Credence stayed still, waiting for his husband’s judgement to fall down upon him. He could tell that Percival was angry, would have known it even if Mister Graves hadn’t admitted to being furious. He had messed up. He had made a huge mistake in thinking that he could get away with such an action but he hadn’t wanted Mister Graves to know what he had done.

“I’m sorry sir. I won’t.”

Mister Graves was breathing funny, trying to keep his temper under control, and the thought of him getting angrier made Credence feel sick. He closed his eyes, not wanting to see Mister Graves when he attacked.

A hand landed on his shoulder, squeezing softly, and he looked up into his husband’s face. Mister Graves looked sad, which was a surprise. He’d expected anger – he was his husband’s, he wasn’t meant to allow anyone else to touch him. But he couldn’t understand the cause of the sadness.

“I’m going to go and get some food for tonight.” Mister Graves told him. “And tomorrow we can go to the restaurant. I’d like you to come to work with me tomorrow. You can help organise some files, and I will pay you. I don’t want you at home alone.”

Credence nodded, then reluctantly pulled out the handful of coins he had earned.
“This should… it should be enough to pay for the glasses…”
His husband pressed his lips together and nodded.
“It is. Thank you Credence. But you should keep it… tomorrow, before work, I can take you to buy some new clothes. You need some more…” He shrugged. “You don’t have much.”
“I’m sorry sir.” Credence mumbled, staring at the floor. He felt embarrassed, only too aware of his husband’s expensive clothing, his immaculate presentation and Credence’s own pitiful state. “You… you don’t have to take me to work if you’re ashamed of-“

His husband grabbed his chin, forcing Credence to look into his eyes.
“You are not something to be ashamed of Credence. You deserve better clothing, but it isn’t your fault. I’m going to buy you better clothing, and give you money, because those are things you deserve, not because I am ashamed of you.”

Credence gazed into his husband’s eyes, listening to his words. It would be so tempting to allow himself to believe. He knew he was a failure, that he made mistakes, but Mister Graves had been kind, hadn’t beaten him even after his mistakes, but there was something that still bothered him. He swallowed dryly, trying not to be sick.
“What about Mister Grindelwald?”

***

“Grindelwald?” Percival asked, trying to sound calm. “What do you know about Grindelwald?”
“I know he… he was the one to marry me.” Credence murmured, looking down. “It’s why you haven’t been… haven’t been asking for me to fulfil my marital duties.” Credence had his arms wrapped around his own shoulders, looking dejected.

Percival guided him over to the sofa, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
“How did you learn that?”
“I was trying to help tidy your bedroom.” Credence admitted. “I started to read the paperwork and…” He shrugged a little. “I saw what he had done. That you never wanted me.”
“I do.” Percival answered, the words escaping before he could think about what he was saying. Credence looked at him nervously, and Percival shrugged a little. “When I thought you had run away I panicked. I went looking for you.”

Credence looked confused, but he leaned in towards Percival a little, and Percival responded by holding him closer, fingers running through Credence’s hair in the way he knew he found soothing.
“I’m sorry.” Credence whispered, and Percival shook his head.

“I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t want it. But I didn’t like coming home to an empty house either.” Percival answered, trying to choose his words carefully. He had never contemplated a marriage, but he could see the appeal now, if it was Credence. If Credence would behave and not run away. “I think I could be happy with this, and either way you are welcome here. I said I won’t throw you out, and I meant it.”

“Oh.” Credence whispered, and he smiled softly.
“What happened with the glasses?”
“I don’t know.” Credence said carefully. “I saw the notes about Mister Grindelwald, and I saw the dates. I realised you didn’t want me, and I just… I felt so angry and scared, I’m sorry.”

“Credence…” Percival began. He wasn’t sure if Credence was saying what it sounded like, or what they would do if he was. “How did the glasses break?”

Credence paused, and shivered.
“I just felt angry and then… I broke them. It happens sometimes. Ma used… Ma used to be furious, if she caught me. I didn’t want to make you angry, and…”
“You didn’t touch them?”
“I was in the bedroom.” Credence admitted, and Percival nodded.
“Okay.” He leaned in, and pressed a gentle kiss to Credence’s forehead. “You aren’t a squib, not completely. Your magic can’t be very strong, or you’d have been picked up for Ilvermorny. But you are able to use magic.”

Credence stared at him, his expression a mixture of fear and hope. Percival held him closer.
“I don’t know what you can learn. But I will do everything I can to teach you.” He paused. “And Credence?” He led him into the kitchen and drew his wand, aiming at one of the broken glasses.
“Reparo.”

The glass fixed itself, and Credence shivered a little. Percival smiled and fixed the other two glasses. “I’m going to go and get dinner for us both okay? Stay here.” He left the house, thinking through the conversation. Credence knew about Grindelwald, and he had at least a little magic. That was positive.

The fact Credence’s response to panic was to go and provide sexual favours in exchange for a handful of No-Maj coins was far less positive, and Percival was fairly sure that Queenie would tear him limb from limb if she found out. He bought two hamburgers, and by the time he got home he had a plan in place.

“Credence?” He asked, putting the two burgers down. “May I cast a tracking spell on you? I don’t want to risk losing you.”
“A tracking spell?”
“I’ll be able to find you in an emergency. I won’t misuse it.” Percival insisted, and Credence nodded. Percival cast a tracking spell over him.
“If you want it removed, just ask.”
Credence nodded, and squeezed Percival’s hand.
“Food’s getting cold.” Percival reminded him, ushering him towards the table.

Credence glanced up at him, and just for a moment he smiled.