Making Things Right

"To Jacob and Queenie Kowalski!"

They all raised their glasses in a toast to the newly married couple before breaking into smaller groups to celebrate. Newt drifted away from the others, finding himself in an out of the way corner. His eyes settled on Tina as he sipped his champagne. She was standing on the opposite side of the room where she was chatting with Lally. The two women clearly knew each other well.

Tina's mouth curved into a smile as she laughed at something Lally had said. Newt knew he was staring, but he couldn't help himself. He hadn't seen her in quite some time. The last time he had been in New York had been when she was promoted. He could still remember her face when she told him the news. The memory brought a small smile to his face, but he pushed it away a moment later. There were some things he didn't need to be thinking about at the moment.

"Why don't you go over there and talk to her instead of staring at her?"

Newt spared his brother a quick glance before turning his gaze back to Tina. "She's busy at the moment."

"Oh, come on, Newt. You could always cut in."

"It's not a dance, Theseus."

Theseus laughed. "Still, I don't think they'd mind."

Newt stared into his drink, watching the bubbles rise to the surface. Then he raised the glass to his lips and swallowed the last of the liquid. He shook his head slightly.

"When did you last see her?"

"It was a while ago. When she was promoted."

"Well, I'd suggest you talk to her sometime before you leave."

Newt glanced at his brother again. "I will. I just ... don't want to intrude."

Theseus chuckled. "I, on the other hand, don't mind intruding. If you'll excuse me."

Newt watched as his brother crossed the room and joined the two women. They moved to include him in their group. They laughed, and he felt a sudden pang of jealousy at how easily his brother interacted with people. He had always found it difficult, even with people he was close to.

He had just about worked up the nerve to join them when Jacob approached and pulled him over to where Queenie was talking to Bunty. Queenie slipped her arms around her new husband. It was wonderful to see her so happy again. Newt hadn't forgotten the haunted look in her eyes, but there was no trace of it now. For the first time since Jacob had stepped out into the rain, she was her usual, vibrant, cheerful self. She hadn't stopped smiling since the ceremony. None of them had.

Queenie easily drew him into the conversation. Lally joined them a few minutes later. Apparently, Tina and Theseus had begun discussing Auror business, so she had excused herself. Eventually, Queenie and Jacob drifted away, leaving Newt and Bunty to talk with Lally.

Newt had been exchanging letters with Lally ever since Dumbledore had contacted them for help. They had become quite good friends, and the three of them didn't have too much trouble finding something to talk about.

As the evening wore on and it began to get late, people began to take their leave. Theseus was the first go. He had to get back to the Ministry and would be leaving for London early the next morning. Bunty left with him after asking Newt if he was coming along. Newt had shaken his head and said he'd be staying a little longer. It wasn't long before Lally excused herself, offering her congratulations to the happy couple before leaving to return to Ilvermorney. Jacob's assistant had vanished earlier in the evening, leaving four people still in the bakery.

"You know, this is the first time the four of us is together since we met." Queenie looked around, a smile that seemed to light up the room on her face. Then the smile faded. "I'm so sorry. If I hadn't—"