#Mary Lou Barebone

[extremereader]

In a modern version of Fantastic Beasts the true crime blogs would go nuts over the whole Barebone thing

I mean, there's a cult, cult blows up, leader and her daughter die, her abused son who was meeting up with an older man in secret disappears, the whole family had a disagreement with another dead guy and his family a few days before, the dead Barebones died of the same thing as said dead guy, the remaining kid is traumatized by SOMETHING, what's not to talk about?

[dragoneyes618]

Headcanons for the boggarts of the Fantastic Beasts characters

Credence Barebone - Mary Lou Barebone. Yes, even years later, after Paris and Nurmengard.

Chastity Barebone: Mary Lou Barebone

Modesty Barebone - Mary Lou Barebone

Mary Lou Barebone - the stereotypical caricature of a witch

Newt Scamander - The world inside his suitcase destroyed, with all of his creatures dead (I imagine that his worst fear of having to work in an office changed, since his job wandering the wilds and finding different magical creatures is pretty much the opposite of that, and he worries what will happen to his animals if it's decided they're too dangerous and his suitcase is taken away, like at MACUSA that one time).

Leta's was already shown.

Theseus Scamander - Newt dead or injured.

Yusuf Kama - his father telling him that he failed to avenge his mother.

I couldn't think of anything for Tina, Queenie, or Jacob.

[wisteria-lodge]

In Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them, Tina uses "Mercy Lewis" as a grammatical intensifier/swear word a la "merlin" (1)

Mercy Lewis was one of the main witch-accusers during the Salem witch trials. Which makes her a really, really weird choice for Tina to evoke.

and I'm literally trying to figure out the thought process here.

OPTION ONE

"Mercy Lewis" is supposed to evoke the concept of a betrayer, like "Benedict Arnold" or "Brutus." (Like maybe she was a squib or something?) Idk, even typing that out feels in such bad taste. Merlin wasn't real. Nicholas Flamel was real, but all JKR says about him was "he made the Philosopher's Stone," which - considering that the real guy was indeed working on that... okay? Mercy Lewis was a real girl in real American history who really got people killed.

AND it doesn't even make sense linguistically. I'd sort of understand if Tina called someone "a Mercy Lewis" or "you're such a Mercy Lewis" after they betrayed her. But that's not the context?

OPTION TWO

Mercy Lewis is indeed a muggle, and so that would make this... anti-muggle hate speech? Like, I could KINDA see a world where "Mercy Lewis" was just a kind of stereotypical, mean way to refer to "Any Muggle." When Tina's being dismissive about Jacob she could have said something like "Forget Mercy Lewis over there, follow me." (but that's not the context in which it's used?)

Like we do know that Tina specifically hates Mary-Lou Barebone, who is a muggle that really hates witches and calls her group "Second Salem." Is this line meant to be drawing a parallel between Mercy Lewis and Mary-Lou Barebone. Or are we just looking for ANY way for Tina to KIND of bring up Salem, because it's sort of relevant to her villain?

OPTION THREE

This is some kind of a mistake. JKR wanted to use the name of one of the Salem Witches as an American equivalent for "Merlin" (still in bad taste but... I get it? ) And so she pulled up a list of names, and accidentally got the name of one of the people who were accusing people of being witches, instead of one of the actual 'witches.' She just kind of liked the ring of the name "Mercy Lewis" and went with it.

I can't help but think that this is just a small example of JKR being just... kinda careless, and kinda lazy, and kinda tasteless about non-European history. Like I am positive I just put more thought into this little moment than JKR ever, ever has.

~

(1) It is weird that "Merlin" is used as swear word at all, because in the HP series Merlin seems to be culturally important, but not a religious figure (which is generally how swear words work, the *thing* you're swearing by needs to be sacred, and 'profaning' it just communicates your level of Seriousness).

Of course, the Wizarding World seems to be completely atheist, which is is fine, and if I SQUINT, I can make "merlin" work in an "enlightenment science boner" way, like 'oh the muggles are hyper-religious and backwards, once we split from them we're going in entirely the opposite direction.' The French Revolution was aggressively atheist, and so was the Communist revolution, and you do have cultural important names like "Lenin" "Engles" "Marx" treated in a linguistically semi-religious way, okay. it's a thing.

but in The Cursed Child they start using "Dumbledore" as a swear word and that's so creepy and I hate it.

[hauntedmystic]

“Ms. Barebone,” Graves called out, stepping past Credence to offer Mary Lou a firm handshake. “Ma’am, my name is Percival Graves. I was hoping I could have a moment of your time. A few months ago God brought this fine young man into my path, and I wanted to thank you for all your work and your dedication to the Lord.”

They stepped aside, and Percival lowered his voice. “I know what your son is.” He continued before she could interrupt with the explanation he wasn’t REALLY her son, “And I know it’s because of your guidance, your strong faith, that he hasn’t fallen into Satan’s hands. You are an inspiration. I want to know how I can be involved. I haven’t been able to find a church here I’m happy with... They don’t understand. Not like you. A real Christian.”

For the first time she felt seen. Had God sent her a husband? “You must come to our Sunday dinner.”

[magicalhideoutengineer]

Tina & Credence

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them:

Katherine Waterston: Credence and Tina have a past. He doesn't remember it maybe, but she has been concerned about him for a while before the film starts.

- Mugglenet

Katherine Waterston: I found it really touching that the only thing that will tempt her to break her away from the position she has is if someone is in trouble. But by saving a No-Maj, she exposed herself as a magical person.

- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Movie-Making News: FANTASTIC BEASTS 2

Katherine Waterston: She broke the rules in order to protect someone who was in trouble. Though she's really proud to be a part of MACUSA and dreams of succeeding there, when push comes to shove she will abandon the rule book. I found it really touching. She loves the rules, but if someone's in trouble, she can't help herself.

- The Case of Beasts: Explore the Film Wizardry of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Inside the Obscurus, Credence reaches out to Tina, the only person who has ever done him an uncomplicated kindness. He looks at Tina, desperate and afraid. He has dreamed of her ever since she saved him from a beating.

- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay

Crimes of Grindelwald:

Katherine Waterston: Tina and Queenie were orphaned very young, Tina, as the elder of the two, felt a great responsibility to take care of her sister. Over the years, that feeling to protect helpless children extended beyond just Queenie. She values her position at work and respects the law, but a child in need－that's her Achilles Heel. If forced to choose, she'll break the rule to help a child, as she did for Credence when Mary Lou Barebone was beating him. Near the end of the first film, she gave Credence her word that she and Newt would protect him, and she is not one to go back on her word.

- Crimes of Grindelwald Production Notes

Katherine Waterston: I think you start to see a bit in the first film that a child in trouble is her Achilles' Heel, particularly an orphan child. As long as he is unsafe in the world, she has that concern to save him, and I think that stems from her own childhood. She and Queenie were orphaned young, and she knows what it's like to be a bit lost in the world, and she pulled herself up by her bootstraps, and she is a very hardy woman. I think she is just going to be forever distracted by Credence and his need until that is sorted.

- Crimes of Grindelwald World Premiere in Paris

Katherine Waterston: Her Achilles heel — the thing that kind of makes her throw the rulebook out the window — is a person, particularly a young person, in trouble, in need. There’s something almost of an obsession I think she has with Credence. She feels very responsible for him.

- Buzzfeed

Katherine Waterston: We find Tina in Paris along many other members of the original cast and some new characters. She is looking for Credence. There are people after him for different reasons, and obviously Tina cares about him a great deal and is trying to get to him first. 

- MTV News

Tina Goldstein has been reinstated as an Auror at MACUSA (Magical Congress of the USA), but, while she remains dedicated to the job of enforcing magical law, she has not lost her independent streak. Leaving New York, Tina has traveled to Paris on a cryptic—and wholly unauthorized—investigation of her own. She knows Credence survived MACUSA’s attempt to destroy him in New York, but she is also aware that, as an Obscurial, he is considered a threat to the wizarding community and is in grave danger. Employing all of her skills, Tina is finally closing in on Credence, but her perilous pursuit has also put her on a collision course with other powerful forces hunting him.

- Crimes of Grindelwald Official Character Description

Katherine Waterston: Tina isn't confident that the ministry would approve of her desire to protect and save Credence. They are seeking him for a different reason, and so she's kind of doing this investigation on the sly.

- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - Makers, Mysteries and Magic: Chapter 5

Katherine Waterston: She's continuing a sort of rebellious pursuit in trying to protect Credence.

- Bowu Magazine

Katherine Waterston: It's a little unclear whether MACUSA knows her whereabouts. Tina isn’t confident they would approve of her desire to save Credence. They are seeking him for a different reason.

- Lights, Camera, Magic!: The Making of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Ezra Miller: Yeah, I mean certainly we’ve seen sort of only fragments of a story in which Tina did care for Credence, and that was a rare and noted instance in Credence’s story. But again, when you really think about it, what does Credence actually know about that human being, where she comes from? I mean, the last interaction was a deeply confusing one where there were a lot of things going on on the subway tracks, you know? So yeah, I think that’s one of the connections.

- Collider

ANGLE ON TINA, edging through the crowd, searching.

She spots QUEENIE and, at a short distance, CREDENCE. Whom should she approach first? She chooses CREDENCE, but as she moves, is blocked by an ACOLYTE. They make eye contact. TINA knows she is wildly outnumbered. Under the ACOLYTE'S gaze, she sinks onto a bench.

- Crimes of Grindelwald: The Original Screenplay

[obscurebelief]

@ivesleptsolong continued from here

Credence was not of wealth. He was just an orphan, dumped and taken in by Mary Lou.

There was nothing much good about him besides being some servant and maybe able to lift heavy stuff. The latter being a bit of a joke considering ma telling him how strong this Edward Blackburn is.. and if the rumors are to be believed...

She believed it all true, and was so willing to exchange her adopted son in exchange for influence. Wedded off. A young man with another man. Unheard of, maybe sinful, but Mary Lou tossed that aside for now given Credence had little reason to be around given his wickedness. Tossing him like a piece of meat to a vampire that would soon bore of him was nothing much of importance.

Credence however was scared out of his mind. He was ordered not to cry, so he forced his tears back. He looked for mercy from his ma or his sisters. Chastity had kept Modesty quiet.

The veils were not white as he had seen when passing churches. It was a disgrace. Credence was afraid and ashamed. But went along with it. And in his twisted thoughts, if he was killed by the vampire, it would have been the greatest kindness.

The ceremony went along and he was taken away. He forced himself not to look back and even was afraid to even meet his new husband's gaze. Credence had some features that could prove he was a handsome boy if he was fed enough and taken care of. The clothing hid his scars, fading bruises, and thin body.

It was the manor that he was in awe of. Dull brown eyes lit up as he looked around and finally lifted his head, showing his pale skin more.

The size up suddenly made him shrink, almost in instant submission. The words made him afraid once again. The what ifs playing in his head of being killed, or worse, having his sisters killed for such trickery.

Finally did he speak, voice deep, but weak with fear of the other as his eyes stared at the floor. "Please sir, I'm no one. I.. I'll be good to you, I promise. Anything.. just don't harm my family. I volunteered." He lied at the last word, heart sinking, and mentally praying. ".... I don't come from any wealth, nor is my name from a legacy" Unless one added a legacy of attempted witch killings and witch hunts. But did that count since he was adopted? Maybe if one traced back far enough, the Barebones attempted vampire hunting to. He wouldn't be surprised. "But I work hard and do my best to do what is asked."

[thatsecondsalemboy]

@the-greater-good-1899 | continued from here

Coming...well, coming home, for the first time, had given Credence a lot of time to think, particularly given how much of it he'd spent tucked into a warm bed to combat the shivers that had set in. Even now, his father- and wasn't that a kicker, to be able to say that now- his father had gotten him propped up in a somewhat battered but comfortable old armchair in front of the fire, a blanket tucked around his knees.

"Ma...Mary Lou...always said I was wicked..."

Though he tried, he wasn't sure if Mary Lou Barebone would ever leave his mind, the sting of the belt across his hands or across his back still sometimes resurging in a phantom pain from time to time. Her voice still rung in his head sometimes, whispering about him being a foul boy, a child of the devil.

[ezrasloyalfans]

Mary Lou Barebone was no Mrs.

J

[fangedmagick]

First Change (WtA verse)

"You're mother was a wicked unnatural woman" -Mary Lou Barebone.

Basically got the new WtA book and looked into it and went: welp werewolf!Aurie AU we go beside the Kindred!Aurie

Credence was conceived from his father, Aberforth who was from the Ghost Council tribe, a garou who mated with a human woman that had loved each other once.

However Credence had been born out his wedlock and his mother and he was sent away to America. He would be born during the half moon, making him a Philodox, though he would not know of his heritage due to his mother, aunt, and him were separated when the ship transporting them sank.

He would make it to New York, a homid cub in a human orphanage. Mary Lou would find him and due to how the boy acted, she believed him a witch and decided that she could adopt him and beat the devil out of him in the most literal senses.

He was beaten throughout his life. And his first change was stunted due to the abuse. He would have his first change on a cold night in New York where he singled out Modesty's old home and tried tearing it down brick by brick. He was nearly revealed fleeing the scene when the police investigated.

He did not know what he did. But his first kill would have been secretly praised by some Red Talons of New York for killing a future horrible senator. He caused a mass delirium event as he, a giant dark Crinos full of rage, tore out the organs of the man that treated him and his sisters like trash before.

Upon his change to protect Modesty from Mary Lou's wrath, he slaughtered her and enjoyed her screams of pain and almost was disappointed when she died. Modesty fleeing (unaffected by the Delirium) while Credence attacked Chastity, severely injuring her, but she survives unknown to him.

Mr Graves came to Credence, believing it was Modesty that caused the attacks despite the blood all over the scared boy. Calling him a lowly Kinfolk, wolf blood but no blessing from Gaia, he was nothing but to be used to breed better and more superior garou.

This made Credence lose all care and gave into rage. Tearing across New York and barely any Garou could stop him as he caused delirium. Only Newt got through to him, helping the boy become his homid self again. But the Garou packs of New York attempted to kill Credence because he was out of control, broke rules he didn't understand, and was mistaken for a Metis.

He survived. Searched out who he is and what tribe he belongs to. Eventually joining Grindelwald, the one that tossed him away at one time but he didn't know this. Grindelwald's plan is to reveal the Garou nation and rule over the humans so they would stop destroying themselves, Gaia, and helping the Wyrm.

Credence took the name Aurelius. And finally reunites with his father after revealing Grindelwald's plot which Grindelwald nearly kills the younger wolf.

He is still pretty much a lone wolf, and more often walks around Hogsmeade in Lupus form. He is a proud Uktena/Ghost Council member and happy to be a Philadox of the nation that, while he prefers solitude, he can provide some advice or someone to talk to without giving advice if they wish it.

[extremereader]

New crackship: Mary Lou Barebone x Phillip Wittebane

I mean, think about it! They hate witches, they both run a cult, and they both abuse innocent boys who didn't do shit to them.

[dragoneyes618]

Credence cares for Modesty.

A lot.

She may only have been his adopted sister for a few years (at eight years old, Modesty still remembered where she used to live, so she probably wasn't younger than four) but he still loves her.

He stood up to Mary Lou to her, and lied to protect her from being punished. Mary Lou, his adoptive mother, who terrified him, who had such a hold over him that he, a strong young adult man, would give her his own belt and let her hit him with it. Yet he tried to protect Modesty from her.

And then, when his Obscurus brought his home tumbling down, Modesty survived. Mary Lou was killed, of course, but Chastity was as well, even though she was not involved. But Modesty fled unharmed.

This is why I believe that Modesty survived the Obscurus attack in the abandoned building as well. I do not believe that Credence can harm her, not even his Obscurus, not even unconsciously. For a long time, she was the only person he truly cared for.

[thatsecondsalemboy]

The older man was right of course. All of his life he'd been mistreated, beaten for something he couldn't control any more than he could have stopped breathing. He'd been a child and Mary Lou Barebone had seen fit to torment him. All he'd ever wanted was someone to care about him, even just one speck. To actually look at him and see who he was, rather than merely discounting him. To take just a moment for him, do something for him rather than with him.

For years he had told himself he'd deserved it. That he was a sinner, that he was bad, that he needed to repent and not be so horrid. It had taken time to understand that that was not the case. He had done bad things, it was true, but horrified as he had been at the time, now, looking back, he couldn't regret having ended Mary Lou's life. His only regrets were that Chastity had been caught in the crossfire and that it had frightened poor Modesty so.

But he had never deserved that. And then to be taken from one hellhole, to being manipulated under Grindelwald's wing. It had seemed like the only option he'd had, though now he knew otherwise. It was thanks to Ophiucus that he had escaped, and he doubted he could ever fully convey his gratitude.

"I'd like to practice," he said after a few moment's thought, focusing his gaze downward for a moment before pursing his lips, "but I think...I think I need to let it out first...if I don't, I'm not sure I could fully hold it back."

AURELIUS  |  thatsecondsalemboy

The anger had always festered in him really. Lurking in the depths of his soul, intermingling with his terror, with his pain and his loneliness, building and building until it had nowhere else to spill but out, screaming and churning. Causing destruction in its wake, howling ‘look at me, pay attention, please, for the love of god, help me!“ And yet there were very few who had ever paid attention to that, very few who had ever given him the time of day without some sort of false pretences buried in their eyes. So many who had seen fit to use him.

He could always feel it, the obscurus, coiling within him, like a beast caged within his chest, begging to be free. Sometimes it yowled and thrashed like a savage animal rattling the bars of its cage, other times it seemed to creep up on him, like a gentle encouragement to just let go, to let it take over and deal with whatever was hurting him.

For the moment it seemed to pace back and forth, not quite sated but not wholly intending to pounce, more restless than anything else, and it almost left him antsy, on edge, like there were pins and needles rolling through every part of him. It was frustrating, and he pushed a hand through his dark hair, his brow furrowed.

"I don’t even know why I’m angry,” he admitted, knowing there would be little judgement on the older man’s behalf, “It’s just…it’s just there. And I can’t quite shake it. Like it’s waiting.”

At least he was well aware of the anger that festered in his chest. In his own youth, long before he became the man known by most witches and wizards, Salazar had thought himself FREE. Free from the pain of his childhood, free from his family, free from all the misery and justifiable anger towards those that had wronged him and their kind. Even in his early years as a founder, Salazar had neglected that half of him. And then it had boiled over and brought havoc to the many. Not that the man had true REGRETS in his actions, he thought them well deserved. But all that pain had lingered in the shadows, waiting to be unleashed one day and it had severed most every tie he had made.

❝  I’ve quite the idea as to WHY. You’ve been through trauma, been used and hurt. Just because it isn’t happening now doesn’t mean you can’t still be angry. All you did was—— merely EXIST, you didn’t ask for any of this.  ❞  He hadn’t asked to be raised by some of the most wicked Muggles, he hadn’t asked to be brought in by that Grindelwald or hunted down by the Ministry. Certainly didn’t ask for the Obscurus resting within him. It was one of the many things that had drawn Salazar in to take the boy under his wing. But he was also very well aware that even though things seemed to be at PEACE now didn’t mean old feelings wouldn’t rise back up. Truthfully, the man had been expecting it at some point and now was probably just the tip of the iceberg.

Salazar was just happy he hadn’t unleashed everything as he did not wish to rebuild if the Obscurus was let loose within the manor.

A moment passed before Salazar was standing up, adjusting his jacket from shifting positions and the book he had held in hand set aside. He understood the pent up rage, was well acquainted with such emotions. And while he had no plans to STOP Aurelius if he chose a similar path of vengeance, the man was also seeking to give the boy resources and teachings he never had. Including an actual mentor that would UNDERSTAND him and not hurt like his own father had. Not that the man had been very good at teaching anyways, Salazar had learned most of his magic on his own.

❝  Allow me to be clearer: anger is not something you should be ashamed of. Not something to shove down for the sake of others and their comfort. You have every right to and are ALLOWED to be angry. I’ve even been known to channel it to make my spells stronger.  ❞  Aurelius didn’t have to bottle it up, the dark wizard wasn’t chastising him for simply feeling an emotion. That would be ridiculous.  ❝  So let me give you a choice: I can apparate us far away from here to a place you can let all of that anger and the obscurus loose without catastrophe. No one would be around. I daresay bottling it up can be quite the dangerous thing. Or we can practice your skills so you can try to channel it but be careful to not let your anger turn on me unless you want to end up hit by own of my curses. I only warn you because anger can be BLINDING and one can find anyone a threat.  ❞  

[reine-du-sourire]

In where Aurelius has a nightmare, and remembers his pasts.

Aberforth is trying so hard to dad, even with his slippers on the wrong feet.

[obscurebelief]

Seeing Lackadaisy to see what the hype is all about

And here comes the gangster speakeasy owning Credence (and Barebone Siblings) AU that no one wanted!

Aurelius being part of a wizard gangster era of the 1920s who thinks the prohibition is idiotic.

Credence owning a Speakeasy (and hopes his adopted mother is rolling in her grave more. Kind of an AU where he isn’t an Obscurial but still a witch)

The Barebone siblings turning the Second Salem Church into a front for a speakeasy after Mary Lou’s ‘unfortunate death’ (I want her to really roll in her grave so much okay?)

Aurelius well known by the magical community while it is a seen as a codename for the non-magic that deal with him for alcohol at their speakeasys. 

His is basically a: don’t snitch. Type of speakeasy. Those that attempt or threaten to are never heard from again. Aurors cannot come in and arrest anyone without a warrant, besides, most Aurors drink here while off duty. It is a: everyone is welcome, but screw around and get taught one hell of a lesson.

He takes no sides in this AU. He isn’t an acolyte or works with ‘the bad’ nor does he work with ‘the good’. He’s neutral and just tends to his business. He will later choose Dumbledore’s side only because of Newt and his dearest friend Tina.

To no-maj, he is probably a gangster of sorts along with his siblings. To the magical world he is just Aurelius or Credence, speakeasy owner that likes his solitude.

The Second Salem Church was more or less converted as well to a place where in the day, it’s a soap place and shelter for all ages that need some food or clothing. By night when everything is closed up, it’s a speakeasy. At times it is for magical kind, other times it is for non-magic only. If magic folk want to come in during non-magic times they must not show their magic unless it’s in very dire circumstances (ex. ambush from Aurors without cause or a warrant).

The doors to the speakeasy is hidden in the day, and anyone wanting to check out the doors will find that it is just a place for cleaning supplies.

When they are out getting their alcohol, Modesty (18*) is the driver that knows how to fix or steal vehicles when in need, Chastity (25) is more of the negotiator followed by shooter when they are being cheated or set up, Credence (22, alias: Aurelius) is the other shooter either with magic or a gun, and he rarely gives people a second chance to do it again and he isn’t exactly the talker, just the owner and has only a kindness to his siblings, father and uncle, and some friends.

He sometimes sells Queenie and Jacob’s pastries and gives them a percentage, not saying who makes the pastries to keep them out of trouble. He does often say how much they love them though.

*18 was the legal age to drink prior to the 1970s in New York. I don’t condone it, but just saying it was before people yell at me ;_; 

[uneasywolf]

god I love barebones family so much, their story is so tragic 💔 it hurts

[obscurebelief]

Shows Aurelius wasn't an idiot like most of this town. Then again, he was more of an outsider than anyone, bother literal and figuratively, not belonging and alone in a crowd. And the Obscurus was not liking the feeling of something else looking at it or it's host for that matter, but it relaxed for Aurelius' sake. Indeed, he would notice something was wrong with Billy. Asshole was one thing, everything was off. He was reminded of enough horror stories around the fire of someone looking like a person but it was off. Hell even the voice was off. You know I liked it better when it looked like he wanted to burn a hole into me over smiling at me like this. Actually he was reminded of the Imperious Curse, where the victim looked to happy, so happy to listen to whatever the caster wanted them to do. Well, if Billy was cursed it would've been a little funny for a minute but no, this wasn't it.. he himself was the only one able to do that unless some other witch was around. No, not a curse, it wouldn't make the Obscurus react nor make the hair on the back of his neck stand on end.

The unnatural smile made him focus on the nose over the blue eyes. As if afraid he'd stare to long and something bad would happen. And the laugh and words felt like some messed up joke that he didn't get. "... well, whatever you say." The fuck? Why did he act like it was some joke? He wasn't totally buying it unless Billy was really aiming to make sure smart people stayed far away? Well, he was acing it. Brown eyes tried to look again, but he couldn't see anything off even though the parasite inside did but wasn't permitting it's host to see it.

The laugh was far too cold. What the hell's going on? And why the hell was he the first one to notice when something's a miss? Couldn't have been anyone else.

The words that came made him feel like an ass now. He wanted to counter the point. But this wasn't the time or place. Billy was young, he could change, he wasn't Mary Lou Barebone, Chastity, or gods forbidden Gellert Grindelwald.

No, Billy could change. Though suddenly? Over like a few days? Like that was that easy. It was wrong, Billy's whole person was wrong. Even the shrug looked partly forced. "Maybe it is. But..." He couldn't finish given he would sound like a crazy person. 'but Billy would not smile like this or act so off putting.' He glanced around again, once again feeling alone in his worries.

It's not our problem, but you're not letting this go are you? The Obscurus voiced it's own deep words in his head, almost a deep growl. Of all things, it's a pain in the ass that's making you want to act?

'Pain in the ass' is looking at me like some doppelganger of the real said 'pain in the ass' soooo yeah, not letting it go. Least I can do is tell miss Eleven.

The Obscurus groaned in the boy's head but let it be and seemed to just go back into a sort of slumber more like a cat than a dangerous parasitic monster.

"It's worse when I miss that it looked like my existence pissed him off." He thought accidentally out loud.

"... 'assholes' don't change in a few days, Billy. And well, if you are trying to change then good for you, it is a good thing, yes." Finally he looks back at Billy's eyes, staring into them. As if trying to see something, a hint of anything that something proved nothing was like they seemed.

Yep, he needed to talk to Eleven. Maybe it is just Billy being weird as hell, or hell, maybe he can talk to Max and see if Billy was having a midlife crisis at eighteen or whatever his age was... yeah, when that sounded more reasonable.

"Well, I took up your time long enough. I should go and let you creep out other people. I need to talk to some other people anyway.." And yet the feeling he got that leaving Billy be was both a mistake and a relief. Like turning his back was the stupidest thing he'd do. "... do be cautious of the rats by the way, something is making them act very unnatural" Okay, now he sounded crazy but at least that was how he was normally.

Everything was somehow setting Aurelius' instincts on edge. Everything was wrong, it was like something or someone was trying to be Billy but failing miserably. But also, the instinct he had may have helped him sense something was wrong. The behavior was off, no temper, no snark, hell even a look of glaring death would have been welcome. And he saw the blue eyes... no, something was wrong.

And he stared, just staring at the lifeguard. The Mind Flayer seeing the Obscurus under the young man's skin, deep inside of him, hidden, but Aurelius was in control. Two monsters unintentionally seeing each other while the boy was oblivious as to why he and it felt unnerved. And that smile... it didn't belong to Billy. Nothing belonged to Billy but the face and body but even that seemed off. And the voice startled him out of his stare and it was to late to look away and act like he wasn't staring. Why was everyone seeing this as Billy? This wasn't the snarky, fiery tempered life guard that yelled at people.

"Sorry, I um, I was staring off into space and accidentally wound up staring at you without intention to." He lied quickly and looked down, trying to look embarrassed. The comment was wrong, he wanted to hear a few cusses and threats at least. And he noticed for sure. He had tried staying out of what was happening in Hawkins, but something about this, it felt like something was finally screaming at his cowardly ass to intervene or at least join a side.

And Aurelius tried to look, like really look. It was as if he struggled to see Billy or what was going on. The Obscurus had gone dormant inside himself when it seemed to not see a threat.

Two monsters seeing each other without their hosts able to see the monsters-- also when the hell did Billy button up his shirts? He'd accept that the guy was being a weirdo but dressing like some weird gentleman? Yeah, no.

"Are you sure you're okay, Billy? You seem.. different somehow?" Somehow was the understatement. He wanted to talk to Eleven about this, but he barely knew her outside of them knowing they had powers. Something was so off, to off for him to ignore anymore...