His followers filed into the dimly lit room, and took their seats at the marble table. All turned to face the man with the snake-like eyes at the head of the table. Then he spoke. "I have a piece of rather important information as conveyed by our new member Severus…"

"A seer by the name of Trelawney has prophesized that I'm to be defeated by a boy born at the end of this July, to parents who have thrice fought against our cause. I've come to the conclusion that the family that the prophecy refers to is… the Potters."

At the mention of "The Potters", Snape's neck jerked further upright. A wave of fear flooded his system, and his muscles tightened throughout his body. He could not control the trembling of his left hand. He fought to formulate something intelligible to say to his Master about the situation.

"Forgive me My Lord, but the prophecy seems… ambiguous about which child it refers to. The Longbottoms have a son due at the end of July as well. Would it not be prudent to perhaps… bade our time, to ensure that… we have made the right choice?"

The snake-like eyes pierce into Snape's black eyes, seeming to consider his advice. Snape tried not to flinch and remain composed, but he was sure that his Master had uncovered his true motivations behind his words. The man at the head of the table slowly broke into a smile, which gave way to a slightly chilling laugh. "I'm sure of my choice, Severus. And I have no patience for waiting. If it so happens that I kill the wrong child… Then, all we have to do is… kill the other one."

Voldemort's callous regard for life chilled something within Snape's chest. Not for the first time, Snape internally questioned his decision to become a Death Eater. As Snape tried to process Voldemort's intentions, his Master continued, "Your… intense love for the muggleborn… is interesting, Severus."

At this revelation, the side conversations around the table dissipated at once. Everyone silently considered the two men, wondering which direction this conversation would take, and curious as to whom the muggleborn in question was. Snape released a breath of air from his pale lips, and swallowed.

"My lord…"

"Seeing as you conveyed to me this important prophecy, I shall do as you so… wish. Or at least, do my best to. However, do not blame me for her death should she not cooperate, Severus."

Snape, taken aback by Voldemort's unseemly generosity, could only muster a shaky bow of his head.