#if this does well I’ll make more newt and niffler content

[cherry-pop-elf]

Late Night Cutie Pie

Newt Scamander X Knight Bus Worker! Reader

((Can be read as platonic))

While working on the bus, a famous little face pops itself into the open doors. A sweetheart that’s been stressed out of his mind, and you do what you do best. Help those in need. Along with show you might have a talent for Nifflers, on top of a talent for flustering Magizoologists

Warnings: very adorable fluff, tooth rotting fluff, fluster newt, newt being painfully adorable, and of course TEDDY SHENANIGANS

“Ooooo we got a celebrity joining us tonight-!” You heard you coworker, a talking head, shout to you. You wondered who that could be, as you finished tidying up the beds. Ready for whatever lost soul is needing a good rest. Pillows fluffed, blankets laid out, and wheels oiled to keep people from flying.

“Oh no no. Im not celebrity-“ A almost timid voice would speak, as you hurried down from the upper floor. Once your shoes hit the ground, your eyes went wide with who they landed on. A man in a blue jacket, fluffy hair, and a suit case in hand. Newt Scamander. In the flesh.

“No way-“ You whispered, before those big blue eyes were on you. He gave a shy little wave, before rummaging in his pocket. Pulling out his ticket, and snapping you back to reality. As instinct, you were quick to sort it out. Not even needing to look at your hands, as you kept them on him. Snip, snap, POP, done!

“Normally we never pry, but uh. What’s a guy like you doing on a bus like ours-?” You asked. You were a Knight Bus Worker. You had to be social, after all. So being direct with people, no matter the face, is an important skill to have. One that was leaving him embarrassed.

“Well, seems you know who I am. Guess you can kinda put two and two together. Not many people trust that I’ll keep my friends under control.” He admits, with a smile that said it hurt him. They were animals. Not their fault after all. You won’t lie, though. It’s touching how he would simply turn those people away. Compared to following their rules, and leaving his friends behind.

“I mean, we’ve had the shadiest people come on here. Better to have Hippogriff shit on the bed than human shit. Least with a bird like that, you know they couldn’t help it.” You would put, rather bluntly, which had him smile. Knowing he wouldn’t be a burden to anyone on the bus, given you were being very direct with him. Compared to sugar coating, or babying him because of his Hufflepuff nature. People tended to do that, and even he was getting annoyed. A welcome change it was.

“I’ll take you to the upper floor, so you can have more room. Not a lot of people go up there, because of motion sickness. So you’ll have plenty of room to stretch your legs-!” You comforted, as you were making his night. A place to actually rest, and work with his care. You were just his angel. He wanted to hug you so badly, and you can tell with his arms tensing. Once a Hufflepuff, always a Hufflepuff.

“Bring it in-“ You reassured, and he nearly lifted you off the ground. Made you wheeze, but you couldn’t deny it. Hufflepuffs gave the best hugs. Not many people liked to treat you more than part of the bus, so it was a very nice change. Felt good to get a hug.

“Truly, I am so grateful. Be nice to sleep in a bed for a while. Not to say I do not enjoy nature, but we all live in certain environments for a reason after all." The older man said, when he finally set you free. Must be so hard, world traveling. Maybe he was home sick, so he was back in England for a while. Maybe animals were in need. Who knows! You just know he needed rest.

"Come on up then." You would escort him to the second floor of the double decker bus, and would lead him to a freshly made bed. You also made sure the frame was secure, wheels smooth, anything that could cause issues in his stay. Just wanting him to get some rest. As you did, you were not aware of Newt having a panic attack behind you. The moment you turned; he quickly hid his suitcase. Smiling big, with eyes darting everywhere.

"Doing alright? Seem a bit shaken, what's up?" You asked, as he keeps his nervous smile. A tug at his collar, before his eyes were now staring at something behind you. That made you raise a brow, before you slowly turned around. Just as you did, something jumped on you. You gave a shout, before you were tumbling into the once Hufflepuff. Both of you crashing to the ground.

"TEDDY-! NO! WEVE BEEN OVER THIS-!" You heard him shout, as you were helped up. Now you had a niffler choking you out, given he was dangling off your lanyard. Now knowing it was a niffler, you weren't upset. Your lanyard had many shiny pins and buttons. It can't be helped.

"Aw, you want a pin?" You cooed, as you soon scooped the little gremlin into your arms. Him still holding the lanyard, as Newt calmed down. Surprised to see Teddy calm as well. Just looking up at you with those big eyes. Sparkling with desire. You knew what to do, given many a child has ridden the bus. For one reason or another.

"Here is a nice shiny pin, all for you." You smiled, as you rummaged in your pocket. Soon you had a pin in hand, designed to look like the knight bus. With glittery windows, that made it sparkle like stars. That had the niffler let go of the lanyard, and make grabby hands for the pin. Into his tiny hands it went, and he hugged it tightly. A little chirp of happiness, before it went into his pouch. Safe and sound. Now he was satisfied, for the time being.

"Amazing..." Newt whispered, before he would take Teddy back. The little guy was quick to pull the new possession out, and showed it to his dad. Newt gave a 'ooo' and his eyes sparkled all the same. Just like a father, to a toddler. Melted your heart, to see a bond. How he kissed Teddy's head, and he gave chirps of joy.

"You have a talent for animals, I can see it clear as day. Teddy is always a handful, but like that you had it under control. No panic, and quick to find a solution. Amazing." He praised you, resulting a heavy blush on your face. What a praise and honor it was. Newt Scamander, praising your skills.

"Toddlers and nifflers are basically the same thing." You brushed off, before the bus was quick to make its sharp stop. You didnt move a inch, of course, but the father and son went flying. You winced, when Newt slammed into the window. He did, however, made sure to keep teddy wrapped around his arms. Pressed into his chest, so that the little thing suffered as little damage as possible. Such a pure soul.

"There is a reason we have complinetry sleeping potions and pain killers. Check the bedside table, back to work I go!" You waved goodbye, with Teddy waving bye as well. Since his dad was busy with new back pain.

Just like how it always was. Taking tickets, escorting newbies, comforting lost children, punching a drunk here and there. A typical night for the bus. As it was getting closer to the end of your shift, you would go and check on the famous celebrity. Up the stairs, and to the second floor.

There he was. His brief case locked to the bed frame, with an enchanted chain, and his coat hung up. His face pressed into the pillow, showing his knocked out face. Drooling, in a much needed rest. All the while little Teddy was snuggled close to his father. His face tucked under the man’s chin, and tiny hands hugging his dress shirt close. Safe, under the man’s arm.

You would sneak over, and make sure the blanket was pulled high enough for him and Teddy. Poor souls needed it. You wouldn’t be surprised if he would spend a few nights here. As if you would complain. The company would be needed, and who knows. Maybe a Pest Control guy would be needed. Sure get wild animagi coming in sometimes.

With Newt tucked in, and adjusting the pillow for Teddy, you would return down the stairs. All to be teased by that talking head for growing overly friendly with the celebrity. All it took was a flick, and he was spinning. That had you laugh, as you stretched.

Never a dull night, on that bus.

[tisayemate]

Hi Lauren, happy new year!! 🥳 I hope you had a great start to the year and that it’ll bring you all good and joyful things!!

Would it be okay to make a request with Newt Scamander and reader? You see I’ve watched the 2nd movie again, and I was so sad that Teddy got hurt while helping Newt retrieving the blood pact pendant, I know he healed well, but I felt like ripping Newt a new one, although know he must feel bad for it too. She’s very kind, quiet, intelligent, and usually very calm, but when she finds about this, she really rips a new one and everyone is shocked of her outburst and Newt is all on his own in this. She tends to Teddy and spoils him rotten while he heals and Newt is in the dog house (no kisses, no hugs, no nothing for a while).

Frost

Newt Scamander x reader

Angsty but cute

Summary: When Teddy gets hurt, she turns cold, leaving Newt to earn back her trust while she spoils their injured Niffler rotten.

AN: Thank you lovely anon! Happy New Year to you too! I’d hope that you have the best, most fulfilling year you can get. I thought this was a pretty cute idea (it too broke me to see Teddy injured.) So I hope I got this plot right, this is the first ask that I’ve ever received so I’m really stoked for this. (You have no idea how excited I got when I saw this) Once again, thank you for asking. If I haven’t gotten it right, don’t be afraid to pop into my inbox/messages to drop down some constructive criticism/ amendments to make. Without further ado, let’s get to it!

Story under the cut

Newt Scamander sat at the wooden table in the small kitchen of your shared home, his hands wringing together anxiously. The usual warmth in the room seemed to have vanished, replaced by an icy tension that clung to every surface. Across from him, you paced back and forth, your quiet demeanor utterly shattered.

"You—you let him get hurt!" you snapped, your voice cracking with the sheer force of your emotions. Teddy, the mischievous Niffler who usually brought joy and chaos in equal measure, lay tucked in a makeshift bed by the fireplace, his tiny paw wrapped in bandages.

Newt flinched at your tone. "I didn’t mean for—"

"Didn’t mean to?!" you cut him off, your usual calm and gentle nature nowhere to be found. "You knew he’d follow you into danger! He always does because he adores you, Newt! And look at him now!"

Your voice, usually so soothing, now carried a sharp edge that startled even you. But the sight of Teddy injured, his usual cheeky energy dulled by pain, had unleashed a storm within you that couldn’t be contained. You glared at Newt, your chest heaving as you struggled to keep your composure.

"He was trying to help," Newt said softly, his voice thick with guilt. "I never wanted him to get hurt, love. I… I thought I could keep him safe."

"Well, you didn’t!" you snapped, and Newt’s head hung lower. "He’s just a baby, Newt! A baby! And you dragged him into some reckless mission that could have… that could have…" Your voice broke, and you turned away, blinking back tears.

Newt stood slowly, his hands reaching out to you, but you stepped away, your arms crossing protectively over your chest. "Don’t," you warned. "Not until I… not until I can trust you again."

He froze, his outstretched hand dropping to his side. The weight of your words settled heavily on his shoulders, and he looked over at Teddy, who stirred slightly in his bed. Newt’s heart ached with guilt and sorrow.

Turning your back on Newt, you knelt by Teddy, stroking his fur gently. "Oh, my sweet boy," you murmured, your voice trembling with affection. "You’re so brave, aren’t you? But no more heroics, you hear me? You’re going to rest and recover, and I’ll take care of you."

Teddy let out a small, contented chirp, his little paw curling around your finger. You smiled softly, tears threatening to spill over again as you whispered promises of treats and snuggles to the injured creature.

Behind you, Newt watched helplessly, his heart breaking at the sight of you turning all your love and attention toward Teddy while he was left out in the cold. For days, the frostiness between you lingered. You tended to Teddy with tender care, showering him with affection and little treats, while Newt remained in the doghouse. No hugs, no kisses, no soft smiles meant for him—only the occasional glance, and even those were weighted with disappointment.

One evening, desperate to make things right, Newt crept into the kitchen while you were preparing Teddy’s dinner. In his hands, he held a small bouquet of wildflowers, their vibrant colors dulled slightly by his nervous grip.

"I picked these for you," he said tentatively, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know they can’t make up for what happened, but I wanted to… to show you how sorry I am."

You paused, glancing at the flowers before returning your focus to the task at hand. "It’s not flowers I need, Newt," you said quietly. "I need to know you’ll think before putting him in harm’s way again."

Newt’s shoulders slumped, but he nodded earnestly. "I promise. I’ll do better. I… I’ll earn back your trust."

Your hands stilled, and you turned to face him fully. The sincerity in his eyes melted a bit of the ice around your heart, but you weren’t ready to forgive completely. Not yet. "It’s going to take time, Newt."

"I’ll wait," he said without hesitation. "As long as it takes."

For the first time in days, a faint smile tugged at your lips. "Alright," you said softly. "Now go sit with Teddy. He’s missed you."

Newt’s face brightened, and he hurried to Teddy’s side, his fingers brushing gently over the Niffler’s fur. As you watched them, the warmth began to seep back into the room, a small step toward mending what had been broken.

[viltrumitesuperboy]

Souvenir (Newt Scamander x Reader)

Gender neutral. My dumbass changed the request so they aren’t already together I am sorry but they needed to meet first

EDIT/DISCLAIMER: I hadn’t watched the films in LITERALLY FOREVER i got some parts wrong but for the record the fantastic beasts book does not say what mooncalves eat and i had to go as creative as possible (... grass)

Requested by: NOT anon but i forgot who requested i’m so sorry Maybe Newt introducing his partner to all of his creatures and one of the creates (possibly another bowtruckle but up to you) getting really attached Flying together on Frank the thunderbird (he's a thunderbird right?) Oh fluffy adorable feeding the baby mooncalves (Can you tell I like cute things and all of his animals?)

Word Count: 1593

You first met Newt when you were out on a late night stroll.

People always said it was dangerous to walk outside late at night, but you had magic, and that would at least protect you from no-majs with ill intent. You would never expect to run into a wizard the way you did.

There was, after all, an Erumpent with a man in a bright blue coat making the strangest movements and sounds. It was certainly interesting. Another man stood off to the side, holding a bottle that was unmistakably one that was used for potions. Once the bottle spilled, you ran closer, hoping that you could counter the effects of the potion before it caused any damage. Instead, the Erumpent turned to him and charged. There was a lot of screaming.

You followed them over the hills of Central Park and a frozen river that you absolutely did not trust to hold the weight of a grown man, much less an Erumpent. You threw a quick spell to solidify it completely, and the three of you had managed to get the Erumpent into a very small case.

"Well, it looks like we've made a new friend!" the skinnier man in the blue coat said. "Thanks for helping."

"I really didn't do anything," you replied.

"Nonsense, you froze the river, didn't you? Wonderful spellwork, by the way," he complimented.

You warily looked at the no-maj, currently trying his best to brush off whatever he had spilled on himself. You knew how dangerous it was for them to know about magic.

"Oh, I'm Newt. This is Jacob. We've been gathering all the magical creatures that... are around the city," Newt explained.

"I'm (Y/N)," you said.

You held your hand out in greeting, and he took it with a mild shake. Jacob's was only slightly firmer.

"You know, I'm good with magical creatures. They were my favourites to look for in the forest of the school I went to. If you want, I can help," you offered.

Newt smiled brightly, and motioned back to the city that surrounded you.

"Well, we've finished with this, and we've got more to do. How about we find the rest of them?"

———

Newt opened his case on the floor, nodding to it with a smile.

"Go on. I promise it's safe," he assured you.

You gave him a stern look and climbed down the ladder into a small, wooden workshop.

"Is this an expanding charm?" you called up as he started to make his own way down. "Amazing work. It's rarely ever neat when I expand anything."

"Well, it helps that I've got other magic to keep everything where it is," he grinned. "Shall we?"

He gestured to the door. You pushed it open, your mouth open in shock as you took in the desert-like area around you.

"Newt!" you exclaimed. "Do you know how much work it takes to do this? You either have very powerful magic or a lot of time on your hands."

"Well I wouldn't say I'm very powerful," he humbly responded. "I've had this case for years, and I only started with a few of these areas. Now it's a lot more, but that's not the point."

He gestured to move on, and you followed wordlessly. The disturbance in the background made it clear that it was a piece of cloth rather than the actual background, and he pushed it aside to reveal the Erumpent you had helped him retrieve.

"I found her a while ago, and I'll be returning her home once she's ready. I'd bring you closer but after recent events, I think it would be better not to cause unnecessary damage to all of New York City."

You both laughed. He led you through another curtain to where the Niffler dove into a hole, and the bowtruckles were all on a tree together.

"I'm sure you already know the bowtruckles aren't as friendly as the others in this case, but Pickett likes to hang around me sometimes," Newt said.

He put his hand out for one of the bowtruckles, who climbed onto his hand and scampered up his arm, clinging to his bowtie for a few seconds. Newt had to pull Pickett off and back into his hand, and raised him up between the two of you. You were both met each other's eyes. He looked nervous for a split second, then brought up Pickett between your line of view.

"Say hello, Pickett! This is (Y/N)."

"Hi there," you smiled.

You waved your hand to the little green creature. He jumped from Newt's hand to your shirt, and found his way to the top of your head.

"Pickett! You know you need to ask before you climb someone like that," Newt scolded.

He had his hands on his hips and glared at the bowtruckle sternly. Pickett made a noise that sounded suspiciously like blowing a raspberry and rested himself in your hair.

"I think he likes me," you laughed. "Isn't it rare for bowtruckles to be this friendly?"

"Yes, but I think-"

Newt suddenly cut himself off as a blush grew on his face. You furrowed your eyebrows at him.

"You think what?" you asked.

"Um, I talk to the creatures about you sometimes? I think he remembered your name."

You hadn't known each other too long, but you figured it was enough to be good friends.

"Oh, that's nice. It's great to meet them," you said.

He gestured for you to follow him. He turned quickly as you walked, probably to hide his red face. By the time you reached a large nest, it was completely gone and replaced with a wide smile.

"This is an Occamy! They are usually very protective of their young, but I've earned her trust just enough. I'll be releasing her and her babies once they're a little more grown," Newt said.

The blue serpent-like creature inspected you as you approached the nest. A peer over the edge gave you a glimpse of a smaller Occamy, playing with its siblings. There were chirps coming from the nest. Newt brought you along to a different environment, one that looked more like a desert.

"And that's Frank," he said.

You both looked up to see a Thunderbird flying on his own in the sky. He began to drop down and land as he spotted you.

"Frank, this is my friend! Be nice," Newt said. "You can hold your hand out to him."

You hesitantly put your hand up, around where the bird's beak would be if he was in front of you. Frank shuffled his wings, then got closer until the feathers just under his eye were tickling your hand. You carefully stroked the feathers there, and he closed his eyes in content.

"I'm in America for a lot of reasons, and all of them are to bring these creatures back home," Newt said. "Tina and Queenie have been nice enough to let me stay with them while I'm still here."

"You're welcome to stay with me as well," you smiled.

You continued onto the next area, a quieter and darker one lit by a full moon on one of the curtains. The creatures were like a strange mix of a sheep and a cow with the largest eyes that didn't look like they would fit in their heads.

"Mooncalves!" you said, taking a few steps closer.

"Wait, come back. I'll have you feed them, since it's already time."

They were still a distance away. Despite their shy nature, they were still intrigued by the new addition to their temporary home. They started to get closer. After a few minutes of preparing the bowls with Newt, two of them had already gotten very close to you. They nudged your legs, knowing that you had something they wanted. When Newt walked with his bowl closer to the rest of the mooncalves, they all flocked to him. You followed behind, and some went to you.

"Throw a bit of this onto the ground right here."

He picked up a handful of what looked like rice grains and threw them across the ground. You did the same until the soil was mostly covered. Newt pulled out his wand and mumbled a spell, which caused the soil to cover the little grains and grass to spring up from where they dropped instead. The mooncalves rushed over to the grass and began to graze.

"Grass seeds! It's much more convenient than carrying grass or taking them outside when there's a full moon," Newt explained.

"That's amazing," you complimented, which he bashfully brushed off.

He took your bowl and put it away. A bowtruckle returned to his tree and a niffler nearly grabbing your pen lined with shiny metal later, you both returned to your small room. It was as if you'd entered another world or a dream and were now being pulled back into reality. You stood face to face with Newt, a grin present on his.

"If you're not staying in New York too long, I think maybe you'd need a souvenir before you go," you whispered.

"What's that?"

You took a step closer to him and slowly pressed your lips to his. He brought you closer, a hand on your back to keep the both of you steady. When you pulled away, he kept his hand there.

"That might be one of the best souvenirs I'll ever receive, but I think I can find one better."

"Can you really?"

He laughed breathlessly, and pulled you closer once more.

[iliveiloveiwrite]

In my life, I’ll love you more

A/N: Okay, so I watched both Fantastic Beasts films the other day and now I love Newt so I thought I would write something. It is my first fic for him, I hope you enjoy it! Also, if you would like to be added to a taglist for Fantastic Beasts or Harry Potter - let me know, I’ll happily create one! 

Title: The Beatles - In My Life

Summary: You’ve been in love with Newt for a decade - he’s always known. 

Pairing: Newt Scamander x Reader

Warnings: none

Word count: 1.3k

You closed the door to the one-bedroomed flat. Quickly noting the absence of the messy-haired magizoologist that you had grown to admire and love over the course of a decade long friendship. A friendship you treasured with your very being – you would not let your affections for Newt get in the way of it. It was inevitable that you were going to fall in love with him; your very first meeting with the wizard, your subconscious had warned you that he could break your heart, but you didn’t listen. Once Newt had returned from New York,  speaking incessantly about Tina – well, you almost wished you had listened to the warning whispered to you so long ago.

Sighing, you head over to the kitchen counter, placing a shopping bag on its top and beginning to unpack its contents. Essentials for Newt, ingredients for his creatures started to litter the countertops before you could start organising what needed to be put away and what was needed for the creatures in the other room. A note for you had been left near the breadbin:

“(Y/N), I’ll be in the next room when you arrive. Come and see me when you get settled. Newt.”

Checking the time, you saw that it was approaching 10 in the morning and by the looks of the kitchen as you entered, Newt had skipped breakfast and gone into the enclosures, or he had taken food with him. From previous experience, and knowing him, it would most definitely be the former. His dedication to his creatures, his love for them, were unparalleled. You had never known a man to dedicate so much of his time to his work, his passion. His love for his work simply took your breath away. You understood how he felt though; your love for Charms and their history took over your life as you studied at Hogwarts. Charms and History of Magic were your highest grades upon leaving. It was how you had met Newt – there wasn’t a strict discipline for your talents, so you had taken a job at the Ministry and from there, ran into Newt.

Both of you had spent countless nights in his briefcase talking about anything and everything; Newt telling tales of his travels to far off lands that you one day hoped to visit too. You would tell him stories of the past – history of Charms, history of the Wizarding World, and of the Muggle World. Nights like those, you cherished. Newt was more comfortable among animals than he was humans, but he opened up to you and a close, dear friendship developed.

You decided that a second breakfast/early lunch would do no harm to either you or Newt, so you started to make the mixture for pancakes. A simple recipe, one you had learned from a Muggle recipe book by the name of Mrs Beaton. They would take no time to cook so you quickly set out two plates and small tin of golden syrup – the best way to eat pancakes.

Plating up the food, you grab both plates and head towards the other room. This space was dedicated to Newt’s animals – an expansion of his briefcase. It was full of enclosures for his creatures – your personal favourite was the Niffler despite the trouble he got himself into.

Walking down the stairs, you call out, “Newt, whereabouts are you? I’ve brought food.”

“I’m by the Bowtruckles.”

“On my way!”

You find Newt exactly where he said he was. He was attempting to get Pickett to join the tree again, however, he was not having much success. He stops trying as you reach him.

“Good morning, (Y/N).”

“Good morning, Newt. I assumed that you hadn’t eaten so I’ve made pancakes for us.”

“You assumed correctly. What would I do without you keeping an eye on me?”

“Forget to eat, most likely.”

“I’m very lucky to have you in my life, I hope you know that.”

You feel your cheeks redden, “If I didn’t know before, I do now. Thank you, Newt.”

It is silent as you both eat the pancakes. His words run through your mind as you clean your plate. Newt devours his food, clearly not having eaten since the night before. He gets so engrossed in his work that you do start to worry sometimes, but he is quick to reassure you that he takes breaks, he does eat, he does sleep. You feel like a babysitter some of time, but he quickly pushes that worry away every time you voice it.

Sitting there, next to him, it starts to become too much. Almost 10 years you’ve felt like this – you knew logically that he either didn’t feel the same way or he did and didn’t want to say anything. You hoped and hoped it would be the latter, but it had been pointed out by your work friends that it was more the former. They didn’t mean it harshly, they had your best intentions at heart, they had watched you fawn over Newt for almost a decade when plenty of men had voiced interest in you. Your parents also didn’t help the matter, nearing thirty, they had started to panic thinking they were not going to get grandchildren.

Sighing for not the first time that morning, you decided to simply confess your feelings for the man next to you. Taking a deep breath, you state, “Newt, I love you.”

“I know.”

“You know? How could you know?”

“I’ve known for a while.”

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“I didn’t know how to approach the subject. I only put two and two together once I returned from New York.”

“Oh.”

“It’s okay. As it happens, I’m in love with you too.”

You almost drop the plate in your hands. “You do.”

“I do. I think I’ve loved you for a long while, but I only realised after I returned to New York and you greeted me with such affection that it confirmed what I felt for you.”

You blush slightly, laughing as you remember that moment. He had barely been home an hour before you had barrelled into his home, berating him but pulling him into a tight hug and pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I missed you, Newt. I got one letter from you saying you had arrived safe and sound, and then nothing. I was so worried. You’re lucky I didn’t show up to New York myself, Mr Scamander.”

He chuckles, standing up, moving his plate to nearby table, “It was that moment though. I had missed you for the entire trip, of course I did. But when you came into the flat, it cemented just how much I missed you. And also how much I loved you.”

You follow his actions, standing too. You take his hand in yours, “Newt, what does this mean for us?”

“I’m not entirely sure. What would you like it to mean for us?”

“Well if we both feel the same, why don’t we take it one step further?”

“What do you have in mind?”

“How about dinner? Tonight? What about the Italian restaurant a few streets over at 7?”

Newt nods, he looks slightly lost on this topic, but you both can figure it all out together. “Dinner tonight sounds lovely.”

You beam up at him “Great. I can’t wait. I’m going to go out now and by a new dress for it.”

He smiles back at you, “I can’t either. Can I try something before you go?”

“Of course. What is it?”

“Do you trust me?”

“With my life.”

On those words, Newt presses his lips to yours. A chaste, sweet kiss – testing the waters. In your opinion, it is over too soon, and when he pulls away, you find yourself chasing his lips for another kiss. He kisses you again, twice, thrice, and pulls away completely.

“Tonight,” he whispers.

“Tonight.” You promise.

[long-cosmos-overhead]

Hi! 😊 Do you have any birthday headcanons/stories? Cause I just turned 19! 😄 And Im in the mood for some B-Day content 💛

Happy Birthday 🥳🥳🥳🥳. I hope you have/had an amazing day sadly I don’t but I’ll make a preference of a few of the characters you’ve requested as a birthday present 💝

(I do not own any of these characters/gif not mine)

Draco Malfoy

Draco treats you like a Queen anyways but your birthday is another story. He treats you like a goddess. He reminds everyone that it’s your birthday weeks in advance around the time he starts making plans. Draco is entirely sweet he takes you on a lavish date despite telling him he doesn’t need to spend money on you and refuses to let you pay for anything. You get dozens and dozens of gifts a fair few from friends and fellow Slytherins but at least a roomful from Draco. Honestly he can’t help it he loves seeing you smile so much he just has to rope you in and kiss you to the point that you get dizzy. His parents send you gifts too. How do they know? Draco won’t stop talking about it. At the end of the day he scoops you up laying down with you in his arms planting kisses on your skin until you fall asleep. Best birthday you’ve ever had.

John Watson

The first thing John will do is tell Sherlock to be nice to you for the day and then do all the housework, chores or work you have to do so you can relax for the day. He will make you breakfast in the morning telling you to get dressed in something warm only to smile when you opt for one of his jumpers. He takes you for a nice walk though the park and around town going into every shop and refusing to let you pay for anything. John sneaks his hand around your waist when you walk he wants you to feel special and beautiful especially on your birthday. He smothers you in compliments and love cuddling you on the sofa, watching whatever you want and plenty of kisses. His gifts are usually meaningful like the thing you’ve had your eye on for ages or something that made him think of you regardless of the price.

Thranduil

You’re awoken by the deepest kiss any elf could ever give followed by Thranduil rapidly scattering a few of the many gifts he got you around your bed. He spoils you on your birthday so much it’s overwhelming. To Thranduil your birthday is luxury and affectionate day where he can drown you in his love. He’s super clingy as well never dropping his hand from your side, sitting you in his lap on the throne, deep breathtaking kisses and you being locked in his arms. He will throw a formal sophisticated party for his Queen only for his jaw to drop when he sees you looking ethereal. Needless to say no one but him was allowed to touch you that night. You get hundreds upon hundreds of expensive gifts from the party and deep meaningful ones from Thranduil. He will take the entire week off to spend with you just so your birthday is the best one you’ve ever had

Credence Barebone

Possibly the cutest thing you’ve ever endured. Credence doesn’t have money nor time to look for anything for you so he took it upon himself to make you a birthday present. He individually found pretty beads and silver string to bind together a bracelet for you. It wasn’t the best and he knew it but your reaction made him want to cry. You adored it bringing him into a long hug which he never wanted to end whispering thank you’s and praises in his ear. He stays at yours for the night and cuddles up to you uttering a small happy birthday. You never took the bracelet off other than to do things that could damage it. Whenever you sensed Credence was panicked or upset handing out flyers you would ask for all of them showing the bracelet as a sign of comfort while Mary Lou was none the wiser

Newt Scamander

Very bashful when it comes to your birthday he’s planned out an entire day for you but he’s nervous. What if you don’t like his gift or you don’t want to go out? Everything went accordingly and you loved every minute of it. The pair of you went out rescuing and finding fantastic beasts for the whole day. One particularly loved you that you begged Newt to keep it and he complied without hesitation, he was too focused on how stunning you were and how lucky he was to have gotten you. He really hoped you loved his gift. Newt asks Jacob for a few of his baked goods whilst you go out with Queenie and Tina for some ladies time. You’re sat down beside Newt and Jacob, Queenie and Tina opposite you as you open the gifts they got you before Newt clears his throat ready to come out with what your gift stumbling over his words. It takes a few words of encouragement from Queenie until he nervously hands you over your own baby Niffler. You cried of happiness.

Loki Laufeyson

Loki is so sweet on your birthday he manages to get you off work so you can be all his for the day. Assuming you work for the avengers he knows you’ll want a nice relaxing day. He runs you a nice bath telling you to take your time then starts the plan. He covers the room in rose petals, does all the washing up, cleaning, work, sets up fairy lights, lays out some of his clothes for you and gets out the gifts he got you then waits patiently. You didn’t think it were possible to love Loki more but yet here you were your heart brimming with love as he held his arms out softly saying ‘come here darling.’ He’s definitely the best gift giver he spoils you but not to the point of being overwhelming. He gives you an enchanted crystal rose, a few books, a beautiful necklace woven with gold and diamond and hands you a box. You hear a little meow and immediately look at Loki. He got you a tiny black kitten so you wouldn’t get lonely by yourself. The rest of the night is spent with in Loki’s arms while he reads to you gently kissing you every so often with your new kitten asleep sprawled over you both.

[brrahbrrahcharacterimagines]

Coffee and Nifflers (Newt Scamander x Reader)

MASTERLIST

Pairing: Newt Scamander x Reader

Word Count: 1356

Warnings: None, I believe

Running a coffee shop was hard work. Running one for the no-maj population as a witch was even harder.

It had always been your dream to own your own business, but it just wasn’t reasonable to open a coffee shop only accessible to the wizarding world. You needed a broader audience, and turned to the non-magical population to find that.

At first it seemed easy, but as more customers flocked to your store you found it more difficult. You couldn’t rely on magic to get things done like you wanted to, as somebody might have seen. This left you instead rushing around like a madwoman to make sure everything was being made properly and you had plenty of supplies and ingredients.

You had seen your fair share of customers come through your shop, but one in particular stood out. He had messy curly hair which always made you smile, and blue eyes that seemed to hold all the kindness in the world. His name matched him perfectly: Newt. After asking him a name for his order the first time he came into the shop you couldn’t help but smile. It was rare to meet somebody with a name that somehow suited them so well. He became a regular to the point that you had his order memorized. Black coffee with a shot of vanilla, always to go. 

Today was a day much like any other. It was a weekday, meaning that after the morning rush of people on their way to get coffee before work it ended up rather slow. Newt came in again, his blue coat giving him away as he entered.

“Let me guess, the usual?” You teased as he made his way to the counter. You had already grabbed the small cup, getting it ready for him. He nodded with a small smile.

“Yes, please.”

He had the most endearing British accent, one that you could listen to all day. You didn’t let yourself get distracted though, and you made the drink for him quickly.

“I’m sure you’ve already memorized your total, but it comes to...” You said, trailing off as you noticed Newt’s attire. He was wearing a yellow and dark grey scarf, and you caught a hint of a crest hiding behind his coat. You almost gasped, but you stopped yourself in case you were wrong.

“Am I supposed to finish the sentence?” He teased, making you turn crimson as you returned to reality. You muttered an embarrassed sorry to him before telling him his total. You put a stirring spoon into his cup as you handed it to him, the fake silver color on the plastic shining as it passed under the overhead lights. “Thank you,” he said with a smile before taking his change and leaving.

You still couldn’t believe what you had seen. You had been a proud Thunderbird at Ilvermorny, but that doesn’t meant that you didn’t know about the British counterpart Hogwarts. Newt’s accent would have put him in the right location, and you knew from your studies that one of the Hogwarts houses had those same colors. What was the name of it again, PuffleHuff?

You shook your head, continuing about your day as usual. Surely you were mistaken. Perhaps he just liked those colors, they looked well together and complimented his coat nicely. You didn’t want to jump to any conclusions or give anything away to a no-maj simply because you had a wrong hunch.

The next day Newt came in again, around the same time. As you were getting his drink ready, you heard him struggling after you turned around to face the machine. Spinning back to face him, you found him wide-eyed with what looked like a green stick in his hands. He quickly tucked it away into his pocket, but you could have sworn that you heard it squeak as he did so. You continued preparing his drink like normal, meeting him at the register. As you were typing in the total you looked to his pocket again, seeing a little green face peeking out at you. You choked on your spit, trying to play it off as a cough.

You looked around the store, seeing only one other patron who had her headphones in. Luckily for you, she was already leaving.

“Is that a Bowtruckle?” You asked Newt, giggling as his face turned pale.

“How did you-?” He asked, cutting himself off in surprise. He took the creature out of his pocket, the Bowtruckle smiling as it was freed. “Yes,” he muttered, admitting it. “Are you-”

“A witch?” You finished with a smirk. “Just as much as you are a wizard, I presume.” Newt’s blushed, but his eyes lit up. “I had my suspicions yesterday when I saw your scarf, but I didn’t want to presume anything in case you were a no-maj.”

Newt smiled at you, making your heart flutter. You had always found him attractive, but now that you knew he was a wizard it was as if that attraction had increased tenfold. You didn’t have to suppress your feelings out of worry that MACUSA would reprimand you for liking someone who wasn’t magical.

“I guess I have been pretty careless about hiding it,” replied Newt as he looked at you with his big puppy-dog eyes. “If you don’t mind me asking, how did you know that Pickett here is a Bowtruckle? Usually people tend to not care much for magical creatures.”

Your eyes lit up. Your business may have been your first passion, but magical creatures were quickly becoming your second.

“Well actually I’m reading this amazing book right now! It’s called Fantastic Beasts and...” You said, trailing off as your eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. “You’re that author!” You yelled, thankful that the two of you were now the only ones in the store. “I’m so stupid, of course you are,” you said as you placed your hands over your face. 

“Newt Scamander, magizoologist,” he said as an introduction. You removed your hands from your blushing face, meeting his eyes again.

“I love your book,” you told him. “I had no idea that there were so many wonderful creatures out there.”

Newt beamed at you, glad that you enjoyed his book but even more glad that you loved the creatures.

“Would you like to meet some of my creatures sometime?” He asked you excitedly. You flushed brightly at how forward his words sounded, but he seemed not to notice.

“Oh, I don’t know Newt. I’m not so sure magical animals will take to me the same way they do to you,” you replied with a sad smile.

“Actually, you’ve already got at least two adoring fans.” He told you, making you cock your head in confusion. He went on to explain, “Pickett here already seems to love you,” Pickett nodded in agreement making you giggle, “and the Niffler is what keeps me coming to your shop every day.”

You laughed, “and why does your Niffler do that?”

“The spoons,” he admitted. “He loves anything shiny, and the stirring spoons fit the bill. I don’t even care much for coffee.” You couldn’t help the wide smile that appeared on your face at his words, giggling at him.

“Then why come in every day? Those are some pretty expensive spoons if you aren’t even drinking the coffee you bought. You know you can buy them wholesale.”

“Well,” he said as his cheeks were dusted pink, “maybe I started coming in for another reason.” He looked into your eyes, making your heart skip a beat. “Maybe you have three adoring fans,” he said shyly. 

“Well, Mr. Scamander,” you told him as you handed him a handful of shiny spoons. “Give these to your friend. And perhaps I could meet him tonight, I get off at six,” you tell him hopefully. Newt beamed, taking them from you and shoving them into his pocket along with an unhappy Pickett.

“I would like that very much,” he said.

“I’ll see you then,” you said softly with a shy blush on your features.

Boy, were you in for an adventure.

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[silvertonedwords]

Word prompt: oblivious. Ship: Newtina.

Newt’s behavior this week, Tina reflects as he hurries past her and Theseus and down the menagerie steps, has been puzzling. “Newt?” she tries. He doesn’t respond.

Theseus tucks a few loose papers back into the case files they’d been reviewing at Newt’s kitchen table, downing the last sip of his firewhiskey.

Tina blinks, trying to keep the surprise from her face that Newt had barely mumbled out a hello.

“Is something the matter?” Theseus asks.

“I’m not sure…”

Theseus waves his wand at the newspaper articles spread over the table, which organize themselves into a neat stack. “You want to go after him?’

“That won’t help. Not right away. He gets—he needs space, sometimes.”

They both turn to look at the stairs. Theseus turns back and shakes his head.

“What?”

“I’m glad someone understands my brother.”

Tina shakes her head impatiently. “It’s nothing.”

Theseus clears his throat in a way that suggests his disagreement. He seems to hit upon an idea. “You’ve told him you took the job, right?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

Tina looks down, twirling the last of her coffee around the bottom of the mug.

“Please don’t tell me Newt went into one of his tirades about aurors and auror departments.”

Tina smiles softly. “No.”

“Well then…”

“He’s been…odd, since I told him,” she explains, wondering if it feels right to be sharing such things with his brother, and wishing for the thousandth time that Queenie were here to talk to, “I don’t know. Not himself. Or maybe that’s me. It’s been hard to tell, after everything…”

Theseus frowns. “If I never said, with all the—I am sorry about that. Your sister.”

Tina bites her lip. “Thanks,” she says softly.

Theseus wipes a tear from his eye. “Did he—has he told you much about her? Leta?”

“Not really. Not in his letters.”

Theseus’s lips pull into a weak smile. “You’re very different, you know. But you would’ve liked each other.”

Tina smiles. “I think we would.”

“I fought in the Great War. A lot of us—the people who are aurors now—did. Men would go home on leave and meet a girl. And a few months later, they’d return from their next leave, married. At the time, I thought they were mad.”

Tina looks at his tired eyes. They are a little like Newt’s: recognizable in their color and shape. But they are also quite different. Theseus has this brooding, introspective quality. While Newt spends much of his time in his own company, Tina thinks, he is always looking out into the world: observing, wondering.

“Now, I wish we’d done that. Just—gotten married. Before…” He falls silent, and Tina can see his face crumpling, fighting hard against tears that want to fall. That’s different as well. Newt cries so freely when he’s hurting.

Her experiences have been different, of course, but she does know this pain, or its cousin at least. She knows loss. And she knows from every awkward platitude ever handed her as a bereaved child that there’s nothing helpful she could say. “I’m sorry,” she finally says softly, covering his hand with hers.

He nods stiffly, looking down.

“And I’m sorry I didn’t get to know her.”

Theseus swallows. “Me, too.”  And then he clears his throat, resolutely pulling the next case file towards him. “Shall we?”

Tina glances once more towards the menagerie, puzzled, then back at their work. “Alright. Sure.”

–&–

“Newt, are you here?”

Tina had thought she’d seen Newt in the entryway when Theseus dropped her off, but when she enters, the entire flat seems deserted.

Porpentina Goldstein, newly transplanted American auror and definitely-not-pureblood may not rank an invitation to an evening part of the British wizardry elite, but Theseus Scamander had. And of course, per Dumbledore’s instructions, they’d had business to attend to and three attendees in particular to watch.

Tina deposits her heels by the door and descends the menagerie stairs barefoot. “Newt?”

“Ah, there you are.” Newt drops crushed leaves into a bowl and glances up. He swallows hard, his gaze caught.

“Nothing new.”

Newt nods and looks back to his mortar and pestle. The beads sewn into her evening gown glint in the half-light, the midnight blue fabric rustling as she walks closer.

Tina tugs her glittering earrings free, laughing when one of the baby nifflers scurries up and settles a paw on her leg. “Oh, yes, darling. All yours.” She offers the pair to him, giggling as he stuffs them into his little pouch.

She looks up to find Newt smiling at her in a way that makes her heart thud.

And then his smile falls and he looks away again. She’s still not good at this really. Figuring out what’s on his mind. She wants to be. “Newt?”

“Hm.” He still doesn’t look up.

“Is something wrong?”

“No,’ his voice scratches over the words, rough and quiet. “Nothing.”

Her throat tightens. And then she notices his tight jaw, his wide eyes, and takes a step closer.

“Newt,” she whispers.

He clears his throat. “You and Theseus seem to be…enjoying one another’s company.”

Her brow furrows. “Yes. He’s a good auror. And a good man.”

Silent tears spill onto his cheeks. Unable to hold off any longer, Tina cradles his jaw with both hands and gently raises his head until she can see his bright, kind eyes. “That part runs in the family, I think.”

Newt’s shoulders rise with his breath, and fall.

She runs a thumb along his jaw. “Tell me. Please. Whatever it is that’s been bothering you these past weeks.”

He squeezes his eyes shut, dropping his forehead to hers. His hands come up to her wrists, holding her touch to him. They’ve been this close before in the months since Paris, but still it takes her breath away.

“I know you two are not—that is, I’m not suggesting that—but—“ Newt blinks, close and out of focus. She pulls back so that they can see each other properly. He searches her eyes, and something clicks.

“Oh,” she whispers, thumb stilling on his cheek. “Oh, Newt. You haven’t been thinking that…” She knows this feeling. Queenie, after all, had always been the golden child. And though she’d never have traded any part of herself, even as a little girl, there have certainly been times in her life when it has been hard not to ache with how easy it all seemed for her. Never mind, of course, that Queenie had had plenty to face herself, hearing every thought and often being told she must’ve listened in on purpose…

“People have always thought he’s easier to talk to. I know he is. You’re so brilliant at the work, and you work so well together and—“

“He’s not.”

“What?”

“He’s not easier to talk to.”

Newt’s hands curl more tightly around hers.

“I could listen to you talk about your creatures forever.” She brushes her fingers through his fringe, smiling when his eyes briefly flutter shut. “Or I could sit with you in silence and be just as content. I’ve—never found someone so easy to talk to in my life.”

Newt laughs; a soft, quiet, broken sound. “You haven’t?”

Tina shakes her head, her forehead just brushing his. “I haven’t.” She gathers up his hand between hers and brings it to her lips, holding it there for several breaths.

His hand slides onto her jaw, and then back into her hair. He watches his fingers thread through it. “I love you, you know,” he says simply.

She laughs softly into the small space between them. “I know. I love you, too.” And she does know, really, but it’s still lovely to hear. Newt breathes out, a happy, comfortable, slightly incredulous sound. Perhaps they should try this a little more. Saying these things out loud. “I think I should’ve been clearer about why I took the job. It is a good position, and I don’t want to go back to New York and that apartment…I’ll be closer to the fight against Grindelwald. I’ll be able to help in the search for Credence and Queenie, and protect them if the European aurors become…”

“Careerist hypocrites?” Newt suggests, his voice full of his smile.

“Yes, that,” she agrees with a soft chuckle. “But Newt. I also took the job because I don’t want to be half a world away from you anymore.”

He squeezes her hand. “I’m sorry I was strange about it. I’m not used to…” he searches for the words, and finally gestures to their joined hands, “this.”

“Neither am I.”

Newt’s fingers skim back and forth over the back of her hand. “We’ll figure it out.”

“Yes,” she agrees eagerly. “Yes, I’d like that.”

Something furry brushes against her leg. They both look down to find several baby nifflers looking pitifully up at her.

Newt chuckles. “Come now, Tina wasn’t playing favorites.”

Tina takes out her wand and bends down towards them, transfiguring her bracelet into several more earrings and offering them in one palm. The nifflers grab at them eagerly, and she laughs at the tickling sensation of their paws on her skin.

She stands as they scurry away. “What?” Newt’s staring at her, his eyes warm.

“You’re staying.” He lifts her hand and kisses her fingers, looking at her with an intensity that makes her shiver.

“Yes,” she agrees, touching the edge of his smile. “Yes, I am.”

[njcklenjart]

Part 2 of the post-fbtcog fic I’ve been planning. The link to the first part is at the bottom, but this can be read separately!

It’s strange to enter his own home again. The lock still jams as usual, the hinges squeaking enough to be noticeable when Newt shoulders the door open, and nothing looks out of place since he left. Yet there’s a sense of wrongness he can’t quite place.

It makes him feel like an intruder, especially so after Paris; what was supposed to be a quick adventure has changed him inside out, opening his eyes to world where Leta is dead and Queenie has abandoned them. He’s different, done things he would never have considered days before. He’s chosen a side.

But, looking at Theseus and seeing his anguish, how could he not?

(“What about your brother?” Jacob had said.

Newt had glanced at the close door. “He’s writing to Mum, I suppose—to tell her about—Leta.” He grimaced, the thought slightly too real for him, and had turned away to gather his case.

A soft touch at his elbow and Tina was beside him.

“I’m fine,” he lies, focused on the stitching of his sleeve while he readies himself for the outside world and the people in it. “We better head off.”)

While Jacob’s already seen his home, Tina takes it in with rapt attention. Does she think it fits him? Did she expect more? Newt tries not to worry over her opinion too much or fixate on the way her eyes roam over each piece of furniture, but nonetheless does a small cleaning spell to fix the mess the nifflers caused during their escape.

“You can leave your coats at the door,” he says, stripping himself of his own. Best make a quick search of the house for escapees that took advantage of his absence, but there’s another thing to take care of first. “Jacob, if you would.”

His friend appears confused when he motions him closer, but his face changes exponentially at the sight of the baby nifflers, snoring peacefully, when Newt carefully takes them from his case. “There’s more of them!”

“Careful. They’ve been known to escape.” Jacob handles the little creatures with utmost care, careful not to wake them. “There should be a small cave filled with coins by the stairs. Make sure it’s locked.” Jacob nods, his soft murmuring floating after him as he leaves.

Tina hasn’t moved much from the front of the house. “It’s nice,” she says when she catches him looking.

Newt rubs the back of his neck, unsure of what to say. Behind her, the vase Jacob had broken upon his arrival looks brand new and it’s then he suddenly remembers. “I have something of yours. Queenie—” He winces and so does Tina. “She dropped a postcard. Yours, in fact.”

Tina’s expression turns tender when he hands it over.

“That’s how I knew you were in Paris,” Newt says quickly, stepping closer and turning his head to look at it again despite the writer being in front of him. “I recognized the way you, um, curl your y’s.”

“Newt…”

Jacob screams and the moment dies, replaced by urgency as Newt and Tina hurry to the basement. There they find Bunty holding the Muggle at wandpoint. He’s clutching the nifflers like they’re pearls and it’s then that Newt realizes that the two never actually met. “What are you doing with them!” she demands.

Before Bunty can threaten him any further, her wand flies from her hands and straight into Tina’s. “Back away from from him. Now.”

Newt sees that they’re seconds away from a disaster. “It’s alright. She’s my assistant!” He quickly steps between them, prompting Tina to lower her wand. “Bunty, this is Jacob and Tina. They’re my guests.”

Bunty blinks up at him owlishly. “Guests?” she says. “You never have guests.”

Newt flushes and tries not to be embarrassed by the implications. “Yes, well, they’re in London for the time being—staying with my brother.”

“With your…” Bunty looks at him like he’s suddenly shooting fire out of his backside.

“It was a last minute arrangement.” Tina hands back her wand with a soft apology. She studies Bunty with a strange expression and Newt thinks they should move past the moment and hurry back to what they came to do.

He pulls Jacob past his assistant. If the nifflers wake up, who knows how long it will take to get them settled and there’s work to be done, he’s sure. “Over here Jacob.”

Bunty follows after him, hovering as they get the little thieves settled. “You said went to Paris. Did you find what you were looking for?”

Newt risks a quick glance at Tina. “I did.”

“A creature?”

“Yes. We’ll have to make space beside the swamps for a new habitat.”

That gets her excited. “What is it?”

“A zouwu,” Tina says offhandedly, peeking into a doorway that opens up to a field in the springtime. “You’ll need the cat toy.”

“She’s rather spirited and friendly.” Jacob makes a noise in disagreement, but Newt ignores him. The zouwu is a kind creature, merely mistreated. He turns to Tina, almost nervous at her opinion of the place. “Do you like it?”

He’s awarded a smile that has his heart quickening. “I love it.”

Newt doesn’t know what to say, happier than he should be over a simple comment, so he merely grins back at her. He spots Bunty closer than expected and he clears his throat and hopes that he wasn’t staring too long. “You can go home now, Bunty,” he says. “We’ll deal with the rest.”

“But I’ve only just started the rounds and the grindylows habitat still needs to be looked over for leeches. Not to mention the stables have to be cleaned.” She steps closer, hopeful. “A-And the kelpie’s better with two.”

Tina sidles up beside her, her sleeves already rolled up. “She knows more about your creatures than me and Jacob. Besides, you could use the help.”

“Alright,” Newt says to her elbow. “Jacob, would you like to help Bunty with feeding the Abraxans?”

“The Abrax-a-what?”

“Abraxans.”

For some reason, Bunty appears disappointed (or, at least, Newt thinks she does), but she merely smiles when he looks at her. She shows Jacob where the feed is stored and hands him a jug of malt whiskey. The Muggle stares at it blankly for a moment. “Uh, I’m not really thirsty, but thanks.”

“It’s not for you. It’s for the Abraxans.”

“You give your horses whiskey?”

“These horses, yes. They can be a bit rough, so try not to get trampled.”

“What do you mean?” Jacob asks nervously, only for Bunty to head for the stables. “What does she mean? Newt?” He runs after her, leaving Newt and Tina alone.

Half a dozen doxies attach themselves to Newt’s shirt on his way to the shed, stubborning hanging on despite his gentle prodding, and Tina finds it particularly amusing. They bring down all the different feeds they’ll need for his creatures, as well as the eye medication for the mooncalves. Tina handles the jars of roaches and slugs without disgust while Newt juggles the mooncalves eye drops and the salve for the kelpie, and working together feels like it did in New York, efficient and comfortable.

In the middle of showing her how to correctly feed the diricawls and explaining that they’re not the most intelligent of species, Newt sees an invisible force pull at her trousers. When Tina takes notice as well a familiar figure reveals himself.

“Dougal,” she says quietly, her expression growing softer at the sight of the silver-haired primate. She extends a hand and Dougal does the same, stroking her offered wrist.

Newt shifts from one foot to another. “He remembers you.”

Dougal skitters forward, his golden eyes never leaving Tina’s. He reaches for her with his gangly arms like a child wanting to be picked up.

Tina looks at Newt for guidance and he nods encouragingly, taking the jar of crickets from her. “Demiguises give the best hugs.”

Very carefully, she reaches for the creature, hoisting him up onto her hip like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Dougal cooes and chitters, resting his chin on her shoulder, not inclined to separate anytime soon, and Tina strokes his fur almost reverently. Newt can see the moment she gives into the embrace, the tension in her shoulders and neck fading, and decides she likes her this way, relaxed and content.

He ushers her to his rudimentary desk, organizing the clutter to the best of his ability, and offers her his chair. Dougal makes a sound when she sits and Tina hugs him tighter. She meets Newt’s gaze from over the creature’s head, her eyes so expressive that New can’t help but crouch before her. Before he realizes it, he’s pried one of her hands away to grasp it between his own. “You can stay here as long as you like.”

“How are you always so kind? Even now?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“I’m not. Not like you.”

Newt may not be able to read people easy or understand their reasons, but he’s become accustomed to Tina, and so he knows she’s thinking of Queenie. He’s beginning to recognize her expressions and queues almost as well as Pickett’s and so he wills her to see the truth in his. “You are.”

He thinks she does because she gives his hand a squeeze.

There’s a loud crash and Newt turns to see Bunty standing not far off. She hurriedly picks up the pail off the ground, glancing between the two of them. “I’m sorry for, erm, interrupting your…” She blushes. “But your friend… he’s stuck in the water trough and Molly won’t let me through.”

“Newt!” Jacob yells, then shrieks at something. “Would you knock it off!”

Tina laughs, a small sound, one that only just reaches her eyes, and it’s like she’s finally coming alive. Newt stares and stays there a moment too long. This is more like the woman he remembers.

“Newt?” Bunty’s still there.

“Hm? Oh, yes, Jacob.” Newt snaps out of his headspace and jumps to his feet before anyone can comment. “Will you be alright by yourself?”

Tina nods, still holding his hand. “Dougal will keep me company.”

“I’ll be right back,” he promises. It seems like a silly thing, but he means it. It wouldn’t take much to adjust his workload to keep her within view, maybe entrust Bunty to take care of the beasts at the edge of his basement.

“I’ll be here,” she says and it’s like a promise of her own.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6| 7

[vintagediavolo]

The Firewhisky Incident

After the positive feedback from the oneshot I posted yesterday, I’ve decided I’ll be uploading more of the ones I write 😊

I’ll also be open to any prompt requests!

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The interior of the Graves’ estate was silent; a silence that some might’ve found discomforting, but Newt sat on the living room couch in one of Percival’s sweaters that was too big on him, hanging off his shoulder in a way that his boyfriend loved. Niffler sat in his lap, soft snores emanating from his little snout as Newt absentmindedly stroked a hand over its dark fur, and Pickett was using his limbs as a jungle-gym, climbing up his long legs and using Newt’s hair as a rope to help him to the top of his head. He nearly succeeded in his hatched plan of waking Niffler up on his way to Newt’s head, but the man caught on to his antics and quickly squashed them. “Now Pickett, what are you doing?” He had asked, catching sight of the bowtruckle with its arms outstretched toward Niffler’s nose. “None of that. Along you go,” he ordered, ushering him along with the back of his hand. “He’s just sleeping.”

Newt, with the two of his creatures, had a book propped open with his right hand and read through the pages. It was something about creatures in North America, for his newfound relationship rendered him stationed in New York and he didn’t think Percy would like if he embarked on a trip away from him for too long. He couldn’t blame him; the anxiety the man developed after being held captive by Grindelwald for months on end was nearly crippling at times, and Newt was one of the only things that could make him feel like himself. Oftentimes, after the man would come home from a long day at the Congress, he’d crawl on top of Newt whether he was on the couch or the king-sized bed in their shared bedroom—after making sure there no creatures on top of him, of course—and cuddle into his chest with a big huff. This is when Newt would ask how his day was and the man would usually go into a tangent or two before seeing how Newt was listening intently and melt under his eyes, continuing to press a small kiss on his lips before taking back his place on his chest, usually falling asleep after about an hour if Newt couldn’t coax him back to consciousness with dinner.

This night wasn’t going to be any different, Newt thought as he glanced at the magical clock on the wall, checking the time to see if his boyfriend would be coming home soon. The time was in fact near that time, confirmed by the sound of the front door opening and closing. He nearly stood to greet Percy, but something told him something was off as he listened to the man’s footsteps against the hardwood floor. They were staggered. Immediately thinking that the man had been injured, for his line of work wasn’t exactly the safest, Newt scooted Niffler off his lap and Pickett buckled down into his hair as he shot off the couch and down the hallway, nearly running into the wall due to his speed but not daring to slow down. “Percy?” He called out, voice near-frantic as he came to the man who was struggling to take off his jacket. “Are you alright?”

Percy staggered as he turned too fast to greet him and the jacket that was half off his shoulders was forgotten as he darted forward, engulfing Newt in a hug so tight that he nearly had to gasp to draw in a breath. “I’m jus- fine, darlin’,” he lilted, and Newt figured out the man’s problem as his breath hit him, smelling of some acohol.

“Are you drunk?” He asked, not mad but not particularly joyful about the situation either.

“Drunk off you,” Percy slurred, sloppily kissing Newt’s neck. Newt turned red at his words, but he brushed them off and forced the man to take a step back.

“Okay. Let’s get you ready for bed. Does that sound good?” He offered, moving behind Percy so he could help the man get out of the jacket he trapped himself in.

“Only if you come with.” It was like dealing with a child, Newt humoured to himself as Percy tried to turn to him with his arms held together at his back by his jacket sleeves.

“Of course I’ll come with you, but you need to get out of your jacket first. Stop struggling.” With a grunt, Percy complied and he was finally able to get the jacket off him to hang it on one of the hooks just inside the front door. “So how did you get drunk?”

“One of my jackass Aurors spelled some firewhisky to taste like coffee.” As soon as his arms were free, he had turned and wrapped himself around Newt again, much like the way Dougal did when the demiguise hadn’t seen him for a while. He now understood why the man was so intoxicated; Percy ingested coffee at what had to be inhuman rates. He could only fear what this Auror had in store for himself tomorrow, because not only will he have to deal with Percival Graves, but he’d have to deal with an angry, hungover Percival Graves.

“Okay, Percy. I can’t get you to the bedroom with you wrapped around me like this.”

“Just carry meeeeeee,” he whined, rubbing his nose against Newt’s and looking at him pleadingly. He didn’t know what the man was getting at, because even though he was taller than him, Percy definitely weighed more.

“It’s not that I don’t want to carry you, Percy. I just don’t think I have the strength for that.”

“Are you calling me fat?” The funny situation mixed with the affronted expression on Percy’s face reduced him to a laughing mess and he slowly sank to the floor, bringing the man with him as he could feel his eyes well up from the exertion. “Newwwwwt,” Percy complained as he straddled Newt’s lap in the middle of the entrance hallway. If someone were to walk into the house right now, what a sight they would receive. Some of the workers at MACUSA had caught them in questionable positions in Percy’s office, but they’d always been able to play it off; only the Goldstein sisters and Jacob knew of their relationship, so for the whole department to find out they were dating and living together, it would be the gossip of the year.

“O-okay, sorry,” he was able to say once he caught his breath. Percy leaned forward and kissed the tears that still lingered on his cheeks before moving back to see him properly.

“You’re beautiful. Like... really. And freckly,” he spoke like someone appreciating a piece of artwork, which he definitely wasn’t.

“And you’re still drunk, so let’s go.” Newt grabbed Percy’s hands that were on his face and dragged him up to a standing position. He nearly leaned too far to his left, but Newt prevented him from falling with a hand around his shoulders. “Woah there. Steady.” It reminded him of the time he helped deliver a baby hippogriff with his mother and had to help the baby walk for the first time. Percy didn’t speak again, too focused on his footing to form words in his inebriated state.

When Newt finally had the older man on their bed and away from the many hazards the house could pose for someone drunk, he sighed with relief and moved to the base of Percy’s neck to untie the Windsor knot in the black tie so he could remove it from under his collar. The man looked nearly unconscious now, but he guessed this would make his job a little easier as he began to unbutton his white dress shirt from top to bottom, revealing the toned body underneath. Percival Graves was definitely not fat. “Percy, can you sit up for me for a moment.” The man just grunted and heaved himself up, allowing Newt to slide the shirt off his arms and leave his top completely bare. Face now dusted with a light pink, he pushed Percy back down before moving to the foot of the bed to take of the man’s black dress shoes so he wouldn’t be too uncomfortable, placing the shoes in their space within the closet on the left side of the bedroom. He pondered on whether he should take Percy’s pants off too, but that was a little too much for him to do and so decided against it, instead drawing the blankets out from underneath the man and crawling under the blankets with him.

“Nox,” he whispered, the magical lamp on the bedside table turning out and leaving the room dark. Closing his eyes, he relaxed in the silence before he felt the mattress shift from Percy moving.

“Newt?”

“Yes, Percy?” He answered as he felt something sift through his hair (probably Pickett moving to the little bed Newt fashioned for him out of a tea cosy on the table next to the lamp).

“Can you hold me? I don’t like the dark. It makes me think of when I was in...” The man didn’t need to finish his explanation because Newt had already moved over and drew him into his chest, kissing the top of his head.

“Of course.” As they drifted off, Niffler jumped up onto the bed and situated himself at the top of Percy’s head. “I will always be here to hold you. And so will Niffler.”

Already half gone, the man managed a chuckle before falling silent, a content smile blessing his features.

“I love you,” Newt spoke even though the man had fallen asleep, or so he thought before a quiet response was spoken into his chest that nearly made him cry.

“I love you, too.”

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- BelovedBey 💖

[bittlebarnes]

The Path of Least Resistance 3/?

Read on Ao3

Part 1 | Part 2 |

Summary: Is it so much to ask for your husband to love you? – After his expulsion from Hogwarts, Newt tries to regain his family’s favor by entering an arranged marriage. 

“We're so glad you're alright,” Percival’s mother says. She clutches at his hand from her place across the dinner table. “I shudder to think what that man would’ve done to you had he gotten his way. If he’d had you any longer.” She shakes her head as she gestures for Wendi to refill her glass. “Will Newton be home soon? Your father and I want to thank him. Exposing one of the darkest wizards of our age? It’s all over the papers. He looks quite dashing in the photographs.”

Percival fights the urge to roll his eyes. His mother could really do the work of MACUSA’s entire public relations department if she put her mind to it. He makes a point to never let her meet Seraphina. “He's working late at the University. Something about dragons, I believe. Someone brought them an egg so he’s been preoccupied with that.” He responds instead. To avoid this dinner, he thinks to himself. Newt avoids Percival’s parents like the plague. They’d never really gotten on in all the time he and Percival had been married. Every time he and Percival’s mother were in the same room, she’d cluck her tongue and poke at his belly before lamenting their lack of children. As if Percival wasn’t equally responsible on that front.

“Ah. He’s with the creatures still?” His father asks, pulling Percival from his train of thought.

“Yes,” Percival pauses to chew, “he took quite a bit of time off so he could be at home with me but I think he’s happy to be able to go back to work. I’m getting around much better on my own these days.”

“Hm,” Percival tried to ignore the subtle downturn of his father’s lips, “we always thought he'd grow out of that. Become a proper Omega for you.”

“It's what he loves,” Percival’s tone was unintentionally sharp.  “He'd probably be traveling the world looking for beasts if he didn't have to stay here with me.”

His father looks at him peculiarly.

“How are things between you two? Just a year ago you were considering ending things and moving onto someone who could provide you an heir. I would hate for this whole mess to cloud your judgment.” Claudius Graves is a stern man. He always had been. It’s what made him such a great Auror, Percival had always thought.

“It hasn't,” Percival says carefully,  “Newt and I are just beginning to understand each other. I think I’m starting to realize that I haven't been the easiest person to live with. Newt’s always tried. I suppose I could try too.”

“He tell you that?”

“He wouldn't.” Percival sighs as he sets his silverware aside. He feels his father’s studious gaze but ignores it, “I’d rather not get divorced.”

“Of course not,” his mother sniffs, “but children-”

“Will come when Newt and I are ready.” If they ever decide to share a bed. Percival keeps that part to himself. “We have time.”

Claudius is shaking his head, disappointment radiating off of him in unavoidable waves. Percival keeps his eyes on his plate and hopes he’s right. He and Newt have reached an impasse. It will take time to undo the damage to their relationship but Percival’s never really tried before. If they want to have a family of their own, he’s gonna have to start.

--

“My cufflinks. I can't find them.” Percival tried to calm his frustrated nerves but the sudden disappearance of various items around his home was disconcerting, to say the least. He didn’t consider himself overly neat but certain objects had certain places in his home.

His interview was today. It was the final round of interviews to determine who would serve as the new Director of Magical Law Enforcement. Newt knew how much this meant to him.

“I know I left them in the same drawer I always leave them. This can’t be happening. Not today. Newt!” He barked. The boy, and yes he was still a boy, noticeably flinched. They hadn’t been married yet a year and some days, Percival wondered if he had made the right choice bringing Newt into his life. It seemed as if they were from two completely different worlds and he wondered if they could ever truly blend.

“I’m sure they’re around, Percival” Newt had said nervously and Percival’s eyes instantly snapped to him. Even though they hadn’t been married long, he’d already learned what guilt sounded like in Newt’s voice.

“And you wouldn’t, pray tell, know where they are would you, Newt?” He said, his voice icy.

“Well, no-ahem- but I might know how to find them?”

Newt wandered around the house, pulling open drawers and checking cabinets before he finally produced a wriggling bundle of brown fur.

“Is that a niffler?”

“Yes. He's from the university,” Newt laughed as he tickled the little menace. Percival’s cufflinks (a gift from his father from when he first became an Auror) clattered to the counter from the beast’s pouch. Newt gathered them up and pressed them into Percival’s outstretched palm. “There now. That wasn’t so bad.”

Percival was, for a lack of better words, shocked.

“If he's from the University, why is he here?” He demanded.

“He must have stowed away in my suitcase, silly fella.” He watched Newt scratch the thing under the chin like it’s some sort of pet.

“Is this going to be a recurring thing? Pests in my house?” Percival groaned. He wouldn’t have it. He can’t.

Newt’s face did something strange. There was a moment, a quick flicker, where Percival was sure Newt was going to cry before his expression went markedly blank.

“Of course not. It won't happen again, Percival. I know how important your home is to you. I’ll make sure to treat it with respect.” His voice was decidedly cold. He bundled the niffler into his arms and stood tall. “I’ll take him back to the University now. He won’t be here to bother you when you get back.”

Percival can't help thinking he's failed some sort of test.

There are no more creatures after that. Newt stays late at the university sometimes but never brings his work home. Never even talks about it.

Percival gets the promotion. A year into their marriage, he gets what he’s wanted all along. He’s the Director of Magical Law Enforcement.

Newt’s congratulatory smile is so fake, Percival’s surprised it doesn’t crack right off of his face.

--

“Dinner with your parents was nice?” Newt asks as he hangs his coat in the foyer.

“It was. You were missed.”

“Oh, I'm sure.” Newt openly scoffs. His hair is a birds nest, even more so than usual and his wand is tucked behind his ear and Percival resists the urge to lecture on safety precautions. He doesn’t think Newt would appreciate it.

“I'm sure the house isn't nearly as clean as your mother likes me to keep it. And I’m sure she’s sick of the tea. And the lack of pitter-pattering little feet.” Newt continues. Percival watches as he toes off his shoes and slides his feet into a pair of slippers like he knows Percival prefers. “I hope you didn’t wait up for me, Percival. I told you I was going to be late.”

“Yes, you always do,” Percival replies quietly. He leans against the wall opposite Newt and groans, “If I’m being completely honest, it’s mostly to avoid going to sleep.”

“You’re having nightmares still?” Newt’s green eyes spark with worry,  “we can go back to the healer-”

“I don’t need a damn potion, Newt,” Percival says in a rush, his voice harsh. Newt shuts his mouth immediately, his cheeks flushing a violent red at the chastisement.

“Yes, of course. How silly of me,” he says flatly and Percival wants to shake himself. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to stop by the kitchen to make a pot of tea. I have papers to grade before bed.” He pushes past Percival and is gone.

Percival wants to slam his head into the wall. How did he fuck that up? Percival waits for a few beats, takes a deep breath, and heads to the kitchen.

Newt’s sitting at the kitchen table, pages moving freely in front of him while a spelled quill corrects any spelling or grammatical errors. He knows Newt re-reads the to check for content. Percival is hesitant to disturb him.

From what he’s heard, Newt is excellent in his field. He’d risen quickly at the University from intern to TA to Professor in his own right within three years. Percival hadn’t paid that much attention.

“Wasn’t it your mother who said it was impolite to lurk in doorways, Percival?” Newt doesn’t look up from his papers, just crosses out a sentence before moving down the page.

“She does say that.” Percival agrees and fully enters the kitchen.

“Is there something you need?”

“No. Well, maybe to apologize. Newt...I’m sorry for snapping at you. These past few weeks have been...difficult. Exceptionally so.” Percival feels his hands begin to shake and squeezes his fists tighter until his nails bite into his palm.

“It’s alright. I can’t pretend to know what you need. I shouldn’t have assumed.”

Percival has almost always ignored Newt’s moments of frost. They’ve become more and more infrequent, probably due to their lack of nearness, but Percival hasn't had the chance to properly shove his foot in his mouth in a while.

He's making up for lost time apparently.

“I appreciate you taking time off from work to care for me. You didn't have to.”

Newts pen stops scratching away at that. He finally looks up at Percival and sighs.

“You are my husband, Percival. You went through an ordeal.” He pours himself another cup of tea. “You shouldn’t have to suffer needlessly."

Percival crosses his arms and hopes Newt won't see the evidence of his weakness. “Well,” he pivots, “regardless. I shouldn't have disrespected you.”

Newt actually looks surprised. “Oh. Well.” The quill goes back to scratching. “Thank you for saying that. I’m gonna finish up here and then head to bed.”

“I'll leave you to your work, then. Good night, Newt.”

“Good night, Percival.”

--

He hears Newt climb the stairs almost an hour later, hears the sink start to run as Newt readies himself for bed. They’ve never shared a bed, he and Newt. The closest they’ve gotten is sharing a bathroom whilst on their ‘honeymoon’. He’s seen Newt in his nightclothes before but never long enough to really take in the image.

For the first time in awhile, Percival finds himself pondering it.

It’s even more difficult to fall asleep after that.

--

Percival’s first day back at work is nothing but chaos. MACUSA is in absolute disarray. For someone who spent such little time there, Grindelwald managed to throw everyone off so kilter. There's a mountain of paperwork on Percival's desk that taunts him whenever he looks at it. He enlists Tina’s help. She’s one of his most competent Aurors and frankly, he could really use the assistance.

“It’s good to have you back where you belong sir,” Tina tells him. She’s sitting on one of the couches in his office looking as exhausted as he feels.  “I'm sure your husband is glad to have you back as well.”

“He’s happy to be back at work, I think,” Percival deflects.

“He’s a professor, right?”

“Yes. He teaches Magizoology.”

“That must be interesting.” Percival’s eyebrow quirks at Tina’s tone. There’s something there but he can’t put his finger on it.

“I’m told it is. He enjoys it at least. That’s what matters.” He says trying to keep his tone neutral.

“If you don’t mind me speaking candidly, sir?”

“I welcome it.”

“A lot of us are...uh...surprised. You? Letting your Omega work?” That’s...not what Percival expected.

“Newt’s his own man. He wouldn’t appreciate being stifled. I promised him when we married that he’d be able to work.” Tina looks shocked at that. What kind of asshole does she think Percival is?

“Oh. That’s really  nice of you.” Tina says earnestly.

Percival ignores the queasy feeling in his stomach.

--

Percival has to stretch legs. He’s been behind his desk for hours and his vision is starting to swim. He leaves his office with a goal of doing a lap around the building when a crop of red hair and blue coat scurrying past catch his eye.

“Newt?”

“Percival. I thought you’d be in the office all day!” Newt looks flustered at having been caught. “They said we wouldn’t pass your department.”

“You didn’t say you were coming.” Percival tried not to feel hurt.

“I'm here with students. One of our faculty suggested we visit MACUSA’s creature department so...here we are.” He looks nervous, keeps his eyes downcast. “And I know you’re busy. Your job is important. I didn’t want to bother you.”

Percival honestly didn't even know MACUSA had a creature department. Or maybe he did. He’s exhausted.  It’s a surprising relief to see Newt. Percival’s not ready to see him leave.

“Anyway, I’ll get out of your hair.” Newt gives him an awkward wave and turns to leave.

“Actually, I was just about to break for lunch.” Percival blurts. He hears Tina begin to protest but silences her with a look. “If you have a moment or two.”

Newt looks just as surprised as Tina.

“My students are actually headed to the cafeteria. If you’d like to eat there.”

“Boss never eats in the cafeteria.” Tina laughs. “He wouldn’t be caught dead there.”

“Perhaps it’s time I see it, Goldstein. If you’ll excuse us.” Percival doesn’t extend his hand. He’s not sure Newt would take it but he does nod his head in the general direction of the cafeteria.

Newt offers him the smallest of smiles and Percival feels his chest clench.

When he sits across from Newt at one of the tiny tables in the cafeteria eating some of the shittiest food he’s ever tasted he’s surprised that for the first time in a while, his hands are still.

[whereiputtheotherstuff]

(Gif not mine but writing is)

Newt has the Giggles - Part 2

To read part 1 click here

Slowly opening your eyes, you wake up next to Newt on the sofa. Completely content in his arms that were wrapped around you. You giggle as you remember what happened last night whilst you look at his innocent sleeping face. It was so kind of the Goldsteins to let you sleep there for the night, perhaps you could make breakfast for everyone as a thank you.  You try to sit up but Newt's arm gripped onto you harder around your waist. Looking around the room, you pick up a cushion and slowly sit up whilst sliding the cushion under his arm, so he cuddled that instead. 

As your body was now absent from his, Newt began to stir. A low groan escaping his lips as his eyes reluctantly opened. You walk over to the kitchen to see what supplies there were. "Morning" he mumbles. "Good morning,  what would you like for breakfast?" you ask smiling.  "Ow my head." he moans with a pained expression on his face, his eyes squinting at you. You laughed as Newt was absolutely hung over which was not surprising given how much he had drank last night. 

Saying "accio" quietly as possible, you flick your wand at the kitchen cupboards. Painkillers fly into your hand as a glass fills itself with water. After tip toeing back, you place the tablets and drink in Newt's hands.  "It must have been quite a night last night." he chuckled. "Well like you were saying last night. Every celebration needs an erumpent mating dance." you giggled as Newt blushed and covered his face with his hands in embarrassment.  "Oh I did, did I?" he said quietly in a nervous laugh. 

"I'm just going to pop into the case to get changed." you say whilst stepping into Newt's suitcase. He nodded in reply, trying to keep his eyes open. After stepping down into the shed, you open up a large chest in the corner of the room. There was always a spare set of clothes for you in there, just in case you got mucky caring for Newt's creatures. You buttoned up a white blouse and slid on a long dark grey skirt and black boots. Also in the chest was a light yellow coloured cotton scarf. It would look pretty tied in a bow around your neck to give your outfit some colour. Not completely sure whether you should wear it or not, you put it in your skirt pocket. 

Walking out of the case and back into the Goldstein's apartment you sit at the other end of the sofa. Newt now looked more awake as he was sat up and sipping the glass of water you had got him. In your mind you contemplated what you could make everyone for breakfast. You were so busy concentrating that you did not notice Newt setting down his glass. He looked up and began to study you, his eyebrows furrowing.  A look of concern grew on his face as he shuffled towards you so he now sat next to you on the sofa.  "When you were in my case... did you run into my murtlap?" he asked in a slightly worried voice.  "No. Why?" you answered intrigued.  "These marks..." his words trailed off as he examined your neck with great concentration. His fingertips trailed the feint hickeys on your neck, being careful to not hurt you as he lightly touched the bruises. You giggled slightly as he was completely oblivious that he was the one who had put them there last night.

Before you could think of a good excuse for the origin of your bruises, both of you jumped slightly as you could hear the familiar footsteps of Queenie in her high heeled shoes as she walked on the wooden floorboards in the hallway. Quickly you grabbed the thin scarf from your skirt pocket and tied it neatly into a bow around your neck. Newt looked at you confused by your quick actions before shrugging and giving you a lopsided smile. 

Queenie entered the room darting a look towards you and Newt. She was quickly followed by Jacob and Tina. Tina yawned and lazily waved hello. Glancing again at Newt, Queenie stepped towards you to whisper in your ear "Wow, he really does not remember anything about last night. But at least his hangover is slowly getting better." Taking Jacob's lead you all collectively walk into the kitchen. 

"I was planning to make you all breakfast but wasn't sure what you would like." you admitted.  "Aww that is so sweet. Don't worry honey, I'll put on a spread. Please take a seat." said Queenie waving her wand to make food appear on the dining table. You all sat down as various food was prepared so you could gather some onto your plate. You had taken the seat next to Queenie that was opposite Newt and she was opposite Jacob, Tina sat at the end of the table. 

Digging into your breakfast, you all start talking and laughing. A hearty meal was just what everyone needed to revive them from the events of last night. Despite stuffing his face with food, Newt could not stifle a yawn. Causing Queenie to look up at him, with a mischievous smile on her face.  "I'm sure that we are all tired from yesterday. Perhaps some of us a little more than others." she commented, causing everyone around the table to laugh. 

As you stare at your now empty plate, you look up and say smiling "Thank you for breakfast, it really was exquisite."  "You're very welcome." said Queenie. After a few seconds of silence a mischievous smile crept onto her face before she added. "(Y/N) you are always so kind. Your words make me feel happier than a niffler counting its gold collection.”  Suddenly your body tensed up as she intentionally repeated Newt's words from last night. Moving your leg, you lightly kicked hers under the table. As you faintly shake your head telling her to please not carry on. The table fell silent in anticipation. You looked up at Newt but it was too late. 

You watched as Newt's expression changed. His smile faded and eyebrows furrowed as if he had thought of something but he wasn't entirely sure of what. As his eyes caught sight of you, they lingered on the scarf you were wearing. Suddenly his eyes widened in realisation. He looked at your neck with intensity and traced his lips lightly with his fingertips. He must have remember how your marks had gotten there, that his kisses were the cause. His cheeks flushed red. You shot a glance at Queenie before staring at Newt again. His thoughts appeared to be fully on display to her as she blushed a little whilst concentrating on him. 

Newt cleared his throat as he stood up. Despite staring at the ground he said in a quiet voice "Thank you for the delicious breakfast. If you will excuse me I need to attend to my creatures, (Y/N) will you assist my please?" "Of course." you reply. Cheerfully you thank the Goldsteins again for breakfast before following Newt into the case. 

You stood in the shed as Newt paced around the room in silence. Nervously waiting for what he was going to say, would he regret his actions and not want to be your friend anymore? Were you no longer able to help him look after his creatures? Was this going to be your last meeting? No, you thought to yourself as your mind was racing away. He will probably say it was a mistake and just to forget about it. Perhaps he'll act like it never happened at all. Your mind would not stop thinking of different scenarios. 

As Newt continued pacing, eyes glued to the floor, there was nothing that you wanted to do more that to grab his arm to force a response, any response. But no, you knew that he should not be rushed and he'll talk to you in his own time. You shuffled your feet anxiously. Newt caught a sight of this as he quickly glanced up at you, sensing how uneasy you were.  

Taking a deep breath to gain some confidence, Newt stopped pacing and stood right in front of you. Seeing the expression on his face, you smile at him reassuringly. Nervously he cleared his throat.  "(Y/N), there is so much that I would like to say... but I don't know quite where to start." he admitted whilst staring into your eyes, as if he could find an answer there.  "Just what ever comes to mind." you nervously giggled.  His familiar lopsided smile flickered onto his face as he nodded slightly. 

You looked at the intensity of his green eyes. Were your faces so close to each other a moment ago? Slowly Newt closed the gap between the two of you as he pressed his lips on yours. His hand stroked your cheek as his other arm wrapped around your waist. One of your hands gripped onto his sleeve as the other tangled into his messy hair.  Your heart fluttered in your chest at the contact. Pulling away slightly Newt whispered "Sorry, sometimes words are not enough."

[shellelyn2]

Tonight Is For You (Newt Scamander X Reader)

Author’s notes: this story is my BABY. I have literally never written any Newt Scamander until now and I couldn’t do anything else in my life until I typed this out and it took FOREVER. I basically sat at my computer for three days straight as all these little thoughts would come to me and I COULD NOT REST until it was done.

I’m very proud of it, I am definitely NOT the best writer…there are so many others on here that do an incredible job capturing Newt so well but I gave it a shot. I honestly wrote this mainly for ME…because I couldn’t get it out of my head.

This part is dedicated to all those who just want to escape to a place where all that matters is love.

Title: Tonight Is For You - Part One

More?

PART TWO “Tonight Is For Us”- with gifs / no gifs

PART THREE - “Tonight Is For Them”- with gifs / no gifs

MASTER LIST

PAIRING: NewtXReader

RATING: T  

WARNINGS: Just a LOT of affectionate fluff & fireflies & some cinnamon rolls

FLUFF LEVEL: THROUGH MACUSAS ROOF

“Newt? Sweetheart?” You entered the case quickly, searching for your gentle husband. Somehow after nearly two years of marriage he still seemed to have hiding places.

Once, it was tree house covered in so many leaves and vines that it looked like a sea of Bowtruckles were taking over. Second, it was a nest of blankets and straw in a sunny, wide open field where Pixies flew above. Lastly, and perhaps your personal favorite, it was on a little hill, covered in dainty flowers and a soft layer of grass. You had found Newt resting there, Pickett pacing his chest as he hummed a lullaby to the nearby creatures. This time he was nowhere to be found and you slumped your shoulders, turning back towards the stairs. Before you even climbed two steps you heard what sounded like snoring coming from below your feet. You glanced downward. Maybe the Niffler was scrounging around in here somewhere. You squinted your eyes… something was glowing from beneath the wooden floor boards. In fact, it seemed to come from below the tiny cot that Newt had insisted on placing in the corner of the room – just for those late nights when he was so exhausted he would “surely fall down the stairs and break something” on his way to bed. You dropped to all fours and peered underneath the mess of blankets and papers strewn about and found a small round entrance beneath the cot. You swallowed, slightly nervous because if Newt wasn’t down there, then what would you find? Cautiously, you peered over the ledge and there snoring gently in a well-worn hammock was the Magizoologist himself. The space below was rather small and you laughed quietly as you studied the sleeping man. His leather bound journal was spread wide open upon his chest. His feather quill was still resting in between his fingers, like he had been writing very intensely only a moment ago. His cinnamon colored curls, naturally, were an absolute disheveled mess. Yet, that only made his sleeping form more endearing. A slight glow was coming from the tip of his wand, which had been carefully perched between several books on a wooden crate near his hammock. You could totally reach him from where you were. It would be so easy to grab his shoulders and shake him awake but you took the liberty of a few quiet moments just to think about him. He worked so hard for you and his creatures - always showing such love and devotion. He was an excellent caregiver. Newt had completed his first volume of Fantastic Beasts (and Where to Find Them) and had just recently announced he was working on volume two. He had endured many trials and it made your heart warm thinking about his amazing accomplishments. You felt very blessed to have such a great man to call your own. You reached down quietly and gently allowed your fingertips to stroke his unshaven jawline. Newt stirred lightly and mumbled in his sleep, “Yes. Mmmpphhff… Flobberworm… I do…believe.” A large smiled danced upon your lips. “Newt?” This time your fingers caressed his rugged cheek. He moaned quietly and nestled into your palm with his nose. “Honey, wake up!” You exclaimed, a little louder than before. Newt’s eyes started to flutter slightly as he regained consciousness. When he opened them and saw your face hovering barely a foot above his he drew back into his pillows with a jolt! “HUH?!! WHAT?! WHERE IS IT?!” He blinked several times as he jerked awake. His left hand dropped the quill as he quickly reached out, grasping for his wand. In the process he forgot about his three half-drunk cups of tea sitting next to him. You were both startled when the sound of shattered china and several books hit the floor. Newt barely caught his wand and his shocked, wide eyes met yours. “Merlin’s beard! That was quite a fright….” You both laughed hysterically. It surely had been. You did not intend to scare the wizard into defense mode. Trying to catch your breath you barely managed to speak between giggles, “Sweetheart, I only came to see if you were coming up for a bath and dinner soon?” Newt grinned, shock still evident in his eyes, “Oh. Yes, my love. I was just finishing a few notes here.” He twirled his wand between his fingers. “I see that.” You giggled, and reached out for his hand. He laced his fingers with your own and blushed. You smiled at the sweet gesture, “So, is this your new hidey hole?” Newt’s smile grew wider, his eyes crinkling with delight. “Do you like it? I come here sometimes to get away from,” he whispered, “the Niffler.” “Does it work?” Newt peeled the blanket off of himself, revealing the mischievous creature curled up against his side, sleeping on the pocket watch you had given Newt the day you were married.  You smiled lovingly and watched as Newt patted his furry head and snickered, “Little bugger.” The scene before you was indescribably adorable, you could have observed them for the rest of the night, but you had plans and were anxious for them to begin. You smiled down at Newt, as he reached his other hand up to you for help to assist him from his haven. It took some effort to get him through the floorboards and your mind questioned what Newt was thinking making such a small hiding place. Somehow, you managed to free him and he stood tall in front of you now, stretching his arms above his head revealing just the slightest bit of his stomach. He yawned, blinked his sleepy eyes, and took a step forward only to instantly grab his lower back, “It sure is cramped down there.” You gulped down a sudden wave of emotion while gazing into his eyes and asked, “I was wondering if you had some time tonight?” Newt lowered his arms to his sides and glanced around. “I already took care of the creatures before I came down to work on my manuscript. They should be quite content for the evening. I even gave Frank an extra portion, because he has been so keen to keep a watchful eye for me.” He chattered for a few more minutes as he scurried about gathering his belongings and tidying things away. “In fact, even Pickett has been very attentive lately. If he sees anyone behaving curiously he… tells me… in his way.” Newt paused, his shoulders drooping as he spun around to face you.

“Erm, sorry. I’m rambling. Yes, of course. I always have time for you, darling.” Newt placed his feather quill and journal down onto the work space and brushed his curls out of his eyes, “I quite like the idea of an escape tonight.”

The two of you ascended the stairs together, giggling the whole way about the Niffler, Pickett, and a various creature or two that tried to climb after you. You reached the top first as Newt gently shooed them away, “Not tonight my sweets. You go rest. Mummy will come see you in the morning. No. No. It’s quite alright. Don’t worry.” Newt kept on consoling as he lowered the lid of the case, smiling dearly down at them. 

He managed to lock up quickly and leaned back, content, knowing all his babies were accounted for. He placed the case under the bed and pulled a quilt over the top of it as an extra layer of protection. Newt then stood up and turned to face you with a gentle smirk upon his lips, “Bath time?”

Your husband was covered in dirt, feathers, grass stains, and even a bit of straw that had stuck into his hair you hadn’t noticed until now. “I think that’s a good idea, Mr. Scamander. I’ll draw you a bath….” You walked over to him as he began to unbutton his vest. You reached your hand to his hair and removed the pieces of straw gently. Newt closed his eyes at your touch and smiled. “I’ll get our tea and dinner ready…” You ran your hands down his chest as he pulled his vest off leaving him in his untucked beige shirt. Your eyes glanced up to his quickly as he pulled you close. You sighed into his embrace, enjoying his warmth as you undid the bottom two buttons of his shirt, “Then, I want to take you somewhere special.” “Sounds wonderful.” Newt whispered against the top of your head before placing a kiss there. Reluctantly, you pulled away from him and entered the bathroom turning on the faucet to let the warm water fill the claw foot tub. As you stepped back through your room towards the kitchen you could not help peering at your adorable husband as he stood bare chested in his trousers. Newt was reading a book he had left on the bedside table the night before. He faced the window, his back turned towards you. You walked briskly up behind him, wrapping your arms around his waist and pulled him towards you tightly. Your cheek rested against his tender skin. He leaned back into your embrace and sighed, using his free hand to rub your hands on his stomach. “Sorry dear, I just had a thought I was trying to formulate and wondered if these couple of paragraphs… might…. contain… the answer.” He explained, enunciating each word as he read. You placed a kiss on the center of his back and then a little higher up his spine. There were several scars on his skin and you took a few seconds to brush each of them softly with your lips. Finally, you tiptoed to kiss his right shoulder where his most recent scar had formed. It was one that had not come from a creature… but something entirely different. It had happened when Newt encountered the Percival Graves/Gellert Grindelwald hybrid in the train station. You shuddered, not wanting to focus on the memories of how terrified you had been. Yet, you couldn’t help seeing a flashback in your mind. Your poor Newt had not deserved the pain that was inflicted upon him.

Grindelwald had sent so many curses at Newt that day and the damage was still quite pronounced. You kissed his shoulder again softly, blinking back your tears. You jumped slightly and heard the book slam shut as Newt spun around in your arms, “However, seeing as how there are more important things to… attend to.” Newt licked his lips and pulled you closer, cupping your chin in his hand. He knew what you had been thinking of. He leaned down and his lips caressed yours softly for a moment as he whispered, “Don’t worry, my beautiful wife.” You relaxed as you kissed him quickly, the memories and anxiety melting away, “The water is ready, my dear.” “Ah. Quite right.” Newt hugged you firmly and then freed you from his arms. “I won’t be long. I will join you very soon,” he promised and tapped your nose with his finger. You laughed and watched him enter the bathroom, kicking his trousers from his legs on the way.

“Oh darling, it smells amazing!” Newt exclaimed as he entered the kitchen. You looked up and appreciated him. He wore a pair of brown trousers. His typical white button up, long sleeved shirt, was rolled to his elbows. No vest or coat this time. Instead, he wore navy blue suspenders. You shivered. He knew you had a weakness for suspenders. He knew it made him irresistible in your eyes. His skin had a warm glow. You breathed in deeply as Newt ran his hands through his damp hair, tousling his curls. He then looked at you and winked as his cheeks turned slightly red. He did it on purpose and it made you slightly weak in the knees.

Newt walked to the stove and lifted the lid, smelling the sauce. He was amazed at your muggle cooking skills. It always tasted so much better when food was prepared from scratch. You loved cooking for Newt. You felt it was the least you could do for your husband to show appreciation for all of his hard work and love. You smiled, while setting the table and lighting two candles. “I hope you are in the mood for pasta. Unfortunately, we didn’t have anything else in.” “You know I love pasta, darling.” You dipped your plates and sat at the table together. It was a quiet meal and it was much needed. You both relished spending time together.

“So, where is this special place you are taking me?” Newt inquired, wrapping a big bite of pasta around his fork.

You chuckled, “Well, it’s a bit of a surprise, really.” “Ah, I see. Speaking of surprises….” “Newt?” You questioned, smiling across the table. “I was at Macy’s the other day and I thought of something that we are missing here in our kitchen.” Newt stated, while pushing his chair back from the table to stand. “Are you serious?” Newt went to the corner of the room and lifted a small crate from behind the couch. You couldn’t even remember him leaving the apartment recently.  When did he go to Macy’s? He walked over and handed it to you, running his hand down the back of your head. Newt gently tilted your chin up and bent down, placing a soft kiss on your lips. “Open it.” You smiled at him and then eagerly tore through the silver wrapping paper, opening the gift with excitement. Newt watched you the whole time, the kindest smile lingering on his lips. “Oh…my….” You put a hand over your heart, “Oh, Newt. How did you-?”

Inside was a set of dainty, beautiful tea cups made of porcelain. They were gold with deep blue leaves and lighter blue rose buds painted on them. They were the exact tea cups you had always DREAMED of owning - but they were so expensive. You had never imagined you would be holding them, especially here in your own home. You contemplated over them… delicately tracing the outline of the cups and saucers with your fingers. You picked one up as if to drink and felt how perfectly it balanced in your hand.

You stood up quickly, setting the crate on the table, “Oh my… Newt.” You grabbed him by the suspenders and pulled him so close, trying to hold back the tears that were forming in your eyes. “I love you. I love you. I love you.” That’s all he said, over and over, running his hands through your hair while placing sweet kisses on your forehead, cheeks, and nose.

It was early evening when you apparated to your surprise location for the night.

Newt looked around, curiosity in his eyes, “Ok, let me think… where are we?” The two of you were standing in a little meadow surrounded by tall trees, soft green grass, and wildflowers. In front of you was a quiet little pond where ducks were gliding by. Behind you stood a whimsical cottage made of stone, a wooden roof, and green trim.  It was charming and cozy.

“Is this….? Oh darling, is this….where you spent your summers as a child….?” Newt questioned, looking in every direction at once. Your eyes met his as you teased, “Now, how did you know that? My husband is so smart.” You laughed playfully and nodded towards a spot near the edge of the trees. You had already been there that day setting everything up. You had piled several blankets on the grass and an extravagant stack of fluffy pillows.

“Oh, y/n, It is so beautiful here. Is that the old cottage?” Newt nodded towards it, his sea green eyes full of amazement. “Yes.” You grabbed his hand, walking him towards the blankets. “My Father always knew that Mama wanted a cottage to hide away from the world in. He surprised her with this place just after I was born. We made so many special memories here. It was our little heaven… full of peace. I’ve always felt so safe in these gardens.” You looked back at him as you arrived at the blankets. Newt placed his case nearby on the grass. He sat down, propped up against the pillows then reached up and grabbed your hands, pulling you down next to him. Newt moved your hair out of your eyes, and cupped your face in his palm, listening intently as you told him your story, “I wanted to make some memories with you here.” Newt closed his eyes slowly, as you noticed the tears now forming in them. He breathed in deeply. He stroked your cheek lovingly and pulled you so close. You rested your head against his chest. You felt the rhythm of his heart and the somewhat unsteadiness of his voice broke the silence, “Thank…you…” He whispered, “I love it here and I thank you for sharing it with me.” He took another deep breath and kissed the top of your head. You glanced up at him just as he brushed his curls out of his tear-filled eyes and gave you an affectionate smile. Oh, he was a precious sight to behold. You spent awhile speaking about the creatures in his case and your future plans together. Newt asked several questions about the time you had spent here at the cottage and listened to every adventure with eagerness.

Eventually, you sat up and scooted forward on the blanket. You began unlacing his boots one at a time, while Newt rubbed your lower back gently. “Aw, darling. You don’t hav-” You glanced back at him and smiled, your hair falling into your eyes, “Shhh. Tonight is for you…” Newt licked his lips and blushed away, “Well, erm, only if you’re certain.” You laughed lightly and began to free each foot from their boot. As always, Newt made everything awkward, “Oh, sorry, but what if they smell?” “Will you just….SHUSH?!” You were fully aware he had just bathed and was trying to tease you. Newt swallowed the lump of emotion rising in his chest. You crawled down the blanket so you were closer to his feet and faced him.  He shifted his eyes nervously and blushed as you lifted his feet into your lap. You KNEW he would love this. You massaged each of his feet, paying close attention to what he needed. He was on them for HOURS every day and you knew he hurt more than he ever confessed. Newt winced slightly when you rubbed the sore spots. His arches seemed to have the most discomfort and that is where you focused your grasp. You applied pressure forcefully yet quite gentle as to not inflict further pain. After a bit, you tenderly stroked the bottom of his feet for several minutes and smiled up at him, “How’s that feel? Better?” “Oh, love, my sweetheart…” Newt murmured. You smiled as sighs of gratification escaped his lips. “I don’t deserve this.” He cast his eyes down and looked a bit overwhelmed, like he couldn’t believe someone would ever take such good care of HIM.

“Shhh, honey. Or course you do… although I daresay you could use some new socks. These are so thin. Did you let Pickett sleep in them or something?” You teased. You made a mental note to take your own shopping trip to Macy’s soon. After his foot massage you crawled back up to him and grabbed hold of his suspenders on each side, he sat up higher and kissed you hungrily. “Thank you…” Newt whispered against your lips. “Not done yet.” You smirked. Promptly you switched around so you were behind him on the blanket. Newt sat cross legged in front of you and you knelt behind him. You stroked his hair and kissed his temple softly. “How’s your back, Newt?” Without waiting for an answer you slid the left strap of his suspender off his shoulder, followed by the right. You kissed the back of his neck gently as the straps fell loose around his waist. You felt Newt tremble as you began to rub his tense shoulders. You could see the release of built up stress and worry coming off of him. He sighed and let his head fall back up towards the sky, he looked like he was about to cry – you could see him swallowing back the emotion. You stopped rubbing his shoulder with one hand long enough to brush his curls off of his forehead and place a kiss there. He smiled, bit his bottom lip, and inhaled sharply.

You worked your way down his upper back, rubbing your hands on his shoulder blades silently wishing for all of his worries and cares to float away on the breeze. You slipped an arm around his chest for a moment and rested your head on his upper back, feeling the warmth that radiated from him. He grabbed your hand on his chest and let his fingers slowly caress your palm. It was moments like this when no words needed to be spoken. You felt the love and peace between you, the utter pleasure, and happiness. Newt smiled as you noticed the blush on his cheekbones.

This was heaven for him, and you knew it. You took back your hand and finished his massage paying particular attention to his lower back. It was an area of his body that you knew gave him trouble, partly due to the fact that when he hunted creatures he had a very specific hunched over “sneak-attack” stance that at times would put a lot of strain on him. It could also have had something to do with the Erumpent mating dances he took part in, occasionally, when he had a run-away. You giggled to yourself. Newt melted at your touch. You felt his whole body shiver and saw the goosebumps forming on his arms. Now you knew he was feeling better. He let out the softest moan of pleasure. You felt delighted and continued rubbing in small circles and applying pressure anywhere you thought he needed it. It could have gone on for hours and honestly you wouldn’t have minded. However, your hands were getting sore and the rubs got softer and softer until you were lightly scratching his back. “Oh Merlin…” He inhaled deeply and stretched his arms above his head, his shirt untucked and wrinkled now. “That was…” He turned to face you as you stretched out, flattening your body against the ground and propping up on the pillows. Newt placed a hand on your thigh as he scooted up towards you. He was mere inches away, but then he lowered his eyes, emotional, and with a quick smile on his lips he whispered, “I’m so sorry, dear.”

SORRY?! A look of confusion crossed your face in an instant, and Newt grabbed your hand, “No. No. Not sorry… I just…that was amazing.” His voice quivered, “But your poor hands…” then barely a whisper, “Thank you.” Leave it to Newt to be sorry and worried when someone did him a favor for once. You sighed softly and giggled, moving closer towards him, tenderly placing a kiss on the left side of his jaw, “You are welcome. Always.” The kiss he placed on your lips then was full of longing and satisfaction. Newt, a man of few words at times, was using all of his power to communicate his emotions for you in this kiss and you knew that. That’s what made him so magical.

As you both caught your breath, Newt stretched out against you. You cradled him into your arms as he rested his head on your chest, taking his turn to listen to your heart which was beating with love for him. Newt smiled softly and you tilted your nose against the top of his head… he smelled of honey, chamomile tea, and a hint of cinnamon. The sun was setting now with a palette of gold, pink, blue, and purple hues. Newt licked his lips and exhaled, “Suppose we never leave this place?” You grinned. “Oh, I’d love that. Wait! I almost forgot! Jacob sent us something to sample.” Reaching over, you pulled a small tray of pastries from your bag, and uncovered them.

“Those look incredible!” Newt smiled reaching for one as he handed you another. He took his first bite and sighed, “Mmm. It’s sort of crunchy… and a bit dry… but…” Second bite. “But then, it becomes - so soft.” Third bite. “Warm and very delicious… mmmm….” Fourth bite. “The glaze on it… very sweet.” Last bite. “And a bit of something else. Oh Merlin’s Beard! Is that cinnamon?” Newt immediately grabbed a second pastry and ate with giddiness. You couldn’t help but smile at him the whole time, eating along with him, watching his child-like joy as he discovered something new. “What do you think?” You asked, licking your lips. “It’s marvelous. Jacob has created a masterpiece this time and I think I’ve got a name for it!” Newt exclaimed as he moved very close, kneeling in front of you. “What’s that?" "Well you see, it is a roll… sort of - twisty. It’s kind of crunchy and maybe a bit disappointing in the first layer but as you tuck into it,” he explained as he was finishing his third one with delight, “it is very rich and delicious and it seems to melt in your mouth… sweet and sort of spicy with the cinnamon. It should be called…,” he licked his fingers slowly, his head tilted up and he looked into your eyes, “A CINNAMON ROLL!"

The expression on his face was as excited as if he had just discovered a new species of creatures and you couldn’t help but laugh, as you shook your head in the affirmative. "Yes, I love it!!” Newt grinned with delight and you whispered,  "So, it’s kind of like you, huh?“ "Did you just call me a….?” Newt scooted even closer, “Did you call me….?” He moved his body so he was now hovering above yours, his lips mere inches away from your own, “Did you call me a CINNAMON ROLL?!” You laughed below him, loving the way he teased you, you lifted your head and placed the smallest peck on his nose and his freckles faded a bit as he blushed.

“Well…” He cleared his throat, “Let us find out. May I kiss you, my darling?” You shook your head yes as he crushed his lips onto yours. The moment was radiating with happiness, the beautiful scenery, the joy that Newt had discovered something new. He felt warm and delicious against your lips. He tasted of the sweet glaze and cinnamon he had just been eating. Your hands rubbed up and down his back as your kiss deepened.

As you finally parted, breathless, you rested together once again. You reached over and pulled a book out of your bag. It was titled “The Great Gatsby.” It was the one Newt had been reading in your room a couple of hours ago. It was strange for him to read anything not creature, science, or magic related so you couldn’t help but wonder what impressed him with this one. “So,” you started, “I thought we might read a bit of this so I can help you with that thought you are trying to formulate.” Newt grinned, as you kissed his cheek and smiled at the way his freckles creased by his eyes. He pulled his reading glasses out of his pocket. ‘Old age catching up with me,’ he had told you one night when you discovered them on his bedside table. He put them on and then smiled up at you. You felt your heart melt immediately.

“It’s okay, I’ll go ahead and read to you Newt… just relax.” You opened the book and saw a certain passage underlined and began to read aloud, “I can’t describe to you how surprised I was to find out I loved her, old sport. I even hoped for a while that she’d throw me over, but she didn’t, because she was in love with me too. She thought I knew a lot because I knew different things from her… Well, there I was, 'way off my ambitions, getting deeper in love every minute, and all of a sudden I didn’t care. What was the use of doing great things if I could have a better time telling her what I was going to do?“ You ruffled his hair, a smile forming on your lips, "Are you reading a love story?” Newt looked up at you for a moment, “I like that passage. It is much like how I feel about you.” You played with his curls, reading the lines over and over again. “Yes. Yes. It sounds about right.” You smirked. Newt was holding your free hand now as he massaged your fingers and palm gently, placing small kisses here and there. You knew this was another way of thanking you without words. Yes, you had given him an amazing gift of affection tonight but he knew that your hands were sore and he was not about to allow that. With each few paragraphs you read you switched hands and he kept on with his rubbing, kisses, and nuzzles into your palms with his nose. Deep evening was falling and it was getting a bit difficult to see the words on the pages. You closed the book and set it to the side. Newt pulled off his glasses, having never needed them. Just as you were about to pull him even closer, Newt shot straight up to his feet leaving you to fall back onto the mountain of pillows! “Did you see that?!?” Newt exclaimed gazing towards the sky. “THERE GOES ANOTHER ONE!!” Newt delightedly cried out.

He spun around to face you with wonder and curiosity glistening in his eyes, “Oh my dear, I do apologize.” He leaned down, offering his arm to assist you up off the ground. You stood close to one another. “Have you ever seen a firefly before, sweetheart?” You inquired.

“No, well, perhaps… but never so close. What exactly… are they?” “Well…” you sighed, you had brushed up on the science of them earlier in the day knowing full well he would be inquiring. “They are winged beetles, commonly called fireflies or lightning bugs for their conspicuous use of bio-luminescence during twilight to attract mates or prey.” Newt blushed, leaned over and whispered into your ear. His voice was husky, “I love it when you speak creature to me.” You looked at him, surprised at how seductive he sounded in that moment. Newt looked right at you, raised his eyebrows, and breathed out an audible, “Whew.” Then he quickly grinned trying to cover himself, but you secretly knew he felt pretty sexy.

Newt blushed even redder and took your hand into his, placing a gentle kiss on your palm. You giggled at his response and continued, “Basically… they live in marshes or wet wooded areas… like this… because there is an abundant source of food for them.” Newt spun around excitedly, “Suppose…erm… suppose we brought some home with us? To the case, that is. I think they would like it quite well. Don’t you?” “Yes!! Let’s do it!” Of course you had known that the fireflies were out in full force this time of year and had come well prepared knowing Newt wouldn’t be able to resist. You reached into your bag and supplied him with the small jar you had brought along just for the occasion. Newt kissed you. “Oh, thank you darling!” He grabbed his wand, and set off to “hunt” them down.

The two of you chased the little insects around for nearly twenty minutes. Newt carefully settled them in the jar one by one and whispered kind, reassuring words to them. When you had gathered around ten he took you by the hand and asked, “Sweet love, do you mind if I just pop down and give them a home?” “Go right ahead. I’ll be waiting for you.” You winked, and Newt smiled, bashfully.  He kissed your forehead swiftly. “I’ll be right back.”

Newt climbed out of the case just as the world was turning to total darkness. You had taken it as your task to light some candles and place them on a stone nearby. You watched happily as your husband locked up and then turned to face you. He stood there with his hands stuffed in his pockets while he gazed across the lake up at the night sky. The fireflies danced in the heavens like shooting stars. You felt warmth growing in your chest. He was bootless, his shirt had one sleeve rolled up to his elbow and the other rolled down to his wrist, his suspenders hung loose at his sides and his trousers were dangerously low on his hips. His skin glowed in the candlelight, his freckles as numerous as the stars above your head, oh how you wanted to kiss them all! Newt’s hair was unruly and stuck out in places that made him almost look child-like and his eyes slowly looked down to yours, shifting nervously, as he cleared his throat and remarked, “Creatures are fine.”

Before he could say anything more you whispered to him, “I love you, Newt… I love you so much.” Newt’s expression softened and his eyes glistened with tears.

He knelt down next to you and took both of your hands into his slender ones. His usual nervousness completely gone. He was totally relaxed and serene as he lifted your hands to his lips, kissing each one tenderly. Newt looked completely amazed and overwhelmed, as usual. He chuckled softly and gave you the happiest smile that reached his gorgeous eyes.

You sighed against him, “I just,” it was your turn to blush, “I cherish you, Newt. I adore you.” Newt leaned over and rubbed his nose against your cheekbone.  You felt the warmth in your chest grow to fill your whole body - you lifted your hand and stroked your fingers along his jaw. “I really need to be close to you right now,” you whispered faintly. You felt him shake his head in agreement. He understood exactly what you wanted. Newt’s lips caressed against your ear as he replied knowingly, “Come then, love…” Newt swallowed the lump in his throat, bowed his head and repeated, “Come.” Then he lifted his head up towards you and smiled adoringly, his eyes seemed to glisten - sharing every emotion he felt for you in a single glance. He then looked back down, the smile still evident on the corners of his lips.

How was it even possible he could hold that much affection and love inside of him? You stood up, blew out the candles, and grabbed the case. “Lumos.” Newt stated, his wand giving off a glow. He took your hand securely and led you tenaciously into the cozy cottage.

Several hours had passed when you woke up literally tangled up in blankets, sheets, pillows… and Newt. It was near dawn and a faint shade of blue blanketed the walls of the quaint bedroom you had spent such a pleasant night in. As you stirred, Newt pulled you in closer to his chest and let out a small groan of protest. “Don’t go…” He softly whispered into your hair. “I’m right here, you silly man.” “Good,” He exhaled, kissing your shoulder lovingly. You smirked at his sudden neediness.  Slowly, the rhythm of his breathing mellowed as he drifted back to sleep. Of course, you couldn’t fall back asleep - even though the two of you were early risers - nothing could have persuaded you to leave his arms. You drifted in and out of consciousness as the sun started rising a bit higher casting a golden glow all around. Newt stirred, he always rose with the sun and you knew that there wasn’t much time left to soak him in. You giggled to yourself as you thought of putting a blanket in the window just so it would stay dark and you could have him all to yourself for the rest of the morning. Newt’s eyes fluttered open, and he massaged up and down your side with his callused hand. He was unbelievably gentle. His foot rubbed up your leg a bit and your breath hitched in your throat as you muttered out a, “Mmmm, morning my love.”

“Good morning, darling.” His voice was a bit gruffer than usual. His hand now slithered around you and he rested his open palm on your lower abdomen. You metled at the touch. He smirked and whispered in your ear, “I’ve been doing some formulating.” You laughed louder than you intended, wondering what in Merlin he had come up with this time. “Oh?! You have, have you?” Newt smiled and moved so his cheek was now resting against yours, his warm breath on your neck made you shiver, “I’ve done some calculations, sweetheart, and I believe you are… pregnant.” Now you really laughed, a good hearty laugh and you rolled over in his arms facing him directly, “Newt! We could not possibly know that, already!” Newt kissed your nose sweetly, “Oh, by no means did I intend to imply…” He blushed slightly, “Yes. I know that. However…” He proceeded to give you THE longest winded explanation of your body and it’s cycles, it’s recent hormonal changes, and how he had noticed a certain glow about you the past two months. You continued to look into his eyes as he explained every last detail down to dates and practically hours. You bit down on your bottom lip, thinking right along with him. Could he be right? How could you have missed these details? How could you not KNOW your own body? With tears in your eyes, you raised up to look at him, “Do you really think so?” Newt looked completely sure of himself, content, and serene. He shook his head yes as he wiped the tears from under your eyes with his thumbs. “I know so.” The two of you moved together in an intense embrace. Newt caressed his hands up and down your bare back while you placed several kisses on his jaw and lips. You traced your finger on his chest in a heart shape and kissed his collarbone. Joy washed over you thinking of the future possibilities, what it all meant, a baby…. a baby…. a child that you and Newt had created together. You nuzzled into his neck as he smoothed your hair and kissed your forehead several times. Presently, Newt loosened his arms around you and kissed your lips, “My love, I’m sorry but I…” “Yes, the creatures need their breakfast….,” You whispered assuredly as you scooted away so that he could get up. Newt stretched out flat next to you for a moment and yawned before swinging his legs over the side of the bed, reaching out for his navy blue dressing gown. He looked back and stroked your cheek, “Just rest a bit. I will return and we can see about some breakfast.” “Okay,” you agreed, as you turned your head to kiss his palm.

Before long you felt a gentle hand rubbing your lower back in small circles. You had fallen asleep on your stomach, seeing as how you wouldn’t have that small luxury for much longer. You rolled over on your back to face Newt and his eyes observed you with adoration. He was showered and freshly dressed in a white shirt and a forest green vest.

He leaned over, placing a delicate kiss upon your lips, “My darling, I drew you a bath so you can get warm. I also managed to gather up some eggs, toast, fresh tomatoes, and tea. How does that sound?“ “Mmm yes, that sounds perfect. I’m coming. Thank you…” You loved the idea of a warm bath first thing in the morning followed by lots of cuddles from Newt. Newt reached down and grabbed your pale pink dressing gown from the floor and smirked as he set it next to you, "What are you thinking of?” You swallowed hard, reaching out to run a hand through his hair, “You realize that you are going to be a Father… and I… a Mother, right? I just… I knew this day would come but here it is,” you inhaled deeply, “and I find I don’t know what to think. I’m excited and nervous and happy and uncertain-” Newt put his finger against your lips to shush you. He looked resolutely into your eyes and stated firmly, “You don’t have to worry, my dear, I’m very good with babies.” The smile that spread across your face then was indescribable. “Quite right, too.” You laughed, tapping your finger on his nose. You knew without one doubt that he was absolutely genuine and you also knew everything would be fine with Newt by your side.

End.

A/N: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING!! Thank you if you put up with it until the end. I’m currently thinking of writing more but I don’t know if I have the stamina. Let’s all just thank Newt for being the precious, perfect soul he is.

ALSO! I would love to hear what you think. PLEASE contact me and let me know what you thought of this story!!

[natecchi]

Newt giving Percival massage using fancy oils from the other side of the world? Percival had a very long, tiring day at work and seeing how tense he is, Newt asked if Percival wouldn't like a massage - Percival simply melts under Newt's hands.

Oh, this is dangerously bordering on smut, but I’ll leave that for another time *winks*

A bit deviated, because they’re not in an established relationship there, oops. And second oops, have another one-shot lengthy thing.

Graves was dead tired. Not your usual type of tired. He simply had a torturing day at MACUSA’s headquarters that day, and he questioned himself: why didn’t Grindelwald use this type of torture instead of his plain Cruciatus? Because Graves was sure, if Grindelwald gave him tons of paperwork and told him that the American wizarding community depended on how he succeeds, then he’d exhaust himself to the point of dying.

And as if to torture him some more, Seraphina ordered him to check up on the junior aurors, who investigated a banal thievery case. Thing which resulted with a caught niffler, an injured junior, and with Graves’ back almost being broken. Because Cooper didn’t know if you point your wand at a desk and Accio it, then it will fly directly in your face. Even if it happened while trying to stop the niffler.

Graves, naturally, being responsible of his subordinates’ well-being, - Mercy Lewis, give him strength - rushed to get the unfortunate idiot from under the desk, which unceremoniously squashed the guy under itself. It was a massive desk, made of hard wood, and it was heavy as hell. He did try to use wandless magic, even a verbal spell with his wand, but as he will find out moments later, the surprises didn’t finish.

The desk was spelled, the magic didn’t work on it. Graves groaned and used all of his physical strength to get the poor guy out. He had at least three broken ribs and his chest was heavily raising and falling. Obviously he had difficulties with his respiration, so by the time the other newbies ran back and forth after the little thief, Graves took the guy in his hands and apparated them directly to MACUSA’s hospital.

Leaving junior auror Cooper in the care of experienced hands, he went back to his office, back to his new prison cell, back to the pile of never ending documents. He shrugged off his coat and just when he wanted to finally sit, to relax a goddamned second, Tina barged in and Graves let out a sigh, rubbing a hand down his face.

“What is it, Goldstein?“ he hissed at her.

“Mr. Graves, sir, Mr. Scamander wants to talk to you about one of his beasts-“

“Tell him to come in.“ he cut her blabbering by raising a hand.

“Sure.“ she disappeared through the door of his office and after a moment of stretched silence - while he still was standing - a hesitant knock on his door made him roll his eyes in annoyance.

“Come in, Scamander.”

“Mr. Graves?“ A ginger head peeked inside and then a full body, wrapped in that blue coat with a case dragged after, made its appearance as well.

“Scamander,“ Graves started carefully, eyeing the slumped shoulders and ducked head of the Brit. He knew it. Somewhere, deep inside, he fucking knew it. “don’t tell me that bloody niffler is yours.“

Newt’s head snapped up “Did you find him? Where is he? You didn’t treat him badly, did you?“

Graves didn’t like that accusatory tone. Like he was evil, and killed or maltreated everyone- every magical beast he crossed paths with.

He clicked his tongue “Scamander, your niffler caused such a disaster, you’ll have to use Reparo over and over for some hours straight.“ Newt ducked his head again, but watched Graves intently from under that messy fringe of his. Graves could feel those eyes burning holes in his chest. “Your niffler was captured, and is safe.“

Newt relaxed visibly “Can I…?“ he asked uncertain.

“Yeah, of course you can. But-“ Graves stopped, eyeing the brown leather case “for Lewis’ sake, Scamander, repair those latches and make sure no one escapes anymore.“

“Oh, s-sure, Mr. Graves, thank you very much.“ Newt beamed, holding onto his case with both hands and ready to dash out any moment.

Graves waved a hand in a dismissing gesture and sat down on his chair.

All the bloody nifflers and spelled desks in the world, what the fuck.

A pain shot right through his spine and he growled. Or yelled. Or started cursing loudly. He wasn’t sure what he was doing, because holy shit, the pain dulled all of other senses, shooting through him whenever he moved a goddamn muscle.

Perhaps he was older than he thought of himself.

Newt hurried over, holding his head in those hands and Graves tried to blink the tears out of his eyes before focusing on the man in front of him.

“Mr. Graves, what happened? Mr. Graves, where hurts?“

Graves swatted his hands in annoyance “Scamander,“ he hissed and groaned as another wave of hellish pain washed over him “fuck you.“

He paid no attention to Newt’s baffled look, and continued cursing “You, your bloody niffler, Picquery, Cooper - that imbecile, the freaking spelled desk and my age. Fuck everything.“ he finished and tried to stand up, only to fall back into his chair and howl in pain, this time he was sure.

“Mr. Graves.“

Probably Scamander didn’t understand just how much he suffered, probably he wanted to make him suffer some more-

“Let’s get you home and I’ll take care of… everything.“ Newt said, and when Graves looked at him, glared at him, his glare was met with nothing but determination.

Scamander was determined to kill him completely.

Newt helped him up and Accio’ed his case before grabbing firmly onto his hand.

“Lead the way, Mr. Graves.“ Newt told him and Graves pondered for a moment there, that it was much better to die at home, on his comfortable bed than in this office, in this gigantic pile of papers.

Graves apparated both of them into his appartment and supported himself off a wall. Newt propped him up and dragged into his bedroom. Graves was kind of taken aback by the strength in those hands.

Newt put him carefully on the bed and easing himself out of his coat, vest and rolling up the sleeves of his shirt, he demanded “Take off your clothes, Mr. Graves.“

Graves sputtered and looked up at him as if Newt grew another head. What the fuck, Scamander?

“Scamander, if you want to kill me, I prefer to die clothed, thank you very much.“

“W-what?“ Newt’s eyebrows shot up in surprise “What made you think so, h-how even-?“

“I don’t know.“ Graves said and winced. His body surely wanted him dead, for example.”Because we caught your niffler and all that.“

“That little bugger deserved to be caught, I wanted to catch him myself, but you were faster, I suppose.” Newt explained as his hand worked on Graves’ vest and only when he took it off and started unbuttoning Graves’ shirt, that snapped out of his haze.

“Scamander, what the hell. I’m capable of undressing myself.“ he said and tried to shrug off his shirt. Another wave of pain abused the muscles of his back. He shuddered and grimaced at the feeling.

“Mr. Graves, Percival, please.“ Newt said softly “Let me take care of it. Okay?“

Graves nodded absentminded, and let Newt push him gently onto his bed.

“I’ll be right back in a minute.“ Graves heard Newt say through the increasing pulse beating in his ears. The pain was insufferable. Not as that one caused by the Cruciatus curse, obviously, but really close.

In what seemed to be like eternity, - in fact only two or so minutes - Newt was back and holding a lot of small colorful bottles. He made Graves lie on his stomach, helping him to flip carefully, then poured something on Graves back and after that, Graves legit thought he died, because this was heaven, for sure.

The pain slowly  was reduced and Graves could finally breathe properly and not suffocate because of it. He felt Newt’s hands roaming all over his back, rubbing oils into his skin, massaging his sore muscles using just the right amount of pressure.

Another bottle opened and the room was filled with a sweet scent. Graves found himself humming in contentment as his limbs became all mushy.

Newt chuckled and it was such a pretty sound, Graves wanted to hear more of it.

“These were a gift from a tribe in South Africa.“ A thumb traced up and down Graves’ vertebral column “They were really grateful when I treated their chimaera-” Newt stopped himself abruptly and slapped himself mentally for mentioning such a highly illegal and dangerous beast in the presence of an auror, the director of Magical Security himself.

But Graves didn’t really catch that, or better said, didn’t even want to, because thinking of something else while having those hands on him, was a crime itself.

Newt kept rubbing and massaging and Graves lost himself in sensations completely. He drifted off to sleep in the middle of it.

He woke up in the morning to a ginger head pressed closely to his side and Newt Scamander wrapped in a blanket next to him, on his bed, snoring lightly and mumbling something in his sleep.

What did Scamander do in his apartment? Hopefully, he was dressed under his own blanket, because if not, that meant- Graves carefully lifted the blanket off him and gaped. Oh, no.

Newt stirred and opened an eye to look at him. Graves stopped moving.

“Morning, Percival.“

P-Percival??? Since when???

“How is your back? Does it hurt?“

Bloody hell. He wasn’t drunk the previous day, was he?

“N-no.“ Graves stuttered. “Scamander, I mean, Newt.“ he started, clearing his throat. “Did we…?“ he said and gestured suggestively between them.

Newt’s reaction was immediate. His blush expanded up to the tips of his ears and down to his neck.

“O-of course n-not!“ Newt mumbled, looking away, hiding his eyes “Your back. You hurt your back and I gave you a massage.“

Graves’ eyebrow shot up at that “But how the hell I ended up naked then?“

“Well,“ Newt chewed on his bottom lip “it didn’t limit only to your back?“

“I just hope you didn’t massage my…“ Graves hid his face in an open palm and sighed heavily.

“No, but that can be fixed!“ Completely misunderstanding his words, Newt reached to tug at Graves’ blanket. Holy fuck.

Graves looked up, catching the blanket and threw his pillow at him.

“Get the fuck out, Scamander!“

[funkzpiel]

AND THE TAG READ SIMPLY: PRETTY - CH9

Words of comfort and affirmation bubbled to his tongue – He’s caught, we have him. Don’t worry. He’s at MACUSA, he’ll never hurt you again. But one look, and Newt realized that the context of Graves’ question was not ‘please say he’s not here.’ It was ‘please say he’s coming home soon.’

“He’s… away,” Newt said lamely, eyes flickering to glance at Graves now that the man felt confident enough to speak with him. Graves was leaning far enough forward now that his shoulders were visible, pale and naked. Newt felt his cheeks begin to burn at the implication, and even more so when he caught sight of the thick leather collar that hung snuggly around Graves’ throat – Grindelwald’s symbol hanging delicately next to a small gold tag that read simply: ‘Pretty’.

FANTASTIC BEASTS KINK MEME FILL Grindelwald is captured, they track down Graves, but instead of finding a locked up and tortured Graves they find Graves naked and in a collar, napping on a soft bed without a hint of recognition in his eyes. Turns out Grindelwald messed with Graves’ mind, removed all his memories and made him believe that he’s Grindelwald’s pet.

Includes: Gellert Grindelwald x Graves, Newt x Graves, Non-Con, Rape, Stockholm Syndrome, Bondage, Pet Play, Forced Pet Play, Collars, Non-Con Body Modification, Animal Ears, Animal Behaviors/Qualities, Mind!Fuck, Memory Loss/Alteration, Master/Pet, Dubious Consent, Angst, Literally Graves Believes He’s A Dog, I AM TRASH

CHAPTER 9

It was as Newt was toweling Graves’ hair dry that the man broke the gentle haze of their peaceful morning. Newt had managed to convince the man into another pair of ill fitting clothing without much of a hitch and was starting to feel rather optimistic about their day until that moment. He currently had the man perched on the edge of the tub, head bowed so he might better towel him off.

“Tina,” Graves finally said, “She was sad.”

Tina…? From earlier that morning. Oh.

Newt let the towel fall still for a moment, surprised, before he started to rub the man’s scalp a little more vigorously again – mindful of his ears.

“Well, um… yes. I suppose she might have been,” Newt trailed off as he searched for the words to explain Tina’s state of mind without explaining everything. “Maybe she’s had a rough start to her day. It happens, Percy. I wouldn’t worry—“

“She was sad,” Graves clarified, his eyes stormy in a way that made Newt’s heart still. “When she looked at me.”

“Oh,” Newt breathed, his expression breaking ever so slightly as the director picked up on his hesitation and bowed his head a little more beneath the towel, hands trembling in his lap. “Percy…”

“Did I… did I do something bad?” He asked, and Newt could see it in the lines of the man’s shoulders and back that he was bravely preparing himself for something. His ears were tucked tight to the thick hair of his head, practically unnoticeable; his tremble, however, was unmistakable.

“No!” Newt said immediately, letting the towel slide to hug Graves’ neck and dipping down so that he might catch Graves’ downcast gaze. He didn’t. “No, you didn’t do anything wrong. Tina is just…” Newt licked his lips before finally settling on the right words and said, “A close friend of Tina’s is missing. She’s been trying to find him. She misses him very much. A lot of people do. And you… you happen to look like him.”

Graves slowly looked at him then, searching his face for something.

“Do you know what might help?” Newt asked, suddenly inspired by a thought.

Graves’ ears perked.

“Next time you see Tina, chat with her. Seeing you happy and cheerful will remind her of when her friend had been happy and cheerful,” Newt explained. “And that’ll surely make her smile, even if only for a little while.”

“Talk about what?” Graves asked, confused. Newt chuckled and stood, his fingers brisk and efficient as he gently guided Graves’ wet hair into some semblance of order.

“About anything, really. Tell her about the creatures you’ve helped or the enclosures you like best. Tell her she looks pretty or that you like her coat. Ask her about the magic she knows,” Newt suggested. “The sky is the limit.”

Graves pondered that for a moment before nodding, eyes big and serious as they looked up at Newt.

“I can do that,” he said.

Newt smiled.

“She’ll love it. Now come along,” he said as he quickly left the bathroom, gesturing for Graves to follow. “We have a case full of creatures depending on us for breakfast!”

Graves followed him out, hot on his heels.

The day passed slowly after that, but all at once, it seemed over.

They had spent much of it just as Newt thought they would – wandering throughout the enclosures and attending to his impromptu family of creatures. And Newt couldn’t tell what made him happier – seeing the light that shone in Percy’s eyes as they interacted with the creatures or the way that all of them took such a liking to the man. Since the moment he introduced Percy to Dougal, the little seer hadn’t let him go. Literally. Instead he led the director by the hand everywhere, showing him this and that about the enclosures with a patient kindness that made Newt’s heart swell. Pickett had taken up residence in Percy’s hair as well, weaving little flowers through the growing strands behind the director’s ear amidst happy chirping.

It was as if every creature was highly attuned to the sheer hurt that had been done unto the auror and now each was doing its best to give him comfort in their own way.

The only creature he hadn’t seen in a while was the Niffler, the strange little bastard. He had spotted him once – his little butt wiggling this way and that in his nest – before the creature had scampered off again, no doubt to one of his many other nests. Searching for something, it seemed. But before Newt could dwell on it, he was distracted by another creature and all thought of the Niffler’s strange behavior was out of his train of thought entirely.

The Mooncalves had gathered at Percy’s feet immediately, all pressing in on him, happy at his return. They chirped and purred as he wound his fingers into their fleece and fed them, promising to visit later when they tried to follow him to the next enclosure. And Percy greeted every creature with an eager fondness that made Newt feel like the man had been doing this at his side for decades rather than days. He just fit here so perfectly.

It stung…

Newt sat on a rock that perched out from the field, Dougal nestled beside him, and watched as Percy chased a particularly rambunctious Mooncalf around that had managed to follow them out of its enclosure. It’d trot just out of Percy’s grasp and gurgle at him cheerfully before taking off again, the man hot on its heels and grinning. Happy.

Dougal’s hand closed around his, drawing his attention.

“What is it, friend?” Newt asked. He followed the little creature’s large gaze up and over his shoulder. With a twist he looked back, only to smile broadly. Even from his spot he could see Tina exit his shed and begin the trek over to him. He waved, only for his smile to falter when he wave back appeared to be halfhearted. He felt his chest clench.

Dougal held his hand a little tighter then released it before disappearing all together. Newt frowned, suddenly wary.

“Tina,” he greeted her from his perch. He waited for her to sit and when she didn’t he sighed and slowly rose to his feet. “Something’s happened… hasn’t it?”

She bit her bottom lip, her eyes following Mr. Graves as he ran in the field. She blinked rapidly and Newt felt his stomach sour.

“Madam President wants to talk to you,” Tina said, eyes back on Newt. “Alone. She’s in the shed.”

“Ah,” Newt said, his own gaze traveling to the innocent view of his little shed in the center of his case – small and unimposing, but suddenly filling him with so much dread.

“I can watch him,” she said, drawing Newt’s attention.

“Best we tell him,” Newt said, then cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted. “Percy!”

The man had just been about to catch the Mooncalf when Newt startled him. Also startled, the Mooncalf ran from enclosure – no doubt to rejoin its herd. Percy watched it go with a peculiarly sad look before finally turning to look at them. His expression flickered once he caught sight of Tina. Ears perked at the sight of her.

“There’s a guest who wants to have a word with me in private,” Newt said. “I’ll be just a moment. Can you keep Tina company while I’m gone?”

Graves nodded, and with a small smile, Newt turned to give Tina’s shoulder an encouraging squeeze before heading to his shed. Just when he reached the doorway to his little shack he turned back, just to be sure, only to find that Graves had finally approached Tina and appeared to be starting a conversation, if slowly. Newt smiled gently, then braced himself and went inside.

He found her standing in front of one of his more cluttered shelves – her fingers a mere breath away from brushing its contents as she read the labels of each bottle she found there. At the sound of his arrival she merely said, “You own many illegal items, Mr. Scamander.”

“To help, not to hurt,” Newt said.

She glanced at him then, neither accusing or forgiving, and said, “Gellert Grindelwald believes his motives noble as well, Mr. Scamander. Just because you believe it is for a good cause does not make it so or any less illegal.”

Newt shrugged.

“Did you come here to arrest me?” He asked.

Picquery sighed then pulled her hands tight to the small of her back and turned to fully face him.

“No. I did not. Apologies, Mr. Scamander. I am more than a little…weary, right now.”

“Of course,” Newt said with a curt little tip of his head. “May I ask why you did come, Madam President?”

Picquery paused for a long moment, as though searching for the words, before finally regarding him and his question.

“Percival Graves is a good man,” Picquery said. “He was my most dedicated auror. At every turn of this administration, he has been its backbone. It was Graves who kept this community safe, both by his own hand and in how he trained and handled his people. He was first to his desk, last to leave. First to take a bullet, last to beg. I’ve seen the man go days without rest in order to help one of his own. I’ve seen the scars of his time in war; heard the stories. These are just some of the qualities that make him a great man… but do you know why he is a good man, Mr. Scamander?”

“I can’t say that I do,” Newt said softly, eyes on Picquery’s cheek when finally she turned to look at him.

“Because when he could have stood atop someone’s throat in order to get what he wanted,” she said, her eyes lost on a distant thing that Newt just couldn’t quite grasp. “He offered that person a hand instead.”

Newt watched her for a long moment, chin tucked but eyes focused.

“You miss him.”

Picquery’s gaze slid to him, cool and crisp and yet distinctly human.

“Very much,” she said. “I didn’t realize it until he was… until he was gone, but I should have seen the warning signs. If not in Grindelwald’s farce, then in my own behavior. Graves has always been a trusted advisor to me. I see the world in black and white, Mr. Scamander. It is something that has benefited me as a leader. But there are times when the world doesn’t need black and white decisions, and in those moments, Graves served as my shades of grey. When he suddenly stopped providing compassionate input I should have known…”

Newt remained silent, unsure of what to do with himself otherwise.

“Grindelwald has…beaten our system. We’re going to try again, but it is unlikely we will get the information we need before the Ministry of Magic takes him back to England to be tried.”

“And what does that mean for Mr. Graves, should you fail to get the information you seek from Grindelwald?” Newt asked hesitantly.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, I’d like to see him,” Picquery said, her back tall and proud, but her eyes cool, distant embers that smoldered weakly – dying. She had come to say goodbye, Newt realized, and stood a little straighter.

“Madam President, I –“

She raised a hand to still his voice, her eyes boring into him, and for a moment, he saw her struggle for words. But when her gaze fell back upon him, she composed herself so quickly and so rigidly it make the little hairs on the back of Newt’s neck stand on end. He shivered.

“Please, Mr. Scamander.”

“Of course.”

She followed him out of his little shed. He uttered a soft “watch your step” as he led her through his enclosures – uneasy to have a woman of the law as clinical and Picquery in the sanctuary he had created. But she made a point of not looking too closely and for that, Newt was grateful.

Newt felt something warm and tight clench in his chest as they approached the field where he had left Tina and Graves, his eyes on the pair sitting side by side, chatting away comfortably. He smiled and for a moment, his eyes burned ever so slightly. He can still remember the stricken look on Tina’s face when they had found Graves; hurt that she couldn’t get close, couldn’t help. To see them now, shoulder to shoulder – he startled when Picquery suddenly spoke.

“See, Mr. Scamander?” She said softly, firmly – the littlest smile on her lips, her eyes knowing. No doubt commenting on the notes he had sent her just a night or two ago. “I think you’re making far more progress than you give yourself credit for.”

“Perhaps you’re right,” he said, eyes fond as he watched them.

“Oh, looks like they’re done,” he heard Tina say, turning to catch sight of them. She waved at them, smiling, and Newt waved back. Shortly after Graves turned around too, eyes bright and cheerful—

Only to fall, his expression breaking suddenly like shattered glass, the moment he laid eyes on them. It set every warning bell off in Newt’s body, and without thinking twice he felt himself reaching for his wand, already spinning on one foot to regard whatever foe must be behind them for Graves to react that way, only to find nothing but the emptiness of his case and a few creatures ambling by in the distance.

“W-what?”

“B-but I wasn’t bad!” Graves whimpered, and Newt whirled around, confused. With a feeling akin to his heart dropping out at a freefall, he realized that Graves’ eyes were not trained on some foe behind them; he was in fact looking at them. Or to be more precise, Newt realized – the Madam President.

Beside him Picquery froze, confused and at a loss.

“I wasn’t bad,” Graves whimpered again, scrambling back from his perch beside Tina and tumbling slightly into the grass before finally catching his balance. He stopped in an awkward stoop, and Newt’s stomach twisted when he realized it was no doubt because he knew he shouldn’t be standing on two feet according to Grindelwald’s rules, but also knew that running was faster than crawling. He stayed like that, hunched over and trembling so fiercely Newt could see it – all large eyes and pressed back ears and absolute terror.

Tina sprung to her feet and took a step forward to help him, calm him, but it just made Graves take a few more steps away from them.

“Everything’s alright, Mr. Graves,” She said, pleading. “That’s Madam President. She’s a friend. Don’t you remember her?”

“I remember,” Graves said, and it was the closest to a growl Newt had ever heard leave from ‘Pretty’s’ lips since the day he had managed to coax him out of that little closet.

“Mr. Scamander, what is going on?”

“I don’t know,” Newt said, bringing himself lower to the ground, hands out. “Percy, it’s just us. There’s nothing to be afraid of. No one here will hurt you.”

“Then why is she here?” He asked. He glanced between them and whined. “I wasn’t bad. I wasn’t bad. M-Master said I wasn’t bad. I wasn’t bad, was I?”

Graves was nearly crying now; frantic – each breath coming in harsh, whistling gasps through his nose that left Newt’s lungs burning in sympathy.

“Master?” Picquery asked.

“You said I wasn’t bad. Tell her I wasn’t bad,” Graves pleaded, eyes locked on Newt, and Newt felt his stomach fall through his shoes under the weight of the implication. Master. He took a step back, the breath knocked from his lungs, and reeled. “Master, please! I don’t want to go to the room!”

“Mr. Scamander?” Picquery asked, brow quirked.

“I didn’t tell him to call me that,” Newt said in a rush, eyes wide and pleading and absolutely lost because everything was slipping out of his control so quickly – how could he have possibly thought he could help? He was a magizoologist, not a doctor. For fuck’s sake, he probably made it worse.

He realized his mistake in not acknowledging Graves too late.

Graves’ breath hitched in his chest, and Newt looked over just in time to see the man frantically shaking his head and backing up – eyes so wide Newt could see the whites of them. His clothing was starting to pull apart at the edges into frantic little whispers of particles and movement, and with a sickening lurch, Newt realized what was about to happen.

“Percy, no!”

He locked his eyes on Newt and disapparated; leaving the three of them standing there, stunned and staring at the place he once stood.

“I thought he couldn’t do magic,” Tina said, shocked and confused and panicked. “I thought you said he didn’t even recognize it!”

“He can’t,” Newt said, trying to focus on their questions even as his mind was reeling. “He doesn’t. But that doesn’t mean his body doesn’t remember how to do it. No doubt he did it on instinct, judging by how terrified he was. Muscle memory.”

“And I thought no one could apparate in or out of your case?” Picquery asked.

“No one can, it’s warded and charmed against it,” Newt said. “But you can apparate and disapparate between the enclosures inside the case. Just not in or out of the case itself.”

“Then where did he go?” Tina gasped and twirled on the spot, frantic.

“Likely somewhere safe,” Newt said numbly, heart still breaking at the thought of Graves’ terrified pleading – all focused on him, as if Newt could save him. He crossed his arms around himself and gripped tightly, eyes averted; unable to stop replaying the memory in his head.

“And where might that be, Mr. Scamander?” Picquery asked.

“I have a good idea, but I think it’s best I go alone, considering…” Newt said softly, trying to ease the blow – but Tina flinched regardless and in Picquery’s eyes, he saw her coldness grow. “I’m sorry.”

“Find him,” Picquery said finally, gesturing to Tina to follow her. “We have to return to our guest. And for the love of magic, Mr. Scamander, ensure that the director doesn’t use any more magic.”

That caught Newt’s attention. Finally, he looked up to hold her gaze.

“Why? I would have thought you’d be pleased he was still able?”

Something in the woman’s eyes made Newt’s blood turn to ice. He shuddered, suddenly much more desperate to find the man.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” she simply said, then turned and walked back to Newt’s shed. Tina stopped beside him as she passed for a brief moment – her hand soft and tentative as it reached for his, but he couldn’t help but pull away. A stricken look crossed her face and Newt felt his guilt grow.

“You are making a difference, Newt,” she said. “Please don’t give up.”

And then she too left him, alone in the middle of the field Graves loved, with nothing but his artificial wind and the sound of his creatures to comfort him. When he was sure both women were gone, he fell onto his haunches, wrapped his arms around his legs and pressed his face into his knees. His shoulders quivered. His lungs ached. His heart felt like a stone in the ocean, sinking further and further away from him.

He gave himself five minutes to wallow in self pity. Five minutes to break. To collect himself. And when those five minutes were up, he lifted his chin atop his knees to find Dougal standing in front of him – waiting patiently.

“Hello, Dougal,” he said. “Are you here to help me find Mr. Graves?”

Dougal nodded.

“Do you know where he is?”

Another nod.

“Alright then,” Newt said and wearily rose to his feet. He had a good inkling on where the man had gone, but regardless he let his little friend gently wrap his long fingers around his own and lead him deeper into the case where a large rock spun round and round, high into the air and close to the artificial moon he had charmed to hang above it. As he passed the other exhibits, everything was eerily still. The Nundu was laying across the edge of its enclosure – eyes on the Mooncalves’ exhibit, a sad purr rumbling low in its throat. It didn’t even bat at him as he passed. The Occamy were peering out from their nest in a sad huddle. Even the Dung Beetles had ceased rolling their dung.

Newt could feel the weight of a dozen eyes following him as he let Dougal lead him on until finally they were at the edge of the Mooncalves’ enclosure. Even from the bottom most level of their area Newt could see them all amassed atop the little mountain he had made them. They were all congregated beneath the large tree at the highest point of their enclosure, and as he slowly climbed to meet them, he could hear their soft and worried chirping. The same noise they tended to make when one of the little ones in the herd fell ill.

Sure enough when he crested the top of their little mountain (more like a hill, really, but Newt tried), he found them practically laying one atop another in a ring around the tree and at their center was a man – a familiar man – unconscious at the base of the tree and covered in worried Mooncalves.

“Percy!” Newt gasped. Dougal released his hand as Newt rushed forward through the herd of Mooncalves to reach his charge. Around his neck, the collar was smoking as if smoldering although thankfully it did not appear to actually be burning Graves’ skin. And the tags that hung from it glowed a hot, molten color as slowly they cooled in the chill night air of the enclosure. Graves himself looked lax as a doll, curled on his side as he was. There were dried tracks of tears on his face, his skin pale and blotchy. Newt fell to his knees beside him and quickly gathered him into his arms. He whimpered, in pain.

“Merlin’s beard, what happened to you?” He asked, eyes wide as he felt the man in his hands tremor weakly. “How did you even disapparate—“

He fell short, the question lost and trailing away as his eyes caught sight of something that had decidedly not been there before. The seam at the back of Graves’ pants had been split clean open and through that gash of torn fabric protruded a long and distinctly bushy tail of jet black fur. With trembling fingers he followed that tail up to the base of Graves’ spine where it melded seamlessly into flesh and bone.

It was real. There was a real honest to God tail attached to Graves’ body and suddenly Picquery’s words came rushing back to him.

“And for the love of magic, Mr. Scamander, ensure that the director doesn’t use any more magic.”

Grindelwald was not the one fueling Graves’ collar or its various enchantments.

Graves was.

In the execution chambers, Grindelwald suddenly opened his eyes. Slowly his lips spread out into a cruel and wicked grin, and he chuckled – drawing the ire of one of the dozen aurors watching him.

“Shut up, you bastard,” one of the aurors spat. “You’ll have plenty of time to laugh when you’re dead.”

“Soon it will be me standing on that platform and you sitting in this chair, boy,” Grindelwald said quite cheerfully. “And when that time comes you’ll realize the error you made.”

“Oh yeah? And what, pray tell, is that?”

Grindelwald smiled.

“You’ll see.”