Unlikely Companions

Chapter 24 Happy Reunions

And time did, indeed, fly.

Newt came back two weeks after that, sporting dark bags under his eyes but a happy smile between his lips. Tina was overjoyed to have him back, and Queenie quickly helped them to organize for the wedding.

A few days after Newt arrived, his brother did so as well, which only left Mathilda to return to them.

Every day was nerve-wracking for Credence, who was starting to believe that he had imagined her all together. However, the book that he cherished so much had been her gift, and if the book was still there, that meant she was there as well.

Finally, when he thought he would have to go to Germany himself and drag her back to the Scottish countryside, she appeared suddenly in front of their doorstep. There were no words spoken between them, simply a look, and a quick but meaningful hug.

That night was sleepless for both, lying next to the fire of Newt's home, while Mathilda recounted every moment of her time away.

"Did you find Grindelwald?"

"No," she said. "But we have a good idea of what he wants in Germany."

"What is it?"

"It's too complicated to explain. We're working to end it."

"Are you going to go back to Germany after the wedding, then?"

"That depends on Dumbledore."

"Has he told you anything?"

"Not yet. He said we'd speak at the wedding."

Credence closed his eyes, deep in thought. The truth was, he was conflicted.

On one side, he wanted the war to end, the suffering to stop, and for things to go back to normal. On the other side, he wanted to be selfish, to keep her at his side and never let her go, to save her from any possible harm. But, he couldn't find a way to reconcile both sides of the conflict in his head.

"I don't want you to go," he finally said.

"It's not my decision."

"It could be. If you wanted to stay, of course."

"Where would I go if I stay?" she asked. "I don't have a home, and I can't continue abusing of Newt's hospitality."

"I don't know. Anywhere you want. Away from this."

She turned to face him, studying the sharp features of his face carefully.

"I thought you wanted me to help Newt against Grindelwald."

"Not when it puts us at risk."

"Us?" she asked.

"If you want to," he said. "We could be together. Anywhere."

He turned to look at her, too. There was something in her eyes, something that he hadn't seen until then. Something new, full of hope, of happiness. It was a nice change, a sharp difference from that darkness that lurked around her.

"So?" he asked. "Will you come with me?"

"Sure," she said without skipping a beat. "You came with me to London. It is only fair that we go on together to new adventures, right?"