Unspoken // Theseus Scamander

Chapter Forty-Four - The Qilin

Word Count: 1,984 words. 

Warnings: I gave Credence one of Newt's lines because he does not get as much credit as he deserves... whoops. 

Returning to the rooves, I spotted the case that Jacob had opened - piles of pastries lining the street - and the fleeing Newt that still had his in hand. Bunty was nowhere to be seen, and I sighed in relief. I had known from the beginning that she would be given the Qilin.

Albus emerged onto the street, Abe at his side. He had convinced him to come. Looking to the skies, I then spotted the phoenix two buildings over and quickly apparated onto the roads below the dying creature.

Credence was easy to find, leaning against the stone walls with a painful expression. I quickly brought his arm around my shoulders, placing my hand on his back as support.

"I've got you," I promised, sending him a smile as we ascended to the temple. "I've always got you."

We followed the crowd, apparating to the temple and waiting impatiently at the end of the stairs. I could see Gellert at it's peak, waiting to be name victorious with his crown of thorns.

"Stay here," I tried, turning to Credence.

"What?" he returned, looking up at me with tired eyes. "No."

"Everything is about to kick off," I explained, brushing back the hair from his face. "I need you here, safe."

"What about you?" He was worried, grasping my hand with strength he shouldn't have.

"I'll come back," I urged. "I will always come back."

He nodded slowly and I kissed his forehead before ascending the steps and rushing to Grindelwald's side. He straightened his spine, cracked his neck and looked down at Credence.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"He hasn't much strength left, but Credence is not the issue."

I wasn't sure whether he had seen my conversation with Theseus and Lally, nor my interrupted of Helmut's intent, but I knew that I had to act as though nothing was wrong.

Gellert's eyes met mine. "What happened?"

"All cases are accounted for, and there is no sign of the Qilin," I lied.

His jaw tensed. "Dumbledore?"

"Nowhere to be found, but he's here. I know he is."

With a nod, Gellert looked back to the people that gathered. "Stay by my side."

"Always, Gelly." I was getting better at lying, and I hated that fact more than I had hated anything.

I stood at his back as the other two candidates joined him and felt every gaze that settled on mine. It was wrong, to be where I was, but none would question the man who's side I was wanted by.

"I thank the candidates for their words," Vogel began. "Each represents a distinct vision of how we will not only shape our world... but the non-magical world as well. Which brings us to the most important part of the ceremony... the walk of the Qilin."

The creature walked, it tested, and it decided, but how could a living thing display truth if it was not in its purest form? In its walk of death, it passed by Santos and Liu and faltered in front of Grindelwald. It bowed.

"The Qilin has seen!" Vogel announced. "It has seen goodness... strength... qualities essential to lead and to guide us. What do you see?"

The cheers roared and the wands rose to the air. Streams of green melded into the blue air until nothing could be seen but the symbols of death and destruction.