https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-866-Use-the-Disarming-Charm-on-Me-Severus-/13454790/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-868-Boundary-Between-Life-and-Death/13454794/
Chapter 867: The Snake Den and the World of Life and Death
Chapter 867: The Snake Den and the World of Life and Death
In the hall of the Riddle House, Snape gradually pulled himself out of his memories, gripping his wand tightly, ready to complete the last quest Dumbledore had entrusted to him—killing Nagini...
If he hadn't made a mistake, this would be the seventh and final Horcrux that Voldemort would lose!
Apart from Harry, Hufflepuff's Cup was likely already destroyed by Ivan. The evidence was Voldemort's furious reaction when he learned that Gringotts had been breached by the "Dark Lord", and he had even asked Snape to investigate the whereabouts of the cup.
If Voldemort hadn't managed to create a new Horcrux in the meantime, once Snape killed Nagini, Voldemort would lose his immortality. Any defeat in battle would mean eternal death for him!
"Pity..." Snape sighed. If he had planned it properly, he could have used Ivan Hals' strength to completely eliminate Voldemort.
But he had been very concerned about unforeseen complications, so he didn't dare involve the other party. Now, he could only watch as this opportunity slipped away.
Sighing inwardly, Snape quickly adjusted his mindset. Greed was unwise. The core of this plan was to remove Harry's status as a Horcrux and ensure their safety. Taking excessive risks would only increase the likelihood of his exposure...
"It's time to act..." Snape glanced at the unconscious Harry lying on the ground. After a moment's thought, he cast a Disillusionment Charm on Harry, took a deep breath, and used magic to lift Harry as he made his way toward the Riddle House's basement.
Since the attack on Gringotts over a month ago, Voldemort had hidden Nagini, and the exact location was unknown even to Snape. However, he guessed that Nagini was still in this house.
After all, Voldemort didn't have many people he trusted, and he couldn't create a second safe house. Moreover, Harry had the ability to sense the serpent, so even if Voldemort hid Nagini in the deepest wilderness, Ivan Hals would still find her.
Why did he decide to bring Harry along on this mission?
Because Voldemort could return at any moment, and Snape didn't have the time to transfer Harry to a safe place and then return to complete the quest. It was better to bring the unconscious Harry with him, making it easier to escape if necessary!
As Voldemort's "most loyal" follower, Snape was well aware of the deep connection between Nagini and Voldemort.
He estimated that Voldemort would sense the attack on Nagini, so the entire operation had to be swift. He needed to kill Nagini and escape within a few minutes!
While formulating his plan in his mind, Snape moved deeper into the mansion. A strange hissing sound began to emanate from below, causing Snape's spirits to rise. He knew he was right; Nagini was indeed hidden in this house.
However, as he approached, Snape quickly realized something was wrong. The low hissing sound was becoming louder and more chaotic. The floor was slick with a slimy substance, and when he saw what lay ahead, Snape couldn't help but shudder.
Tens of thousands of snakes, of various sizes, were crammed into a room of a hundred square meters, their bodies intertwined in a writhing mass...
……
Am I dead?
Harry floated in mid-air, repeatedly asking himself. He couldn't sense anything from the outside world, but his consciousness was strangely clear. He vividly remembered being hit by Voldemort's Killing Curse...
Right, and Snape, he betrayed everyone... A wave of anger surged through Harry's mind, forcing him to open his eyes.
All he saw was white mist. He looked around, feeling as if he were lying in a bright, hazy fog, everything around him blurry and ethereal...
Harry quickly sat up and then realized a more pressing issue—he was completely naked!
Despite there seemingly being no one else around, this discovery still made him feel extremely embarrassed. He immediately forgot about whether he was dead or alive and desperately hoped to find some clothes.
For some reason, as soon as this thought crossed his mind, a robe appeared beside him. Without hesitation, Harry put it on. Only then did he have the presence of mind to explore his surroundings.
Is this what happens after death? Harry gazed around, recalling the robe that had appeared, and realized he might be able to control this place...
Sure enough, as soon as the thought arose, the scene around him began to change according to his thoughts. The white mist gradually dissipated, and a tall, bright hall soon materialized before his eyes.
Everything was as he had imagined, except for the strange object that had appeared not far in front of him.
Harry took a few steps closer and realized it was a naked baby. Its red, rough skin looked as if it had been peeled, and it was shivering and struggling to breathe, lying beneath a seat.
Harry was terrified. Though the creature was small and weak, it still filled him with fear.
After hesitating for a while, Harry finally mustered the courage to inch closer.
The baby-sized creature was curled on the ground, emitting low, mournful whimpers. Harry didn't dare get too close, but he could feel its pain.
"You can't help it, Harry."
A gentle, familiar voice came from behind him. Harry turned around in surprise to see Dumbledore approaching, wearing a deep blue robe.
Harry instantly forgot about everything else and spoke urgently. "Professor, Snape... Snape betrayed us. He brought me to Voldemort... and Voldemort used the Killing Curse on me..."
"You can take your time, Harry. We have plenty of time", Dumbledore said soothingly, then continued, "In fact, I'm quite curious about what has happened in the Wizarding World since I've been gone."
Harry's emotions calmed a bit, and he began to recount everything that had happened since Dumbledore's death, emphasizing how Snape had betrayed his trust and brought him to Voldemort.
Dumbledore listened quietly without comment, and only after Harry finished did he say apologetically, "I hope you can understand his actions, Harry."
"What?!" Harry was taken aback.
"Because Severus was acting on my instructions", Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, almost approvingly. "I must say, he did an excellent job, far better than I had expected!"
(End of Chapter)
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