04. Concerned
Theo sat in the dark sitting room, what little light there was from the fire reflecting off his face as he studied the ice in his scotch glass. He wasn’t stupid. He knew from the moment his mark started getting darker the year before it was not something that could be ignored. Which was proven quite quickly. Traitors and deserters were all treated the same. Lucky ones were merely killed.
Simply backing out wasn’t an option, Theo had a family he had to think about now. He worked very hard to keep his illicit past from Holly, he was almost positive she would have never married him had she known. But even then, when they got married, it was in the past, something that didn’t interfere with his daily life anymore. Of course things could never stay that simple.
Fifteen years ago, he lived for this. The lying and scheming. It took talent to convince those around you that you were something you were not. That late night tasks for the Dark Lord, was really mundane overtime at the Ministry. But now, Theo no longer found it thrilling. It was merely stressful and causing his hair to grow grey. Fortunately he was at the very least good at what he did, and he found a way out. The tricky part was putting into place.
He was pulled from his thoughts as the couch cushion dipped next to him and the sound of his wife’s voice. “Hmm?”
“I asked if Iris was sleeping. I sincerely hope she is, as you are drinking.” Holly said inclining her head at the glass in his hand.
“She is. I put her down not to long ago.” he said taking a sip from his glass.
“Is everything alright? You’ve been acting off lately.” she did her best to keep how truly concerned she was out of her voice.
“Everything is fine, I’m just overworked. And unfortunately, I have to go take care of some business.” He said kissing Holly on the temple.
“So late?” Holly said watching him stand.
“Believe me, if were my choice, I wouldn’t even go.” He stole another kiss, this time on the lips. “But this is the last time, I promise.” Tonight, the Dark Lord would finally have the damned prophecy and would finally get his hands on that stupid boy and while he was busy basking in his victory, Theo would take the opportunity to take his family and leave the country. He wouldn’t be missed.