Strings Attached

Chapter 6

"I will take her to the hospital wing. I will report this incident to the Headmaster." Professor Curtis said before lifting the unconscious Celeste.

Newt just stood there and saw the professor took Celeste to the hospital wing. A lump rose in his throat, and tears threatened to fall from his eyes.

"Newt I-" Leta started to speak, but Newt just brushed it off coldly before walking out of the place and rushed towards the boys restroom.

He locked himself in one of the stalls and slid down the door, and stared at his hands. What has he done? He shouldn't have brought her in the first place! He could have made any excuses!

Tears started like waterfall, shaking his body to the core. Newt was not one to cry easily. He would simply walk on without showing an ounce of his sadness.

But here he was sobbing on something which wasn't even his mistake, yet he blamed himself.

How was he supposed to face her family, to see their daughter in that state, would they be forgiving?

The answers were to be found when he was allowed to see her.

"So tell me, what were you doing with the javery? That too experimented one?" Professor asked sternly.

"It was not Leta's fault. It was mine. I had that Javery." Newt said in a shaky voice, eyes casted on his shoes.

"You do know that it is against the school rules to have anything other than said creatures in the school premises, don't you Mr. Scamander?" Professor Black asked, anger radiating from his persona.

"Yes Headmaster." Newt answered, his voice came out small. Leta just stared at the floor. He was taking fall for her.

"And you endangered a prefect's life. To be precise, Ms. Celeste's life! Do you know the consequences?" The headmaster asked, now voice higher one octave.

"Yes headmaster." Newt answered, gulped heavily, not lifting his gaze. He saw it coming yet he is not willing to give his best friend away.

"Perhaps we should talk to Ms. Fischer first Headmaster? We can't just expel him on the basis of his words." Professor Dumbledore interfered.

"No professor, I am certain that I am at fault. I am ready to be expelled. I just wished I could meet Celeste the last time. To apologize for my mistake." Newt said, not giving a room for argument.

"Very well. You can meet Miss Fischer. Until then we will write to your mother and will discuss your expulsion with school board." Headmaster Black said, dismissing the two students.

Newt and Leta walked out of the head master's office and reached down the stairways.

"Newt liste-" Leta began to speak, just to be cut off by Newt walking towards the Hospital wing, without a glance back.

His breathing was growing shallower, and his vision was getting blurred. He aggressively wiped his tears with his sleeves and reached the hospital wing.

"Oh my daughter. Was ist mit dir passiert?" A lady's voice was heard followed by a sob.

"Mama, I am really fine. Just a fractured hand and split open skull. I will survive." Celeste's voice rang out, halting Newt in his place.

"Papa, can you ask madam if she can fetch Newt for me? I haven't seen him since I woke up." Celeste's request made Newt's knees weak but he took a deep breath.

"You don't have to." Newt's voice came out wavering and squeaky. Mrs. Fischer gaze settled on the boy, and gave him a warm smile.

"We don't believe any word you say my dear. You didn't cause this and my husband and I are certain of that." Mrs. Fischer said as she brought the boy into hug as he reached them.