Chapter 686 - Ruse Ⅸ (1/2)
Despite the silence, the screams of Empusa Snyde can still be heard echoing in the ears of the countless gathered Death Eaters. A feeling of apprehension filled the Death Eaters as some licked their dry mouths, others loudly gulped, and others kept their gazes firmly fixed on the ground. It was a stark reminder to them all of what happened to traitors.
With a dreadful, but somewhat appeased expression, Voldemort stiffly says, ”Those wounded rest. Lestrange come with me,” before turning away and striding away with Nagini slithering closely at his heels.
The tall, gaunt cheeked, dark-haired, slender figure of Rodolphus Lestrange follows closely after with ice-cold dark eyes peering at those in the hall. Those in the hall hastily glance away lest they incur the wrath of the Dark Lord's new favorite. The door slams shut behind him to the relief of the Death Eaters as they tend to their wounds.
Pacing inside one of the side chambers, Voldemort's crimson eyes flicker back and forth with the words he heard in Empusa Snyde's head, ”The Puppet will soon return.” Puppet! Who was the puppet for whom!?
Voldemort wanted to rage and destroy when Nagini rubbed her head against his hand and successfully returned him to the present. He must calm his rage, there was something wholly unnatural about it all. After breathing deeply for several moments, he much more controlled turns to gaze to one of his most trusted followers. ”Lestrange, are there more that cannot be trusted?” He bluntly asked for the first time revealing the feelings of unease within Voldemort.
Rodolphous Lestrange's eyes glitter with some unknown emotion before he tilts his head in a brief bow. ”There are those that are less loyal than others, but I do not believe that is what you are asking, Dark Lord.”
Voldemort rubbed his robe in agitation. ”There was something off with Empusa Snyde. Though traitor she is, it was not for on the behalf of the Auror's nor the Ministry of Magic. There is someone else pulling the strings; someone hidden in the shadows that seek to make use of us!”
Rodolphus hides his surprise and pensively replies, ”Dark Lord, if might I inquire a bit into the request that you previously made regarding the acquiring of the cup?”
”What of it, Lestrange?!” Voldemort sharply asked with crimson serpent eyes full of suspicion.
”If the said article is indeed precious and of valuable to you, Dark Lord, why did you entrust such an item to Bellatrix? Why not hide them away yourself, Dark Lord?” Rodolphus asked. ”That is the far more reasonable and logical election. And I do not speak to question ye, Milord, but what made thee undertake such an unneeded risk?”
Voldemort is astonished by the line of questions as he appears stunned for a moment by the logical statement. Why did he entrust his Horcrux to another?! Why did he create so many Horcruxes? Why?! Something was wrong, it was not like him. It was through a memory of his deliberately escaped him.
Forcing himself to concentrate, Voldemort tries to recall, but those bits and pieces escape him like glistening mercury through his fingertips. A terrifying, cold realization causes him to falter. He was missing something, a memory, no, much more than that MEMORIES! Just how many were missing and far more concerning exactly of what?! Just who was powerful enough to erase and affect his memories, Dumbledore? Although the old man pretended to have moral qualms, Dumbledores was not so devious. And if not him, then who?!
It was a disturbing train of thought and one that Voldemort did not like to consider. Furrowing his brow, he turns his crimson serpent eyes to Rodolphus Lestrange. ”Lestrange, you are to be my eyes and ears. Anything amiss you are to report immediately to me.”
”As you command, Dark Lord,” Rodolphus obediently answered. ”Is that all, Milord?”
”No, what of our spy?” Voldemort asked in a pointed effort to change the subject.
”Our spy will report once they are able to leave the Ministry of Magic,” Rodolphus honestly replied. ”The entire Auror's department has been summoned and they will not be able to report at least until nightfall falls again.”
”See to it that it is done,” Voldemort dismissively said dismissing Lestrange, who retreats with a small bow never removing his gaze from Nagini.