Herpo's hatred was intense enough at that moment for even Voldemort to notice.
Just as Voldemort was about to turn and look at Herpo, Calchas's voice rang out. "That Dumbledore mentioned your other servant."
"Barty?" Voldemort turned back, his gaze settling on Calchas. "What did Dumbledore say?"
"He was analyzing things for your other servant's father..." Calchas reported. "He said your other servant was actually bait you provided."
"And he believed that the Time Chamber in the Department of Mysteries... was a trap you specifically set for that Guardian."
"Your servant is quite dedicated... He said he was used, which was why he led that Guardian into the trap."
"How perceptive!" Herpo remarked. He had almost lost count of how many times he had praised Snape.
"In that case, that Dumbledore..." he voiced his speculation, "probably won't become too suspicious instead."
"Exactly!" Calchas nodded. "That Dumbledore is quite interesting. He actually affirmed that servant's account."
"And your other servant's father was misled by Dumbledore too. He also thinks your servant is very reliable."
"Sometimes, being too clever..." Herpo's expression turned peculiar, revealing a trace of mockery, "isn't necessarily a good thing."
Calchas agreed. "I think so too. That's the kind of cleverness born of self-importance—when in reality, it's utterly foolish!"
"That Dumbledore is far too stupid! He actually said something so idiotic... that your other servant would identify your servant the moment he woke up."
"To convince your other servant's father, Dumbledore even went out of his way to analyze it, saying that as long as you paid the price of one servant, you could throw the entire Ministry of Magic into turmoil and make everyone fear for themselves."
"How ridiculous!" Herpo sneered. "Who would've thought they would take the initiative to help us..."
"Wait!" Calchas interrupted with an odd