Second real chapter up! Let me know what you think in the comments, and as always give suggestions! This chapter has some character building of characters that were kind of glossed over in the movie, as well as Linda.

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A few days after her stay in the Saint Mungo's, Linda is back at work. She walks down the Ministry of Magic's lavish and dark coloured corridors with a set of files in hand. Once she reaches an office with a sign reading The Office of Theseus Scamander — Auror, she knocks on the door.

A faint "Come in" can be heard from the other-side as Linda lets herself in. Once she opens the door, Linda sees Theseus sitting in his chair at his rather large desk mulling over a stack of papers himself.

"You know if I had a time-turner, I would go back in time and warn myself exactly how much paperwork is involved with this job," groans Theseus. Linda chuckles. He wraps up whatever work he had been doing, signing one last paper, before closing the file and turning his attention to Linda. "What case is that?" he asks observantly.

"Your brother's," Linda replies. "It says here that he is coming in this afternoon for another hearing to get his travel visa back."

"I'm sensing a but here," speculates Theseus. He is always quite good at deducing things at this time is no exception.

"But this time the ministry has no intention of turning him down," informs Linda. "They want him to take a deal."

"What kind of deal Linda?" Theseus asks with concern.

"They want him to—"

Before Linda can finish her sentence their boss, Torquil Travers, burst into the room. He looks at the two of them for a moment and then begins to speak, "Oh good, the two of you are here. This saves me two trips then I suppose."

He continues, "You two are probably not aware of this, but we have decided to offer Newton Scamander a plea deal," he pauses. "Under the condition that he joins the ministry as an Auror and kills the Obscurus," he says dramatically.

Theseus looks shocked. Newt would never agree to this! He wouldn't want to be an Auror, let alone an Auror with a mission to kill. "So in the likely chance he says no, what do you intend to do?" Theseus asks agitatedly.

"Well, that's where the two of you come in," proposes Mr. Travers. "I need you two to convince him to take it."

Theseus and Linda shoot each other a glance.

"We could try, but he would never take it in a million years," sighs Linda as she sits on the front of Theseus' desk.

"Well if he says no after that then we have a backup," reveals Mr. Travers.

Linda looks genuinely surprised by this. She doesn't remember seeing anything like that in the file she held in her hand. "Who?"

"Gunnar Grimmson," replies Mr. Travers shamefully. Both Linda and Theseus have encountered him before; he is a bounty hunter with little regard for human life. He also seems to be quite taken with Linda, much to the annoyance of both Linda and Theseus.

Theseus stands up from his desk in outrage, "A bounty hunter? Travers, you made a deal with a bounty hunter? We're meant to hunt them not work with them!"

Mr. Travers nods his head in silent agreement. "We had no other choice. This man knows how to get the job done with strange creatures, and we cannot risk something like an Obscurus getting into Grindelwald's hands."

"Mr. Travers, I think what Theseus is trying to say is that we cannot put aside our principles and stoop to Grindelwald's level. It only makes us as bad as he is," interjects Linda with composure. "Well Miss Black, you of all people should know that during a war, and this is one, you have to take drastic measures to win, and that's what the ministry intends to do," he replies as he leaves the office, closing the door behind him.

Once his footsteps are far enough away, Linda erupts. "Oh, I cannot believe that man! How is such a spineless daft oaf be our boss? He is such a ninny headed troll!"

Theseus chuckles in amusement at her sudden and rare outburst of anger, "I'm sorry," he says between laughs. "It's been so long, but I'll never get used to your word choice when insulting people. But yes I do agree that our boss is a- how did you put it? 'Ninny headed troll'?"

Linda rolls her eyes. "So what are we going to do about your brother?"

"Well, we can try to convince him to take the deal, but we shouldn't bust our necks trying because then he won't trust us anymore," replies Theseus thoughtfully. He is right. Newt would be wary of them if they try to push him too hard to take what could be described as a 'hit' job. "On that note, are they still surveilling him to see if he tries to contact Dumbledore?"

"Yup, in-fact it says that they increased his surveillance to around the clock. Still, only one man doing the job though," recounts Linda as she hands Theseus the file she's been holding so he can read it for himself.

As Theseus is reading it, she looks around his office fondly. She had always liked how he decorated it, despite it being somewhat on the messy side. Next to a large stack of papers are several pictures, one with him and Leta's engagement photo, the other with her, Newt, and Theseus, and the last and largest one taken at an after war celebration party with Linda and Theseus laughing with their arms around each other while goofily dancing. She smiles at the pictures happily and reaches into his desk drawer, pulling out an apple and bites into it.

Theseus seems to take no mind to the fact that Linda has seemingly just stolen his food because for him it is a common occurrence. By this time, Theseus has finished reading the report and runs his fingers through his hair in dismay. "Yea, it looks like our hands are tied here. I can try to warn him that he's being watched if I find the right moment, but I don't think we can do anything about his Visa."

Linda nods in agreement. She goes to leave with her file, but as she begins to close the door, Theseus calls. "Hey, Linda?" She then stops closing the door and opens it a bit wider, sticking her body back through the door. "How was your vacation?"

"Oh um," says Linda searching for words. "It was good. Great to see Mum and Dad."

"Well, it's good to have you back. What do you say, you and me, dinner tonight at Angelos?" asks Theseus hopefully.

"What about Leta?" asks Linda.

"She said she's working late tonight and won't be around," answers Theseus. "She's still getting used to everything and fell a little bit behind is all."

Linda fleetingly thinks about how Leta seems off lately, but quickly snaps back to the conversation. "Yea that works. I'm going to Newt's tonight though so we'll have to have early dinner."

Theseus frowns. He can't help but feel a little bit guilty that he is the reason that Newt doesn't come by anymore. Linda notices this and assures him, "Don't worry, Theseus I'm sure he'll come around. I'll see you at the hearing."

———————Later, Linda made her way down the hall with Theseus to go collect Newt. As they walk they go over their plan.

"So we try to convince him..." says Theseus.

"But not too hard," finishes Linda. They both nod in confidence as they round the last corner where they find Newt and Leta speaking by a railing that overlooks the main floor of the Ministry.

Linda doesn't want to say anything, but she notes how Leta is looking at Newt, and how she is leaning into him slightly.

"... no, actually I don't remember that," Newt says to Leta turning his attention to his brother and Linda. Leta looks slightly distraught at the way Newt had shut her down.

Theseus winks at Leta before turning to Newt. "Hello," he greets.

"Theseus. We were just talking about Newt coming for dinner," says Leta. Linda looks at her warily, who is not exactly sure what to make of the situation.

"Really?" he asks rhetorically before moving onto the subject at hand. "Well... look, before we go in there I-"

"-it's my fifth attempt, Theseus. I know the form," replies Newt with annoyance.

"This isn't going to be like other times," interjects Linda. She tries to choose her words carefully, "This is... Just try and keep an open mind, will you?"

"And maybe a little less-," suggests Theseus as he gestures to Newt.

"Like me?" finishes Newt.

"Well it can't hurt," says Theseus in a way only a brother would. "Come on let's go," he says, motioning him into the room. Leta begins to walk away and can't help but note how Leta cannot take her eyes off of Newt. He and Linda walk side by side, and he whispers to her, "Do you think we did enough convincing?"

"I think he's as ready as he'll ever be," she answers honestly.

The three of them make their way into a large hearing room where Mr. Travers, and American, and the man who survived Grindelwald's attack sit. The three of them take their seats, Linda and Theseus sitting across the table from Newt.

"Hearing commences," says Mr. Travers as everyone opposite Newt opens a file to follow along. "You want an end to the ban on your travelling internationally," inquires Travers seriously. 

"Why?"

"Because I like to travel internationally," states Newt simply.

Linda quietly tries not to laugh, but Theseus can hear her and kicks her in the shins under the table to warn her to stop laughing. She lets out an audible grimace, causing her fellow Aurors to turn to her to see what is the matter. She waves her hand, letting them know to continue, and then turns to Theseus, giving him a death glare.

"Subject uncooperative and evasive concerning the purpose behind his last trip," reads Travers."It was a field trip," states Newt. "I was collecting research for my book on magical beasts."

"You destroyed half of Newt York," replies Tracers quickly.

"Well, that's factually incorrect on two counts-"

"Newt!" whispers Theseus harshly.

"Mr. Scamander, we understand you're frustrated and frankly so are we. But we have an idea for compromise that you may find more agreeable," suggests Travers.

Newt looks to Linda and his brother for confirmation, and they nod telling him to listen to what Travers has to say.

"In order to revoke your ban on international travel, we would like you to work for the Ministry. Specifically, your brother's department."

"No, I - that isn't my kind of- Theseus is the Auror, not me. I think my talent lies elsewhere," sputters Newt.

"Mr. Scamander. The wizarding world and non-wizarding world have been at peace for over a century. Grindelwald wants to see that peace destroyed, and for certain members of our community, his message is very seductive. Many pureblood believe it is their birthright to rule not only our world but the non-magic world as well. They see Grindelwald as their hero, and Grindelwald sees this boy as means to make all this come true," explains Travers.

"I'm sorry," says Newt in confusion. "You're talking about Credence as if he were still here.""He's still alive Newt," confirms Theseus.

Newt looks to Linda for verification, "He's still alive. He left New York months ago. He's somewhere in Europe. Where exactly we don't know, but—"

"And you want me to Hunt Credence down? To kill him?" asks Newt in horror.

A menacing laugh comes from a dark corner of the room. Both Linda and Theseus realize that there is no convincing Newt now. "Same old Scamander," the voice calls.

"What's he doing here!" asks Newt furiously.

"Doing the job you're too soft to do," replies Grimmson. He looks at the picture of Credence in one of the files. "Is that it?"

Newt gets up and storms out of the room. "I'll get him," says Theseus. Linda nods in response. "Travel documentation denied!" calls Travers after Newt. Linda rolls her eyes at him.

"Miss Black, how are you doing?" asks Grimmson slyly.

"Worse now that you're speaking to me," answers Linda sarcastically. Everyone else is either not paying attention or has left already.

"Oo, a little feisty again today are we," he says with amusement. He quickly leans forward to whisper in her ear, "I've told you before I like feisty."

Linda, who is now very uncomfortable, stands up quickly. She begins to walk away, but Grimmson corners her.

"Look at you getting all hot and bothered," he says, looking down at her.

"Just leave me alone Grimmson," says Linda who is clearly annoyed and searching for a way out.

"Hey, no need to get offended. Maybe you can help me with my case?"

"You're a murderer," spits Linda. "I don't work with murderers."

Grimmson scoffs and leans in on her threateningly, "Listen here little girl. You've killed in the name of your little war. You and your little boyfriend are no better than me."

Linda is taken aback and looks like she is in distress. She says the only thing she can think of, "He's not my boy—"

"—Hey Grimmson back off!" calls Theseus from across the room.

"Did you tell him that?" asks Grimmson so only Linda can hear. "No trouble here Mr. Scamander," he says calmly as he exits the room. "Just talking," he says, winking as he leaves through the door.

"You alright?" asks Theseus.

"Fine," says Linda adjusting her suit.

——————Later that night, Linda and Theseus meet up at a nice Italian restaurant. Linda went home to those flat before meeting up with Theseus who had come straight from work.

As Linda walks in, she sees Theseus in their usual spot near the back and makes her way over there. Theseus stands up and pulls out her chair, allowing her to sit in it.

"Did you order the appetizer already?" she asks Theseus.

"Yes, Angelos famous breadsticks are already on their way," says Theseus excitedly. He takes a moment to look at Linda, who is currently taking a deep interest in her menu. She looks quite pale yet, her cheeks and nose are quite pink, and there are bags under her eyes.

Linda takes a sip of her water still enveloped in her menu, not noticing how Theseus is currently analyzing her features.

He starts to think of her vacation home, even though his mother had recently said in a letter that she had not seen Linda at her parents' house. He starts doing math in his head. He then says the first thing that comes to mind, "Are you pregnant?"

Linda, who is still drinking her water, accidentally inhales it in shock and starts to choke. "What?!" she almost yells between coughs. The entirety of the restaurant turns to look at them.Theseus is aware that she heard him right and tries again, leaning over the table so the entirety of the restaurant doesn't listen to them, "Linda if you're pregnant, I can help you. But I swear if Newt's done this to you as soon as he's come back, I'm gonna knock some sense into him. I-""Theseus," she says, grabbing his hand to stop his rambling. Despite the awkward nature of their conversation, Linda feels a spark as they touch. She looks deep into his eyes so he knows that she is telling the truth. "I'm not pregnant, you know that I can't be. And besides nothing has ever gone on with your brother and nothing will."

"What do you mean?" he questions.

"Newt is in love with Tina," she replies almost happily.

Theseus is momentarily confused, last he had checked Linda still carried feelings for his brother. "And you're not broken up about that?"

"No," she replies honestly. "I thought I would be, but when he told me I was okay. I've moved on."

"Is it because of anyone in particular?" Theseus asks. Linda looks down at their still connected hands and recoils. For a moment, she thinks- but no that couldn't be right.

"No, I've just realized that he's not my person I suppose," she sighs.

Theseus nods, his questions answered. Expect why Linda is looking so sick and her absence on vacation. "Where were you last week then?" She goes to answer but he cuts her off, "Where were you really?"

"I was at Saint Mungo's looking for a job," Linda lies.

"You want to be a nurse?" deadpans Theseus.

Linda however, has rehearsed this lie several times in case this situation did arise. "Well yes, I got some experience in the field. I want to retire from being an Auror, move out of the city, find a way to start a family," Theseus casts his eyes down in guilt. "You know, do normal person stuff.""I was thinking after the wedding, so in 4 months," says Linda. "I figured we'd have to sell the apartment anyway so it would be a good time."

"Sell the apartment..." muses Theseus who has just thought of that.

"Did you really think I was going to live with you and Leta after you were married?" Theseus hadn't thought of that at all. He has gotten so used to having Linda around; he always assumes she'll... be there.

"Well, no of course not," says Theseus trying to cover for himself. The rest of the dinner, Theseus couldn't quite shake the realization that he was losing the woman who has been there for him through everything. But he didn't mention anything and tried to carry on like usual — his mistake.