Babysitters

Chapter 24

THEODORE NOTT

I really wish I could tell Veronica about everything. I promised Mattheo I wouldn't speak a word about the marriage to her, that I'd leave it to Voldemort and her father, but that doesn't mean that I don't constantly have the urge to.
Every time I even think about her getting married with Tom I feel the need to throw up. I absolutely hate the fact that at some point, I will have to break this bubble we're in. We've been so much closer lately, and it's driving me insane knowing that this can't go on forever.
On top of that, I've gotten a new task from Voldemort. It was given to me and Lorenzo both so Voldemort could get his damn artifact quicker.
He didn't give us too much information about the task, just the bare minimum to complete it. We have to find a magical artifact. I don't know what it does or why Voldemort wants it so bad, I've only seen a picture of it. We're going to start searching it tomorrow, which means I won't have much time to spend at the manor anymore.
I'll barely see her after tomorrow.
Until the artifact is found, we won't be having free time. We'll obviously start looking from Borgin and Burkes, but I doubt we'll find it that easily. Voldemort doesn't give out easy tasks.

I tried to focus on some more positive things, like Veronica who was sitting next to the bonfire we made, curled up under an oversize towel. She looked gorgeous.
The sun had already set completely and the air was much cooler now. The bonfire cast a light surrounding us, dancing on the sand all around. The cracking sound made by the fire only added to the already calm atmosphere.
I looked around for a bit, hoping Veronica and me were the only ones sitting by the fire so I could try to strike up a conversation, but no. Of course, Tom was sitting opposite of me, reading a book like always. He couldn't be bothered to join all the others who were playing volleyball closer to the water. I sighed and went back to looking Veronica. I could swear, she was glowing, and it was not because of the light the fire provided.
She always has this aura full of positiveness and love surrounding her, like an actual angel. The best thing is, that she also spread it to others. I've sensed it multiple times. Whenever I'm feeling down, whether it be because of the tasks Voldemort gives us or the grief over my mother that often hits in huge waves like a tsunami, she makes it better. The air around her consumes me too, leaving me all flustered and giggly, making me feel like a schoolgirl having a crush. I try to cover it up the best I can because I'm afraid I'll scare her away, that I'm moving forward too soon. We haven't even kissed yet but my thoughts become messy around her. Just her being near me makes me feel calm again. She's like a drug I know I'm already addicted to, even though I shouldn't because soon she'll be taken from me.

"Theo? Are you okay?"
I raised my eyes to meet hers, the girl's who had been the main subject of my thoughts for the last ten minutes. The way she had curled up under the towel to maintain warmer made her look so... vulnerable. It brought a sense of protectiveness I didn't even know was in me to the surface. Although I do know that she's no damsel in distress, no. She can very much handle her own and that makes her appear even more attractive in my eyes.
"I'm alright," I responded, trying to appear as calm as I could because I could feel Tom's eyes studying me from the other side of the fire. "Are you?"
"Yeah." She let out a small sigh that softened the gaze I held on her all the more. She turned her eyes back on the fire, away from me once again, much to my disappointment. "It's nice to actually spend some time out of—there."
I could hear the relief in her tone, making me wonder. I took a breath while keeping my eyes strictly on her as if she could disappear the second I turned away. "It really is."
I knew exactly what she meant. The constant presence of Voldemort in the manor gave most people an uncomfortable feeling. Regardless if you could see him or not, you always sensed it. The dark magic radiated from the house miles away, making most unwanted beings turn around before they could even see the house. The first time I stepped my foot there, I felt it too. The dread that crept from your joints with no apparent reason, not leaving you alone until you were far enough from the milieu.
Now I can't recognize the feeling anymore. I got used to it over time and it slowly faded away, and when I was forced to have the dark mark inked onto my left forearm, it stopped completely. After that day, I always carried a piece of that magic with me, suddenly I was the one radiating the very same dread onto everybody else. It wasn't a fate I wanted in the first place, no, I wanted to stay as far away from it as I could. Unfortunately, given to who my father is, I didn't get a choice in the matter.

My eyes lingered on her as the sweet voice spoke again. "Aren't you cold?"
"No, not really." The wet swimming shorts I was wearing were indeed a bit cold, but she didn't have to know that. The towel I brought with me wouldn't help much yet either, since Draco had 'accidentally' dropped it into the lake. I had laid it a bit closer to the fire earlier to let it dry, but as I brushed a hand against it the feeling of soaked textile was still evident.
Veronica frowned. "Are you sure? You look like you are."
"No, I'm fine, seriously," I faked a quick laugh to make her stop worrying about it. This was supposed to be a relaxing trip for her as well as a moment for all of us spend time together for the last time before Enzo and I had to begin the task.
Suddenly she stood up. "I don't believe you, Teddy." She took a few steps before flopping down beside me. I shivered at the sensation of our sides brushing against each other as she settled the towel over both our shoulders, leaning onto me.
So close.
I chuckled a bit at her persistent attitude, but my mind had caught onto her words.
"Teddy."
Only my mother had ever called me that. It brought back memories, but this time they weren't painful. Usually all thoughts and memories of my passed mother made me grieve over the loss of her, but this time, I remembered her with warmth. I felt lucky and proud I've once had such an amazing mother, even if she wasn't here anymore. All the memories of her flooded through my mind, filling me with warmth and joy.
I smiled to myself, but the smile was because of her. A genuine smile was plastered onto my face for the first time in a long time as I wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her, and the warmth she brought close.
I kissed the top of her head gently. "You're so sweet, tesoro."
I couldn't give a damn about the burning look Tom sent me, because I had made up my mind already. I wouldn't give her up. I'd fight if I have to, but I wouldn't let Tom take the one thing that showed me light in the usual darkness I lived in. We'd get through this. Together, we'd find a way to avoid the marriage.
With her, I felt strong again. I could do anything.
I would do anything, for her.

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A/N:
Hello loves 💕
A new chapter :) I hope you like it. I wish you all a nice week, I hope you get to do things you enjoy.
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