Fans of the Fantastic Beasts series often search the question Fantastic Beasts what happens to Credence because his storyline is one of the most emotional and mysterious arcs in the Wizarding World prequel films. Credence Barebone begins as a quiet, abused boy living in New York, but over time he becomes central to the larger conflict involving Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald. His identity, powers, and fate are surrounded by secrets that unfold across multiple movies. Understanding what happens to Credence requires following his journey from obscurity and pain to revelation and, ultimately, a tragic realization about who he truly is.
Credence Barebone in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Credence is first introduced in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016). He lives with Mary Lou Barebone, the strict leader of a No-Maj anti-witchcraft group called the New Salem Philanthropic Society. Mary Lou is emotionally and physically abusive, especially toward Credence. From the beginning, he appears withdrawn, fearful, and desperate for acceptance.
As the story progresses, it is revealed that Credence is an Obscurial. An Obscurial is a young wizard or witch who has suppressed their magical abilities due to fear or trauma. This repression creates a dark, destructive force known as an Obscurus. Most Obscurials do not survive past childhood because the magical energy inside them becomes too powerful to control.
The Obscurus Within
In the first film, strange attacks in New York are blamed on various magical creatures. Eventually, the truth comes out Credence is the Obscurial responsible for the destruction. His suppressed magic, fueled by years of abuse, has manifested into a violent and uncontrollable force.
When his secret is exposed, the Magical Congress of the United States (MACUSA) attempts to destroy him. Aurors attack the Obscurus in a dramatic confrontation. At first, it appears that Credence is killed. However, in the final moments of the film, a small fragment of the Obscurus escapes, hinting that he may have survived.
Credence’s Return in The Crimes of Grindelwald
The second film, Fantastic Beasts The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), answers the question of whether Credence survived. He is revealed to be alive and searching for his true identity. Believing he was adopted and desperate to learn about his past, Credence becomes vulnerable to manipulation.
Grindelwald, the dark wizard seeking to dominate the magical world, sees great potential in Credence. He believes that Credence’s power as an Obscurial could help defeat Albus Dumbledore. Grindelwald offers him answers about his family in exchange for loyalty.
The Aurelius Dumbledore Twist
One of the most shocking moments in The Crimes of Grindelwald comes at the end. Grindelwald tells Credence that his real name is Aurelius Dumbledore and claims he is the long-lost brother of Albus Dumbledore. He even gives Credence a wand and encourages him to embrace his power.
This revelation raises many questions. Fans debated how Credence could be a Dumbledore, given established timelines in the Wizarding World. The mystery surrounding his true identity became one of the central talking points of the series.
What Happens to Credence in The Secrets of Dumbledore
The third film, Fantastic Beasts The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022), provides clearer answers to the question Fantastic Beasts what happens to Credence. In this installment, it is revealed that Credence is indeed related to the Dumbledore family, but not in the way Grindelwald initially suggested.
Credence is the son of Aberforth Dumbledore, Albus’s brother. His birth was kept secret, and he was separated from his family at a young age. This separation and lack of knowledge about his true heritage contributed to his emotional isolation.
His Failing Health
By the time of The Secrets of Dumbledore, Credence’s health is deteriorating. Being an Obscurial has taken a severe toll on his body. As mentioned earlier, most Obscurials do not live long because the unstable magic slowly destroys them from within.
Throughout the film, Credence appears weaker and increasingly conflicted. Although he initially sides with Grindelwald, he begins to doubt him after learning more about the truth. He eventually confronts Albus Dumbledore but fails to defeat him.
Credence’s Final Choice
One of the most emotional moments in the series comes when Credence learns that Grindelwald lied to him about certain details of his identity. Feeling betrayed and exhausted, he chooses not to continue fighting for Grindelwald’s cause.
In the end, Credence reunites with his father, Aberforth Dumbledore. The reunion is quiet but meaningful. Aberforth acknowledges him as his son and offers him a sense of belonging that Credence has long desired.
Although the film does not explicitly show Credence’s death, it strongly suggests that his time is limited due to the effects of being an Obscurial. The story leaves his fate somewhat open, but his physical condition implies that he may not survive much longer.
The Tragic Nature of Credence’s Story
When people ask what happens to Credence in Fantastic Beasts, they are often struck by how tragic his journey is. He begins as a neglected child, becomes a powerful but unstable force, and is manipulated by one of the darkest wizards in history.
Key themes in Credence’s arc include
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Abuse and emotional trauma
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The danger of suppressing one’s true identity
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The search for belonging
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The consequences of manipulation
Unlike many characters in the Wizarding World who grow stronger and more confident over time, Credence’s power becomes a burden. His strength isolates him rather than empowering him.
Why Credence Is Important to the Wizarding World
Credence serves as a bridge between the Dumbledore family drama and Grindelwald’s larger political ambitions. Without him, Grindelwald would have struggled to challenge Dumbledore directly. Credence’s existence also expands the history of the Dumbledore family, adding complexity to characters previously known from the Harry Potter series.
His character highlights the emotional cost of secrecy and denial. The Dumbledore family’s past mistakes indirectly shape Credence’s painful life. This connection adds depth to Albus Dumbledore’s character, showing that even great wizards carry regrets.
So, Fantastic Beasts what happens to Credence? He survives the events of the first film, is manipulated by Grindelwald in the second, and ultimately discovers his true identity in the third. Revealed to be Aurelius Dumbledore, the son of Aberforth, he finds a sense of family at last. However, the damage caused by years as an Obscurial leaves his future uncertain.
Credence’s story is one of power mixed with vulnerability. He is not simply a villain or a hero but a tragic figure shaped by fear, loneliness, and longing. His journey remains one of the most emotionally complex elements of the Fantastic Beasts series, and it continues to spark discussion among fans of the Wizarding World.