Voldemort sat upright at his desk, his expression calm as he leafed through an old tome with a brown cover.
With each movement, the hot black tea at his side trembled faintly, sending ripples across its surface.
The Durmstrang Headmaster's Office was quiet. Even the soft rustling of turning pages could be heard clearly.
The silence was soon broken by a knock. After Voldemort granted permission, Barty Crouch Jr. entered the Headmaster's Office.
Barty Crouch Jr. stepped forward and said respectfully, "Master, I have returned!"
"Mm..." Voldemort stopped turning the pages and raised his gaze to Barty Crouch Jr.
A trace of scrutiny flashed in his eyes as his brow furrowed slightly. "Barty, did you clash with Severus?"
Barty Crouch Jr.'s heart jolted. After killing that fox to vent his anger, he had straightened his clothes and treated his wounds. He had not expected Voldemort to notice anyway.
"Master, I underestimated Snape's magical ability." He immediately admitted his mistake, dropping to his knees with practiced ease, fear coloring his voice.
Voldemort rose, closed the old tome, and slowly walked over to Barty Crouch Jr. "Barty, what have you done wrong?"
He helped Barty Crouch Jr. to his feet. "The one at fault should be me. I should not have sent you to notify Severus without considering your feelings."
At Voldemort's words, Barty Crouch Jr.'s eyes instantly filled with tears. He cried out excitedly, "Master! Oh, great Master!"
Shaking his head repeatedly through his sobs, he said, "I thought he had been living comfortably for too long, so I wanted to test him. I never expected..."
"It seems you handled an extra task for me..." Voldemort pointed to a chair. "Sit."
"I had the same concern. After lying dormant for so long, how much of his skill remained?"
He returned to