Bab 258: Chapter 257 "Death Eater Rebellion"
"We were skeptical, but upon investigation, we uncovered evidence suggesting a third party's clandestine influence within the werewolf ranks. Shortly after the Rowle family's downfall, turmoil erupted among the werewolves of Knockturn Alley. Fenrir aligned with the Selwyns," he paused, glancing at a masked Death Eater.
Upon receiving a confirming nod, he continued, "While others, under Fenrir's leadership, severed ties with Fenrir and established their own ventures."
"Ah," Voldemort's eyes narrowed perceptibly, his keen mind swiftly seizing upon the crux of Yaxley's revelation. "Where did these departing werewolves disperse to?"
"Most, bereft of Fenrir's authority, dispersed across the UK, inciting chaos. Many fell to Aurors attempting to enforce order," Yaxley's voice dropped, his tone weighted with gravity.
"The most baffling aspect is the disappearance of a small faction—the instigators behind the werewolf split, those who championed the establishment of their own clan. Despite evading Auror capture, they vanished without a trace," Yaxley revealed.
Voldemort emitted a disdainful snort, comprehending Yaxley's insinuation—the purported werewolf assault on the Lestrange estate, Thorfinn's subsequent arrest, the annihilation of the Rowle family, and the ensuing werewolf schism—all orchestrated, suggesting a puppeteer orchestrating events from the shadows.
"It dawned on us that we'd been deceived," Yaxley's voice quivered, torn between fear of Voldemort's retribution and simmering indignation. "The werewolf raid on the Lestrange manor was a ruse to sow discord, framing Thorfinn and sowing dissent with the Rowle family."
"Just as our focus shifted to the Rowles," Yaxley ground out through clenched teeth, "werewolves stealthily infiltrated, subverting Knockturn Alley's underworld. Before we could react, the Rowle family had been eradicated..."
"As if you didn't orchestrate it from the shadows," Voldemort scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "With Thorfinn's arrest and the Rowle family's demise, wouldn't it have served your interests to claim sole control?"
"I've seen your likes; when no more leashes were meant for you, you would go and bite the others for the sake of minor advantage. All these with the purpose of gaining just a bit of power, yet in the end it harms our forces more..." Voldemort lamented, he look toward the distance with no intention of meeting the eyes of his followers.
At that moment, the Death Eater who had observed Yaxley arose. Though shorter in stature, his presence commanded attention, exuding a palpable aura of strength surpassing even Yaxley's.
"Master, both Coban and I can swear the darkest magical oath. We had no hand in the Rowle family's downfall," the masked Death Eater asserted confidently.
"And me, Master! I swear, I had no part in it!" Avery interjected, his voice escalating in desperation, as if fearing his presence would go unnoticed.
"Silence, Avery. You've lived comfortably all these years, but have you ever considered that your Master still depends on his servants lurking in the shadows?" Voldemort sneered, raising his wand. "Excrucio!"
"Ahhhhh—" Avery writhed on the ground, his screams piercing the air.
"I had high hopes for you! How dare you repay me with those kinds of efforts!" Voldemort furiously yelled at Avery as he was writhing on the ground. His airy voice infused with anger brought terror to the Death Eaters' ears.
The circle of Death Eaters quivered, each member appearing on the verge of retreat but paralyzed by fear.
Meanwhile, Harry, bound to the tombstone, paled instantly, his wizarding robes soaked with cold sweat.
Unlike his counterpart in the original world, this Harry lacked the same courage. He hadn't faced Voldemort in his first year, nor encountered the basilisk with the aid of Fawkes and the Sorting Hat, nor summoned a powerful Patronus to defend Sirius against the Dementors.
In this moment—
He was consumed by terror.
His teeth chattered uncontrollably, his body convulsing with fear as he fought against impending unconsciousness.
"Anyone, Professor Dumbledore! Hermione, Ron... even Malfoy will do! I want to live as well!" Desperately, he prayed for his cries to reach nearby homes, summoning help—anyone, anything.
"Selwyn," Voldemort's voice sliced through the tension, cold and unforgiving. "Resume your explanation. If you fail to satisfy me, you know the consequences."
Though Voldemort had inflicted a cruel punishment on Avery, a prominent member of the middle-class families, he hesitated to do the same to Selwyn and Yaxley.
Despite his arrogance and cruelty, Voldemort wasn't lacking in intelligence. He understood the critical importance of the loyalty of his Death Eaters at this juncture.
It was common knowledge among them that Voldemort ranked his followers based on their significance. Their positions within the circle spoke volumes—those closer to him held greater value.
Figures like Lucius Malfoy, Selwyn, and Corban Yaxley, with their prestigious bloodlines and influential networks, were undoubtedly among his most prized assets.
Without the backing of these pure-blood families, Voldemort would amount to nothing more than a mere thug. Their support elevated him from a mere murderer to a formidable force.
Especially now, with the Malfoy family's allegiance hanging in the balance—Lucius's absence tonight spoke volumes. Without the backing of the powerful Malfoy clan, the support of the Selwyns and Yaxleys became paramount.
Securing their allegiance was key. Once his forces were bolstered and his authority solidified, Voldemort would have ample means to control these influential families.
Voldemort's decision to publicly torture Avery was strategic—it served as a method to instill fear in the other Death Eaters and shock them into compliance.
Selwyn, bowing his head slightly, murmured, "Master, in the presence of your wise and discerning gaze, how could we ever dare to deceive you?"
"Truth be told," Selwyn continued, "after the downfall of the Rowle family, Yaxley and I did entertain the notion of seizing their assets..." He paused as Voldemort emitted a disdainful snort, visibly rattling Selwyn, before continuing, "However, when we, along with Avery, arrived at the Rowle ancestral home, we stumbled upon an unexpected sight..."
Voldemort scrutinized Selwyn intently, the red gleam in his eyes growing increasingly menacing and sharp, resembling a demon from the depths of hell, "Tell me more of what you saw," His cold voice put fear in his followers' heart.
Though wizards might scoff at the notion of actual demons, the effect was nonetheless chilling.
"We discovered," Selwyn stated calmly, "that the treasures, land deeds, and tomes of the Rowle family had already been plundered... by the Malfoy family... the Nott family... and the Greengrass family. They had divided the spoils among themselves."
"Malfoy! Nott!" Voldemort exclaimed, bewildered by the revelation.
Merely by observing who stands to gain the most from this chaos, the true puppeteer behind the scenes becomes glaringly apparent.
Voldemort's voice dripped with a profound chill. "It appears..." The fiery glow in his eyes had dimmed, yet his imposing presence emanated an unmistakable aura of wrath. He continued icily, "Our erstwhile allies, Malfoy and Nott... they have dared to betray me..."
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