Voldemort hadn't wanted to bring Bellatrix with him.
But as the day of his return drew near, the Death Eaters had grown busy as well.
A group of old-timers, including Old Nott, had begun making frequent visits to the Pure-blood families.
Abou, to a certain extent, represented Voldemort himself, actively making arrangements and laying the groundwork for his return.
Under the circumstances, unless Voldemort was willing to come here alone, he had to bring Bellatrix.
Was he willing to travel alone?
Of course not.
The accident ten years ago had taught him to be cautious.
Even with the Porto Golden Body, even though few people in the world could face him in a duel, he still held fast to those two principles.
There was no complicated reason. He simply didn't want to repeat the same mistake.
"Women and children can afford to make mistakes, but men can't."
Voldemort had come to regard that line from The Godfather as gospel.
"Hissss~~"
Nagini suddenly stopped and raised her head to look ahead.
Voldemort and Bellatrix followed her gaze and saw a broad-leaved plant growing on the edge of a cliff.
It was a Mandrake, also called a Mandrake Root, or a poisonous apple.
"I see it, Nagini. Calm down, and..."
As he spoke, Voldemort slowly raised his wand. "I need to cast a Silencing Charm on you. It's for your protection."
Nagini turned her head, her humanlike gaze conveying agreement.
Perhaps afraid Voldemort wouldn't understand, she bobbed her head twice to show she accepted his suggestion.
"Take care of yourself, Bellatrix."
Voldemort turned to Bellatrix and said this before raising his wand to cast the spell on himself and Nagini.
Once he had finished, he pressed a hand down, signaling Bellatrix and the snake to stay quiet and still.
Then he raised