Chapter 1214: Double Agent (Part II)
Chapter 1214: Double Agent (Part II)
After leaving Dumbledore, Snape hurried to the Death Eaters' gathering place to attend the upcoming meeting.
Undoubtedly, he was late.
Before pushing open the door to the hall, Snape took a deep breath and composed himself before gently pushing open the wooden door and walking into the hall, amidst the gazes of countless Death Eaters.
"Severus, you're late."
"Apologies, Master. Some unforeseen circumstances arose." Snape looked expressionlessly at Voldemort, who was seated at the head of the table. "There's a problem with the matter we discussed."
"Very well, take a seat." Voldemort rasped, "We can discuss the rest after the meeting."
Most of the Death Eaters at the table turned their eyes to Snape, clearly curious about what he meant by 'the plan'.
At this moment, Bellatrix's eyes were fixed on Snape. She was one of the few present who knew the truth.
"Yaxley, continue your report."
Voldemort averted his gaze from Snape.
"...The protection plan is still highly confidential within the Ministry of Magic. It is said that Scrimgeour prepared it to protect the employees from our threats. As for the specifics, it's still unclear, but Scrimgeour believes that once this plan is implemented, we will never be able to gain full control over the Ministry." Yaxley's expression was grim as he spoke; he had been trying to infiltrate the Ministry for a long time without much success.
The security measures in the Ministry were too tight, leaving him no opportunity to exploit.
Hushed whispers filled the room once more. Everyone understood that infiltrating the Ministry of Magic was a crucial step in their plan to gain control. Only by doing so could they prevent those pesky individuals from causing further trouble.
"Tell me your next course of action."
Voldemort felt a nagging sense of irritation. His original plans kept encountering obstacles, and his forces had not achieved the results he desired since his return. Instead, he had lost several Death Eaters, and the culprits behind these setbacks could be traced back to three people: Albert Anderson, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Albus Dumbledore.
"Apologies, Master. We may have to put the original plan on hold. Scrimgeour is extremely cautious. According to my sources within the Ministry, he either stays in the Ministry or hides in a safe house protected by the Fidelius Charm. Even when he ventures out, he is always accompanied by a large group of Aurors." Yaxley hung his head in shame.
Everyone knew that this wasn't really Yaxley's fault; he simply hadn't been given any opportunities.
"I've also received inside information that Scrimgeour has taken on Albert Anderson as his special advisor. Although this hasn't been confirmed, the likelihood is high." Yaxley spoke with anger, "That Mudblood is trying to use the Ministry to suppress us."
"Every few days, the Ministry conducts inspections on their high-ranking officials to ensure they haven't been put under the Imperius Curse. Apparently, it was that Mudblood who suggested this measure to Scrimgeour." Yaxley felt helpless; it wasn't that he didn't want to control the high-ranking officials, but that he simply couldn't. And even if he succeeded, there was a high chance of being discovered, which would only make matters worse.
"That Mudblood again!"
The hall erupted into whispers once more, as everyone present seethed with hatred for the Mudblood. Yet, the Death Eaters, known for their cruelty and brutality, could do nothing about it.
If their opponent had been an ordinary wizard, the Death Eaters would have rushed forward and tortured them to death with Dark Magic.
Unfortunately, this opponent was a tough nut to crack—one wrong move, and they might find their legs broken or their skulls crushed.
"I must admit, we have all underestimated that Mudblood." Voldemort said calmly, "Now, he has become our arch-nemesis. I believe it is necessary to erase him completely."
"As far as I know, he recently founded an organization called the Defense Association. The known members include Fred Weasley, George Weasley, and Cedric Diggory." Yaxley reported the intelligence he had gathered, "The identities of the other members are currently unknown, but there should be quite a few of them. That Mudblood has strong influence, and it is said that this organization evolved from Harry Potter's Dumbledore's Army back in Hogwarts. Even now, many students continue to join their cause."
"Yes, Master. That is correct."
After noticing the gazes of the others, Snape replied expressionlessly, "I believe those matters are not significant enough to pose a threat. The real problem is Albert Anderson himself. Just as Dumbledore is the pillar of the Order of the Phoenix, Anderson's ability to foresee the future ensures that very few things can be kept from him."
"Of course, I believe that Dumbledore remains our primary obstacle. It is his existence that gives these people the courage to stand against us. Once he is gone, even if Albert Anderson continues to cause trouble, he won't be able to make much of a wave. As for the Ministry, it's only a matter of time before we gain control..."
The meeting that night did not leave the Death Eaters satisfied. They all realized the severity of the situation, as many of their original plans were falling short of their intended goals, forcing them to make changes. This only served to increase the doubt about the future of the Death Eaters.
Fortunately, Snape's revelation about Dumbledore's impending demise gave them a glimmer of hope for the future.
After the meeting, Snape was asked to stay back by the Dark Lord.
"What happened?"
"Albert Anderson prophesied that I would kill Dumbledore." Snape met the Dark Lord's sharp gaze without flinching and explained in a hoarse voice, "The members of the Order believe his prophecy. I barely made it here alive."
"Have you been exposed?"
Voldemort's expression darkened at the thought. If Snape's cover was blown, their plan to murder Dumbledore would likely be ruined.
"They have no evidence, and Dumbledore may have his suspicions, but he doesn't fully believe the prophecy. Of course, he will undoubtedly be more cautious now, and..." Snape lowered his head, hinting at his desire to abandon the assassination and return to Voldemort's side.
"In other words, you intend to give up."
Voldemort regarded Snape expressionlessly, clearly seeing through his intention to abandon the mission.
It was understandable that Snape would want to back out. After all, their opponent could predict the future, significantly lowering their chances of success. Choosing to retreat was the wisest course of action, given the risk to Snape's life.
"Of course, if you believe it necessary, Master, I am willing to continue. However, I still think it would be best to wait a few years. Dumbledore doesn't have many years left, and there's no need for us to take such a risk."
"You know very well what's at stake, Severus." Voldemort rose from his chair and walked towards Snape, "Only by eliminating Dumbledore will all our problems be solved. This is why you were planted in Hogwarts as a spy. Don't disappoint me."
"As you wish, Master." Snape pressed his lips together and reluctantly agreed, "Regardless of the cost, I will succeed in this mission."
(End of Chapter)
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