Upon hearing this, Sirius hurriedly injected magic into the Dark Mark, answering the other Voldemort's summons.
At Tom's signal, Sirius spoke to the other Voldemort in a normal manner.
In a fawning, ingratiating tone, he said, "M-Master... you've finally called for me!"
A hoarse, unpleasant voice came from the Dark Mark. "Wormtail... you answered... rather late..."
Sirius's mind raced. Having to deal with two Voldemorts at once multiplied the pressure on him.
Fortunately, he had taken Felix Felicis before coming. Felix Felicis enhanced the drinker's ability to control their emotions and allowed them to make accurate decisions even under extreme circumstances.
Stammering, he said, "M-Master... recently, the Ministry of Magic and... Sirius have both been searching for me... I had to find somewhere secluded before I dared speak with you..."
The voice from the Dark Mark continued. "Wormtail... I have sensed your loyalty... I permit you to return to my side..."
Sirius hurriedly looked at Tom, only to see him nod.
Pretending to be overwhelmed with excitement, Sirius replied, "Master, can I finally return to your side? I'll come find you at once. Where are you now?"
The Dark Mark answered, "Come to Little Hangleton... find Gaunt House... I am here..."
Sirius replied, "Yes, Master! I'll come find you immediately!"
The Dark Mark dimmed.
I seem to have gone through something almost exactly like this not long ago. Sirius looked at Tom, only to find that the other man seemed lost in thought.
Tom was weighing the pros and cons. To him, the most pressing matter was reviving before his main body did. If he could plant one of his own pieces beside the main body, he could interfere with its resurrection process and buy himself more time.
This was a good opportunity to place a spy beside the main