"It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live." - Marcus Aurelius

~

Your POV-

Two days after being trapped in the MACUSA basement, Mr. Graves comes back into the dark room.

"Follow me and be quiet," he motions.

You do as told, and silently walk behind him. After travelling down a few different corridors, he suddenly grabs your shoulder and you both dispparate.

Looking around, you find yourself in a dimly lit apartment. This must be his place.

"You can't tell anyone you're alive." Mr. Graves' voice fills the void of silence, making you turn your head to him in puzzlement.

"T-they think I'm dead?" You ask him uncertainly.

"Yes. It was necessary in order to free you. I'm sorry, but it was the only way," He says solemnly, moving his arms to wrap around you.

You hug him back, grateful for the show of kindness. Whether you like it or not, you are now indebted to this strange man.

Pulling away, you glance at his face. He seems genuinely sorry, but you don't know.

You're not sure what it is, but something seems off about him. Like your senses are telling you not to trust him even though he hasn't done anything untrustworthy. 

"I can't see Tina or Queenie again?"

"No. I'm sorry, you must lay low, and avoided the magical world for a while." He informs you.

Nodding, you walk to the window and look at the crowded streets.

What about Credence?

"Stay away from the magical world?" You echo dismally.

"Yes. It's for your own safety. If they knew you're still alive they'd either lock you up or kill you."

You chuckle dryly, "I guess I'll have to find a job in the No-maj community. Get an apartment or something."

He smirks, "I know a place that's been looking for workers. A small flower shop a few blocks from here. Until you're on your feet you can stay here."

"Oh, no! I wouldn't want to impose on your home-"

"It's not a problem, I'm hardly here anyways. Here's a change of clothes," he tosses you a bundle of clothes and then motions to the hallway.

"At the end of the hall there's a bathroom. You should have a shower or a bath and refresh yourself. I have to get back to work, in the meantime make yourself at home and try to find a job. I'll leave directions to the flower shop on the table for you," Mr. Graves explains.

You nod and thank him before heading into the bathroom.

Glancing at the mirror, you frown at your haggard appearance before washing some dirt off your face and brushing out your hair. Looking at the mirror again, you shake your head. I look like crap.

Sighing, you run the hot water and decide to take a shower instead of a bath. Stepping into the tub, you allow the hot water to wash away all your worries and fears. You inhale deeply and enjoy the sensation of hot water running down your skin.

After having a fifteen minute shower, you step out of the tub, dry yourself off, and get changed into the clothes that Mr. Graves handed you.

Of course, then you start looking for a job. You find a piece of paper with the directions to the floral shop on it in neat penmanship. Following the directions, you find the shop without problems.

The shop is small and cute, with a sign that has faded lettering and baby-blue colouring. It reads, "The Little Shop of Flowers".

Looks nice enough.

A bell sounds as you walk in. You find a nice-looking old lady behind a counter, after you had walked through a few aisles of various flowers.

"H-hello?"

The lady looks up, "Yes? How may I help you?"

"Yeah, um, I'm wondering if you have a job opening?" You ask nervously.

She gasps and smiles, "Of course! Yes, I've been needing some help here for quite sometime! It's your lucky day I suppose!"

You smile gratefully at the kind lady.

"Just come over here and I'll show you the ins and outs of this fine establishment. I'm Marlene Smith, and you are?"

"Oh, yeah, I'm Y/n L/n. Pleasure to meet you. Thank you so much for this opportunity!"

"No problem! You're a godsend!"

She shows you around the shop and sets you to work cleaning out the back rooms. Hours go by, and soon you find yourself walking back to Graves' apartment.

But, you remember that you have to see someone else first.

~

Credence kept wondering where Y/n could be. He was confused, lost, and even more miserable then usual. But somehow there was still hope that Y/n would return.

Even now, he stares out his grimy window and wishes that Y/n would come back.

A dark figure comes towards the window from outside. Credence holds his breath, wondering who it could be, but before he can see clearly, Mary Lou comes into his room.

"Credence," her voice is cold and unfeeling.

He turns away from the window and bows his head. He knows what's coming.

"Give me your belt," She commands.

He shakes as he takes off the soon-to-be weapon and hands it to her. Her face is neutral as she readies the belt.

"Hold out your hand."

By now, he's learned to bear it quietly, but he cannot suppress a tear of hurt from trailing down his face. He slowly holds out his hand, palm up.

Credence clenches his teeth to prevent himself from screaming against the pain as Mary Lou hits him over and over again.

It takes too long to be over.

The biting pain in his hands reminds him that he is alone. No one to comfort him and no one to be his friend.

She leaves after that.

Leaves Credence broken, battered, and bleeding.

He stifles a sob and walks back to the window.

There, lying on the windowsill is a purple hyacinth.

It reflects moonlight and glistens with emotion, reminding him that he is not alone.

That he does have a friend.

A/n - If I make a mistake, please tell me and I will try to fix it! Please vote, comment, and add to a list! Thank you all for reading! By the way, you are amazing and you are terrific!

<3