"Anything new, Lucius?" asked Voldemort.

"Dumbledore has upgraded the wards in Hogwarts castle, and it turns out he didn't actually-"

"My Lord, are you alright?" interrupted Bellatrix. "You're looking awfully pale."

"Of course, Bellatrix!" Voldemort snapped. It was a lie. He felt queasy, hot, and strangely tired, but he would never say it out loud. "Continue, Lucius."

"Potter has been showing signs of a dangerous advantage. Something that could…My Lord?"

Voldemort started to choke. Then he threw up onto his lap.

"Are you sick?" asked Draco.

"That's crazy," said Voldemort. "How could I possibly get sick?"

"You did somehow," said Bellatrix. "I think you should take the day off, my Lord."

"Wizards don't take sick days, Bellatrix," said Voldemort. He did, however, decide to take a small break to clean off his robes.