Obscure Occurrences |C. BAREBONE|

☛ Thirty-Six ☚

• March, 1927 •

Credence woke with a startle once he heard Genevieve whimper beside him. He could say he was used to the mistreatment, but sadly Genevieve didn't know where to start with the acceptance. The Obscurial could remember the first time Genevieve attempted to run away as he looked down on her sleeping form. She tried to convince Catriona to let her buy the groceries for the large dinner the performers would dine on. However, Genevieve had barely gotten twenty metres from the shops before she was dragged back into the circus.

Credence ran a finger lightly over her arm, it was branded harshly with a sigil of the Circus Arcanus. It was an ugly thing with deformed lions' head roaring upon Genevieve's skin. If you were to touch the scar, the lion would attempt to snatch your fingers into its menacing teeth. He made sure while tracing it, not to get too close to the brand. Nevertheless, Credence loved how she tried, he didn't, he was too scared. He was afraid of the consequences despite the power that manifested in him.

Because Credence hadn't attempted to escape, he was kept on hand to take care of the stolen creatures and freaks Skender had collected on his travels. That's where the opportunity to meet Nagini arrived. He adored the way she spoke to him, as if he wasn't a child or a freak or someone to tip toe around. Her voice remained in a tone identical to Genevieve's, just not as soothing to the ears.

He brought himself back after the memory, just so he could witness Genevieve's chest rise and fall with small breaths. Soon enough, the witch would be forced awoken and pulled from Credence. But, with Catriona being an... Acquaintance of Genevieve's, the Burnett girl managed to bargain sharing a bed with him with a few hours of her time every Wednesday night. Credence knew what she was actually doing, but he done as Genevieve requested:

"Don't think about it-" the girl whispered as she embraced him, his head resting in her chest, "- just think of me coming back soon.

It distracted him, yes... Yet only most of the time.

Genevieve suddenly awoke with a startle, her silver eyes wide as she looked up to Credence. As soon as the witch peeled her eyes open, she saw the Obscurial looming over her, his face concerned. She realised then how mature he looked with stubble and a lack of the bowl cut. Genevieve even forgot they were trapped in the Circus Arcanus until Credence's eyes flickered down to her arm. To wake her, the lion scar had bitten into the witch's skin and currently, blood was slowly dripping down her pale skin.

"I guess it's dawn already" Genevieve whispered, careful not to wake anyone.

"We still have a few moments" Credence reassured before the witch snuggled into his chest.

"A few minutes more would sound lovely".

But they never got that few minutes more. Eventually, Catriona entered their tent with a scowl and hurried the witch up and ready. While Genevieve was changing into a cheap dress -intended for no outside man to see- Credence managed to shoot a glare toward the metmorphagus, making her obviously uncomfortable. Catriona couldn't deny the boy scared her. Sometimes, she wondered how Genevieve could remain so close for so long.

But, Catriona couldn't dwell on that for long before Genevieve pressed a sweet kiss to Credence's cheek and followed after the stick thin witch.

☛✹☚

For the rest of the day, Genevieve was allowed her wand under close supervision. She was cleaning up for later that night when mobs of wizards alike came to witness the freaks the circus had to offer. Meanwhile, Catriona was staring down the witch with a familiar look. It set Genevieve on edge, especially when she had to bend down to reach small nooks and crannies. She never told Credence of this part, he would've lost his last nerve. Therefore, Genevieve kept quiet as Credence also went about his business.

Both like slaves, they worked their body's raw.

But for Credence it was worth it. Unlike Genevieve, he was allowed to travel outside the circus on rare occasions. And at one point, Credence located his adoption papers. Genevieve of course didn't know how it came to be but she she was happy for Credence nonetheless. Together, they read every word which stamped the paper to find the name Irma Dugard, along with an address in Paris; their next stop in days time.

The Burnett witch had never witnessed the boy so happy. Of course, after finding out he had magical power he only suspected where he came from. And this paper was the clue to his identity. Once they read the name, Credence suddenly laughed in excitement.

It was a strange, unfamiliar noise to both wizards. They had never heard the sound escape his lips however, they relished in it anyway before Credence pulled Genevieve into his arms and whispered:

"This is it... I'm gonna find out who I am".