Author's note: Hi everybody! Thank you so much for your reads, and reviews. I'm so sorry it's taken so long to update- writer's block is very bad for the muse.
But, here is chapter 11, and I'm hoping to get chapter 12 up soon.
Hope you like it.
~..~..~..~..
Newt had just climbed out of his suitcase in the morning, after giving his creatures their first feed and check-up of the day, when an owl swooped through his kitchen window, dropping a letter on the small dining table.
Noticing it was from his publisher, Newt opened it quickly.
Dear Mr Newt Scamander, he read.
This is just a letter to confirm the time of your first book promotion, at 'Flourish and Blotts' on Diagon Alley, to be held at 7:30 this evening.
The event will be held on the second story of the shop. Not to worry, it will be magically enlarged to accommodate all the guests. I can't tell you how pleased I am that so many prominent business and families are intrigued by your book, Mr Scamander.
As such, I believe it is only proper that, rather than simply me introducing your book, you, yourself, should be the one to inform those gathered of the subject matter you have spent over a year writing and researching out in the field.
I'm sure that, as the author of a book such as 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them', which is the very first of its like, you would be the best person to truly showcase why these creatures are such a value to our wizarding communities, and how we can better understand them.
I apologise for the late notice of the required speech, however you may be rest assured, there is no need to make it a lengthy one. We simply require a small introduction as to what made you agree to write the book in the first place and why you think the subject matter is so important. Perhaps even giving a short reading, so those gathered can understand the layout, would help?
I look forward to seeing you at the promotional event tonight. I ask that you please arrive at least twenty minutes early, so that you can be introduced to your guests, which, I'm pleased to say, include some very well-connected members of the community, who could help spread your book further than just the Beast Division at the Ministry!
If you need me at all, I will be at 'Flourish and Botts' all of today, helping to set up for this evening.
All of your guests are on the list, as requested, they simply have to give their name at reception.
Looking forward to sharing in your success tonight,
Regards,
Mr Augustus Worme.
Obscurus books
Newt heart sank before it suddenly started to palpitate.
He had to make a speech tonight?
So, not only would he be forced to mingle with the so-called 'elite' of the wizarding community, but he also would have to stand on a stage, all eyes on him, and try to explain to a hall full of people why protecting magical creatures was preferable to killing them.
He had enough trouble doing that when he was trying to persuade his superiors in the Ministry's Beast division why having kneazles at the ministry was a good idea.
Still, when they learned that three kneazles had already been working there, undetected, for three months, and were responsible for catching several wizards on theft or fraud charges, they realised the benefit of having the kneazles around, and had allowed them to stay.
Better to ask forgiveness than permission, he'd thought.
But still, Newt sighed. How was he going to convince a hall full of people, who had grown up, as most wizards do, thinking most magical creatures that did not count as pets, were either dangerous, or not worth bothering with?
Especially when the very thought of all those eyes on him made him feel faint.
Still, he tried to reassure himself as he set about getting ready for the day, at least he'll have his friends there.
Maybe he could try and imagine he was just talking to them about his creatures?
Newt sighed again, running fingers through his hair.
Worrying makes you suffer twice, he reminded himself. Best to just get on with it.
Still, he argued, there couldn't be any harm in going to Diagon Alley to discuss the matter with Mr Worme, to see if there could be any changes agreed to?
Grabbing his suitcase, Newt locked his flat and headed to the Leaky Cauldron.
~..~..~..~..
"Morning, Goldstein."
Tina looked up from the Daily Prophet as Auror Bennet sat down opposite her.
"Morning, Bennet," Tina greeted as she put the paper down on the table with an exasperated sigh.
"No mention of the hospital attack in France," she stated. "Why? Head Auror Scamander sent a press release out to the media. Why wouldn't it be in the paper?"
Charles Bennet shrugged, frowning slightly.
"If you ask me, I think the Government here is just trying to prevent a panic," he put forward. "People are already spooked."
"But Grindlewald's actions affect all of us," Tina insisted. "If people are kept in the dark, how can we be prepared?"
"Hey," Bennet remined her gently. "Remember, this isn't America. We haven't got a right to tell them what's what."
"True," Tina granted. "But I just wish that- Mr Graves!" Tina called, spotting her boss enter the dining room and order his usual morning coffee.
"Goldstein," Graves nodded in greeting as the woman approached, looking determined. "I take it you saw the paper this morning? Or more precisely," he amended, "saw what was missing?"
"Head Auror Scamander did send a press release, didn't he?" Tina queried.
"Yes, he did," Graves nodded, his features forming into a frown. "It's absolutely ridiculous, of course, but we can't force the press to publish a story they don't want to publish. Or they can't."
Tina frowned.
"You think someone told the press not to publicise it?" She queried. "Why would anyone do that?"
"Someone who would get an advantage from keeping people in the dark," Graves considered. "Perhaps," he continued, "one of Grindlewald's followers could be connected with the paper?"
"Should we go talk to them, sir?" Bennet asked hopefully. All their team had really done since arriving in England was paperwork, and he was itching for some field work.
"Scamander's team's doing that already, Bennet," Graves informed him. "Makes sense. This is his territory, his people. He'd know if someone was lying."
The inn door opened, letting in a cold breeze, and the group turned to see Newt Scamander enter and shut the door quietly, trying to be inconspicuous, and failing, as Tina moved to greet him straight away.
"Newt," she called, causing to the magizoologist to look up with a smile.
"Good morning, Tina," he said, clutching his case.
"What brings you here?" Tina asked.
"Well," Newt began, "I'm just heading to Diagon Alley. My book has its first promotional event tonight, and my publisher, Mr Worme, is overseeing the venue set up today. However, he's also asked me to make a speech, so, I'm going to try and explain to him why that is such an absurd idea."
"Why would that be an absurd idea?" Tina queried, and Newt gave her a sceptical look.
"You have seen me around people, haven't you?" He reminded her.
"I know you don't like the limelight, Newt," Tina granted. "But honestly, who better to advocate for your creatures, and your book, than you?"
"How did your meeting with the French go?" Newt asked, wanting to get the attention off him by any means.
Tina glanced back to Mr Graves, who was observing her closely.
They'd been wanting to publicise the information anyway, she considered. Where could the harm be? And he needed to know…
Turning back to Newt, Tina stepped closer.
"Grindlewald found another obscurial," she said, keeping her voice low. Newt's eyes, however, snapped up to meet hers in shock.
"What?"
"A boy." Tina explained quickly. "In a hospital. Unfortunately, he died. The French Ministry, apparently, doesn't see it as a loss, as Grindlewald couldn't get his hands on a 'living weapon'."
'How old was he?" Newt asked softly.
"Nine," Tina whispered, and Newt closed his eyes, hanging his head sadly, before a thought occurred to him.
"Why wasn't this in the papers?" He asked.
"Because someone stopped the press release being published," Mr Graves spoke up, causing the pair to jump as he approached them, serving Tina a sideways look.
"We had sent a press release to the public, sir," Tina defended herself. "And Newt was involved with the obscurial in New York, so-"
"It's alright, Goldstein," Graves told her, smirking slightly before regarding Newt carefully.
"You know a lot about obscurials, don't you, Mr Scamander?" He asked.
But Newt wasn't listening, his mind was racing. Suddenly he looked up at Tina.
"Grindlewald is after obscurials?" He clarified.
Tina nodded, swallowing.
"It seems so," she confirmed.
Graves watched as some kind of silent communication appeared to pass between the pair, and Tina's behaviour in his hospital room, whilst giving her testimony, came back to him.
"So sorry," Newt announced. "But I have to go." Turning, he moved to the front door.
"I thought you were going to Diagon Alley, Mr Scamander?" Graves pointed towards the back of the inn, where the doorway to the wizarding street could be found.
"Actually, I have to go to Hogwarts," Newt countered, distractedly. "Something more pressing has come to my attention."
"Hogwarts?" Graves echoed, stepping forward to prevent Newt leaving. "That's perfect. I've been meaning to speak with an old school professor of yours: Albus Dumbledore."
Newt tried very hard to control his expression, keeping his eyes low, but Graves was not the Head of his Department for nothing.
There was so much you could tell from body language.
"Would you mind if I came with you?" Graves asked, in a voice that brooked no objection. "I would like to meet the man who Grindlewald was so interested in."
"Of course, Mr Graves," Newt nodded, trying to smile. "Tina-"
"Yes, Auror Goldstein," Graves spoke over the man firmly. "You must come as well. You encountered Grindlewald also, just as Mr Scamander did. You could help me find the truth."
"Of course, Sir," Tina agreed, swallowing.
Graves opened the inn door with a smile.
"Shall we?"
Feeling like she was being escorted once more to the Death Cell, Tina walked through, Newt and Graves close behind.
"Whenever you're ready, Mr Scamander," Graves invited, gripping the man's arm, tightly.
Swallowing, Newt glanced at Tina, who took up his free hand, and all together, they apparated.
~..~..~..~..
Newt stumbled slightly as all three appeared before the wrought iron gates that led up to Hogwarts castle.
But today, Newt felt trepidation.
Credence was in that castle. And Newt had just brought the man who now could order his death.
"You won't be able to open the gate," Newt informed Graves as the man moved forward. "No one's expecting us, so they can't release the wards."
"So, how do we get in?" Graves asked.
"One moment," Newt took out his wand and pointed it towards the gates.
"Expect Patronum!"
Tina watched in fascination as a gambolling platypus burst from Newt's wand and through the gates to make its way towards the castle.
"A platypus?" Tina smiled. "It suits you," she told him.
"Thank you," Newt smiled shyly. He'd always liked his patronus, as a platypus appeared to be made up of different animals, and was also exceptionally unique in the animal kingdom. It wasn't the most imposing, or noble of creatures, but it was quirky and hard-working, though many people thought it was strange. Much like himself, really.
"So now what?" Graves asked.
"We wait," Newt answered.
It wasn't long before Professor Imamu could be seen walking towards them.
"Mr Scamander," she greeted, opening the gates with a wave of her hand. "When your patronus arrived with your message, saying you were just outside, I had to come greet you. Welcome back."
"Thank you, Professor Imamu," Newt greeted, thankful his patronus had reached the correct person. "This is Professor Batini Imamu," Newt did the introductions, trying to stall for time. "She teaches Defence against the Dark Arts here at Hogwarts. Professor Imamu, this is Mr Graves, the Head Auror at MACUSA, and Auror Tina Goldstein."
"Welcome Mr Graves," Batini nodded cordially. "And you are Tina," stepping forward, the woman wrapped Tina up in a hug, much to her surprise. "I'm so happy to finally meet you," Batini smiled as she stepped back. "You are spoken of most highly."
"Thank you," Tina smiled.
"I'm here to speak with Albus Dumbledore," Graves got to the point.
"Certainly, Mr Graves," Imamu nodded. "Though I can't imagine how a humble teacher can help the Head Auror of MACUSA."
"Well, that's what I'm here to determine," Graves smiled politely, gesturing for her to lead the way.
"After you, Professor."
~..~..~..~..
Tina couldn't believe she was walking through the halls of the famous Hogwarts. The founder of her own school of Ilvermorny, Isolt Sayre, had based the American school on the famous wizarding institute of Britain. So, to actually walk through the very halls that the famed 'Morrigan' had always wished to see was a very humbling experience.
Tina just wished it was under better circumstances.
With Graves walking determinedly alongside them, she was unable to speak with Newt. Had Credence been told they were here? Was he safe?
Credence wouldn't think they'd brought Graves here on purpose, would he?
Oh, how would he react if he saw him? Tina wondered. True, Graves had no idea what Credence even looked like, let alone that he was still alive, yet Credence would still see Graves, and be reminded of the man who had tried to take advantage of him, just because Credence wanted to feel like he belonged somewhere.
Credence would be terrified, Tina thought.
So, she would try to protect him as well as she could.
Clenching her jaw, Tina cast a side glance at her boss. He was not Head Auror for nothing, after all. Certainly, he had seen the reaction in both herself and Newt, upon realising Grindlewald was looking for other obscurials?
Surely, he suspected something?
So, what would she do if she was confronted by Graves directly? Tina wondered. She was an auror for MACUSA. She was a part of Mr Graves' team. How could she lie to her own boss? She'd be fired all over again, with no hope of ever getting her job back.
On the other hand, what if she was confronted, and told Graves of Credence's existence?
Mr Graves had approved of Madam Piquery's order to kill Credence in New York, and had always held the law in the highest regard.
Would he order his death once more?
But they were not in America, Tina reminded herself. So, what would he do then?
Give the power to the one who had authority here, Tina realised, and she glanced at Newt.
Would Head Auror Theseus Scamander order Credence's death? Even Newt wasn't sure what his brother would do.
Swallowing, Tina tried to keep her composure.
She couldn't decide how Graves or Auror Scamander would react, but she was determined to not allow Credence to be put in danger again.
'One step at a time Goldstein', she reminded herself as they reached what appeared to be one of the many classrooms in the dizzying maze that was Hogwarts castle.
"Professor Dumbledore," Professor Imamu announced as they entered. "Head Auror of MACUSA, Mr Graves, is here to see you. As is Auror Tina Goldstein, and Newt Scamander."
Tina watched as the middle-aged man looked up from the paperwork he was doing to stand up graciously in greeting.
This was the famous Albus Dumbledore, she had heard about?
Tina wasn't sure what she'd been expecting, but seeing the man dressed in rich purple robes that brought out the auburn in his greying hair brilliantly, smiling as he removed his glasses, to place them carefully on his desk, Tina felt only a kindly warmth from this man, and wondered why Grindlewald would have such an interest in this man that it compelled the dark wizard to ask Newt about him in a MACUSA interrogation room.
"Professor Albus Dumbledore?" Graves confirmed as he stepped forward, arm extended.
"Indeed so, Mr Graves," Dumbledore smiled, accepting the hand cordially, before nodding to his colleague.
"Thank you Batini," he said gratefully. "You can go back to your term planning. Merlin knows I'm having a nightmare time of it."
"And here I thought you enjoyed planning, Albus," Batini commented with a smile.
"No one becomes a teacher for the paperwork," Dumbledore insisted. "Honestly, if I wanted to do paperwork, I'd have accepted that Ministry position I was offered many years ago. I'm sure you can empathise," Dumbledore continued to his visitors in good humour. "I doubt you became Aurors for the paperwork either."
Graves considered the man cautiously. This was the person Grindlewald had such an interest in?
"It's a necessary tedium, unfortunately," he answered eventually as Batini took her leave.
"It is," Dumbledore agreed, before appearing to finally spot Tina.
"And you must be Auror Tina Goldstein," the man extended a hand, which Tina accepted. "It is a pleasure to meet you, my dear. You are spoken of most highly," here, he flicked a glance at Newt, who, as usual, was doing his best to avoid direct eye contact with anyone.
"Thank you, Sir," Tina nodded to accept the compliment.
"Indeed," Dumbledore insisted, turning back to Mr Graves. "From what I understand, you are fortunate to have someone such as Auror Goldstein on your team, Mr Graves."
"Thank you," Graves nodded. "But where do you get your information from, Mr Dumbledore?"
"I don't wish to cause embarrassment," here, Dumbledore glances at Newt again, who was currently looking out the window. "Suffice it to say, someone who has first-hand experience with Tina's skills as an auror."
"Fascinating," Graves commented, a little drily, as he was beginning to feel the good professor, far from being friendly, was trying to distract. "But this is not a social call, Professor Dumbledore."
Albus appeared confused.
"Then, forgive me, but why then is Newt here?" the teacher asked, turning to his former student curiously. "Newt, have you decided on a new career? And I was so looking forward to your book promotion. It's tonight, isn't it?"
"Yes sir," Newt answered. "At Flourish and Blots in Diagon Alley. And no," he added, "I'm quite content to stay a writer."
"Mr Scamander is here at my request," Mr Graves spoke up. Yes, he realised, Dumbledore was clearly trying to distract him.
But why?
"All those in this room have a connection to Gellert Grindlewald," Graves began. "Newt and Tina both apprehended him in New York. I was the one he impersonated for months. But you, Mr Dumbledore," Graves considered. "You, Grindlewald specifically enquires about, to Mr Scamander in fact," he gestures to the man standing awkwardly to one side, "as he attempts to frame Mr Scamander for letting an obscurial loose in New York City. Now, why would a man such as Gellert Grindlewald be so interested in a humble Hogwarts professor?"
"Why indeed," Dumbledore answered after a beat, a small frown creasing his forehead. "Have you any theories yet, Head Auror Graves?"
"Well," Graves smiled thinly, "that's what I'm hoping you can help me with, Professor Dumbledore. And need I remind you," he added firmly, "that if you impede our investigation in any way, you can be liable for obstruction of Justice."
Dumbledore merely raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Was that a threat, Head Auror Graves?" Dumbledore asked. "I assure you, the last thing I would ever wish to do is prevent justice being done. Indeed, much like Auror Goldstein and Mr Scamander, injustice is something I cannot tolerate."
"Good to know," Graves' voice was controlled, but his eyes studied Dumbledore carefully. "Then I'm sure you'll be honest about your connection with Gellert Grindlewald?"
"Of course, Mr Graves," Dumbledore nodded slowly. "What, exactly do you wish to know?"
"How do you know Grindlewald?" Graves pressed.
Dumbledore shrugged. "I meet him as a teenager one summer, while he was visiting his aunt, Bathilda Bagshot. Have you heard of her?"
Newt's head shot up in surprise, though Dumbledore's gaze remained fixed on Auror Percival Graves.
"Yes," Graves admitted. "The historian. I interviewed her not long ago. And yes, she did mention the two of you were…friends."
"Yes, she lived not far from my family home," Dumbledore continued, lightly. "There weren't many young wizards in my village at the time, and Bathilda had been a friend of my mother, so it was inevitable that we met. But if you spoke to Bathilda, you probably already know everything, then. I haven't seen Gellert since, except in the papers." He sighed. "It's horrible, to think that one you once called a friend is capable of such atrocities as he has committed."
"Yes, I'm sure," Graves nodded thoughtfully. "So, you haven't been in communication with Grindlewald at all since then?"
"I believe I've just said as much, sir," Dumbledore stated, his voice gentle but firm.
"So then, tell me," Graves tried another route, "do you know why Grindlewald would be so fascinated with obscurials?"
This time, Graves notice the man fold his hands within the long sleeves of his robes, and realised he'd struck something, for the professor to take up such a classic defensive stance.
"Obscurials are said to be incredibly powerful," Dumbledore spoke in what Newt knew as his 'teaching voice'. "As well as being a source of fear for many in the wizarding community. So why wouldn't a man such as Grindlewald, who wants to instil fear, not be interested in such a being?"
"Do you have any connections in France, Mr Dumbledore?" Graves tried again.
"Not really, no," Dumbledore answered mildly. "Why do you ask?"
"Grindlewald destroyed a French wizarding hospital, yesterday, trying to recruit another obscurial, much like he tried to do in New York," Graves informed flatly, and he finally was rewarded with a true reaction, as Dumbledore's eyes widened.
"And the obscurial?" Dumbledore asked.
"Dead," Graves reported and Albus hung his head.
"He was only nine," Tina added sadly.
"What was his name?" Albus asked slowly.
"Luis," Graves answered, and watched as the professor closed his eyes, as if in grief.
"So sad, for one so young to lose their life," Dumbledore said quietly, before appearing to gather himself.
"What do you know about obscurials, Mr Dumbledore?" Graves asked quickly.
Dumbledore took a breath.
"There is very little known about obscurials," Dumbledore admitted. "Even historians, like Bathilda Bagshot have struggled to comprehend them fully. What is relatively common knowledge, is that obscurials develop an obscurus as a result of trying to supress their magic."
"But I'd like to hear what you know of obscurials, Mr Dumbledore," Graves pressed.
Dumbledore shook his head slightly.
"I'm just a transfiguration teacher, Mr Graves," Dumbledore reminded the Head Auror. "However, perhaps Professor Imamu may be a better person to speak to, regarding obscurials themselves, as she is our Defence Against the Dark Arts Teacher. Or even Newt," Dumbledore gestured to the man himself. "He has met two obscurials so far, which is more than most can attest to. One in Sudan, and the one in New York. You were studying the obscurus you got from the girl in Sudan, Newt," he continued. "Did you discover anything from it?"
"Only that the obscurus cannot survive without it's host," Newt stammered as all eyes travelled to him. "It draws its power from them. And that, is how it can eventually end up killing them," he finished quietly.
"I apologise that I cannot help you further, Mr Graves," Professor Dumbledore spoke up. "But, I'm afraid, I've told you all I can."
"Really?" Graves considered, observing Dumbledore closely. "Well, I'm sorry too. After all, the sooner we can apprehend Grindlewald, the safer everyone will be."
"Oh, I couldn't agree more, Auror Graves," Albus nodded. "I wish you the best of luck in your endeavours to capture him."
Graves' mind was racing as he considered Dumbledore carefully.
"Thank you for your time, Mr Dumbledore," he said. "I hope you won't mind if I come back with any further questions?"
"Not at all," Dumbledore said pleasantly. "Though I doubt I'll be able to give you any more information than I already have."
"We'll see," Graves smiled before turning and striding out of the room, Tina following. Newt, after a quick glance at Dumbledore, trailed behind, hoping for a word with Tina before she left.
"Well, Sir?" Tina prompted as they made their way back to the school gates.
"He's hiding something," Graves muttered. "Did you see how he reacted when I mentioned obscurials?"
"He is a teacher sir," Tina tried to keep her tone objective. "I'm sure, it was simply the death of a child that-"
"It wasn't just the one in France," Graves countered. "He became defensive the moment the very word was mentioned. And did you hear how evasive he was?" He continued. "Answering a question, but never giving any straight information, unless it was something I could have found out anyway, like Bathilda Bagshot." Graves smirked. "He was very good, choosing his words carefully. The man should have been a politician, not a teacher."
"Wait!"
The pair turned as Newt caught up with them, professor Imamu close behind.
"The two of you will need help exiting the school gates," the Professor informed them, lightly.
"Very well," Graves sighed. "You two may accompany us to the gate then."
"Mr Graves," Newt began cautiously as they resumed walking. "Forgive me, but I'm not sure what you hoped to accomplish by questioning professor Dumbledore?"
"It's not your place to interfere in an auror investigation, Mr Scamander," Graves told the man curtly.
"True," Newt accepted the fact. "But can you at least tell me why you felt the presence of Tina or myself would do anything? You barely let her speak."
Graves stopped so abruptly that Newt almost walked into him.
"Because, as I said, all of us in that room had connections to Grindlewald." Graves explained shortly. "And considering the good Professor's reaction, you all have connections to obscurials as well."
"Well, yes," Newt stammered. "After all, Tina and I were both there in the subway-"
"But there's more to it, isn't there?" Graves pushed, and Newt was thankful he didn't like making eye contact under normal circumstances.
Seeing the man glance at Tina, Graves was reminded once more of the auror's behaviour during her testimonial to him when she visited his hospital room.
Wordlessly, Graves resumed walking, the others following in silence, up until the gates.
"Thank you for your visit," Professor Imamu said in farewell as the gates opened with a wave of her hand.
Graves and Tina exited, Tina looking back at Newt.
"You're not coming?" She asked.
"You're on an investigation, I have no right," Newt answered, glancing at Graves. "Besides, I still need to talk to Professor Dumbledore, so…"
Graves eyed the magizoologist suspiciously. This was a man who had smuggled a thunderbird into New York city, along with a whole case full of magical creatures…
"Good luck with your book promotion tonight, Mr Scamander," Mr Graves told him. "I hope it goes well for you."
"Thank you, Mr Graves," Newt replied, a little surprised, as the school gates closed one more.
Graves gripped Tina's arm and disapparated.
Newt immediately turned to Professor Imamu.
"Credence is in the Slytherin Common room," she answered his unspoken question. "He's safe, and hidden."
Newt took a deep breath, recalling the look in Graves' eyes.
"Not for much longer though," he muttered, "if Mr Graves has his way."
~..~..~..~..
Tina stumbled slightly as Graves released her, to find they'd returned to the Leaky Cauldron.
"We're not going to the Ministry, Sir?" Tina queried, as Graves strode to the door.
"No," he answered quietly. "Follow me, please, Goldstein."
Tina was reminded of being led from the cells to interrogation as Graves strode through the entrance hall and up the stairs.
Opening the door to his room, Graves held the door open for Tina before closing it sharply and casting a spell on the door.
"That should stop housekeeping from barging in," he muttered and Tina swallowed, fearing she was in trouble.
"Have I done something wrong, Sir?" She asked.
"I'm not sure yet, Goldstein," Graves told her, frowning. "But I still want to talk to you."
Tina swallowed.
"About what, Sir?" she asked as Graves stepped closer, his eyes studying her closely.
"You were truthful during your testimony to me at the hospital, weren't you, auror Goldstein?"
"Of course, Mr Graves," Tina answered automatically. "Everything I told you about what happened in the subway was true, as far as I could remember." She swallowed, clearing her throat slightly. "Why do you ask, Sir? I wasn't the only person there, did someone else contradict my story?"
Graves took a breath.
"No," he answered evenly, though his eyes never left Tina. "But I know I'm missing something. Have a seat, Goldstein." With a flick of his wrist, Graves made two wooden chairs materialise in the small room and, cautiously, Tina sat down in one whilst Graves took the other.
"I want to understand more about these obscurials," Graves told her, placing his elbows on the armrests of his chair. "I want to understand why Grindlewald wants to utilise one so badly."
"Oh," Tina stammered slightly. "I'm not sure how much more I can tell you."
"You lost your job trying to save the one in New York from a beating," Graves reminded her.
"I didn't know Credence was an obscurial at the time," Tina admitted. "I just wanted to save him from his cruel mother."
"Still, he then listened to you in the subway, did he not?" Graves pressed.
Tina began to shake her head before her eyes seemed to widen in realisation.
"He remembered," she whispered.
"Who remembered what?" Graves asked quickly.
"Credence," Tina stated, seeming to come back into the room. "Sir, you were, or should I say, Grindlewald was, assigned the task of ensuring all the nomajes in the vicinity were obliviated after I used magic at the Second Salemers' meeting. He would have been in charge of ensuring everyone, including the Barebones family, were obliviated. But, as Credence remembered me in the subway, I don't think he was."
Graves thought for a moment before nodding.
"Grindlewald could tell there was something different about the boy," he mused. "And so, he didn't obliviate him."
"Or Credence's obscurus somehow protected him from the memory charm," Tina added her perspective. "That may have been how Grindlewald discovered him in the first place." Tina let out a breath, smiling slightly.
"I had wondered why he'd listened to me, in the subway," she mused. "That was why: he remembered I'd stood up to his mother for him."
Graves studied Tina's facial expression closely.
"It's a shame, then," he spoke up, "that he was killed in the subway. All the boy…Credence," he corrected himself, slowly, "appeared to want was to belong somewhere."
Tina swallowed, and Graves watched as her expression became more guarded.
"Yes," Tina agreed, and Graves could hear a tightness to her voice. "It's a shame. But, still," Tina continued, "it was Madame Piquery's order that the aurors attack."
"Yes, it was," Mr Graves nodded, studying Tina carefully. "Until all that was left was black vapour."
"Yes," Tina nodded, lowering her head.
Seeing her bowed form, Graves assumed it was in grief, but, on closer observation, he could not see a single tear in the woman's eyes.
This woman had risked her job to save a boy from being beaten by a cruel mother, he reminded himself. She was fiercely protective of those who couldn't protect themselves.
The obscurial in New York, Credence, had listened to her in the subway, and had begun to calm down at her request.
They had had a connection…
Surely, if he had died, Tina would be upset at the memory?
But no, casting his mind back, to the time she visited him in hospital, he couldn't recall Tina crying then, either.
She was an auror, Graves reminded himself.
But she had a compassionate heart, a voice in his mind countered. And, recalling the testimony she'd given at the hospital, she had actually smiled, after stating how Credence should have had the chance to go to school.
He had thought the smile out of place, as a caring person like Auror Goldstein would never smile in callousness.
Graves could simply order Goldstein to revel anything she was hiding, of course, whether by threats or veritiserum, but she was a good auror. She had been trained by him, and knew how to answer questions literally, deflect, or to give half-truths. It was a technique taught to new aurors, in case they were to be compromised by the criminals they were after, or another government.
That was exactly what Dumbledore had done, as well.
Percival Graves was missing something, he knew. And the feeling that Auror Goldstein, Newt Scamander and Albus Dumbledore appeared to know something he didn't was irking him.
What was it? He wondered, studying the auror before him. What was the connection?
He didn't want to lose an auror like Goldstein, and knew Tina would only keep secrets to protect others, like she had done with her sister, not telling him Queenie was a legilimens until directly asked.
Which meant that, once again, Graves was not asking the right questions.
Credence had listened to her…
She had risked losing her job to protect him…
She was fiercely protective of those she cared about…
"Auror Goldstein," Graves leaned forward as a new suspicion raised itself in his mind. "Credence is dead, yes?"
Graves watched as Tina's head snapped up before attempting to keep her expression blank. Although, it didn't stop the colour draining from her face.
"How could he have survived such an attack, Sir?" She asked.
Graves let out a breath in a rush as realisation struck.
The silent communication between Newt and Tina. Dumbledore's evasiveness regarding obscurials. And now, Tina's reaction to his direct question, all seemed to fit together now.
Leaning back in his chair, Graves ran a hand down in face.
"Now that," he stated, "is the big question." He met Tina's eyes seriously. "Care to answer that for me, Auror Goldstein?"
~..~..~..~..
"Should we get Credence out of here?" Newt asked as he watched Dumbledore pace his office, Professor Imamu stood by the desk, deep in thought.
"He will have to leave soon, anyway," Imamu granted heavily. "The school term starts again in less than a week."
"So, how can we keep Credence hidden?" Newt queried.
Dumbledore paused in his pacing.
"Credence has proven on more than one occasion that he can control his obscurus on his own. And he has proven a proficient student," he reminded his companions. "And Auror Graves is clearly no fool…"
"What are you saying, Albus?" Imamu asked.
"I'm saying," Dumbledore began slowly, "that perhaps, we should no longer try to hide him."
Newt raised his eyebrows.
"Really?" His voice was sceptical. "MACUSA could order his death on the spot."
"MACUSA is out of their jurisdiction, here," Dumbledore reminded them all. "And if Credence is to be questioned by the Ministry now, he is more than capable of proving he is no threat to public safety or the Statute of Secrecy."
"I was planning to take him to my book promotion tonight," Newt spoke up thoughtfully. "But, now with Mr Graves becoming curious about obscurials, perhaps it's not such a good idea."
"No, take him to your book promotion tonight, Newt," Dumbledore encouraged. "Credence has been out in public before, after all. And what a more perfect opportunity for him to prove to himself, and others, that he is perfectly safe? Neither Mr Graves or your brother know what he looks like, anyway."
"True," Professor Imamu nodded. "Credence hasn't been learning to control his magic to simply spend the rest of his life in hiding, after all."
Newt stood up.
"I think we need to inform Credence of all this," he announced. "This is his life, it should be his decision on what to do."
"Agreed," Dumbledore nodded.
~..~..~..~..
Credence was trying to write a letter to Modesty, but was struggling. More than once, he'd thrown a piece of parchment into the fire, unhappy with the wording. How do you tell your sister, who is an orphan, because of you, that she no longer has to be afraid of you anymore?
He had now finished his seventh attempt, and lay down his quill to read it over.
'Dear Modesty, he'd written.
I'm sorry I haven't written to you before now. I just felt so guilty about leaving you behind, alone, in New York, and I had no idea what I could possibly tell you that would repair anything between us.
I hope you are doing well in the orphanage, and that you can find the loving family you deserve to have.
As for me, there are many things that you don't understand about me, and things that I am still learning myself.
Ma had tried to make me ashamed of what I was, so I couldn't even tell my sisters, but now, I think it's time that I be honest with you.
Magic is real.
That part, Ma got right.
But what she thought was evil, and what she tried to teach us was evil, actually isn't evil at all.
I've met real witches and wizards, Modesty. And it turns out, they're just people. Like anyone you'd see on the street, just trying to live their lives in peace.
And, it turns out, I'm a wizard myself.
That's what Ma hated about me so much, Modesty. Apparently, my birth mother was a witch, and Ma knew it. She thought she could 'fix' me. But, that just made everything worse, as the magic in me began to explode, the more I tried to supress it.
Now that I'm in Britain, the good news is: I'm not afraid of it anymore. I'm not ashamed anymore.
I can control it now.
There's a school that witches and wizards can go to, where they learn to control their powers. I'm here, at the wizardry school in Britain, and I've met other wizards, like me. They've helped me so much, Modesty. They're kind, and accepting, and it's because of them, and their teachings, that I'm no longer hurting people.
For the first time in my life, I feel like I'm accepted somewhere. I have real friends.
I'm so sorry I left you behind in New York. I'm sorry for so many things. I don't know if I'll ever see you again, Modesty, but you are still my sister, and I couldn't continue to live my life, knowing you believed me to be a monster.
I used to think I was. Ma made me think I was.
But I'm not a monster, Modesty.
And I hope I can still be your brother.
I miss you, little sister. And I hope that, one day, we can see each other again.
If not, I hope that you can find a family, a true family, who love and accept you for who you are.
I hope to hear from you, Modesty. Just give your letter to my barn owl, Edison. He will be able to find me.
Love,
Your Brother, Credence.'
Credence sighed. It still didn't sound right. But, still, he felt it was the best he could make it.
"Edison," he called, and his owl fluttered over, having taken up the curtain railing as a favourite perch.
"Do you think you can make it to America, Edison?" Credence asked as he tied his letter securely to the owl's leg. "I need you to find my sister."
Edison hooted, fluffing his feathers up importantly, determined to do his job.
"Thank you," Credence told him as he made his way to his dormitory window. "Take care, and fly safely."
Opening the window, Credence let Edison take flight, skimming across the lake before gaining altitude.
Closing the window against the cold air, Credence made his way into the common room.
"Hey Credence," August greeted, looking up from his book. "Want another chess game?"
"Alright," Credence nodded. They were currently at seven to four and Credence needed to catch up.
But they had barely begun the game when the door opened, causing the pair to look up in surprise.
"Professor Dumbledore," August stood up in greeting. "Professor Imamu. What brings you to the Slytherin common room?"
"So sorry to interrupt your game, Mr Booth," Professor Dumbledore said with a smile. "But it is imperative we speak to Credence."
"Of course, Sir," August nodded, glancing curiously at the other man who'd accompanied the two teachers into the room. He was carrying a suitcase, and appeared nervous, though still looked around curiously.
"I'll leave you to talk," the teenager glanced at Credence before heading to his dormitory.
"What is it?" Credence asked, once August had left the room.
"We don't mean to alarm you, Credence," Dumbledore began slowly, sending a spell towards the doorway August had gone through, to ensure their privacy. "But we believe you need to be updated on recent events."
Credence cast his eyes over Dumbledore, Imamu and Newt, who all wore serious expressions.
"What's happened?" He asked.
"Well," Newt began carefully, "Grindlewald apparently broke into a French hospital last night."
Credence's eyes widened.
"Grindlewald's in France?" He stammered.
"That's not all," Newt added, taking a breath as he sat down in the chair August had just vacated.
"There was an obscurial being kept at the hospital," he informed Credence slowly. "Much like the girl I met in Sudan, this boy had accidently killed his family when he was six years old, and had then been sent to live at the hospital in a high security ward, where he lived for three years."
Credence felt his jaw drop as he absorbed this information.
Another obscurial?
"Grindlewald apparently found out about him, and tried to break him out of the hospital, most likely to use him, as he was attempting to use you," Dumbledore took up the narrative. "Unfortunately, it appears the obscurus felt it's host was under threat, and so it attacked. The ward was destroyed, and the boy, sadly, was killed."
"And Grindlewald escaped," Newt concluded.
Credence began to shake slightly as he began to breathe deeply.
"Credence?" Imamu came forward to kneel beside his chair.
"I'm alright," he said, wiping his eyes. "What was the boy's name?"
"Luis," Dumbledore supplied gently. "He was nine years old."
"And he died when Grindlewald found him?"
"We've surmised as much," Newt nodded. "The French ministry is still investigating."
"But this shows that Grindlewald is still looking for obscurials," Dumbledore prompted.
"So, it's not safe for me, yet," Credence surmised cautiously, feeling disappointed. He had so been looking forward to Newt's book promotion, and seeing Tina again.
"Not exactly. You have shown incredible progress, Credence," Imamu reminded him. "You've proven you can control your obscurus now. And remember," she added positively, "no one in the Ministry knows what you look like."
"But Grindlewald isn't the only development we've come to tell you about, Credence," Newt added, gaining the young man's attention once more.
"Mr Graves was just here, at Hogwarts, asking Dumbledore questions about obscurials," he informed him. "He's gone now," he was quick to add.
Credence swallowed.
"Mr Graves was here?"
"He still has no idea what you look like," Newt reminded him. "Remember, this Mr Graves was Grindlewald's prisoner for months."
"But he's asking about obscurials," Credence said haltingly, his mind racing as he began to rock slightly on his chair, his eyes beginning to turn white as the obscurus latched onto his fear, seeking an outlet.
"Credence," Newt came forward to also kneel by his chair. "You are safe, you have friends who care about you. You are learning to control your magic and the obscurus within you."
"Even if you were now revealed to be alive," Dumbledore added, "I doubt they could say you are a threat now."
As if to confirm Dumbledore's statement, Credence's eyes slowly turned back to normal as he took a deep breath.
Shaking slightly, Credence met Newt's gaze.
"Can I see Dougal?" He asked quietly, swallowing.
"Of course," Newt smiled, setting his case down on the floor and opening it quickly. "He's missed you."
~..~..~..~..~..
"I cannot believe you kept this information from me, Goldstein," Graves' voice was barely a whisper, and yet Tina heard him loud and clear.
"By the time I found out, Credence was in Britain," she stated. "Out of our jurisdiction." She raised her eyes to meet her boss' gaze.
"And he is still out of our jurisdiction," she added.
"Newt Scamander knew as well," Graves stated. "So why didn't he tell his brother? He's the Head of British Magical Law Enforcement!"
"You will have to ask him," Tina said quietly. "I don't know his mind."
"You had a duty," Graves pointed an accusing finger at his auror. "You all did: To inform the auror department of any threats to public safety."
"Credence is not a threat," Tina insisted. "Not anymore. He's been learning. He can control his power now."
"Really?" Graves was sceptical.
"Yes. He hasn't hurt anyone once since he began his training. As long as Credence doesn't feel threatened," Tina insisted, "then he is not a threat."
Graves was on his feet now, pacing. His mind moving back and forth as he did.
Clenching his jaw, he took a long breath.
"So, Newt brought Credence to Hogwarts, and he's been learning magic here, for a month," he surmised, facing the wall, rather than Tina.
"Yes," Tina granted.
"And the Hogwarts Headmaster allowed this?"
"Headmaster Dippet agreed that Credence take lessons in the evening, and stay at the school over the Christmas holidays, so that he could develop his magic, as he was always meant to, while still ensuring the other students were kept in relative ignorance of his presence," Tina explained.
"And he's been doing so well, Sir," she insisted. "He can control his power. He can do wandless magic as well as non-verbal. He's learning so quickly. But, we wanted to ensure that he could easily prove his control before revealing him, if required," she added. "We knew someone like him wouldn't be a secret for long, but we wanted to be able to demonstrate how much control he had."
"It's extraordinary," Tina smiled, and Graves recognised it as the same smile he'd seen at the hospital in New York. "All obscurials were thought to be fated to die young, and here… here is an obscurial who not only has survived to adulthood, but has proven to be able to learn magic. So, who knows?" Tina insisted. "Maybe if that nine-year-old boy in France, Luis, had been allowed to learn magic, instead of just being locked up, he would have lived long enough to attend school."
Graves let out a slow breath as he regarded his auror.
"Still risking everything, to protect those who can't protect themselves, huh, Goldstein?"
"Our job is to protect, Sir," Tina concluded. "And these obscurials, these children, are in greatest need of protection."
Graves closed his eyes as he seemed to nod to himself.
"I will postpone my judgement on Credence until I've met the boy," Graves granted. "And I will be informing Head Auror Scamander, and Madame Piquery, of his presence here, in Britain, and the roles you, his brother, and the professors at Hogwarts have had to play."
"Sir, that could put Credence in more danger, now we know Grindlewald is searching for obscurials." Tina objected, getting to her feet. "He could find out Credence is still alive."
"As for my judgement on your conduct in this situation," Graves continued as if he hadn't heard her, "I will relieve you of your wand."
Graves held out a hand and Tina felt herself struggling to breathe.
"You are suspended until further notice," Graves informed her. "You will not communicate with Newt Scamander, or Credence Barebone, or Albus Dumbledore, and you will not leave this hotel unaccompanied."
Tina felt her throat constrict almost painfully as tears began to well up in her eyes.
Not again…
"Sir-"
"Your wand, Goldstein," Auror Graves repeated, extending his hand further.
Slowly, Tina took out her wand and reluctantly handed it to her boss.
"I'm sorry Goldstein," Graves told her. "You are a good auror, but you can't let your heart rule your head. We have rules and protocol for a reason," he insisted. "And you've broken that."
~..~..~..~..
Newt and Credence had decided that, as Credence was likely going to be found soon, the safest thing would be to keep him in sight, so he'd have support if needed. So, as Newt still needed to talk to his publisher, after doing his rounds with his creatures, (Dougal had been so happy to see Credence, and had never left his side all the time the young man had visited the case,) Newt had invited Credence to come with him to Diagon Alley.
Credence looked around the wizarding street curiously, though still wary, as the pair made their way to Flourish and Blotts book shop. He was half expecting an auror, maybe even Mr Graves himself, to approach them, saying they were under arrest.
Credence swallowed.
What would he do if that happened?
Credence took a deep breath. He didn't want to be locked up, like that boy in France.
He had to prove he was safe. He had to prove he was in control.
Entering the bookshop, full of people taking advantage of the post-Christmas and pre-New Year sales, Credence stuck close to the wall, trying to avoid making contact with people as much as he could as Newt lead the way upstairs.
"Mr Worme," Newt called, getting his publisher's attention through the various wizards and witches decorating the large room in preparation for the presentation tonight.
"Ah, Mr Scamander," the man greeted and Credence spotted a middle-aged man with a round face and a combover approaching them to shake Newt's hand. "I hope you like what we're doing with the place?"
Newt cast his eyes over the large room that looked as if it were being magically turned into something of a ball room, just with pictures of the illustrations from his book as decorations.
"It's a bit much, isn't it?" He stammered.
"Nonsense," Mr Worme waved a dismissive hand. "Yours is the first book of its kind. It'll change how we view the magical community." Finally, the older man noticed Credence standing beside his client.
"And who is this?"
"Oh, Mr Worme, this is my friend, Credence Barebone," Newt introduced, and Credence swallowed nervously, as this was the first time he'd been formally introduced to someone in the magical community outside of Hogwarts.
Credence extended a hand.
"A pleasure to meet you Sir," he greeted slowly.
"Pleasure's mine," Mr Worme smiled as he accepted Credence's hand. "Any friend of Newt's is welcome."
"Credence has actually been a great assistance to me, with my creatures, Mr Worme," Newt added quickly. If Credence was about to be found out, Newt figured he should start as positively as possible. "Dougal, my demiguise, appears quite attached to him."
"Oh, how excellent," Mr Worme cheered, regarding Credence with more warmth. "A budding magizoologist already!" The publisher turned back to his client. "So, you can surely see, Newt, why you are the perfect person to be the one promoting your book."
"As to that, Sir," Newt stepped forward quickly. "I must admit, I'm not very comfortable with speech-making."
"Oh, you'll be fine, Newt," Mr Worme assured him. "Who better to orate the magnificence of our magical creatures than one who sees their true nature, such as you?"
"He has a point," Credence spoke up quietly, gaining the attention of the pair. "When other people see monsters, you see them as simply misunderstood," he raised his gaze to look at his friend and mentor, and Newt was thrown by the surety in the younger man's eyes.
"When other people see what they expect to see," Credence continued. "You see what's really there. You just need to help others to see as you do."
"Well said, Mr Barebone," Mr Worme gestured to the younger man gratefully. "You clearly know Mr Scamander well."
"He's one of the kindest men I've ever met," Credence explained and Newt felt himself turn beetroot at the praise.
"Well, it looks like I'm out voted on having to make a speech," Newt mumbled.
"You'll do fine," Mr Worme assured his client. "Just remember, be here at least twenty minutes early to greet your guests. A good first impression is always important."
~..~..~..~..
"I'm not comfortable with speech-making," Newt repeated as he and Credence made their way out of the bookshop and back onto the busy main street of Diagon Alley. "Whose side are you on, Credence?"
"Yours," Credence told him surely. "That's why I think you should do the speech."
"I don't want to do it," Newt stated firmly.
"Jacob was nervous about getting married to Queenie," Credence reminded him. "He was terrified. But you encouraged him to go through with it. And now, he is so happy. And I was nervous about going on my date with Willow, but you helped me go through with it." He smiled slightly. "And it went rather well, I think," he finished quietly.
Newt glanced at his friend with raised eyebrows. Credence had been rather quiet about how his date had gone the previous night, despite Newt asking. At the time, Newt felt it wasn't his business to push, but now…
"Is that where this newfound confidence has come from, Credence?" Newt asked and watched as this time it was Credence's turn to blush.
"How 'well' are we talking about, then?" Newt pressed with a smile.
"She…" Credence swallowed as he kept his eyes on the ground as they walked. "Willow gave me a kiss on the cheek."
"That definitely counts as 'well,'" Newt granted with a nod.
"But, you see, it's like Jacob said," Credence insisted earnestly, refocusing on Newt. "If you want to do something, but then your too scared to do it: will you regret it?"
Newt considered this as they continued their way down the street.
"You love magical creatures more than anyone," Credence emphasised. "And you've done so much for me, and Jacob, and Queenie. If you don't talk to others, if you don't show people how amazing magical creatures are and why it's so important to protect them, do you think anything will change?"
Newt paused, taking a breath as he cast his eyes around the people hurrying along the snow-piled street.
What would happen if he didn't speak? He wondered. What could happen if he did?
Catching a movement out of the corner of his eye, Newt focused on a notice board, where various flyers and posters had been pinned up.
His gaze focused on one in particular, as it fluttered in the cool winter breeze and he felt his teeth beginning to grind.
"Newt?" Credence asked as the magizoologist approached the notice board to rip a poster off the display.
"What is it?"
"Look at this," Newt held up the poster he'd torn off a noticeboard. "The circus has come to town. They're first show is tonight."
"Wizards have circuses?" Credence asked before he could stop himself.
"Circuses, are often used as a cover for smuggling contraband, like magical creatures, into and out of different countries." Newt explained. "They come in, perform for a few days, deal in whatever side business they have, then leave again. And due to their nomadic lifestyle," he continued, "they can travel pretty quickly if they're compromised."
"I want to go and see what manner of creatures they've got," Newt announced. "If they're trafficking magical creatures, or abusing any of the ones in their show, I want to rescue them."
"Let me help," Credence spoke up automatically.
"Very kind of you," Newt told her, "but I've done this before, and you have Grindlwald and the Ministry to worry about."
"I know what it's like to be abused," Credence reminded Newt seriously. "If it's happening to others, even magical creatures, I want to help them get free, like I did. Besides," he added, "this could be a way I can prove my control to the Ministry: by doing something good."
"Thank you, Credence," he said sincerely. "I think that's a wonderful mindset."
"So, you'll let me come with you?" Credence asked hopefully.
Newt regarded him measuredly, still unsure.
"Please," Credence insisted. "I'm tired of being afraid."
Sighing, seeing his point, Newt nodded in agreement.
"Thank you," Credence began to smile slowly, eager for the chance to finally prove himself, "When do we go?"
"Tonight," Newt said. "The sooner we get those creatures out of there, the better."
"What about your book promotion?" Credence wondered.
"There'll be plenty of time," Newt insisted. "Nothing to worry about."
~..~..~..~..
Graves strode into the British Auror Department, and people actually scrambled to get out of his way upon seeing the look on the MACUSA auror's face.
"Get out," Graves instructed as he burst into Theseus Scamander's office. The looks of apprehension on the faces of the junior aurors as they scuttled out would have been amusing if Graves was inclined to notice.
"What's the meaning of this, Graves?" Theseus demanded as the American Auror shut the door, pulled the blinds down and cast a privacy spell on the door. "We're getting ready to receive the French Head of Department, Auror Delacroix."
"Some new information has come to light, Auror Scamander," Graves announced. "And I'm sorry to have to tell you, it is not only my own Auror, but your own brother, who is responsible for this."
"For what?" Theseus demanded.
"The obscurial from New York," Graves informed him, getting his counterpart's attention.
"What about him?" Theseus asked slowly, dreading the answer.
"He's still alive," Graves announced.
Theseus' eyes widened.
"What?"
"He's here, in Britain." Graves continued. "Your brother brought him here from New York."
Theseus felt his jaw drop and he had to take a seat.
Of all the stupid things his brother's done…
"Where is the obscurial?" Theseus asked.
"Hogwarts, I believe," Graves announced. "He's been taking lessons there."
"Lessons?" Theseus echoed. "How can an obscurial-"
"No idea," Graves cut him off. "But apparently, he's a very powerful protégé."
Theseus ran a hand down his face.
"Newt, you idiot," he mumbled. "What have you done?"
"Well, he did smuggle a trafficked Thunderbird into New York," Graves reminded him drily, and Theseus slammed a fist on the table as he stood up to pace the room.
"How did you find out about this?" Theseus asked.
"Auror Goldstein," Graves answered, letting out a sigh of disappointment. "That woman's compassion has made her make choices in the past, without thinking. Your brother only told her about Credence's survival once they were out of the States."
Theseus fought to control himself.
"I'll get one of my aurors to arrest my brother on charges regarding harbouring a fugitive and willfully withholding information from the Ministry," he announced heavily.
"Wait," Graves held up a finger. "Maybe, we can use this to our advantage."
"How do you mean?" Theseus asked.
"We've been trying to find Grindlewald," Graves reminded Theseus. "Maybe now, there's a way we can get him to come to us."
Theseus considered for a moment before seeing where Graves was going with this.
"Grindlewald is looking for obscurials," he nodded in understanding as a triumphant smile began to creep across his face.
"And we have the most powerful one known."
~..~..~..~..
Author's note: So, what did you think?
I figured Graves, being the highly skilled Auror that he is would be the one to figure out that Credence is, in fact, still alive. And, while I would love for Tina to remain unscathed, I doubted that would likely happen.
I didn't want her to lose her job outright, though, so I had her instead be suspended, and confined to the Leaky Cauldron, until Graves has completed a 'proper investigation' on determining whether Credence is a threat at all.
However, with both Theseus and Graves being the highly determined people they are, I highly doubt they would not try and turn this into their own advantage, by seeing Credence as bait to capture Grindlewald.
I actually only added that part as a last-minute addition, but the idea just slammed into my head: These two Head Aurors are practically ripping out their hair trying to find this guy. They've discovered that Grindlewald is after obscurials and they've just found the most powerful obscurial ever known is actually alive, right under their noses.
And, as Newt advised his brother in chapter 6: "What's Grindlewald looking for?" Newt prompted. "If you can find out what he wants, then locate the areas he'll most likely find what he's looking for," the younger Scamander shrugged, "sooner or later, he'll turn up."
How could Graves and Theseus not try to turn this situation to their advantage?
The only people who would get in their way, of course, are the people who actually care about Credence, such as Tina Goldstein, for example, who is now wandless…
It's interesting, as a writer, how your characters can suddenly add their own plot twists to a story you thought you were in control of…
As for Credence, he may seem slightly out of character in this last section, being a bit more confident than he has been seen to be previously. However, he has been in Britain, learning magic for about a month, I think, by this point in time. He realises he has friends, he's learning magic, has finally got more control over his obscurus, even though he still needs help sometimes to calm down, such as when he needs Dougal's help in this chapter. He's also just recently had his first date with a girl he likes and is probably feeling the most 'normal' he's ever felt in his life.
And now, knowing he may be found out, after finally getting a taste of what his life could be like if he were to be left in peace, I think would actually make him more determined to ensure that he can make his dream a reality.
The best way to do that, I think he'd imagine, would be to prove he's not a threat. Just as he tried to help 'GrindleGraves' find the obscurial in New York, by looking for a child, when he knew it was actually himself.
He is a Slytherin, after all. Cunning and ambition are their defining traits.
Note on Newt's patronus: I heard that J.K. Rowling stated that's Newt's patronus was a 'big spoiler'. I made his patronus as a platypus here, as I thought it really did suit Newt's character. But I know it's not really 'spoiler-y'.
I was thinking of making his patronus a swan, due to his remaining feelings for Leta ('Leta' I think being a derivative of 'Leda' from the Greek story of 'Leda and the swan,'). However, I didn't think that quite fit, because, though he may still love Leda, she did hurt him, so I doubt Leta would be his happy memory anymore, even if she was, previously.
But, I am planning on Newt's patronus changing, much like Tonk's did, later in my story.
Okay, I think that enough for now, I've got to go write up the next chapter…
Please leave a review, I do love feedback!
P.S: I just saw the teaser for Fantastic Beasts 2 today!
Spoiler alert!
It'll be called 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald.' And there was an accompanying 'photograph' (Wizarding photograph?- they were moving a little) portraying Grindlewald, Queenie, Jacob, Newt, Tina, Theseus, Leta, Credence, a new character- a young woman leaning on Credence's shoulder, and a young Dumbledore.
And it'll apparently be coming out on the 14th of November 2018. That's practically a year away! Why do they torment us like this?
Sigh, well, at least we have fanfiction to ease the way…