Krum's performance had been perfectly normal. It was precisely the caliber of skill one would expect from a talented student. Logically, had Krum been controlled by Voldemort—even if the Dark Lord had concealed his presence perfectly—there would have been some magical leakage.
This was the detail that puzzled Erwin the most.
Therefore, Erwin wondered if he was merely overthinking things. After all, the future could be changed, a fact Erwin had already proven through experimentation. Left with no other choice, he could only resort to his old method: wait and see.
Voldemort smiled. "I see. So, in that case, I haven't really lost."
Erwin nodded. "You haven't lost. This time, you truly gave me a challenge. So, I am actually very curious—how did you manage it?"
Voldemort laughed. "What? Erwin, can't you modify memories?"
Erwin was stunned.
Suddenly, all the unclear information in his mind snapped into focus.
Voldemort said, "It seems you've figured it out! I know your strength and your intelligence very well. I understand that if I controlled Krum to participate in the competition, I wouldn't escape your notice. That's why I haven't shown myself until this third task. No, I did show myself once—I used Krum to attend the Christmas ball. To be honest, it's been so long since I've been to a ball; I really wanted to go and reminisce about my school days! If I'm not mistaken, that's when you noticed something was off!"
Erwin understood.
In reality, it had been Krum himself participating in the competition. However, Voldemort only attended that single ball. He hadn't invited Hermione like in the original story, which had first aroused Erwin's suspicion.
Afterward, Voldemort had altered Krum's memories. That was why Erwin couldn't detect anything amiss.
Then, Voldemort had remained among the Cavendish staff. Because of the Dark Mark, Erwin never even considered this possibility—because he would never dream that Voldemort would willingly brand himself with a mark that could control him.
Erwin looked at the Dark Mark on Voldemort's arm.
Voldemort chuckled. "What? Confused? Can't figure it out?"
Erwin nodded. "Yes, I really didn't expect you to do this."
Voldemort said, "Erwin, you are my disciple. My only disciple. Actually, from the first moment I saw you, I knew you had an ulterior motive. Including approaching me, but I didn't care. What I cared about was that you made me feel a long-lost warmth. Whether it's feigned affection or not, you will be my only heir. If you use this mark to kill me, then I will accept it—because you are ruthless. Then I will know your nature completely. If you don't use this mark to restrict me, then I will also be pleased—because you are sincere to me. So, what difference does it make whether this mark is good or bad?"
Erwin's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected Voldemort to think this way.
Looking at Voldemort's face, although it lacked conventional features and looked somewhat unusual, the sincerity in his eyes sent a shiver down Erwin's spine.
Voldemort gestured with his wand. "Well then, Erwin, you didn't find me, so you resorted to this clever method. Therefore, our battle is still to be decided! Let me see if you've improved at all these years. They all say your strength has surpassed Dumbledore's, so let me see your current power."
Erwin looked at Voldemort. A smile appeared on his face.
"Of course, my dear teacher. I am also very curious to know just how strong you are at your peak. You should have retrieved all the Horcruxes by now, right?"
Voldemort nodded. "Yes, but there are still two I haven't retrieved. I can't find them either. I think you should know."
Erwin smiled.
Here, he took out a container directly from his satchel. "Inside are two fragments of your soul."
The moment the Horcruxes appeared, two manifestations of Tom emerged from within. He cursed, "Damn you, Erwin, you dare—"
However, before the two Horcruxes could finish speaking, they saw Voldemort standing to the side. The two fragments froze.
Voldemort smiled, looking at the condition of the two Horcruxes. "Erwin, it seems they've had a rough time."
Erwin shrugged. "Don't blame me."
Voldemort nodded. Then he opened his mouth. The two Horcruxes had no chance to resist and were absorbed by Voldemort.
The next moment, Erwin keenly sensed it. The energy fluctuations around Voldemort suddenly surged. A powerful trace of magic emanated from the Dark Lord.
Voldemort frowned. "No, something is missing."
Erwin said, "Harry Potter."
Voldemort said, "Harry Potter? Yes, I must have split off a piece of my soul back then. But I didn't notice. No wonder I had that special connection with that boy."
Erwin said, "I've already sent someone to retrieve it. Shall we wait a moment?"
Voldemort hesitated. "You can remove my soul fragment?"
Erwin said, "I should be able to. Let's try. If not, we'll just have to make other arrangements for Harry Potter."
Voldemort smiled. "I thought you'd protect him."
Erwin said, "His only value to me is that his well-being makes my godfather happy. And perhaps later, my godfather will need his help to achieve something important."
Voldemort said, "Severus?"
Erwin nodded.
Just then, a meow came. Erwin turned around. Ebony came hopping over. Approaching Erwin, it held a ball of light in its paw and offered it to him.
Erwin patted the creature's head. "Thank you for your hard work."
The creature meowed, then looked at Voldemort curiously.
Voldemort looked at the ball of light in Erwin's hand. Erwin waved his hand, dispelling the divine power attached to the ball of light.
Then, a fragment of soul appeared and floated directly towards Voldemort. Voldemort opened his mouth and absorbed it.
The next moment, Voldemort's face began to rapidly change. His aura became increasingly stable.
Erwin watched Voldemort's face being reconstructed. The unusual appearance was gone. Handsome Tom Riddle was back!