obscurials

Obscurials are witches and wizards who suppress their magic, either consciously or unconsciously, due to trauma or abuse. This suppression causes their magic to manifest as a dark, parasitic entity known as an Obscurus. Obscurials are often unaware of their condition, as the Obscurus becomes a part of them, draining their life force and acting out in destructive ways. The more severe the trauma, the more powerful and dangerous the Obscurus becomes.

The Obscurus typically appears as a dark cloud of energy, capable of causing significant destruction and even possessing its host. Individuals who develop an Obscurus are known as Obscurials. It is believed that the likelihood of developing an Obscurus diminishes with age; Obscurials are rarely seen after the age of ten, as the Obscurus is usually fatal by then. However, there have been rare cases, such as Credence Barebone, who survived into adulthood with a fully formed Obscurus.

The existence and nature of Obscurials were once largely unknown to the wider wizarding world, considered a myth or a rare phenomenon. However, the events surrounding Credence Barebone and the International Statute of Secrecy brought greater attention to these individuals. Treatment for Obscurials is extremely difficult, as the Obscurus is intrinsically linked to the host. In cases where the Obscurus is successfully removed, the Obscurial can potentially go on to live a normal magical life, though the psychological impact of their trauma and the Obscurus's existence can be profound.