Newt held his gaze firmly, brow twitching with concern. "Credence, I really do need a hand with my creatures. Would you like to visit them, then make the decision?"
Credence saw how Newt's eyes lit up at the possibility of seeing his creatures. He did feel he had a debt to pay to Newt for causing the man pain. . .finally he met Newt's gaze "No."
Newt's eyes shot down immediately, his eyebrows knotted in deep confusion. "I'm quite s-s-sorry if I push-pushed you-you don't have to- I can jus-" Newt's rambling was cut off my Credence's sudden face of shock.
"No! I mean, please excuse me sir." His head bowed and shoulders hunched in "Mr. Scamander I meant I don't want to make the decision later, sir, I-I would very much like the opportunity to-to. . redeem myself and make up for the pain and trouble I've caused you sir."
The boy's words were rushed and Newtr had thought he'd misheard but Credence's nervous body language told him otherwise. Newt couldn't contain the grin that erupted over his face "Well that's just wonderful! I'd be delighted to host you. You can take my bed it's beyond that curtain, there."
Credence's eyes followed Newts hand to where it gestured to a deep green curtain that he had not even knowticed before. Bowing his head he listened as Newt continued excitedly.
"Yes, it's not much. It will have to do I suppose, no trouble really I need just transfigure myself a nice little cot. Should be cozy in no time do you think we should sleep in the rooms above instead. . . no of course not that wouldn't do you much good now would it? I apologize, am I rambling again? Please, stop me if it's ever a bother."
Newt stood "Shall I show you around?" his hand outreached to help Credence stand. Smiling anxiously, Credence accepted Newt's hand.
"I think we'd better save seeing the animals for another day huh? Much too much has gone on today." Credence looked around the room shyly.
"Sir-I. May I ask a question?" Credence's eyes were fixed upon Newt's shoes.
"Credence, I truly would prefer to be referred to as Newt if you wouldn't mind. Anyways, you don't require my permission to ask a question. I'll gladly try my best to answer any questions that you may have."
Credence blushed and met Newt's anxious eyes that flicked about every now and then, only to settle back on his own. Newt seemed nervous. . . had he done something wrong? Was Newt scared of him? He didn't seem scared, not in the way that his Ma had been when he transformed. Mr. Scamander had already seen his darkness though. "Well, I was wondering. You mentioned taking care of animals. Where are they? Are they dogs? Chastity mentioned she had one in an old home of hers. Do wizards have dogs?"
Newt chuckled but quickly regained his composure as soon as he saw the look of embarrassment flashover Credence's pale features, his cheeks now a rosy pink and his brows raised questioningly.
"I'm sorry Credence I had forgotten completely that you're new to our world. I had gotten so used to every wizard in America knowing my business, all thanks to the uppity congress of the United States. United my arse, can't even associate with muggles. Oh, I'm sorry i'm doing it again aren't I? As i was saying, I apologize. I've dedicated my life to protecting and educating my fellow wizards on the true nature of magical creatures. They think they're bad you see, but they couldn't be more wrong." Newt saw Credence's confusion and halted.
Newt tugged on his coaat pocket so that he could peer into. Pickett was curled up nice and cozy fast asleep. Gently Newt stroked the bowtruckle and held him in his palm, concealed from the boy.
"Perhaps one creature today, yes? This is a bowtruckle, they're quite harmless. They're very loyal creatures and live in packs, this one however is a bit of a misfit. That's why we get along so well. When he was very young he struck a cold and required my body heat to keep him warm so I carried him in my pocket here, when I tried to place him back with the others but they rejected and ridiculed the little guy."
Newt flattened his palm so that Credence could now see the sleepy little bowtruckle that stretching out its leaves sleepily. Credence gasped in awe. It looked like a bug, but much more personified.
Pickett stood up in Newt's palm and looked Credence up and down skeptically. Afraid that he was scaring the creature, Credence stepped back.
Had he worried the little creature? Newt gave Picket a warning look and the bowtruckle stuck his tongue out at him and jumped onto an unsuspecting credence.
Smiling a bright shy smile, Credence looked down at the creature on his shoulder. Newt cleared his throat.
"You see Credence, behind that curtain over there I have dozens of habitats that I created with magic that house hundreds of magical creatures, from things Pickett's size there to the size of a 6 story building. All of them I rescued to either preserve or protect them."
Pickett crawled back into Newts pocket."And. .you want my help with them? You-you trust me?" Credence spoke unsurely.
Looking down shyly Newt spoke softly "I did invite you into my sanctuary Credence. I take the protection of my creatures very seriously. If I didn't trust you, quite simply I would not have taken you here. I see you Credence, there is good in you and I intend to help others to see it."
