believe in true love.” Achilles said breaking the tension.

“Yeah well let’s go save my true loves ass shall we?” Tina said with a tiny smirk appearing as the moves down the hall to the International Port Key office.

“We shall. Also dibs on hugging Newt first.” Achilles said as he ran for the office.

“NOT HAPPENING TOLLIVER!”

[exasperatedtinagoldstein]

The American Auror Trio

As we all impatiently wait for the premiere in London to start, as well as impatiently wait for the release dates in our respective country for Secrets of Dumbledore, I thought I might bring back the character dynamics post I was doing for a bit. Fair warning this is a rambling post that may not make sense.

Today’s topic is Tina and her relationship with the other MACUSA aurors, specifically her partner in solving crime, Achilles Tolliver, and her boss, Percival Graves.

Now I know its supposedly been said Graves wasn’t actually real and was made up by Grindelwald to infiltrate MACUSA, but I call baloney on that. Graves was definitely kidnapped and somehow recovered after Grindelwald’s capture by MACUSA. He recovered from his traumatic event and took back over as the director of magical law enforcement. It might not be canon, but my page has never claimed to be canon so let’s live in our blissful ignorance shall we. Now Graves’s relationship with Tina dates back to him being her father’s young hotshot partner shortly before Mr. Goldstein passed away. Tina remember her father coming home and complaining that “Percy Graves is going to be the death of me, dear. He’s too reckless.” She remembers him coming for dinner a few times, and specifically remembers him promising to look out for her and Queenie after their parents’ deaths. Tina also always held a little crush for the man, but grew to see him as an older sibling type as time went on. She always wanted to impress him and make him proud. When Graves returned from being MIA, he was just relieved to see his favorite young Auror was alright and hadn’t been harmed by Grindelwald. They have a strong mentor-mentee bond that has helped mold both of them into the leaders they are.

In contrast to this strong mentorship, Achilles is Tina’s young Percival Graves. He’s cocky, arrogant, and thinks he’s invincible. He and Tina were friends in school, much to her annoyance. She always called him out for how he acted, specifically in regards to woman, but also those who were different. The friendship never made sense to most other Ilvermorny students, and truth be told Tolliver and Tina couldn’t explain it to you either. That being said, we have to acknowledge the elephant in the room. The awkward fling they had when Tina was trying to get over Newt. It has been mutually agreed upon over the years that those few dates had been very big mistakes. Something the third member of their Ilvermorny trio, Lally Hicks, loves to remind them she saw from the beginning. They were both much too hard headed and in many ways were the same person, only Tina wasn’t nearly as cocky. It’s what makes their Auror work flawless, those small differences that allow for amazing teamwork, but in a relationship, the differences(and a certain Auror being in love with a certain magizoologist) made it doomed to fail. Now once the feelings were aired and both were able to move past the failed relationship, their friendship and work partnership entered a renaissance. They were seen as the best Auror duo for years within MACUSA. They worked hard to be understanding and not go into situation wands blazing. While they may not have been a good romantic pair, Achilles and Tina are the epitome of work spouses. Something that causes Newt to laugh. One would think the partnership would drive Mr. Scamander up a wall, but it doesn’t. He’s formed his own friendship with Achilles Tolliver over the years, originally stemming from a mutual admiration for our favorite Auror, but has grown to discussing their mutual enjoyment of quidditch and talk of the various magical creatures Newt studies. Over the years, this friendship caused Tina much annoyance, specifically in regards to engagement jokes as well as where her children would be schooled comments. But she wouldn’t have traded her partner for anyone else in the world, well except maybe her brother-in-law, but that’s a whole different story.

In the end this partnership, along with the strong relationship Tina and Graves had that came to include Tolliver as well, led to a standard set in the MACUSA law enforcement offices. There were expectations of compassion and kindness while also requiring a work ethic that was unparalleled to any other department. Any corruption was met with a meeting with the two head aurors and their boss and normally ended badly for those involved. The top brass had earned their positions and respect and expected everyone in their department to do the same. They saw how their counterparts in the No Maj world were acting and Tina, Achilles, Graves made the decision they did not want their aurors to be like that. They expected accountability among their department and themselves. And on a personal level, the three insured that their department had a strong work life balance. They made sure each other had one too. Achilles and Graves were there when Newt and Tina finally got married. Tina was asked to be a godmother to one of Achilles’s children. Achilles and Tina forced Graves to go on a vacation with one of their families every year. These three cared not only about their work as aurors and leaders, but about each other and their happiness.