No One Could Disrupt Bell's Plan

"How could it be that simple? Can't you see that Harry's and Voldemort's souls are still connected?

"Of course, we could all rush in together. Given Voldemort's current state, he probably wouldn't even be able to put up a proper resistance before being completely destroyed.

"But then, I have no idea whether Harry's soul would dissipate along with his. If you want to gamble on it, be my guest."

Bell gestured for Arthur to go ahead.

"No, no, no! I'm not taking the bl—no, I mean, you're the professional. I'll listen to you. I'll go cool off somewhere nearby; call me if you need help."

With that, Arthur hurriedly ran off.

What a joke. He would never dare gamble with Harry's life. Leaving aside the guilt gnawing at his conscience, if his suggestion really led to Harry's death or some irreparable injury, his younger son—and especially his daughter—would blame him for the rest of his life.

That burden was far too heavy. He was getting old and couldn't carry it anymore, so he would leave it to the young Bell.

"The Order of the Phoenix? A pack of revolting hypocrites! Why are you here? Where are my loyal servants? Why haven't they come to welcome the great Dark Lord?!"

While Bell and Arthur had been chatting nonsense, Voldemort finally got a clear look at the situation and recognized Arthur and the other members of the Order of the Phoenix.

Then old Voldemort's heart instantly went ice-cold.

What was going on? Why, after awakening, was he surrounded by a group of Wizards from the Order of the Phoenix?

And Snape, that treacherous bastard, really had betrayed him and thrown in his lot with the Order of the Phoenix. What a son of a bitch!

But no matter what, his head could