To Love an Obscurial (Newt Scamander x Credence Barebone)

Chapter 1

Newt strode along the sidewalk at a faster pace than normal with his suitcase by his side, hoping that he wouldn't miss the ship to England. As he passed a narrow alleyway, he realized that it was pitch black despite the morning sun casting warm golden light over the waking city.

"I must investigate," murmured Newt under his breath as he ducked into the grungy alley.

Newt took cautious steps into the darkness. Not only was it lightless in the alley, but the darkness seemed to have some sort of substance, like a fog or a mist. The blackness swayed gently like a leaf in a soft breeze. As Newt neared the end of the alleyway, the darkness got thicker.

"Lumos." he whispered. The bluish light glowing from the tip of his wand hardly penetrated the deep blackness, but it was comforting to have the light with him. Newt stopped as he heard a small scuffle. Waving the light around, Newt caught a glimpse of a figure huddled in the corner of the alley, tendrils of dark magic curling off of it. At the sight of the light, the figure turned its head towards Newt.

"C-Credence?" Newt whispered, not daring to believe his eyes. This had to be some cruel vision from his nightmares. Credence's thin face was sprinkled with dust, tear tracks carving paths through the grime. He was still dressed in his torn and bloodied suit. He looked especially vulnerable, pale and thin, ragged scars easily visible on his hands and face. "I thought the Aurors destroyed you..." Credence sat silently for a moment, and then responded in a hoarse, broken whisper:

"What do you want from me?"

"I'm here to help you, Credence. I won't hurt you. I'm the man from the subway, the one who came with Tina. Newt Scamander." Newt said with a slight tremor in his voice.

Credence's past experiences told him every soft word that came out of this man's mouth was a lie. Credence remembered Mr. Graves' honey-laced words, the false compliments and the delicious lies that he had been all too willing to swallow, and the pleasure and desire - Credence pushed the thought away, cringing.

Every fiber of Credence's being told him that he shouldn't trust this man, what if he betrayed him like Graves had, or what if this man from the subway spun those same lies and sugar-coated words? But he was honestly too tired to resist. He was hungry. He craved human touch. So what if this man betrayed him? He had nothing to lose.

"I remember you," Credence stated quietly. "You came with the witch who helped me."

"Yes, that was Tina. Do you mind if I come closer, Credence?"

Credence shook his head almost imperceptibly. Newt noticed that the darkness engulfing the alleyway had gradually receded, so much that Newt no longer needed the light from his wand. He moved closer, and knelt down to be at the same level as Credence. He felt a sudden wave of protectiveness for the boy. "I'm going to England today. Would you like to accompany me?" Newt was shocked at his own boldness, afraid he had overstepped.

"What do you want in return?" asked Credence, with a suspicious glance in Newt's direction.

"Nothing," replied Newt. "I'd just like you around."

I can't stand the thought of him alone in the streets, thought Newt.

Credence had nothing to lose. After a long pause, Credence answered softly. "I'd like that." he said. Newt felt a wave of happiness wash through him.

"You'll have to stow away in my suitcase though." Newt said with an apologetic smile.