2/10/17

Being part of MACUSA had its ups and downs, but what job didn't? Being an Auror had been a dream of yours since you were little, much to your parents' dismay. You lived a very sheltered life when you lived with them, so when you graduated from Ilvermory, you got out of dodge and got your own place by MACUSA headquarters.

Following the tragic events of the encounter not only with an Obscurial, but also Gillert Grindelwald himself you were haunted by the pained look on the boy who you learned was named Credence Barebone's face before he died. And yet something in your gut told you that he was still alive though you didn't know how. Your suspicions turned out to be right as you one day saw a figure in all black huddled in an alleyway on your way home from work.

You looked around before heading towards the alleyway. You slowly approached where he sat and whispered, "Credence?" He jumped and turned to you with his head down. "My name's Annie Thomas. I was at the Subway station with Tina." At the mention of Tina Goldstein's name Credence's head snapped up and you saw the tear stains on his cheeks and the bags under his eyes which broke your heart. You slowly got closer to him making him scoot back a little. You sighed, bent down, and whispered, "You know, I was the only one in that group that actually listened to Tina. I put my wand away when she said that you needed to calm down. I tried to stop the others, but they wouldn't listen. Please, let me help you. I'm sure I'm one of the last people you'd trust, but I promise not to hurt you. We can go to my place so you can get cleaned up and get some sleep. Okay, Credence?"

You offered your hand and with great hesitation he got up and walked up to you as you too stood up and gently took his hand leading him to your apartment without incident. You showed him where the bathroom was and told him you'd make them something to eat. As you heard the shower run, you started cooking some chicken and rolls while also setting up the couch for either one of you to use that night.

You had just set the table when he came out looking a tad bit better then when you found him. He stood in the doorway to the kitchen/dining room staring at the table. You walked over and took your seat and said, "Come on and join me. You'll feel even better once you've eaten a real meal."

Credence didn't look at you, but sat in the chair next to yours as you served the both of you, telling him to eat as much as he needed to. You noticed he ate rather slowly and had trouble cutting the chicken, so taking out your wand you made his knife and fork cut it for him as he sat and watched in utter amazement. Once the chicken was cut into pieces, it was much easier for him to eat.

He ate a few rolls and one more piece of chicken you had cut for him and he looked content much to your delight. You made it so that the dishes washed and put themselves away as you put the leftovers in the fridge. Credence remained at the table watching you and the dishes which made you smile to yourself. When that was done, you saw that Credence was frowning and looking down at the table.

You walked back over, sat in your seat, and asked what was wrong. Credence didn't answer at first, but then muttered, "I don't deserve this kindness after what I'd done. I deserve to be punished."

You closed your eyes for a second before looking at him again, taking his hand gently and saying, "No you don't. What happened was out of your control. What you need is someone to help you manage your powers so that they don't turn on you. If it hadn't been for that awful woman you would've been just fine. But now there's nothing and no one holding you back. If you'll let me I promise to help you. I could maybe get Tina to help if you'd like. We can also work on the trust issues which I'm sure will take time. I'm doing this because I care, because I know that under the pain and turmoil is a smart, kind, and strong young man who just needs guidance."

Credence lifted his head and squeezed your hand back slightly which made you grin. He took a shaky breath and whispered, "Thank you, Miss Thomas."

You lightly rubbed his knuckles with your thumb and replied, "Of course. And please call me Annie." You went into the living room showing him where he was to sleep. You told him to get comfortable and to come to your room if he needed you. He nodded and when you hugged him he tensed up for a couple seconds before slowly hugging you back and resting his head on your shoulder. You knew he needed the closeness that he had likely been deprived of for years so you just stayed that way for maybe a couple minutes before pulling away. "Good night, Credence. See you in the morning." you said with a warm smile.

"G-Good night, Miss-I mean Annie." he stuttered slightly.

You walked into your room and shut the door so you could change clothes. When you finished you re-opened the door and peeked into the living room to see Credence sleeping. You smiled and went back to your room to read for a while before turning in for the night.

A few hours later, you were woken up by a sense that someone was watching you. You rubbed your eyes, sat up slowly, and saw Credence standing in your doorway looking scared. "Credence, what's wrong?" you asked in a groggy voice.

"I-I saw her. Ma with the belt then her d-dead b-body. Black mist in the air." he choked out.

You took a breath and reached out your hand and whispered, "Come here, Credence. It's okay. Let me help you relax." You moved the covers on the side next to you. Sluggishly, Credence walked to the bed and got in shivering. You put an arm around him and he clutched onto you, burying his face into your chest breathing heavily.

"Shhh, it's alright. She can't hurt you anymore. She's gone and you have no reason to worry. No one's going to hurt you anymore, not if I can help it. Just look where you are now. You've trusted me enough to come to my home and let me take care of you. You deserve so much better than what you were dealt. There, just breathe slowly and listen to my heartbeat. You're safe." Stroking his hair, you felt his grip on you loosen greatly. Seeing that he was asleep, you kissed the top of his head and fell back asleep yourself.