"What method? Could you tell me?"
After Dumbledore finished speaking, he added at once, "If you'd rather not, you could just tell me what the possible outcome might be."
Voldemort nodded and thought for a moment. "Let's discuss it alone."
"Of course. Let's go talk."
Dumbledore said decisively, then went out first and borrowed an empty ward from Melina.
"Please be patient, Augusta. We'll do everything we can."
Dumbledore said this to Mrs. Longbottom, then walked with Voldemort toward the private room.
"That's an admirable quality, Voldemort. It's not like you to say something like that."
As soon as they entered the room, Dumbledore said this instead of immediately discussing the illness.
Voldemort shrugged. He didn't seem inclined to answer.
But Dumbledore clearly wasn't about to give up.
"Could you tell me why you said that?"
Seeing that Voldemort seemed ready to refuse, Dumbledore continued, "Believe me, if you really have changed—and for the better—your plans will face a lot less resistance.
"From me."
Dumbledore's words forced Voldemort to give the matter serious thought.
If there was anyone in this world who could cause him trouble, he felt it was only Dumbledore.
As for everyone else...
Not one of them could put up a fight.
"Because of the bone Merope gave away by mistake," Voldemort said coldly.
"Merope Gaunt?" Dumbledore's bright blue eyes widened. "What did she bring you?"
Looking at Dumbledore's openly curious expression, Voldemort wished he could spit right in his face.
"Love."
The word was forced through Voldemort's clenched teeth, but it was utterly sincere.
"Love?"
Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise.
Voldemort couldn't help wondering if his eyeballs were being held in place by his eye sockets.
His eyelids were already stretched open as far as they could go. Surely nothing could stop his eyeballs from rolling