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fantasticbeasts_kinkmeme) wrote2016-11-23 07:27 am
fantasticbeasts_kinkmeme) wrote2016-11-23 07:27 am
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Prompt Post #1
ROUND 1
FUCK IT WE'LL FIGURE OUT SPECIFICS LATER
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Fill: Mending the Broken 6
Credence couldn't help but blush when he got to the door and Percival was already holding Credence's coat. Credence hesitated, then slid his arms into the garment, trying not to think of Percival's hot breath on his nape.
Percival followed up by wrapping up the brand new scarf around Credence's neck, then tucking the ends into the front of the coat.
"Got your gloves?" Percival asked. By now, Credence was starting to realize that despite his gruff demeanour, Percival was just trying to be kind and concerned.
Credence reached up and adjusted Percival's scarf as well.
The older man looked startled, but allowed Credence to do as he pleased.
Percival was quite strong.
And fit.
And handsome.
Credence licked his lips then quickly took a step back.
"Where are we going?" He asked to cover up his nervousness. Percival offered his arm, which Credence took.
"It's a little row of shops downtown. People call it Lorraine's Walk, or Lorrie's for short."
Credence had been downtown before and never had he ever managed to come across any place called Lorrie's in his life. His disbelief must have shown on his face because Percival gave him a tiny smile.
"It's hidden to the No-Majs."
Okay, that made more sense. There was probably some magic in place that prevented people with no magic from getting into the place. Otherwise, the place would be overrun with No-majs, getting into all sorts of trouble.
Percival led Credence out of the house, and disapparated with a crack.
Credence would probably never get used to the feeling of being squeezed and disappearing into thin air. It was even stranger to appear in a never before place. He instinctively clutched at Percival's arm.
One second he was on the front step of the house, the next he was standing a small alley, No-Majs bustling around outside while snow fell all around them. Credence blinked as snowflakes floated past his nose. He reached out to cup one in his gloves.
"This way," Percival said quietly.
Credence turned to look. Percival led them to the end of the alleyway where there was a wall covered in posters. If Credence hadn't been led there by Percival, he would have overlooked the place entirely. One of the posters was an advertisement about brass doorknockers. Percival reached out and took hold of the knocked in the poster, using it to rap the wall sharply twice, a pause, then three times.
A door appeared around the knocker, fading into existence. Percival opened it and motioned to Credence.
"Shall we?"
Credence couldn't help but smile.
###
It didn't make sense, how an entire block could fit past the tiny doorway, but it did. There were rows of shops, men and women milling around looking at wares while children played.
Cauldrons bubbled out in the open, giving off all sorts of different smells. Credence clutched Percival's arm a little tighter, awed and a little frightened at the strangeness of everything. Magic tingled all around him like it was welcoming him home, a contrast to the dark black feelings he had held inside for so long.
"Cider Fire, Cider Fire for you sir?" a young lady dressed in bright pink robes offered Credence a bottle of orange liquid. Credence would have taken it but Percival was walking away already.
An old woman was laying out tarot cards on her table, telling the young man standing there that his current bit of bad luck would be soon over if he would just pluck up the courage to confess. A middle aged man was weighing what appeared to be shells for a little boy. The shells were climbing all over each other, a writing mass of something.
"Good day, Director Graves!" someone called. Percival acknowledged them with a quick 'Good day, Miss Clinton. Lovely hat.'
"Ah Director Graves, back for more books?"
"Not today, Mr. Lyland." Percival masterfully steered Credence into a side street.
"You know all these people?" Credence asked as a few more people tipped their hats or nodded at Percival.
"Lorrie's has everything one could need," Percival said. It wasn't quite an answer, but also wasn't not an answer. Credence was prevented from asking anymore questions when they stopped in front of a sign that said "Wanderlust".
There was a chime when they stepped inside. Credence had to crane his neck looking up at all the boxes and jars that lined the shelves. There were nails, pieces of wood, hairs all arranged and labelled carefully.
"Director Graves, it has been quite some time," the lady behind the counter said smoothly, eyes crinkling up into half cresents, "Congratulations on your marriage. I hope your other husband gets better soon."
Credence didn't know how she knew, but it was quite unsettling. Even more so when he realized that she looked young, but was probably older than Percival.
"Madam Liew, this is Credence Barebone-Graves." Percival placed his hand on the small of Credence's back and urged him forward.
"Pleasure to meet you, M'a." Credence stuttered, ducking his head to avoid her gaze.
"Come for a fitting then? Sit, sit." She motioned him to the chair beside the counter. Credence looked at Percival for reassurance.
"It's okay, I'm right here," Percival said. Credence felt the tiny thrum of warmth and reassurance through the bond, then relaxed.
The wood was hard, uncomfortably cold under his bottom even through the coat.
Madam Liew took his wrist and placed it on a cushion, pulling his glove off so that she could press her fingers to his pulse.
"My my, Director, you have your hands full," she murmured "The dark is nothing to be afraid of, Mister Barebone. It exists, just like night and day exist."
Credence couldn't do anything but nod helplessly and agree. She might have looked young, but she was anything but frail judging from the force of her fingers on his wrist. They were surprisingly hot, leaving patches of warmth when she let go.
"A drop of blood will suffice," she said, bringing out a bowl. She poured a silvery liquid into it and took out a pin. She light the tip on fire with her wand, then offered it to Credence. Credence hesitated. Percival seemed to sense his wariness.
"It's harmless, I promise. I'd never bring you to something that could harm you," Percival assured him. Credence bit his lip, but picked up the pin. He pricked his thumb and squeezed a drop of blood into the liquid. It swirled briefly and turned a pale white colour. He stuck his thumb into his mouth while Madam Liew peered into the liquid and tutted softly.
"Well, I finally found a use for that Dementor's Breath I see."
It must have been something bad, because Credence heard Percival draw a sharp breath. But Madam Liew didn't seem too concerned. She bustled around, gathering things off the shelves and then arranging them on the counter. She took a branch that smelled strongly and neatly sliced it in half down the middle. A bundle of pink and white petals were crushed, made into a paste with the same strong smelling oil, and then rolled out into a thin layer on the counter. A bottle of dark, roiling smoke was poured carefully onto the layer and hastily rolled up. The roll was placed in the middle of the branch, and the two halves were brought together again. Madam Liew sheared off the excess wood, carefully shaping it into a long thin shape. When she was satisfied with the grip, she dipped it into the bowl where it sizzled. The liquid seemed to disappear, being soaked up into the wood until all that was left was an off-white wand.
"11 inches. Eucalyptus wood, with a Dementor's last breath as a core and crushed water lilies grown in hallowed waters." Madam Liew picked it up and presented it to Credence.
Credence took it.
It was like touching a live wire. He gasped as his arm tingled and his body filled with warmth. It was like suddenly finding out the words to the muffled songs he heard on the radio, a heady epiphany that something was finally going right. It was hot water from a bath spilling over onto the floor. It was a broken hydrant spewing water into the air. Credence was drowning in the onslaught.
"Credence breathe!"
There were hands gripping his arms. The bond flared to life, and the rush stopped, slowing to a trickle as Percival grounded him.
Credence gasped for air, clutching at the hands holding him. He blinked, unseeing for a moment, then realized that Percival was hovering over him. Credence must have slid to the floor or something, because he was leaning against the solid wood of the counter.
"Are you alright? Credence please!"
"I just, I can't- " Credence tried to explain.
"What did you do?" Percival demanded of Madam Liew. The lady just shrugged.
"He has not talked with his magic for so long. Miscommunications when people do not talk," she said, sliding back to her seat behind the counter.
"It's okay, I'm fine! I'm fine." Credence said. He took a deep breath. It was manageable. He was alright. He took another deep breath and let Percival help him up. Percival looked even more worried when Credence insisted he was fine.
"That will be 10 gold and 6 silver coins," Madam Liew said when Credence finally managed to catch his breath and lean on the counter. His wand was still firmly clasped in his hands. He pulled it closer to his chest as Percival paid the wandmaker.
"Thank you, Madam Liew," Percival said. Credence repeated the sentiment, more out of politeness than any real sense of gratitude.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Percival asked the moment they were out of the shop. Credence nodded. His wand was tucked away in his coat pocket, safe and sound, a clear reminder that he was one of them, a wizard. There was no going back anymore.
#
Percival had apparently decided that the brief catatonia that Credence experienced in the wandshop warranted a sit down in a teashop while he ran off to purchase Newt's items. Credence sipped his Honey Ginger Lemon Tea while watching the people go by. Theresa's Tea was a tiny store with a huge selection of beverages. There were a lot of people coming in and out. Some came to chitchat with the owner, a comely woman called Theresa. Some came to buy some beverages for later. Some dropped in for a bit of morning tea. Credence didn't mind just watching everyone. Some of the wizards and witches wore brightly coloured robes. Other wore coats and outfits like No-Majs did.
"I'm back!" Percival announced, placing two bags on the table. Credence peered into the nearest one. There were several bottles. One was labeled 'DANGEROUS, HANDLE WITH CARE'. It was most obviously the Belladonna Extract. Credence spotted two bottles of pink Wrinkleberry juice, freshly squeezed, the label proclaimed. There was also the amber coloured bottle of Dragon's blood.
"There are Newt's things," Credence said. Percival nodded, drawing Credence's drink over to his side to take a sip. Credence felt his ears warm when he realized that Percival had sealed his lips to the rim of the cup where Credence had sipped earlier.
"What's in the other bag?" Credence asked.
Percival didn't look him in the eye.
"I thought you liked the cake so-"
Credence felt his cheeks warm as well.
"Thank you," he whispered. Percival seemed to be pleased, but dicomfited by the gratitude. He stood up quite abruptly, looking everywhere but Credence's face.
"Well, we better go check on Newt," Percival said. Credence nodded with a grin. He finished his tea and then stood up as well. Percival offered his arm. This time, Credence didn't hesitate to take it.
With a pop, they disappeared.
Re: Fill: Mending the Broken 6
(Anonymous) 2016-12-26 04:35 pm (UTC)(link)It was a lovely part. Credence and Percival's interactions are too precious; I like how Credence starts to appreciate Percival's efforts. I have a bad feeling that the talk with Newt won't be too nice in next part - I wouldn't be surprised if the topic of drugging Percival came back if Percival and Newt start arguing.
Thank you for this wonderful story. I can't wait for the next part :)
Re: Fill: Mending the Broken 6
(Anonymous) 2016-12-26 05:37 pm (UTC)(link)I get the feeling things with Newt are going to blow up and I cannot wait to see what happens next. You are amazing! Happy holidays and take all the time you need for your next update!
Re: Fill: Mending the Broken 6
(Anonymous) 2016-12-26 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)Re: Fill: Mending the Broken 6
(Anonymous) 2016-12-28 04:22 pm (UTC)(link)Re: Fill: Mending the Broken 6
(Anonymous) 2016-12-29 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)