Graves was sitting on his couch, already drunk and pouring himself another scotch. The months since he had been rescued from Grindelwalds prison had felt like eternity. He was recovering physically, however emotionally and psychologically he felt worse more then ever before. President Picqueys words were constantly bouncing around his mind.
“We had no choice Graves. The boy is dead.”
Those words had shattered him. It was far worse then anything Grindelwald had done to him. Credence had been on his mind constantly while he had been imprisoned. It was one of the things he had clung to, determined to survive to get back to him.
He had seen the memory from Picquery herself. Credence being torn apart by those Aurors, his Aurors as they followed Picqueys orders. Graves knew he would never be the same again.
The knock at the door had been so soft, Graves was sure he was hearing things. Who would come calling on him at this hour? Who ever came calling to see him? He took a sip of his scotch and frowned when the knock came again, louder and more insistent. Curiosity got the better of him so he stood shakily and made his way to the door. He held his wand, almost ready to an attack as he opened the door and gasped at the sight before him.
There stood Credence Barebone. Looking even smaller then usual. He was far too pale, his hair was longer was scraggly. His clothes were filthy and he had several cuts and scrapes where his skin was exposed to the elements.
“Credence......” he breathed as their eyes met.
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Graves let himself into his home, carrying his briefcase and a bag of pastry's from a bakery Credence loved. A small surprise for the boy who had been living with him for several months ago.
Hiding would be perhaps a more appropriate term. No one knew Credence had turned up on his doorstep that night. He knew Picquery would order the boys execution and while Graves knew he might be able to pull enough strings to keep Credence alive, the boy would go through hell in the meantime.
“Credence?” Graves called into the quite home, wondering where the boy was.
@imnotyour-boy