Three

It was Theseus Scamander – who had watched this minimal but substantial exchange of reunion with a smile – who broke the spell by a slight clearing of his throat. Both parties immediately broke eye contact to look him with flushed cheeks (which only made Theseus' smile widen).

"You must be Miss Porpentina Goldstein," he said, walking around his desk with a hand outstretched.

"Um, yes, I am," said Tina, taking his hand to shake it. "Tina is fine, though."

There was no mistaking it: this was definitely Newt's brother. Both had the same elfin facial features, pale skin and freckled complexion, as well as the same haystack-textured tawny hair. But this older brother was taller, broader, and exuded a confidence and ease that Newt did not. It was not difficult at all for Tina to believe that he was the war hero, auror and great man that she'd been told he was, by both her colleagues and Newt's letters.

"Welcome to the United Kingdom," said Theseus. Releasing her hand, he turned to Newt as his welcoming smile melted into a mischevious smirk. "Did I forget to mention that Miss Goldstein was selected to represent M.A.C.U.S.A. at the conference I helped to organize this weekend?"

Newt gaped like a fish for a moment, and then turned his gaze back to Tina. He looked as though he was trying to convince himself that she was really here.

Tina, feeling a bit nervous again, said haltingly, "Well, President Picquery only told me about this conference less than a week ago, so you may not have gotten a letter saying that I would be in England in time. And since I knew you'd be in London, I planned to find out where you worked and, uh, drop in…I'm sorry this is such a surprise –"

"D-don't be, please," Newt interrupted. "I don't care. I'm just…so incredibly pleased…to see you again."

Tina smiled again, so relieved at Newt's reaction and still drinking in the sight of him. He was exactly as she remembered him – no, better than any memory could be. And he certainly didn't seem uncomfortable looking into her eyes right now.

"Well, you two obviously have some catching up to do," said Theseus cheerfully. "Newt, why don't you be a gentleman and take this lovely woman out tonight?"

The tips of Newt's ears turned scarlet, and his eyes rapidly went between his brother and Tina for a moment with that gaping fish mouth again. He made a strange sound in his throat and then stuttered, "Well, I, um, that is, if you, uh, aren't busy –"

"Don't worry, Newt," said Theseus. "The conference isn't until tomorrow at 10:00 AM tomorrow. And I assume that the good President Picquery cannot spare an auror like you for too long, Miss Goldstein?"

Her heart still fluttering with the idea of being able to spend this evening in Newt's company, Tina managed to respond, "Ah, that's correct. I leave early Sunday morning by portkey; she'll want a report of the conference right away. I wish that this weren't such a short trip, though." Of course, her gaze had turned to Newt by now, an apologetic gleam in her eyes. He could only nod with a sad understanding in his eyes.

"Also, I'm afraid that Newt will not be available tomorrow evening as we have dinner with our parents that evening," said Theseus pointedly with an even more pointed look at Newt. From the way that Newt could only sulk in response to this, Tina deduced that perhaps that had been the cause for the argument that she had interrupted. Understandable, thought Tina, given what little that Newt has told me about the relationship between him and his father.

"Well, Miss Goldstein," said Theseus, turning back to Tina with his cheerful smile appearing again. "If you'll just step over to my desk, I will help you get checked in and settled."

Tina followed Theseus to his desk. Newt took a few steps closer to her, but he stayed just out of arm's reach (unfortunately). Theseus picked up a folder from his desk, opened it, and held it and a quill out towards her. "Just sign above where you see your name."

Looking at what appeared to be a list of about a dozen names, Tina quickly found her own and signed in the designated spot. After she'd handed it back to Theseus, he said, "I've reserved a room for you at The Leaky Cauldron. It's our best and most popular public house in London. Introduce yourself to Paulie, the owner, and he'll take care of you. You'll probably find him working behind the bar."

Tina nodded. "Alright. Could you tell me where to –"

"I'll escort you there, Tina," said Newt, taking a small step closer to her. Theseus gave an approving smile and nod.

Tina looked at him, smiled, and said with meaning, "I'd like that, very much."

Newt smiled again, and her heart soared.

"Excellent!" Theseus exclaimed, clapping his hands. "Now that's sorted, there's just one more thing for you to know, Miss Goldstein. As I said, the conference begins at 10 AM tomorrow. Report to the fifth floor, where our international affairs are conducted, present your credentials at the front desk, and you'll be escorted to the meeting."

Tina nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Scamander. I will see you tomorrow, then."

"Absolutely, and you as well, Newton," said Theseus, ending on that same pointed look and tone for Newt. But the playful smirk came back as he pointed towards the floor beside Newt. "And please don't forget your traveling menagerie on the way out."

Newt couldn't help one corner of his lips turning upwards as he replied, "Wouldn't dream of it."

Tina chuckled as her eyes found a very familiar suitcase resting against a chair placed in front of Theseus's desk. Newt bent down and lifted up his case. Tina readjusted her hold on her own case (which she'd had yet to put down since arriving in England) and followed Newt to the door.

"Have fun, you two! But remember the official business of tomorrow, so not too much fun!" Theseus called after them, ensuring that the both of them had bright red cheeks and ears as they exited the office.