The Life I Never Thought Possible

Chapter 6

Written in the front cover of Tina's copy of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."

Tina,

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to deliver the first copy of my manuscript to you in person. It has been a great many years since i have been excited to see another person again. For a long time it has just been my creatures and I. People often tire of me quickly, or find me annoying. I cannot fully express how much it meant to me that you wanted me to return to New York. I apologize for how long it took me to bring this copy to you, but I do hope it was worth the wait.

Sincerely,

Newt Scamander

Three Days Later

The hand that had been resting on Tina's cheek now fully supported her drooping head. Her eyes fluttered shut and the heavy feeling of sleep finally settled upon her. The quill ink pen slipped from her fingers and landed lightly upon the floor.

Just a few minutes of rest.

"Goldstein!"

Shit.

Tina jerked from her sleep with a startled jump out of her chair. She landed promptly on the floor, in front of a grinning Red staring at her.

"The President wants to see ya."

"Thank you, Red," Tina responded as politely as she could manage through gritted teeth. She pulled herself off the floor and wiped her coat of the dirt it had gathered. It was embarrassing enough to be caught napping at her desk, but it was worse to be caught napping and then immediately having to meet with the president with what she now realized was drool adorning her chin. It was her stupid fault for having stayed up so late reading Newt's manuscript. His stories about the animals he studied were intriguing. She just couldn't put the book down. At least the workday was almost over and she would be able to see Newt...

"You better get a move on," the goblin instructed, already hobbling back towards the elevator. "Whatever she wants seemed important."

Tina groaned but hustled behind Red as he readied the elevator for the ride down to Picquery's office.

Tina carefully approached the president's office; painfully reminded of the last time she had been summoned before Picquery when she demoted for attacking the Second Salem No-Maj woman. But that was the past and after assisting with the capture of Grindelwald, Tina had proven herself worthy of a reinstatement. She wasn't in trouble for this summons.

She hoped.

Tina knocked hesitantly on the door before a "come in" could be heard from inside. The president sat at her desk, looking as poised as always but the corners of her eyes appeared just a little strained. She was accompanied by a middle aged wizard with gray hair and and eyes to match. He looked familiar and it took Tina a long moment before she realized where she had seen him before. At the Confederation meeting she barged into, right before Graves had her and Newt arrested; this man had been there. He knew Newt.

"Ms. Goldstein, glad you could join us." Picquery rose from her seat in greeting. She gestured to the man standing next to her. "This is Mr. Hector Podmore, the British Envoy from the Ministry of Magic."

The man, Podmore, walked over to her and held out his hand for her to shake. "Ms. Goldstein, a pleasure to see you again. At least these are slightly less extenuating circumstances."

Tina took his hand politely. "Ambassador."

"Please, have a seat." Mr. Podmore gestured towards the seat in front of Picquery's desk. He took up the corner to Picquery's desk, placing him close to, but not quite in front of Tina.

"Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Podmore?" Tina asked. She masked her face into one of careful neutrality.

The envoy glanced briefly towards President Picquery before continuing. "I was informed that you spoke with Grindelwald a short time ago."

Tina was taken by surprise. Considering that she had failed to gain any information from the dark wizard, she was unsure as to why the envoy to the Ministry would care about her fruitless conversation with the manic wizard. But she wasn't going to confirm or deny any government knowledge without permissions, so she checked with the president first, whom nodded almost imperceptibly.

"That is correct," Tina answered, simply.

Mr. Podmore seemed unfazed by her shortness. "Were you able to extract any information from him?"

His question confused her even more. If he knew that she had the conversation in the first place, she assumed Picquery told him there was nothing gained from the interview.

"Don't you already know the answer to that?"

Mr. Podmore tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. "I would like to hear your version of the event."

Tina narrowed her eyes but didn't see any harm in engaging with him. "He refused to answer any of my questions about his plans, or the whereabouts or fate of Mr. Graves."

"Did he say anything of importance?"

Tina hesitated. While Grindelwald had not given up any information, he had threatened the one man who was actually skilled enough to catch him. But Grindelwald's threat still weighed heavily on her mind. She did not want to put Newt at even more risk. So she lied.

"No."

"It's alright, ," Picquery insisted. "You need to answer 's questions to the best of your ability."

Tina studied the president, shocked by her response. Since Grindelwald's capture, Picquery's normal charismatic and strong leadership had grown...strained. The president, who had before, remained cool-headed under pressure, had been seen barking at both the inexperienced and those whom had been doing their jobs for years. Many thought that Picquery needed to be replaced. To put someone in charge who would never have let Grindelwald infiltrate MACUSA. But Tina did not necessarily agree. While the president often came across as arrogant, Tina recognized insecurity when she saw it. Grindelwald's infiltration was a tough blow, but Picquery lost more than just a good Auror. She lost a trusted advisor and a good friend. Who could the president trust now?

"Fine," Tina conceded. "He threatened Mr. Scamander."

"Newt Scamander?" Podmore's tone a mixture of doubt and confusion.

"Yes," Tina snapped, for more harsh than she intended her response to be.

Picquery spoke up. "Mr. Newt Scamander was instrumental in the capture of Gellert Grindelwald. As was Ms. Goldstein."

Podmore glanced at Picquery before regarding Tina. "Would you say that Grindelwald's threats seemed genuine?"

Tina shrugged, "I wouldn't put anything past him."

Mr. Podmore chuckled softly at her response. "Fair enough." He removed himself from the corner of the desk and went to stand back by the wall by the president's desk. "Madam Picquery?"

Tina looked between the president and the envoy, the former appearing irritated and resigned, the latter having just a hint of a mischievous smile upon his lips. Whatever this meeting was about, the main purpose had not been to discuss her lack of progress with Grindelwald.

"The Ministry," Picquery started, inclining her head towards Mr. Podmore. "Has formally requested Gellert Grindelwald be transferred to London. After careful consideration...I have acquiesced."

Tina, too stunned to come up with a proper response, simply replied, "I understand Madam President."

Picquery tilted her head in silent thanks and continued on. "The ambassador has another request. I have agreed to it, but the decision must be yours."

"What do you need from me?" Tina asked, her voice laced with suspicion. Tina prayed the request was not another interrogation.

Mr. Podmore spoke up from his position on the wall. "Ms. Goldstein, those of us at the Ministry were quite impressed with how you handled Grindelwald's capture."

She felt her cheeks beginning to heat and she tried to push down as much of her embarrassment as she could. "I really didn't have much to do with that."

"Your modesty does you credit, Ms. Goldstein. But I have read the reports and, I hope you'll forgive my invasion of privacy, I have read through your personnel file as well. Needless to say, you are exactly what we need."

Tina sat back in her chair, rapidly glancing between the two people in front of her. "I don't understand," she finally mumbled.

The British envoy began to speak but was interrupted by Picquery's secretary appearing at the door.

"Sir? Madam? Your visitor has arrived."

"Thank you, bring him in," Mr. Podmore instructed. Tina turned in her chair, her curiosity getting the better of her. She was startled to see Newt Scamander walking abashedly into the office. His briefcase clutched protectively between his fisted fingers. Newt, upon seeing her, looked as surprised as she was to see him. But he managed a smile just for her before Mr. Podmore ushered him into the chair next to Tina.

Once seated, Newt managed to find his voice. "You wanted to speak with me, Sir?"

"Yes, yes. Now that you're both here, I can get to the heart if the matter." Mr. Podmore once more returned to his perch on the corner of Picquery's desk. Much to the obvious chagrin of the MACUSA president. "One of the Ministry's frigates will be arriving in a few days to transport Grindelwald back to London. The Ministry's own Aurors will be in attendance, but I would like to request the both of you in assisting with the effort."

There was overwhelming silence as waited for either Newt or Tina to respond. It was Tina who first came to her senses with an elegant, "What?"

Thankfully, newt came quickly to her rescue. "Do you want us to help move him to the docks?"

Mr. Podmore shook his head. "No, I apologize for not being clear. I would like you both to accompany us to London and assist in keeping Grindelwald under guard."

"You want us to go to London?" Tina asked, incredulously.

"Yes. You both played a key role in preventing him from starting a war with the magical world. We would greatly appreciate your help."

Picquery stood up suddenly and came around from behind her desk. She settled on the opposite corner to Mr. Podmore, her arms folded tightly across her chest. "The International Confederation of Wizards will meet in Paris to discuss how Grindelwald should best be handled; now that he has committed atrocities on multiple continents." Her final statements was directed heavily at the envoy, but whether he noticed or not was far from apparent.

"Yes, hopefully the Confederation can come to a reasonable solution," the envoy responded dryly.

Picquery kept her voice calm but Tina could see the tightening on the corners of her mouth. "Ms. Goldstein, if you agree to take this position, you will be named an American liaison to the Ministry. You will be stationed in London until such time as Grindelwald has been sentenced. Though the position may extend beyond even that, depending on the sentencing given."

Picquery paused, giving Tina a chance to respond. She could feel three sets of eyes weighing heavily upon her, leaving her insecurities ample room to grow under the burden. What right did she have to take this position? Newt had been the one to actually capture Grindelwald.

I couldn't even save Credence.

"I...," Tina started, unsure of what to even say, but her mouth had other plans. "I would need to discuss it with my sister first; she's the only family I have left."

"So you'll consider it?" asked, excitedly.

Tina nodded, her head feeling heavy but her heart raced in anticipation. "I'll consider it."

"Good," Madam Picquery stated. "Take the night to sleep on it. But I will need an answer by end of the work day tomorrow."

"Yes, Ma'am," Tina responded, sharply.

Having seen his need to persuade Tina was completed, turned his attention to Newt. "Well, Mr. Scamander?"

"Do I really have a choice?" Newt commented, dryly.

The envoy chuckled good-naturedly. "Normally I would say yes, however, there was a special request for your assistance." He pulled out a sealed envelope and handed it to Newt. "From a former professor of yours, I believe."

Newt took the letter carefully and opened it. The letter was terribly long and it only took Newt a quick moment to read through it. Upon completion, he sighed heavily and folded the letter back into his original shape. "Very well, I will assist," Newt agreed, though he did not appear excited in the least.

"Your help will be invaluable, Mr. Scamander." Mr. Podmore shook Newt's hand before returning his attention back to Tina. "I hope we can count on you as well, Ms. Goldstein."

Tina gave him a tight smile. "I will let you know, Sir." She looked over at Madam Picquery. "Is there anything else, Ma'am?"

"Just one more thing, if you can spare a few minutes?"

"And that is my cue to leave," Mr. Podmore, stated jovially as he removed himself from the desk. He gestured towards the door and motioned for Newt to follow him. "I picked up your manuscript the other day and I must say, it was fantastic! How an Earth do you get all of those creatures in that case?

Tina watched them walk out of the office and was warmed by the apologetic smile Newt gave her as he left. Once the door was closed Madam Picquery returned to her chair and sat down with a heavy sigh.

"None of this seems to be going according to plan."

Tina was startled by her boss' bluntness and struggled to find an appropriate response. She was not used to having a frank conversation with the president. "I'm sorry, Madam President."

Picquery regarded her thoughtfully. "While I am not thrilled about this arrangement, I do believe it will be good for you."

"Really?"

Picquery nodded. "You are a good Auror. You're capable, and you think well on your feet. But I think this position will give you the chance to grow professionally. It will give you the confidence that I'm sure is in you."

"You think I should take the job?"

"I do. Aside from it being good for you, I would also appreciate having someone there that I can trust."

Tina was flattered. "Thank you, Madam President. I must admit..., I am excited about the prospect."

"It is definitely worth considering."

Tina nodded, mostly to herself. "Thank you again, Madam President. I need to speak with my sister."

Picquery bid her goodbye and rushed from the office in a blur. What was she going to tell Queenie? Did she want to leave New York? It had been her home for so long. And Queenie...she was the only family Tina had left. To leave for Europe, an entire ocean separating them, felt like abandonment.

"Hi,"

Tina turned quickly at the soft voice that interrupted her inner confliction. Newt was sitting on wooden bench with his hands folded in his lap and a quirked smile on his lips.

"Hi," he said again.

"Hey," she returned, suddenly shy.

"That was quite the meeting," Newt stated with a quiet chuckle.

Tina laughed with him. "It was definitely unexpected. I guess I need to go home and talk with Queenie."

Newt stood up and walked beside her as they headed towards the elevator. It was clear that Newt did not know what to say any more than Tina did. This was the hardest decision she had ever had to make. She didn't even know if Newt wanted her to take the assignment. Yes, he had come back to see her, and the others, but that didn't mean he wanted Tina stook in London for the unforeseeable future.

"I'm sorry," Newt blurted out.

"Whatever on Earth for?" Tina asked, confused.

"For dragging you into this mess."

"What, with Grindelwald?" Tina shook her head, amused. "Newt, he infiltrated the government I work for. He would have been discovered eventually, had you never shown up. We just might not have survived it, if it hadn't been for you."

Tina was delighted to see the soft pink decorating his cheeks. "I really did very little."

"You do not give yourself enough credit," Tina teased him. "Accept it, Mr. Scamander, you are a bloody hero."

Newt's grin was contagious. "I'll take your word for it, Ms. Goldstein."

They continued to walk in silence, stopping by Tina's desk to grab her belongings before heading out the front door of MACUSA. They stopped at the bottom of the steps, both clutching their coats closer to their bodies. It was nearing the end of the year, and the weather turned harsh almost instantaneously. TIna expected snowfall any moment. She turned to Newt to say as much, but was met with him taking one of her hands into his.

"I think you should do whatever makes you happy," his voice was quiet and reassuring. "No matter what anyone else thinks."

Tina studied him momentarily. His gaze was so intense, so steadying. "I know how hard it would be to leave Queenie...to leave New York, but I'm...I'm kind of excited by the opportunity. I've never been to Europe before."

Newt smiled. "I don't know if it will be nearly as exciting as New York, but...I would enjoy having you there."

Tina was suddenly nervous, and hyper aware of Newt still holding her hand. "You mean that?" Her voice came out as barely more than a whisper.

"I do."

"Well, I'm glad to hear that." She bit her lip between her teeth. "I guess I better head home. Are you still meeting Jacob tonight?"

"Yes. He wants to see the creatures." Newt paused and Tina could tell he wanted to say something else but couldn't seem to spit it out.

"I'll send word to you as soon as I decide," Tina assured him and the look of pure relief on Newt's face was enough to warm her from the cold weather.

Newt squeezed her hand one more time. "I look forward to it."

Tina apparated to the front door of her apartment building and she could smell the roast Queenie was making for dinner from the street. She rushed up the stairs, ignoring the shouting of her landlord and burst through the door. She had forgotten to eat lunch with all of her afternoon dozing off.

"That smells divine!" Tina exclaimed as she threw down her work bag and coat on the end table by the door. Queenie was chopping vegetables at the counter and quickly swatted Tina away from the bubbling pit on the stove.

"Dinner will be ready soon. You can wait till then."

"Fine." Tina rolled her eyes and took a seat at the table, opening up Newt's book to the new chapter she had started the night before.

"Will Newt be joining us for dinner?"

"No. He is meeting Jacob."

Queenie craned her neck to look at her. "Because you wanted to speak with me alone?"

Tina closed the book and glared up at her younger sister. "Queenie, stop reading my mind!" She snapped out, exasperated.

Queenie sighed and went back to chopping. "So what did you want to tell me?"

Tina fiddled with the cloth napkin in front of her. "Picquery wants me to help escort Grindelwald to London."

At the news Queenie stopped chopping and spun completely around to stare at her sister.

"I would remain there temporarily," Tina continued. "As a liaison to the Ministry of Magic."

"Are you going to take it?"

"I haven't decided yet," Tina admitted. "I wanted to talk to you first."

Queenie moved to sit at the seat next to Tina. "Honey, you know I can take care of myself."

"Of course I know that. It's just...it's just been the two of us since Mom and Dad died. It's going to feel strange being away from you."

"It will be weird," Queenie agreed, taking Tina's hand. "But this is a great opportunity for your career. And for you and Newt!"

"Queenie!" Tina exclaimed, pulling her hand away.

Queenie swatted her playfully on the shoulder before standing back up to resume cooking. "Don't act like going with him back to London isn't a big reason why you're going to take the job."

"That's not what this is about,"Tina insisted. "Going to Europe will give me the chance to finally prove myself; to show Picquery that I have learned from my mistakes."

"Well I guess you could do that too," Queenie said laughing. "I think you should go, Tina."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. You're the career girl, Tina, not me. Go and show those 'bloody Brits' how it's done."

Tina shot up and hugged her sister fiercely. "Thank you, Queenie."

"You don't have to thank me," Queenie chuckled. "I'm not the one who offered you the job. Just promise me that you won't let the other opportunity slip by."

Tina groaned and moved to the cabinet, wand in hand to set the table. "You know, I don't know what you are talking about."

"Of course not!" Queenie mimicked her sister's tone. "Now, go let your boy know you've made up your mind."

Newt handed Jacob another pail of food to take to the Mooncalves. He knew how much Jacob enjoyed the sheep-like animals. He told Newt they reminded him of his short time living on his grandparents farm in Poland. A loud chittering sound from the tree in front of him reminded Newt of his current task and he finished refilling the bowl of water for his Niffler.

"Sorry, I was distracted," Newt apologized to the greedy creature, who simply turned his nose up at the magizoologist and continued feasting on his dinner. There was a loud knock at the top of his case, startling both he and Jacob.

"What was that?" Jacob asked, putting down the pail of pellets for the Mooncalves to access and came over to Newt's side. "Do you think Tina arrested us again?"

Newt chuckled with him. "I surely hope not. Stay here while I check it out."

Newt moved through his tool shed and to the ladder leading up to the exit of his case. He opened it to find the case still sitting by the bed in Jacob's apartment with a large black owl staring straight at him. In its beak was a small piece of parchment.

"For me?" He asked the owl who dropped the letter into Newt's waiting hand. "Thank you."

Dear Mr. Scamander,

I am greatly looking forward to working with you in our new assignment. I hope I can get a full tour of London once we arrival.

With Regards,

Tina Goldstein

"What's that?" Jacob asked from the bottom of the ladder.

Newt could not contain the huge smile that broke out across his lips as he climbed down the ladder. "It's from Tina. She has agreed to take the liaison position."

"Well that's great news!" Jacob exclaimed, as he clapped Newt on the back.

"I think so too," Newt returned happily, his eyes never leaving the letter full of the promise of a new tomorrow.