HP: The Duelist of Hogwarts - 379

Chapter 379: Two Secret Conversations

"Everything is for the Dark Lord."

Looking at Snape, Voldemort nodded with satisfaction.

Among the Death Eaters, Snape was one of Voldemort's most valued, second only to Barty Crouch Jr. and Bellatrix Lestrange. First, because Snape acted carefully and meticulously. Second, because Snape possessed extremely high potions skills. Third, because Snape, as his mole planted beside Dumbledore, held a very important position.

Precisely because he valued Snape so much, Voldemort needed Snape to give him an attitude on certain matters.

"Severus, I heard that when you were at Hogwarts, you valued that Sean Bulstrode quite highly."

At these words, Snape's expression tightened.

Seeing this, Lucius Malfoy pressed his lips together and spoke to Voldemort. "Master, Severus, he—"

"I'm asking Severus, Lucius."

With Voldemort's glance, Lucius's face immediately paled, and he stopped speaking.

If it were that volatile and arrogant personality, even if Lucius risked saying something, he'd only face the Cruciatus Curse. But facing this indifferent and cold Voldemort, Lucius was certain that if he dared say one more word, what awaited him would undoubtedly be the Killing Curse.

Though he couldn't help Snape, this was all Lucius could do. Behind him were his wife and son—ultimately, he couldn't risk his life.

Snape looked at Voldemort. In his calm eyes, he appropriately revealed a trace of awe and worship, decisively telling Voldemort, "After school starts, I will eliminate him, Master."

His mouth curved into a satisfied smile. Voldemort slowly nodded. "You've always made me feel at ease, Severus. I think this time will be the same, right?"

"Great Master, you understand my loyalty, which is why you trust me."

"Very good. Then I look forward to you completely eliminating him, Severus."

Snape appeared very respectful at this moment, but probably only Lucius could slightly see that Snape's heart wasn't as calm as his surface showed.

Snape knew very well that Voldemort probably didn't trust him as much as he said. Or rather, from the moment Voldemort dispatched Snape to Dumbledore's side as a spy, he never truly believed him again. Suspicion was inherently part of Voldemort's character.

"Barty..." Voldemort looked at Barty Crouch Jr. sitting on his left. "Harry Potter's matter is entrusted to you. Regarding the prophecy, we need to continue investigating. I want to know the prophecy's more specific content."

"I understand, Master."

"Good. I've always trusted you."

After speaking with Barty, Voldemort looked at Malfoy. "Lucius, and everyone else—what you need to do next is keep the Ministry continuing to ignore our existence. When our negotiations with the Dementors are completely finished and we release the others from Azkaban, we can disregard the Ministry's threats and rule the wizarding world again."

"I understand, my lord."

"Good. Then, now, the meeting is adjourned."

"Sean, did you see today's Daily Prophet? Those people, they actually—"

Blaise and Andy ran over, but before finishing their words, they saw Sean already holding a copy of the Daily Prophet, sitting in the Slytherin common room reading the paper and drinking tea.

Sean waved his hand, signaling Blaise and the others to sit first. He continued reading the newspaper.

Apparently with Ministry authorization and support from some pureblood families on Voldemort's side, Rita Skeeter had started slandering him again. It seemed she ultimately still didn't understand that some people, regardless of who backs them, cannot be provoked.

Since you're asking for it, I won't be polite.

Putting down the newspaper, Sean continued drinking tea calmly.

Seeing Sean's unconcerned appearance, Blaise and Andy said nothing more. They sat beside Sean, then Andy asked, "Sean, aren't you angry?"

"I can't say I'm completely not angry, but there's no need." After drinking some tea, Sean continued, "People who know me know the content is nonsense. People who don't know me will naturally understand the Daily Prophet is lying when they learn about me. As for those who know me yet slander me anyway—why should I care what they think?"

The three chatted casually, then went to the Great Hall together.

Jensen was already seated. The four met up, grabbed a quick bite, agreed on holiday training plans and locations, then settled in for the feast.

After the banquet ended, Sean went directly to the small cabin in the Forbidden Forest. The Fidelius Charm had been cast here with Dumbledore as Secret-Keeper. This hastily constructed hideaway had now become one of the Order of the Phoenix's secret bases.

Sean entered the cabin. Kingsley, Arthur Weasley, Moody, Sirius, Lupin, and Dumbledore were all waiting there. Seeing Sean arrive, Dumbledore immediately said, "Good, Sean is here. Let's begin the meeting."

Hearing Dumbledore's words, everyone nodded and quietly listened.

Seeing their response, Dumbledore immediately said, "Alright, we need to discuss future action arrangements. First, during the holiday, we cannot gather at Hogwarts. Moreover, Apparition is impossible within Hogwarts, which is inconvenient. Therefore, our Order of the Phoenix will henceforth operate at 12 Grimmauld Place that Sirius lent us. The Fidelius Charm has been cast there. Kingsley, Moody, and Arthur have already been. Others who go can contact these three directly.

Second, from now on, the Ministry will definitely watch us closely, and Voldemort and Death Eaters will lurk in the shadows. So for the coming period, our danger will inevitably increase. Therefore, everyone must closely guard the secret of being Order members. Everything requires extra caution.

Then regarding Harry's issue—I know you're training him, Sean, along with some other children. I support your approach, but I hope you can ensure his safety while training. If it's you, I'm very reassured. Is that possible?"

"Of course, leave it to me."