Now that Credence was aware of his "ability" to seduce men, it was all he could think about. How were men seduced by veelas? Were they charmed with grace and good looks? Would Credence learn to do this? Not that he was confident in his ability to do that. Since he was only part veela, did that mean he could seduce men too?
Not that Credence voiced these thoughts. He would blush, imagining himself successfully flirting with men, but was too embarrassed to even ask about the mechanism of veela seduction. However it didn't stop Credence from thinking.
What distracted him most of all for the next few days however, was Percival. The auror was suddenly everywhere. Credence watched Percival with the passion of spring. He found himself thinking of Percival's shoulders and what it would feel like to wrap his arms around them. To stare into kind eyes. To be pressed deep into Percival's arms. Credence was delighted at the thought of Percival pressing back.
Credence trailed behind Percival's engulfing steps, following the older man into a small antique store. Central Curios. Credence was still untrusting of the claim that he was magical— veela or wizard, the idea seemed too impossible. It was not that Credence was still completely shocked by the magical world, though he was a little. Credence was caught by the fact that he did not truly belong, even here. He was as awkward as a fish on dry land, floundering and flapping about in a desperate search for water.
As Credence stepped into the wandmaker's store, disguised as an antique shop, a wooden bird chirped above his head, magically enchanted to sing at the entrance of a customer. It fluttered down, tweeting heartily at Credence before returning to its perch. Graves was in a conversation with the owner. Graves called Credence over, patting to a stool where Credence walked over to sit.
The owner, an old man with thinning white hair and an honest grin shuffled over. He batted at Credence, peering in his eyes and ears and measuring odd places like between his fingers and the length of his nails. Then, he encouraged Credence to pick from a multitude of wands and wave it. With each wand that he swished, Credence felt more like an imposter mimicking the actions of those around him. Nothing was happening and Percival's face was shuffling from his spot in the corner. Credence smiled at him only to receive a pursed smile.
Ducking his head, Credence grabbed the furthest wand. It released blue fireworks as soon as he touched it, the wooden tip sparking furiously.
"A Uktena Fang core and American Chestnut wood" the owner crooned.
Credence mumbled in response. Credence glanced over at Percival who was watching the wand owner, not noticing Credence's eyes on him.
Put out at Credence's lack of reaction, the old man turned to Percival and happily started speaking to the auror.
Credence was trying to use his allure.
Noticing the hint of musk, Graves was unsure whether he should chuckle or be horrified. On one hand, it was better than the moping Credence was prone to do. On the other, Credence was much too young, and not innocent per say, but he was missing critical life information. Credence had gone through life shut off from, and in some ways purposefully blind to how the world operated. As Credence fluttered his eyes, Percival decided to mention this to Tina and have her talk to Credence. Credence couldn't go around trying to lure men. Uncontrolled lure could be dangerous. A light fragrance of musk hit his nose and Percival focused on Credence again.
"Let's go somewhere new." stated Credence. The words were soft, trailing off as Credence glanced up. Timid as a deer, Credence reached over, slowly brushing against Percival's arm until he touched skin. The spiced whiff of lure flared.
Percival took a step back. He was removing himself from the scent that had spiked the moment Credence had touched him. As Percival shuffled back, he grabbed Credence's wrist.
"Where do you want to go?" the auror murmured.
Credence swallowed, stepping back up to Percival. Leaning in so that their sides were touching, Credence responded, "Somewhere that lets us… play."
Before Percival could respond Credence has rushed off, flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes.
Percival blinks as the captivating waft of lure disappears, and hastens to catch up with the younger male.
Modesty Barebone felt relieved when she noticed Credence sitting where ma had said he would be. Credence was seated at the back of a small corner cafe. Alone. Both Modesty and Chastity were watching their brother from outside, through the shop's transparent windows. Modesty licked her lips as Credence bit into a waffle and syrup ran down his fingers. Beside her, Chastity let out an irritated huff as Credence licked the sticky digits.
Ma had told them to get Credence, and Modesty was relieved that he seemed to be okay. Of course, Credence could have already been infected by witches, but Modesty thought he looked fine. She ran towards Credence, startling Chastity and then her brother as she sped towards his table.
"Modesty?" His tone was shocked, eyes wide and brows creased. He was confused about how she could have gotten here. Modesty giggled at the expression. "Hi Credence" she said, "Ma wants you to come home." Credence gasped, glancing around the small shop as if he expected Mary-Lou to jump out. "She's here?" Credence asked.
Chastity, who had also finally made it to Credence, sat in the seat across from him. The older girl sat straight, managing to glare at Credence and stare at him in pity at the same time. Credence, who had been shocked but pleased at Modesty's arrival, wilted under Chastity's intense stare.
"You need to come home." Chastity stated. Her tone of voice brooked no argument. Credence shook his head, slow and somber.
"Are you really going to abandon your family?" Chastity scolded, folding her hands.
"I'm not abandoning anyone" Credence argued, but the words were whispered. The whole time he had been missing he'd never even tried to contact them. Instead Credence had spent his time cavorting with witches. No one had known Credence would leave either. Had they missed him? Did they think he had abandoned them, like Chastity was claiming? His eyes flittered longingly at both girls. Modesty tilted her face, scrunching her nose as if she was asking what? Chastity gazed back, quiet wisdom and patience.
"I can't come back. Ma will be mad" Credence said.
"She won't" Chastity urged, "Ma just wants you to be safe."
Noticing Credence's reluctance, Modesty reached across and covered his hand. Her palm was cold where it rested on his. "Just come for at least a few seconds."
After a few moments Credence got up. He slipped his fingers into Modesty's, gripping tightly. With every step further from the café his heart beat louder until it was an overpowering thump in his ears. Chastity led the way, glancing back at Credence every few seconds. The walk was five minutes and they stopped before a church Credence knew was a hideout for the Second Salemers.
"You have to go in by yourself."
Ignoring his wide eyes, both girls gently pushed him through the entrance.
Mary-Lou opened the door, breathing easier as she recognized Credence sitting in the corner. He had not yet noticed her. Credence was biting his nails, chawing it down to the skin of his fingers. She was pleased the girls had managed to remind him of the importance of God's virtues. His purpose was at home. The church, or to be more precise, the purge camp, was one of the few locations where witches were completely hidden from other witches. The purge camp existed outside of the Second Salemers main church. In the past it was used to keep and interrogate captive witches. The church also served sinners like Credence, who were seduced by the words of witches.
There was no doubt that witches were responsible for Credence's disappearance. All her sources indicated that Credence had not only been in their presence but that the witches had managed to corrupt him; Credence had been enticed to follow sinful ways. Her lips flared at the disgusting thought. Regardless, Credence could be saved and Mary-Lou had always managed to curb the sin in his heart.
There was no reason this time would be different.
