The visitor could not possibly have been an Auror.
Nor could it have been the Ministry of Magic conducting an inspection to see whether Voldemort had crossed any lines.
It was merely a Death Eater with something to report.
"Hmm?"
Voldemort's movements abruptly halted.
A flash of irritation at being disturbed passed through his scarlet eyes, but there was more cold sharpness than annoyance. He knew that unless it was something of utmost importance, his servants would never dare interrupt him at such a time.
"Enter."
Voldemort hissed, his voice echoing through the Chamber of Secrets. The stone door slid open a crack, and Yaxley's face, slightly pale with tension, peered in.
He saw Voldemort standing beside the unfinished magic circle, which had already begun to emit an ominous aura, along with the "materials" scattered around it—things that made one's mind recoil from merely looking at them.
The Death Eater's heart lurched, and he hurriedly lowered his head, his voice trembling with reverence and urgency.
"Master! My deepest apologies for disturbing you! But... there is urgent intelligence!"
He concealed his fear.
"Speak." Voldemort's voice gave away no emotion.
"Our men... have just found the target at a Muggle night market near Blackfriars Bridge! That young black-haired wizard—the one who saved Jorkins this afternoon!"
Yaxley spoke rapidly. "And... and he isn't alone!"
He sounded eager to claim credit.
Voldemort's pupils contracted slightly. "Oh? Who is he with?"
Yaxley took a deep breath, seeming to steady himself, as though he found it difficult to believe himself. "It... it is Albus Dumbledore! And... and an old man with silver hair. Our men did not dare be completely certain, but from the description, he looks very much like... Gellert Grindelwald!" Not everyone in this era had forgotten Grindelwald.
Silence.
Only the faint flicker of