Imagine Book 2

Stressor- Newt Scamander (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)

Fem Y/N

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows through the windows of Newt Scamander's London flat as he apparated into the living room with a loud crack. His usual gentle demeanour was visibly disturbed – copper hair more dishevelled than usual, bow tie askew, and a troubled furrow in his brow that rarely appeared except after particularly difficult encounters with the Ministry of Magic's bureaucracy.

Y/N looked up from her spot on the couch where she'd been reading about recent discoveries in magical creature rehabilitation. One glance at Newt's expression told her everything she needed to know. Setting aside her book, she rose immediately and crossed the room to him.

"Newt, darling? What happened?" She reached for his hand, her fingers intertwining with his. His skin was clammy – a sure sign he'd been agitated.

Newt's eyes darted around the room before finally settling on their joined hands. "The usual," he muttered, attempting a weak smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Theseus was there. It... it wasn't pleasant."

Y/N gently tugged him toward the couch. "Come here, love. Sit with me." She knew how these encounters with his brother could affect him, especially when they concerned his work.

Newt allowed himself to be led, sinking into the cushions with a heavy sigh. His case of magical creatures sat beside him, and he absently patted it, as if seeking comfort from the knowledge that his beloved creatures were safe inside.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Y/N asked softly, tucking a stray curl behind his ear. The tender gesture made Newt's shoulders relax slightly.

He was quiet for a moment, then the words tumbled out in a rush. "Theseus was there for some high-level meeting about international security. I was simply trying to submit my latest research findings and petition for better protection measures for occamies in urban areas." His voice grew tighter. "He saw me in the corridor and decided it was an appropriate time to lecture me about my 'peculiar habits' and how I'm 'wasting my potential.'"

Y/N's heart ached at the pain in his voice. She knew how deeply these criticisms from his brother cut him.

"He said..." Newt swallowed hard, "He said that if I ever wanted to be taken seriously, I needed to find a 'real, respectable job' instead of 'gallivanting around with dangerous beasts.' As if my work isn't important. As if understanding and protecting magical creatures isn't vital to our world."

"Your brother is wrong," Y/N said firmly, shifting closer to him on the couch. "Your work is incredibly important, Newt. You're changing how the entire wizarding world views and treats magical creatures. That's not just respectable – it's revolutionary."

Newt glanced at her, a flicker of appreciation crossing his features. "You always know exactly what to say, don't you?"

"I just speak the truth." She smiled softly, then stood up. "Now, take off your coat and waistcoat. You're terribly tense, and I'm going to help with that."

A slight blush coloured Newt's cheeks, but he complied, shrugging off his blue coat and undoing the buttons of his waistcoat. Y/N moved behind him on the couch and gently began working her fingers into the tight muscles of his shoulders.

"Merlin's beard," she murmured, feeling the knots of tension. "You're carrying so much stress here, love."

Newt's head dropped forward as her thumbs pressed into a particularly tight spot. "Mm... that feels wonderful," he sighed, some of the day's frustration beginning to seep out of him.

Y/N worked methodically, her fingers kneading the tension from his shoulders and neck with just the right amount of pressure. She could feel him gradually relaxing under her touch, his breathing becoming deeper and more even.