The five of them exited the briefcase and America realized they must've returned to his place before they had put the magical creature back in. Without missing a beat, they rushed up to the roof and looked out into the city to see a cloud of black, shadowy wind and dust with veins of lava-like electricity coursing through it whirling between and sometimes into buildings.

America frowned as he saw the Obscurial wreak havoc, leaving destruction and pain wherever it went. As it tore through corners of buildings, he felt a slight headache.

This was bad.

Normally when a nation starts to feel pain with no wounds or sick, it means destruction and loss of life within their borders is fast approaching. He barely got sick, if at all, but pain was not an alien force for him. He remembered having a heart attack and incomprehensible vertigo at the same time as his capital burned; that had been the worst day of his life and an experience he never wanted to go through again. He had to stop this poor kid.

Jacob's voice held nervousness, "Is that it? That's the Obscurial thing?"

"That's more powerful than any Obscurial I've ever heard of." Newt's eyes were wide. He turned to Tina and gave her his briefcase, "If I don't come back, take care of my creatures. Everything you need to know is in there. And Alfred," his face shifted to the blond, "See to it Frank gets home."

"What?"

"Dude-"

"They're not killing it." Newt said, determinedly.

"Hold up." America stated. "I'm not letting you go down there alone."

"It's too dangerous and you have no wand-"

"Yeah, and this is my city." America looked Newt in the eye. "I used to be an Obscurial, I might be able to talk some sense into them. Besides, it'd be very un-heroic of me to let you go alone." America flashed what he liked to call his trademark, toothy smile.

"You're going to follow me anyway, aren't you."

"I'll jump off the building to go after ya."

"That is a situation I would like to avoid." Newt's face shifted into a frown that reminded America of England whenever someone (usually himself) offered an insane plan.

"Then you'll have to disparate or whatever you call it with me then." America could definitely survive a jump from the top of his building, not that he was going to tell them that.

"Very well." Newt said and took hold of America's arm, disaparating before his other American companions could say anything.

They reappeared below, further down the street, surrounded by fire, wrecked cars, debris from buildings and the pavement, and fleeing people. They quietly approached, keeping their distance as they watched Graves approach the Obscurial. It seemed to stay, rampaging in place.

"To survive so long with this inside you, Credence, is a miracle." Graves stated to the whirling mass of magical anger. "You are a miracle. Come with me. Think of what we could achieve together."

Credence groaned and went for him, knocking him back a few steps and forcing Newt and America to duck behind one of the overturned cars.

"Newt, Alfred!" They looked and saw Tina behind a nearby car.

"It's the Second Salem boy. He's the Obscurial." Newt told her.

"But he's not a child."

"His… His power must be so strong he's somehow managed to survive." Newt theorized.

"Newt, save him." Tina stated before rushing out, wand at the ready. She proceeded to confront Graves. Over the rampaging winds of the Obscurial, America couldn't hear what they were saying. They watched as Credence flew off and Newt and America desperately followed, aparating from rooftop to rooftop, trying to reason with the boy who they hoped was still inside.

America and Newt watched as flash-bangs of light seemed to herd the Obscurial back down. They rushed to keep up with it and witnessed it mow down a blockade of no-maj policemen and the few bystanders who were unlucky enough to be in its path. America looked away, unable to watch his own people be killed or injured without being able to do a thing about it.

The Obscurial fled into a nearby subway tunnel. The MACUSA aurors were probably trying to contain it. As much as America disliked his magical government and knew they were probably doing this with the intent of killing Credence, he was grateful as this would at least mean less destruction and casualties would occur from here on out.

They quickly apparated to the tunnel and rushed down the staircase before any of the wizards or witches could show up.

Newt did his best to stay back and remain alert as America cautiously approached the Obscurial, now a mass of dark pigmented dust along the brick of the subway wall on the other side of the tracks.

"Credence? Your name, it's Credence, right?" America asked, using as gentle of a voice that he could muster. "We're not going to hurt you; we just want to talk… Want to help." America crouched into a sitting squat by the edge of the platform, deciding to keep his distance so he didn't scare him. He tried to recall the memory of what England had done back when he had an Obscurus attached to him. It was so long ago, it was vivid. But he remembered the gentle, soothing tone of his brother and how he had done his best to be as small as he could, as less intimidating as he could. "My friend, Newt, and I… We just want to help you, Credence. I… I used to be like you. I was so afraid of what I could do, what others could do to me… All because I had magic. I felt alone when my older brother left for months on end, and people all around me were shouting at how bad magic was. How evil it was… How evil I was. You aren't alone in this, Credence, I understand what you're going through." America did his best to swallow the lump that was forming in his throat. He and Newt herd footsteps from the stairs. They needed to wrap this up. America approached closer, stepping down onto the gravel by the edge of the tracks. "I understand better than anyone, but lashing out and hurting, killing, these people won't help. Please… let us help you."

He saw the dust shift and slowly began to form that of a human. The man with the eyes of an abused, scared boy looked up at him as if he were a timid animal. America crouched down as Newt inched closer to a nearby pillar.

"Hey." The blond said, a small, friendly smile forming beneath his glasses. "Can I come over to you?" Credence stared at America, hesitance covering his facial features, but there wasn't a sign of a "no".

America stood up slowly and was about to take a step forward when a sudden force hit him upside the front of his face and sent him backwards. His glasses remained on his face, albeit a bit crooked, and he was sure if he was human then he would've had a black eye from that spell. Another blast, the same spell he was sure, hit him again, then again, and again. He was stunned by the consecutive spells and his hearing had also been affected; it was as if everything were under water. America became unaware of his surroundings; he needed to get his bearings, but his body wouldn't comply. Was this that stupidity or that slugify spell England had told him about? Whatever it was called, he decided to add it to his mental list of things he hated about magic.

He barely registered Newt grabbing him out of the way of yet another blast and do his best to avoid the barrages of attacks thrown at them, sending an attack of his own at their assailant. His head being whipped around as Newt tossed his body back onto the platform to fight better, and it allowed him to catch a glimpse of their attacker.

It was Graves, go figure.

Inwardly, America groaned in annoyance at the whole situation. Being dragged as a rag doll with a concussion and watching a new friend be hit with spell after spell was not on his bingo card for this year!

Graves seemed to use his magic that reminded him of how England had done so back in the day, sometimes using a wand and other times with his bare hand to manipulate his surroundings. It was ancient magic that only really powerful witches and wizards could utilize, but to use it with such ease and grace was rare even amongst them. He'd only ever seen other countries who'd been practicing for centuries use it in such a way.

Credence, meanwhile, seemed to be having more of a breakdown than America was sure humans should have. He heard the whimpering sobs of the Obscurial as the wind turned and swerved around him again.

He needed to get up. He had to get up. But his body wouldn't listen.

Credence shifted back into his Obscurial form and rose up above Graves, causing the auror to pause in his relentless attacks on the brit. He looked up in what America could only assume was uncertainty and nervousness. Credence seemed to be rampaging everywhere in the narrow tunnels of the subway platform. Newt grabbed Alfred and so began the constant aparations. Newt and Graves seemed to be focused on avoiding Credence's wrath, leaving America to be along for the ride with Newt just as he had started getting feeling back in his limbs.

Credence shot up into the roof and into the sky, then back down in such a force that the platform was now partially unhidden from the streets above. Credence roared at them and then stopped. His hearing still fuzzy and his other senses still disorientated from the stun spells and the constant disaparating, America could barely pick up the faintest traces of Tina's voice. She was talking to Credence, trying to reason with him. Then, more footsteps, dozens of them.

America was able to lift his head to see President Seraphina Picquery leading multiple witches and wizards into the tunnel. Their eyes met and it immediately became obvious to America that this was the last position she should see him in. Not only had Credence wreaked havoc and destruction on New York City, exposing the magical world to the no-majs, but he'd also attacked the head auror and the personification of the United States.

He thanked whatever god was out there as he felt some of the strength in his arms come back to him, allowing him to prop himself onto his elbows.

"Wands down!" He could hear Graves command as his hearing began to clear, "Anyone who harms him answers to me."

Tina tried to calm the Obscurial, "Credence-"

Immediately, ignoring Graves's orders and most likely following their President's, the group of wizards and witches open fired on Credence, sending sparks of light at the Obscurial.

America found his voice again as he, Newt, and Tina shouted, "NO!"

They heard Credence scream in pain before a blinding light and a shockwave washed over them. The spells stopped, and nothing was left. America looked at the place Credence had just been, his eyes wide. He hadn't registered his muscles finally breaking free of the stun spell until he realized he was standing and walking forward. He looked dazed.

The Obscurial was gone - boy, parasite, and all. He'd failed to save him. Failed to save him from the people, no, monsters standing behind him.

"You fools." He heard Graves, who was standing beside him, facing his fellow magic users. "Do you realize what you've just done?"

"The Obscurial was killed on my orders, Mr. Graves." Picquery stated. America couldn't refer to her with the familiarity he had before. Not after this.

"Yes. And history will surely note that, Madam President. What was done here tonight was not right."

"He was responsible for the death of a no-maj. He risked the exposure of our community. He has broken one of our most sacred laws."

"A law that has us scuttling like rats in the gutter. A law that demands we conceal our true nature. A law that directs those under its dominion to cower in fear, lest we risk discovery." Graves gave a sigh, "I ask you, Madam President, I ask all of you... Who does this law protect? Us?" He pointed upward where America was sure multiple no-majs were probably gathered. "Or them?" When no one answered, he turned away. "I refuse to bow down any longer."

"Aurors, I would like you to relieve Mr. Graves of his wand and escort him back."

At once, a shield appeared, blocking Graves from going any further. America didn't like how he agreed with Graves on what happened to Credence, but something in the back of his mind – call it a nation's intuition – told him Graves was a man not to be trusted. As much as he disliked his magical government and had even less respect for the magical President, America urged himself to get ready to act.

Graves began to use his magic to shield himself from the oncoming barrage of what America hoped to be immobilization spells. He sent the spells back to where they came from, knocking down auror after auror, his gaze glued to the President. America could tell he was aiming to kill. So, America did what he knew he had to do: protect his boss.

America rushed forward, tackling Graves from behind, the shock causing the man to let go of his wand as America forced him to the ground. America grabbed his wrists and forced them behind his back, using all of the inhuman strength he had to hold him in place long enough for Tina to use a spell that did just that. Newt approached and used "Revelio". America was getting off of him when Graves's appearance began to change. From his vantage point, America watched as his hair turned from black to a bleached blond.

America didn't recognize the man, but he could tell from the faces around him that he seemed to be the only one in the room.

"Do you think you can hold me?" The man asked, looking up at the President, malicious thoughts behind his eyes.

"We'll do our best, Mr. Grindelwald." She replied as two aurors took him away.

Queenie and Jacob emerged from the crowd, and the sisters embraced. Jacob also gave Newt his briefcase back.

"How ya holding up?" America asked, patting Jacob on his back.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that? No offence, Alfred, but you look like Hell…" Jacob asked, staring up at the blond man. America didn't get the chance to ask it if was because of the fact he was tired or if his appearance was just a mess from everything that happened as President Picquery approached the group.

"We owe you an apology, Mr. Scamander, but the magical community is exposed. We cannot Obliviate an entire city."

America noticed Newt staring at something by the hole in the ceiling, and upon adjusting his focus, America saw… something… move out of it and fly off. Part of him hoped it was Credence. England had removed his own Obscurus back in the 1600s by forcing it off of him with a powerful spell that would've normally killed a human, but maybe, just maybe, Credence had been strong enough to survive.

He was brought out of his thoughts by Newt's voice. "Actually, I think we can."

"Care to elaborate?" Tina asked.

Newt took something out of his pocket, a vile of a neon blue liquid. "This is Swooping Evil venom. I've been testing its properties to erase bad memories."

"That's all fine and well, but how would that help? We'd need to distribute it to the city-" Picquery was cut off as Newt hastily opened his briefcase and went inside, emerging minutes later with Frank the Thunderbird.

"I'd planned to wait until we made it to Arizona, but… we're as close to your home as we'll ever be." Newt said, patting the Thunderbird.

"If you want, I could make sure he gets there." America suggested. "I know how to get there, and I have a place up there I could rest at before coming back."

"Are you sure?" Newt asked.

"Yeah. Besides, someone's gotta make sure he gets back to where he needs to be." America flashed his toothy grin. "That all right with you, Boss?" He turned to Picquery who seemed to be fighting off a headache.

"Just make sure you call your other boss when you arrive there." She spoke. "And Alfred… Thank you."

It wouldn't mend what she'd broken when she authorized the attack on Credence, nor the messed-up rule about execution before a trial, but something in America told him that perhaps the speech from that Grindelwald guy had gotten through to her.

America turned to his new friends. "Jacob, I hope you get your bakery." Jacob looked as if he was trying to stop himself from crying as America hugged him. "Queenie, you have an intrusive ability but you're one of the nicest witches I've ever met." She nodded, a similar expression to Jacob's was on her face. She and Jacob held hands, as if trying to comfort one another through this goodbye that sounded too final for their liking. "Tina, you got a good head on your shoulder, but you might wanna cut the others some slack. Sometimes, trouble just finds you, ya know?" She could only nod and hug him. "And Newt… Your creatures are terrifying, kleptomaniacs, and caused hell of a lot of trouble… but they're more amazing than I ever thought a magical creature could be. You've definitely made me see them in a new light, even if I'd rather not see them on my way to work in the morning." He smiled and Newt smiled right back, handing him the vile.

"Take care of yourself, Alfred."

"Right back at ya." He said as he climbed onto Frank's back.

Frank flew into the sky, surprising the no-majs on the street-level. America watched as Frank conjured a rainstorm with each flap of his wings, and America poured the vile into the rapidly expanding cloud. As they soared through the sky westward and watched wizards and witches below did what they could to repair the city as the effects of the vile took effect on the no-majs below, America felt the pain in his temples vanish. His muscles felt lighter, and he knew that everything would be all right.

Before he knew it, months had passed and soon they were nearing the end of the first quarter of 1927. When America had left Frank in Arizona, finding a nice spot in the desert near where Newt had told him Thunderbirds were normally seen, he had done what he'd said he'd do and promptly passed out for a solid 24 hours in a cabin he had nearby. He then made his way back across the country, hitchhiking from state to state until he got back to New York.

He'd also re-activated his ability to block out and be oblivious to anything magical. His adventure had been fun and different from his usual life, but it all still felt unnatural to him.

Within the week of him being back in the city, America had run into Queenie by chance. Apparently, after he'd left, Jacob had been amongst those who were Obliviated and had forgotten their big adventure. While he was sad as he seemed like a swell guy, America understood it had to be done. She also said Newt was going back to London to publish his manuscript on caring for and understanding magical creatures, and America briefly wondered if he should reach out for England to get a release date. His disliking of magic or not, America wanted to help out his new friend. True to her word, Queenie never told anyone America's secret, and the two found themselves meeting up to chitchat and hang out every other week.

This all led to where he was now, standing across the street from a recently opened bakery on his way to the state house. He had business there, meeting the recently appointed governor. But he had made it a recent habit of stopping in for some breakfast.

The bakery, Kowalski Quality Baked Goods, had become popular almost overnight after it opened. The pastries and breads tasted good, but the real eye-catching point was how certain pastries were made to look like creatures the average mind wouldn't believe.

Yes, when America had walked in and befriended the owner, Jacob Kowalski, it was clear to the nation that even if he didn't remember him or the times he shared with himself, Newt, Tina, and Queenie, some part of Jacob's mind did.

He walked in and weaved around the people looking at what the baker had to offer.

"Alfred! How's my favorite customer?" Jacob smiled from behind the register.

"Wow! I'm your favorite? Sweet!" America smiled cheekily.

"Well, you're in here almost every day."

"Your place has the best pastries and you're on my way to work. How can I not drop in?"

"Fair." Jacob laughed. "So, what can I get you today?"

After America put in his order, paid, and received what would be his breakfast, Jacob stared at him for a second too long. "Everything okay, bud?"

"Y-yeah, sorry. Hey, um… Are you sure we haven't met before?"

"Nope, don't think so." America laughed it off, "I just have one of those faces."

"Oh, right." Jacob nodded, his smile returning. "Take care and come again."

"I will- woah!" America had almost bumped right into Queenie as he stepped out of the bakery.

"Hiya, Alfred." She said, sheepishly.

"Hey Queens." He said, aware she was the last person who should be here. "…I uh… I know you want to see him, but you'll get in trouble. Tina's gonna be mad and MCUSA still has you guys on their radar."

"I know but… Oh Alfred, I just wanna see him."

"Queenie, it's illegal."

"That hasn't stopped you before."

"Don't read my mind, please."

"Alfred…" she looked at him with the saddest eyes she could muster. "…Please, I won't talk more than I need to."

He groaned and looked at his pocket watch. "I'm gonna be late… Fine, but don't do anything crazy or anything to make him remember." He said before running off.

Queenie watched him before turning to face the bakery doors.

'Well,' she thought, 'here goes nothing.'

A/N: Well guys, we've reached the end of Alfred's time with the Fantastic Beasts crew… or have we? I have one more chapter planned but that won't be out until I release two more one-shots for the Fantastic Beasts x Hetalia crossover, so keep an eye on the overall series. I'm also making headway here and there with the next chapter of England's time at Hogwarts, so look forward to that in the coming months.

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