#niffler

“When did you see them last?” 

Sirius scratched the back of his neck as he thought. “Well, my rings went missing during practice two nights ago. But I had my watch on all day! I only took it off to shower.” 

Remus let out a sigh as he marked his page with a bookmark.

“Dove?” 

The room fell silent, only interrupted by the rustling of Remus’ bed sheets. 

“Baby, come on. Pads is trying to leave for his date.” 

With this, Sirius scoffed - half indignant, half amused - followed by a bashful little niffler sound from beneath the sheets as they continued rustling. 

“I should’ve figured.” Sirius said as he moved to stand at the end of Remus’ bed with his arms crossed. “This had Trouble written all over it.” 

A snuffling bill appeared from the edge of the sheets before a little purple head poked out. 

“Dove,” Remus said chidingly, “did you take Sirius’ jewelry?” 

You sat back on your hocks and wrung your little hands together. Remus almost broke at the sight. 

“Trouble.” Sirius continued, garnering your attention which saw you backing up nervously into Remus’ knee. “If you wanted something shiny, you only had to ask, yeah? I’d get a pretty girl like you whatever you wanted.” 

He offered you a cheeky wink as Remus called him a tosser. 

“Go on, cough it up.” He prompted, nudging you closer to his roommate.

You dug a hand into your pouch and pulled out his watch, seeming very disturbed at having to relinquish your treasure. 

“And the rings.” Remus continued, causing James to snort. 

“Oi, don’t you have head boy duties to get to?” Sirius barked at James with a smile. “Don’t embarrass the girl.”

With another laugh, James offered the three of you a salute before heading off for such said duties. 

Apparently having decided it would take too long to dig through your pouch, you held your little arms up to your boyfriend for assistance.

“Oh for Godric’s sake.” He sighed goodnaturedly, picking you up and pressing a kiss to your furry head before flipping you upside down and giving you a gentle shake; various treasures and trinkets falling from your pouch as you let out a little niffler laugh. 

“Merlin’s tits, Trouble. I’ve been looking for that earring!” 

“Is that the one Peter tried convincing you never had a match?” Remus asked as Sirius picked up the offending stud to immediately shove it in its place. 

“It almost sodding worked, too!” He hollered, moving to pick up his various rings and sliding them onto the appropriate fingers. “I was fully ready to admit myself to the Janus Thickey ward at St. Mungo’s over it.” 

The trinkling of treasures had since ceased, prompting Remus to flip you right side up and cradle you to his chest. 

“You’re a menace, dove.” He cooed. 

“Well, if you two don’t mind,” Sirius drawled with faux chagrin, “I have a broom closet to snog in.” 

“Classy, Pads.” Remus mumbled, ignoring Sirius’ two finger salute as he left and the dorm room fell into a comfortable silence as Remus laid back into his pillows. 

“Are you mad at me?” You asked, breaking Remus’ reverie as you melted back into your human form. 

Remus couldn’t help it, he actually laughed. 

“No, Dove. Not even a little.” He promised, pulling you further into his side in order to press a kiss to your head. “It gave Sirius a laugh too.” 

You seemed appeased, nestling impossibly further into your boyfriend as you fiddled with the fabric of his jumper. 

“I’ll get you your own shiny things one day, okay?” He vowed, causing you to look up at him with a twinkle in your eye. 

“I’ve got all I’ve ever wanted right here, I think.” You murmured back, puckering your lips in an ask that Remus was more than happy to answer. 

“If you change your mind, just let Sirius know, apparently.” 

And Remus hadn’t been upset, but the sound of your bubbling laughter more than rectified any wrongdoing.

You were still a bit nervous to head home so late. The sun was setting, and it casted the New York sky scrapers were casting such eerie shadows across the world. There was a beauty in it, but also it’s terrifying. Terrifying to be out late in the city night.

Had you picking up the pace.

As you tried to hurry home, before the street lights kicked on, you would hear the trash cans banging together. Made your heart stop, as you instinctively turned to look at the noise.

Didn’t seem like a person at least, so that gave you some calm. Still, could be a wild dog. Not that you hated dogs or anything, but street dogs are built to survive the streets for a reason.

You couldn’t help but stare, and wait, to see what would come out. Maybe it’s a kitten? A puppy? Ok now that you were cycling through the concept of a poor lost animal in the streets of the city that never sleeps had your heart ache.

Call you dumb, but you went to peak.

Was met with quite a surprise.

You weren’t entirely sure what you were looking at. It was some weird looking platypus mixed with a mole. Maybe it’s a sister species to platypi? It’s not unheard of that the rich and powerful have exotic animals. That there’s a black market for them. Maybe this poor baby escaped.

“You poor thing. New York and scraps isn’t meant for you.” You would Cooe at it, as the little creature looked up at you. Looking scared honestly. Would even reach its little arms out to you. How that made your heart explode from the utter cuteness.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you. Come here baby.” You would lift up the strange creature, and opened your jacket to tuck them closer to your chest. Help them warm up from the cold streets.

They would snuggle into your chest, as they felt a little safer. Grabbed at your top even. Didn’t want to end up back to the streets again. Like hell you would.

With a baby to take care of you made your quick walk into a proper jog. A rather good motivation to help you speed up on your way home. You had a tiny little thing to care for. One that needed a bath and some food. Shit, what would it eat? Maybe you’ll leave a variety of foods out and whatever they go for first could be what they like? You’ll worry about it later. Now was to get home.

Into the apartment complex you went, up the elevator, and you were home. Made sure all your locks on your door were clicked, and you would soon drop your things off.

“You poor thing. Let’s get you cleaned up, and feed you. How’s that sound?” You swore they were nodding at you. Seeming to comprehend what you were telling them very well. Maybe it’s an exotic pet thing? Or you are tired. Probably tired.

Into the bathroom you went. You ran a warm bath for them, and kept it shallow. Didn’t quite know what to do, so you just set them down in the warm water. Didn’t really have animal safe soap, so just water and a rag will do.

Have the cutest little noises at the gentle scrubs. Poor thing was filthy. Must have been on the streets for a while. Broke your heart. Such a brave little solider. Able to handle out there for as long as they did.

“Let’s dry you off and feed you.” You would lift the little thing up, and made sure they got nice and dry. Get all that grime off them. Certainly seemed alot happier now, so you guess you did a really good job.

Once you stepped out of the bathroom you heard knocking at your door. Who’s going to be contacting you this late? Let alone you in general? Had you cautious. You first found a strange animal, and now someone was knocking at your door? That didn’t equal good.

“Don’t make a noise. I’ll be right back.” You whispered, as you quickly took them to your room. Plopped right on your bed, and you closed the door.

You would wrap yourself in a bath robe, since you had changed into your sleep wear, and peeped through the peep hole.

The sight sure was strange.

There on the other side had to be the embodiment of sunshine. Had this curious attire of blue and browns, a suit case in one hand, and a stick in the other? Why does this fluffy haired guy have a stick with him? Maybe you just couldn’t see properly from the peep hole.

“Who’s at the door?!” You called, and you watched those big sparkling eyes light up. Excited that someone was home.

“Ah yes! Uh you don’t know me but you have something of mine! A sweet little thing. His name is Teddy! He’s mine. My Ni-Uh. Mine. Just mine!” He called back, as you were confused. How did he know you had something?

“One moment!” You figured you would see if he was right. You would quickly return to your bedroom, seeing the animal still on your bed, and called out.

“Come here Teddy-!”

And like that he was running right over you. Quick to jump into your arms.

Ok, maybe this guy had some truth. Still, you had questions.

You would return to the door, only to see that all the locks on the door were undone. Had you so horribly confused. There was a number of locks in a variety of styles there. No way you forgot to lock them all. Could you?

That’s when the door opened, and the man stepped in. The way Teddy seemed to squeak for the strangers attention. Hands reaching out like a toddler who wanted their mother. Was just so human. Seemed like Teddy really loved this stranger.

So, you didn’t refuse.

“OH TEDDY I WAS SO WORRIED-!” He sounded ready to sob, as he held Teddy close. Tears in the corner of his eyes as Teddy held the man’s face. Giving his cheek plenty of Nuzzles.

“You seem suspiciously clean for running around out there. Did you wash him? Did you take care of him-?” He spoke with such enthusiasm. Was like he might burst into confetti.

“Uh yeah. I just saw him hiding by some trash cans and I just couldn’t leave him behind. He wasn’t aggressive in the slightest either. Poor Teddy was cold, and just alone. I was actually about to try and feed him even.”

You were soon yanked into a rather tight hug. Felt like he might squeeze you lifeless. Teddy made sure to crawl over his daddy’s shoulder to avoid being crushed. Just snuggled away into his neck. Happy to be back.

“Oh you are truly a gift. Oh I don’t know how I can ever repay such kindness and warmth you’ve given him. Oh he’s my everything really. He gets into trouble often, sure, but he’s mine.” He explained, before finally letting you go. Little cheek kisses were given from Teddy, and the man would happily nuzzle into them. Was so clear that this wasn’t some poacher or animal smuggler. That made you feel better.

“So uh. Who are you exactly?”

That had his ears a soft pink, and a shy laugh left him.

“Oh blimey. Pardon me. The name is Newt. Newt Scamander. I’m Ma…I uh mean a Zoologist. I travel around the world studying animals, rescuing those that I can, and just loving nature. The pay isn’t that great but it’s worth it.” He would offer you a hand, and you would shake it in return. Telling him your name as well. And your own career.

“So kinda like a nomad. Does that mean you don’t have a place to stay?” You questioned, as he seemed to avoid your eyes for a moment. As if either to embarrassed to admit it, or trying to quickly come up with a lie.

“Well um. You see…I was currently trying to get a room for myself, but someone had to go running off. Can’t really blame him though. He adores shiny things. I should have been more careful. I know he has a weakness to things that shimmer and sparkle. It was all on me.” He would admit, as you had to respect that he was taking accountability.

“I mean. One night can’t hurt, right?” You couldn’t help it. This guy seemed to not be native here in the slightest. Said he’s a world traveler, sure, but it seems he’s not used to a concrete jungle. Wasn’t dressed for it, and sure didn’t seem like he was prepared at all. Did he really just only have that suit case with him? To travel the world? Something seemed….Off.

“Oh no no. You’ve already done so much. You’ve protected my baby. I can’t be asking you more-“ He tried to persuade you away, but your curiosity was to peaked. This guy was weird. Didn’t give any bad vibes kinda weird. Just….So peculiar.

“It’s one night really. You must have been hunting Teddy for hours. You didn’t get a chance to find a room, and it’s super late now. I can’t just throw you into the streets. One night. Just one.” You tried to logically explain, only to get another near back breaking hug.

“Oh I’ll never be able to repay your kindness. Oh your heart is so full. No wonder Teddy trusted you. Teddy has always been a brilliant judge of character. He knew you were a good person. No way would he let a stranger just hold him, let alone wash him. Oh thank you-!” You could feel the tears of relief in your shoulder, and all you could do was rub his back. Letting him breathe.

So that was how you ended up with a stranger living on your couch. Well, can’t say stranger given you knew his name now. Still! Most people would call you insane for doing such a thing.

Maybe you were.

But hey! Insane people have the most fun!

Besides, he’s pretty damn cute. Cute to see him snuggled into the couch, with Teddy under his arm, and his suitcase slid under the couch. Made sure to stay out of sight. You figured it was full of valuable paper work.

Did make you wonder though.

Where the hell did those pajamas he was wearing come from then? Did he just have them in that case and papers?

He was just full of to many questions to ignore.

He’s a stranger, but you just had to learn more.

Learn what made that man tick.