Chapter 294: "A Dark Alliance Part - 2"

The room stayed silent after the delegation of Grindelwald's supporters had left, their words lingering like a heavy cloud. Voldemort's gaze swept across his followers, his voice breaking the silence as he began to speak, almost as though he were lost in thought.

"Their offer has its advantages and disadvantages," he said, his tone calm yet filled with power. "But I am inclined to accept them into our fold. They would be foolish—no, suicidal—to even think of betraying me. Their loyalty will either serve my purpose or cost them their lives. Either way, I win."

Edwin Travers hesitated before speaking, his voice cautious. "My Lord, can Grindelwald be trusted to ally with us? And what if his followers betray us later?"

Voldemort's lips curled into a thin smile, though it held no warmth. He turned his piercing gaze toward Travers, his tone calm but with an undercurrent of menace.

"Grindelwald?" he said, almost mocking the name. "He is a relic of the past, a man whose ambitions failed long ago. Even if he were in his prime, he would not be a match for me. Now, weakened by years of captivity, he is nothing more than a tool—one I will use or discard as I see fit."

The room felt colder as Voldemort's voice dropped, each word cutting through the silence like a blade. "As for his followers, betrayal is always a possibility. But fear is a powerful leash. They will see what happens to those who oppose me, and they will think twice before acting against us. If Grindelwald or his followers show disloyalty, I will crush them without hesitation."

The Death Eaters exchanged uneasy glances, none daring to speak.

Voldemort's tone shifted, becoming sharp and commanding. "We will not act blindly. Their claims must be verified before I decide their worth. Macnair," he barked, his eyes locking onto the burly Death Eater. "You will gather information on Grindelwald's location. I want to know exactly where he is being held, who guards him, and how secure his prison truly is. Be subtle. Do not let your actions draw attention. If you fail..." He paused, letting the unspoken threat linger.

Macnair bowed low, his voice steady. "It will be done, my Lord."

"Yaxley," Voldemort addressed, turning his gaze upon him. "Increase our efforts within the Ministry. The more influence we have there, the better positioned we'll be to act when the time comes."

"Yes, my Lord," Yaxley responded promptly, his face set with determination.

Voldemort's eyes swept over the room, his expression cold and commanding. "Remember, our primary goal remains unchanged. We must rebuild our forces and prepare for the right moment to strike. Do not let these new developments distract you from your duties. Once I have the prophecy and understand its contents fully, we will move to seize control. I do not wish to be caught off-guard by any unexpected challenges this time."

The Death Eaters nodded, murmuring their agreement with varying degrees of confidence. None dared to voice doubts.

"Dismissed," Voldemort commanded sharply.

As they filed out of the chamber, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor, Voldemort remained seated, lost in thought. The possibility of freeing Grindelwald presented both an opportunity and a risk. Aligning with another Dark Lord could exponentially increase his power, but he was not certain whether Grindelwald would submit to him.

The heavy silence of the chamber lingered after the Death Eaters' departure. Voldemort sat motionless, his mind a labyrinth of strategies and contingencies. The flickering candles cast elongated shadows, their dim light reflecting off his pale skin.

A subtle rustling caught his attention. From the shadows near the wall, a familiar figure emerged. Severus Snape stepped forward, his black robes billowing slightly as he moved. He approached and knelt before Voldemort, his head bowed.

"My Lord," Snape began, his voice barely above a whisper. "I bring news from the Order's meeting."

Voldemort turned slightly, his red eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Speak."

"The Order has fractured," Snape reported. "The elder Potter, Black, and several others have broken away from Dumbledore's leadership. They disagreed vehemently with his decision to investigate the mysterious wizard from the graveyard."

A cold smile spread across Voldemort's features. "Most interesting. Tell me more."

Snape continued, choosing his words carefully. "During the meeting, Dumbledore expressed his intent to locate and possibly apprehend the wizard who intervened during your resurrection. Hadrian Potter opposed this plan openly, arguing that the individual saved his brother Charles's life and should not be pursued."

Voldemort leaned forward slightly. "And how did Dumbledore respond?"

"He maintained that such unchecked power is dangerous," Snape replied. "The disagreement escalated. Potter accused Dumbledore of manipulation and questioned his motives. Sirius Black and others sided with Potter. The confrontation led to a split within the Order."

Voldemort's satisfaction grew. This internal conflict among his enemies could only serve his purposes. "So, the Order is divided. Dumbledore's influence wanes."

"It appears so, my Lord," Snape confirmed.

Voldemort regarded Snape thoughtfully. "And what of the others? How many left with Potter and Black?"

"Besides them, Nymphadora Tonks and the Longbottoms have distanced themselves from the Order's current direction. They expressed distrust in Dumbledore's leadership."

Voldemort's eyes narrowed. "The Longbottoms... interesting. Their departure weakens Dumbledore further. This division may prove advantageous."

Snape hesitated before speaking again. "However, my Lord, Potter's power has grown significantly. During the confrontation, he displayed a level of magical strength that surprised many."

Voldemort's expression darkened momentarily. "Yes, Hadrian Potter... He has been a thorn in my side. His abilities are unexpected, but he is young and inexperienced. He can be dealt with in time."

"Indeed, my Lord," Snape agreed. "But he is not to be underestimated."

"Indeed," Voldemort agreed, his voice cold. "But divided, they are weaker. We must exploit this rift."

"Shall I continue to monitor the situation, my Lord?" Snape inquired.

"Yes," Voldemort affirmed. "Maintain your position within the Order. Feed them information that will deepen their divisions. Keep me informed of any developments."

"As you wish," Snape replied, bowing his head.

"You may go," Voldemort dismissed him with a flick of his hand.

Snape rose smoothly and retreated into the shadows, disappearing as silently as he had come.

Alone once more, Voldemort contemplated the unfolding events. His enemies were numerous and formidable: the wizard who had thwarted his attempt at the Philosopher's Stone, the two who had struck during the World Cup, the one who had decimated his forces at the graveyard, Hadrian Potter, and of course, Dumbledore himself. Individually, he could handle them, but united... that was another matter entirely.

Their division was fortunate, but he couldn't rely on it lasting forever. Perhaps accepting Grindelwald's followers' offer wasn't just advantageous—it was necessary. The old Dark Lord's followers, combined with the vampires' allegiance, could tip the balance decisively in his favor.

Rising from his chair, he moved to the window, gazing out at the dark, windswept grounds. His pale fingers traced the edge of the windowsill as he considered his next move. Yes, he would meet with Grindelwald's followers again. He would free Grindelwald, and either bend the old Dark Lord to his will or eliminate him. Either way, his followers and their resources would become Voldemort's.

As a cold wind swept through the chamber, extinguishing the flickering candles and plunging the room into darkness, a thin smile spread across Voldemort's face. The pieces were falling into place. Soon, the wizarding world would tremble before him once more.