Chapter 377: Lord Voldemort, The Undead

Disclaimer: 

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 377: Lord Voldemort, The Undead

Snape remained silent, frozen by shock. He'd seen many things since entering the magical world, but nothing like this.

He knew that Voldemort had dabbled in necromancy, the most taboo branch of magic...even more forbidden than blood magic.

But it seemed the Dark Lord had done more than just experiment with it; he had transformed himself into an undead.

Snape wasn't sure how Voldemort had achieved this, but he knew he had to find something positive to say.

"It's… it's magnificent, My Lord…" he managed to murmur.

"Magnificent, is it?" Voldemort leaned back in his golden throne.

Snape couldn't detect any reaction from him. His skeletal face revealed nothing.

"Of course you're magnificent, My Lord!" Bellatrix seized the chance to join in, her eyes wide with reverence as she stared at her Dark Lord.

"You are the most magnificent being in the entire world, the most regal, and powerful… and the most handsome th—"

"Enough, Bella," Voldemort interrupted, cutting her off before she could continue. If he let her go on, she might have launched herself at him. He couldn't allow that...he was trying to intimidate Severus into submission.

"My apologies, My Lord! I spoke out of turn." Bellatrix quickly retreated, bowing her head in shame.

"My Lord! You're not seriously considering taking him back, are you?" Rodolphus exclaimed, pointing accusingly at Snape.

"There's no way he wasn't involved in my brother's death. Please, give me permission to rip his head off!"

Voldemort's gaze turned cold as he looked at Rodolphus. "Are you telling me what to do?"

Rodolphus's demeanor shifted instantly, his anger replaced by fear.

"N-No, my Lord!" He quickly dropped to his knees.

"I just… I only want justice for my brother."

"And you think I don't?" Voldemort's red eyes narrowed as he spoke.

"Rabastan was one of my most loyal followers, and you know how much I value loyalty. If I thought Severus had anything to do with that unfortunate matter, I'd personally rip his head off."

Voldemort turned his gaze to Snape, who felt his blood run cold.

"But he knows who did it, don't you, Severus?" Voldemort asked.

Snape nodded.

"Yes, My Lord. It was Albus Dumbledore… with the help of some centaurs."

"Dumbledore…" Rodolphus muttered.

"Centaurs? Those inbred horses dared to kill one of us?" Bellatrix huffed.

"Why don't you tell us the whole story, Severus?" Voldemort ordered.

Snape recited the story they had prepared. Dumbledore had placed every protection he could think of in Snape's mind, fully aware that Voldemort was a master of mental arts. They had even removed some of Snape's memories, storing them in containers hidden in the Headmaster's office.

As Snape spoke, he felt Voldemort probing his mind. He held the Dark Lord's gaze, knowing that looking away would appear suspicious. He had to trust that the preparations were enough.

When Snape finished recounting Rabastan's demise, anger filled the hall.

"How dare they?!"

"I want to burn that forest down!"

Voldemort said nothing at first, allowing his followers to vent while keeping his eyes on Snape, as if weighing his words. This was the first major defeat their side had suffered since they'd returned to Britain.

"That's enough," Voldemort eventually said.

He didn't need to raise his voice...that much was sufficient to hush them.

Silence fell over the hall.

"Do not forget that this is a war. No matter how much we prepare, some losses are inevitable. We knew this from the beginning, and I'm afraid that Rabastan will not be the last." Voldemort's tone was steady.

"My Lord, I am more than willing to die for you!" Bellatrix hurried to say.

'You already did…' Snape thought but held his tongue. As vampires, she and her husband could no longer be counted among the living.

"Now… one of the biggest obstacles left in this country is going to be to take over Hogwarts. The castle was designed as an impenetrable fortress when all defenses are activated, and Albus Dumbledore is there."

"We already had a plan to address that obstacle, but…" Voldemort's red eyes swept the room before landing on Snape once more.

"I believe you mentioned that you had a way to end this in a more expedited manner. Is that true?"

"It is, My Lord… if you allow me. I believe I can help you end Dumbledore's life within a month, leaving the castle free for the taking," Snape said.

"Is that so? Then I wish to hear all the details," Voldemort demanded.

Snape explained how he had developed an untraceable poison that he could slip to Dumbledore. It would gradually weaken him until he'd be completely unable to use magic. At that point, the greatest wizard the world had ever known would be as defenseless as a Muggle.

After their discussion, Voldemort handed Snape a one-time-use Portkey that would take him outside, allowing him to leave.

"Do you really trust him, My Lord?" Rodolphus asked once they were alone.

Voldemort chuckled. "Of course not. Severus is like a venomous snake. You don't get too close."

"Then why let him leave? Why not just kill him? This could be one of Dumbledore's schemes," Bellatrix pointed out.

Voldemort nodded.

"It could be. And if it is, then I'll give him the ending he deserves. But there's a chance he's telling part of the truth, and if so, I'd be a fool not to take the opportunity. There's little risk, just two puppets at the castle and little more. A direct assault on Hogwarts would lead to heavy losses. Eliminating the Headmaster in this way would make the conquest much simpler."

"I knew it! My Lord is merciful," Bellatrix gushed. "He takes this risk because he cares about us!"

"Bella, control yourself," Rodolphus scoffed.

Voldemort tapped his bony hand on her head, and she looked blissful.

"Of course, I care for my followers. I always have." As long as they were useful to him, at least.

"You revealed your true appearance to him. What if he tells the old Headmaster?" Rodolphus asked.

"There's nothing they can do with that information," Voldemort said, waving his skeletal hand in front of him.

"They don't know what I truly am. And if they did… they'd only be able to scream in despair."

Voldemort's red eyes gleamed with malevolence.

"For I am the God of Death."

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