#439 - Chapter 439 The current magic world makes me feel unfamiliar

About to go bankrupt?

What's going on? Is the magical economy so bad now that even Knockturn Alley is facing closure?

That's not right! Logically, the worse the economy, the busier Knockturn Alley should be.

Voldemort paused, then a hint of anger appeared on his face: "Are you playing me, Avery? Knockturn Alley has been around for so many years, and it's never been close to bankruptcy. What exactly is going on?"

"Master," Avery quickly explained, "the job market is too good right now. Those who used to loiter in Knockturn Alley, after finding decent jobs and earning money, all want to live more respectable lives, so they've moved out of Knockturn Alley one after another."

"Moreover, to completely say goodbye to their past lives, they never return to Knockturn Alley, determined to sever ties with the past completely."

"Are you saying..." Voldemort drawled out his words slightly, "that those good-for-nothings who can only survive by petty theft and trickery can also find decent jobs?"

"Yes," Avery's head was almost touching the table, "after furthering their education in Azkaban, they've all learned a skill, such as brewing potions, growing herbs, processing alchemical materials, and so on. After they leave Azkaban, as long as they're willing, they can all find a pretty good job."

Azkaban?

Further education?

Voldemort's brow furrowed tightly. He felt like he was listening to a heavenly book, unable to understand how these two words could be connected, no matter how he thought about it.

Is this still the magical world he knows?

How did it suddenly become so unfamiliar!

He's only been in the Albanian forest for a few years, not decades.

Actually, it's not Voldemort's fault for being confused. After all, the Azkaban reformation has only been going on for the past two years, and during this time, he's been in the Albanian forest, completely cut off from the British magical world.

Peter and Barty Jr. only found him a year ago, and besides, one of them has been a pet at Hogwarts for a long time, and the other has been a prisoner at home, so they don't know much about the changes in Azkaban.

After finding Voldemort, they focused all their attention on helping Voldemort resurrect, so naturally, they didn't notice the changes Azkaban brought to the magical world.

Seeing Voldemort's frown, many Death Eaters present felt a little short of breath. There's a part of their contribution to Knockturn Alley becoming like this.

After the reformation of Azkaban, those good-for-nothings transformed into excellent laborers. These pure-blood families naturally wouldn't let such an opportunity pass.

Among these Death Eaters, Lucius felt the most guilty because he provided the most job opportunities, recruited the most people, and obtained the greatest benefits.

"Master," he couldn't sit still any longer and took the initiative to explain, "Knockturn Alley has suffered a severe population loss. We haven't seen people in our shops in Knockturn Alley for a long time. Only wizards looking for prohibited items occasionally visit, and all of this is because of Sebastian."

"He colludes with the Ministry of Magic, using Dementors to force those who enter Azkaban to perform labor reforms, obtaining huge profits without paying a single Galleon."

"In addition, his Swann Alchemy also purchases potions, herbs, alchemical raw materials, etc., without limit, so the entire magical world wants a share of the pie, and everyone is recruiting workers..."

Under Lucius's detailed explanation, Voldemort slowly understood the specific reasons, which made him even angrier.

"I understand," a mocking expression appeared on his face, "Azkaban's cultivation method is actually much more efficient than Hogwarts'."

"Severus, you professors still need to work harder. Otherwise, I'm worried that in a few decades, Azkaban will completely replace Hogwarts."

"Avery," his voice turned cold, "if you can't recruit enough people in Knockturn Alley, then go to other countries and recruit them, smuggle them over. We need a large amount of combat power to expand our forces. Remember, next time I only ask for results."

He sneered, ignoring Avery, and turned his gaze to a well-dressed man: "Yaxley, is there any news about Karkaroff?"

"Master, we've found out that Fudge has secretly imprisoned Karkaroff in Azkaban. Since Karkaroff's matter involves you, Fudge doesn't seem to plan to investigate further."

After being named by Voldemort, the Death Eater named Yaxley quickly lowered his head and respectfully reported the latest news to Voldemort.

"So that's how it is. I thought that fool was too scared to see me."

Voldemort's scarlet eyes revealed a cruel smile, causing all the Death Eaters to shiver.

"Besides that fool Karkaroff, there are many loyal servants waiting for me to rescue them in Azkaban."

"Master..." Lucius's heart stirred, and he tentatively asked, "Are you planning to attack Azkaban and free those comrades?"

"Of course," Voldemort smiled slightly, "However, not now. We need to accumulate strength and cannot expose ourselves for the time being."

"Yaxley, the Dementors must side with us. You work in the Ministry of Magic and have many opportunities to contact the Dementors. I need you to persuade them at the appropriate time."

"In addition, Severus just said that Fudge and Dumbledore have fallen out. This is a good opportunity. You must help Fudge create more trouble for Dumbledore, and it's best to ruin Dumbledore's reputation and make him lose people's trust."

"I will definitely not fail my mission!" Yaxley immediately stated.

"Very good," Voldemort shifted his gaze away from him and looked at another Death Eater, "Macnair, you often deal with magical creatures. I need you to find the giants and persuade those brainless guys to join our great cause."

"As you wish, my Master."

"In addition," Voldemort scanned the Death Eaters, "I need someone to persuade the werewolves, and it's best to have Fenrir Greyback lead those hairy beasts to form an army and be loyal to me."

Fenrir?

It seems like I haven't heard from that guy in a long time. Could he be dead?

The Death Eaters present looked at each other, and no one dared to take on this task.

Seeing that no one spoke, Voldemort didn't care so much and directly assigned the task to Lucius.

"Our team needs to expand, Death Eaters. I need you to treat this as the top priority."

"Master," Snape took the initiative to speak, "Sebastian conquered the Forbidden Forest by force and endlessly plundered magical materials from those magical creatures. As far as I know, the Acromantula colony has been dissatisfied for a long time."

"I am confident that I can persuade the Acromantula colony to contribute their strength to you, Master."

Acromantula colony!

Hagrid's little pet has already developed a colony in the Forbidden Forest?

Very good, these fierce dark creatures should be used by me.

Voldemort grinned with satisfaction: "Severus, you always bring me surprises. The Acromantula colony will be entrusted to you."

"But don't rush, this card should be saved for a critical moment," he said, waving his hand gently at the Death Eaters, "Today's meeting will end here, everyone go back and rest."

Watching the Death Eaters file out, Voldemort's heart stirred.

"Lucius, you stay first, I still have something to ask you privately."