Headmaster Dumbledore had Severus come consult him. Had he noticed something too early?
Amosta's expression grew grave, the aura around him as heavy as lead and mercury. The silent pressure he exuded affected the others, and the Order of the Phoenix members in the kitchen all looked at him in thought with reverence.
No. Whether Dumbledore had noticed anything was not the crucial issue.
The key was what kind of change Voldemort had undergone.
"What was it?"
Amosta's gaze, as weighty as a mountain, fell upon Severus.
"What kind of power?"
"Extremely evil."
Severus's face was slightly pale as he recalled the foreboding feeling and disgust that had arisen in his heart when he entered Malfoy Manor.
"It was as though it was constantly draining everyone's life."
Hiss—
Quite a few people sucked in sharp breaths, making even the flames on the candelabra atop the long table tremble faintly.
"That sounds—"
Mundungus shivered, his ugly yellow teeth chattering.
"Like opposing You-Know-Who is an especially unwise idea!"
"If you're scared, then go back to your little thieving business!"
Mad-Eye glared viciously at Mundungus, the scars on his face twisting.
"You coward, why not tell everyone how many silver spoons you've nicked tonight?!"
"Oh, I didn't—"
Mundungus's face flushed bright red with embarrassment. He clutched his sleeve tightly, stammering as he nervously looked toward Sirius and Amosta.
But neither Sirius nor Amosta had the time to concern themselves with Mundungus's bad habits.
"Are you covering for Voldemort?"
Sirius glared unhappily at Severus across from him.
"Why can't you make yourself clearer?"
Severus's lips moved as he instinctively prepared to retort, but in the end, he restrained the impulse and spoke softly to everyone.
"I am also bound by magic from that side. I cannot reveal too much information."
Quite a few people