Little Mischiefs [Inglorious Bastards/Black Anthology | HP Fanfic]

~ IB: Our Little Family

Ned felt a chill run down his spine, he did not like where the conversation was going. "What do you mean?"

The social worker let out an annoyed sigh once again. "As their last living relative, will you take these girls under your care?"

"What do you mean?" Ned asked, even though he knew perfectly well what it meant. He was no idiot, but the reality of having to take care of two girls he barely knew when he was still a starting Auror, when he had just left Ilvermorny two years ago felt a lot to take in.

"Mr. Goldstein, this is a very serious situation. As their only living family, we are tasked to approach you first before taking the alternative. If you will not take these girls, we will be forced to place them in an orphanage."

"An orphanage?" he gasped. He has seen the state of the orphanages in the state. He has seen the poor living conditions the children face, and not to mention the abuse they get from the nuns and priests. One time he came across a nun hitting a boy for spilling the bucket of water. He wanted to interfere but since he was on duty with patrol, the MACUSA will know of his interference with No-Majs, which was a crime.

He glanced back at the two girls before returning to the social worker. "You have to understand. I live in a small apartment – I'm the only one there and I'm an Auror – aren't there others in the family that could? I could take them in until we do find someone –"

"Mr. Goldstein, there is no one left. You are their last living relative in New York... with your response, I'll take it that you won't be taking the girls. In that case, we shall be on our way." The social worker called for the wizard that was standing outside the office. The wizard approached the girls and started dragging them away.

Tina and Queenie's eyes shot at him, fear and tears in their eyes. "No, no, no!" Tina begged. "Please, please don't! Please, don't do this!" Queenie started to cry. They were struggling to get out of the wizard's strong hold on their wrists that Ned was sure would leave a bruise.

"Please, let go," Queenie begged as she winced. "Please!"

Ned shot up from his seat and grabbed the wizard's hand. "They're just little girls!"

"They're not your concern anymore, Goldstein," the wizard said.

Ned looked down at Queenie, her lips trembling and snot rolling down. Then at Tina, who was begging him to not let them do this. If these two were taken to an orphanage, they could be separated. They will be separated. And that was the last thing they needed, and Ned knew that. He too gone through the hurt of losing his parents. At a young age of fourteen, he started living in Ilvermorny after hearing the news of his parents' passing due to a curse.

He pulled Queenie's hand from the wizard's hold, then Tina's, and had the girls under his wing. Turning to the social worker, he said, "I'll take them. They're staying with me."

"But you said it yourself, your living situation is not suited for two girls, we can't let them stay with you knowing you won't be able to give them a proper home and guidance."

"I'll take care of it," said Ned. "We'll look for a new home, one where we could all fit... and I could hire someone to look after the girls while I'm working."

"Until you could prove to us this plan of yours, the girls will be placed in an orphanage."

"NO!" Tina cried out. Both girls holding onto his trousers for dear life.

As Ned thought of a way to keep the two until he had a new place and has found a nanny, the commanding voice of Percival Graves echoed in the marble halls. "There is no need to act like cliché villains in these two girls' story, Mr. Barrow." The Head of the First Auror Division approached the crowd, bearing nothing but confidence and a annoyance to the sight of the social workers in the room. "I can vouch for Mr. Goldstein's word. If he says that he could take care of the girls, he will. There is no need to take them from him."

"Mr. Graves," Barrow spoke. "It is the law, unless Mr. Goldstein has proof that he has a home that can accommodate two girls and could take care of them, they will remain with us. Until he has proof of a new home suited for these two, and a way to look after them while he works, and let's not forget financial stability, they will remain in an orphanage. When he has all that for us to see, he may retrieve them."

Ned knew the hidden meaning at the end of what Barrow said. If Queenie and Tina were to be taken to an orphanage, there was a possibility that they would be separated and it could be difficult for him to find the girls when he finally has all of they were asking.

"I have money," Ned spoke. "More than enough for me and the girls. I was left a good sum after my parents died."

"A good sum is not enough proof –"

"Ever heard of Goldstein Exports?" Graves said with a matter-of-fact tone.

"Yes –"

"Before they were bought by another big name, Goldstein Exports was one of the biggest names in New York that handled the trading of magical goods between the MACUSA and the Magical Ministries around the world. Sure, the company is now gone but I doubt the money is."

"It's true," Ned spoke. "After my parents died, I inherited the money from the treasures left by our ancestors to the sum of the sale of the business. All of it stocked in my vault that I rarely open, and continuously grow with my job."

"Now, if you please, let go of the girls. Give them their things so they could go home with Ned."

"But their home –"

"Ned will take care of it – I'll help him myself in looking for a suitable place for them all. I'll even give a report to you personally about his search." Graves might be young, just seven years older than Ned, but his skill of being an Auror gave him a reputation for credit and respect. Even other Aurors or those working in the MACUSA would not dare to question his word.

With his chin up, Barrow had the wizard release the two girls, and with a wave of a wand, he had their bags dropped by their feet. "We shall make a house visit in two weeks. Is that enough time for you to find a new home, Mr. Goldstein?"

"Plenty," Ned muttered.

"Once we see that you are a suitable guardian, we shall bring along the paperwork and the girls are yours. But if we see one misstep, it's the orphanage."

"Thank you, Mr. Barrow!" Graves made a gesture, pointing to the exit.

Barrow and the wizard left, their shoes softly clicking on the floor. Once their figures disappeared, Ned bent down to try and pry the two girls' hands off his pants. Tina lets go easily but Queenie refused to do so. She even buried her face onto his side. Sighing, Ned reached down and carried the girl, letting her hide her face on his shoulder.

"Could you carry that?" Ned asked Tina, nodding at the direction of the bag by her feet. The girl nodded and took it with ease. It seems the two did not have many things with them. Turning to Graves, Ned balanced Queenie in his arm and held the other one to the man. "Thank you, Mr. Graves."

Graves shook his hand. "Anytime. I guess I won't be seeing you for drinks later."

"I should take them home... and, I won't be able to come to work tomorrow."

"Understandable. Take your time, Ned, but not too long."

"Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as I find a place for us... and a house elf to help around."

"Of course." Graves walked back the path where Barrows went to, but before he disappeared, he turned back and called out, "Good luck."

Ned knew that it was a sincere gesture, but he knew that he needed all the luck he could get. Looking down at Queenie, where the girl now had her arms around his neck, so she could play with her down; and at Tina, who still looked at him with expectance, he took a deep breath. He bent down to pick up Queenie's bag and said to Tina, "Why don't we stop by a bakery to buy some donuts before we head home. How does that sound?"

Tina just stared at him as he waited for a reply, but it was Queenie who got out of her hiding and looked at him with a smile. "Can we get the one with that sweet glaze?" she asked.

"Sure, we could do that," Ned smiled. "Let's go." Just as he took a step forward, Ned felt a tug on his pants. Looking down, he saw Queenie holding onto his pants as they walked to the door. Giving her an acknowledging look, Ned led the two girls out of the MACUSA building, receiving many stares from his colleagues, and to the cold streets of New York