#fantastic beasts fic
Text
the art of lies | t.s. (fantastic beasts) - chapter one
Summary: all your life you had been handling the dirty truth, and here he comes presenting you with his sweet lies.
Pairings: Theseus Scamander x Fem!Reader
genre: romance, mature audience intended
warnings: mature themes, implied sexual content, sexworker protagonist, pleasure house (brothel), smoking
the art of lies masterlist
IN THE ABSENCE OF DAYLIGHT, Paris comes alive, after all, it is known as the City of Love.
Love in the form of freshly picked flowers from the florist.
The sweetest chocolate that tickled your taste buds.
Hand-written poems that rivaled world-renowned poets.
A love so sweet and tender that it caresses you gently in the night
But that certainly wasn’t the truth, it never was. Love wasn’t like that.
Love was the thorns that hid beneath the roses.
Love was the bitter taste that lingered in your mouth after your first dark chocolate.
Love was the letter from lovers that had written goodbyes instead of ‘I’ll stay’.
Love was the harsh tug of your hair, the rough hands that hold your wrists, saying the words ‘You are so beautiful’ only when you are in the middle of the bed, spread willingly to the desires of man.
Here, in Paris, is nothing but filled with nights of debauchery where all senses are thrown out the window. The sickening smell of expensive perfume and wine drowning you in the world of sins. And Paris was notable for it, here you are free! Or so they say.
Truth be told, you could never be free, always staying in hiding from the Non-Magiques. And here you were indebted to your handler, Madame Blanche, the owner of the renowned luxurious Maison close ‘Amour Délicat’.
Like her name, the whites in her hair and the sharp look in her eyes tell her story. She was a former courtesan before and when the first war of the non-magiques happened there she learned something that would give birth to her only child, the Amour Délicat. When she shared the truth of what was happening in the world of the non-magiques to the Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France (Ministry of Magical Affairs of France), Madame Blanche was greatly compensated, and there from the ground up, she built her history.
Madame Blanche is far from the harsh and ruthless handlers in the non-magiques world of prostitution; she is commanding and ruthless. When she saw the reality of the world, it opened her mind to do whatever it takes to protect herself, and that is by being well-known that you create a sense of security in being seen. Here she opened her doors to those willing to work for her, at first, many were wary as to join and take employment, the look of disdain and gossip were indeed not for the faint of heart.
And you who had nothing to lose, took the first bite and jumped straight into death potion.
You, who only had your name and the clothes you wore on your back crawled straight inside Pandora’s box.
Madame Blanche had saved you, she had given you a roof, food, clothes, and the protection that you needed. The life you formerly had was long gone; it was all in the past, thrown into the sea to be forgotten.
And here you learn to be a great witch. She first-hand, had taught you how to be a legilimens, as her first courtesan, she has taught you how to traverse the mind easily, to learn secrets, and how to use them to your advantage.
“The most powerful of witches and wizards can all be defeated by the secrets they hide.”
While the other courtesans were only taught surface-level legilimency, you were a natural. Not only can you do it nonverbally and wandlessly, but you can also communicate with others telepathically. Madame Blanche had opened you to all possibilities, and with that, she entrusted you with the highest position of being her right hand.
And your skill at legilimens always comes at night when you bed another clientele. And in the middle of pure ecstasy, they reveal the truth unwillingly. Here in the dimmed candlelight, you walked through the halls of their mind unlocking every door with a skeleton key of your abilities. No matter how many layers, or how many locks they keep, trust you could open it with ease. Secrets like marital affairs, financial debt, graft and corruption, illegitimate children, crimes, enemies, first love, their favorite color, the last thing they ate, their thoughts at that very moment… you can see and feel. An out-of-body experience, stripping you naked from yourself, from what you are and who you were. Here you forgot you were even breathing.
You didn’t realize you had been lying on the bed still for the last few minutes, the house elf, Bernadette, had been looking at you worriedly, and in her hand was your dressing robe, colors almost like the blinding light.
“Was the man harsh on you today, Miss?” She asked, placing the mulberry silk robe on your hand. You gave her a small smile and shook your head. The faint marks of rope were the clear sign of your lies, yet you were accustomed to it.
“It is alright. Run my bath for me?” With a wave of her hand, the bed took itself towards the laundry room and came in a small golden tub that fit your frame. Muttering a spell it filled the tub with bubbles and water, you stood before it before hitting it with a wave of your wand. The gramophone in the room suddenly erupted into soulful jazz music. With a scrub and a bar of soap ready at hand, Bernadette tried to assist you but you declined. Stepping foot into the warm bubbly bath.
“I would like a moment alone.” You waved your hand as soon as the words left your mouth, the house elf knew to leave you to your own devices. You were a grown woman, a woman who has been doing these for the last decade. And whenever you tried to look into your future, all you could see were the grand walls that painted your very eyes, the moving wallpaper depicting fields of various white flowers, you were stuck in Amour Délicat for the last moments of your life. This was the only thing you will ever know. You were indebted and grateful to Madame Blanche, and that led to your loyalty. She protects you and everyone in the Maison close. Outside these walls was uncertainty.
In the hot water, you submerged yourself trying to wake yourself up to the fact that this is your life. Yet when the warm glow of the city, fireworks erupted the skyline, muffled by the water you sat straight to peer at the noise. Without even looking, you knew families were in their own homes, enclosed with the scent of pastries and the warmth of their own fireplace. It was just a few minutes before New Year's Eve, and here you were working. Alone, staring into the distance, craving the sense of a warm home.
Holding your knees close to your chest, you stared at the skyline as Muggles and Magical people alike celebrated the night with a bright display of fireworks.
Unbeknown to you, Clarice, the receptionist had been preventing the members of the British Ministry of Magic from stepping foot towards the quarters an hour before the new year would start.
“You cannot go inside; this is a private and respectable property,” Clarice spoke, her accent rushing the words as panic littered her veins. Her arm at ready with her own wand. The lounge was filled with thick air as the British aurors pointed their wand at the girl, not understanding a word she shouted.
Click-clack! Click-clack!
With every slow step, Madame Blanche descended the stairs.
“And what do you English want? Here to close Amour Délicat? You don’t have the right.” Madame Blanche boasts, looking at the men below with her chin pointed upwards. Looking at them one by one, the Madame could not read their minds, the British aurors have been trained in occlumency. Remaining calm, she stood on the balcony, overlooking the whole crowd below.
“We were looking for one of your workers. I believe they have the answers to the disappearance of one of the assistant delegates of the British Department of the International Confederation of Wizards.” Torquil Travers claimed, holding a photograph of a man in his middle 30s-40s.
Summoning the paper in the grasp of the Madame, she looked at the photograph intently, racking up all the lists of their clients. Without even showing hints of recognition, Madame had thrown the paper back into the hands of the aurors.
“I believe you must have a permit before we further your inquiries. If not, then leave.” Turning around, she waved a hand to open the large doors.
“We have it, signed and approved by your own Minister.” Stopping in her tracks, the auror walked up to the steps and held it right in front of the Madame’s face. Now a hint of annoyance was painted on her pointed brows.
“Come to my office, only I can accommodate two of you. Choose wisely.” Madame Blanche said in a cold tone, not even bothering to wait for aurors as she walked straight to the lift.
“Scamander! Come with me.” Travers could upon the young man, the older auror respected the young man’s abilities and thinking, after all, he was a respectable war hero.
Stepping into the lift, the walls were decorated with moving painted white flowers, the madame touched the button to the highest floor, and the black lining of the lift showed its elegance. As the Aurors stood behind her, eyes darted across each other in nervousness. The Brits showed no sign of anxiety, even if that was far from the truth, the Madame held an air of regalness suffocating them with the scent of floral perfume. As soon as the doors of the lift parted for her, the room was quite the luxury and beauty with its eclectic interior, engulfed with knick-knacks from travels, moving statues, paintings from famous muggles, and the large glass pane showing the night sky.
In the middle of the room was a velvet green chair, a large glass table, and a lone flower sitting in the golden vase.
“Sit.” She pointed toward the chair in front of her, while she remained standing encircling the room looking at the Englishman that disturbed her home.
“Our clients value discreteness, we simply could not disclose it easily… yet since you presented me with a hand-written note by our minister I must oblige to your request. Then talk, what is it that you want?”
“We are looking for Charles Moore. He has been in charge of communications with the French Ministry as a part of assistant delegate for our Ministry, he asked to be assigned here after the Muggle World War. The day he was posted to return, he didn’t. And we believe that in his letters to his sister, he claimed to be…”
Madame Blanche raised her eyebrow at Torquil Travers waiting for him to spit it out.
“In love.” Theseus replied. “He claims that he has found the love of life here in Paris and was planning to buy off her indenture. Or so we believe.”
Madame Blanche scoffed.
“There are many dames in Paris, and he chose to settle with a courtesan?” Madame Blanche laughed, making Travers find it humorous as well. In the keen eyes of Madame Blanche, he saw Theseus's brows turn into a frown before shifting back to biting his cheeks.
“Are you certain that it was in Amour Délicat?”
Theseus answered with a nod.
There were three letters in total from Charles Moore to his sister. And for the past few days, Theseus had been assigned to look for the exact description of the building. He alone took the time of the day, looking at details of every establishment and brothel in Paris, from the world of the muggles to hidden alcoves of the French Wizarding World. After 2 days, he had seen the exact description of the magnificent-looking walls lined with silver and the sweet nauseating scent of flowers, that’s when he knew this was it.
First Letter:
Dearest Ange,
I believe I have found the love of my life! No one is ever as beautiful as her. No amount of theatrics on the show could ever take my eyes off of her. She sat there like a flower, waiting for me.
As soon as the play was over, I tried to approach her. Tell her to take my hand and run away with me. Oh, Ange! I never felt something like this. This must be what love is. Yet, my heart turned to pieces when I saw her taking the arm of another man, walking together side-by-side as they left the theater. I trailed behind them, and saw the most luxurious of buildings, sparkled with silver linings and flowers decorating its walls. Then I stopped and stared, and the man left her there. That’s when I realized what it was… I know this might sound ridiculous, but she is working in the red-light district and with that, no amount of apprehension could hinder me. I know you would flip the whole house upside down, but Ange this is love. I am certain of it. No amount of your denial could keep me away from this.
From your darling brother, Charlie.
Second Letter:
Dear Angelique,
With the amount of your reply, I take that your silence was your approval.
Today, I took liquid courage to go ahead and talk to her. But the only way was that I had to pay a fortune. I walked to the receptionist with high hopes, and with her assistance, she immediately gave me a room. With flowers in hand, I waited for her only to get my hopes up when another girl walked into the room. I was filled with disappointment. I asked the lady of the night for the description of my love, and she claimed that she was part of the ‘bouquet de blanc’. First-time patrons' pocket money is not enough to gain an audience. And me being an assistant could only lead me to certain places, yet I will persevere.
Give me a few more days and I’ll be able to, no matter the cost.
From your brother, Charles.
Last Letter:
To my Darling Sister,
I hope this letter finds you well, I could not disclose to the ministry the cost of my expenses… but I found another way. Worry no more. Today, I will finally be able to talk to her.
The day that I return home is when she is with me.
From your loving brother.
Placing the letters right in front of the Madame of the house, with a lifted finger her smile faded into a scowl. Someone from the inside was spreading information about her courtesans; Bouquet de Blanc was valued in secrecy. This was a catalog of their courtesans that had regular high-paying patrons, and this was not open for viewing so easily. Patrons that were deemed valuable to her and her Maison close were accommodated, the pure-blooded noble families, higher ranking officials, royalty even. And someone from the lower ranks of her courtesans had their tongue quite willingly.
Waving her wand, she summoned a large logbook. There inside was information such as names, professions, ages, nationalities, and ranks of their patrons, of course, the courtesan they were assigned to. Whispering the name Charles Moore, it skimmed through the pages with ease, and there in bold letters was the name of the auror the Brits were looking for. Travers tried to peer at the other listed names, his curiosity taking the best of him.
“Curiosity is the lust of the mind, Mr. Travers. Why don’t you sit still, and I’ll call upon her.”
Closing the book harshly, Madame called upon Bernadette. Apparating next to her mistress, Madame Blanche whispered to call the girl. Nodding the house elf disappeared within a blink of an eye. Behind them, the elevator dinged, while the Madame tapped on the book with carefully manicured nails.
“It is New Year’s Eve; would you like to avail of our services? It can easily be arranged. I know it’s a long journey and your work for your ministry is greatly appreciated, it wouldn’t hurt to take the night off— to indulge yourself in your sensual desires.”
The older man shifted in his seat uncomfortably. Suddenly they were interrupted when the elevator doors dinged, signaling the arrival of the courtesan. Turning around a slender figure stepped foot in the room, She wore a long flowing green nightgown.
“Come in here and greet the Brits, Maeve. They would like to talk to you about Charles Moore.” Madame Blanche pointed to the aurors in front of her, the back of the courtesan’s neck grew in a cold sweat.
“I–I do not understand Madame Blanche. I didn’t do anything wrong! The man asked– and I swore that was the last of it, I told him what he wanted to hear.” The girl's pleading cries fell on deaf ears as the aurors could not understand what she was crying about. Theseus' eyes darted between Madame Blanche and the girl’s tear-stricken face. While Torquil Travers stood to show his authority, ready to apprehend the girl.
Within just a few seconds, Madame Blanche had already seen the inner linings of the girl’s mind. The fear registered in her thoughts while she traversed doors upon doors to look for the memories of the missing delegate, and right there she found what she was seeking.
In just a few quick strides, Madame Blanche towered over the girl with a look of disdain painted on her red lips. The old mistress, jaw held tightly as she wiped the tears of the girl. Only to hold the young girl’s face tightly, her long nails pierced through the delicate skin while she stared straight down into the young woman’s eyes with an intense look, unblinking.
“You may leave, pack your bags, and look for work elsewhere. I do not take it kindly to those willing to open their mouths willingly to my secrets. Bernadette, escort her out of here. I have found what I’m looking for.”
The girl refused as the house elf dragged the wailing girl back to the elevator, screams of ‘no’ echoed through the walls.
Travers, who was far too confused, shouted for the house elf to stop as the girl was a key witness. Even pointed his wand threateningly at the old mistress, ready to cast a stunning spell within the tips of his lips. The madame disarms him with a flick of her wand, his wand went flying right off his grasp and cluttered on the hardwood floor. Madame shook her head no when the auror Travers tried to pick it up.
“You’re a legilimens.” Theseus muttered; Madame Blanche turned around to face the man giving them a tight-lipped smile and nodded.
“Would you like to view the girl’s memory and be done with it? I need to run my business after all.” Offering to perform legilimency to project the memories to the aurors, they declined. They knew not to, after all, they too have secrets that protect their ministry.
“We decline. We, Aurors value our minds and do not open them so willingly.” Travers stated, still apprehensive of Madame Blanche. “But the girl needs to be questioned, we have to have her testimonials as to Moore’s disappearance.”
“Then you must trust my word because I too have my secrets to keep. That girl didn’t kill or cause his disappearance. He came in here one night, to question about the catalog of my courtesans and that was it–”
Cutting off the handler of the brothel, Theseus insisted; “Charles Moore stated in his letters about a ‘bouquet de blanc’. I hope that might ring a bell, after browsing through your catalog in the lobby earlier. I couldn’t find traces of this list, is this a secret that you are hiding from the ministry?”
Madame Blanche’s eyes narrowed at the young auror; her piercing ice-blue eyes almost looked like they could kill.
“No, of course not. My bouquet de blanc is the Amour Délicat trade secrets. I could not easily say it out loud for fear of our competitors copying what I built from the ground up. If you would like to browse that catalog, then let me— although I must say, we do not easily offer our services freely.” Walking towards a dark oak cabinet grabbing a large book with golden linings. Placing right back at the table, Madame Blanche flipped through the pages with images of different courtesans, and right on its last page was a picture of you.
“I believe she is the one he is asking for.” She pointed with a manicured finger, right before your name was a title given to you.
Queen of the Night; Night-blooming Cereus
You were smiling, looking right at the onlooker like it was destined. While others bashfully hid their eyes, sultry looking to get admirers, you didn’t need to do that. You had your charm, something that allures the onlookers to choose you. Madame Blanche tried to flip the page to show them another photograph of you leaving nothing to the imagination to the spectator, but Theseus stopped her.
“I think that is enough, could you summon her to talk to us.” Theseus declared with a cough, standing up to close the book and stepping right in front of Travers' line of sight. “Please.”
Madame Blanche smiled, this time it was far different. “I believe your permit only limited you to talk to one of the key witnesses… And since Mr. Moore was not a benefactor of bouquet de blanc, I know because I am the only bookkeeper of that catalog… you must pay a hefty price.”
Now, the Aurors were stuck in the beginning, only pieces of blocked paths. If Charles Moore was not on the list of high-ranking patrons, then they could only comply with the demands of the authority and right now it wasn’t them who was holding the winning cards. When Travers' authority gets threatened, he scoffs, ready to drag Theseus out of the old woman. Madame Blanche truly was a businesswoman, she played them a fool. Whether they get out of the establishment empty-handed, or with empty wallets was their choice. They could simply not arrest the old woman, this was out of their jurisdiction, they were out of their element and far from their own country, and they simply couldn’t do whatever they wanted.
“Either you pay full price, or you will tell me why such a simple assistant is being hunted down by the best Aurors of the British Ministry. Pick your price.” She sat arms folded right in front of her face, holding her chin while she grinned at the standing men.
Within a minute of no one budging, Travers' patience wavered. With a deep sigh, he faltered. With one last glance at Theseus, he held his head low.
“Charles Moore stole 4,000 galleons. We believe that he tried to buy her indenture and convince her to come to London with him.” Travers confessed. That was the half-truth, Theseus’ senior took out the part that it was from the subsidy for international affairs. And the way he stole it was undetected like he had some insiders to help him, they were now battling an unseen threat. They only noticed it was missing after 3 months, when Theseus looked at the accounts and noticed that something was awry.
Madame Blanche started laughing, “He believes he can buy off her indenture for 4,000 galleons. Oh, what a joke! That’ll only cost him half an hour at most”
When Madame Blanche stopped laughing, she pointed back to the lift doors. “Head to the floor below. I’ll tell her I sent you.” The aurors nodded and headed to leave only to be held when the Madame halted them to stop.
“You endanger my investment; I’d rather you stay here than be near one of my priceless courtesans.” She stated, pointing at the older auror. Theseus can see his senior jaw tightened, and the veins on his neck grew red in anger. Not only was the older auror disarmed, but he was also being held under surveillance in fear that he might endanger you, now his patience and authority wavered on thin ice, and his eyes clouded with anger.
“I’ll talk to her and I’ll find what we need.” Theseus whispered as soon as he stepped foot in the lift. The doors closed slowly; he saw Madame Blanche’s eyes watching the other auror like a hawk.
When the doors for the lift opened, what greeted him was a vast hall painted like the night sky. With a slight shift of his eyes, he can see the tiny freckles of stars that decorated a lone white door. Unlike the outside of the establishment, this seemed out of place with the flower motifs of Amour Délicat. Here he can feel the cold breeze of the winter night. Knocking on the white door, he called out to the name he had seen written on the catalog.
You who had been preoccupied with your thoughts; wishing to know the feeling of stepping out of your body, floating, freely, like the ghosts that linger down the dark alleys. Right outside the window, the streets erupted in cheers as they all greeted each other another happy new year. Drinking down the champagne that was given to you by a patron, noting a taste of toast and coffee and a subtle spice drowning out all your other senses. When the fireworks ended, you lay there looking at the skylight as the only glow of the light left was the moonlight.
A subtle knock started you as you let Bernadette waltz her way in. Her company and the cup of tea are greatly appreciated when your water has now gone cold. But instead of the house elf, what replaced her was someone far taller than her; there he stood only the silhouette of his slender frame seen.
Theseus didn’t expect what he saw, a lone woman basking in the golden tub, a melancholy look written in her eyes.
Sad. You looked sad.
The only sound that could be heard was the faint hum of the gramophone across the room and the muffled cheers that erupted right behind the glass windows. With the faint sparkle of light, you saw a slight frown on his face. Realizing your predicament, you went back to wearing the mask when you were at work.
“Would you like me to keep you company?” You asked, turning around delicately, careful not to show another ounce of skin. Tilting your head to one side and smiling at him, the same one he has seen in the photograph earlier.
When Theseus realized what you were implying, he held his hand and shook his head, showing you a metal badge indicating the words ‘auror’. You had a fair share of French aurors that came to you for a night, often playing the role of the captive and captor. What a lack of imagination, if this is the role he wants to play then so be it.
“You would like to play that role? I, the convict, and you the detainer. Would you like that darling?” You asked, ready to approach him when he realized what was happening, he turned around not to face your naked form. The tips of his ears went red in embarrassment.
“I didn’t come here for your service; I was sent here by Madame Blanche to question you. My name is Theseus Scamander, I was sent by the British Ministry of Magic.” He announced.
Ahh… A British Auror. You hummed and stood to grab the white robe and placed it on your body. Hearing the sound of faint footsteps, Theseus waited until you gave him a signal.
“I see… talk I don’t have all night to entertain you.” This time you put your weight and one foot, crossing your arms across your chest. Your hand laid steady on your wand.
Turning around, you pointed toward the chair that sat across from you, and he agreed to your request. As soon as he did, you went and grabbed the champagne you had been drinking earlier and procured another glass to pour him one. Placing it next to him, you stood in front of him and drank yours, waiting as he did too. Theseus eyed it suspiciously, but you continued to drink it on your own accord.
“A gift… something lighter than the fire whiskey.” You replied as you down the glass in one gulp. He nodded and carefully took a sip of his. You sat in front of him and grabbed the bottle to pour more down into your glass.
When he exhaled in satisfaction, you knew it tasted amazing. Theseus knew what you were doing, trying to lower his guard, not sitting to show you were in control, and intoxicating him to vulnerability. Yet, he remained calm, showing no signs of threat to you. If Madame Blanche was a legilimens, there was a high chance you were too, all he needed to do was throw you off his scent.
And just like he had predicted, right at the moment you tried to pry his mind. A knot on your brow formed when you stared intently at him.
‘You looked sad.’ Those were the thoughts that circled his mind, like a mantra. You can feel it. Feel him. It made you nauseous, the bile in your throat rose as his thoughts engraved into yours. No one had looked at you and thought you were sad; it was always beautiful. Sadness and you were never to be put in a sentence, and when his thoughts did it terrified you.
To be seen broken makes you fear. To be seen feeling sadness made the feeling of being stripped naked for the whole world to see. All your life, you had built these walls that made you stand on your own two feet. The ache in your mind becomes unbearable, you weren’t beautiful… underneath all the expensive clothes, and pearls that glittered your skin— you are crooked, battered with bruises, wrecked by time, your skin filthy with sin, you were a tragedy… a rotten work.
“Stop.” With gritted teeth, you fail to look at his eyes and his mind. A slip of the tongue made you realize what you had said out loud, that was all Theseus needed to know that you too are a legilimens. “State your purposes.”
Right in the pockets of his coat was the photograph of Charles Moore, he carefully placed it on the table in front of him waiting for you to pick it up.
“Do you recognize him?” He placed the picture within your line of sight. Pausing he tried to scope for your reaction. “It’s Charles Moore, an assistant delegate of the British Department of the International Confederation of Wizards.”
“He has been missing for months and the last contact we had from him was a letter to his sister, trying to have an audience with you.”
Your eyes examined Moore’s photograph. And minutes passed your silence almost became too heavy to Theseus's dislike, but he needed to thread your waters carefully, you were already agitated for unknown reasons.
“I believe I do not know who this person is.” You smiled and stared at Theseus, the first time you met his eyes after your outburst earlier.
He pointed out another slip of your strong facade right at its mark. “Yet you do not deny that you do recognize him.”
“Maybe I do… Maybe I don’t. It is possible he is one of my long lists of admirers, doesn’t erase the fact that I do not know him at all.”
“I highly doubt that. You’re a legilimens, and I am not; that is true. I need to know if you have met with him once, and if you are proven to be telling the truth then I would leave this room. But I can tell you’re lying. Skilled legilimens can procure memories into another person, and all I needed was the time and date, any people that were trailing him. Your truth is all I need.” He proposes.
“Or would you rather we do this the hard way? The choice is yours.” He leaned forward as his head rested on his knuckles.
“You give me the illusion of free choice when all you want is to pry my mind. Is there something you are not saying, Mister Scamander? Tell me the truth, what is in it for you? What would you get to look into the inner workings of my mind? You expect me to believe that you honestly want nothing else? Just my memory? I hardly doubt that.” Challenging his proposition, you leaned forward as your palms hit the glass table harshly with a loud slap, not before rebutting his claims. “Surely it could not be just you are looking for a testament, you wouldn’t work hard on that, all you needed is a vial of the strongest veritaserum and it would be done. Then why are you pushing hard to look into my mind?”
“You play a cruel game of trust.” He sighed, making you scoff. “Mr. Moore had said in his letters about how he will get the currency to meet you, his means to getting it is unsaid. And that was a clear sign that he needed someone to work with him to get that from a subsidiary of international affairs, you are simply a madman to be able to work alone. And all I need is— you. All I need is you.”
Your brows furrowed in confusion.
“I need you to work with me. You knew better than just mere rumors, you knew everyone and could see their thoughts.”
Working with the British Ministry, consider it treason. Yet, you never were loyal to this land. Your loyalty lies elsewhere, it stays to those who have given you a sense of protection. Your loyalty is within Madame Blanche’s hands. Hands that remained choking you to stay.
Still, you let Mr. Scamander entertain you with his words.
“It would have to take you a valuable price, Mr. Scamander. I am an expensive woman, yet, I am considerate. Give me leverage and I will give you what you want.” That’s when he stopped and stared at the photo, avoiding any eye contact. “What could you possibly offer Mr. Scamander, tell me.”
You grinned as you took a sip at the champagne, just like a war, both of you had been disarming and hurting each other for the kill. Breaking down every barrier with a small slip-up of each other, both of you were professionals at your trades. He is an Auror, he knows how to spot lies and negotiate, give you the feeling of support to make you break down your armor. Meanwhile, you pride yourself on being a great liar, you know what to say to appear compliant, and you know how to adapt and play the games to your tide. Every word and sentence uttered until one of you would lose the battle of wits, one slip and the fallen would crash and burn.
Leaning back you gave him a smile, your wand procuring a cigarette that lay on the table. Placing it gently on your lips, the tip of your wand lit up a flame. With a deep inhale, you knew you were already winning the battle. You didn’t need to look into his mind, to know that he was fighting a losing war. His occlumency was far useless when the knot on his forehead and the jaunt of his chin told you he was conflicted.
“I have been offered riches that could fill De Nile, clothes that were woven from the rarest of silks, jewels that shone brighter than the sun, houses that housed thousands of rooms, paintings of the most beautiful landscapes, songs and sonnets about my beauty, the most exotics of creatures that lay hidden within the government’s grasp… Pray tell, what could a simple auror like you have that can overthrow all those proposals?”
He was silent, expression never changing. And no matter how hard you try to pry to look into his mind, it remains still like he is right in front of you.
“Safety.” Your smile faltered. “I offer you safety.”
You blinked and blinked. Trying hard not to show that your jaw was slack in silence; the timeliness of the gramophone hitting its ending notes was fitting. His words lay heavy on your mind.
Amour Délicat had always offered you protection, but never safety. Safety was a word often associated with emotional aspects that were never visible in your job, safety offered you the sense of never needing to keep your secrets in this line of work or needing not to utter a word that would be your downfall in these walls. Protection kept you free and sheltered from physical aspects and threats, like the two guards that trailed you whenever you needed to do outside work, or the walls that shielded you from the rain. Safety is a foreign word, way too foreign that it burns you with curiosity. A thrill you never experience on a silver platter. It gives you hope— and hope gives you greed. A greet that surpasses all material things known to man. You want to take it all, consume your being until all is left is the safety that you wanted, the safety of being able to walk free, to run away, the security of not needing to know that this is the place where you would meet your demise.
You knew how Madame Blanche worked, she took pride in knowing secrets and that is her leverage. And right now Madama Blanche would be none the wiser when you will take his deal. And there is one thing in the world that the Madame hated, and it is to not know anything at all.
“Give me your hand.”
“What?”
You held your hand to him and stood up, apprehensive he stood up as well taking your hand in his. Looking up into his eyes, you called upon the house elf. Bernadette immediately appeared right beside you.
“Don’t promise me empty words.”
“I won’t.”
“Then you wouldn’t mind if we made an unbreakable vow.”
Your hold on his palm tightens, only to travel into his wrist. Without breaking eye contact you give him a minute to decide what his choice would be. Does he trust you enough to do it at the expense of his life, or would he rather fear being the one to dictate his actions?
His palm pressed tightly into your wrists, not like the rough hands that occupied your wrists hours ago, his hold was gentle, not imposing. Nodding at Bernadette, a thin tongue of flame issued at the tips of the house elf's fingertips and wound its way around both your and Theseus’ hands. It felt like a burning wire, keeping your skin aflame.
“Will you, Theseus Scamander, promise to provide my safety, as he and I work together?”
“I will.”
“Will you, abide by our oath, to only tell the truth to me?”
“I will.”
a/n:
dialogue that is formatted like this “dialogue” is in French.
i tried hard to make it one-shot i really did, buT I SIMPLY CANT SO HERE I GIVE YOU WORLD BUILDING AND MORE LORE UPON LORE ON THIS FIC.
#theseus scamander#theseus scamander x reader#theseus scamander x y/n#theseus scamander imagine#theseus scamander oneshot#theseus scamander fic#theseus scamander smut#theseus scamander x you#fantastic beasts fic#fantastic beasts imagine#fantastic beasts one shot#callum turner
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Some Unholy War | Theseus Scamander
SUMMARY: In an ideal world, you’d like to think you and Theseus could be friends. Frankly, though, his compassion made you nauseous. Or maybe it was nerves. The feeling was always hard for you to distinguish. You wished the way he looked at you would bring warmth to your chest, but it only reminded you of how that was another impossibility.
PAIRING: Theseus Scamander x f!reader
WORD COUNT: 2.1K
WARNINGS: canon-typical things, mentions of smoking and drinking, angst, morally gray reader, mutual pining, semi enemies-to- lovers, protective Theseus, etc.
A/N: Lowkey proud of this one, so comments and feedback are Super welcomed! This was based off this request, so thank you SO much anon, this was a blast that might have to be a series. Also Huge thanks to @kalllistos for all the help, couldn’t have been done without you!! Enjoy.
PART II, PART III, PART IV
You fit in so absolutely.
The rim of your glass was still lined with enough sugar to enjoy dwindling sips. Theseus knew it was gin. Your lipstick left a mark on everything you kissed, the pattern was found on your glass, and the cigarette holder balanced between your fingers. You made everything look so serene. Simple.
Scanning the room, you hadn’t seen Theseus yet. However, he, too, fit in—tie properly knotted to show his status and pocket-watch cleverly tucked in his waistcoat. Once he joined you at the secluded booth, he’d complete the idyllic image.
Yet, Theseus lingered for a moment, taking you in. Your confidence was always envious. It worked silently, exuding from your presence alone. Your magnetism couldn’t be credited to magic but to how you evolved, becoming pointed and moving without fault.
Theseus was one of the only ones remaining to know it hadn’t begun that way. He remembered you, a few years below him, always sprinting to class, already late. The professors would scold you, and your confidence was read as insolence. You challenged everything and excelled in doing so, but it only lent itself to trouble. It created a barrier always present between the two of you.
“You’re late.” You sucked in a crackling breath. With pointed eyes, you took his presence in. Even late into the night, he was always so poised. Professional. “I’m risking a lot showing my face here.”
“You look beautiful.” Theseus slid into the leather cushion. The charm always came with his supposed professionalism. It came in waves and never crawled under your skin the way intended. “Relax…It’s fine.”
Unbuttoning his suit jacket’s button, Theseus settled. It was bold of you to accept his invitation to meet so publicly, but he knew you couldn’t resist. You just needed to play your part smartly and get what you want.
“Your promises are too shallow for me to trust.” You crossed your legs, making it easier to lean and be heard. Then, you clicked your tongue against your teeth with sarcasm, “I think I’d rather you arrest me.”
“Unfortunately, I’ve clocked out for the night.” Theseus was an intentional man, a clever man. He was protecting his image just as much as yours. “It’s just you and me.”
“That’s why you wanted to meet here…” You hummed with feigned realization. The muggle restaurant was a precarious cover but equally as rewarding in its purpose. “You know there are better ways to ask someone on a date.”
“I’ll keep that in mind for next time…” Theseus matched your hum absentmindedly. The banter was a buffer, something to ease into an inevitable unwanted conversation. Reaching into his heavily charmed jacket, he pulled out a file.
It was always a fucking file. The folders were always pristine, never quite full of all the information, just enough of what Theseus was willing to share. It grew over the years of the unorthodox relationship, but you knew not to mistake that for trust.
The figures in the picture were blurry, moving incoherently as they entered a building. The stack of images moved in sequence, following rushedly an exchange that was meant to remain a secret. Without seeing their faces well, you knew who they were, and you held back from using your cigarette roach to burn it all away. Instead, the image repeat over and over before you, but your expression was trained with passivity.
“When did he get out?” You finally met Theseus’ eye. Your composure could fool most, but to a trained eye, your discomfort was obvious.
“A month or so at this point...”
Your laugh was bitter. “So, I’ve been a sitting duck.”
“You’ve been avoiding me...” Theseus countered, his tone just barely teasing. There was truth in jest, as there were plenty of owls following you. You looked at him, knowing what came next. His compassion would get him killed. “...I can help you.”
“Careful.” You cocked your head, musing a buried thought. “You’re getting awful sentimental these days.”
“Don’t you want those off?” Theseus leaned in like you had, voice low. Although his fingers were threaded together, he pointed to the bracelets on your wrists.
You smirked, “And ruin my outfit?”
Rarely did you acknowledge them so explicitly. The bracelets—admonitors—dampened your magic by tracking your every spell. They made you feel like a child with a trace spell. Part of you wished you could say you grew accustomed to the constant surveillance, but you grew weary of lying.
The offer was too sweet, and you wanted more than just your magic untraced. “What’s the catch?”
“You help the Ministry find him.” Theseus was trying to protect you, but you were too filled with vindication to notice.
“You mean work for you.”
He frowned, correcting you, “With me.”
“There truly isn’t a difference in your world.” You spat. The ministry was the reason you were in this mess; they branded your cuffs as a daily reminder that your autonomy was shared. “You’d be using me as bait.”
The conversation would go in circles, as it always had. It was the reason more time was added between meetings. Every time you left, that bitter taste grew stronger, and it was difficult to put it aside to face Theseus again and again. This was different—more threatening, but your anger prevailed.
“I won’t do it.”
“Catching him will clear your name.” Theseus all but begged. He remained poised, but you knew it would only last for so long. Those around you looked your way; interest piqued in conversation they weren’t privy to.
“I’m not innocent.” You were blunt. You had been called cold because of it. But it was a trait that you favored, especially at times like this. You wanted to see Theseus break.
You had done unspeakable things, figuring it was an acceptable way to siphon your affection. You were young and blinded by false idolization. Theseus chose to see the best in you, even now, even after everything. He, too, was blinded by an image of you that hadn’t changed since you were children.
The table held your drink, forgotten and diluted. The air was tense and hushed. Theseus needed to move fast, knowing you were moments away from fleeing. But he knew he had just enough time as you lit another cigarette, this time not for vanity but to quell your nerves.
Your nails tapped on the base of your cocktail glass. Your fingertips twitched, begging to satisfy their itch for magic. You debated on if your actions would be worth it. Theseus decided for you, hand flexing to replenish your drink.
Your lipstick remained fresh but still marked the glass. It was perfectly cold, calming the swarm of nerves that hit you. “It’s a bit strong.”
“Nothing you can’t handle, I’m sure.” Theseus appreciated your teasing; it meant he was doing something right.
“This place is quite charming, you know,” You looked around before shifting forward even more. It may have been improper, but you leaned over the table, elbows resting comfortably. “Next time, we’ll have to venture and order food.”
“Sure.” Theseus agreed, body language mirroring yours. To anyone else, the pair of you would look smitten. “Anytime you’d like.”
“Anytime?” Your eyebrow ticked up as you tapped at the ashtray. “Come on, I’m surprised you’ve stuck around as long as you have.” Your knuckles crept forward, almost bumping his as they dragged to the middle of the linen cloth atop the table. “Truly—We haven’t—”
You stopped yourself with an uncharacteristic laugh. A tinge spread below Theseus’ freckles, assuming your humor was chastising him. But you were laughing at yourself, at how ridiculous you felt. You were enjoying yourself.
The feeling felt foreign, so you prickled. “Be practical, Theseus.”
Your worlds barely overlapped, and where it had highlighted the worst parts of each of you. Your world was dark and hidden; you stole and bribed. You were suitable for it and resisted morphing into the image Theseus expected of you.
He was as kind as any Hufflepuff, putting other needs first and blindly placing his kindness. He mistook his demeanor for bravery, but his true bravery formed by sitting across from you. The only barrier seemed to be Theseus’ incorruptible moral code, a space where you couldn’t quite freely exist.
“I need to know the full story.” His voice was commanding, betraying his desperation.
Theseus looked warm, contrasting the winter blizzarding outside. A bubble was created that was becoming suffocating, but with him across you, it seemed just marginally bearable. His hand flexed, skimming yours, hoping to regain your attention.
“You already know how it ends. What does the rest matter?” You thought to sink back, but you chased the small contact. “I want nothing to do with this. With him.”
“I’ll be there the entire time,” Theseus promised, voice low and steady, reflecting his sincerity. You could make out the warmth he was willing to share, but you weren’t willing to accept it wholly.
“And my interests?”
Theseus’ expression fell slightly at your evasive rejection. It reminded him of his position, of his strained relation to you—what he was supposed to do but always found a reason to put off.
“It depends on where they lie.”
In an ideal world, you’d like to think you and Theseus could be friends. Frankly, though, his compassion made you nauseous. Or maybe it was nerves. The feeling was always hard for you to distinguish. You wished the way he looked at you would bring warmth to your chest, but it only reminded you of how that was another impossibility.
You wished his gaze would turn you to stone; that way, you could avoid everything else. Instead, it made you melt, it made you pliable in way you opposed with others. There was a suspicion he kept returning just because of that—despite your bluff and his willful ignorance, you weren’t made of stone, and deep down, he knew that. Probably not consciously, but he did.
You always came back. Or he did—another indistinguishable something. You could still feel his fingers reaching for yours. It almost made you cave. Yet, your back met the bench of the booth, and your hand drew away as you placed your cigarette on your lips.
Although you were still present, Theseus watched you flee. Your guard returned stronger, but he didn’t regret his words. Theseus’ eyes were pleading, and you went to blame his naivety, but you found something distinct there. The reason you were here tonight was not for a favor.
It was an ultimatum, not a request.
“When was this decided?” You asked. You thought Theseus came alone, and now the naivety fell on you. There were too many eyes on you now to dismiss the crowd as solely muggles. You fell so perfectly into the trap that all you could do was laugh.
“I wanted to keep you out of this,” Theseus admitted. It was the truth, but he knew what needed to be done. The greater good, you could already hear his defense. “This is the only way.”
“Your way.” You shook your head. Another laugh. “And what happens when he kills me? Hmm?”
“He won’t.” Another promise that made you sick. “I’ll be there the whole ti—
“Then you, Theseus—” Venom dripped from your every pointed word. From the corner of your eye, you saw how the undercover aurors were ready to respond to your agitation. If they wanted a spectacle, you were moments from providing it. “— are ill-prepared for what he’s willing to do.”
“You need to trust me.” Theseus attempted to regain the conversation but failed to recognize any mending he made was lost.
“And why should I trust the man that watches my every move?”
Theseus put you in this position; he was the wizard who held your wrist tightly all those years ago to secure the admonitors. For your own good, he told you. He believed it, and yet again, you found yourself at the hands of his so-called mercy.
“And if I decline?” You weren’t in such a position to, but Theseus understood your question only brought ruination.
“The only way you're walking out of here is because of me.”
A threat, how original. Your cigarette threatened to burn your lips. The ash tarnished the linen that fell over your lap. Apart of you hoped it would set the entire thing aflame. Maybe then you’d have a chance at a genuine escape. For now, though, you resolved to the final word.
“You think you are blessed with morality—” You finished your drink, the taste becoming sour. “—yet what sits before me is nothing but a boy that’s only purpose is to follow orders blindly.”
#q#theseus scamander#theseus#scamander#theseus scamander x reader#theseus scamander fluff#theseus scamander angst#theseus scamander x f!reader#newt scamander x reader#newt scamander#fantastic beasts fic#FUCK jkr#fuck terfs
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Guiding Light
summary: based on this request for jealous Theseus. also it wasn’t inspired by the Mumford & Sons song, but it did cross my mind after i wrote the line
warnings: jealous and kinda touchy Theseus, upset Theseus, a moment of arguing / yelling, kinda suggestive ending but definitely nothing explicit
A/N: This was surprisingly trickier than writing jealous Newt somehow. I hope you like it :) also, per usual i did not proofread lol
word count: 1.6k
You and Theseus have both worked in the British Ministry of Magic together for 3 years now. You became quite close quite quickly. You never see each other out of work, however. Then again, you’re really only ever home to sleep.
Recently you’ve been doing a lot of work inside of the office rather than leaving to go on missions. For the most part, that was true for Theseus as well. But when he was away for work and you were stuck in the office, you were slightly miserable. You’d never admit it to his face, but you loved having him around. You loved using his height when you couldn’t reach things (which was often), you loved his stupid jokes, you even loved when he would poke fun at you. Another plus, that you had forgotten about until he was away for a couple of weeks recently, is that whenever he was around none of the other men in the Ministry bothered you unless it was for work. Which meant they really never bothered you since Theseus found a way to be glued to your side everyday.
Now that he’d been gone for some time, one of your fellow aurors decided to start talking to you more. It wasn’t that he was rude by any means, he was sweet actually, you just were too anxious around other people. Especially alone.
He started talking to you everyday at lunch and you started to warm up to him and get used to his presence. It was good for you to get acquainted with people without Theseus to interrupt. And Eli was a great place to start. He seemed to be able to ease your anxiety, much like Theseus was able to. What you hadn’t realized was that Eli had a thing for you. Your head was too focused on Theseus to notice. Even when he was gone for almost 3 weeks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You were eating lunch with Eli when you heard someone clear their throat as there was suddenly a shadow over part of the table. You whipped around to see Theseus leaning against the table behind you, arms crossed per usual.
“Am I interrupting something?” He sounded mildly irritated, but you were far too excited to notice.
“Theseus!” You quickly got up to hug him, and he did not hesitate for a second to hug you tightly back.
“I missed you dove.” He whispered into your hair, but it was loud enough so that the other auror could hear the pet name.
You remembered when he first gave you that name, he said it was perfect for you since you’re the most kind and gentle person he’s ever met (who wasn’t his brother with his magical creatures). You smiled widely and pulled away to keep from touching for a suspicious amount of time. He decided to sit between you and Eli for the remainder of lunch. You didn’t mind, you were just happy he was back. You were starting to get worried.
Everything was normal, in your head, until you felt his hand on your leg after you laughed hard at something Eli had said. You almost choked on your sandwich as you shot him a confused look, your eyes moving between his hand and his eyes.
“Um, I’m gonna head back to my office. See ya later, yeah?” Eli stood up and gathered the remainder of his food.
“Yeah! Of course!” You smiled and waved goodbye to him. You glanced at Theseus and noticed an odd smirk. He seemed proud of himself for something.
“Thees what was that all about?” You raised your eyebrows at him.
“What was all of what about?” He still hadn’t removed his hand.
You pointed at his hand.
“Oh, sorry. I guess I’ve just been away from you too long.” He laughed and moved his hand.
You were still confused but decided it was nothing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day you were in your office with Theseus when Eli walked in. You saw his smile fade when he noticed Theseus standing next to you.
“Y/N, uh, hi. I was just wondering-“
Theseus unexpectedly put his arm around your shoulders as you stood, smiling at Eli.
“What’s up Eli?”
“Yeah, no nevermind. Sorry I seem to have forgotten.” He nervously laughed and left the room.
“Eli? His name is Elliott.” Theseus removed his arm from around you and furrowed his brows.
“Well I like Eli better. What’s it matter what I call him?”
“You’re being too friendly-“
“I’m being too friendly? Theseus since when has me being kind been an issue? The entire point of calling me dove was because of how ‘kind and gentle’ I am. A direct quote from you by the way.” You moved to stand in front of him so you could try to read his face. He’s always incredibly hard to read. Even to you and Newt.
“He clearly fancies you! And by the looks of it he thinks you fancy him as well.”
“What makes you say th-“
“Oh come on, Y/N! Are you really that stupid? Or are you enjoying leading him on?”
Him calling you stupid hurt, but his implication that you could be capable of enjoying toying with someone’s emotions like that was the real stinger. Your eyes started to water as you turned around to just go home early. His arm shot out to grab your hand in a panic, he didn’t mean to hurt you. It was really the very last thing he was trying to do.
You whipped around, but instead of the wide grin when you looked at him, it was pure anger and confusion, “What has gotten into you?! What happened to the Theseus I know and love?” You yelled out at him, and he visibly looked taken aback at your tone, but he didn’t move a muscle.
“Let me go.” You whispered out angrily. Theseus listened, watching you leave, wishing he could follow you and just tell you everything. He wished he could just run right after you, spin you around, and kiss you. Right there in the middle of the Ministry. But he knew he couldn’t. He may be a war hero, but he knew he couldn’t handle it if you were to reject him. You’ve been his guiding light ever since you first met. When he felt incredibly lost and alone. When he wasn’t even talking to Newt. But he didn’t know which was worse. The idea of losing you because you didn’t feel the same, or losing you because he accidentally pushed you away. Because he hurt you. Merlin, he really couldn’t live with himself if he lost you because he hurt you.
You stomped back into your office a couple minutes later, “I forgot-“ you started to say you forgot your keys in an angry and mildly awkward tone, but were cut off by the site before you. He was leaning against your desk, gripping the edge with his hands as he looked down. Your stomach dropped. You know you’re the one who should be raging and he’s the one that said hurtful things to you, but you’ve never seen him like this.
“…Thees? Are you ok? What happened to you while you were gone?” You asked softly and quietly, slowly walking towards him until you were standing in front of him.
He remained gripping the desk for a moment before he looked into your eyes and shook his head, tears welling up. Your heart started racing from anxiety. You’ve never seen him like this and you really wish you weren’t. You could swear it was literally breaking your heart in two.
You hugged him, it was the only thing you knew to do. He hugged you back so tightly that you thought for a moment that it was a cruel trick for him to be able to strangle you to death. And then you felt the small shakes of him silently crying.
“Theseus talk to me. Are you okay?” You softly rubbed his back in circles as he cried into your shoulder.
“I’m sorry.”
“Look, it’s ok. I’m not sure why you’re upset but people say things they don’t mean when they’re upset and it’s-“
“No. No not for that. Well, that too but,” he pulled away to look into your eyes, and to be able to read your reaction, “for acting the way I was. I’m sure Elliott is a swell man, but I…”
“You what, Theseus?” You whispered as your heart began to race for a different reason.
“I’m so sorry if you don’t feel the same but I need to tell you. And if I don’t tell you now, I don’t think I’d ever get it out there. I love you, Y/N. And please, before you respond, I need you to know something else. Before I met you I was disconnected. I felt incredibly lost and I was completely alone at that point in my life. I hadn’t even talked to Newt in months. But then you came along and… And you became this guiding light of sorts for me. I don’t know how else to explain it. Newt is much better with dealing with emotions than I am and I’m sorr-“
“Theseus,” you smiled, “that was an amazing little speech. And I can’t believe you called me stupid for not realizing Eli ‘fancied’ me, while you were right here thinking that I didn’t love you back.” You gave him a playful grin as you looked down at his lips for a moment. And before you knew it, you crashed your lips to his. Both you kissing the other as if your life depended on it. As if you were starving. You were then interrupted by a knock on the door, presumably Eli again, but Theseus pulled out his wand to close the small curtain on your door and to put a chair in front under the handle. You giggled before he kissed you feverishly again. And let’s just say you didn’t get much work done that had to do with the Ministry the rest of the day.
#fantastic beasts#fantastic beasts secrets of dumbledore#theseus scamander#fantastic beasts and where to find them#fbatsod#fbawtft#fbatcog#theseus scamander x reader#theseus scamander x y/n#theseus scamander x you#theseus scamander fluff#theseus scamander request#theseus scamander oneshot#theseus scamander fic#theseus scamander imagine#fantastic beasts fic#fic request#theseus scamander fic request
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Hey can I request a Theseus x reader a fluff one in the scene where he’s holding the Qilin?
Little Guy
(Theseus Scamander x reader)
Word Count: 818
A/N: Thank you so much for requesting! I hope you enjoy this, it was really fun to write. :)
Spoilers for Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore under the cut!
Grindelwald was gone, at least, for the time being. Dumbledore, Newt, and the group had scared him off and you felt safe for the first time in forever. You had joined in the fight against Grindelwald early, since you were a good friend of Tina. Ever since that day, you had lived in fear of being kidnapped, hurt, killed, or a combination of the latter.
One good thing that came out of your association with Newt and his group of heroes was that you met Theseus, your wonderful boyfriend. You had gotten together after Leta died. For the first couple of months you felt like only a shoulder to cry on, but over time, your relationship had grown into so much more.
It was peaceful now on top of the hill. The mountains of Bhutan extended for miles and, when mixed with the endless clouds, it provided a serene backdrop for the events of the day.
“Newt?” you heard Theseus ask his brother, who was now talking to Dumbledore, “May I take him?”
You turned around to find your boyfriend, Theseus, with his back turned to you. He was wrestling with something in his arms. Whatever it was, he seemed to have it under control. Seeing this, you returned to your conversation with Bunty.
“As I was saying, I always knew Newt would rid the world of Grindelwald. I’m just happy I could help,” Bunty smiled, looking over to the shorter of the two Scamander brothers. It was painfully obvious how much she loved Newt- too bad he would likely never notice.
“You did much more than help,” you told her, “You’re the reason we were able to stop him! You brought the Qilin to him.”
Bunty nodded, then spied something over your shoulder.
“Speak of the devil,” she said. You turned around. Theseus was approaching, the small Qilin baby snuggled tight against his chest. Bunty went towards them first. She cooed at it like it was a newborn baby while patting its head and scratching its stomach. Theseus laughed at her amusement.
“Would you like to pet it, Y/N?” he asked, walking towards you. Bunty excused herself from the conversation and walked over to Newt and Dumbledore.
“Of course!” you exclaimed, immediately reaching out to pet the Qilin. The animal nuzzled up against your arm when you reached behind its neck. It was warm and loving, exactly like a puppy. Well, exactly like a puppy, minus the fluffiness and arguably better looks.
“The little guy likes you,” Theseus chuckled as the Qilin licked the back of your hand.
“It’s adorable,” you said. The small animal was slowly starting to fall asleep. Its head rested on Theseus’s arm.
“Too bad we can’t keep him.”
“Who’s to say we can’t?” you asked. You had always wanted a big pet of some sort, but Theseus never relented. He didn’t want an animal roaming around your apartment. That being said, with Theseus happy about the successful effort in stopping Grindelwald, now was the perfect opportunity to convince him.
“Well, Dumbledore and Newt probably want to keep it. You know, so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”
“Sure, but Grindelwald isn’t going to be a problem for a while,” you quickly looked for something wood to knock on so as to not jinx it, “in the meantime, I think we could give it a good home.”
Theseus raised an eyebrow and smiled, “You know I don’t want a pet.”
“But, as you said, it won’t be ours! Dumbledore and Newt will technically own it, but it’ll stay with us in the meantime,” you pleaded, “And, besides, I don’t think a Qilin counts as a ‘pet,’ so your argument doesn’t work.”
“He does seem to like me..” Theseus mumbled. He grabbed the Qilin and held it upwards, so they looked into the animal’s eyes. After a moment, he hugged the Qilin and it returned to its comfy spot in his arms.
“I suppose we can keep him.”
A wide grin became plastered on your face. You reached your hand around to the back of Theseus’s head and pulled him gently into a kiss. It was soft, perfect: all of the tensions of the day were finally washed away. Of course someone had to interrupt it.
“Hey, you two lovebirds,” Jacob shouted, drawing your attention away from Theseus and towards the rest of the group. They had collected their things and looked antsy to leave, “Dumbledore’s ready to head out. I know you guys can, like, teleport home on your own but.. just wanted to let you know.”
Theseus thanked him and slipped the Qilin into your arms. It found a nice spot in the crook of your arm to rest its head and fell asleep.
“Thank you, Jacob. I’ll be right back, dear,” Theseus said. He and Jacob began walking back towards the others.
“Dumbledore, Newt! I have something to ask of you!”
#theseus scamander#theseus scamander x reader#fantastic beasts#fantastic beasts sod#sod spoiler#fantastic beasts 3#newt scamander#albus dumbledore#theseus scamander x y/n#theseus scamander x you#qilin#harry potter#fantastic beasts imagine#fantastic beasts fic
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Masterlist
A/N: Hey guys! I just wanted to let y'all know that, as of right now, I'm writing for Harry Potter/Fantastic Beats and House of the Dragon, but if requested, I don't mind writing for Star Wars as well.
House of the Dragon Masterlist
Wizarding World Masterlist
Star Wars Masterlist (Upon request)
Daisy Jones & The Six Masterlist
Spencer Reid Masterlist (coming soon)
#house of the dragon fic#house of the dragon#hotd#harry potter#harry potter fic#hp#fantastic beasts#fantastic beasts fic#fbawtft#star wars#star wars fic#sw#jacaerys velaryon#theseus scamander#charlie weasley#fred weasley#george weasley#bill weasley#cedric diggory#x reader#jacaerys x reader#daisy jones fanfic#daisy jones & the six
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Unexpected Visitors
Newt Scamander x Daughter!reader
When two strangers show up at you and your father's home, the night turns very eventful
Word Count: 1,319
A/N: This takes place in that one scene in Crimes of Grindewald and reader is about 15/16
You had been downstairs finishing up some of your chores with your father’s creatures when you heard the crash from upstairs. You knew he was home so you decided to let Newt deal with the problem upstairs. You figured it was just one of the Nifflers causing problems. You went back to finish feeding the Diricawls when Bunty stopped by.
“Your father asked for me to send you up to him when you’re finished here,” she said.
“Okay thanks,” you said, looking up from your work and smiling at her.
She nodded at you and waved goodbye, you returning the favor. You quickly finished up and then headed upstairs into the house.
You heard voices and some giggle that didn’t belong to your father. As you reached the living room, you saw your dad talking to two other people.
“Father?” you asked, hoping he could answer some questions about the strangers in your house.
Newt turned around after hearing your voice to look at you, “Oh Y/n,” he said, pulling you to stand next to him. He faced back to the others in the room, “Uh Y/n this is Queenie and Jacob. I met them in New York.
You looked at them and gave them a small wave.
“Oh this is the famous Y/n yo told us about,” the woman, Queenie said, “It’s very nice to finally meet you,” she smiled brightly at you.
“You too,” you mumbled. Like Newt, you were an awkward person, especially around people. You smiled at her again and then looked at Jacob, who did not seem to be acting very normal, “Is he alright?” you asked.
“Oh yes he’s fine,” Queenie responded, helping Jacob stand up straighter. She then turned to your father, “Shall we have dinner?”
~~~~~
You and your father were now sitting across from Jacob and Queenie. You could hardly eat because you were so focused on what Jacob was doing. He could barely eat and Queenie had to do almost everything for him. You could tell your father was trying hard not to notice either but it wasn’t working.
“Tina and I aren’t talking to each other,” Queenie explained.
“Why?” your father asked her, watching her tuck a napkin into Jacob’s shirt and sit in her own seat.
“She found out about Jacob and I,” she said, “And you know the laws. Not allowed to date or marry No-Majis.”
“I always thought that was ridiculous,” you said. It was the first thing you had contributed to the conversation tonight.
“Y/n ,” your father said softly. While he agreed with you, he didn’t need you chastising the person who was giving him the details he wanted on Tina.
“Sorry,” you mumbled, going back to eating your dinner.
“And anyways,” she continued, “She was all in a tizzy because of you.”
“Me?” your father asked, shocked.
“Yes you!” she exclaimed, “It was in Spellbound Newt.”
He looked over at you, confused and hoping you would have an answer for him but you were just as confused as him. You looked over at Queenie and gave her a confused look.
“I brought it for you to see,” she said, using her wand to pull the magazine out of nowhere and flip to a page with your father, your uncle Theseus, and Leta.
“Newt Scamander and fiance Leta Lestrange and brother Theseus with an unknown woman.”
“No that’s wrong,” Newt said quickly, “Theseus is marrying Leta.”
You had to suppress your giggles at the scene unfolding in front of you.
Queenie smiled at the realization that her sister’s crush wasn’t engaged, “Oh.”
It took her another second to realize that it wasn’t necessarily a good thing, “Oh dear.”
“What?” your father asked again.
“Well see, Tina read that and so she started dating someone else,” Queenie said quietly, “He’s an auror. His name is Achilles Tolliver.”
“I’ve heard of Tolliver,” you said, “He was mentioned in one of my classes at Hogwarts.”
Jacob started laughing and wheezing, causing you all to look over at him, “Tolliver?” he asked, in between laughs. He was wheezing so hard, you thought he might stop breathing.
“Are you sure he’s alright?” you asked, repeating your question from earlier.
“Of course he is sweetie,” Queenie said to you, wrapping her arm around Jacob who was already starting to calm down, “Anyways, we’re real excited to be here. It’s a special trip for us.”
She began to pour herself and Jacob a glass of wine, “You see, Jacob and I are getting married!” she exclaimed while giggling.
You looked over to your father, who seemed as surprised as ever by the news. You watched him look over to Jacob as he began to raise his glass.
“I’m marrying Jacob!” he said loudly, throwing the liquid on himself, making you gasp lightly and jump in your seat. Queenie then pulled out her wand, shooting confetti from the end.
Newt looked over to Queenie as she pulled the napkin from Jacob’s shirt and began to dry him off, “What? I have not,” she said.
“Will you stop reading my mind?” your father asked out loud.
You looked at the woman sitting next to you, “You’re a legilimens?” you asked. She nodded while continuing to read your father’s mind.
“That is an outrageous accusation,” she said, wiping off Jacob’s face more, “Look at him. He’s just happy.”
“So then you wouldn’t mind if I,” Your father started, standing up from the table and pulling out his wand, Queenie matching his actions.
“Please don’t,” she said, moving her arm in front of Jacob, who grabbed on to it.
“You’ve got nothing to fear if he wants to marry you,” Newt explained gently, “We can just lift the enchantment and he can tell us himself,” he continued, raising his want up to the other man.
Queenie slowly pulled her arm away from Jacob and he continued to look at her. She backed away from him, causing the man to look at you and your father’s directions. You hadn’t moved from your seat at the table but your father was ready to remove the enchantment Queenie put on him.
“Whatcha doing with that?” Jacob asked, chuckling, “Whatcha doing with that Mr. Scamander.”
Newt flicked his wand, “Surgito,” he said.
Jacob shook as the love enchantment was removed and he was back to normal. He took a deep breath before looking around the room.
“Congratulations on your engagement Jacob,” your father said.
“Wait what?” Jacob asked, clearly not knowing he was engaged. He looked at your father confused before he noticed he was looking up at Queenie, “Oh no,” he said.
You looked to the woman who was already packing up her stuff and heading for the door, too upset to stay and listen to Jacob begging her to. She grabbed her jacket and left the house, letting the door slam shut.
Jacob went after her but stopped and turned to your father, “It was nice seeing you,” he said to Newt. He glanced over at you, not realizing you were there before now, “And it was nice to meet you kid.”
You gave him an awkward smile.
“Also, where am I?” he asked.
“London,” you answered.
“Oh!” Jacob exclaimed, “I always wanted to go here!” he yelled as he left the house, following Queenie.
Once the door was shut, you looked over to your father, “So those are the friends you met in New York?”
He looked over to you, “Yes although, they weren’t that out of sorts when I met them.”
“Interesting,” you replied. You stood up from the table and pushed your chair in, “This has been a very eventful evening so I should be going to bed.”
Before Newt could respond, you were already running upstairs and to your room. He heard your door open and close shut. He sighed and plopped back down in his chair, shaking his head.
Taglist
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#x daughter!reader#x teen!reader#newt scamander#newt scamander x you#newt scamander x y/n#fantastic beasts#fantastic beats and where to find them#fantastic beats the crimes of grindelwald#fbawtft#fbtcog#fbtsod#fantastic beasts fic#fantastic beasts fanfiction
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I love the Goldstein sisters 😭
#and yes - maybe I’ll write them one day actually passing the damn bechdel test but today is not that day#even poor theseus can’t pass the bechdel test in my fic these days and he and Newt are men so#whatever I suppose that’s what happens when you’re writing tina/newt fic#I’m finally almost done with this hell of a damn chapter#fic: head full of fairies#my stuff#fantastic beasts#fantastic beasts fic#goldstein sisters#Queenie goldstein#Tina goldstein#newt scamander#newtina#also honestly I’m not sure Tina’s skill is actually people but the jury’s out on that for me for now)
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I had a dream about our favorite Scamander brothers, so I decided to make a Drabble out of it.
That’s it that’s the post.
Love is Blind but Family is Not
The Ministry ball was still in full swing—the Hogsmeade orchestra could be heard from where we were, tucked away in an alcove and perched on a window seat. Maybe later I could rejoin the festivities.
For now, I was happy to be between my favorite people, Newt and Theseus Scamander.
(At least, most of the time they were my favorite.)
Theseus was still morosely staring at his glass of fire whisky, and I had long since learned from him that he would talk when he was ready. In the meantime, Newt and I had to commiserate on Ministry policies.
“—as I was saying, the Ministry’s policies are stupid. First of all—<em>first of all</em>, there needs to be more oversight in our child welfare department. There rules are quiet frankly archaic. And—“
“I think I need to break up with Leta.” Theseus didn’t even look up, just sighed dramatically.
I rolled my eyes. “Well, <em>of course</em> you have to break up with Leta. <em>As I was saying</em>—“
“It’s just, she’s pulling away from me. I don’t think she loves me, not really. And—wait, what do you mean <em>of course I should break up with Leta</em>?”
Newt groaned, his head falling into his hands.
He may have heard me rant on the subject a few times.
“We’ll, first of all, you should never have been with her in the first place. Honestly, Leta of all people? She broke Newt’s heart, <em>and</em> got him expelled. He almost lost his wand because of it! If it wasn’t for Dumbledore…”
“And you,” Newt interrupted.
“And not me, because there is no way you can prove my involvement whatsoever. Seriously, Theseus. You betrayed Newt by dating her.”
“I did not! And besides, I thought we were past all that business with Newt’s expulsion. Remember, we decided to <em>forgive</em> her?”
“Yeah,” Newt said, “we forgave her!”
“Newt, what have I told you about forgiveness? We forgive those who’ve wronged us, and our family hates them forever. We’re family,” I said, pointing between myself and Theseus. “Or at least I am. Theseus was disowned when he started dating Leta.”
“Hey!”
“Well , it’s true! There was a meeting and everything.”
“Well, since you clearly feel so strongly about this, why didn’t you say something sooner?” Theseus replied, his tone dripping with acid. As if that ever stopped me..
“I did! I believe my exact words were, you should have no contact with Leta Lestrange who is banned from the Scamander and Bartlett household for all of eternity. Amen.”
“She was my secretary. I couldn’t exactly cut off all contact. And she was…she was sweet. And wonderful. And…”
“And she experimented on a jarvey which seriously injured a student, and then let Newt take the fall instead of taking responsibility for her own actions.”
“Which was my choice, Chrissy. You know her father would have disowned her!” Newt cut in.
I sighed. That I could concede. “Which is why our child welfare policies are outdated! But that still doesn’t mean what she did wasn’t wrong.”
“Can we please get back on track!” Theseus spat out. “I’m pouring my heart out, which is clearly a waste of time seeing as how you hate me so much.”
“I don’t hate you, I’m just very disappointed in you.”
“I thought you were the one who said that we forgive those who’ve wronged us, but our family hates them forever?” Newt said, with that innocent face he had perfected over the many years he had spent breaking the rules.
“Aha! So you admit Theseus wronged you!”
His quiet spoke for itself.
Theseus looked down at his hands, his cheeks colored pink. “Newt—I didn’t know you felt that way.”
“I didn’t. I mean, I didn’t think so. I just want you to be happy, Theseus.”
“You know I want you to be happy too,” Theseus said quietly. He laughed bitterly. “I guess I was a bit blinded by my love for her. I was selfish.”
I could have sighed out of relief. Finally, the two of them got it. It had only taken a year. But I let them keep their silence. They needed it to sort themselves out.
“So I’m breaking up with Leta.”
“Thee, don’t do it because of me.”
“It’s sickening how selfless you are. But like I said, we lost whatever we had a long time ago anyway.” Theseus looked up at me, going all soft in that way that made me give in. He and Newt had that in common, the scoundrels. “I guess I needed to hear that, Chrissy.”
“Yes, you did. Now, breaking up with Leta. Do you want me to do it or…?”
“What? No, of course not! Look, regardless of what she’s done in the past, she deserves for me to be straightforward with her.” He peered past me, fixing Newt with a pleading glance. “You’ll distract her, won’t you?”
Newt smirked. “Come on Chrissy. Didn’t you want to speak to the Minister?”
“Of course!” I huffed out. “He’s considering signing the new association legislation into place! An absolutely travesty against freedom of association. The United States had it right with the Bill of Rights, you know. And he still hasn’t taken a look at my proposal on that, I’ll wager.” I did notice the look that passed between Newt and Theseus, but really, I did need to mingle, and Theseus was a big boy who could handle a breakup. We could break out the quart of chocolate frog ice cream later and watch whatever chick flick Theseus wanted to.
And if he didn’t actually break up with her, that would simply have to be dealt with at a later time.
#fantastic beasts#newt scamander#theseus scamander#reader insert#not thesleta friendly#fantastic beasts fic#fantastic beasts Drabble#scamanderbros#scamander brothers#Theseus & Newt
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One Step Closer (Judespar)
A/N: Writing this fic was an adventure (because I kept being distracted, neurodivergency goes brr) and exploring Jude and Caspar’s story a bit further while taking a bit step: meeting the in-laws! Caspar belongs to the incredible @cursebreakerfarrier
Summary: The Brokenshires invite Jude to dinner
TW: Mentions of emotional abuse, a bit of kissing and angst
Word Count: 6.3k words
February, 1933
Caspar Brokenshire woke up a tad earlier than he should on the Friday morning. He took a deep breath and then took a look at his side, where Jude Dubois slept peacefully, her hair mussed and still with his shirt on. He smiled broadly as he remembered the nice stroll on the park with baby Joseph on his shoulders, the nice dinner they got after they left him with his grandparents to babysit and then coming to Jude’s apartment, where they busied with each other.
He heard Jude waking up and looked at him, arching an eyebrow “Do you know that it’s creepy to stare?”
He chuckled and kissed her cheek “Forgive me, love, but you’re simply a vision even sleeping.”
She smiled and then got up. All this time together, she had opened up about Joseph’s father: he had been cold with her, only paying her attention in the bedroom, never waking up together and simply keeping her like a dirty secret… and treating her like dirt itself.
Caspar always thought that Jude was simply too smart to be with the likes of him, that she’d never fall for it, but not even the most intelligent woman he knew could escape him. It broke his heart and also made his blood boil. He had an incredible woman at his feet, and he decided to treat her like she was not worth it? He did always think him an idiot, and too good for Jude.
When he heard that Jude was pregnant, he feared the worse, and office gossip wasn’t helping. But when Violet Selwyn-Ellison, Jude’s closest friend, told everyone they had split and that Jude would raise her child alone, he felt relief and also concern. Society did not take kindly single mothers and expected them to either marry the father or trap a poor bachelor into marriage and expect him to raise their child.
But Jude had refused to do either of those and, though he knew it had been hard to unhear the foul mouths, she had proved to be a smart, strong and independent woman. He had always felt drawn to her nature, but seeing her with her son, seeing this nurturing, loving and kind creature, he knew she was the one for him. Not to mention, baby Joseph was the funniest, most adorable baby, and always liked him, and the feeling was mutual.
He got up and fetched his clothes, all forgotten all over Jude’s bedroom floor. He took a deep breath as he collected his thoughts, not trying to think on the perfect night they spent here, tangled on each other and the perfect synchrony and rhythm they had reached. He cleared his throat and he came to the kitchen, here he craned his neck, looking for the clock.
“Do you want to stay for breakfast? Joseph will be here at any moment and you two can have your interesting chats.”
He searched for his pocket watch and looked at the time “I’d love nothing more, but I promised my grandmother that I’d visit her. Tell him I said hello, though.”
Jude made a face but quickly recomposed herself, but Caspar quickly read her thoughts “Come here,” he kissed her cheek and caressed her face “I know that it sounds bad, but you know my grandmother Evelyn. You two work in the same field.” He also smiled “And you know that every Saturday morning I visit her. I promise I will come back on Sunday morning, and feel free to ask her if I was truly there.”
She sighed and buried her face in his chest “I’m sorry, Caspar. I don’t mean to be so controlling, it’s just… I can’t help but become paranoid and worrisome when—,”
He hugged her tightly, kissing her head “Don’t worry, love. You should know that I only have eyes for one woman, and I’m cradling her in my arms as we speak.”
She hugged him tighter and he gladly returned the affection and lifted her up, sitting her on the counter and kissed her softly “I promise to visit you at your office. And to tell my granny that you say hello.”
She smiled at him and kissed his cheek “Go. I have to prepare for this new case anyways. Shoo.” They both chuckled before he kissed her one more time before grabbing his keys and coat and leaving her apartment, not before glancing back and mouthing a ‘see you later’ to Jude.
Jude sighed, mentally kicking herself. She had acted irrational again, but thank goodness Caspar was an angel who understood. Her previous relationship with Nigel had bruised her greatly. He had neglected her, cheated on her, insulted and emotionally abused her to the point where she thought she was going crazy. He had never once lifted his hand to her, but there was a point where she wished she did, so people would believe her when she called him out. Many had warned her of him, but she was too engrossed in this powerful, elder, charismatic and confident man who was in reality a narcissist, an entitled, immature and privileged old man who had taken advantage of her. And even when she said, that, people still blamed her for not knowing better. How could she have? She was just twenty-one when she met him, and she never had any relationships before. Sure, she had kissed some men and some dumb one-night stands, but Nigel was serious from the start. Perhaps she did notice his faults, but chose to ignore them.
When she had left Nigel’s cottage—she didn’t even live with him at the estate—his mother had told her that when he left to ‘visit her’, he was with other women, and that habit had always been there. She had carried her pregnancy alone while he was out there, prancing his cock around like some kind of bizarre circus attraction, not giving a damn about his own child, calling her a whore and that he had no interest in a bastard and his commoner mother.
She remembered laying on her bed, weeping and screaming out her feelings, Violet waiting at the door patiently with chocolate, ice cream, and a lot of hugs. The first two terms, she spent them crying and dragging herself to work, with barely any energy. She did relish on her victories and when she acted as a judge when her co-worker couldn’t make it.
Until Caspar started paying her attention. He brought her flowers with notes quoting poems, offered to walk her to her car, but to her, the wound wasn’t entirely closed. She did accept his gifts, but was still reluctant of being courted by yet another rich, influential man. He seemed to understand she needed time and that some things still hurt.
But seeing him with baby Joseph, and his family, and their low-key dates and deep talks, how kind, understanding and sweet he was… Falling for Caspar Brokenshire felt like going to sleep after a long day. At first you weren’t able to do so, overthinking the day, then you started to notice how your body was slowly falling into the world of dreams, adjusting to the comfort and warmth of the bed, and the next thing you knew, you had fallen into the world of dreams, just as she had fallen for him. And the moment she knew, she made sure to let him know how much she appreciated him.
She slowly smiled to herself as she remembered the first time she asked him to stay the night. While they did not lay together, they laid on the bed, talking and cuddling until she fell asleep on his strong arms, secured around her waist. When she woke up next to him, cutely sleeping, she knew that he was what Violet always called ‘Mr. Right’. Many nights had followed, and from cuddling they kissed softly, talking between smooches and sometimes feeding a very hungry baby Joseph, until it was Jude who took the step. She knew that Caspar had been patiently waiting, enjoying their little moments. It felt right. She didn’t feel it as a pressure or something she owed him, like with Nigel, but rather because she chose to, because she wanted him and wanted this. As she passionately kissed him, she whispered to him “I am ready, Caspar. Kiss me and don’t you dare stop.” He had asked her at least three times if she was sure and reassured her they could stop, and she reassured him that she was ready and wanted this and him.
And what a wonderful night they spent! Caspar was so sweet and attentive, and could get over the first-time awkwardness to actual love and passion and admiration for one another. She had never felt so seen, worshipped or spoiled, and later they had a small pillow talk between giddy smiles and where he told her he loved her. She was caught off guard, and he assured her she didn’t need to answer now, but that he wanted her to know.
It was a week later when Joseph wouldn’t sleep and it was already two in the evening when he started humming a lullaby, and he quickly slept on the crib with a small rabbit toy Joseph loved, and when both exited the room, she took gently his face in her hand and looked at him lovingly and adoringly “I love seeing you with Joseph, and how right it feels when the three of us are together, and when I hold you and talk to you… But most of all, I love you, Caspar Sidney Brokenshire. With you I am happier than I have ever been.”
He smiled at her, tears threatening to go down, but instead he kissed her giddily and spent a wonderful night in each other’s arms, loving each other and whispering to the other those three words.
Jude had started to talk more openly about her and Caspar, and she suspected he too talked about her openly as a partner. Her aunt Blanche adored Caspar and always ‘kidnapped’ Joseph so both of them had time together and he had met her family formally in their reunion. She loved seeing him play with her nephew and nieces, Elodie, Èponine and Fabian. And given that when they left, he had a broad smile on his face, she reckoned her brother and father had given their blessing to keep courting Jude.
There were times where she thought that something would go off, that this was too good to be true, but every day with Caspar was a gift. Sure, they had their quarrels, but he always came back to her, always reached a consensus, and their love for the other always reigned victor.
Jude sighed happily as she rummaged through her paperwork, feeling blessed to have Caspar Brokenshire in her life.
As Caspar came out of the car, his grandmother Evelyn was already there with a bright smile on her face. He smiled widely at her and greeted her fondly “Grandmother. You look lovely as usual.”
She smiled “Flatterer! And you look taller than before! How fast time goes by.”
He shook his head, still smiling “I saw you last week, grandmother. Nothing’s changed.”
She was about to say something when his grandfather Rex shouted from the house “Will you let the poor boy in, Evie? It’s freezing outside!” He said teasingly.
Both chuckled and Evelyn let go of her grandson to greet his grandfather. Both of them hugged and exchanged some pleasantries before he knowingly whispered “And I take the perfume smell is due to the fact that you spent the night with your mysterious lady, eh?” He cleared his throat and looked another way, making his grandfather laugh “I warn you; your grandmother won’t stop until she has a name, and you know how persuasive she can be.”
“Uh, what do we have today? I’m starving.”
Rex kept on the teasing “Do not tell me your lady doesn’t feed you!”
Caspar shook his head as Toby observed everything amused “I reserved myself for Grandmother’s cooking. I always end up rolling back to my flat because of the excess of food.”
Sheridan meowed as he chased Evelyn to the kitchen, probably to ask her for treats. He remembered when Jude first met Sheridan, and after a few pets and a small treat, he lay on her lap as both of them dined and conversed about a case she had won recently. He smiled as he remembered how she excitedly explained the technique she used, what she learned from it and the deep research. Jude was hardworking and dedicated to her cause, attributes that first called his attention.
He sat with Toby and played with his nephew a bit, exchanging stories until Toby looked at him “Whoever that unnamed lady is, Cas, she does you good. I hope to meet her one day.”
Evelyn, unnoticed by both men, looked with a knowing smile to her grandson “So there is a lady in your life! Now I owe your mother a shilling.”
He looked at her with wide eyes “You two betted on my love life?!”
His mother, Lillian, joined the conversation “For a few months, dear! Especially after your lady called home asking for you. She has a strong and commanding voice, but she was sweet with me. She even wished that we see each other soon!”
Suddenly, they all started to theorize who could be, much to Caspar’s embarrassment. He sighed “Can we not discuss my love life right now, especially with an empty stomach?”
Evelyn was the one to concede poor Caspar some mercy “Very well. But don’t you think you’re escaping the conversation!”
He shook his head and focused instead on his nephew Leonard, and for a moment he remembered Joseph, who was probably awake and either eating or chewing on the rabbit toy he had gifted him after reaching nine months.
The dinner went on without talking of Caspar’s love life, which relieved him –not because he was ashamed of Jude or didn’t want to talk to her! –but his family never talked about his love life, always focused on his work. Jude was the first woman who had been able to make him think of something more than chasing down truth and justice. Someday, when the time was right, to settle down and form their own family… the thought of it before her never came, and though he liked the idea, he didn’t truly consider it until he fell in love with her.
With tea served and the scones ready, everyone went into groups and Evelyn came to him, a soft expression on her eyes “I think you owe me a conversation of the lady who you won’t mention.”
“I won’t say much, but… she is a Ravenclaw alumni, she works in the Ministry as well, her job is similar to yours—,”
“Oh, do I know her?” She asked.
“It is possible, yes. And… she has a son from a previous relationship.”
“Widowed?”
“No.”
“Divorced, then?”
“Neither.”
“Oh, so she’s a single mother?”
He nodded “Yes. I reckon is hard for her too, but she carries on her duty well. She’s always there with her son and makes also time for herself.”
Evelyn smiled “She sounds like an amazing, strong and independent woman. Now I’m intrigued! How long have you two seen each other?”
“We have seen each other since November of last year.”
“Aren’t you a tease! And you said nothing to me at least?”
He scratched the back of his head “To be fair… I wasn’t sure I’d have a chance. And she was still hurting after the father of her son abandoned her. I wanted to be sure and give her time to open up to me.”
Lillian, who had been casually near –and with that she meant eavesdropping—smiled with pride. She had raised her son well, and how he talked of her proved her and her chest was filled with joy.
Evelyn squeezed her his hand “Well, do tell your mysterious lady she is welcome to join us this Tuesday for a small dinner.”
“And that her son’s invited as well,” Lillian added.
He nodded “I shall let her know tomorrow when I drop by her office.”
Lillian looked at her son “When are you meeting her parents, son?”
He looked away, fully knowing that she’d scold him. His mother took the hint and shook her head “You met a girl’s parents and didn’t tell me or bring me?!”
Now he’d be chided and teased for the rest of the night.
When Caspar had told Jude she’d meet his mother and grandparents, many feelings rushed inside her: excitement, anxiety, pressure and a bit of fear.
She had never been introduced to any of her partner’s parents, not even Nigel’s. She had no experience on the matter whatsoever. But she also felt like the were serious about this, and the relationship was going forward. She also felt anxious and pressured. She wanted nothing more than the good opinion and approval of his family, especially his mother. She had heard many tales from Lillian Brokenshire and have had a chat with his grandmother Evelyn when she consulted her about one of her first cases. And of course, the famous Rex Brokenshire. She suspected that the tales wouldn’t make him justice. She knew by tales of Caspar that he was at the end of the day another regular man, but the intimidating feeling had been there. She was also afraid; what if she messed up? What if she wasn’t good enough? Too many catastrophic scenarios came into mind, and Caspar was quick to spot them rushing into her mind through her worried look.
“Hey,” he placed his hand on her shoulders “I know it can sound intimidating, meeting my family, but I assure you they are regular people with regular lives outside the heroism of my grandfather. They are going to love you, darling. Just be yourself, they do not bite despite their profession of vampirologists.”
That small joke made her chuckle and nodded, taking a deep breath “Alright, I’ll go.” Joseph made a complaining noise as he tugged her pants. Both of them chuckled “Sorry, darling. We’ll go.”
He smiled at her and gave her a chaste kiss before looking at his watch and rushing to his office, for his break was over. Jude sighed as she picked Joseph from the floor “Guess we’ll have to put you on an adorable outfit so all the attention goes to you, hm?”
Joseph cooed, still gnawing at the rabbit toy.
Sliding the beige dress she chose, with a modest neckline and her best makeup with her lucky lipstick –she was convinced that every time she had it on, good things happened—and Joseph dressed as the cutest little gentleman with an adorable suit her tailor gladly made –though he had been stubborn when measuring it and kicked effusively when trying it on—nothing could go wrong.
She explained to Joseph how he should behave in the best way a ten-month-old baby could understand, and with a happy coo and what it seemed like a nod, they waited for Caspar to pick them up and take them to Brokenshire estate, where the dinner would be held.
She had learned that Rex held the title of Lord for a long time, though it was his eldest son and Caspar’s uncle, Ace, who did most of the duties. Caspar smiled broadly at the sight of his girlfriend and kissed her cheek and greeted Joseph, who gladly cooed on his arms.
During the drive, Caspar told Jude some facts and things she should do to impress them while reassuring her that they’d love her no matter what. Joseph still played with his beloved rabbit toy.
They finally arrived, and though the manor was not as portentous and massive as others of the peerage, it was nevertheless impressive. She wiped the sweat off her palms and sighed, hoping for the best. Caspar squeezed her leg in encouragement, and he offered to pick Joseph while she made her entrance. Indeed, Lillian and Evelyn Brokenshire waited for them at the door. She took one deep breath and came out the car with elegant and confident steps and bobbed a curtsy at Evelyn and greeted Lillian. Evelyn gasped and smiled at Jude “So you are the mysterious lady Caspar has been hanging with!”
She smiled bashfully “Guilty as charged. It is nice to see you, Mrs. Brokenshire.”
She clasped her hands in her own “Evelyn, please. We are not at Wizengamot!”
She then turned to Lillian “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” She smiled broadly at Lillian “Your son has talked much about you.”
“All good things, I hope?”
She smiled teasingly “I wouldn’t let him talk ill of his own mother, so you can be certain he has.”
The three women laughed until Lillian noticed Caspar with baby Joseph and she smiled “Oh, is that your son? How adorable he is!”
Caspar approached the trio of women “Grandmother, mother, this is Joseph.” The baby then looked at Lillian and her very appealing bejewelled dress and tried to reach it with a mischievous grin “Careful, he is stronger than he appears.”
Lillian wiggled a finger to him and Joseph beamed, catching it and cooing. Evelyn smiled at looked at his flaming red hair “I wonder who he got that gorgeous ginger hair from.”
Jude picked her son and kissed his head “It is from my mother. She has this gorgeous red hair.”
They all came in and she spotted the famous Rex Brokenshire in a neat suit. He looked older than the picture, with a bright grey hair and his face full of the passage of time, but he still had what made him so admired and feared by those who opposed him. She curtsied to him and extended her hand for a greeting “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Brokenshire. I have heard nothing but great things from you.”
He smiled warmly at her “Did Cas fill you in of my adventures?”
“He needn’t to. I grew up hearing great tales about you, my lord.”
“You humble me. And I take this is your son?” He signalled Joseph, who was cooing, looking at the shiny insignias he had on his suit.
Jude chuckled “Yes. Lord Brokenshire, this is Joseph Adrien Dubois, my son.”
He bent down to look better at the baby boy and smiled “Hello. I take you want to touch this?” He signalled the insignia and he beamed. He laughed and booped him on the nose “If you are as lovely as your boy, we shall get along well.”
“I truly hope so.”
He signalled her to follow him, and she obliged. Hers and Joseph’s gazes studied the manor and often commented with Rex the paintings and statues, and even greeted some students of his. One blonde girl with an old Victorian attire introduced herself as the little girl who kicked Rex Brokenshire’s arse. Jude did not laugh for politeness’ sake–and too because she saw his embarrassment, but she’d for sure ask Caspar later about her—and took a seat in the drawing room, where Jude placed Joseph on a cushion where he gnawed on his rabbit toy, a habit of his by now.
The women and Caspar joined them soon, though Lillian often made faces to Joseph, who giggled and made sounds of delight by having the attention of the nice lady. Caspar sat beside Jude, often squeezing her hand, letting her know that he was there all the way.
Lillian was the one to start asking questions to Jude “Correct me if I’m wrong, but is the surgeon Ètienne Dubois is your brother?”
She nodded “Yes. He’s very good at it, and is devote. Are you a former patient?”
Lillian shook her head “I’m not, but many of my friends with a more unfortunate passage of time have visited his office, and he’s destined to become one of the best of his generations.”
Jude smiled with pride “He and I always bonded over wanting to do something great and leave our mark in the world. That’s why I wanted to be a lawyer for certain cases where minorities such as women, people of colour and communities that are under-protected by the law knew that someone had their backs.”
Evelyn looked at her “Oh! You were on the case of Gaunt vs Hemmings, right?”
Jude’s chest puffed with pride remembering one of her best victories: Gaunt vs Hemmings was a case of a black muggle women who had been accosted by a pureblood man of the Gaunt family, and when she sued him, he accused her of gold-digger and opportunist. Jude quickly took Hemmings’ side and after months talking with Hemmings and some meetings with Gaunt, found out that he had gotten her pregnant against her own will and when she told him that she was leaving and having an abortion and would report what he did, he had been adamant on not allowing his reputation to be stained. Jude quickly got him right where she wanted him with ‘easy’ questions, and after days where the Muggles asked the judge to imprison Gaunt and the Pureblood accused Hemmings of destroying good families out of pettiness, the judge sentenced Gaunt with a heavy fine and to pay the abortion and to apologise in the courtroom to the Hemmings family and a restraining order, though Jude knew he deserved jail, but this was nevertheless a victory.
Jude has earned new allies and enemies, and had been ascended for her impressive labour by her boss. She and Hemmings still talked “Yes, that was me. Hemmings and I still talk, and she’s married her childhood sweetheart and had triplet boys.”
The women smiled at such a happy ending and Caspar smiled at Jude with adoration “One of the many things that I like of Jude. She’s tenacious and is not easily frightened by those above her.”
Rex raised his glass “Great and rare attributes that are to be rewarded.”
They all toasted to Jude and Joseph seemed to sense it, for he asked something to drink. Jude quickly retrieved a small bottle of water and gave it to him. Rex looked at him and sticked his tongue out, which made him giggle while the water slipped to his clothes. He apologised to Jude but she shook her heard “It’s alright, it’s just water. It’ll pass quickly. The concern would be if it was food.”
They all agreed and the valet announced that dinner was now served. The all sat on the mahogany desk and chatted and exchanged some stories, and Evelyn and Jude discussed cases and experiences, and even indulged some office gossip. Caspar beamed at the sight: his favourite people in the same room and table, getting along and being merry. He spotted Joseph picking his fork and trying to give it to him. Jude giggled “It seems that even my ten-month-old son is aware of your poor eating habits.”
Lillian shook her head at her son “You are truly hopeless if a baby tells you to eat more.” She turned to Jude “He doesn’t listen to him, either?”
“He actually does. Many of Joseph’s meals are offered to Caspar.”
She looked at her son, who looked down embarrassed, shaking her head “I do not know if I should feel offended that you don’t listen to me, or let it pass because it’s adorable.”
Everyone laughed, but Jude squeezed Caspar’s hand and he smiled at her, kissing lovingly her knuckles and sharing some glances. Evelyn whispered to her husband “Do you think we were that obvious at their age?”
“Definitely. Though they have it now easier than we did.”
Joseph cooed, asking for attention, and both chuckled, granting it gladly. Another meal came and the conversation continued, and Jude told them of Dubois manor and some funny stories with Caspar and Joseph, and she also shared something not even Caspar knew “I confess that law and justice were not always my vocation. I loved ballet as a child and Hogwarts years, and was adamant on living in Paris with my grandmother when, out of the academy I attended in summer, I overheard these Pureblood men talking about how they were gods compared to muggles and their wives and how they did terrible things I dare not say out loud and no one would say a thing and even support them. I started reading the newspaper and buying essays and books until I knew that I couldn’t just overlook these things and simply move on with my life. So, I told my father everything and soon started to study harder to get a place at the Ministry. There are times where I still think of that conversation, and now that I have a son to think about… it is my duty as his mother and adult to give him a better world to live in.”
Everyone seemed moved by Jude’s story and Caspar looked at her lovingly, adoration on his eyes. During that speech, he had been reminded again why he loved her so. Lillian, Rex and Evelyn all shared a look: this woman was Caspar’s perfect match. It was amazing and amusing how well they complemented each other, how well they fitted. Lillian placed her hand on Jude’s and smiled at her “Thank you for sharing this story with us. Truly.”
She looked at Evelyn and Rex “If someone could understand where I come from, that would be you both. You two are the great example of doing good for our world.”
Rex lifted his glass “To Caspar and Jude, the couple who will change the world for better after we’re gone.”
Caspar took Jude’s hand and lifted his glass, his chest puffing with pride and joy. Joseph drank of his water and happily chewed his mac and cheese. Both of them looked at each other, feeling even more drawn and connected to the other than before. Lillian’s worries had faded out in that moment. Her son was shining with love and joy, a thing she prayed he felt at least once, like she had with his father once. Not that the feeling had faded, but as years went, the passionate fire that consumed her bones turned into a calm, warming fire that felt like coming home. She also knew her parents were thinking the same, that same fire they felt a long time ago.
After the dinner was over, Rex asked Jude if he could take over watching Joseph for a bit—Jude said that it wasn’t necessary. He chuckled “I don’t mind. I love caring for babies, even if they’re a handful.”
“You’re in luck then,” Caspar smiled “for Joseph if the funniest and most wonderful baby. He has never been a handful.”
“Very well then. But if he needs a change, tell me instantly!” Said Jude.
He nodded and took Joseph in his arms, who cooed at the attention he received. He fussed with Rex’s suit and he laughed, remembering when his children had his age. It felt like a lifetime ago…
Jude and Caspar went out for a stroll in the gardens and they walked in a comfortable silence “Do you think I liked them? Did I talk too much?”
Caspar kissed her forehead “Seems to me like a success. They were delighted with you, trust me. You’re very hard to dislike, Jude Dubois.”
They both smiled before sharing a loving kiss. Jude took a better hold of Caspar’s back of the neck and deepened the kiss, and he gladly returned it. He begged her closer, which resulted in Jude going on her tiptoes for more purchase. His hands went to her lower waist and Jude smiled and stared at him for a few seconds before going for another kiss.
He lifted her bride style and she giggled, encircling her hands on his strong shoulders and both giggled as he spun her around “Stop it! What are you, twelve?”
“When I am with you, dearest, I indeed feel like a whipped schoolboy.”
She smiled before going for another kiss, both relishing in this small moment they had for themselves. He was to suggest to go deeper into the gardens when Joseph’s cry for his mother snapped them back to reality. He reluctantly placed her on the floor again and offered to escort her back “Even I know when Joseph wants you with him and no one else.”
They both walked back to the house, where Evelyn rocked a crying Joseph, asking for his mama when she spotted Jude and Caspar coming back into the manor, their lips red and swollen and their hair mussed and a bit messy. She smiled to herself. Merlin, did she know of the many times Rex and her relied on their friends to have a moment to themselves! Especially when their kids were too little to go looking for them.
Jude shushed her son and took him in her arms, handling her expertly, whispering to him and rocking him in the way he liked best, his small hand strongly gripping on her dress, a small signal that he didn’t want her away from him again, demanding his mother all for himself “Alright, darling, giving the weight of your nappy it’s time for a change, hm?”
“I’ll assist you.” Lillian offered.
Jude smiled politely “It’s alright, I can handle this little monster by myself.”
“I insist!”
Caspar teasingly whispered to her “You won’t win this one. I got my persuasive skills from her.”
Jude shook her head with a smile and beckoned her future mother-in-law to follow her to a room that’d be away from the guests for their noses’ sake. As they went upstairs, the both chatted of trivial things and went into a bedroom, where the servants had left Jude’s stuff should this happen. As they changed him, Joseph was on his best behaviour, barely kicking or making the not-so-pleasant task difficult. Lillian offered to make him laugh as Jude did the dirty work, and Lillian told her of her methods when Caspar had been Joseph’s age: apparently, he had been a serious baby, not easily amused, but grew into a charming and studious boy. Jude was not surprised at all—she had, in fact, suspected it.
Joseph went back to his mother’s arms and Lillian smiled at them both. Maybe it was too soon, but she could imagine her holding her grandson with Caspar, babysitting them… yes, it was too soon perhaps, but an old woman like her could dream!
As they both exited the room, Lillian placed a gentle hand on Jude’s shoulder, and Joseph went to play with her fingers “I can’t speak for my parents, but I wanted to give you, my blessing. You clearly are my son’s perfect match and how much you love him. I hope we can see each other more in the future.”
Jude nodded, trying not to cry of emotion “I’d love nothing more.”
They both smiled and came downstairs, where the men took their whiskey as Evelyn re-told them a story of baby Caspar. At the sight of his girlfriend back, Caspar’s eyes lit and he beckoned her beside him and placed Joseph on his lap, who seemed very happy to be there. He pointed at him and said “Pa!”
Everyone looked around to look at the scene and Jude inhaled sharply, taken by surprise. Her mouth was a big ‘O’ that turned into a smile as she looked at a clearly moved Caspar “What did you say, my boy?”
“Papa!”
Lillian beamed and Rex and Evelyn observed the scene before them with pride and joy. Caspar smiled, full of joy and tears in his eyes and hugged him, and Jude joined the embrace.
“I think it is time to bid our adieus and let them have their moment, don’t you think, Evie?” Rex whispered to his wife, who agreed with him. Soon, Jude and Caspar bid adieu to their hosts and went into the car, an impossible wide grin on their faces as Joseph happily gnawed yet again on the rabbit toy, enjoying the fact that both of them were happy.
After putting Joseph to sleep, they both exited the room and Caspar took Jude’s hands into his own “Please tell me I dreamed all of that.”
Jude shook her head “It is real, my love. Joseph considers you his father.”
He chuckled, moved by the statement, and hugged her tightly, spinning her around. She giggled and kissed him, passionately and happily, both their hearts seeming about to burst. He took her to the bedroom, where they fell asleep in each other’s arms, sharing kisses and giggles, both happy because of today’s events. For both of them, this was one of the happiest days of their lives.
Before they fell asleep, Jude whispered “I’ve met many widows and divorced women who remarried and wondered what it’d be like to have the father in their lives again.” She felt him tense “But with you is different. When Joseph called you papa, it felt right. Like you were his father. And today made it clear. You are his father, even if the two of you share no blood. You feed him, take care of him, love him like your own… and he feels the same. And it honestly makes me so happy. The two men I love the most, getting along so well… if I could freeze the time, it’d be this instant.”
She felt him smiling wide, begging her closer “I don’t want today to end neither.”
They fell asleep, with the biggest smiles they had, both repeating the day over their heads, feeling like today would be the first day of their lives together, that their love story had just begun.
#fbawtft#fbawtft fanfiction#oc: jude dubois#caspar brokenshire#jude x caspar#judespar#rex brokenshire#evelyn hughes#evelyn brokenshire#revelyn#lillian brokenshire#fantastic beasts fic#hp fantastic beasts
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Dear internet, I present to you a bite-sized morsel of fluff and summer solstice heat: Constellations 3.1. Yes, you read that correctly. Enjoy!
#My constellation series#Grindeldore#GGAD#Fantastic Beasts fic#Grindeldore fic#my writing#AO3#historical fiction
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the art of lies | t.s. (fantastic beasts) - chapter two
Chapter Summary: real partnerships need faux relationships.
Pairings: Theseus Scamander x Fem!Reader
genre: romance, mature audience intended
warnings: mature themes, implied sexual content, sexworker protagonist, pleasure house (brothel), smoking
the art of lies masterlist
YOU CAN TELL A LOT ABOUT A PERSON by the way of their touch.
Is it comforting? Like a mother who eases their child about the bruise on their knees.
Is it skilled? Like the pianist who is adept at playing the key to a composition.
Is it warm? Like the embrace of a friend whom you have not seen in years.
Is it tender? Like the palm of the lover carefully caressing your cheek.
Or is it dominating? Like the hands holding your neck, making you gasp for air while you could only comply.
Every breath you take, clawing at the hands that tighten with every passing minute. Strangling you until all you see are the ceilings painted like the night sky, it would be your deepest desire to be held so gently, not like this. Not like this. Your lungs burning with every passing second, reaching for anything, a small gasp of wind would be enough to suffice. The only thing that registered in your mind was how hard your heart was beating out of your chest. One more tightened grip and it would be your last breath, your feet wriggled right under his grasp, tears welling out of yours. You didn’t even know you could cry.
You didn’t want it to end like this, to be seen unsightly. To lie cold on the white sheets, eyes with a blank glassy stare and tear stains on your cheeks. The tell-tale sign that you were once alive is gone with your last breath. You didn’t want it to end like this… You were a fighter— you were fighting for a semblance of a home, the warmth, and the pure love.
With a gasp, you tapped on the arms that held your neck, trying to push off the undesired touch. You grabbed them harshly, as if your life depended on it, and pushed them off your frame. You sat still and coughed, the air you desperately wished went back to your senses slowly. You were alive. You are alive, Feeling the pulse of your veins right beneath your bruised neck.
The man on the sofa whispered but words fell on deaf ears, he muttered something, and all you could do was hum. Unlike earlier, the rough hands by your neck weren’t like the soft kisses he left on your shoulder, leaving the feeling of ice on your skin.
“I said tell me the truth. Did I hurt you?” He asked, warm breath tickling your skin. Looking right at your shoulder his arms circled your waist as he inhaled your scent.
“You didn’t.” Intense eyes looked right back at you. His once-slicked-back hair was ruffled lying flat on his forehead, he looked at you. Scoping your reaction once more but nodded, nonetheless.
Lies. Lies. Lies. It comes naturally to you, like breathing.
And only one person had caught on to your lies. You take pride in having a knack for the art of deceptiveness, yet when Theseus Scamander looked at you, he knew that you had recognized Charles Moore. Mr. Scamander was far too perceptive and smart for his good, his nobleness would only lead to trouble.
The truth is it wasn’t even in the Amour Délicat that you had first met the missing assistant delegate, his thoughts were loud and clear, unbearable with the thought of your beauty.
‘She’s beautiful.’ The words you have seen a thousand times.
And for the second time, Charles Moore presented himself in front of you, right in front of a jewelry shop, he held a flashy ring that glittered in the sun. You tried to look at your surroundings, to look for the people that accompanied courtesans every time you had to go out for help. But you couldn’t feel or see them, strange.
“Run away with me. I’ll make you the happiest woman on earth.” Charles Moore proposed, kneeling on one knee as a crowd of onlookers looked at the spectacle expecting you to say yes.
“I do not even know you; you must have had the wrong person.” You said as you turned around to walk another block, trying to get away from his hands as he tried to reach you.
“You don’t understand, I am in love with you! You are the woman of my dreams. Why are you running away from me? I am your true love!” Your heart hammered in your chest; you couldn’t risk losing your job by creating a scene in front of the crowd. Madame Blanche kept you her secret, a weapon to investigate secrets and he is risking it by following you.
When you have reached the dark alleys of Paris, streets that looked at you in hunger, you were sent back to a dark time where you had no roof over your head. You have seen life and decay in these very streets. It felt like you were back from where your stomach growled in hunger as you stared at the windows of a bakery begging for a piece of bread. You felt your lungs tightening in your chest like an incarcerous spell had taken hold of your chest, squeezing it until panic littered your veins. Your eyes darted at the crowd, looking for the protection that you desperately craved. Suddenly, multiple people stood in front of you, dressed in shabby clothing. They had followed you, looking at you with disdain asking if you were acquainted with the man earlier, you shook your head no as tears threatened to spill in your eyes, only for them to grab your arms harshly. Every spell of protection flew over your head as your heart still hammered in your chest, stunning stem into their place you ran. The soles of your feet were sore and when you were back to the familiar streets of the red-light district, back to Amour Délicat, you could finally breathe. You stood there for what felt like a lifetime, only to hear the panicked breaths of people who were supposed to protect you.
That is the memory you had shown Theseus, who is now sitting on the sofa with his head propped up on a soft pillow looking at the ceilings while dissecting every memory of the encounter, For someone to force their memory on you it would hurt for the first time. You muttered a healing spell to ease his pain, while he lay on the soft velvet seats, collecting his thoughts.
“I would say that you are quite indeed a great liar, but the first time you looked at me I knew you were lying.” He said with a cheeky grin. Proud that he had seen through your facade of lies. His eyes remained closed, and you frowned.
“What gave it away?”
“Your eyes. My mother said you can see a lot of a person through their eyes, that’s why Hippogriffs only respect you if you look right into their eyes. And you didn’t with me, you covered yours with a smile.” Opening his eyes, he looked right back at you. “And that is your flaw, you’re too good of a liar that lies upon lies is the tell-tale that you are hiding something.”
What a funny thing, you failed to be the greatest deceiver. Now you were only obligated to an oath of truth to Theseus Scamander. You were a mere pawn in this game, all your life you were, and to be presented with a ticket out, you became a feral dog ready to taste the sense of freedom. Your truth is hard to come by because all you knew were lies. And the way he had you right wrapped around his fingers was a sure new record of low for you, what a pity you were. Madame Blanche would sure be ashamed. You and your rotten judgment would lead to your demise; you were certain.
Yet, he vowed for your safety. All that needs to be done is you get information as you’ve always done before. Gather secrets and tell him what he wants, that would be easy. The only obstacle was how you would communicate discreetly, all he needed to do was be within your vicinity for you to use legilimens to him. But, how, he couldn’t simply use his account to buy your time, he significantly declined that idea. His righteous beliefs prevented him from using you for that kind of service, ‘We are working together, you don’t need to think about ways to please me. Your help is fine.’ he says.
Madame Blanche would become too curious, too prying as to why the British auror had come to take you, therefore you settled on an agreement, every time you had to go out, he would trail by the shadows until both of you were all alone he would get the information he wanted.
You would ease into Mr. Scamander’s mind gently, give him the truth that he wanted.
The man that lay on your sofa slowly unwrapped his arms around your waist. It was becoming a common occurrence for you to be lost in thought. Being deep into your head, made you make plans for the imminent future, like what would you or where would you go questions have circled your mind. Daydreaming has now been a habit that distracts you and makes you hope, and having hope is a dangerous thing.
You even forgot it was not Mr. Scamander in the room with you but a regular patron of yours, whose name you were forced to remember since he was a high-paying clientele. Pierre Baudelaire, the next-inline as the Duke of Baudelaire, a part of the royalty of pure-blooded families. And you were nothing but his mistress.
If you squint your eye, you would’ve thought it was the figure of a certain auror, something your mind didn’t expect it to play. Buttoning his suit with ease, Baudelaire acquires an extravagant box in his coat pocket. He kneeled right in front of you and grabbed your hand in his.
“What is this?”
“A gift.”
“I don’t think I can accept—”
“Take it.”
Your hands fiddled with the box unwillingly, his palms pressed to it tightly, not giving you the choice to reject his offer. Nonetheless, you smiled at him not before you grabbed your robe and walked with him as he went to say his goodbyes.
With one last look, he turned around to step in front of you. His deep green eyes stared at you unblinking not before holding your neck, lightly this time. With his thumb, he tilted your head up at him not before giving you a kiss. Closing your eyes and the hold on your neck slowly tightened. The feel of your pulse right beneath his skin, you willed your heart to remain calm, afraid that the repeat earlier would happen again.
The touch of authority is evident in the way he holds your neck, making you want to submit to his desires that are still not satisfied. Back then you would’ve let them, it was your job after all. You would’ve been your ruin, a tool of satisfaction but now you feared. You fantasize about life outside these very caging walls. Back then, you would’ve been fine if your last dying breath was in between the sheets, and the taste of freedom far from your mind. But now it is different.
When the lift doors closed behind him and your clientele for the day had gone, you gave a tired sigh and rested your back among the door frames. Your hand touched your neck feeling the faint bruise slowly starting to burn, by the time you would have looked in the mirror you were sure that it would’ve been dark red. Going back inside the room, other elves started appearing and cleaning the room from the ground up. And at the corner of your eye, Bernadette gave you a comforting smile. A cup of tea in her hand
“I hope I didn’t take long. Bernadette.” Grabbing the warm cup of tea in hand, the crushed leaves provided you with the comfort that you needed. You muttered a ‘thank you’ not before hearing the creaking wall opening behind you. You followed her as both of you walked towards the hidden door in the room, the bricked walled lead you downstairs to the common rooms and large dining hall for every courtesan. Loud chatter and boisterous laughter could be heard echoing on your way down.
As soon as you opened the large lounge where every staff and courtesan lazed around; there they talked about rumors of their own, happenings on the street, and what the client of the day did. Passing by some who flaunted their lover’s gift as they giggled at the thought of love. Not before you get stares of your own; thoughts you could hear loud and clear about how you were the cause of Maeve’s disposal. Not even caring that their voices were loud whispers.
If Maeve didn’t run her tattle tale mouth, then would have still been working here, It was not your fault she grew jealous of your status as the right hand. She did it to herself, you were merely a vessel to her downfall. At first, that former courtesan acted like you were the best of friends, clinging to you to make her status higher but you knew not to make friends; you could hear and see the disdain in her thoughts as soon as she saw you. Thoughts about how undeserving you were, and that you were never special to begin with. And when she realized that you were unapproachable and someone who never let her secrets slip, she knew that you would never open up.
“Why did Maeve get to be punished, she should’ve been the one who left.” A comment that went past your ears. You paid no reaction and continued your way back to your room, all you needed to do was get out and talk to Theseus, passing him a piece of crucial information about how you were being trailed these last few days and how Maeve held no contact after being laid off by Madame Blanche. No letters to her friends in Amour Délicat, which is unlike her character at all. She liked to gossip and was often associated with the one who made the nasty comment about you, and to not get a peep out of the former courtesan was unlikely. Very unusual.
Passing down rooms until you reach the final door. Courtesans from Bouquet de Blanc had different sets of rooms. You were never placed to bed in the lower ground rooms, where one hall five people are being accommodated in their respective rooms, you stayed on the upper floors where a singular door resides. There were clothes designated for you to wear, to not lose their status, and you were only required to wear white, a sign of purity when the truth is you are embedded with sins.
Opening the door, what greeted you was a simple room. No knick-knacks, just all the necessities to be considered a bedroom. There were no high ceilings or chandeliers like the room upstairs that decorated this simple abode. The only splash of the decor was the potted Epiphyllum oxypetalum residing at the dresser, its buds still not formed. It was charmed to be water daily while you were occupied by other means, you never miss it when it blooms once a year. This plant was a gift from the Madame, every courtesan had a flower designated to be their own identity. A cruel reminder that this is who you are in the establishment of Madame Blanche. A flower in her bouquet of courtesans.
Bernadette who has been by your side all this time summoned the golden tub, and immediately you succumb to cleaning yourself hastily. You scrubbed hard while the water still flowed to a full; Bernadette rushed as well as she poured an essence of floral shampoo right into your hair. The house elf saw the forming bruise right at your neck and touched it gently.
“Again? Please be careful around men like that Miss.” You flinched when her cold hands touched the sensitive skin, she whispered a healing spell. You could only nod as you hurried to dress yourself, in simple clothes, something inconspicuous.
“Are you meeting the auror again?” Bernadette asked. Worry was written all over her face.
“I have to, this— this contract is an opportunity I could simply not pass. When the time comes, I’ll make sure that you’ll come with me to be free. And this is the only reason for that to happen, trust me. Please.” Kneeling right in front of the house elf, she caressed your cheek and wiped the worry off your face. Bernadette nodded and put a tight lip on her lips signifying her silence. The house elf that you have trusted your whole life, embraced you in a hug like a doting mother would.
The truth is Bernadette is your only friend, she is the only other person you ever trusted and cared for. When the world turned their eyes with disgust at you, it was empathy and a cup of warm tea that she offered. Bernadette took care of you as a loving mother would; not that you knew what it's like to feel a mother’s touch. It was she who gave you warmth, and sincerity. And even if you are not related by blood, the bond you have with each other is irreplaceable.
“What would you do if she asks?”
“I’ll think of something, don’t worry.”
“Stay safe.”
“I will.”
Walking towards the back doors, you stopped at the guard’s quarters to call upon Chen and Marc. The men who were assigned to watch your every move whenever you are needed outside. They did not only to keep you from harm but to prevent you from running away. Those were Madame Blanche’s orders.
“Are we too lazy to go outside boys?” You crossed your arms across your chest and looked at their round of poker game. Groaning, the two boys sat their cards down to fold. And just by hearing their thoughts out loud, they were dejected. Placing their cards down, they begrudgingly stood to follow you, calling out to their other mates about continuing the game later.
“Where are we going today, Miss? Another theater or a trip to see the Seine?” Chen enthusiastically asked.
Chen and Marc were great at their job, they knew to keep tabs on all behavior and what to report to Madame Blanche as soon as the trip was done. You had been doing this for years, and with experience, you knew how to throw them off your scent easily. All you need is a place wherein utmost surveillance would become useless when faced with difficulty; for that to happen you need an obstacle, an obstacle called the non-magiques. With the planned rendezvous in mind, you hummed not even trying to act overly giddy at the thought.
“We are going to the non-magiques golden district, the Champs-Élysées Avenue.” With a loud choking sound, followed by a slap on the back you walked towards the double doors. The feeling of air right on your skin made you elated.
“What for?”
“I need a look… a look on how to be the perfect bride.”
For the non-magiques it would take them 10-12 hours to travel to Champs-Élysées Avenue from the Amour Délicat, but apparition came easy to you and there are portkeys scattered in Paris. Besides, the farther you are in Amour Délicat the better. You didn’t need prying eyes or ears to watch your every move, and besides the non-magiques tourists spots were certainly a beauty to look at, that was just an additional benefit. Marc and Chen could only comply with your demands as you looked at every boutique with wonder in your eyes. They were on edge and yet they couldn’t do anything about it, afraid that the Bureau des Aurors would show up any minute. They were not accustomed to traveling outside the wizarding walls, they were wary that they would be captured and jailed if they ever slipped and showed magic towards the non-magical people. Pinballs of sweat dripped to their forehead as their wands remained at the inside of their pocket, eyes darting across one another as they tried to remain calm.
“Did you hear about ‘Handcuff' Houdini? I believe he is now in Wales touring! How I wish I could’ve seen his magic again; my papa said it was like sorcery!” You nudged the thought loud and clear to the young boys who bumped past your escorts. Messing around a little more, you whispered the fear of sorcery in their veins.
Another group of elegant young ladies passed by this time their thoughts were merely pure coincidence.
“I’m excited, I’ll finally be able to go to Magic City.” You stopped to tap them on their shoulder, the girl stared up at you in wonder. You looked regal with your white coat and scarf, even in the eyes of the non-magiques you were a beauty to look at.
“Did you say Magic City? I don’t believe that I’ve been there, care to tell me where it is?” You asked, voice loud and clear for the eavesdropping escort to hear. “Yes— yes the one by rue de l'Université. Their dance halls have the most extravagant balls and celebrations. I heard that it is the most magical place here in Paris. We hope to see you there!”
“Is that so? Thank you and I do hope to see you too. Have a wonderful day!” You turned around at their pale faces and gave them a small smile.
“Do you think that is a wizard-owned location?” Chen approached you but you could only hum in uncertainty, placing doubts onto their heads.
“I don’t know… I do think it is.” Turning around, you smiled as you heard one of your escorts gulp nervously, whispering amongst themselves about this new development and how they would tell Madame Blanche. If it is a new competitor, then it would be a threat to the Madame’s establishment
“Come on Chen and Marc, you have to hurry we do not have all day.” You hurriedly walked, passing through throngs of people, widening the gap as the men behind you were slowly losing you among the crowd. As soon as you walked two blocks away, you walked inside the corner shop street.
Ready to welcome yourself in, the floral ambiance greeted your senses, the name of the boutique long forgotten when you realized what kind of establishment it was. Countless white bridal dresses decorated its walls, and mannequins stood still wearing expensive-looking gowns. In another life, you would’ve rejoiced to be a bride, but now you despised the color white.
White. Felt restricting; it reminded you of the control, the emptiness, the loneliness, and the lies. White made you feel empty.
“Welcome to ‘Love Affairs’. How may I help you today?” The boutique assistant's voice spooked you and immediately helped you to snap out of it. She guided you to a sofa that held champagne and a catalog. It almost made you nauseous to see the closed catalog staring straight back at you, you thought that if you scanned through its pages, you would see yourself and the price under your name. You held everything in your will to force the bile from coming out of your mouth. This place felt sickly, it reminded you of Amour Délicat.
But you remember Theseus, curse him for choosing something like this. Something that is triggering every parcel in your body to just run away. He had provided you with this exact location, a place wherein you can do it discreetly. He could not afford to use the hotels the Aurors were staying at, that would cause too much curiosity in his superior. And the tavern had too many curious eyes and ears, this place was the first best thing. A place where no one would look for you and you could come up with an alibi easily, here you know that Marc and Chen could not follow you or it would raise suspicion.
Mr. Scamander… Mr. Scamander was here. Forcing yourself to remain in control you asked, “I was wondering if an English man has come in here? He was supp—” Her eyes widened in delight before you could even finish your sentence.
“Oh, you must be his bride! What a wonderful couple you two are. Come with me!” She urged you to stand up and she grabbed your hand, almost dragging you up the stairs where you can look at the catalog of dresses privately.
A lone stylist stood in the middle of the room, entertaining a man who was slouched down on the couch. His knees showing signs of nervousness.
“His fiance is here!” The girl called out and Theseus looked at you, he expected you to not even show up but when you did his fear was lifted. He stood immediately, engulfing you in a tight embrace as he buried his face in the crook of your neck. Your hand hovered right behind his back, wary of your touch on his. You were afraid that if you became too close, he would flinch and push you away. All it took you was a second to decide before giving him an embrace of equal force, not too harsh that your bones would crush and not too soft that the wind could blow you away.
With his voice in your ear and his hand carefully drawing circles into your back, he whispered. “We need to talk, they almost thought you stood me up.”
It did interesting things to you, his whisper felt like feathers on your back making you arch closer to him and parted your lips. You felt yourself tremble to his voice, almost wanting more; you almost wanted to be greedy and see where this would lead. You push back to stare at him, but this is not the time or place for it, you have a job. And your job is to give him the information that he needs, not your services but secrets; he needed your secrets. And you two were not alone.
Your palm caresses his cheek softly; “Follow my lead.”
Dropping your hand back to your side, you turned to stare at the stylist, the white streaks on her told of her age. She gave you a genuine smile, and in her thoughts, you could see her admiration. Slowly his hand left your back to stay right in his pockets, the warmth leaving as he did.
‘Just like me and my husband.’ The lady's thoughts circled in your mind as her finger fiddled with her own ring.
You formally introduce yourself and shake the stylist’s hand, flattering your eyes. Like stepping in front of an opera house, you performed another lie of a lifetime.
“I had to apologize, I had to run an errand. It is hard to plan a wedding with only two people.” You gave them your made-up story, how quickly and easily it came to you.
Theseus would’ve thought it was true, but he knew your truth. Your contract was to only tell him the truth and to be seen on the other side of your white lies, he knew not to meddle with an expert at hand. You were far too quick on your feet to lie between your teeth, it came easy to you. He admired you for that, you would make a great auror.
“The way your husband came here was uncertain, we almost pushed him out of our boutique. He was a nervous wreck. Now that I know why he is like that, your case is something unheard of, we always thought that the groom would only see the bride’s dress at the wedding, not the planning. Yet, you do not need to worry about anything, we'll make sure that this is a wedding you’ll never forget.”
Theseus stepped to your left and closed your hand in his, placing a chaste kiss on your knuckles, hiding the view of your ringless finger from the spectators in front of you. “We wanted it to be private, just the two of us against the world.” He declared, and the boutique’s assistant swooned at the thought of pure love.
“Ah, then why don’t you let us do the magic, all you must do is trust us and we will surprise you with the collection suited for someone like you. We will not leave you disappointed.” The stylist said as she closed the catalog and ushered the young assistant down the stairs.
With the given privacy, you immediately walked toward the round-stage podium and closed the curtains surrounding it, not before dragging Theseus inside. Charming a muting spell in the vicinity, you looked up at him with seriousness plastered on your face. Now you were back to business, putting down the facade of pretending to be husband and wife.
He fiddled with something in his inner breast pocket. “Take this.”
In his hand, a small dainty ring resides. It didn’t need the most expensive of gems to look beautiful as it glittered through the sun's rays. The golden band protected the one moonstone right in its middle, it looked beautiful and delicate.
Not even realizing that you were traversing his mind, you found a memory behind it. It was his mother’s ring. In his head, you saw him in front of the dining table along with his mother passing that very ring with a smile on her face, her small freckles dusted on her cheeks looking the same as her son. You can see her muttering the words ‘When the time comes, I know you’ll give it to the right person.” His mother placed the ring in his hand and closed it tightly. You can see him being apprehensive but with one last look, he thanked his mother and hugged her.
“This is your mother’s. Mr. Scamander— I–I don’t think I am the right person for this.” You muttered, eyes darting back to his eyes. The palm of his hand was left unoccupied with the ring as you didn’t even want to touch something so special to him, afraid that your ruination would cause its destruction. Your heart was pounding loudly, mind muddled with the unknown as the thoughts of all people within 50 meters became one. The voices all came at you at once as the white noise grew louder. You were breathing heavily, your hand slapped right into your ears to make the voices of the people stop.
His eyes grew worried, as he held your hand beside your head. Muttering. He was muttering something. You stared at his lips as you leaned closely.
“They’ll think you’re lying if you are not wearing the ring.”
“Oh... Yes of course.”
You expected he was giving it to you as an act of commitment, but his thoughts were loud and clear, you just didn’t expect the disappointment that followed. Placing the ring onto your right hand, not before he stopped to carefully hold your hand and place it on your left ring finger.
“Vena Amoris. Vein of Love. You wear it on your left, closer to your heart.” He whispered, realizing what your implication meant. Air thick with tension and uncertainty made you step back, giving distance and formality once more. This is a job, you don’t meddle with a personal relationship with it; you should know better than that.
Clearing your throat, eyes avoiding his stare as his mouth opened and closed, trying to pull the words right out of his mouth.
“Should we start? We can’t afford to lose time by dallying around.” As professional as ever, you procure your wand to show him the memory. Shaking his head, he nodded and stood straight closing his eyes, as he waited for you to push the memory into his mind.
In this memory, you gave him the exact faces of the people who are trailing you, the same people who asked if you were acquainted with Charles Moore. Even giving him the exact location where and when these people were trailing behind you. Two men, a feat larger and burlier than he is and one small with a mean look in his eyes.
For the second memory, you gave him the news about the unresponsiveness of the former courtesan Maeve. You gave him details about how she never answered letters from her friends and almost seemed like she disappeared from the face of the world when she was a person who is quite the opposite of that. You gave him details as to her last known location, giving him the harder part of the job.
When you were done, he was gasping for air, almost as if he was drowning. Theseus almost tripped on the curtains as they opened when he fell. You tried to catch him but he was halfway on the floor when you caught his arm. You dragged him back to the couch while he regained his senses. Transferring memories with the use of legilimency is not an easy art to master, with time you’ll learn to endure the pain better but, for his second time, Theseus was faring far better.
When the assistant downstairs heard the bustling noise of someone falling, she immediately came upstairs to see you hovering right above your supposed husband. Meanwhile, Theseus lay there almost as if he was asleep. The aftereffects of legilimency took a toll on him.
“Is he okay? What happened? Do you need anything?” The assistant asked.
“Just took a tumble, do not worry. May we please have a glass of water? I think my husband is too tired and nervous for all of this.” You politely said. The girl immediately nodded and headed down the stairs. When you heard the pattern of footsteps disappearing, you sighed.
“Mr. Scamander?”
“Mr. Scamander?!”
“Answer me.”
“Theseus.”
Your voice commanding is still laced with worry as he remains to catch his breath, his eyes still closed and his skin still pale. Theseus muttered a sentence, way too quiet for your ears to pick up on.
“What? Can you repeat it?” You asked leaning forward, as pinballs of sweat and the colors from his cheeks started to come back.
“I said you didn’t give me time to gather my thoughts. Yes, you would be the right person for someone… I’m not saying you aren’t. Someday a lucky bloke would be lucky to have you as their right person.” Giving you the cheeky smile once again, he opened one of his eyes to stare at your reaction.
Slapping him lightly on his arm, “This is not the time for this type of conversation.” You sighed nonetheless when he laughed. When he laughs, you have never heard a sweeter and warm sound. His laughter made you at ease. He was fine.
“Then when? Care to join me for a cup of fire whiskey later? I think we do deserve it, after all, you now called me Theseus, I assume that I am now your friend not just an ally.” He replied cheekily. Held tilted to one side, wiggling his eyebrows for you to agree.
“When this is done, we will drink fire whiskey and gigglewater until the next morning. And I’ll make sure that you are too drunk to remember anything. Happy?” You fixed yourself and stood straight arms folded across your chest, he nodded.
“And stop getting a reaction out of me, we are in the middle of a business here. And I can’t take it seriously to see you annoyingly smiling at me.”
“So, you’re implying that I make you distracted?”
“Yes, you are a large distraction, an annoying one. I can’t believe I made an unbreakable vow to a cheeky person like you.”
“You know you would make a great auror someday.”
“Ha! In your dreams.”
You didn’t realize that the stylist and her assistant walked up the stairs with refreshments and too many dresses on hand. The lady looked at the couple in front of her with a large smile plastered on her face.
“Come on my dear, we must make you the perfect bride.” She dragged you as you watched Theseus sit straight and drink the refreshment in his hand, still giddy at the thought of you breaking down the facade of seriousness when you rolled your eyes at him playfully and stuck your tongue out at him.
“Real mature.” You said to him when you knew that he wouldn’t understand a word you muttered but with the way you said it, he knew what you meant.
You didn’t expect it; the walls that were too high to climb, too tough to break down easily crumbled under a certain auror. The absence of difficulty and pretending came naturally, it came to you as easy as breathing. Whether it is because you're bound by truth or maybe it's just the way that he is, you are uncertain. All you know is that it felt nice not to withhold the true you.
After pretending and having fun wearing white bridal gowns, you would think you lead a normal life; the high life of having a sense of normalcy felt nice. Mr. Scamander—Theseus certainly made his company a pleasure to be with. It was hours of leisure and laughing as the cheap champagne of the non-magiques stayed on your lips; bickering among throngs of dresses as he tried to ‘fight’ a particular dress he seemed to like. The stylist and her assistant were accommodating and made sure that the two had fun, and a ‘day you won’t forget’, but they were none-the-wiser, this was all a faux relationship. Looking at bridal dresses is a certain once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, where you don't need to worry about who is behind your back and watching every move. Maybe soon, you could be like this. You would find the love of your life, experience the freedom other people have, and possibly love the way other people love. Oh, how beautiful and bright that future would be.
Walking back to the steps, back at Amour Délicat you almost feel like a schoolgirl having a crush. Your own escorts who spent their whole day almost looking for you were tired. And yet their worries were lifted when you pretended that you had been searching for them as well. And behind them Theseus has to tip-toe out of their line of sight, waving you a small goodbye and a large smile plastered on his face. It almost seemed like a secret love affair, and you giggled at the thought. As soon as you open the back doors, all you can see are the courtesans gathered around the fireplace peering at something. Gasps of amazement filled the air. Their shadows danced right by the fireplace, passing on to something with great curiosity.
“Isn’t this expensive?”
“Do you think our lovers could get that too?”
“Ah, I’m so jealous.”
You paid no mind to them, as you walked towards the halls to your room. At the end of the hallway, Bernadette is biting on her finger with worry.
“There you are!” Someone behind you exclaimed, Turning around they gleamed. “The beauty of the night is here.”
The courtesan immediately surrounded you, and right in front of you was the black velvet box. And inside was a necklace with far too many pearls for you to count, and those weren’t just normal non-magiques pearls, these were siren tears. Acquiring siren tears is not an easy task, banned in most countries, and to do something so inhumane to a siren is punishable by law.
“What is this?” Staring at it with disgust and annoyance.
“What are you talking about? Just wear it, it’s yours after all.”
And right in the middle was a note, written in golden ink. Sitting innocently and untouched. Picking up the note with an apprehensive hand, you wavered. This is something your mind couldn’t see or read with the use of legilimens, you needed to see with your own eyes to understand.
‘I hope you wear it. This is merely a downpayment worth 4,000 galleons and the life of a certain English Man.’
And right on your left ring finger, a lone simple ring resides; a ring no amount of value could surpass. An engagement ring that came with love, a love from his mother to him, a ring that has seen pure love. You felt it grow cold on your finger.
text format:
“dialogue” is in French.
‘Dialogue’ are thoughts.
a/n:
cant be touch starved when you hate physical touch (I am a hypocrite)
#theseus scamander#theseus scamander x reader#theseus scamander x y/n#theseus scamander imagine#theseus scamander oneshot#theseus scamander fic#theseus scamander smut#theseus scamander x you#fantastic beasts fic#fantastic beasts imagine#fantastic beasts one shot#callum turner
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Some Unholy War | Theseus Scamander (IV)
SUMMARY: Theseus was always talented in thinking clearly. Logically. He wanted you to be wrong, but your instincts pushed you to keep moving. It was the only way to stay one step ahead of Sinclair. It contrasted Theseus’ plan to stay put within the walls of the Ministry. You contrasted his very being.
PAIRING: Theseus Scamander x f!reader
WORD COUNT: 1.1K
WARNINGS: canon-typical things, flashback of sorts, mutual pining, semi enemies-to- lovers, always a protective Theseus, SLOW burn, etc.
A/N: HELLO. Again, this took me longer than I would have liked. So, rather than rushing it, I’m going to break it up into two parts...I’m going to take a lil break to get my head together, but I’m v excited in how this second part is going to go!!! So, stay tuned...As always, thank you, @kalllistos. Comments are always welcomed. Enjoy.
PART I, PART II, PART III
Effort was a comical notion.
Magic required it at times, just as breathing did. The effort now felt good, worth it. The icy air that reached the ends of your lungs stung. Yet, each breath was quieter, the effort only coming in the form of physical mechanics of pushing a warm breath back out that the air around you marked.
“Are you mad?” Theseus’ exclamation hadn’t taken any exertion. The pent-up anger almost made you flinch. Theseus yelled after you as you continued forward. He never begged you to stop; he told you. Sometimes you’d listen just to display your wit.
You were quiet, entering the idyllic fog, hoping it would swallow you whole.
“Keep up….” Your voice was airy, the instruction more for yourself. The memory was faded, your mind trying to hold onto it as it threatened to slip between your fingers.
It started in Theseus’ office—a muddled memory overlapping with the friction of everything around you. It was more a feeling, something foggy and unrestrained that called you forward. It felt a bit like apparating, where your body didn’t quite belong for the moments it took to find your footing again.
You scolded yourself for not seeing it clearly; that was the thing about divination.
Although studied meticulously, its real trait was its vitality. It shifted and molded. Evolved. It made even more concrete things seem like rubber, rejecting electricity with an uncanny ability to mold into shapes unknown. It was the type of thing that could be so exciting to happen just to become something so vague that it no longer held value to it.
Theseus’ words were drowned out as your ears produced a ringing. All you could hear was your shaky breaths, and all you could see was a faint familiarity with your surroundings. Even your stumbling steps backward felt practiced.
Your breath became labored as the hazy recollection returned. Even through the blur, you saw how the tips of his ears and nose burned red with frustration. It was a trait of his that remained as he rose so many inches he towered over you, and his hair curled the longer her let it grow.
The years did nothing to change it.
“This is it….” Your fingers fumbled with a curl at the nape of his neck. His hair was long, longer than he usually kept it. Time had gotten the better of him. How could you be so blind?
Theseus’ tirade wavered. He was supposed to be angry. He was supposed to do so many things, but your touch felt like an enchantment. It reminded him of how dangerous you could be.
The walnut of Theseus’ wand was always stiff, but it cast its spells briskly and powerfully. Ollivander told him it wasn’t rare to be drawn to the material, but it scarcely paired with dragon heartstring. Because of the extreme dominance of this wood, the core was stoic and gentle and had done Theseus well from the moment he received it. Yet, pressed against your chest to stall your next step, it felt that even the wand knew it was a misguided action.
“Don’t be foolish, Theseus.” You spat at the gesture. His wand only pressed into your chest as if trying to will away his emotions. “Don’t you recognize where we are?”
He shook his head. If he looked beside him, he knew he would crumble.
You tried to reason, “We couldn’t stay there. The Ministry—
“We’re going back.” Although his voice was steady, emotion wavered in his eyes. “I won’t fall into your trap. You can’t just—
“It’s too late.” You pushed forward, the wood digging into your clavicle with drive. “I’m ruined anyways.” The invariability of the words reflected your decision. “By your hand or his.”
Theseus was always talented in thinking clearly. Logically. He wanted you to be wrong, but your instincts pushed you to keep moving. It was the only way to stay one step ahead of Sinclair. It contrasted Theseus’ plan to stay within the Ministry's walls.
You contrasted his very being.
“Why did you bring me here?” Anger drifted from Theseus’ voice, and the space it abandoned was soon tenanted by something else—a kind of endearment, muslin light.
Theseus first brought you there for a quiet you didn’t know you needed. It was ambient full of croaking creatures and twigs snapping from the pressure of unknown forces. It was a blissful oasis that lured you into its dark depths.
The environment was damp, still reflecting the country’s dreariness. It was hidden, though. A broken-off path Theseus—well, Newt—had stumbled upon in childhood. It was a good hiding place to play, to sneak, and for you to abuse.
“I didn’t see it coming.” It felt strange to admit your best-hidden secret. “Any of it.” Your eyes remained on Theseus, willing trust to transfer. “But I just couldn’t—I knew deep down, I couldn’t lose everything.”
One time, you came to read Theseus’ palm under the full moon—a silly excuse to feel the weight of his hand in yours. The times following grew, the touches still shy with adolescence but bolder in a discovery of emotion.
The memory was a shared favorite, an inside joke of sorts to make the other feel warmth in your fingers that spread to the center of your chest. You hadn’t meant to bastardize it, but its safety was all you could rely on.
“But this, I saw this.” You would continue until Theseus understood. You had told him of your vision all those years ago. It was your only justifiable proof. “This needs to happen.”
Recognition flashed across his features.
Theseus dropped his wand with a tight breath. Looking to the sky, he became lost in turmoil. Once his gaze hit the dirt beneath his feet, it did nothing to aid him. You watched his fingers pull through the hair at the back of his head as if unraveling an answer.
You spoke when his hand fit over his mouth in frustration. “You promised me.”
“We were teenagers.” He snapped, denying the truth. “What did I know about prophecies?”
“Enough to believe me.” You felt young again, begging Theseus to revert with you. You wanted to hear his reassurances, his bold-faced vows to remain by your side despite the trouble you found.
That holiday, you told him everything—your plans to run away, the images that flashed in your dreams of the future, and how he centered them all as an essential turning point. It spilled out of you, and you couldn’t stop. At the time, the swampy place was at the core unbeknownst.
If Theseus had known, he may not have regretted the promise to always be there for you. No questions asked. It sounded embarrassingly naive. You could still hear how desperately he wanted you to believe him. Even then, you knew it would lead to something like this.
Even then, just as now, you diminished how well Theseus knew you. “What aren’t you telling me?”
#q#theseus scamander x reader#theseus scamander fluff#theseus scamander angst#theseus scamander x f!reader#theseus scamander#theseus#scamander#fantastic beasts fic#theseus scamander fantastic beasts#newt scamander x reader
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Insufferable
summary: based off this request! “Hi can I request a Theseus x reader where she is newt’s assistant and can’t really stand him because of his demenaur but then she gets to spend time with him and get to know him and they kind of bond,ends in fluff”
warnings: Banter from theseus but y/n doesn’t quite realize that and maybe being a bit too rude to him, other than that it’s just y/n rolling her eyes at him, tending to newts creatures, newt trying to ignore them, and then fluff where theseus is just being an adorable human and showing his hufflepuffness(?)
A/N: my first request ever. i’m so excited for this it was such a fun plot and i’m glad to finally write for theseus! i hope the time jumps aren’t annoying. i wasn’t entirely sure how to do this without it being incredibly long 😖 even tho it’s definitely still one of my longest ones. i hope anon likes it and anyone else reading :D
ALSO i did not proof read this so i’ll probably do that sometime in the late afternoon and edit anything i need to 😅
word count: 2.3k
You’ve been Newt’s assistant with his creatures for a little over a year now. You’d met Theseus a few times before, but now him and Newt were doing some sort of mission together which lead to him just staying at Newt’s place. You obviously weren’t going to complain because you were only Newt’s assistant. You weren’t about to tell him you didn’t want his own brother to stay in his own house just because he got on your nerves a tad. But, Merlin were you tempted at times.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You woke up early to go start caring for the creatures in the case before anyone else was up, even Newt. You hadn’t meant to wake up so early but once you did, there was no falling back asleep. Needless to say, you were already in a not so great mood, so you were a bit relieved to have some alone times with the creatures. That is until Theseus so rudely decided to walk into the case about an hour after you had started working.
“Good morning darling. You’re up quite early. Even Newt is still sound asleep.” He raised an eyebrow at you and gave you that famous smirk that apparently works on everyone but you.
“Not now Theseus,” you answered bitterly without turning around from the mooncalfs you were feeding, “and don’t you ever call me darling.”
“Well someone’s woke up on the wrong side of the bed now haven’t we?”
Now you turned around to look at him and give him the most unamused face you possibly could. Just for him to give you an annoying crooked smile.
You were about to go off on him until your eyes went to the stairs and saw Newt very slowly coming into the case, eyes darting between you and Theseus to make sure he’s not imposing on anything important.
“Oh thank Merlin,” you mumbled under your breath, “Newt please tell your brother to let me get back to work.”
Newt looked at Theseus as he scratched the back of his head, “Y/N why are you down here so early?”
“I woke up early and couldn’t fall back asleep so i decided to start on things a bit early today. Is that alright?” Theseus furrowed his brows at how much softer your town was with Newt. Were you really in a bad mood today or was it just because he was around?
“Of course that’s alright. But… I do think you deserve a day off. It seems you’ve been doing most of the work down here for about two weeks now. I can handle them from here for today,” he nervously smiled at you through his hair, scared he’d annoy you further than his brother already has.
“That’s very kind of you Newt but I promise I’m alright to help y-“
“No he’s right,” Theseus cut you off, “if anyone deserves the day off it’s you. I think you should take it.” He was being genuine but you hadn’t noticed. You were too busy glaring at him. Ooh if looks could kill…
“What’s your angle Scamander?” You stared the older brother straight in the eyes as you looked at him skeptically.
Theseus chuckled, finding it cute when you angrily called him by his last name, “angle? Why would I have an angle darling?”
“I told you not to call me- You know what?” you held the bridge of your nose trying to calm yourself down, “I am going to take the day off. Thank you Newt,” you smiled at him before going up the stairs that he was still frozen on.
Theseus started to head up the stairs shortly after, only to be stopped by Newt, “maybe you should just leave her be today Theseus,” he tried to say sternly while staring at the ground with one hand on his brothers chest to keep him there while he talked.
Theseus looked at him slightly confused, before chuckling, “I’ll make sure to tell her you tried your best.”
Newt shook his head in annoyance. If he kept this up they were going to have to stay somewhere else for the rest of their mission. Merlin only knows how much longer Y/N will be able to put up with his shenanigans.
To yours and Newts surprise, Theseus actually left you alone majority of the day. The only other time he bothered you was when you all had dinner together, which had become a nightly ritual since their mission began.
It was comfortably silent until, of course, Theseus opened his mouth, “Y/N you really should sit up a bit more straight.”
Newt stared at his soup while your mouth fell open and you stared at Theseus in disbelief, “I beg your pardon? Are you seriously trying to tell me I’m sitting wrong?”
Theseus looked shocked at your reaction, “no- I- Well, yes but I didn’t-“
Now it was your turn to cut him off, “no, you know what? I’m so tired of you criticizing everything I do ever since you got here,” you dropped your spoon in your, luckily, empty bowl with a loud clank, “not to mention you never give your poor brother a break. All he does is care for his creatures and everyone around him, including you, and all you do is tell him how he should be joining the ministry when he clearly doesn’t want to! And you joke far too much. He clearly doesn’t understand half of the time, and to be quite frank it’s not entirely his fault. You don’t have a very distinct difference in your ‘i’m being sarcastic’ versus your ‘i’m being serious’ tone.”
Newt’s eyes were wide and his eyebrows disappeared into his hair. Yet all Theseus did was chuckle. And if you weren’t already furious with his attitude, that really set you off.
“You are so insufferable!” You yell at him as you put your dishes in the sink loudly and make your way back into the case, knowing the creatures could calm you down.
Theseus stood up and Newt stopped him immediately, again. But this time he looked his brother in the eyes, “Leave her alone Theseus. I really mean it. I have never heard her yell like that. Not even when Teddy broke her favorite necklace.”
Theseus clenched his jaw before running his hand over his face, looking clearly guilty, “I’m sorry Newt.”
Newt raised his brows at him in confusion.
“I don’t mean to come off so… Insufferable, as Y/N put it. I only want the best for you, you know that.”
Newt nodded his head quickly, “trust me I know you don’t have any cruel intentions. I did grow up with you harassing me constantly,” they both chuckled, “but she didn’t. And to other people you definitely do seem to come off as a bit overbearing.”
Theseus nodded in understanding, “can you really not tell the difference between my joking and my serious voice?”
Newt laughed nervously, “I can usually figure it out. Just not always in that moment.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A couple days later you were helping feed the baby nifflers when one of them spat up all over your shirt. You groaned and put it back with the others after cleaning it up.
“Go change,” Newt tried not to chuckle but failed. Luckily you laughed too.
“I’ll be right back,” you ran up stairs and changed quickly, grabbing the first shirt you saw so you could get back to Newt and finish your tasks for the day.
Once you were done with your tasks, Newt stayed in the case for a bit to do some work on his book. You were headed for the couch when you saw Theseus standing in a doorway staring at you. You stared back. You stared at each other for a solid minute before you asked, “Can I help you with something?” It came out a bit harsher than you intended.
“Yeah. Why are you wearing my shirt?” He raised an eyebrow and leaned against the doorway, arms crossed with a smile of amusement on his face.
“What? I’m not wearing your-“ you looked down and noticed that the shirt was unusually large on you. Why hadn’t Newt said anything? “I’m so sorry Theseus! I rushed to change after a baby niffler spat up on me and I grabbed the first shirt i saw but I swear i thought it was mine i didn’t mean to steal your cl-“
“Y/N,” he chuckled, a genuine smile on his face, “it’s alright. I didn’t think you were intentionally trying to steal my clothes. Although, I suppose you could be slowly stealing my shirts one by one until I run out and I’m forced to walk around shirtless-“ you threw the closest pillow to you at him, trying to make your face not turn red but failing miserably.
He threw his hands up in surrender, “alright alright, I’m just messing with you. Geez,” he shook his head in mock offense and you laughed. You laughed at something he did, “are you feeling alright?” He was really only half joking.
You tilted your head before he added, “you actually laughed. Out loud. To me.”
You rolled your eyes and started to head to your room to change, “careful Scamander, you’re still on thin ice. And also now on the verge of never getting this shirt back. It’s quite soft.”
Theseus smiled to himself. Damnit why did you have to have such a cute laugh and look so cute in his comically oversized shirt?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It had been about another week and you and Theseus were slowly starting to get along better. You started understanding his sarcasm better, after Newt so nicely explained that he’s only like that with people he cares about, and his smirk has started to work on you. Not that you’d ever admit that to him or even Newt.
That morning, Newt had to run an errand and left you in charge of the creatures, which he has done plenty of times with no problems. Except for today. Today you managed to let a small occamy escape the case. You immediately started panicking and bolted out of the case trying to find it. After about five minutes of looking, you couldn’t find her. You started screaming for Theseus and he came bolting into the room, wanda ready for danger. He looked around to see that no one was there but you. He noticed your extremely panicked breathing and ran over and grabbed your shoulders, looking you in the eyes, “darling what’s the matter?” He hadn’t meant to use the nickname outside of his playful tone but it slipped out and you were too panicked to notice right now anyway.
“The- One of the occamy’s got out and i can’t find her- If I don’t find her Newt will never forgive me and i’ll feel so awful for losing track of such a beautiful creature…” You trailed off, suddenly realizing how close Theseus was and how it was not helping slow your heartbeat any. You looked in his eyes, suddenly feeling a bit shy. He very suddenly hugged you and you stood frozen for a moment. Newt had mentioned he was a bit of a hugger but you thought he was joking at this point.
“I’ll help you. We’ll find her I promise,” you hugged him back lightly before you both went looking for the critter.
You had split up into different rooms when you heard Theseus let out an odd… Squeal? You jogged to the room he was in, only to see the little occamy curled up in his hands. You stared, mouth somewhere between a smile and hung open in shock at the sight before you. Not only did the occamy trust him enough to hold her and pet her, but he was petting her so gently and had such a wide smile on his face. He was even talking to her and she made little sounds back at him.
Theseus looked up and questioned your expression, “she doesn’t even let me hold her…”
“Well she just has good taste I suppose.”
You scoffed, “yeah right, Scamander.”
He smiled at the name you used to use when you were angry at him, but that you now use to banter back.
You both went back into the case to put the occamy where she belonged. You turned around to thank Theseus again and apologize for being so dramatic about it, but you slipped on water you spilled earlier and had forgotten to clean up. You were going to land face first on the ground if Theseus hadn’t been right in front of you. He held onto your arms for quite a bit longer than necessary as he stared into hour eyes, keeping you in a trance of sorts.
You searched his eyes as your heartbeat quickened. You were thrown off when you heard Theseus chuckle, “I think your heart may explode-“
“Oh shut up Scamander,” you pulled him in for a kiss, throwing him off for once, which made you smirk into it.
Newt had come back and was walking into the case, before pausing and turning around, for he was interrupting this time, “about time,” he muttered to himself.
“I knew you were into me. I mean, c’mon. Who could resist me,” he wriggled his eye brows making you laugh, “you still owe me a shirt by the way…”
“You truly are insufferable, you know?” you playfully hit him at his suggestive tone, and me smiled his ridiculously handsome smile.
#fantastic beasts#fantastic beasts secrets of dumbledore#fantastic beasts and where to find them#fantastic beasts fic#theseus scamander#theseus scamander fic#fic request#theseus scamander request#theseus scamander fic request#theseus scamander x you#theseus scamander x y/n#theseus scamander x reader#theseus scamander fluff#theseus scamander oneshot#theseus scamander imagine#fbawtft#fbatsod#fbatcog
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Hi!I would like to request a Theseus Scamander one shot where they were engaged before the crimes of grindelwald and after that event they kind of end up in a crisis and broke up and meet again in SOB and it’s kinda awkward at first but fluff in the end please thank you if you’ll do it❤️
A Diamond Ring
Warnings: None!
Summary: Grindelwald put Theseus in a tough position. He broke off a loving engagement and swore to never see his beloved fiancée again… that is… until unforeseen circumstances happened.
Pairing: Theseus Scamander x fem! Reader
Word Count: 2.8k
He was cold and cunning. He was strange and aloof.
We didn't do much together anymore, and when we did, Theseus was a million miles away. His thoughts were floating through the abyss, far from the present.
As I rode the elevator to his floor, a sick feeling began to brew in the pit of my stomach. Everything was a mess. Nothing had been right in a long, long time.
I was gambling every time I turned a corner or opened a door. I was gambling my own life. One day, someone would be hiding behind a door or around a corner, and it would only take one wave of a wand to wipe me off the face of the earth.
The feeling in my stomach only grew worse. Our engagement had been on thin ice for months, ever since he joined in the fight to stop Grindelwald, but this would be the end. All the years together wasted because of one man.
Theseus’s office door loomed over me at the end of the hall, taunting me. I hesitated to enter. If my assumptions were right, this talk with Theseus would be my last as his fiancee. I would always be in danger as long as I was associated with him, whether it be being taken prisoner or murdered at the hands of Grindelwald.
I knocked once.
Silence. The blow echoed around the room before returning to me. Behind the heavy wood door, there were no signs of life.
No movement.
No voices.
I tried the knob. The lock slipped from the frame with a click as the cold metal spun in its place.
“Thank god…”
As I gently pushed the door open, I murmured to myself.
The hinges didn’t creak.
The door slowly opened to reveal my fiance, his back to me as he hunched over his desk.
I'd never seen him like this before in my life. He was always strong and self-assured. He was always energetic.
He was defeated, crushed under an invisible weight.
His broad shoulders were hunched, his head hanging down in defeat.
The blinds were drawn, and the office was pitch black, save for a single candle perched on his desk that did little to break through the blanket of darkness.
I swallowed my nerves, rubbing my clammy hands against my skirt as I took deep breaths to calm my wobbly knees and racing heart.
“Theseus?”
His contagious defeat wafted through the air and consumed me. I sounded helpless.
There was no response. The man remained motionless, hunched over his desk. My nerves were growing worse by the second, the suspense continuing to eat me up inside.
“Theseus, darling? You wanted to see me?”
His ragged breathing could be heard very faintly through the deafening silence.
“Theseus… What’s going on?”
His demeanor was uneasy and shaken, which added to the tense atmosphere.
My feet had turned into two cement blocks, unable to be moved. I could only stand there, staring blankly at the man I loved who was in so much pain.
I dragged my cement blocks across the hardwood floor, my fists balled at my sides. My brow was beginning to sweat, and my insides were flying around my rib cage.
There was a shift in the air, and there was definite uncertainty. Whatever force dictated our future was undoubtedly perplexed, vigorously writing whatever it deemed to be a necessary path as the future began to unfold.
“Theseus?”
I gently placed a hand between his shoulder blades, feeling the tension ricochet around my insides. He flinched, not expecting me to touch him.
“What’s wrong, honey?”
I wrapped my arms around his waist, which had shrunk in recent weeks. I hugged him gently, not wanting to break him. I laid my chin on his shoulder and rested my head against his.
He wasn't his usual warm and welcoming self. He was emotionless and completely unfeeling. He didn't even want to look at me.
I would have been deeply hurt if I hadn't been so concerned about his well-being. As I hugged him tightly into my body, I could feel his weak breathing pass through my chest.
“Darling?-”
“I think we should call off the engagement.”
No… No.
He didn’t say that.
I was imagining things.
I was hurt, completely broken.
My mind was playing cruel tricks on me.
That was the only logical explanation.
“What?”
I didn't move an inch. I maintained my calm demeanor because I had convinced myself that everything was an illusion. When I awoke, we'd be in bed, holding each other with stupidly big smiles on our faces as the soft glow of the morning sun seeped in through the cracks in our curtains.
“I don’t think we can be engaged anymore…”
What was he on about? He was babbling incoherently. Only a month ago, we were both overjoyed at the prospect of being bound by law. We were planning our honeymoon, the location of our wedding, and who would be the best man and maid of honor.
And he was just... ending it? He was killing everything we had built.
“Theseus I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
My tone was light, perhaps too light for the situation... because it was all a dream. This was all made up. This was a hallucination brought on by my concern for his life as he fought evil every day.
“Grindelwald knows I’m after him Y/N… our relationship puts a target on your back.”
Now the conversation was grabbing my attention.
“You think I don’t know that, Theseus?... I do… it’s all I can think about every day of my life.”
I place a tender kiss on his cheek.
“I’m not worthless Theseus… I know how to defend myself-”
“I never said you were worthless… but you against Grindelwald and all of his henchmen will surely end in disaster.”
He didn't look at me, as if seeing my eyes would make this situation ten times more difficult than it already was. He was ripping off the bandage, attempting to end our relationship as quickly and painlessly as possible.
He looked down at the wood desk, studying every minor flaw as he remained engrossed in his own thoughts.
“Well… what if I’m willing to take that risk?”
Theseus scoffed.
“It’s easy to say you’re willing to take the risk… but if Grindelwald gets his hands on you and uses you as leverage… you’ll be wishing you never got yourself involved.”
“Theseus-”
“I’d never be able to live with myself if something happened to you, Y/N.”
“I know-”
“Get out of my office Y/N…”
He was firm. His patience had worn thin, and the only way to get me out of this predicament was to use force.
Hearing him speak so harshly to me broke my heart. Throughout it all, despite my attempts to look him in the eyes one last time, he never made eye contact with me.
“Theseus-”
“Go home Y/N… and never come around here again…”
This still didn't make sense to me. I wanted to cry, but Theseus was cold. I didn't have anything to build on. As a result, my sorrow died within me. My face and words were devoid of any trace of emotion. I was a robot, who only spit out automated responses rather than feeling the emotions present.
My arms relaxed and dropped. I took a step back, realizing this was the end of the road. Nothing I could do or say could persuade him otherwise.
“Okay…”
I mumbled, fiddling with the opulent engagement ring on my finger.
“I guess… this is how things should be…”
I suppose it was the right thing to do, regardless of how much it hurt me. But I’d take the risk if it meant not losing him.
“Well… I guess I’ll go now.”
He was emotionless. He made no indication that he had even heard me speak.
I couldn't believe our relationship was ending... and in this way! I didn't know if this was the last time I'd see him, but I couldn't cry. I couldn't cry because I knew in the end, no matter how much it hurt me, this was how it should be.
And I despised the fact that he was correct.
So I turned and walked out of his office, my heart empty and my face blank.
I didn't even look back when I reached the door because I knew it would only make things worse. I'd seen everything I needed to see, and another look was unnecessary.
I closed his office door behind me… and now, there was no more us. There was just me, and him.
-
It had been exactly two years. Two agonizing, heartbreaking years. For two years, I went to bed completely alone.
I cast a glance at the gleaming diamond, which was perched next to my sink as I washed my hands before cooking dinner. When my hands were dry, I slipped it back onto my finger.
I couldn't bear getting rid of it. I had to have it with me at all times. It was the only thing I had left of him.
I hadn't seen him since he said good-bye to me in his office. I even went back to his workplace, only to find his office empty.
My life is now peaceful and quiet... very quiet.
I hate it.
I despise going to bed every night knowing that the next day will be the same as today. I despise having to put on presentable clothes just to go grocery shopping for myself. I despised the fact that I was alone. I despised going to sleep with no one by my side.
Nothing was right nowadays. Quite the opposite, everything was wrong.
He was never present when I went to work. I'm not sure what happened to him, but he wasn't where he used to be. The Ministry of Magic was devoid of him. When I asked my superiors, they always said they were on his side and wouldn't tell me where he was relocated.
I eventually gave up fighting. I knew if I worked harder, I'd be able to find him. But there was a part of me that didn't want to find him.
I knew he'd be upset. I knew he'd simply move further away. Besides, as much as I missed him, I knew I was much safer when he was far away.
-
“Hey Y/N… you have a new assignment… in Portugal this Friday… think you can make it?”
I took the file from my boss's hands, flipping through the contents.
“Sure… not like I’d be doing anything important on a Friday night anyway…”
I sighed deeply. This was a typical, “person violated the government and now officials are unsure what to do so they need outside help” kind of situation… typical… and extremely boring.
Well, on the plus side, I’ve never been to Portugal.
-
“Ugh!”
I sighed and flopped onto my hotel bed. This entire trip, I was completely consumed by work and had little time for anything enjoyable. Come on, Ministry of Magic, I needed some time off. This whole situation was insane, and to be honest, I feel like an expendable employee when they assign me these stupid tasks that are way below my pay grade.
On top of that, I was suffering from a severe headache.
I rubbed my eyes, trying to massage all the knots in my brain.
“I need ice.”
I required ice, a hot bath, and a warm bed. Then, hopefully, I'd have enough energy to endure another day of paid torutre.
I wrapped myself in one of the complimentary robes and made my way down the hall to the ice room. I was dressed in my pajamas and slippers, and my hair looked like a rat had made a home in it. Hopefully, this will be a quick and painless trip where I won't run into anyone I know.
After all, who among my friends could possibly be in Portugal at the same time as me?
As my slippers slid against the shaggy carpet, I wandered down the hallway, the dim fluorescent lights creating an almost eerie atmosphere. I opened the door to the refrigeration room, humming a tune and walking through the door frame without a care in the world.
No. No… it couldn’t be him.
“Theseus?”
I asked, half expecting a random stranger who resembled from behind to turn around.
But it was, indeed, him. I knew it the moment I saw his all-too-familiar form.
He turned, his face blank as he locked his gaze on the woman he swore he'd never see again.
“What are you doing?”
I asked, my heart flying around my ribcage like a caged bird.
“Getting ice.”
He said it so plainly... as if he hadn't just seen his previous lover, who had been gone for over two years.
“Oh… I mean-”
“I’m on assignment… from the Italian Ministry of Magic.”
I nodded my head.
“Italy… is that where you transferred to?”
“Yes.”
It was all I could do not to run into him and give him the biggest hug I could muster. Theseus… the man I had spent the last two years missing was standing right in front of me.
He still didn't appear to be himself... Still a little cold... But that could be because we had been quickly demoted to strangers.
“I guess…”
I dropped my eyes until they were in a position to study the white tile under my feet.
“I guess you don’t mind revealing personal information to me anymore…”
I laughed, a cold, empty laugh, because I didn't know what else to do in this strange and unexpected situation.
“The fight’s finished Y/N… Grindelwald is done for good… hopefully.”
I knew he was thinking exactly what I was thinking. If Grindelwald was defeated… wouldn’t that mean?
“Does that… does that mean?”
I drew my gaze away from the floor to meet his, which was already fixed on me.
His stare went from my eyes, to my hands.
Oh… that was certainly embarrassing.
Theseus scoffed.
“Well… it looks like the engagement was never off…”
I couldn't help but feel vulnerable. As I drew my hands up from my sides and twirled the ring around my finger in front of my stomach, my face flushed bright red.
I must appear completely desperate. I focused my attention on the ring on my finger, watching as the gleaming diamond captured and reflected light rays back to my eyes.
“I just…”
My voice trailed off, and I swallowed the large lump that was forming in my throat.
“I couldn’t bear to get rid of it…”
“You know there wasn’t a day that went by where I didn’t miss you Y/N…”
The atmosphere had shifted from uneasy to tense with anticipation. Theseus moved forward, dumping the ice bucket on a nearby table.
“I never stopped missing you either Theseus…”
Then he did something I never expected him to do. He took another step forward, until he was directly in front of me.
I sighed deeply, sensing that something was going on, and he was carefully considering his next move.
He then hugged me. He drew me close by wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me into his strong chest.
He still smelled like his all familiar musky cologne.
And in that moment, I felt as I had over two years ago, when everything was okay.
Then, we both cried as we held each other close in the sad little ice room. The wave of emotions we were both experiencing in that very moment were too much for our fragile minds.
I hadn’t been home for a long time, because he was my home, and my heart would always belong to him.
“I love you Y/N… I never stopped loving you.”
I didn’t answer with words. Because words couldn’t truly convey what I was experiencing. My heart had gone from empty to full in mere minutes, and it was all thanks to his presence and strong arms comforting my body.
I pulled back, connecting my lips with his as tears of happiness spilled down my cheeks.
#fanfic#imagine#x reader#x y/n#fanfiction#x yn#theseus scamander x y/n#theseus scamander x reader#theseus scamander#theseus scamander x you#theseus x reader#secrets of dumbledore#crimes of grindelwald#fantastic beasts sod#fantastic beasts fic#fantastic beasts imagine#fantastic beasts#Theseus Scamander fluff
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Confessions | Part Five | Theseus Scamander x Reader
A/N: This is it, loves! Honestly, this series was so fun to write. It was short and sweet, and that's how I had envisioned it. I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Key:
Y/es/n - Your eldest son's name
Y/ys/n - Your youngest son's name
Y/d/n - Your daughter's name
Y/gs/n - Your grandson's name
Y/gd/n - Your granddaughter's name
S/w/n - Son's wife's name
Confessions: Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four |
You and Theseus approached the maternity wing in St. Mungo's, eager to see your firstborn grandchild.
Your oldest son, y/s/n, led to you his wife's room, eager for you to meet his baby. Or rather, babies.
It was a shock to both you and Theseus when y/s/n had chosen to elope with his wife instead of have a traditional wedding. It was even more of a shock when three years later, they shared they were expecting a baby. Who was due in two and a half months.
Although Theseus was initially upset that they kept the pregnancy from the two of you for so long, you managed to calm him down with biscuits and tea, reminding him that they were grown adults who made their own decisions.
So when Theseus walked in and laid eyes on his grandchildren, a bit and a girl, he couldn't hold back the tears.
"They're going to be just as strong as their mum and dad, aren't they?" He cooed as he took his granddaughter into his arms, rocking her gently back and forth while you cradled your grandson.
Your son's wife, s/w/n, smiled as she watched the two of you with them, "They favor the two of you quite a bit, don't they? Then again, y/s/n is a pretty even mix of the both of you. Or at least I think so. Which is why we've decided to incorporate you guys into their names."
Theseus shot his head up, "I don't understand..."
"My parents died when I was very young, and you guys practically raised me when I was a child. Without you guys, I wouldn't have met this fool," She teased, looking up at your oldest son, then back at the twins, "Guys, this is y/gs/n Theseus Scamander and y/gd/n y/n Scamander."
Your heart melted upon hearing their names, and you smiled down at the twins, "Oh, s/w/n... You've made my whole year."
Theseus tried to control his tears, but it was useless, "I'm honored, truly. Thank you."
They nodded and you all enjoyed it the silence for a moment until the door burst open, your second born son and daughter bursting in wearing large grins.
Y/e/s/n glared at them, "Quiet down you two, they're asleep."
Y/d/n's jaw dropped, "They?"
As your children started rambling about the secrecy of the pregnancy, you rest your head against Theseus's shoulder.
"Darling, I think it's my turn to confess." You said in a hushed tone as he met your gaze, "I just fell in love all over again."
Pressing a kiss to your head, you and Theseus nestled into each other, smiling at your children, and now, grandchildren.
#harry potter#harry potter fanfiction#fanfiction#harry potter imagines#theseus scamander x reader#theseus scamander#theseus scamander x y/n#theseus x reader#theseus-scamander#theseus scamander one shot#theseus scamander x you#theseusscamander#fbsod#fbwtft#fbcog#fbatcog#fantastic beasts fic#fantastic beasts oneshots#fantastic beasts imagines#fantastic beasts#callum turner
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Scamander!reader: Well, well, well... if it isn’t my old friend: the dawning realization that I fucked up bad
(Quote from an incorrect quote generator)
#x teen!reader#x daughter!reader#newt scamander x y/n#newt scamander#incorrect quotes#fantastic beasts fanfiction#fantastic beats the crimes of grindelwald#fantastic beasts fic#fantastic beats and where to find them#fantastic beasts
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