RIDDLER ON THE ROOF.
I. Prologue. 1980.
I knew something especially amazing was going to happen when the Dark Lord called me to him.
Slowly, but surely, carefully, Vera inched down the dark hallway, a smug grin playing on her lips. Thoughts raced through her mind like freight trains. The Dark Lord had always favored the blonde beauty over all his other elite Death Eaters, so the meeting at hand couldn't possibly be anything worth fearing. Still, the bombshell could not ignore the feeling of dread brewing in the back of her brain. It wasn't as if she and the Dark Lord had any sort of companionship. The man feared no one, loved no one, and was all-powerful. He did not find a companion in Veramunde DuPont. He simply favored her for her immense loyalty and remarkable ability.
Finally, after what seemed like millenniums, Vera reached the Dark Lord's chamber. The door was tall and menacing and it sucked her dry of all confidence. She sucked in deep breaths, feeling queasier as time went by. She braced her hand against the decorative wood designs and gripped the brass knob with her other.
"What are you waiting for? Enter,"
The door flew open and there the snake-like Lord sat at the very end of the dimly lit black and crimson chamber. He was almost king-like, perched there in his throne. He crooked his finger towards her, wagging it and signaling for her to come closer. She did as the Dark Lord asked, stepping close until Vera was only inches away. He held up his hand, telling her to halt in all movements, and she did so. "I have plans," he hissed. "Great plans. Plans that will change the entire course of the world, Vera-dear,"
Vera squint her eyes and set her jaw. She nodded slowly, feeling the Dark Lord's power coursing through her veins. He was certainly giving her a great task to complete and she would go forth and complete it in his name, with her head held high. "Yes, my Lord. Whatever you wish shall be your command,"
"Good," he said, reaching out for my stomach. He pressed lightly and Vera could feel a tingly sensation deep in her gut.
"Congratulations, Veramunde!" She raised an eyebrow and cocked her head to the side. "You're pregnant! With triplets!" he laughed.
"…Is this some kind of joke?" Vera asked, her eyes searching for some form of jesting. She had never heard the Dark Lord laugh, must less heard him sound amused.
"No," he said, all laughter ceasing. "I have great things planned for the girls in your womb, great things!" Voldemort laughed maniacally. "Go!" he shouted, flinging his hand toward the exit. "Go bear children! Endure whatever hell your hormones decide to put you through! We shall discuss visitation rights in the near future,"
"Visitation rights?" Vera asked incredulously.
"Well, of course! I may want to bring them here for a nice ice cream. Or perhaps a jellybean luncheon. Or maybe to teach them spells and whatnot. They're my children too, Veramunde."
Vera's eyes grew wide and her nose snarled as she turned on her heal and headed toward the chamber door. Great task to complete, my ass.
