Free as a Bird

Agon

"Next!"

Tina braved herself, stepping forward to the Minister's office. Today was her Auror interview day. Newt was right there with her, holding all her emotional weight.

"Don't worry Tina" Newt pressed a kiss on her cheek, "You'll do fine".

"Yeah, but. . " Tina's palms were coated with sweat, "What if. . "

"NEXT!" The Minister yelled, growing impatient by the second.

"Go, go!" Newt ushered her inside, "You'll do amazing".

Tina gathered all her courage. Today was going to be fight or flight. She had to get in.

Part of Tina had an urge to lobby the Minister to give her the position. After all, she fought in a war! She was in the frontlines! She should be graced with a job.

And another part of her, the law-binding part, didn't want to apply for a job in such an unfair mean. She would never do something so pretentious and pathetic.

When she stepped into the office, the rest seemed like history.

It  was soon lunch time. A time dedicated to creamed vegetables and contemplation. 

Theseus and Dakota talked about their costumes, with Dakota protesting that she'd rather eat Flobberworms than dress up as a Muggle. They were lately joined by Newt and Tina, who figured that they might as well have some lunch, while they were at it. 

"Get a grip, Goldstein" Dakota hissed, "You're gonna get the job".

"You know that things are positive when even Dakota says so" Theseus commented, earning a punch from Dakota on his shoulder.

"You don't even have to worry. Fawley knows everything about you" Newt said, proudly, "You were a battle warrior. They'll give you the job irrespective of your interview".

"I don't know. I don't think I did my interview well" Tina tried to recall.

"Dearest, listen to me" Newt placed his hand over hers, "You have nothing to worry about. You're gonna get it".

"Thanks everyone" Tina forced herself to eat a little piece of lettuce.

"There you go" Dakota said, who hadn't touched her food yet. Those mashed potatoes sat, in the middle of the plate, soggy and uneaten.

"Why aren't you eating?" Newt asked Dakota.

"I'm waiting for my sister"

"Anna's back?" Tina asked, feeling the dread settle in. First she had Auror problems and now Anna's back?

"Don't worry. She wants to tell you something. All of you" she said, "And turns out, she made a new friend. A man, but someone she hadn't dated. . yet".

"Oh, who is he?" Tina asked, quite intrigued that Anna would have a friend. 

"Nat--" Dakota began, but she was cut off by her sister and the man himself.

"Hey everyone!" Anna made an entrance, "Hi!"

"Hey sis" Dakota nodded.