Imperius
"How was work?" my wife asks me as we sit down to dinner.
I didn't go to work today
. "It was fine. How was your day?""Busy. I went to Gringotts, then to get some new robes."
I spied on a Ministry employee.
"You're always buying new robes.""Oh, I know, but they were so pretty, and it was such a good bargain; I couldn't help it!"
I couldn't help spying.
"You'll have to show me.""Are you feeling all right, dear. You seem a bit…off."
I'm not myself
. "I'm just tired, that's all.""Well, maybe you should go to bed right after dinner."
Maybe after I do, I'll be sent out again on some other mission.
"That sounds perfect. You know, I'm not really that hungry after all." My stomach is growling. "I think I'll go right now.""Goodnight, dear." She kisses my cheek.
Farewell, love. I don't know if I'll see you again
. I walk upstairs to bed, but instead of sleeping, I transfigure a robe in my closet to make it look like I am wearing it, then I slip it under my sheets. If my wife comes in, she will think I am asleep.It is cold and I am not wearing a cloak
. I walk outside and into the alley so no one will see or hear me Apparate. POP! I am now inside the Ministry building, where people are preparing to leave."Good evening, Chris," my target says to me.
It is not a good evening
. "Are you leaving?""Yes, going home to my wife and kids."
No you're not
. "What a coincidence! I'm leaving, too. Let's walk together. I haven't talked to you in a while.""I didn't know you worked here. What Department?"
You're right. I work in Hogsmeade cleaning toilets.
"Department of Mysteries.""Oh, right. Not supposed to ask about that." We walk into the lift going up towards the surface. "Say, want to have dinner with us tonight? My wife's making pot roast!"
I hate pot roast.
"My favorite! Thank you for the invitation." We arrive on the street."My house is just a few blocks away. I usually walk. It seems so silly to Apparate only that far."
You won't even get that far.
"I agree."We walk down the street. It is dark and the street lamps are just coming on. We come to an alley. "I usually go down here. It's a shortcut. I wouldn't go down there alone with everything going on, but we're together and it really is much faster."
I wouldn't go alone or with someone else, these days. Trust no one.
"No one would dare attack two of us."We walk down the alley. There are no lights. A cat brushes against my leg. I take out my wand.
"Hey…what are you doing, Chris?" There is fear in his voice.
Goodbye, Alan
. "Avada Kedavra."I have killed. It is not the first time. I am sure it is not the last time. But do not blame me. I cannot help it. I am controlled by the Imperius Curse.
