He thought it would be easier with Magda knowing of his dealings with Lamont. But it wasn’t. Every time he got called out to a job he knew Magda knew. He didn’t have to say it. Jeremy would slip from the house at random hours. Often times Magda would wake to him getting home or leaving in the middle of the night. Not that Jeremy slept much; since Azkaban, he had a hard time sleeping.
The lifestyle was weighing on Jeremy. He tried his best to not let it affect his home life, however. If he could help it, he was home on time after work and spent as much time as he could with Magda and Kevin. He knew him leaving, and Magda knowing what for, was causing her understanding to wane.
Tonight was just like any other night. Jeremy was to meet a contact and give him further instructions for Lamont. It was to happen in Knockturn Alley. It was one of the things that was against his parole, but it had to be done. Lamont was too much of a threat for him.
Kevin was getting big now and so he was fun to play with. Jeremy could really get him giggling. He hated having to put him to bed. They got him to sleep though. After spending some time with Magda, he played with her hair in bed until she fell asleep and then he slipped out from beneath her and quietly crept out of their small flat when it was time for him to meet the contact.
Knockturn Alley was quiet at this time of night. Of course it was. It was past curfew. Jeremy stayed in the shadows and had his hood drawn. He turned at a slight movement and suddenly his contact was there. Jeremy slipped him the information and then, without a word, the contact was gone. Breathing in relief that everything was finished, Jeremy turned to go, but before he could apparate, his wand was flying from his hand and he was facing a pair of aurors.
“I didn’t do anything!” Jeremy protested, as he was hauled to the ministry for the third time in his life. Parker Hall raised a brow and frowned, shaking his head.
“After curfew and in Knockturn Alley of all places. Don‘t tell me you didn‘t do anything!”
Another auror entered and handed Parker a file, no doubt on Jeremy. Staring, Jeremy tried to find a way out of this. “Knockturn isn’t off limits though,” he scrambled.
Parker had opened the file he was given and was reading it. His eyes flashed onto the young man before him. He read a couple more sentences before shaking his head. “It is for you.” He threw the file onto the table. It hit with a slap and slid close to Jeremy. His eyes widened and he looked at the auror, confused.
“It’s part of your parole agreement. You know that - you signed the paperwork. I know you’re not stupid enough to of forgotten that…even if you didn’t, it does not excuse you from being out past curfew.”
“Look,” Jeremy started after some silence, licking his lips. “It’s not…I mean…I can explain.”
“Please do…enlighten me.” Jeremy stared and swore, running a hand through his hair. They both knew he wasn’t about to explain.“That’s what I thought,” Parker snapped. “You had your chances, plenty of them. You do know what this means, don‘t you?”
Jeremy did. Azkaban. He was going back. He felt sick. He looked down at his left hand and fingered his wedding ring. Things were different now. “Isn’t there anything…I have a wife and son!” Jeremy exclaimed, his eyes flashing onto the auror.
Parker didn’t think this kid was a hard-core criminal, but…, “The laws the law. You knew what you were doing. You are not getting out of this,” was all he could offer the young lad.
Jeremy groaned and ran his hands over his face. He really felt like crying. “How long?” he asked through gritted teeth.
Parker glanced through his paper work for a brief moment and did the math. “A month, maybe more…maybe less.”
Jeremy swore again. There was a heavy silence and then he looked the auror straight in the eye. He had noticed that the man was married, he saw the ring on his finger. Jeremy spoke in a strained voice. “Can I…can I at least see my wife and son before…” he couldn’t finish the sentence.
Usually they weren’t allowed. Usually they were just carted off and then the family was informed. Parker reviewed the file for a brief second and shrugged. “I can’t make any guarantees.”
His heart pounding, misery already taking over him, Jeremy nodded. Horror slowly filtered through him. Magda was going to kill him. He was going to miss Kevin so much….and Azkaban…he shuddered just thinking about it.




