"My dear Lucius," Voldemort purred after Heolstor's disappearance, "whatever is that look for?"
Lucius turned towards his newly transformed lord, removing the distaste from his expression. "He was a most obnoxious child, my lord.", he said, discomfited by the knowing look he was met with.
Voldemort sobered and gestured to them both to sit before saying, "You are my two best minds. Tell me your impressions of our young friend."
"He is very different, my lord." Severus began. "He came to my office first, and treated me as an equal. When Dumbledore showed up, as he does, Potter manipulated him with easily as much skill as Dumbledore usually shows. He certainly did not show as much power in front of him, that I saw, as he showed here. He likened his mastery to my own, which seems a bit unlikely considering his past performance in my class."
Feeling a bit curious, Voldemort reached out along their connection, as he had done countless times in that past year, and was met with what felt like a thick, dark fog, which parted at a touch. Heolstor?
He felt some startlement, and then, I had wondered whether the weakness was on both sides. It seems that our connection is very deep indeed. But, that is not why you are here.
Severus was wondering about your comment on mastery. Voldemort felt a silken glide of laughter.
Perhaps I was a bit vain to compare my work to his. My specialty in his field is Blood Potions, and beyond that my talent is rather ordinary. Dark Arts, though, I can claim some expertise. After all, you did read of my work in Salazar's journal.
Feeling Voldemort's surprise, he returned with some sorrow, I have his others, and I am mentioned often, especially in the early years after my departure. Cool regret, and then, Do return if you like; I fear that otherwise I will have a dearth of intelligent conversation.
Voldemort then felt being gently pushed out through the fog again, before returning fully to his own mind. Looking at his concerned companions, he said lightly, "He says that he has no great talent in potions beyond those related to Blood Magic, but I have some record of his work in the Dark Arts, in a journal of Slytherin's. He has also mastered Occlumency and Legilimency."
"His silent and wandless casting are impressive.", added Lucius. "He also has discovered his metamorphmagy."
"Along with Blood Magic. It seems as though he has specialised in a number of esoteric and almost lost fields. He also performed feats that I had thought impossible. Formidable."
At that, Voldemort let it rest, wanting to ponder the enigma his young former adversary had become.
