Chapter 4
Credence seems to want to make up for lost time. The boy has a voracious appetite, wanting to consume everything at once. Graves enforces rules and boundaries, trying to set an appropriate pace to his learning. However, it is now that Credence decides to show his newly acquired assertiveness. He will push Graves' boundaries, always wanting to practice spells for 5 more minutes, read just one more chapter of whatever text book they are reading. And Graves, the formidable Auror, Director of Magical Security and head of Magical Law Enforcement, is helpless when faced with those expressive brown eyes. Credence has him wrapped around is little finger and they both know it. Everybody who comes into contact with them knows it. Thankfully Tina keeps her mouth shut, as Graves is still her boss. Queenie's cooing and delight at their interactions is grating but Graves lets it go, she means no harm. Graves knows Scamander is aware of the unorthodox relationship between the auror and the obscurial, but he doesn't care enough to comment. Graves like the magizoologist quite a bit.
Scamander is around the apartment a lot more than Graves thought he would be. He spends a lot of time just observing Credence as Graves teaches the boy spells. Credence adores Newt, it may not be clear to others but Graves can see how he hangs on every word the Brit says, the joy on the boy's face as he accompanies Scamander into his case to feed the animals. Graves thinks that this happy environment is helping Credence as much as, if not more, than practicing magic. Newt has noted the dwindling parasite. While still present within Credence it has shrunk even further. As Graves watches the child putter around the apartment and suitcase, relaxed and content, he remembers Tina's words; if it would be best to allow Credence to grow up naturally, experience everything he missed out on the first time. Graves believes this may be the best thing for Credence but he selfishly keeps his thoughts to himself. He has a desire to see the adult Credence. He is the only one of their little group who hasn't interacted with the older version. Newt and Tina had, for however brief a time. He did not understand where this desire came form but he could not ignore it. He wanted to know Credence, everything about him, the good and the bad.
Graves was shocked out of his thoughts as a loud crash came from the kitchen. Credence was standing on the table while Newt was sprawled out on the floor, surrounded by broken porcelain. Graves raised his eyebrows in question, Credence simply giggled, while Scamander muttered an awkward apology. More exasperated than annoyed Graves merely shook his head and set about repairing the damage. To both men's delight the young Credence helped with the clean up and did so without a wand. "Your progress is astonishing Credence. I don't know whether it is the power of the obscurus or that you are just a natural and quick learner. At this rate it shouldn't be too long before you can change back, if you so choose." As he speaks Newt pulls out a quill and parchment and makes notes of Credence's development.
The three of them prepare dinner, waiting for the sisters to arrive from work. When they do arrive, neither looks happy. Tina looks to Graves "President Picquery wants an update on Credence's progress, if he is still a threat to the statute of secrecy. She has requested you both come to MACUSA tomorrow for a senate hearing."
"While I have complete faith in the boy and his magic bringing him to a trial like situation in his current condition is highly inappropriate." Graves immediately argues.
"Picquery says no excuses, tomorrow at 11:00." Tina replies apologetically.
"She's not expecting miracles just that Credence has more control over his powers than he previously had, and he does have better control, I have the evidence right here." Newt says indicating to his copious notes. "No need to fret really." Graves wished he had the Brit's calm. Graves usually was calm in the face of stress, it was part of his job requirements. But where anything concerns Credence, good or bad, his heart beats a mile a minute. He is incapable of calm when thinking about the boy's future.
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They arrive by floo, Graves striding through the halls, projecting a menacing, protective aura. Newt, Tina and Queenie follow behind him, faces serious. Easy to miss is Credence who has a hand firmly bunched in Graves' cloak, jogging to keep up with the wizard's strides (he had refused to be carried by anyone). They all file into the chamber where the hearing will take place. It is intimidating, and while no one is on trial, it is the most appropriate place to hold this meeting. Graves can't hold it against the President for the unpleasant surroundings. The distinguished wizards that are sat, raised above them in a semi-circle mutter to one another as Credence comes into view, out from behind Graves' cloak. Percival is constantly amazed by the boy's resilience and bravery, facing this, in his current form, after everything he has suffered, he is truly astonishing.
Once Picquery enters the proceedings are underway. "As temporary guardian of the obscurial, Credence Barebone, you, Percival Graves, are asked to present evidence to assure all present that the obscurus no longer poses an immediate threat to the statute of secrecy. This is an unofficial hearing, and the outcome is based solely on my ruling, nothing here today will be legally binding. All who are gathered here are merely witnesses to the testimony given today. Do you understand?"
"I do Madam President." He says clearly, confidently. So the only person he has to persuade today is Picquery, that is certainly achievable, especially with the help of Scamander's notes and scientific observations.
"Then proceed." she commands imperiously.
After the initial attack by the obscurus on New York, the host, the obscurial, was greatly diminished in power. Soon afterwords he was de-aged by Gellert Grindelwald. The combination of these two events means that the obscurus does not currently pose a threat to the statute of secrecy. On the advice of Mr. Scamander who is the leading expert on obscurials, I have been instructing Credence Barebone in magic, in an attempt to offset the early repression of his magic. This will reduce the obscurus and give Credence the ability to transform back to his adult self. I believe this is the best course of action and is the safest for the wizarding community here in New York."
"If Gellert Grindelwald gets his hands on the obscurus it will be a danger to our community, he could reveal us!" Graves doesn't see who is speaking but it sounds like Greystone, an ancient Senator whose archaic beliefs Graves has no time for.
"The boy has the best security and Grindelwald would need his cooperation which he will not receive" he glances at Credence, who shakes his head vehemently, assuring Graves of his loyalty. The wizard has to work hard to hide a fond smile.
"You yourself had reservations about teaching the boy, even letting him into out community did you not? Why the sudden change of heart?" Picquery questions coolly.
Graves is shocked into silence for a moment, he cannot bear to look at Credence, fearing what he might see on that expressive face. "Even I am allowed be wrong Madam President. Credence is a wizard and the people in this room, in this building myself included, failed him spectacularly multiple times. He is to be punished for our mistakes? He is a quick learner, he is adept at wandless magic and has a great desire to learn all about our culture and history. We are all a potential threat if Grindelwald manages to use the Imperius curse on us. Hell, I was a threat he used my face for months! If we are all potentially able to cause havoc on Grindelwald's behalf should we all just kill ourselves or should we fight? You cannot fairly judge the boy on hypotheticals, it is not what MACUSA is about. I will not allow it." The president raises her eyebrow at that last bit but does not rise to the bait.
After more back and forth and input from Newt it is decided that Credence does not pose an immediate threat to the statute and the plan for him to control his magic and shrink the obscurus should go ahead as planned. Graves is expected to continue leading the manhunt simultaneously. Grumbling at the politicians Graves leads his small group out of the chamber and back to his apartment, not wanting to stay in that building any longer than necessary. The mood is tense back in the sitting room. Queenie, who obviously persuaded Abernathy for the afternoon off, is waiting for them. She clearly has trouble sorting through the sudden onslaught of thoughts. Credence sniffles and goes straight to his room, Tina looks pissed, Newt, concerned.
"I did not think the President would bring my previous statements about the boy up in front of him."
"She obviously wanted to see if she could goad him, get a reaction from the obscurus by hurting him emotionally." Tina bites out, clearly furious at the President.
Graves' own opinion of Picquery was getting lower by the hour. "I said those things to her, to you Tina, before I met him. Yes I honestly believed what I said at the time but not anymore."
Queenie spoke up then, "Maybe you should tell him that."
Without another word Graves goes to Credence's room, leaving the others behind in the sitting room. The boy is curled up on his bed, body shaking with repressed sobs. Graves kneels down beside the bed "Credence I am so very sorry. The way you have been treated, and continue to be treated by the wizarding community, is atrocious. We seem to constantly fail you." The unfairness of Credence's circumstances threatens to consume Graves, he has no idea how the boy has lived so long with the crushing injustices of his life. "I am so, so sorry Credence. Nothing I say or do will make up for what you have suffered. But I promise you now that I will protect you, with my life, if necessary, as will Tina and Queenie and Newt. I don't expect you to trust me, but I will prove it to you. We will not let you be the scapegoat for some political game. You do not deserve that." Graves has to stop, his voice is wobbling. He takes a steadying breath, collecting himself. Credence slowly rolls over so he is facing Graves. He brings a small hand up to the older man's cheek, and with a delicate finger catches a falling teardrop. Graves laughs wetly, this pitiful boy is trying to comfort him, even after Graves has let him down. He does not deserve Credence Barebone. The boy has added so much to Graves' life. The workaholic begrudgingly opened his home to the obscurial not knowing the huge impact it would have. Whether Credence grows into his adult self or remains a child Graves is determined to stay by his side, such is his devotion to his beautiful boy.