Draco noticed his father's slightly flattering attitude and said nothing.
He was no longer a young wizard from Hogwarts. Face was such a thing: take what should be taken and put down what should be put down. Obviously, in front of a wizard who could kill him with ease, there was no need to show dignity or save face. That would be merely seeking death.
But then...
"Draco, let's talk about Hogwarts first. How has it changed over the years we've been gone?" Vera didn't address Lucius. Instead, she asked his son who stood beside him.
Upon hearing this question, Lucius gave his son a meaningful glance.
Draco immediately spoke respectfully: "What would you like to know?"
"What do you think I want to know most right now?" Vera said with a half-smile, seemingly ignoring Lucius's expression from moments ago. Without waiting for Draco to speak, she asked directly: "Tell me about Dumbledore. You just said that Dumbledore disappeared. What happened?"
Regarding this question, Draco pondered for a moment, seemingly organizing his thoughts: "It's true that Headmaster Dumbledore disappeared. Two years after you, Professor Lockhart, and the others vanished, Headmaster Dumbledore also disappeared."
Hearing this, Vera frowned. What could have caused Dumbledore to disappear?
While she was deep in thought, Draco added: "We weren't entirely certain at the time, but Headmaster Dumbledore definitely vanished. However, regarding this matter, His Majesty Riddle provided us with certain information. It was also from that moment that the transformation of the wizarding world began!"
Speaking of this, there was a hint of pride in Draco's words. Yes, conquering the entire world and creating a magical empire was indeed something to be proud of.
But Vera didn't seem to care. She thought for a moment and asked again: "Why did Dumbledore disappear? Did Tom Riddle explain that?"
Lucius couldn't help but flinch when he heard Vera calling the Emperor by his first name.
Draco shook his head, indicating he didn't know.
Vera wasn't surprised. She pressed on: "Then tell me, after we left and before Dumbledore disappeared—what exactly did Dumbledore do?"
At this point, Vera's tone became serious, and her body exuded an intimidating power. It seemed that if either of them told any lies, they would be struck by lightning.
This made Lucius and Draco swallow nervously to relieve their inner tension. There was no way around it—these visitors were the knives, and they were merely fish and meat. One careless word, and they might not even keep their bodies intact.
"I remember that in the first year after you disappeared, Headmaster Dumbledore formed the Magical Innovation Alliance," Draco explained. "In his own name, he summoned representatives from Ministries of Magic worldwide and many powerful wizards. They said they wanted to jointly research and innovate a new magical system."
"That's all?" Vera asked.
"Also, Headmaster Dumbledore contacted the Ministries of Magic from various countries and prepared to form a wizarding alliance!" Lucius interjected.
"Did it succeed?" Vera asked directly.
"It was halfway through when Headmaster Dumbledore disappeared," Lucius said. "The progress was still very promising at that time. With their control over the Magical Innovation Alliance, the attitudes of the Ministries of Magic in various countries were considered friendly."
Vera was thoughtful, but quickly continued with her questions. "How did Dumbledore treat Tom Riddle during this time period?"
"I'm not sure about this, and I didn't receive any special news at the time."
That means no! Vera thought to herself, her expression becoming increasingly solemn.
Not specifically targeting Tom Riddle, plus her teacher's previous suppression of Voldemort... Dumbledore should have had the absolute advantage. How could he have disappeared so unexpectedly?
"What's Tom Riddle's current state?" Despite the overwhelming doubts in her mind, Vera continued questioning.
The changes in the world today were caused by two people: one was Dumbledore, the now-missing Dumbledore; the other was Tom Riddle, His Majesty who founded the Magic Federation Empire.
Based on her previous understanding of Voldemort, there was nothing wrong with describing him as a murderous madman and a leader of terrorists. However, to create a country and rule it? Vera still couldn't imagine casting such a role on Tom Riddle.
Just as Lucius opened his mouth to answer, suddenly...
"Since Miss Vera wants to know about my status so badly, she should ask me in person. Ask them, and they will only know a little bit about it!"
The voice was unusually familiar, and the tone surprisingly gentle. But Draco and Lucius shuddered when they heard it, cold sweat breaking out on their foreheads. Their bodies froze like stone, so stiff they dared not move.
Because this was His Majesty's voice. His Majesty Tom Riddle was here!
Vera turned around almost instantly upon hearing the voice behind her, drawing her wand and pointing it at Tom Riddle.
Tom Riddle was wearing simple black casual clothes, his wand hanging at his waist. He looked at Vera with a gentle expression.
"Tom Riddle!" Looking at the handsome young man before her, Vera spoke his name.
"Long time no see, Vera," Tom said with a smile. "We are all acquaintances, and I will forgive your rudeness this time. It's not polite to call me by my first name. Isn't that right, Ian?"
Tom Riddle turned to the left as he spoke.
At the same time, Ian appeared at Voldemort's left, holding his wand at the ready.
This visit to Lucius's house wasn't just to gather information. Another purpose was to test Voldemort. If Voldemort didn't appear, it meant that their isolation methods were still effective. If he was aware and rushed to the scene, then they would need to be more cautious in dealing with him. After all, their strongest shielding method had failed, and what would happen next would only be worse.
"Voldemort, I'm a little curious," Ian said, as the ring on his right hand quietly lit up. "How did you block our teacher's methods?"
Knowing there would be changes in the wizarding world, Lockhart had naturally given him some means of protection when he came. Of course, the same was true for Vera.
In response to Ian's question, Voldemort's expression turned cold almost instantly. He had not forgotten the time when he was imprisoned, tortured, and used as a test subject by Lockhart. All kinds of magical contracts and brands had been placed upon him, safeguards against his potential betrayal.
"Before you answer, Ian, please answer a question for me first," Voldemort said, his voice hardening. "Is Lockhart back? Or is he still in his new world?"