“Hello.” The children greeted Percival in excitement, smiling and waving their hands in welcome.
He nodded, and turned to Credence.
“The police are on their way. I want you to be as quick as you can with them, we’ve got to find your sisters as a matter of priority.”
Credence nodded, and Percival sat in a chair, casting a quick notice-me-not over himself to ensure he didn’t draw any attention. When the police arrived, Credence greeted them politely.

Percival was astounded by Credence. He could tell that the other man was still nervous – his head was bowed and his gaze darted around in fear. He carefully ushered the children into another room, letting them play together. But he answered the police’s questions honestly – right up until the point where he explained that he had been sold.

Percival realised at that moment he probably should have made a clearer plan of what to say.
“Ma took me to the man’s house. And I…” He shrugged a little. “I got scared. I was lucky, someone came along and rescued me, took me in. But I’m worried about what will happen to the others. I don’t want my sisters and brothers to be hurt…”

He shook the police officer’s hand when it was held out to him, and then asked if he could leave, promising he would be back to check on the children soon. Percival lifted the charm that was hiding him, smiling at Credence.
“Credence is staying with me for a while. I can give you my address?” He offered, and thanked the officers once more.

Then he ushered Credence away.
“Well done.” He murmured, hand resting on Credence’s hip. “You did really well.”
“Thank you…” Credence paused. “Why… why was it those two that they took? If they want the children, why leave the others… it’s not that they’re girls, not after he wanted me…”

Percival sighed softly.
“Come into my office and I’ll explain.” He murmured, leading him there. Once they were in the office he transfigured the chairs into something more comfortable, sitting down opposite Credence.
“You and your sisters, along with two children that left a few years back, have a magical heritage. Magic should run through your veins, but for whatever reason it doesn’t work properly. Healers are still trying to fix people like you but-“ He paused when he saw Credence flinch.

“You think I’m broken?” Credence asked softly. It was such a simple question, and yet one he could not easily answer. Credence was full of life and strength and hope, but at the same time he was in possession of particularly weak magic. But being more powerful would change who Credence was. He shook his head.
“No. I don’t think you’re broken at all. I just know that for some people, having a child without magical ability is viewed as a disaster. A disaster severe enough that they would give their children up.”

“And that’s what we are?” Credence asked, and Percival nodded, reaching out for Credence’s hand.
“That is what you are.” He agreed. “But it’s not all that you are, there;s a difference there…” He paused and then sighed. “You are a remarkable man Credence, and I would love you even if you could never master even the most basic spell. But like I said, all of you are squibs. Not broken, but not with any magic that can be used for self-defence.”

“We.. you mean we’re vulnerable?” Credence asked for a moment, concentration written across his face. Reluctantly, Percival nodded.
“You are vulnerable. And that’s what they why Grindelwald was interested in you. Do you know what an obscurial is?”

The blank look on Credence’s face answered his question, and made him feel more than a little foolish for querying it.
“Obscurials are children who have magic, who are so frightened by what they are that their magic turns inwards. It becomes parasitic, violent, and it is that which is the obscurus. It can destroy, and kill, and eventually it ends the life of its host. It is dangerous, and that is what Grindelwald wants.”

Credence paused.
“How do you create one?”

***

Credence gripped the arm of his chair, his hands shaking slightly.
“You create one by making a magical child frightened of what they are. Preventing them accepting their magic. It tends to be lethal. Maybe not immediate, but it kills the child before they hit puberty. Grindelwald believes… he believes he can turn squibs into obscurials. That’s why he wanted you. And why he’s after your sisters.” Mister Graves said it carefully, as though by speaking gently he could hide the horror of what he said.

“He’s going to torture my sisters?” Credence asked softly. Unlike the other children, who flowed through the orphanage, the three of them were often overlooked. He had left because he had no choice, and he had hoped for better for them.

“I think he might.” Mister Graves answered. “I’m sorry. I swear to you, I have the best aurors searching for them. We will bring them home if there’s any way we can. I won’t let Grindelwald keep them…” His husband was trying to comfort him, but it wasn’t enough for him. He couldn’t help worrying.

His husband smiled sadly at him.
“You don’t have to hide what you think from me.”
“He… he replaced you. And no one noticed it. I don’t… I don’t know how anyone could confuse you and him.” His husband leaned in, gently brushing his lips against Credence’s forehead.
“Will you be alright if I leave you for a little while, while I go and look for your sisters? I need to find them as soon as possible…”

His husband wrapped an arm around Credence’s shoulder, pulling him close for a moment. He headed out into the corridor, and Credence followed.
“I want to help.” He admitted, walking with Mister Graves out into the corridor. Mister Graves to grab his shoulder and pull him back.
“Credence!” He warned, pointing up. Credence followed the line of his hand, and saw a cloud of black smoke swirling around the ceiling, before diving down.
“What’s that?” Credence asked. “Is that your magic?” There was something beyond disconcerting about that smoke, something which made him want to run as far away as he could.

Mister Graves drew his wand.
“It’s an obscurus.”