When Teenie Brought Men Home

Tina and Mr. Scamander Apparated into an alleyway and walked out, supporting the No-Maj, Mr. Kowalski, together as they took awkward steps down the street. She looked around nervously, worried that people would notice them.

All I wanted to do today was tolerate working in the Wand Permit Office, eat a hot dog in peace during my lunch break while spying on the Second Salemers, finish working, then go home. Did that work out? No! I'm taking a No-Maj and a criminal to my apartment to have dinner and give them a place to sleep! Mercy Lewis, wait 'til Queenie hears about this.

"Take a right here," Tina stated bitterly.

Jacob Kowalski emitted noises that indicated he was only feeling worse. This prompted Tina to worry more. She wasn't sure what the bite from the weird creature in Newt Scamander's suitcase would do to the No-Maj, but she knew she had to figure out how to help him.

When she saw her apartment building across the street, Tina half-dragged Mr. Scamander and Mr. Kowalski to hide behind a repair truck. She realized she had forgotten to tell the two men an important bit of information.

"Okay, before we go in, I'm not supposed to have men on the premises."

Mr. Scamander began to pull Mr. Kowalski away a little too eagerly, the hint of a relieved smile on his face.

"In that case, Mr. Kowalski and I can easily seek other accommodation."

"Oh no, you don't," Tina responded firmly. She pulled on Mr. Kowalski's arm, leaving Mr. Scamander with no choice but to follow.

"Watch your step," Tina warned as Mr. Kowalski groaned in pain.

They crossed the street and went inside the apartment building. Tina peered around cautiously to make sure nobody was near before she led them to a nearby staircase. Mr. Scamander and Mr. Kowalski went ahead of Tina up the stairs since there wasn't room for all three of them to walk side by side. Suddenly, they heard the distant opening of a door.

"That you, Tina?"

The trio tensed up. Tina's heart beat wildly. She noticed Mr. Kowalski's eyes widen in fear and then heard Mr. Scamander make a shushing noise. Tina hesitated before she called out in response. Mrs. Esposito was always sticking her nose into everyone's business.

"Yes, Mrs. Esposito!"

"Are you alone?" the neighbor asked.

"I'm always alone, Mrs. Esposito!"

She looked down at the ground, hoping her neighbor wouldn't come down the stairs to make sure she was telling the truth. She looked up and caught Mr. Scamander looking at her in a way she took to mean that he understood her statement deeply somehow.

Or maybe he's just wondering why I'm willing to lie for a guy I arrested today, and a No-Maj who I met about half an hour ago.

Wow, my life is a mess.

They continued up the staircase and Tina told the two men which apartment was hers. She knew it would be unlocked since Queenie was home, so she told Mr. Kowalski to open it. They all proceeded inside, hearing the sound of music, and Tina closed the door behind her. She rested her ear against the entrance, listening for anybody who might have followed them.

"Teenie, you brought men home?"

Tina looked to her left and saw her sister, Queenie standing in the bedroom they shared with an ironing board and a dress magically repairing itself behind her. She was wearing a pale pink slip and she had a curious smile.

"Gentlemen, this is my sister." Tina looked back at the men and noticed that Mr. Kowalski seemed awestruck by her sister. Queenie's smile grew. "You want to put something on, Queenie?"