The Death Eater named Avery stiffened in the face and thought: Do you really think everyone has the same iron will as you?
It's ridiculous to think that someone can break free from the Imperius Curse. You should know that the one who cursed it is not just a mere minion but Barty Crouch Sr., a strong competitor of the Minister of Magic. Barty Crouch Jr. achieved something that seemed impossible.
That's why he holds a very high position among the Death Eaters.
However, Avery also had to say something, or else if his master deemed him useless, it would be the end for him.
So, he beat his chest and assured Voldemort that he had absolute control over Karkaroff. If he made a mistake, he would be willing to accept the punishment.
Upon hearing this, Barty Crouch Jr. looked away. Of course, the chances of escaping the Imperius Curse were extremely low.
As for the Karkaroff they referred to, it was naturally Igor Karkaroff, the headmaster of Durmstrang. As a traitor, he should have been executed to set an example for the others. But when Voldemort interrogated him, he unexpectedly learned news: the Triwizard Tournament was going to resume.
As the headmaster, Karkaroff still had some value that could be exploited, so Voldemort spared his life but ordered his subordinate Avery to control him with the Imperius Curse.
He would kill him when his plan was complete.
After Barty's intervention, other Death Eaters also stood up to report what they had done that week and ask questions of their fellow comrades.
It was like a weekly meeting in a company. However, because the "CEO" Voldemort was not a chatty person, the meeting proceeded quickly. After a few minutes, the Death Eaters didn't have much else to say.
According to the rules, it was now Voldemort's turn to speak. He would give new orders to his subordinates. But Voldemort, unusually, remained silent. He interlaced the long fingers of his hands and stared up at the chandelier on the ceiling.
Voldemort didn't speak, and no one dared to speak or make any other abnormal movements.
After a while, as his subordinates grew increasingly uneasy, he finally spoke.
"Everything is progressing smoothly, I believe it's time to carry out that plan... This room is too empty."
He didn't mention what the plan was, but the Death Eaters in key positions knew that their master was planning regarding Azkaban.
After returning, Voldemort needed more followers. Although he had temporarily solved that problem through external alliances, it wasn't a long-term solution.
Furthermore, Azkaban still held many of his loyal followers imprisoned. If he could free them, the problem would be easily resolved.
"Master, I'm willing to go to Azkaban on your behalf and negotiate with the Dementors..." Barty Crouch Jr., seated to the left of Voldemort, volunteered as the emissary for negotiating with the Dementors.
"No," Voldemort responded very quickly this time.
"Dementors are extremely evil creatures. If you don't have enough power, they'll see you as nothing but food."
In front of his most loyal follower, Voldemort displayed exceptional patience.
"So, this time, I will personally go to Azkaban and bring freedom to our servants there."
The Death Eaters breathed a sigh of relief. They truly feared that Voldemort would send them to Azkaban.
The meeting at Malfoy Manor finally came to an end, and the Death Eaters began to leave the Malfoy mansion. In the quiet night, an owl soared from the mansion and disappeared into the darkness of the night sky.
...
"Welcome to Gryffindor! Drink and enjoy! Let's have a great time tonight!"
After the scores were revealed, the Hogwarts students plunged into an ocean of joy. In this festive atmosphere, it would be a shame if there weren't a big celebration.
But considering Cedric Diggory's identity, that party probably wasn't going to happen. Because the Hufflepuff common room didn't allow students from other houses to enter, only Hufflepuff students could enjoy the celebration.
However, something unexpected happened.
Cedric proposed that, if no one objected, they could celebrate in the Gryffindor Tower. The Hufflepuff common room didn't allow people from other houses to enter; Ravenclaw students preferred quietness, so it wasn't a good idea to celebrate there. And there was no need to explain the situation in Slytherin. Therefore, the Gryffindor Tower was the best place for the celebration.
When they heard the news, Gryffindor students were excited, and Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students also smiled. Although some Hufflepuff students felt a bit disappointed, they didn't mind as much when they thought about the possibility of celebrating Cedric's victory with more people.
The only ones who felt distressed were the Slytherin students. But they couldn't do anything; who told them they were unpopular? Cedric didn't forbid them from joining the celebration; if they were willing to set aside their pride, they could also enjoy that happiness.
Cedric's chosen Gryffindor Tower could be considered the common denominator of the different houses and the most suitable place for a party.
"Come on, Tom, let's have fun together!" Cedric cheerfully approached Tom and wrapped his arm around his neck.
"Alright, alright, but first, let go!" Tom almost choked from the hug and could only nod repeatedly.
"Great! Friends, let's move on!" Cedric shouted loudly, and the other wizards responded with cheers. They all sang and danced as they headed towards Hogwarts Castle. Along the way, they occasionally lit some fireworks from the Weasley's joke shop.
"I'm surprised you made this decision," Tom said as he looked at Cedric's handsome face.
"Surprised why?" Cedric stopped his waving arms and looked at Tom.
"I can't believe you're willing to celebrate in the Gryffindor Tower... I mean, you're a Hufflepuff."
Cedric shrugged. "It has nothing to do with the house I belong to. If I want, I can even do it in the Potions classroom."
"Then Professor Snape would surely give you an unforgettable lesson."
Both chuckled.
"Seriously," after laughing, Cedric's expression turned serious. "Tom, don't you think the Hogwarts students are too... too...?"
"Divided?"
"That's exactly it, that word. The four houses are really too divided. Not to mention the rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin, don't you think the relationship between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff isn't that friendly either?"