Chapter Text
“Jeez. Is that the Obscuriathing?” Jacob asked, glancing at Newt, Tina, and Queenie waiting for an answer. Newt and Tina both watched in shock and slight awe at the Obscurus, no one answering Jacob’s question. It was so destructive, yet to Newt it sounded so sad.
Newt inched closer to Tina, never taking his eyes off the Obscurus. “That's more powerful than any Obscurial I have ever heard of.” He scanned it, a plan formulating in his mind as he remembered the Sudanese girl. He won't let another child die, not on his watch.
Newt quickly turned his head to Tina hoping that she would listen to him, “If I don't come back, look after my creatures.”
He handed her the case, making sure she was holding it before he remembered his notes. Newt reached into his pocket, quickly taking out his journal before handing it to her and looking behind towards the screams. “Everything that you need to know is in there.”
“What?” Tina asked, her voice filled with disbelief as she looked at the case then at Newt.
“They’re not killing it,” Newt declared. His voice filled with determination as he looked at Tina. He knew it was a reckless plan, probably one that he won’t come back from and if he does, well he’ll have three people mad at him. But he had to, he had to do this.
“Newt!” That was the final thing he heard from Tina as he apparated to head in the direction of the Obscurus. He concentrated, not wanting to get splinched or land too close. Newt stayed calm as he quietly walked to stand by a flipped over car, watching Director Graves talk to the child. It would be better to remain undetected so he could observe and get every detail so when the time comes, Newt would be able to calm the child.
“To survive so long, with this inside you, Credence, is a miracle. You are a miracle.” Graves almost had to yell as people ran. Newt frowned a bit, thinking of where he heard that name before remembering that he’s heard it from Tina. The boy that Tina tried to help, the one with the Second Salemers! That was Credence.
“Come with me, think of what we could achieve together.” Newt huffed quietly. He was correct. This wasn’t Director Graves. This couldn’t be him. Newt’s eyes widened as he came back to the moment, watching as Credence flew towards ‘Graves’ and in his direction. He quickly ducked behind the car, panting heavily with his wand in hand listening again.
“Newt!” Newt’s head snapped towards Tina, relief filling him for a brief second. He had to tell her quick before they did anything. To make sure she knew who the Obscurial was, she had the right to know.
“It's the Second Salem boy. He's the Obscurial,``he shouted at her, watching as she frowned. He bit his lip, hoping that she would believe him.
“He’s not a child,” Tina called back, watching Newt with a frown. But not disbelief. If it wasn’t such a bad moment, he would’ve thanked her for giving him a chance to explain.
“His power must be so strong, he’s somehow managed to survive,” Newt quickly stated, looking back at Credence as he thought of his plan again.
“Newt!” Tina shouted, stopping his train of thought as he almost did a double take. “Save him,” she said, full of trust and belief.
He watched from behind the car as she rushed forward. She trusted and believed in him. He quickly changed his focus, running before apparating to find Credence.
Grindelwald reached towards the Obscurus, hoping to touch the power from the dark force and to try and convince Credence to use his Obscurus for the greater good.
“Mr. Graves.” Grindelwald almost wanted to growl in frustration, to maybe just deal with Tina but he couldn’t. Not yet, he couldn’t give this disguise up just yet. He glanced over his shoulder at the Obscurus to check where it might go before looking at Tina.
Stalking towards her without saying a word, he deflected each of her spells. His frustration building as she continued. He looked back, unable to see the Obscurus, only hearing the echoes of its beautiful destruction.
“Tina. You're always turning up where you are least wanted,” Grindelwald murmured, wandlessly moving the car towards her before disapparating. He was already landing on top of a building to see if he could find the Obscurus before snarling as he heard a distinct crack behind him. No doubt Tina, and when he turned it was her with her wand ready to attack.
He couldn’t allow her to get close to the Obscurus. Credence no doubt vaguely remembered Tina from when she saved him. He once again deflected any spells before glancing to the side. It would be no doubt much easier to shake her off rather than duel her where no doubt more Aurors are already coming. If they saw her duelling him, well who knows what might happen and he’d rather not risk it now. He had to lead her away. Thankfully it was just her, no sister or Magizoologist in sight. He disapparated once again, confident that he would lose her quite easily.
Newt landed quickly once again, looking up towards Credence. “Credence! Credence, I can help-,” he called out, putting his hands up slowly with his wand to show that he was no threat. He stood his ground, watching as Credence flew towards him before apparating away as soon as Credence’s obscurus almost touched him.
Newt apparated again, running before gasping as he noticed Aurors shooting spells no doubt trying to corner him somewhere. He hid once again, watching as Credence started to lower before apparating once again to see where Credence was going. He walked to the edge of the roof he was on, grim determination settling in him as he watched Credence limp into the subway station.
With a quiet pop, he apparated into the subway station crouching a bit as he glanced around before spotting where Credence was. The Obscurial was up against the wall, no doubt from Credence feeling cornered. Newt slowly crouched, keeping his eyes forward before speaking softly.
“Credence…” Newt called; it was almost rhetorical but he really hoped that he would hear a response. “It’s Credence, isn't it?” He waited for another few seconds, glancing back before he stood slowly.
“I'm here to help you, Credence. I'm not here to hurt you,” Newt spoke gently before slowly stepping down on the tracks. His throat closing as he remembered a scene just like this in Sudan.
“I’ve met someone just like you, Credence,” Newt spoke, more clearly and a bit louder but not unkindly. He had to make sure Credence knew he wasn’t alone. “A girl… A young girl who'd been imprisoned, she had been locked away and she’d been punished for her magic.”
Newt finished, watching as Credence slowly started to form back into a solid being. Newt crouched slowly, wanting to show that this was all Credence’s call, that right now Credence was in charge. He wanted to make sure Credence felt safe.
“Credence…” Newt murmured, waiting until Credence briefly glanced at him. “Can I come over to you? Can I come over?” Slowly, Newt stood as he kept eye contact with Credence, smiling warmly as he slowly walked closer before stopping a foot from Credence to give him space.
“She was like me?” Credence murmured, never taking his eyes off the man in front of him. He’s seen him before, he remembered. The man from the bank, the one who told his mother that he was “more of a chaser than a seeker.” When Credence saw him, he thought the man looked out of place, like him, but not. The mane was almost ethereal. This man, seemed to care for him. But he had to make sure. So he wouldn’t be lied to again.
Though, he didn’t feel like he needed to look hard. The man obviously held grief over the girl he was talking about. He was being gentle with Credence. Asking him for permission. Talking gently to him. The man in the blue coat was listening to him. People...they didn’t listen to him often. But this man did. Maybe he was an angel?
“Yes…” Newt murmured, scanning Credence for any injuries before looking back at him. He noticed the wariness and gave a grim smile as he continued to answer him. “Though a bit younger. She was gentle too, until the muggles attacked her.” Credence nodded, sitting a bit straighter as man’s expression went a little grim.
“Muggles?” Credence asked, frowning as he remembered Mr. Graves calling him something else.
“Oh,” Newt stated remembering Credence didn’t know much from the wizarding world. Of course he wouldn’t, he grew up with that awful woman. “Muggles are non-magical people.”
As if a switch came on, Credence glared at his knees. “Mr. Graves called me a Squib… Which am I? A Muggle or Squib?”
Newt shook his head quickly, leaning a bit to get in Credence’s peripheral vision. “Neither Credence. That…” Newt stopped, wondering if he should tell Credence. Then again, he’s lived in the dark too long. “That wasn’t Director Graves.”
Credence’s head snapped up, scanning the beautiful man for any sign of him possibly trying to fool him. But all he saw was remorse. “Then who was that?”
Newt once again hesitated. He didn’t want to scare Credence of the magical world because of the troubles it had. “That, I believe, was a man… A dark wizard named Gellert Grindelwald.”
Credence nodded slowly, glancing down as he thought of the words, ‘dark wizard.’ Of course someone dark would follow him. All he brought was darkness. “Don’t you mean witch? What does he want with me?”
“Well a wizard is typically a male magical person while a witch is a female. Though some people use one word, such as Wizard, for magical fold regardless of gender. If you prefer the word witch though, you should say it,” Newt answered a little easier this time, before hesitating again. “You see Credence, he wants your power as you… You are an Obscurial.”
Credence looked up again, frowning as his stomach fell. Was Gra- Grindelwald, right? “Am I- Am I not a wizard?” he asked, his voice slightly breaking as he could feel tears ready to fall as they filled his eyes.
“You are!” Newt quickly answered, flinching at his abrupt loudness. Credence jumped a bit but quickly calmed as man started to speak gently again. “I’m sorry… You are a wizard Credence. You see, when young wizards and witches sometimes try to suppress their magic to avoid persecution, so instead of learning to harness or to control their powers, they developed what was called an Obscurus.”
Newt paused watching Credence’s reaction as he followed. He could tell Credence was bright as the young man nodded for Newt to continue, listening intently to his explanation. “An Obscurus, is a… It's a dark force that the Obscurial can turn into and attack whoever harmed them, and then it vanishes. You don’t usually remember what you do or can control what happens when you do this. It does this to keep the host safe. But it’s a parasite overall Credence.” Once again Newt paused, watching as Credence paled.
“Th-that happened to me. Can I get rid of the darkness? Am I a dark wizard… sir?” Credence asked, looking at the man with panic. Everything the man is describing, it happened to him. He’s done it all. Is he as bad as Grindelwald? Also, he realized he doesn’t know this angel’s name.
“I’m sorry, but we don’t know Credence. I managed to separate the Obscurus from the girl but it was too late for her,” Newt’s voice broke as he said this, sniffling softly as he clenched his fists before quietly wiping any stray tears. Neither said a word as Newt gulped, taking a moment to collect himself.
Credence took this moment to try and make sense of everything. This, all of this was so much. Different from what he expected, yet it was what he expected. He knew there was bad wizards, like Grindelwald. It was what he was taught, and thought there was only bad wizard. Yet, there was this man. Who was answering all his questions, not talking down to him yet being gentle with him despite knowing everything Credence did, who cared so much for a girl who was like him, and who was a beautiful soul in this dark world.
Newt sniffed again, smiling as he looked into Credence’s eyes again. “No Credence, you are not a dark wizard. I am certain of that,” Newt stated with such certainty that Credence almost believed him. “And no, ‘sir’ nonsense please. My name is Newt Scamander, though I’d prefer simply Newt. Please.”
Credence nodded quickly at his request at being called Newt. A strange name, but one that filled his body, heart, mind, and soul with warmth and comfort. “How do you know I’m not a dark wizard Mr. Newt?”
Newt chuckled softly at the ‘Mr.’ To see that Credence wouldn’t drop politeness, even now, seemed almost funny. Then frowned, trying to not seem mad at Credence as he spoke slowly. “Well your background of being abused by that woman, then being used by that man, and no doubt other moments in your life were- dark, Credence. Your magic was reacting Credence. But you didn’t hurt your younger sister, nor Tina, nor me. Right now, we’re here and talking. See?”
Newt smiled as Credence stared at him again. Neither speaking before Credence bit his lip. “Why are you here Mr. Newt? Why are you answering all my questions? What, what do you want from me?”
Newt’s eyebrows lifted before he frowned as he bit his lip briefly. “I’m here because I want to help Credence, with whatever I can. I think that after being in the dark for so long, I can offer some light in certain subjects. I however, don’t want anything. I simply want to help. But I won’t if you don’t want me to.”
“Help how?” Credence asked, sitting up on his knees as he now looked at Newt directly in his eyes. “Like Mr. Grindelwald?”
Newt frowned, shaking his head again. “No, that- his way in my opinion is wrong. I want to help you see that magic isn’t wrong. I want you to learn to be yourself. But not at the expense of Muggles.”
Both stared at one another, neither moving as Credence tried to find any fault in Newt’s words again while Newt kept a calm gaze to make sure that the other understood that he was telling the truth.
“I-If it’s alright, can you tell me more about the girl Mr. Newt?” Credence murmured, hesitantly leaning forward as he rested his head on Newt’s shoulder. He was stiff as he hugged himself but shut his eyes tightly, hoping Newt wasn’t like Mr. Grindelwald.
Newt gasped softly, stiffening a bit before hovering his hands over Credence’s back in a silent question of whether or not he could hold Credence. “Well she liked to run around, liked to watch me perform magic, loved to dance, to sing… we sang together. Well it was more of me humming along to her singing as I didn’t know Arabic, and she didn’t know English.”
Credence nodded slowly, feeling the warmth radiating from Newt’s hands and knew he wanted to feel embraced. Newt then remembered a song his mother sang to him after his expulsion at Hogwarts, and his heartbreak over Leta.
“Would you like to hear a song my mother sang to me?” Newt asked quietly, his hands gently settling on Credence’s back. Light enough for Credence to pull away if he wants, but lightly firm so Credence knows that Newt doesn’t mind the hug.
Credence’s eyes widened before nodding quickly. Nobody’s ever sang for him. Now Newt would?
Newt cleared his throat softly. “I might not sing well as I haven’t sung for a while so please don’t judge me too harshly,” he murmured with a slight playful lilt in his tone. He waited, smiling softly as he felt a small bounce from Credence’s shoulders.
Credence smiled a bit, even letting out a soft small short laugh at Newt’s ‘warning. His left hand slowly reaching up as he touched the corner of his own lips. He- he doesn’t remember the last time he smiled. “I’m ready,” Credence murmured.
Newt smiled before closing his eyes as he gently rested his chin on Credence’s head. “Someday, somewhere, somehow… you'll love again. You just need to find someone,” Newt started, gently squeezing Credence as he starts to sing, Credence closing his eyes to listen to Newt.
“Someday, somewhere, somehow,” Newt continued, glancing down as Credence started to pull back a little. The two sat, holding one another as they looked into each other’s eyes. He lifted his hands a bit, watching as Credence sat up a little to not lose the contact now joining Newt’s singing. It was hesitant, shaky, but hopeful.
“You'll/I’ll love again. You/I just need to find someone,” Newt smiled gently, the two slowly moving out of their hug to instead hold hands. Credence watched, once again looking for a sign that Newt didn’t want this, to touch him, to hold him. But again, there wasn’t any sign of hesitance or disgust.
“Someone who treats you/me better. Someone who wants you/me around,” Newt continued to lead in the song, smiling wider as Credence started to sing a little louder, clearer, more hopeful. Newt slowly started to stand up, watching as Credence obviously panicked for a bit thinking Newt wanted to move away, or worse, leave him. Newt gently squeezed his hands, giving him a nod as he helped Credence stand. “Someday, somewhere, somehow, you're/I’m gonna feel found.”
The two stood there, smiling at each other with shy smiles. Credence blushing lightly as one of the station’s lights illuminated around Newt’s head. This moment made Credence certain of one thing. He was certain that this man was an angel. Newt sang to him. Warned him that it wouldn’t be good but his voice was exactly how Credence pictured love would feel like. Maybe, just maybe, Newt could be his answer. His saving grace, his personal angel, his own light in the awful world.
“Today, right here, right now, I already feel found,” Credence finished, his cheeks flushing harder as Newt gave him another smile and even offered his arms for a hug. Credence wasted no time going back into his arms, hugging Newt tightly as he buried his face in Newt’s neck as Newt nodded, quietly humming as he rubbed Credence’s back.
“Thank you,” Credence murmured, reluctantly pulling back as he looked up at Newt. His hand still holding Newt’s cuff before quickly pulling it back, his eyes flickering down to their shoes in shyness and embarrassment. He couldn’t let Newt know about his thoughts, not yet. Maybe not ever. He didn’t want to lose Newt just because of his thoughts.
“It was no problem,” Newt whispered, smiling as he looked at Credence. He frowned watching as Credence pulled back. He opened his mouth, wanting to ask if something was wrong until he stopped as a pop echoed. Newt immediately raised his wand casting a Shield Charm, thankfully within time of being sent back from the ambush by ‘Graves.’
Credence gasped as Newt was thrown back by what seemed to be a light hit what seemed to be a shield. He looked towards where the light came from before his heart stopped at the sight of Graves stalking towards them. He was paralyzed with a bit of anger, but so much fear. This man knew so much about Credence, while Credence knew practically nothing about him. “Credence! Run!” Newt called, breaking Credence from his small paralysis. Credence nodded, quickly running past Newt as Graves threw more attacks at Newt.
Newt rolled behind a pillar, panting as he silently thanked Credence for running before peeking out as he threw a spell at ‘Graves’ before ducking again. He waited, listening before gasping as a train was coming. Right towards Credence. He raised his wand, not realizing that ‘Graves’ did the same. The two moving Credence out of the way, both letting out sighs of relief before quickly focusing on each other.
Newt rolled out again, this time in front of where Credence was as he threw another shield up. He glanced back, deflecting more spells as he glanced back to make sure Credence was okay. His attention flickered between a concern and fierce defiance towards ‘Graves.’ He would not let this man use Credence any longer, but he had to hold him long enough so Credence could get away.
Grindelwald frowned, throwing another spell before growling as it hit Newt’s shield. He had to admit, at first, he thought Albus’s attention of this man was nothing special during the interrogation. Why would Albus defend someone like Scamander when they had something? But now, he could see that this Magizoologist was exactly what Albus liked. Someone who defended what they believed in, who had a disregard for the rules. He snarled, hitting the tracks with electricity and sending metal shards towards Newt. He would not hold back any longer against this nuisance. If he wasn’t on Gellert’s side then he had to be eliminated.
Newt glanced one final time towards Credence before gasping as he fell, holding his shouts of pain as he felt the electricity flow through his body, one after the other. He tried to regulate his breathing, remembering what Professor Dumbledore told him as he forced his head to turn towards Credence. He had to make sure he was okay. His eyes widened, seeing Credence look at ‘Graves’ with such anger before he let himself go into his Obscurial form.
Credence ran but stopped, looking back as he didn’t hear the soft sound that came from when a spell would his Newt’s shield. An awful thought filled him, but he had to make sure. To hopefully prove himself wrong. He turned around, his eyes widening as he saw ‘Graves’ attacking Newt with such aggressiveness. He shook with sadness, anger, and desperation. How dare he? How dare this man attack his light? He will protect him now. He will protect his angel.
Grindelwald continued, snarling as the man wouldn’t let out a scream. Newt wouldn’t even look at him. He was readying a stronger attack before gasping as a darkness entered his peripheral, breaking his bloodlust. Gellert looked up at the Obscurus, slowly kneeling in awe of its power.
Gellert opened his arms, as if trying to show he wasn’t attacking. Almost as if inviting Credence to come to him. Newt could only watch as he scanned the Obscurus, worrying more about Credence. “Credence,” Grindelwald whispered.
Credence and the Obscurus roared loudly and immediately tried to attack the man. They wouldn’t let ‘Graves’ hurt Newt anymore. Newt and Grindelwald quickly apparated, dodging as the Obscurus chased after, searching to bring ‘justice’ to the imposter. To have Newt close and protect him. That’s all it wants now, to protect Newt and Credence. But to have that, it has to kill ‘Graves.’
Newt landed, looking towards the Obscurus before quickly ducking as it came his way. He knew it was Credence, but he didn’t know how far it carried the Obscurial’s thoughts, hopes, and desires. He didn’t know if they shared the same goals. He just knew he had to dodge so he did, falling behind a pillar and dropping his wand as he landed. Newt quickly grabbed his wand, scrambling to stand against the pillar as the Obscurus flew past him. He peeked out seeing ‘Graves’ out in the open. No doubt trying to try and talk to Credence again.
They roared more, flying as they searched for their angel and for their next prey. Their eyes landing on him as they flew towards him before spreading out to try and create a net to catch him. Gellert quickly apparated again, pursing his lips just slightly as he could tell Credence wouldn’t listen to him right now. Newt ducked again, running a bit as he stayed below the Obscurus hoping that maybe he could have a moment to calm Credence down.
The Obscurus and Credence continued their search, wanting either goal first before loudly growling in frustration. All they saw was two figures apparating, neither staying still long enough to see who was who when they looked at said figures. Roaring, they tried spreading out before flying up out of the station. They flew high into the sky, spreading out thinly before noticing someone was watching them from the hole they made. Grindelwald. They shrieked, flying straight down to attack but swirled in frustration as thy saw he disappeared again.
Grindelwald apparated again, tiredly landing on his back with a loud thud on the tracks. His gaze up as the Obscurus roared at him ready to attack.
“Credence, no!” Credence stopped, the Obscurus swirling impatiently but stayed in place as they turned towards where the voice was coming from. Tina. He remembered Tina. She saved him, one in reality and infinitely in his hopes and dreams. “Don't do this. Please.”
“Keep talking, Tina. Keep talking to him, he’ll listen to you.” This made them freeze for a second before moving much slower now. Their focus completely on Tina and Newt. He was safe. But far, far from them. With her. Two people who kept him safe. Tina who was a guardian angel and Newt Scamander who was his light. “He’s listening.”
“I know what that woman did to you. I know that you’ve suffered. You need to stop this now.” Tina whispered gently, watching as Credence slowly started to form back into his human form. “Newt and I will protect you. This man... He is using you.” Newt and her inching closer to him as they kept their gaze on him.
“Don’t listen to her, Credence. I want you to be free,” ‘Graves’ said, inching closer just as the other two did. He could feel his frustration bubble but he couldn’t do anything. Obviously, Credence cares for these two and as the Magizoologist said before the Obscurus is useless without the host. If he wants Credence, he can’t hurt the Magizoologist or Goldstein in front of the Obscurus.
“It’s all right. That’s it,” Tina murmured, giving the smallest smile as she got closer before gasping as more Aurors arrived with a crack. “Don’t, you’ll frighten him.” She urged, glancing between them and Credence as he started to stir once again. Newt watched, biting his inner cheek as he watched Credence, trying his best to get to him but with ‘Graves’ in the way he couldn’t.
“Wands down! Anyone harms him, they’ll answer to me,” Grindelwald called out. They had to listen to him, they had to. If not, he’ll fire them or quit. What would they do without him? Without a figurehead such as him, they’ll be lost. “Credence!” He calls again, watching as it swirled angrily once more.
“Credence… shhh,” Tina murmured glancing to see that ‘Graves’ was close but Newt wasn’t far behind. If he just had more time, if he could just make it there. She moved more, keeping her wand up to try and deflect any spells from the other Aurors.
Newt inched closer before turning towards Madam President. “Please, give me more time. I can do this.” He watched as she looked at him incredulity, opening her mouth but he pushed forward. “Tina told you I was here with magical beasts, but you did not listen to her. I told you it was an Obscurus, but you did not listen. This was your mistake from before. Please, listen to me,” Newt pleaded, watching as Madam President glared at him, the Aurors readying to fire at Credence.
“Two minutes Mr. Scamander, no more. Goldstein, Graves, stay back and do not interfere with Mr. Scamander,” she said making Newt want to cry from relief. He quickly turned to Tina, who also looked relieved before nodding at Newt. “Thank you, Madam President. Stay close Tina.”
Gellert turned around ready to argue with the President before noticing Tina stare at him. If he made a scene now, no doubt his cover would be blown. He could get Goldstein kicked off if she attacked first, but only if he follows orders for now. Instead he nodded, moving slowly back as he let the Magizoologist walk closer to the boy.
“Credence, it’s okay. See? They’re moving back,” Newt murmured before lifting his hand up towards the two. “Is it okay if I come closer again Credence? Is that okay?” He asked, watching as the Obscurus slowly shrunk more, Credence in the middle. Newt gasped softly as he noticed Credence’s eyes. They were a pure milky white, and had tears flowing as he reached out to Newt.
Grindelwald frowned, watching as the Magizoologist’s fingers met Credence’s. Of course the person Albus admired would be able to tame such a miracle. Gellert had to get the Magizoologist on his side, not Albus’s. Unconsciously, he took a step forward, looking down as the sound from the track’s rocks moved as he did.
Credence turned, looking immediately towards the sound before roaring as ‘Graves’ tried to get closer to him and Newt. The Obscurus grows larger ready to attack, to take one more. That was until pain filled its side.
“Stop!” Newt cried out as the Aurors shot spells at Credence. Some looking afraid of the Obscurus as Credence shrieked out in pain. Newt bit his lip before gasping as he curled down, opening a bit of his left coat. “Credence please get in!” he whispered, hoping Credence would hear despite the loudness from the spells and Credence’s cries of pain the spells. He let out a choked sigh of relief as a bit of the Obscurus and Credence flew into his coat before curling up more as he watched the rest of the Obscurus be destroyed. He’ll save Credence, he will.
“No!” Tina cried out. Tina crying softly as she watched Credence, the boy she saved get destroyed. She quickly moved to Newt knowing that he would understand her grief, not only that but this would be the second child, well Obscurial he’s seen die. “Newt, I’m so sorry,” she whispered, neither paying attention to the Aurors, Graves, or Madam President.
Newt nodded, quickly pulling Tina into a hug as he scanned the room, watching as ‘Graves’ and Madam President spoke to each other. “It’s okay Tina… Credence is alive,” Newt murmured making sure to whisper so lowly that only Tina would hear. He let her pull away, watching as she opened her mouth but stayed quiet at Newt’s imploring gaze that screamed ‘Trust me.’ She nodded slowly before hugging him tightly again then moving away as the two turn to look at ‘Graves’ seeing that he was now looking at them in the middle of his speech.
“I ask all of you…” Grindelwald said, looking towards Goldstein and the Magizoologist who looked devastated from losing the boy. No doubt after seeing how this system worked, they would be on his side. He just needed to convince them, and now was the perfect moment. They’ll join anything that will give them hope. “Who does this law protect? Us? Or them? I refuse to bow down any longer.” He started to walk away, glancing as he waited for the shield to open.
“Aurors, I'd like you to relieve Mr. Graves of his wand and escort him back to…” He heard, before stopping as he watched the shield glow brighter. He took a moment glancing around as he thought it over. Should he fight? Yes. He should. He turned around as he created a Shield charm around him as he deflected the spells and threw his own at the Aurors. His eyes never leaving Madam President’s.
Gellert glanced just briefly at the Magizoologist and Goldstein, seeing that they only stared as he continued towards Madam President. No doubt they were on his side. He didn’t notice the two sharing a glance and slight nod before the Magizoologist let out the Swooping Evil. Grindelwald frowned a bit, glancing before getting ready to turn to order Newt to make the beast attack the Aurors. That was until he felt a sudden burning on his wrists, then just as suddenly they were forced together behind his back. He struggled against and tried to get off, whatever this was. But all he could do was fall to his knees as the burning became more prominent.
Newt watched, his face unreadable as he pulled on the vine to ensure it tightened more around Grindelwald. He knew this spell hurt and burned those who weren’t ‘pure.’ He learned it on his travels while tracking a beautiful Streeler. The vines didn’t burn for him but he saw it once again when those who were protecting the Streelers caught smugglers. Some of the smugglers winced while others cried out, but it was effective on keeping the person at bay.
Gellert turned to Scamander with a furious expression as he felt the binds tighten, watching as Tina yelled, “Accio,” and caught his wand. Mr. Scamander kept his head down and a tight grip on the vine until he saw that Goldstein had his wand. He breathed heavily, trying to make the binds break or keep calm, he didn’t know. But he knew it was burning, and no doubt trying to break his disguise. He turned again as he felt two people behind him, turning with a dark expression to see Scamander and Goldstein walking towards him.
Newt slowly raised his wand, turning it as he murmured, “Revelio.” He walked forward, watching as Grindelwald tried with all his power to stop the spell. Newt never took his eyes off the man, watching quietly before stopping once Grindelwald was finally revealed. He continued to watch as Madam President and the dark wizard spoke to each other, the realization of the worst dark wizard infiltrating their forces, no doubt hitting the Ministry hard.
Newt kept his eyes down as he listened to the Aurors take Grindelwald before hearing them stop. He paused, staring at the three pairs of shoes before finally looking up to stare directly into mismatched eyes. A pair that he has seen in newspapers and was warned about by Professor Dumbledore, a pair that he would stare into with an inscrutable expression. He would not give this man any satisfaction of seeing anything else from Newt.
Gellert waited for Scamander to look at him. He would have this man’s attention on him, make sure he knows that Gellert will not forget him. That he will pay for everything. “Will we die, just a little?” Gellert asked. His eyes meeting Newt’s, neither saying more as Gellert smirked before letting himself be led away by the Aurors.
It wasn’t until later that night that Newt and the Goldstein sisters were back at the apartment. No one speaking as each absorbed everything that happened today. Newt licked his lips as he watched Queenie cry from losing Jacob and hearing about Credence’s ‘death’ as Tina tried to soothe her, his own heart broken over losing Jacob, but he had to tell them about Credence. “It’s not the right time, but-” Newt started, stopping as they looked at him. “Credence is alive!” Queenie gasped, looking at Newt with wide eyes as he glanced down.
“Queenie please,” Newt murmured, giving an apologetic glance as Queenie gave a sheepish smile before she sniffled as she fluffed her hair before standing up as Tina looked at him. “Can we see him?” Tina quietly asked, watching Newt as he nodded before he slowly took off his coat before showing them the interior. Both frowned, looking up at him. “It’s-” Tina started, not knowing how to continue but thankfully Queenie did. “Dark, a nice contrast to your coat honey. But where’s Credence?”
“This is Credence,” Newt answered. “It’s alright Credence. You remember Tina, don’t you? That’s Queenie, her sister. They’re both trustworthy I promise,” Newt murmured softly. Tina and Queenie glanced at each other before gasping as the dark interior of the coat slowly flowed off and formed into a gentle swirling ball. Newt smiled, gently setting his coat down on the armchair as he stood taller and held his hands behind his back. “Tina, Queenie, this is Credence.”
Tina muffled a sob before looking at Newt. “Did you manage to separate the Obscurus from him? Is this his Obscurus? Is that why he’s not, well solid again?” Newt shook his head slowly, sighing as he glanced back at his shoes. “No, not yet. This is Credence in his Obscurus form. The Aurors… they managed to damage his current form, make it smaller. But an Obscurial can’t die when they’re in this form. He’ll be able to grow stronger, then be able to become solid again,” Newt explained watching as the sisters nodded.
“Oh honey, it must’ve hurt,” Queenie murmured as she looked at Credence. Tina bit her lip, squeezing her eyes for a second before smiling at Credence. “But you’ll be well soon. We’ll take care of you with Newt, just like I said,” Tina murmured. The three watched at the Obscurus bobbed gently, floating around the three of them before settling in between the three as if content. They smiled gently, sniffling as they looked at one another, agreeing that they will take the time and effort to help Credence come back, no matter how long it takes.