"Gather round!" Dumbledore called out. Everyone crowded around the small table. "The location of Grindewald has been discovered. However, around him is an impenetable shield. "Then we should just give up! Not even the most powerful of wizards can break and impenetrable shield!" a wizard shouted. "Not so fast," Dumbledore said patiently. "Only an equally powerful source of magic can destroy and impenatrable shield." He looked at Credence. "If Credence can slam himself against the shield in Obscurus form, it will disinigrate."

"But the likelihood of Credence surviving the blow is basically nonexistent!" Caoimhe said. "It is a sacrifice that must be made," Dumbledore said firmly. "I'll do it," Credence said, voice shaking. Caoimhe was about to say something, but Dumbledore cut her off.

"Once the shield is down, they will be completely vulnerable, which will give us the perfect chance to attack. It won't take long for them to recover from the shock. Newt will unleash his swooping evil at this time, which will give us a good advantage. I will take care of Grindewald. Understood?" Everyone nodded except Caoimhe and Credence. Caoimhe stared at Credence, tears building in her eyes as Credence hung his head, refusing to look at anyone.

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Tina tucked her wand into her pocket before turning to look at Newt. He was hiding his case so that if the plan failed, his creatures would be safe. It was a strange comfort to know that even though his looks had changed since they had first joined, Newt was still Newt at heart. 

Tina sat down, staring at the floor. If they died, what would happen to Dawn? Dawn meant everything to her. I can't lose her too, Tina thought sadly. Newt sat down beside her, and Tina laced her fingers through his, clutching his hand so hard that her knuckles turned white, trying to prevent herself from crying. "I'm worried about Dawn as well," Newt said softly. Tina lost it. 

She burst into tears, burying her face into his shoulder. She felt him gently kiss the top of her head. He had tears in his eyes as well, but he held them back, trying to be strong for her. She wanted to tell him that it was all right to cry, but the lump in her throat made it impossible to speak. She kissed him, trying to remember the first kiss they had ever shared. 

She remembered it like it was yesterday. The garden, the party, the dance, the stupid dress. She remembered when Newt had invited her to spend the summer with his family. She remembered the crazy ride to the Scamander house. She remembered the first smile she had ever shared with Caoimhe. She remembered when he had proposed. She remembered their wedding.

She remembered everything, and knew that she couldn't die just yet.

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Credence marched outside, fighting back tears as he thought about how his life would most likely end. A painful death indeed. He never even told Caoimhe how he felt about her. And why should I? She'll just get hurt when I die. She'll be better off not knowing, he thought bitterly.

"Credence?"

He turned to see Caoimhe walking out of the house, her face etched with pain. She sat down beside him, but Credence couldn't bear to look at her. He knew if he did, his feelings would spill out, and he would hurt her.

"Credence?" Caoimhe said again. Credence bit down on his tongue as he turned to look at her.

She was beautiful. He would never take any of her features for granted. He could go on forever about her eyes, her hair, her scent. 

"I need to tell you something, Credence," Caoimhe said slowly. He moved in closer to her. "Ever since you first came to my house, I... well, I... I've grown to... I wish I had said this sooner... I love you, Credence. More than anything." Credence felt several emotions at once. He was full of joy at the thought that she loved him too. He felt his heart twist with sorrow when he realized that they could never be anything more than friends. 

"I know that you've done so much for me and... I don't deserve this... but... will you kiss me?"

She looked up at Credence, trembling with fear.

"I-I don't know if I'll be very good," Credence replied nervously. Caoimhe relaxed slightly. "I'm sure you'll be fine," she replied.

Credence leaned in slowly. He felt her cool breath on his lips. He felt her forehead touch his. He felt her eyelashes brush his cheek as she closed her eyes. Finally, he felt her lips against his.

He had never thought he would kiss anyone. But here he was, kissing Caoimhe gently, his hands on her waist, her hands gently cupping his face. She smelled sweet and she tasted of strawberries. When they finally broke apart, there were tears streaming down her cheeks. "I love you," Credence said softly. 

With one final kiss on the forehead, Credence stood, and the army filed out of the house.

The battle was about to begin.

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Hey guys!

I just wanted to warn you that the next chapter will be extra long, so it will take a while. I'll let you know about the possible sequel in the next chapter as well.

Toodles!