On the other side, Hermione and Ron, who saw the face clearly, let out terrified screams, simultaneously grabbing Dumbledore's sleeves.
"Professor! It's—it's really—"
Ron felt like he couldn't speak, his teeth chattering uncontrollably.
"Professor! Hurry and drive him away! Harry and Snape are in danger! Please save them quickly!"
Hermione was swallowed by immense fear, her body completely unresponsive, not even knowing what she was saying.
"Don't panic, children!"
Dumbledore put his arms around their shoulders, his calm tone carrying a reassuring power.
"Severus and Harry will be fine. Karl also set up two traps for the Philosopher's Stone, and he has already passed them."
Karl?
Hermione and Ron then realized that due to their extreme fear and tension, they hadn't noticed that Karl was gone.
But—this is Lord Voldemort!
Even if Karl could burn Acromantula, could he contend with Lord Voldemort?
"Ah—how incredible."
After a grotesque twist, that face spoke in a sinister voice.
"It seems my luck is very good today. Not only can I get the Philosopher's Stone and create a new body, but I also saw two familiar people."
"Harry Potter, the so-called savior, the boy who lived, and also the culprit who made me like this."
"I still remember your parents; they cried and begged before me, but they still died by my hand."
The hoarse voice was like the words of a demon, making one feel bone-chillingly cold even on a hot summer night.
Lord Voldemort's tone carried a nearly smug delight, revealing his cruel and ruthless nature.
"You're lying! They would never beg for mercy from someone like you!"
Harry clenched his fists tightly, the pain of his fingernails digging into his palms allowing him to regain control of his body amidst his fear.
He used all his strength to retort loudly, glaring at the hideous face,
"Heh—I hope you can maintain that pathetic courage before you die."
Lord Voldemort shifted his gaze from Harry to Snape's face.
"Severus, my servant, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I really wouldn't believe it."
"When I, your Master, became a wandering spirit, where were those loyal servants?"
"Poor Bellatrix and the others are locked in Azkaban, suffering torment."
"Lucius and those fence-sitters still put on a hypocritical front, living a high and mighty life, yet never thought of finding and helping me, their Master."
"And you, Severus, you actually stayed with Dumbledore and became a Professor. I'm truly disappointed."
Lord Voldemort revealed an evil, sinister grin, "Give me a reason, Severus! A reason that won't make me laugh! And a reason for me not to kill you!"
Snape's face turned pale, his chest heaving violently.
"Master—I—" His words were cut off by Lord Voldemort's cold interruption.
"Kill him!"
"Who are you talking about?"
"The boy next to you. Kill him and prove to me you haven't betrayed me."
Snape stiffly turned to look at Harry, a complex expression on his twisted face.
His inner struggle was unknown to anyone, and endless pain and madness surged in his eyes.
Terrified, Harry released Snape's sleeve, painstakingly moving backward step by step. Just when he thought he had misunderstood Snape,
he realized he was wrong again.
"Severus! Kill him!"
Under Lord Voldemort's harsh urging, Snape tremblingly raised his wand.
"No!"
In Harry's despairing gaze, Snape suddenly turned and pointed his wand at Lord Voldemort.
The invisible Sectumsempra tore through the air, fiercely striking towards the Master he had once served.
"Crack!"
Lord Voldemort angrily controlled Quirrell's body to flash aside. The wall behind him was torn by Sectumsempra, leaving a long, deep, shocking crack.
"Severus! You dare to attack me! You dare to betray me!"
Snape let out a roar from deep in his throat, like a wounded beast gone mad.
"I can't! Lily is dead! I can't! I can't kill her child! I can't! I can't do it!"
With each roar, Snape's eyes grew brighter, and that resolute emotion shocked everyone.
"For a lowly Witch, you chose to betray your Master."
Lord Voldemort stared at Snape with cruel, tyrannical eyes, his voice full of chilling malice that made one's hair stand on end,
"What makes you think you can defy me? Dumbledore?"
Snape gritted his teeth, unleashing spell after spell at Lord Voldemort, then turned to look at the stunned Harry.
"Has your brain been eaten by a Troll? Run!"
"Get out of here! Go find Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick—no! Go find Professor Green!"
"Don't just stand there! Get out!"
Harry looked at Snape, who was roaring at him, and tears suddenly streamed down his face.
He couldn't distinguish what he felt inside, only that the heaviness made him incredibly pained.
Taking a deep look at Snape, Harry turned and ran towards the room's exit.
He had to survive and deliver the message, then he could seek revenge, for his father and mother, and also for—Snape.
"Severus, let me tell you, even if I am like this now, I am still your Master!"
Lord Voldemort suddenly waved his wand, raising a large section of stone bricks to block the incoming spells.
At the same time, he chanted an ancient and strange incantation, causing Snape to fall to the ground, twitching and groaning in pain.
"Ah!"
Snape clutched the Dark Mark on his left arm tightly, the intense pain making him unable to concentrate or control his body.
He looked back at Harry, who had stopped, and his lips trembled as he cursed him a fool.
"Since you care so much about this child, then I shall grant you the pleasure of witnessing his death!"
"Avada Kedavra!"
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