Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Ascending

The sky was dark, heavy clouds covered the stars, and the wind whispered through the trees. A large, shadowy mansion stood on a hill. It looked old and silent, but inside, something terrible was happening.

Lord Voldemort sat at the head of a long table. His pale fingers tapped the armrest of his chair. His red eyes glowed in the dim light. Around him, his followers sat, their faces tense and silent.

Severus Snape was among them, his black robes still wet from the rain. Next to him sat Yaxley, a Death Eater with a cruel smile.

“The Order of the Phoenix is moving Potter soon,” Snape said calmly.

Voldemort tilted his head, his snake-like face expressionless. “When?”

“Saturday, my Lord,” Snape replied. “Just before nightfall.”

Yaxley leaned forward. “But my sources say they might use decoys.”

Voldemort smiled coldly. “It does not matter. I will be waiting for him myself.”

A soft hissing sound filled the room. Nagini, Voldemort’s huge snake, slithered near his chair. Her yellow eyes gleamed hungrily.

Voldemort turned his gaze to the middle of the table. A woman hung in the air, her body frozen in fear.

“Professor Burbage,” Voldemort said softly. “You taught Muggle Studies. You told lies to children.”

The woman trembled. “Please…”

“Silence,” Voldemort hissed. He raised his wand, and in an instant—

Green light flashed.

Professor Burbage was gone. Her lifeless body fell to the floor.

The Death Eaters did not react. Only one person looked away—Severus Snape.

Voldemort stood up, his expression calm and cruel. “Now, let us prepare. Soon… Harry Potter will be mine.”