"Well? How did it go?."
After letting out a squeak, a voice managed to answer, "It is confirmed my-my lord, the mudblood witch is indeed pregnant with twins." His high-pitched voice and constant stammering would usually irritate him but his report instead stretched his mouth into a delighted twisted smile.
"That is certainly good news!," His loud voice rang throughout the dark room, he paused as he faced the short man again, "You are dismissed. Go, someone might see you here. I promise to give you the mark – you have certainly earned it." He smiled as he gently patted the person's shoulders as he marched to a spacious room.
"Call the others! Call the others!." He exclaimed his orders at everyone he meet on his way – his eyes shone merrily as his servants slowly filled the room, dropping on one knee once they caught sight of their lord.
"Rise." He commanded as everyone move in sync, he snapped his fingers as a long endless table filled with food appeared infront of the servant of them. "Sit." He instructed as he slid on the front chair.
"I've summoned each and every one of you as I have a great news to announce," he started. He didn't bother hiding his glee, "Was Dumbledore murdered?." A feminine voice enthusiastically interrupted as she broke into a series of laughter.
In normal circumstances he would've hexed anyone who dared to interrupt him, but he supposed he could let it pass, "Unfortunately, he was not." he chuckled as frown marred her pale face.
"This is something far greater than that," she immediately beamed as she leaned closer as if she was scared she might miss the announcement, "I will have an heir."
Startled gasps came from his servants, some even had their brows raised so disbelievingly. "That is . . . great news, indeed, my lord." someone said among them but he was too distracted to bother to know who it was.
"I will prepare a room for him – or her immediately –"
"No need, Bellatrix. I already have someone to take care of him," her lord's smile turn into sly smirk as he said those words, " – taking care of an infant is far too troublesome for us all. As he might also disrupt our plans with his constant need of attention."
As to while the dark lord and his servants converse to another subject, someone was still in disbelief and was having a hard time digesting the news – he couldn't believe that his lord would have a offspring. He suddenly wished that the baby inside his wife's womb would be a girl instead of a boy.
"Severus, my boy! Would you like some sweets?." Dumbledore still welcome him with open arms even though he had practically barged in unbidden.
"No, thank you." Severus politely declined as he also decline the seat the headmaster offered him, "I won't be long, Headmaster. The Dark Lord is having a feast and someone will surely noticed my absence."
"A feast you say? What for?."
"The Dark Lord is celebrating the near birth of his heir."
"An heir?." Dumbledore's voice may have stayed calm, he certainly wasn't successful of having his expression in check. "He didn't give any reason as to why he suddenly desire to have an heir, however, I've still thought that I should inform you immediately."
"It's definitely because of the prophecy." Dumbledore sigh defeatedly as he leaned on the cushioned chair, "Wasn't he planning to kill every infant that was born on the last day of the seventh month?."
Severus could practically see the gears turning inside the Headmaster's head, looking at every possibility and how this would affect their plans.
"Yes, he's planning to start with the Longbottoms." Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully as he twirl the end of his beard, "He's moving slower than usual." Severus voice his suspicions as Dumbledore locked gaze with him.
Severus really tried to maintain the eye contact but eventually he averted his eyes, he wasn't afraid of Dumbledore using Legilimens on him. He just can't stand those knowing eyes of the Headmaster's, as if he knew everything.
"Do you have any theories why he'd suddenly want a heir?." Dumbledore slowly brought the cup to his lips, his eyes was still staring at him.
"No, I do not."
The Headmaster sigh mournfully. "The best thing we should do now is to know who and where his heir is." Dumbledore concluded, as he closed his eyes for a while.
Just when they thought they were near on taking Voldemort down – something would happen and they'll need to start over again.
"The only thing I knew about the heir is that it would be a boy."
"That is a huge help already, Severus," Dumbledore muttered as he turned to the floo, "It'd be wise if you go now. Like you said someone might noticed your absence and become suspicious of you, we wouldn't want that to happen."
Severus nodded mutely as he throw a handful of powder on the fire as he silently wished that the green flame could just end his suffering.
This story was inspired by the many wonderful stories that I have read and enjoyed. Any similarities to existing stories is not intended. This is completely AU, meaning that the events into account and am I no means suggesting the material described in this story should be considered as a direct interpretation of cannon. Also, English is not my first language so I apologize in advance for any typos or errors, it would be much appreciated if someone would point them out.
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