"Then, shall we begin?"
Voldemort looked to Mrs. Longbottom, waiting for her opinion.
"No, Dark Lord, please wait," Mrs. Longbottom replied. "Dumbledore will be here shortly. I think it would be better if he were here."
Voldemort gave a slight nod, unsurprised.
The Longbottom Family were all supporters of Dumbledore. If Neville hadn't been so young and in such a special situation, he probably wouldn't have followed Voldemort.
And for followers like them, whether out of consideration for their feelings or their relationship, Dumbledore ought to do something.
"Thank you, Melina. And that hair ornament you're wearing today is very lovely."
Dumbledore's voice came from outside, and then the door swung open.
"You can leave it here, Melina. You know I'm quite familiar with the place."
"Of course, Headmaster."
Melina spoke from outside and closed the door herself.
Dumbledore turned to face everyone, his face bright with a smile. He seemed to be in a very good mood.
"Augusta, thank you for inviting me. Being able to take part in the effort to heal Frank and Alice—even if I'm only watching—is truly something to be happy about."
Dumbledore strode over to Mrs. Longbottom and gave her a warm embrace.
"We don't know how it will turn out, Albus, but I can only feel at ease with you here."
Mrs. Longbottom was emotional. Her voice caught, but she quickly suppressed it with her strong will and composed herself.
"Voldemort can be trusted, Augusta. Not completely, of course, but he has always kept his word."
Dumbledore gently patted Mrs. Longbottom's back, then looked over at Voldemort.
It was the first time they had met since the resurrection ritual.
Three months had passed since that resurrection, and the Hogwarts holidays were now drawing near.
"I'm doing this for Neville. We have an agreement,"