Ahhhhhhhh! This is the shortest chapter ever and I did it in one sitting because I'm feeling guilty about having been on a hiatus and wanted the story followers to know that the story continues. I'm back and you can expect updates at least twice a month! Thanks for hanging in there 3 -Aiyana

Credence's frail body was shaking like a leaf, even after Newt let go of his hand. After what felt like an hour, Credence lifted his head from where it rested on his knees, squeezed tight to his chest.

"I'm sorry I left you M-m-mister Scamander. He- y-y-your my m-mast- I mean, friend. My friend now. I don't know what I was thinking, I felt so many things at once when I punished myself and then all of a sudden he was there".

Credence was worried that his old Master would re-claim him. If he came back for him he knew that he would owe Percival for all of his sins. Just the thought caused his stomach to turn, he knew he would deserve it but ever since he'd been with Newt he truly had believed he'd be safe from his past of pain.

Master Graves had seemed so genuine and caring when he first found him in the closet-treating him the same way he had when they first met on the streets of New York. Rubbing his arm where it was starting to bruise he realized that it'd be just like before. He was so naive and easily trusting-giving his body and trust to first Newt and then the man who'd hurt him time and time again. It was all he knew, that's why he'd been physical with Newt so quickly.

Waiting for Credence to speak first, Newt and Albus exchanged worried glances. The boy seemed deep in thought.

Clearing his throat, Albus spoke first in a composed voice "Young one, I do not expect you to divulge to me what thoughts are stirring in your mind, but I do need to be made aware of any harm that Mr. Graves may have inflicted on you today. As head of house Gryfindor, I work hard to ensure that Hogwarts is a safe place for my students and all who grace these noble halls."

Newt's eyes searched Credence's stoic expression as though he could dive into the younger man's find to find the truth.

Credence looked at Albus's twinkling eyes "Sir he didn't hurt me, he helped me heal just like Newt did. He was only holding my arm like that because he's worried about me and wanted to bring me back to Newt. He thought I would want to be back with you." His glance turned to Newt as he spoke-his voice never wavering.

"Well, boys it seems Credence speaks with truth." Albus raised his voice "Percival I am aware you are listening, you may enter now, it appears you have not hurt the boy as Newt accused. I'll leave it to you three to discuss what will come next." Without a backward glance, Albus left the room.

Glancing bashfully at the well-dressed man entering the room-Newt felt silently grateful that Percival had looked after his sweet Credence when he himself had failed to do so.

Percival spoke with all of the confidence he could muster "Newt, I am disgusted with the level of care you have shown Credence. You might have good intentions but you are being careless and are clearly unfit to protect him. I wasn't planning to come back here but he is having a difficult time trusting and accepting that I'm not the man that hurt him so I think it's best that I re-enter his life slowly and with caution. I am not going anywhere though and I will make sure that he is actually protected."

Credence spoke softly "I'm not going to be fought over, I-I, I'm sorry Mas-Mr. Graves but this is so confusing to me. I need space from both of you right now."

Both men looked after the boy with pained expressions as he walked back to his quarters, his back once more slouched in misery.