Love is Patient

Chapter 32

Tina looked at Newt's hand. Smiling slightly, she took it and they went through the gate. They walked up to the door which Newt pushed opened and led the group inside. He pulled off his coat and hung it on the coat rack. Tina followed his actions as Newt helped Modesty out of her coat. Newt led them through the house to the drawing room where Helena Scamander stood with her back to them, straightening things on the mantle. 

Newt cleared his throat. Helena spun around.

"Newt!" she exclaimed, dropping her wand. She dashed over and flung her arms around her son. "I'm so glad to see you. What are you doing here? You were only here a few months ago."

Newt looked over at Tina and offered a smile. She returned it, blushing slightly.

"We're visiting," Newt said.

Helena released him and turned to Tina. "Oh, Newton," she giggled. "You've brought your girlfriend again."

Tina felt her blush deepen. Newt was blushing now as well. Helena hugged her before turning to Queenie and Jacob.

"It's been a while since I've seen you two. You really should come visit more often." She glanced between Tina and Newt. "I mean, you're practically family."

Tina ducked her head. A bit more than practically, she thought with a smile. She heard her sister giggle.

Helena seemed to realize something. "Oh, I almost forgot. We're having guests, important guests, over for dinner. I insist that you be present, Newt. You and Tina. You two are welcome as well." The last part was directed towards Queenie and Jacob.

"Yes, of course," Queenie said.

"You'll have to dress formally, of course." Tina knew the comment was most likely directed towards Newt. She turned to all of them. "Now, upstairs, all of you. Get settled in. There are only two hours till dinner. One and a half till guests start arriving. Go, go, go." She pushed Newt out of the room. "When Credence and Modesty are done unpacking, send them downstairs to get their dinner. I don't think they'll want to be there when there are guests around. They'd find that incredibly boring."

"I'd find that incredibly boring," Tina heard Newt mumble. She giggled and nodded her head.

Helena lead them up the stairs to their rooms.Queenie and Jacob. 

"Oh, this is perfect," Queenie whispered in her sister's ear. "A formal dinner. . . . Tina, you can wear your new dress."

Tina frowned at her sister. But I don't want to. She blushed slightly.

"I don't care, you're going to wear it," Queenie laughed.

They had reached the corridor. Helena pushed the door across from Newt's open. "Tina, you can stay in this room. It's closer to the rest of the house than the one you stayed in last time. Modesty, your room is the same. Credence, take they one next to Tina. Now I need to go. The house isn't ready."

Tina suppressed a laugh as Helena ran down the stairs.

"You don't need our help unpacking, right?" Queenie said. "We have our own bags to unpack."

"We'll manage," Newt said.

"Well then, see you at dinner."

Tina turned and ran a finger over the carved Hippogriff on the door. She pushed the door open and went inside. A minute later, Newt came in with her case.

"Well, I suppose we should get ready for dinner," Tina said absentmindedly.

"But, dinner's not for two hours."