a black, fluid-like cloud, or a violent torrent of darkness. (x)
Created from suppressed magic, an Obscurus is often misinterpreted as a separate, parasitic entity working in opposition of its host. In fact, it is more closely related to the fractured mental health of an abused child. J.K. Rowling has stated: “An Obscurus is developed under very specific conditions: trauma associated with the use of magic, internalised hatred of one’s own magic and a conscious attempt to suppress it.” For an Obscurus to form, a child must undergo specific traumatic events. In Credence’s case, his adoptive mother had groomed him into believing magic was “wicked, unnatural” by using physical abuse. This sparked a self-hatred that affected a young Credence’s self-esteem, confidence, and independence. His shattered mental health, because of the physical and emotional abuse he suffered at the hands of Mary Lou Barebone, started the growth of an Obscurus.
The Wizarding World considers an Obscurus to be created of dark magic. This is because of the circumstances of its birth. Abuse, neglect, and hatred all stem from something dark. They are living proof of what opposes the side of “good.” When Credence’s magic was left unused and purposefully suppressed, it looked for different ways to manifest. Magic is a living, breathing force and in an attempt to survive, it betrays its wizard and lashes out in an attempt to garner the attention it needs. Since dark magic is “light” magic’s ( magic generally taught to wizards ) opposite, it was only appropriate for an Obscurus to use dark magic as one cannot live without the other. The Obscurus became an inherent part of Credence. Instead of a separate entity, it is a manifestation of his magic. It is all the things that Credence feels. Terror, self-loathing, grief, and pain in all its forms. The Obscurus is a fifth limb, a physical form of his mental state.
There are no documented cases of an Obscurial living past ten years old. At that age, a child cannot manage the amount of dark magic associated with an Obscurus. Wizards pass this off as being parasitic in nature, but it is more similar to a terminal disease. Weakening the young wizard until, at some point, a child gives up and cannot continue fighting any longer. Credence surpassed this threshold, living well past the maximum age. The reasoning: his latent, powerful magic. His magical body learned to adapt to and control the Obscurus. Credence, on multiple occasions, was seen in complete control of his Obscurus. Being able to focus its attention on a specific person or target.
Since an Obscurus is heavily connected to its host’s mental health, the only time Credence had been out of control was when betrayed by Percival Graves. Believing Graves to be his one and only friend, it shattered what was left of his hope and the Obscurus responded to that grief.
It is confirmed that Credence survives this event, but it what capacity no one knows.
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