The faint scent of milk and lavender filled the quiet nursery. Severus cradled the small bundle of warmth against his chest, rocking him gently. Hadrius' dark eyes blinked up at him, tiny fists curling around Severus' fingers.
"Shh, little one," Severus murmured softly, his voice a low purr of calm and control. "The world is far too loud, but here… here you are safe. Always safe with me."
He adjusted the blanket around the boy, careful not to disturb his delicate rest. Every small movement, every protective gesture, was instinctive now—a cold, calculating elegance wrapped around the tender vulnerability of a newborn.
A sudden presence in the doorway went unnoticed. Voldemort stepped silently into the room, robes brushing the floor, eyes immediately fixed on Severus. His black gaze locked onto the child, narrowing with interest, curiosity, and a dangerous possessiveness that made the air tense.
Voldemort's lips curved, faintly at first, then tighter as he watched Severus instinctively shield Hadrius, cradle him, and murmur soft reassurances.
"So this is the boy…" Voldemort's voice was low, sharp, carrying that mix of fascination and obsession that made Severus stiffen imperceptibly, though Hadrius stirred slightly and relaxed again under Severus' gentle protection.
Severus did not turn. "Yes," he murmured, still unaware of the Dark Lord's presence. "He sleeps best when he feels secure. And security is… my duty to provide."
Voldemort's eyes darkened, tracing Severus' every movement with an intensity that was almost suffocating. "Your duty," he whispered, more to himself than to Severus, voice thick with possessiveness. "And yet you did not… inform me of him. You hid him. Why?"
Severus stiffened slightly at the sudden edge in the voice, finally turning to meet those black, unforgiving eyes. "I… I did what was necessary, my Lord. For the boy's protection, and for the sake of discretion."
Voldemort's gaze flicked to the child again, possessive and fixated. "And the other parent?" His voice dropped to a hiss, sharp as a snake's fang. "Who dares claim a part of this bloodline with you?"
Severus' lips curved in a faint, measured smirk. "That is irrelevant, my Lord. The child's safety and well-being are my sole concern. Not speculation, not curiosity."
Voldemort stepped closer, every inch of his movement predatory, his eyes glinting with a mixture of fascination and obsession. "Interesting… so even hidden, he carries your blood. And yet, I do not know the other. Intriguing. Dangerous… but amusing."
Severus inclined his head slightly, maintaining a calm, elegant composure. "Dangerous and amusing, yes… much like all matters that concern you, my Lord."
Voldemort's black eyes lingered on the small boy again, his possessiveness unmistakable, before turning back to Severus with a thin, sharp smile. "Very well. I will allow this for now. But know this… any threat to him—or to me—will not go unnoticed. You are mine to test, Severus. And now, you have a mission."
Severus bowed slightly, voice smooth and unflinching. "Naturally, my Lord. I will see it done. With discretion… and efficiency."
Voldemort's gaze lingered on the child once more, possessive, obsessive, before finally vanishing into the shadows. Severus exhaled softly, cradling Hadrius tighter. The game had become infinitely more dangerous—but now it was intensely personal.