"Silence~~~"
Snape's voice rang through the long, low-ceilinged Slytherin Common Room, and the chattering snakes fell quiet.
"Prefects, count the students and make sure everyone is here. Everyone else, sit down and keep quiet."
The snakes found places to sit. Those who couldn't find a seat sat on the carpet.
The Prefects began taking attendance. Apart from their voices, the only sound was the crackling charcoal in the fireplace.
"Headmaster Snape." Draco walked up to Snape and asked quietly, "What happened in the Chamber of Secrets after we left?"
Snape looked at Draco with a grim expression and said nothing.
Draco smiled awkwardly and turned to return to his seat.
Just then, however, a noise came from one side of the fireplace.
"Boom."
The wall hung with a medieval tapestry swung aside, drawing everyone's attention.
"Clack, clack, clack..."
Footsteps sounded, and soon three figures appeared.
Snape's eyes widened in astonishment. Draco looked just as incredulous.
As for the other students, most looked astonished and confused.
"Severus."
The students watched as the man at the front stepped forward and slowly extended his left hand.
No one understood what he meant until their Head of House hesitated, then slowly walked forward.
"Welcome back, Dark Lord."
Snape knelt on one knee and kissed Voldemort's left hand.
"Boom~~"
The quiet dungeon erupted into an uproar.
Some students backed away in fear, while others asked their classmates in astonishment if they had heard correctly.
But most gazed up at the Dark Lord with excitement.
"Silence."
Voldemort spoke, his voice reverberating like a bell through the narrow dungeon.
The students covered their ears in pain and only lowered their hands, somewhat frightened, when the sound faded.
"Severus." Voldemort looked at Snape. "According to our traditions, shouldn't you introduce me to everyone?"
In England, introducing oneself was