Assignment
“You have an assignment,” the Dark Lord said to His servant. “One I wish you to carry out alone.”
“Who’s the target?” Audra asked, looking up from her bourbon. It was Halloween, and she was enjoying a smooth drink to celebrate the evening.
“Millicent Bagnold,” Voldemort stated plainly. Audra choked on her drink.
After recomposing herself and forcing the liquid down the correct pipe, she asked “the Minister of Magic?! So soon? Are we ready to take the Ministry?”
“With the death of the Minister, the Ministry will be mine,” He said, turning His back on Audra to gaze at the fire. Though cheery with flames, the study seemed to grow colder for Audra. She couldn’t kill the Minister, at least not on her own. She had thus far managed to keep from carrying out most of her orders; she always went on missions with Trappe, and he usually took care of the dirty. He never pushed her to kill, nor did her ever rat her out. But Voldemort wanted her to do this one alone, and such a high profile target; the Minister was sure to have an auror with her at all times.
“My Lord,” Audra said in attempt to decline, “why aren’t you taking this kill? Such an important target, I would think you’d want the glory.”
“I have, ah, other matters to attend to,” He replied, staring at the flames.
Audra set her bourbon down while considering His words. “I get the feeling that you’re not telling me something,” she said, looking at Him.
“And I shouldn’t have to tell you everything,” Voldemort replied. He turned His back to the flame and locked eyes with His servant. “As my servant it is your duty to carry out any orders given to you, or have you forgotten, since receiving that Mark?” He questioned, pointing at her exposed Dark Mark tattoo.
Audra stood. “I also didn’t become your Second-in-Command by not questioning your motives,” she said, sauntering towards Him.
“True,” He said, tapping His finger to His chin, “you’re also very persuasive in bed.”
“Then allow me to continue persuading,” she whispered, inclining His head down to hers. Their lips met, and Voldemort pulled her closer. After a long moment, she drew back and looked in His eyes. “Did it work?” she asked coyly.
A rare smile curved Voldemort’s lips. “Quite.”
“Then what are you not telling me?” she seductively whispered.
Voldemort’s fingers played with her hair as He said, “I have to eliminate the competition.”
Audra gave Him a puzzling look. “Dumbledore?” He shook His head. Audra thought before asking, “Potter?” She received a confirming nod. “But, my Lord, we both know how well protected the boy is. The Potters have gone into hiding; for all we know Dumbledore could be their Secret Keeper! My Lord, it’s a suicide mission.”
Voldemort smiled. “I know who their Secret Keeper is.”
“If it’s not Dumbledore, then it’s Black. And I know for a fact that he’d rather die than betray James and Lily.” Audra said, as she began pacing.
“And please, pray tell, how you would know that,” Voldemort’s voice grew cold as His eyes followed Audra’s movements.
Audra stopped and glared at the Dark Lord. “If you’re implying that I’m in cahoots then you’ve got the wrong person. I’m merely recalling what I remember of them at school. I was in the same house and year as them after all,” she added. Oh please don’t figure out that he’s my husband she thought frantically. Voldemort seemed to accept her answer, for He turned back towards the fire.
“I need you to be finished before I get back,” He instructed, watching the flames. “With Potter out of the way, I can claim the Ministry of Magic without opposition.” Audra had joined Him on the hearth before He added, “don’t get caught.”
Audra laughed. “No worries about that. Would you like me to make it look natural or intentional?”
“Whichever,” Voldemort replied. He pulled her into another embrace and she accepted His passionate kiss. A knock on the door interrupted the moment. “Go. Now,” He said as He gently pushed her away.
Audra crossed the room and opened the door. “Move,” she growled at the hooded man standing on the other side. The short man quickly jumped aside, and Audra heard the door close behind him before she took off running.