https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-747-The-Order-of-the-Phoenix-Roster/13453159/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-749-Everything-You-See-Is-Just-an-Illusion/13453161/
Chapter 748: The Gathering at Riddle House
Chapter 748: The Gathering at Riddle House
Snape gazed at the mansion that had appeared out of nowhere, a faint suspicion forming in his mind.
Could it be that the rumor was true?
He could think of no other reason why Voldemort would need to hide using the Fidelius Charm...
Snape reached for the newspaper in his pocket but stopped himself, his expression returning to calm. He strode confidently toward the front door of Riddle House.
The exterior of Riddle House had changed dramatically since his last visit. Gone was the decaying, dilapidated appearance. The entrance and windows were polished to a shine, the roof tiles had been replaced, and a thick carpet now covered the ground in front of the door, creating a grand and imposing contrast to the surrounding desolation.
As he approached the door, Snape noticed a Dark Mark carved into the doorknob. When he placed his hand on it, a sharp pain shot through his left arm.
The door opened automatically.
Snape crossed the threshold and entered the front hall, which was already filled with people. All the Death Eaters who were out had gathered, and it seemed he was the last to arrive.
Noticing this, Snape quickened his pace and took his place at the first position on the right.
Since the healing session two weeks ago, Voldemort's trust in him had grown significantly. Until the Azkaban prisoners were released, he was now the second most important person after Voldemort.
"Have you heard the news?"
Snape had just taken his position when a low whisper reached his ear. He turned slightly to see Lucius Malfoy, who was standing beside him.
Lucius still wore his black robe that exuded an air of aristocracy, his brow furrowed, and an unnatural expression on his pale, sharp face.
"Really? You believe the rumor, Lucius?" Snape's eyes narrowed.
"No, I don't doubt the Master's power... I'm just curious about the source of the news", Lucius replied absentmindedly, his right hand gently stroking the snake wand in his grasp. His gaze shifted slightly to the left.
It was then that Snape noticed Draco Malfoy standing beside Lucius, his face filled with fear. Draco's eyes darted around nervously, occasionally glancing at Snape, but his fear kept him from greeting him.
Snape was surprised to see Draco there but didn't initiate a conversation. This was the Dark Lord's manor, and it might be under surveillance. Every move they made needed to be cautious.
Around them, the other Death Eaters were whispering to each other, though Snape couldn't hear their words, he suspected they were discussing the rumor.
At that moment, the door opened again, and a tall, thin figure stepped in.
The front hall fell silent, and everyone bowed their heads in the most submissive and humble manner...
The candles flickered, and the room seemed to dim slightly. The roaring fire in the corner was suppressed by an unseen force, leaving only a few flickering flames.
"Welcome to this gathering", Voldemort's voice, slightly raspy, echoed from his thin, bloodless lips as he walked to the end of the hall.
Then, Voldemort's gaze swept over each of them, his tone harsh. "However, it seems that some of you are not as pleased to see me..."
The Death Eaters were visibly uneasy. Snape kept his head low to avoid Voldemort's gaze, while Draco cowered behind Lucius in fear.
Voldemort felt the rising fear in the hearts of those gathered as he paced the front hall, his voice cutting through the silence.
"Yes, I imagine you've all heard some troubling rumors lately. The strongest Wizards in the Wizarding World, the invincible Dark Lord, suffered a significant setback in Knockturn Alley, defeated by a mere fifteen-year-old boy... Is that right?"
Voldemort's deep, angry voice echoed around the room, but no one dared to respond. The silence stretched on until one Death Eater, driven by fanaticism, shouted out.
"It must be a rumor! Master is the most powerful Wizard in history, unbeatable!"
The tense atmosphere was shattered, and the Death Eaters, snapping out of their stupor, began to denounce the false rumor and praise the Dark Lord's might.
"You are correct, Macnair..." Voldemort nodded in satisfaction, then his gaze shifted to the Death Eaters who appeared resolute on the surface but were secretly harboring doubts. He continued, "However, I did encounter some minor troubles in Knockturn Alley a few days ago, and there's no need to hide that fact!"
At these words, many Death Eaters' eyes widened in disbelief, struggling to accept what they were hearing.
When they first heard the news, they had dismissed it as absurd. A teenage boy defeating the powerful Dark Lord? It was more ridiculous than Dumbledore joining the Death Eaters!
But in the week following the news, Voldemort had vanished without a trace, and the widely circulated photos had made them start to believe it.
Now, hearing Voldemort confirm the truth of the matter, Macnair felt a sense of his faith crumbling.
Voldemort ignored their gazes and continued, "As you can see, I underestimated the situation. I was overconfident and miscalculated Ivan Hals's strength, leading me into a trap..."
The battle in Knockturn Alley had too many witnesses; it was impossible to keep it completely hidden. It was better to address it directly and set the tone for the story.
"It must have been that boy who orchestrated all the Wizards in Knockturn Alley to attack you together..." Lucius Malfoy quickly interjected, trying to mitigate the damage.
"Something like that... but regardless, it was still a shameful defeat!" Voldemort glanced at Lucius, his expression cold and indifferent.
Voldemort's words brought a sigh of relief to the Death Eaters. So their master had been ambushed by a large number of Wizards in Knockturn Alley and lost due to underestimating the situation, forcing him to retreat temporarily.
"Master, are you calling us here to launch an attack on Knockturn Alley and kill that boy?" Macnair asked.
Voldemort's snake-like face twitched slightly, and he slowly shook his head. "Not yet. Ivan Hals has recruited a large number of people in Knockturn Alley, and the sheer number of Aurors would make it difficult for you to contend with them..."
(End of Chapter)
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