Fantastic Beasts 3

The Search

HOGWARTS, NIGHT

After checking in another classroom with no sign of Morfin, Newt gave up his search and headed off to find Dumbledore.

He hurried down the corridor, turned the corner and almost ran straight into Tina.

"Merlin's beard, Tina, what are you doing here?" He hissed.

"I just came to check if you were alright," She whispered back.

"I– yes, of course, I'm alright!" He murmured almost coldly, "I wrote a note saying I would be at Hogwarts–"

"Ok, well I was just checking! Because you had... written the note quite fast, and not put much detail on it..."

"So what?"

"So it sounded like you were in a rush and you needed to get to Hogwarts urgently."

"Yeah, well, everything's fine, so you can go home now."

He could see something in her eyes, maybe a look of hurt, but it was soon replaced by an authoritative one. "What are you doing in Hogwarts at this time of night anyway?"

"I just came to see Dumbledore, that's really all it is–"

He cut off as he heard Dumbledore's voice say from behind him, "Newt, have you found Morfin yet?"

Newt inwardly groaned and turned around to see Dumbledore, his wand tip set alight. When he could make out Tina's face through the darkness, he said with a small smile, "Oh, sorry, I'll keep on looking for him."

Newt almost wanted to slap him across the face– almost. But then again, it wasn't his fault; Newt hadn't told him yet about what Tina's response had been.

"You can clog off, now," He murmured in a dull voice.

"Can't I help? If this is something dangerous, I don't want you getting hurt–"

"Why do you care?" He snapped and instantly regretted it. Now he could really see the hurt flash through her eyes.

"Newt... of course, I care. I care so much about you."

"I know. I'm sorry I said that." He turned on his heel. "I need to go find Dumbledore."

"Newt, wait–"

"Yes, Tina?" He asked sadly.

Tina gazed at him for a while. It was the kind of gaze that friends would not give each other.

"Never mind," She muttered, "I'll be at home if you need me."

Newt stood there, watching her leave. Hearing her call his house her home made his heart flutter. No, He told himself, you have to stop this. She doesn't like you.

___________________________

Tina almost bumped into Queenie and Jacob when she rounded the corner of the hallway.

"Hey, don't eavesdrop!" She hissed.

"Teenie, why didn't you say anything!?" Queenie whispered back.

"He doesn't like me anymore, ok?"

"Yes, he–"

"No, he doesn't, Queenie. He made it quite clear that he didn't want to see my face again."

Queenie groaned. "Teen, if only you could read minds."

"What do you mean?"

"He's just frustrated with himself, not you. He's mad at himself for still having feelings for you, even though you turned him down. He still loves you, I promise."