Powerful Portkey
Le Gavroche Dining Room, Mayfair, London.
Will and Hobart were sitting in a private box when a waiter brought Will a bottle of de-alcoholized Grape Juice.
The Dining Room is a typical, old-fashioned English club, with dark wood, leather sofas, and excellent privacy. It is arguably the most luxurious Dining Room in England to date.
It was the first Dining Room in the England to receive Michelin star, and at its peak, it maintained three Michelin stars for 11 consecutive years.
The main cuisine is classic French food, hmm... very much in the style of old London —the Union Jack aristocracy of old London certainly ate French food.
Switzerland cheese soufflé, duck stew in Gavroche, deluxe French omelet, roasted pigeon with bacon and potatoes, grilled scallops, smoked eel sauce, carrot soup...
A large spread of dishes was served, and Will and Hobart chatted and caught up on old times. Hobart spent most of the time asking about Will's situation.
Will said that although the Wizarding World is not very stable right now, he has nothing to worry about since he is at Hogwarts.
With Dumbledore and a group of professors around, Hogwarts is still quite safe.
Hobart was relieved to receive this answer—he still trusted the professors and Dumbledore.
After all, Hobart was unaware of the undercurrents in the Wizarding World; he had already devoted himself wholeheartedly to his beloved game industry.
Will also asked him about Lina von Ahrns and was slightly surprised to learn that Hobart was still dating her—dating someone and still going to see a striptease show, Hobart was truly a womanizer.
In the afternoon, Will escorted Hobart back to Aldren Castle and then set off for the Malfoy Manor.
The Flamel Manor of the Malfoy Manor slowly opened before Will; of course, they wouldn't stop him.
Some of the Death Eaters who were eligible to stay at the Malfoy Manor greeted Will warmly.
Good morning, Mr. Behrens.
Joy Christmas, Mr. Behrens!
Will could sense that a sense of oppression hung over Malfoy Manor.
The two Death Eaters at the door saw Will and immediately bowed their heads, respectfully opening the door for Will.
Will ignored them and walked straight into the hall.
"Mr. Behrens, you've finally arrived!" Lucius seemed to know Will had arrived and was waiting in the Entrance Hall. "Come with me, the Master is already waiting."
Actually, you could find it without Lucius Wells; it's still that dark room.
The Hidden Chamber remained unusually dark, with only a dark red flame flickering in the Floo Network.
A figure sat in a high-backed chair by the Floo Network, reading a book.
Will saw the pale, thin, noseless face and bowed. "Professor, please forgive my lateness."
"Will, you shouldn't have come this year." Voldemort put down his book, shook his head, and his red eyes gleamed in the dim light.
"I want to wish the professor Joy Christmas." Will lowered his head slightly, his tone a little excited.
"I received your gift. Well done. Using a sophisticated organization to attract others is excellent," Voldemort said with a hint of satisfaction. "However, you need to act quickly and recruit as many students as possible. I'll need you next summer."
Voldemort was referring to the task he gave Will before the start of the sixth year: to win over the students at Hogwarts.
"Don't worry, Professor! I will do my best!" Will immediately pledged his loyalty.
But in reality, Will didn't have much time; he was just dealing with Voldemort.
After all, next summer... Will won't need Voldemort anymore.
Voldemort then looked at Lucius and ordered, "Lucius, go and fetch 'those things'."
Lucius readily agreed, while Will remained puzzled but showed no sign of it.
After Lucius left, Voldemort's tone softened considerably. "Why did you suddenly show up? I remember you spent Christmas at Hogwarts this year."
Will lied without batting an eye. "It was because I wanted to wish the professor Joy Christmas that I asked for leave, saying I was going to Hogsmeade to buy something, and then I Apparition away from Hogsmeade."
"You've learned Apparition?" Voldemort's attention was clearly elsewhere.
"Yes, Professor, I have a feeling something might happen next summer, so I've been preparing for it this semester."
"Very visionary, Will."
"It's all thanks to your excellent teaching, Professor," Will immediately flattered, "Without you, how could I have progressed so quickly?"
Voldemort smiled with satisfaction— Will, that boy, is efficient, gifted, and has a pleasant voice.
He laughed in a hoarse voice, "Haha, I'm very happy to have such an excellent student as you."
That's true. After all, how many people in the Wizarding World are more talented than Will?
This year's papers on Potion Transfiguration have once again shocked the Wizarding World, proving that Will's talent in Magic research may be no less than his own.
However, in combat and areas like Dark Magic and Soul Studies, they are far inferior to themselves.
Voldemort was quite satisfied—this was good. If Will had surpassed him in every way, it would have made him unhappy and resentful.
Will was about to say something when Lucius, panting, pushed open the door. "Master."
This guy seemed to be jogging the whole way, and he was carrying a large Box.
"Give the thing to Will," Voldemort gestured.
Lucius handed the Box to Will, stood aside, and said nothing more.
Voldemort raised his hand. "Open it and take a look."
Will opened the Box with a puzzled look in his eyes, and then saw a silver snake sculpture that was as thick as his arm and covered with all sorts of strange symbols.
"What is this?" Will, somewhat puzzled. Although he really wanted to activate his Wizard Sight, he held back in front of Voldemort.
Voldemort's lips curled into a smile, "Portkey, Powerful Portkey..."