"What's that?"
Abou asked Voldemort as he watched the liquid in the stone basin through the television.
"The source of pain."
Voldemort's lips curled into a smile.
On the television, Dumbledore swept his wand in a circle through the air, conjuring a crystal goblet.
"I can only conclude that this liquid needs to be drunk."
His voice came through the television, and the smile on Voldemort's lips widened.
"What will happen if he drinks it?" Abou asked curiously.
He wasn't the only one in the room who was curious, but the others didn't dare say anything.
The Death Eaters, including the two Muggles, all waited curiously for Voldemort's answer.
"Keep watching, and you'll find out," Voldemort said.
"Will he really drink it?" Abou asked doubtfully.
By "he," he naturally meant Dumbledore.
"Of course. His courage is beyond our expectations," Voldemort said with a smile. "Snakes will never understand a lion's courage... or his recklessness."
"Heh heh heh~"
A burst of laughter came from behind them. The Death Eaters clearly liked the description "reckless."
Voldemort turned and glared at them. "Recklessness may often follow courage, but at least courage is a positive word. Pride and madness, on the other hand, can make people unreasonable."
The laughter stopped at once. Even their breathing seemed to pause briefly.
"Hmph."
Voldemort snorted in displeasure and turned back to the television.
"I'm curious. Why have you become so... restrained since your return?" Abou asked.
"Winning and losing are temporary. Only by staying at the table do you have a chance to become the one dealing the cards."
Voldemort spoke gravely, then glanced back at the others. "Be ready to fight. At any moment."
"Yes, Dark Lord."
The Death Eaters answered in unison, without a trace of laughter in their voices.
Faced with Dumbledore, even though