Voldemort paid no attention to Bellatrix's flattery. He shook the sweat from his hand in disgust and said scornfully,
"Although this body is an Obscurus with limitless dark magical energy, it still isn't mine. Hmph. Those people have no good intentions, either. They want to turn me into a puppet?
"I must truly resurrect myself soon and regain my full strength. Then I'll show them what real power is!"
Bellatrix also knew who those people were. After Sirius captured her, he had kept pressing her for information about them.
Since Tom could find allies, Voldemort naturally could as well. His ally was that mysterious organization whose tattoo depicted a snake coiled around a cross.
The price of their alliance was sharing intelligence about the "Temple."
Although Voldemort knew nothing of the organization's true origins, he knew there was no such thing as a free lunch. He was merely playing along.
Who ultimately emerged victorious would depend entirely on their own means.
Bellatrix cleaned herself up. Though usually slovenly, she paid great attention to her appearance in Voldemort's presence.
Voldemort glanced at Bellatrix, a thoughtful look flashing through his scarlet eyes.
Bellatrix hurried to ingratiate herself.
"Master, do you have a task for me?"
Voldemort turned his head slightly and instructed her,
"Go to England immediately. Retrieve the golden cup first, and be very careful. Then help Rodolphus obtain the blood I need. Hmm? The Five-Wizard Tournament should provide a good opportunity."
In the backyard of the Gaunt Shack.
Shawn stood in silence, listening to the "system" notifications in his mind.
Congratulations, host. You have obtained...
It had been a long time since he had heard that sound.
Absorbing Voldemort's soul fragment this time had raised his Parseltongue from level four to level five and his water element