Free as a Bird

Acts

"I just received this. . . notification from the President of MACUSA about some illegal activities involving a certain Scamander brother, an Auror and a Hogwarts professor" Hector Fawley folded his arms.

"Illegal activity?" Tina and Newt exchanged a look.

"Necromancy" Hector started, "MACUSA was notified days after you four moved to London to seek asylum, I expect. Then, the investigation proceeded and they came to a conclusion that you four, in fact, did practice Necromancy, something very illegal in the magical community".

"I'm very disappointed, Albus. You out of all people, endorsing such an activity? You just presumed that you can be safe and just. . . escape from your problems" Fawley continued, "And you, Mr Theseus Scamander. You two were affiliates of the British Ministry. It pains me to realize that you would involve yourself in such misdemeanors".

"But, Minister--" Tina protested, "We didn't practice it at all! We tried-- but it turned out to be a failure".

"Trying is very similar to practicing, in our interpretation and as stated by the law. Any form of Necromancy, even attempting to, is illegal. And you, out of all people should know that, Miss Goldstein. You are a well respected Auror worldwide" Fawley snorted, "Right now, I need the truth about what really happened. The complete truth".

"So, what's gonna happen to us?" Theseus asked.

"You will have a Hearing. The three of you"- he indicated Theseus, Tina and Newt - "Except Dumbledore, considering he was a witness. However witnesses have their own procedures.  I'll let you know, Albus".

Albus nodded, pursing his lips. Newt held Tina's hand, breaking inside. This reminded him so much of his travel ban and he had to fight hard to revoke his travel licenses. Tina felt guilty. She was the frontrunner in this Necromancy operation and because of her silly little idea to bring Leta back for Theseus, she brought Newt and Theseus down with her. Even Albus Dumbledore.

"It was my idea" Tina spoke, "I was the one who suggested the whole idea and I take full responsibility. Theseus and Newt are witnesses, like Albus. They tried helping me because I asked them to".

"Tina, no--"

This was huge news. MACUSA couldn't get the exact details of the crime because they were busy focusing on the economical growth after the war instead. Hence they just sent a charge sheet, stating that the four of them were behind this. 

"What?" Hector Fawley thundered.

"It was my fault" Tina said.

There was a long pause before Fawley stated, "Fine. I appreciate your honesty Miss Goldstein, but this is going to be taken very severely. Hence you shall be put under custody until your hearing" - he turned to Newt and Theseus - "However this new information doesn't exempt you two from the hearing. You two will still have to testify".

"You can't do this! I was as guilty as Tina! Shouldn't I be put behind bars?" Theseus slammed his fist on the table.

"We're not letting Tina get into custody without evidence!" Newt said, "This is preposterous!"

"Newt. . I literally just admitted that I was to blame for this" Tina rolled her eyes, "If that isn't any huge evidence, I don't know what is".

"Tina's correct" Albus uttered.

"Dumbledore--!" Theseus started. 

"Then it's settled. Considering the graveness of the situation, we will have the Hearing on the sixteenth. You may present witnesses, if there are any, to support your stance" the Minister informed, "Until then, Miss Goldstein will be taken to custody".