Their Life

Alternate Ending

This is an idea of how the scene in Flamel's house in my book Return to New York could have gone if I had wanted to end the pain sooner. So if you haven't read that book go read it first. This idea came from a comment left by XxAnnaLupinXx and it really made me laugh so I had to write it out as a proper story.

Newt vanished into his case the moment they had entered the safehouse. He wanted to cry. It had been six months since he had seen Tina but he had finally found her, and she was mad at him.

Of course, he knew the reason why she was mad, Queenie had already told him. He knew all he needed to do was explain to her that he wasn't marrying Leta but he didn't know if she'd listen to him. Besides, he didn't know what to say.

Pushing these thoughts from his mind, Newt moved to the enclosure where the Zouwu was. With a flick of his wrist, the enclosure transformed to resemble a Chinese forest. Then he carefully approached the large beast.

As Newt let the creature throw him around the enclosure, Jacob's voice floated down into the case. He wanted Newt to keep Tina company.

Newt ignored him, finally releasing the Zouwu from her chains. She calmed down and he was able to treat her wounds.

When he was done, he climbed the ladder in his shed, stopping once he was halfway out of his case. Tina was sitting in a chair, a small book open in her hand. She watched him as he emerged.

Newt didn't know what to say. She was so beautiful, even though the look she was giving him was cold.

"She's responded well to the Dittany," he stammered, saying the first thing that came to his mind. "She was born to run, you see. I think she's, uh-- I think she's just lacking in confidence."

Tina snapped her book shut and got to her feet.

"Mr. Scamander, have you got anything in your case that might help revive this man?" she asked. She continued but Newt wasn't listening. Her continued use of his last name hurt worse than anything she had said yet. He scrambled out of his case.

Tina broke off mid-explanation as Newt crossed the room. When he reached her, he pulled her into a hug, pressing his lips firmly against hers. She started, dropping the book in surprise, but she pushed him away almost immediately.

"Newt, you're engaged!" she exclaimed.

"No, I -- I'm not," he said quickly. "I mean, I am. I mean, was. Ugh. I am. Just-- Uh -- well. Just not -- not to Leta," he stammered.

Tina stared at him, her heart sinking further. "You mean you're engaged to someone else, then?"

"Yes, of course!" Newt exclaimed.

"Well then, who is she?" she demanded.

Newt studied her carefully. She was staring at him, her eyes filled with pain and anger and sorrow.

"Well," he started gently. "Sh-she's about this tall," he started, placing a hand on top of her head. She pushed it away quickly.

"She's got short, d-dark hair," Newt continued. He gently pushed a bit of hair out of Tina's face. "She has the most beautiful eyes, just like a Salamander's."

A faint smile began to form on Tina's lips. Tears were forming in her eyes.

"She's an excellent Auror," Newt murmured. "Arguably the best in the world." Tina blushed slightly and he moved to take her face in his hands. "She's the most beautiful woman I've ever met. Not to mention the most wonderful, courageous, amazing, talented, fantastic, sweet, gentle, strong . . ." He paused. "I could go on and on," he breathed. "The problem is, I haven't seen her in six months and I thought I'd never see her again. But I've finally found her."