He had come to take his leave of her. She held her crying daughter in her arms, and begged him not to go.
"Tom, please. Not an entire family. Not a child no older than Tolly. Not a defenceless young couple. Please."
He ignored her.
"I am leaving, Julia," he informed her, "look after the little brat, and do not leave the house. And if you question me again, I'll perform the cruciatus curse on our daughter, and make you watch. Or better still, I'll make you do it yourself."
Then he Disapparated, and she dropped to her knees and howled, thinking of that innocent couple, who loved each other and spent each day happy, and the baby doomed to die in just a few moments. Rufus ran in and wrapped his arms around her and the baby, and stoked her hair.
"It will be alright," he promised, "I won't let him hurt you or Tolly."
"But what about them?" she wailed, "what about the Potters?"
Her brother let go of her as if she were too hot to touch, and a hard look came onto his face.
"They are our enemies, Julia," he answered, "they deserve death."
Then he stood up and left the room.
Vee was sitting in his crib, cackling about something. He was an odd baby.
Then Tom entered, and he kissed her on the cheek, and then lifted the child out of the cot and bounced him up and down and spoke to him, attempting to say a meaningful goodbye.
"I will be back shortly, Lyra," he explained, "keep an eye on my darling boy for me, and when I return I will have neutralised a great threat."
She nodded and smiled as he handed the baby back to her.
"Be safe,Tom, and..." she trailed off, trying to think of a way to tell him that if he did not come back, it would sadden her. Eventually she shook her head, placed her son back in his bed and turned to Tom.
"I love you," she whispered. Tom looked embarrassed and looked at the walls, the ceiling, Vee, anything but her.
"Well...I, that is - I will see you tomorrow, Lyra."
And he hurried out of the room. She sighed and turned back to their child, trying to ignore the tears slowly rolling down her face.
What did you expect, you idiot? She thought, he is the Dark Lord. He does not love.