oblivioni traditæ

Fabula

Tina made her way down the stairs, a frown etched into her features. She was about to go down into the basement to look for the Newt when she saw him sitting on the couch, a book in his hands.

"Newt!" she called.

He looked up, a startled expression on his face. "What?" he stammered.

Suddenly nervous, Tina took a hesitant step into the room.

"I-- uh, I wanted to ask you . . ." She trailed off, giving herself a chance to breathe. "Something. I wanted to ask you something."

Newt marked the page and closed his book, setting it to one side. "Well, what is it?"

"I was hoping you would-- You promised that you would tell me had we met one day and I was wondering if you would be willing to do that," she said slowly. "I mean, I understand if you're still not ready or something but I'd . . . I'd like to know." Tina finished speaking and blushed, quickly ducking her head and staring at the floor.

Newt sighed. Part of him was still hesitant to tell her but he wanted to make her happy. However, he knew there were a lot of things about the story that she wouldn't like.

"Okay," he said, finally coming to a decision. "Why don't you take a seat and I'll tell you."

Tina smiled and moved forward. Newt had expected her to sit in the armchair across from him but instead, she crossed the room and joined him on the couch. Tucking her feet underneath her, she culled up against Newt, resting her head on his shoulder. He was pleasantly surprised. Hesitantly, he moved his arm to settle around her shoulders, holding her close. He was glad to see she didn't pull away.

A feeling of nostalgia washed over him. The position was so familiar. They had sat like this many times. Suddenly, he had to fight the urge to press a kiss to her dark hair. Letting out a heavy sigh, he began to speak.

"Before I start, there are a few things I need to say," he murmured. "First of all, there are going to be things about this story that will be very shocking and probably quite upsetting. Secondly, I don't want you to question me about too many of these things because there are some things I'd still rather not tell you. Thirdly, I'd like you not to interrupt me as I tell you the story."

"I'll try," Tina promised.

"Thank you." He paused for a moment to think before starting. "I suppose the first thing I should tell you is that, towards the beginning of 1926, you lost your job."

"What?" she exclaimed, pulling away to look at him.

He gave her a pleading look. She blushed.

"Sorry," she murmured, moving back to snuggle against him. "Go on."

"Do you know who Mary-Lou Barebone is?" Newt asked. 

"That woman who everyone thinks is crazy because she claims that witches exist?" Tina said. "Yeah, I know her. What about her? I mean, no one listens to her so we never bothered with her."

"Well, she started gaining followers and MACUSA assigned you to investigate what was happening," he explained. "Do you know she had children?"

Tina nodded. "Two girls and a boy. I suspect she beats them, especially the boy."

"Yes, she beat him. One day, you were in their house, trying to find out what you could about what she knew about the magical community. You came across her beating Credence, the boy, and you attacked her."

"Attacked?"

"She was holding a belt and you cast a spell making it whip her hand."

"You mean I used magic on a No-Maj?" Tina stammered.