Chapter 364: Dialogue and Persuasion

Alaric had already prepared a disguise before coming here; he transformed the Ravenclaw diadem into a mask.

So when he appeared with girls, Voldemort didn't take much notice of them.

He merely glanced at them indifferently before allowing them to join the Ministry of Magic's ranks.

In front of the two armies, he leisurely paced back and forth, resembling a general inspecting his troops while observing the enemy.

No one dared to take the initiative to attack, and no one stopped him.

The Death Eaters submitted to his terrifying rule, while the Ministry of Magic's side was paralyzed by fear.

Even though the Ministry had gained the upper hand in the war compared to over a decade ago, Voldemort's lingering dread still kept them from acting recklessly.

After a long while, Voldemort finally stopped.

He looked intently at the leader of the Ministry of Magic, Madam Bones, twisted his neck in a sinister manner, and then spoke slowly.

His voice was deep and grating.

"I hear that the one leading the Ministry against me is not the Minister of Magic, but you, Amelia Bones, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, correct?"

"Of course," Bones replied, though she feared Voldemort's might, she remained resolute and did not let it show.

"I don't even need to consult the Minister to deal with a second-rate villain like you."

"Ha ha..."

Laughter erupted from the crowd on the Ministry side.

They all understood what it meant when she said she didn't need to consult the Minister, but Bones's humiliation of Voldemort energized them.

Alaric could see that Voldemort's expression darkened significantly, but he quickly regained his composure, returning to that arrogant demeanor.

"To speak to me in such a manner, you are quite courageous," Voldemort continued, seemingly ignoring her taunt. 

"Many from the Ministry have opposed me in the past, and their outcomes were not pretty. However, this time, I am willing to give you a chance."

"A chance?" Bones scoffed.

"Yes, as a member of a pure-blood wizarding family, you have proven your abilities over the past few months. To dare confront me, you indeed possess some courage. 

Moreover, you are one of the few who can cause me some minor troubles. So now, I specifically permit you to pledge your loyalty to me and become one of my subordinates. 

I will forgive your previous disrespect toward me and even spare your subordinates."

Voldemort proclaimed this with an air of arrogance, as if offering loyalty to him was a great honor for Bones.

However, Bones decisively refused.

"Become your subordinate? Heh..." She chuckled coldly. 

"What gives you the courage to say that to me? From the day you murdered my brother's family, you have become my greatest enemy. 

Instead, if you surrender now, I, as the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, can promise leniency for your subordinates. What do you say?"

Her reverse persuasion stunned the wizards on the Ministry side. Many began to admire her bravery, and some even started shouting in agreement.

"Surrender!"

"Surrender, Voldemort!"

"Stop your reckless resistance, Death Eaters!"

In contrast, Voldemort could no longer control his anger after being rejected and ridiculed by Bones twice. His previously lofty expression twisted into one of rage and savagery.

"How dare you speak such words to me, the great Dark Lord?" Voldemort hissed in a low growl. 

"It seems that after fourteen years, the world has forgotten what true fear is, forgotten the terror the Dark Lord brings."

He then extended his hand, pointing at Bones.

"You, just an ordinary witch, what gives you the right to speak like that to the Dark Lord? Surrender? Before you uttered those words, did you even consider your own fate?"

He paused as if pondering something, then revealed a look of sudden realization.

"Oh—so you're expecting someone to protect you, referring to Dumbledore? 

That old fool is indeed a nuisance, but with a little trickery, I've led him elsewhere. By now, he might be in Austria at Nurmengard, catching up with his old friends."

The impact of this statement was more effective than his earlier long-winded speech. 

Upon realizing Dumbledore would not be coming, the expressions of most wizards present changed drastically.

The Death Eaters were ecstatic, while the Ministry's side, in stark contrast, appeared devastated. 

In their minds, only Dumbledore could oppose Voldemort; everyone else was just fodder for the Dark Lord.

Unlike Muggles, in a world that values personal strength, the level of disparity is indeed vast.

Without a doubt, while the wizards of the Ministry were confident that they could, collectively and at a cost, defeat all the Death Eaters along with werewolves, giants, and Dementors, the mere presence of Voldemort tilted the scales of victory back.

Seeing the expressions of the opposing side, Voldemort looked extremely satisfied. He scanned all the wizards across from him, then spoke slowly.

"Although your leader is lacking in awareness, I, the Dark Lord, am quite magnanimous. 

So now you should understand who the true victor is. If you release all my subordinates imprisoned here and kneel before me, you will be granted amnesty. 

Your parents, children, siblings will also be forgiven and allowed to live. You will join me in building the new world we are about to create. 

Those who resist, whether man or woman, will be killed without mercy, and their families will be executed as well."

A heavy silence fell over the scene; even Bones did not take the initiative to speak.

Of course, unlike others, Bones was not fearful; she was waiting for her true reinforcements, the person behind the scenes to appear.

Dumbledore's presence or absence was not part of her plan; there were others who could confront Voldemort.

However, before her reinforcements could arrive, someone suddenly spoke up from the silence.

"Do you think you are already the victor, Tom Riddle?" The voice came from the crowd on the Ministry side, instantly drawing everyone's attention. 

"You dare to say such a thing! Just weeks ago, it was your subordinates who were caught in one fell swoop. 

Now, this is merely your last desperate struggle, and you have the audacity to claim victory!"

These words were like a sharp blade, ruthlessly cutting through the facade and exposing Voldemort's true nature to everyone.

Although Voldemort desperately avoided bringing up this fact, he was, in reality, the one on the verge of complete defeat.

"Who is it! Who is speaking! Step forward!" Voldemort roared in a fit of rage.

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