https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-812-All-the-Information-in-His-Brain-/13454690/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-814-Umbridge-Suspected-of-Colluding-with-the-Dark-Lord/13454696/
Chapter 813: Acting Minister Pierce
Chapter 813: Acting Minister Pierce
"Master, could it be that Notte has also defected to Ivan Hals, just like Lucius?" Snape asked, unable to contain his curiosity as he looked at Notte, who was wrapped in Serpent and unconscious.
"No, when I found him, he was already under the control of the Imperius Curse", Voldemort replied, his expression distant.
During the months since his defeat and escape to Knockturn Alley, Voldemort had repeatedly sneaked into the area, hoping to capture a few lone Aurors to interrogate them for information about Ivan Hals.
However, to his surprise, these people seemed to be well-prepared. The Wizards on patrol always moved in groups of seven, never splitting up, and each of them had a unique Fire Dragon Mark on their wrist, making it impossible to find an opportunity to strike.
Fortunately, perseverance paid off. After months of surveillance, Voldemort had managed to gather detailed information about Knockturn Alley and its personnel, and he even suspected that there was a Safe House nearby, though he couldn't pinpoint its exact location.
Notte was his greatest discovery during this time. Notte did not have the special magical mark, and his memories contained crucial information.
Among these memories were scenes of Ivan Hals leading the Aurors in a massacre at the Wizarding Market, as well as his threats and inducements to the Abbott, Parkinson, and other six Pureblood Families to submit to his rule.
Notte had also been present when Ivan Hals gave his speech at the Wizarding Market.
These decisive memories would be enough to make Dumbledore understand the threat Ivan Hals posed. If allowed to grow unchecked, Ivan Hals would become an uncontrollable monster in the Wizarding World, a situation neither Voldemort nor Dumbledore wanted to see.
With a common goal, there was a possibility of cooperation, such as exchanging information through Snape. At the very least, it could change the current unfavorable situation, turning a two-sided conflict into a three-way battle.
"I understand, Master. I will inform Dumbledore of everything Ivan Hals has done, as you instructed", Snape replied respectfully.
"Very well. I hope you can bring me good news within three days", Voldemort nodded, a hint of a smile appearing on his face. He was pleased with Snape's respectful attitude.
Considering all the things Snape had done for him recently and his unwavering loyalty, Voldemort decided to ask, "You've done well recently, Severus. Is there anything you want as a reward?"
Reward? Snape's expression turned somewhat strange. Given the Dark Lord's current state, he didn't think there was much of value the Dark Lord could offer.
However, Snape also knew he couldn't refuse, as that might irritate the Dark Lord.
After a moment's thought, Snape made his decision. He displayed a look of fervent enthusiasm, carefully addressing Voldemort, "Master, I want to learn more advanced Dark Magic, to gain greater power, just like you."
Voldemort narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Snape, and then he laughed. "You are ambitious, Severus, but I can fulfill this wish of yours. From today on, if you have any questions about Dark Magic research, you can come to Riddle House to seek my guidance."
Voldemort agreed readily. While Snape had a good talent, it was only so much. Learning more advanced Dark Magic wouldn't pose a real threat to him, so he was happy to use this as a means to motivate Snape.
After assigning tasks to his loyal subordinate, Voldemort turned his gaze to the remaining Death Eaters, ordering them with a cold, indifferent expression to avoid causing trouble and to keep a low profile.
Yaxley and the others nodded obediently, but their minds were already plotting other schemes.
Voldemort saw through their thoughts clearly and sneered, but he did not bother with their petty machinations.
If not for the occasional need for manpower to bolster his presence, these people would all be dragged down to feed Nagini...
The wandering serpent seemed to sense Voldemort's thoughts and raised its body high, scanning the Death Eaters with eager eyes, as if they were nothing more than delicious meals.
...
Two days passed in the blink of an eye. After a relentless propaganda campaign, the news of the Dark Lord's massive assault on the Ministry of Magic had spread far and wide.
As expected, the former Minister Fudge became the primary scapegoat, with the Daily Prophet uncovering a mountain of dirt on him. A day later, it was revealed that he had some sort of under-the-table deal with the Dark Lord...
The entire Wizarding World was in an uproar, with a constant stream of curses and accusations. Only Mrs. Edgecombe, who claimed to be a close friend of the Minister, and a few of Fudge's supporters came forward to defend the former Minister of Magic, insisting that Fudge had been deceived by the Dark Lord, leading to his many mistakes.
However, regardless of the defenses, Fudge's negligence, his role in covering up the Dark Lord's whereabouts, and his failure to address the Dementors' unusual behavior, which led to the escape of numerous Death Eaters, were all confirmed.
In just one night, Fudge's reputation was utterly ruined, and he was branded as the most incompetent Minister of Magic in history!
Every day, thousands of hate letters were sent to the Ministry of Magic, but unfortunately, Fudge was already dead and couldn't face the public's outrage.
These letters also placed a significant burden on the Ministry of Magic, which was still in the process of rebuilding. Every day, several employees had to be assigned to intercept the Howlers flying into the Ministry.
Amidst this tense and fearful atmosphere, a hero stepped forward and made a bold appearance on Fudge's grave.
Pierce, the then Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, demonstrated formidable leadership during the battle to defend the Ministry of Magic. He led a large group of Wizards to kill or capture seventy-one Death Eaters and numerous Azkaban escapees, eliminating all the invaders except the Dark Lord, greatly boosting the morale of the Ministry of Magic. He was seen as the one who saved the institution from collapse.
Even in his inaugural speech as Acting Minister the next day, Pierce publicly declared the start of the Second Wizarding War, vowing to dispatch a large number of Aurors to hunt down and capture Voldemort at any cost.
This resolute stance immediately won the support of countless Muggle-born Wizards, as no one wanted to return to the dark days of the past, when the Dark Lord wreaked havoc and thugs roamed freely.
Every Wizard who had lived through the dark times cherished the hard-won peace and hoped for the Dark Lord's swift capture.
However, some believed that Pierce was being overly arrogant. After all, the Dark Lord's power was well-known, and no matter how many Aurors were sent, they would not be a match for him. Such actions would only lead to more casualties...
(End of Chapter)
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