It was only a few days until Christmas and Newt had decided to take everyone to Diagon Alley so they could do some shopping. They reached the busy street and decided to split up. Jacob and Nagini had gone off in one direction, leaving Tina and Newt to do their shopping. They had agreed to meet in an hour to switch groups.
Newt slipped an arm around Tina's waist and they slowly made their way along the row of shops.
"Honestly, I'm nervous about leaving Jacob and Nagini alone," Tina murmured. "I mean, Jacob's a No-Maj and Nagini doesn't know that much magic yet."
Newt shrugged. "She knows enough and I'm sure that if they are attacked, someone will probably be nearby to protect them. We're on a street full of magical people."
"I know, but its still--"
"You know very well that they wanted to give us time alone."
"Because we can't get that at home?" Tina asked dryly. Then she laughed. "I am glad to be with you though."
"So am I," Newt replied.
They made their way into a nearby shop and wandered around, trying to decide what to get for Jacob and Nagini. Jacob's gift was easy. Newt and Tina decided to get him a collection of cooking utensils that had been enchanted to work by themselves with no extra magic needed. Then they each chose some little magical trinkets for Nagini.
Tina suggested they go to the bookshop so Newt took her to Flourish and Blotts.
"Newt, look," she exclaimed as they reached the shop.
"What?" he asked.
"It's your book," she replied, pointing to the window. Sure enough, a stack of many copies Newt's book sat there. A sign above it read 'Best Seller'.
"Your book is doing so well," she said, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
Newt looked down and blushed. "I guess it is," he murmured. "I don't know why though. It's not very good."
"Newt, what are you talking about?" Tina demanded, forcing him to look at her. "I read your book and I thought it was wonderful. I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't like it."
"You read my book?" Newt asked.
Tina laughed slightly. "I've told you this before."
"I know." He hesitated. "You actually bought the book?"
"Of course I did, Newt. It was one of my favorite books. I still know where it is unless Queenie moved it. Of course, it's still in New York, along with a number of other things I'd like to have. I'd like to go back and get them at some point." Her voice had lowered as she spoke and Newt suspected she was just thinking out loud.
Newt suddenly felt guilty. "Tina, I'm so sorry I couldn't bring you a copy. I really wanted to but the Ministry--"
"Wouldn't let you travel," Tina finished. "I know. It's okay. I understand everything now. I know it wasn't your fault." She offered him a smile.
Newt stared at Tina but his mind had wandered. It had settled on a small, rectangular package that sat in the back of one of his desk drawers, underneath the passport he hadn't been able to use for a whole year. It was a copy of his book, the very first copy to be precise. He had been planning to take it to Tina but his request to travel back to New York had been denied. He had considered sending it to her along with an apology and an explanation as to why he couldn't bring it himself. However, somehow that felt wrong. He had wanted to hand it to her personally but he had still sent the apology . . . and Tina had misinterpreted it . . . and the magazine.
"Newt?" Tina's voice cut through his thoughts, pulling him back to reality.
"Hmm," he said.
"You drifted off."
"Oh, sorry. Let's go inside," Newt murmured.
They entered the shop and began wandering around. Together, they picked out a few books that they thought either Jacob or Nagini would enjoy. Tina pointed out that Nagini had been asking if she could have some spell books to use to improve her skills. Newt picked out a set of books that he knew had some more challenging spells that were clearly explained and easy to understand.
They were about to leave the shop when a voice called out.
"Newt Scamander?"
Newt turned to see a man approaching them.
"Y -- yes," he stammered.
"You're really Newt Scamander?" the man asked.
"Uh -- yes."
"My children love your book!" he exclaimed. "I loved it too, of course, but we only have one copy in the house. My children both wanted their own copies so I decided to get them their own for Christmas. I never could have dreamed that I would meet you here."
Newt glanced at Tina. She was standing off to one side, pretending to be completely absorbed with the book in her hands, but she had a huge grin plastered on her face. He looked back at the man in front of him and extended a hand.
"Well, it's nice to meet you," he said hesitantly.
"My name's James Underwood," he said. He suddenly looked embarrassed. "Do you think you could sign the books for my kids?"
"O -- of course," Newt stammered.
Underwood produced a quill and some ink. He pulled two copies of Newt's book out of a package and offered them to Newt.
"Their names are Theresa and Eric."
Newt nodded and proceeded to sign each book, writing a short message before signing his name. He handed the books back to Underwood who thanked him several times before leaving the shop. Tina appeared beside Newt.
"See, people love your book," she laughed.
"You could have helped me," Newt said, scowling at her. "You know I hate talking to people."
"He wanted to see you, not me," she replied.
"Come on, let's get out of here before anyone else realizes who I am."
Tina laughed and slipped her arm through his. They left the shop and made their way to the place they had agreed to meet Jacob and Nagini. The two of them were already there. There was a short discussion of who would go with whom. In the end, Jacob and Tina set off together while Newt and Nagini remained where they were.
"So where do you want to go?" Newt asked Nagini.
"You don't have a preference?"
"I'm still thinking but what do you want to get Jacob?"
"I don't know. What do you get a Muggle in a Magical shop?"
"Tina and I got him enchanted cooking utensils and a couple of books."
"That was good. What should I get him?"
They stood there discussing for a few more minutes. Nagini finally decided to get him a matching scarf and gloves that would keep him warm no matter how cold it got. Newt took her to where she could purchase it.
"Now what are you going to get Tina?" she asked.
Newt hesitated. "I think I already have something for her."
"When, why don't you get her something else? She's your girlfriend. You can get her as many things as you want."
"I don't know what else to get her," he said.
"Why don't you get her a necklace or something? I think she'd like that."
Newt nodded and they made their way to a jewelry shop. They wandered around, looking at the different necklaces.
"What about this one?" Nagini asked, pointing to a silver chain with a blue stone.
Newt shrugged. "I like that one better," he replied. He indicated a silver chain with a silver pendant. There was a diamond in the center and a few small diamonds along the top.
"That one is nice," she said. "Why don't you get it?"
Newt hesitated. "I don't know. I -- I feel like . . ." He trailed off. His gaze had slid to something beside the necklace.
"Oh, come on," Nagini said.
"I'll get it," Newt said.
"Good." She grinned at him and began wandering around the shop. Newt made his way to the counter and made his purchases. He put the box with the necklace in it into the bag he was carrying but he slipped the smaller box into his pocket before joining Nagini at the entrance to the shop. They left it and Newt began leading her down the street.
"We just need to pick up some candy and some wizard crackers," he said.
"What's a wizard cracker?" Nagini asked.
"It's a magical Christmas cracker," Newt said.
"Okay then, what's a Christmas cracker?"
Newt glanced at her. "You'll see."
They walked in silence for a few moments before Nagini spoke.
"So, when are you going to give it to her?" she asked.
"Give what to who?"
"You know what I'm talking about," she said, poking Newt in the side. "When are you going to give it to her?"
"I don't -- I don't know what you're talking about," he said. He could feel a blush creeping up his neck.
"Will you give it to her for Christmas?" Nagini persisted.
Newt hesitated. "I don't know if I will give it to her."
"You bought it," she pointed out. "You have to give it to her."
"I'll give it to her at some point."
"You should give it to her for Christmas."
"I-I'll see," Newt sighed. "Maybe I will."
A/N: Yay! Christmas! I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please vote and comment.
It was so hard to decide on gifts they should give each other and I still haven't come up will all of them. If you have any idea of what Nagini should give Newt and Tina or Jacob should get Newt, Tina, or Nagini, please tell me. I need ideas and I need them soon. Please give me your ideas, not in this paragraph but in the paragraphs below. Thanks!
Nagini to Newt.
Nagini to Tina.
Jacob to Newt.
Jacob to Tina.
Jacob to Nagini.
Also, here's the necklace Newt got for Tina.
Anyway, have a good day!
Bye!