Newt turned to Tina, his heart racing. He was relieved and proud that Credence had managed to execute their plan so perfectly.
“Graves isn’t … it’s not him.” He started, then swallowed. “Are my creatures alright?”
“Your creatures are fine.” Tina smiled softly. “They’ve missed you, but they’re fine. Your book had good information. Come with me…” She wrapped her arms around him, and he let her apparate him away.

“Where were you?” She asked, as he was brought into a medical wing. Mediwitches and doctors swarmed around him, and he cringed back slightly.
“Graves’ house. But it’s not him. He said muggle-“
“We’ll get him.” Tina promised, patting his arm. “Let them look after you.”

Newt hesitated.
“I want to help – “ He protested, and Tina sighed.
“I know. But this is auror business now.”

One of the wizards caring for him stepped forwards, and a flick of their wand knocked him out. He woke a few hours later, to see Queenie sat in a chair at the edge of the bed. She smiled at him.
“Good morning. Tina wanted me to tell you he’s been apprehended.”

Relief swept through Newt at that, and he felt another wave of pride towards Credence. Queenie reached out and tapped his arm.
“The obscurus boy…” She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “He’s safe at our home. But it’s best the others think that he’s dead.”

Queenie smiled encouragingly as she spoke, and Newt nodded, a little disoriented. The important thing was that Credence was safe, and so were the creatures. Now that he wasn’t a prisoner, he realised just how much he missed his creatures.
“Can I –“
“Not quite yet sweetie.” She said softly. “You were tortured. The doctors are doing what they can to heal you, but even with magic you need another day or two to recover.” Newt whimpered, wanting to get home. Queenie patted his shoulder sympathetically.

He slept again, his body exhausted and needing the rest. The next time his eyes opened, Tina was there, and she smiled at him.
“Grindelwald is in custody.” She said it with such certainty, and Newt cursed his own lack of observation – of course the man behind all his pain was Grindelwald. He took slow deep breaths to remain calm, and Queenie hugged him gently.

“You did well to escape.” Tina said firmly. “Now, Director Graves wants to meet with you.”
Newt paused.
“If I’m well enough to meet him, can I see my creatures?”
“After.” Tina said softly. “You need me to come with you?”

Newt thought of his last time in Director Grave’s office – he had been there with Tina and with the man who ordered his execution and would go on to rape both him and Credence. Hesitantly, he shook his head.

Tina supported him as they made their way to the office, Newt unsteady on his feet. She smiled at him a little nervously.
“I’m glad you survived Newt. I’ll be just outside, if you need anything.”
“Thank you.” Newt murmured, and pushed open the door.

The man behind the desk was startling in how much he looked like Newt’s tormentor, but Newt walked forwards, leaning against the table in an attempt to look confident.

“You can sit down if you want.” Graves suggested, and Newt sat, eyes glancing around the room before settling on Graves’ wand, which had been placed on his desk. Seeming to notice Newt’s gaze, Graves pushed it forwards towards him.
“I know he broke your wand. I can’t use this… not after he’s used it. You can have it.”

“I have spares.” Newt mumbled. “I mean, I travel a lot, they get broken, I’ve got two in the case.” Newt frowned a little as Graves leaned forwards, looking into his eyes.
“That madman,” Graves began, “transfigured me into a painting on his bedroom wall. I could do nothing but watch what he did. I saw him torture you with my wand. I can’t keep it. You might find a use for it.”

Newt hesitated, then reached for the wand. This was the one Credence trained with after all.
“Thank you.” He murmured, wondering what the Director knew about Credence. Was this Graves’ way of giving him support? Credence would be pleased to have a wand.
“I hear the obscurus boy died during the battle of the underground?” Graves asked, and Newt nodded dumbly. If Graves had been the portrait, he would have seen everything – Credence had been in Graves’ room several times, including that final encounter.

“And the obscurus he found in your case has been returned?”
“I haven’t had the chance to check yet. But I believe so.” Newt asked, still trying to work out was happening.
“You are the most qualified person to care for her, aren’t you?”
“I am.” Newt agreed, beginning to see where this conversation was going.
“If there was ever another obscurial in America, would you be willing to consult?”
“Of course.” Newt nodded.

“I assume you know that in America, the punishment for committing the Unforgivables is death.”
“Yes…” Newt murmured, squirming a little.
“So Grindelwald will be executed.” Graves said softly. “You do not need to fear him. Go home to your creatures Mister Scamander. And once you have cared for them, take care of yourself.”

Newt nodded and walked back out, smiling at Tina who was waiting outside.
“Come on.” She took him back to her apartment. The door opened, and Queenie greeted them, shooing Newt towards the back room.
“Your case is in there.”

Newt walked over to see, opening the bedroom door and being startled to see Credence sat on the bed, one hand on the case.

Credence smiled a little nervously.
“I missed you.” He murmured. “I’ve been keeping the case safe.”
“Thank you.” Newt said softly, then reached out his hand. “Do you want to take a look?”
Newt helped Credence to his feet before he opened the case and climbed in.

“Come on-“ He called up to Credence, and Credence dropped down, embracing Newt for a moment. Newt smiled at him and pushed open the door as Credence’s fingers wrapped around Newt’s own.


(This is up on AO3: http://archiveofourown.org/works/9270725/chapters/21011156)