The Tribrid and Her Reflection {Book Two - - Complete}

Sweet But Psycho

Credence was well enough now that he and Aberforth returned to Hogshead. It gave them more freedom they deserved, allowing Credence to walk through Hogsmeade at his leisure to work his muscles. It also provided the opportunity to form relationships with others.

Sighing, Hope shook her head as they walked down the street past the potions shop.

"I'm banned from Hogshead, remember?" Hope glanced over at Albus, who offered a small smile.

"I heard you stabbed someone with a fork?"

Hope shrugged. "He pissed me off."

They hadn't discussed what happened at the clearing in the woods, and Hope had a feeling they never would. The car ride had been intensely silent. No jokes or stories. No stopping on the side of the road for a quickie.

It was a mystery to her if they were upset with how she'd handled the wolf pack or just surprised. She supposed it could come as a bit of a shock to watch someone whispering sweet nothings in their ear one moment to gouging out someone's eyes the next.

"Aberforth won't hold it against you." Albus chuckled, taking her hand and squeezing it as they continued. Newt remained at the castle, unpacking everything so she and Albus could help Credence through another healing session.

Slowly, she glanced over at him as they neared the pub.

Finally, taking a deep breath, Hope asked. "Are we really not going to talk about it?"

Albus paused his steps and gleaned down at her, pursing his lips into a thin line. His beard was getting longer, especially since he hadn't trimmed it while they were away.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He asked gently. He didn't say it with a tone of judgment, but Hope couldn't help but feel her feathers ruffle a little.

Biting her tongue, she shrugged. "Do you think we need to?"

"We may," Albus nodded slowly, "eventually. Would either of us say anything to help the situation?"

Hope shrugged. "I'd rather fight and hear the truth than waste my time in silence just because it's comfortable."

He surveyed her for a moment before nodding slowly. "I think it would be best if we discuss this later."

Sighing, she pushed her way into Hogshead, heading for the back where Credence would be. With a nod to Aberforth on her way, she sat down next to Credence and sighed, offering him her hand.

Credence raised a brow and smiled crookedly. "Good morning to you, too."

Since starting these sessions, he'd been getting bolder with his personality. Hope could sense he felt more hopeful; honestly, that alone made her happy.

She smiled halfheartedly. "Sorry, just frustrated," then added quickly, "not with you."

Offering a slight nod, he watched calmly. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Did she want to talk about it? Obviously, not in detail, but she did. Just to get it off her chest. Like an itch, she needed to scratch, but it was in that one spot she couldn't quite reach.

"I just," Hope sighed softly, looking at him, "I've thought one way for so long that it's hard to understand someone else who doesn't think that way."

It felt wonderful just to say that, and really, she hadn't said much.

After a long moment of silence, Credence murmured. "I've seen people with wicked hearts. Yours isn't one of them."

Hope chewed her lower lip and nodded. She wondered then, would he change his mind if he knew she'd left a woman to be helplessly eaten alive?

Would he see her differently, knowing that the thought made her smile?