The being inside the blanket stirred slightly.
"New equipment?"
For the first time, a ripple entered Voldemort's voice.
"What kind of equipment?"
"I... I didn't get a clear look, but I heard them talking!"
Wormtail frantically recalled what had happened.
"They mentioned... mentioned the Marauders Power Company!"
"Them again."
Voldemort's voice sank, and the temperature in the basement seemed to drop several degrees.
"I only escaped by turning into a rat and using my knowledge of the terrain."
Wormtail's voice carried lingering fear.
"But all the potions were lost... Master, I swear, I did my best! There were too many of them, and their equipment was too good!"
He raised his head, desperate for a shred of mercy, only to see a pair of scarlet eyes slowly opening in the shadows.
"When you were fleeing,"
Voldemort asked in an offhand tone.
"Did anyone... see your hand?"
Wormtail's body went rigid, cold sweat instantly soaking his back.
"I... I'm not sure... There was a young Auror whose spell grazed my arm. He seemed... seemed to see my missing finger..."
"Not sure?"
Voldemort's voice abruptly turned cold.
"Cruciatus Curse!"
"Aaaah!!!"
Agonized screams echoed once more through the isolated basement.
Wormtail rolled and convulsed on the floor in agony, feeling as though countless hungry Fire Crabs were gnawing at his nerves.
Voldemort watched it all coldly. Only when Wormtail's screams dwindled to faint moans did he withdraw his wand.
He panted weakly. Every spell he cast felt as though it burned away what little life force he had left.
But at that moment, the chill in his heart far outweighed his physical weakness.
Hogwarts was advancing. Under Douglas's guidance, those foolish students were undergoing intensive training like an army.
The Marauders Power Company was advancing. With those damned Muggle-style inventions, they had armed