"But, Tina..."
Newt muttered under his breath, his gaze wandering.
"Those little ones... they've been a bit shy around strangers lately. And Douglas... the way he looks at them..."
"Don't listen to his nonsense."
Tina pushed Newt out of the way and warmly took Douglas by the arm.
A kindly smile appeared on Tina's face, utterly different from the sternness she showed Newt.
"Come in! It's windy outside. Oh, what's that smell? It smells wonderful!"
"Osmanthus Sugar Lotus Root and Jujube Paste and Yam Cake."
Douglas took the opportunity to walk into the courtyard, turning back to give Newt a triumphant smile.
"Considering your teeth and your health needs, I specifically chose ingredients that are easy to digest. This is the result of four hours of simmering last night."
"How thoughtful of you."
Touched, Tina patted the back of Douglas's hand.
"Unlike certain people, who only ever bring back a bunch of muddy Nifflers, or a few Erumpents that nearly tear the house down."
Newt followed behind, looking dejected, like a Niffler whose shiny coins had been confiscated.
He glanced at Douglas's back, then at his own front door, which seemed about to open to a demon, and sighed in despair.
If looks could cast spells, Douglas's clothes would probably have turned into a straitjacket by now.
"Tina!"
In the end, Newt could not resist making one last effort.
"You don't know how dangerous this fellow is! He turned the Acromantulas in the Forbidden Forest at Hogwarts into ingredients for a barbecue party! If you let him inside..."
"If we let him inside, we'll have Osmanthus Lotus Root Starch Cake to eat."
Tina settled the matter.
"Besides, that Tangerine Peel Red Bean Paste Douglas sent last time was the only thing you've eaten in the past few months without leaving