Chapter 250: Forcing Old Barty Crouch to Submit
In the study of Zabini Manor, the servant quietly left the room after serving tea, while Barty Crouch Sr. glared at the three women opposite him as if ready for battle. There was no confrontation at the beginning, nor was there an ambush trap as expected; but Barty Sr. knew very well that this situation would be even worse...
"Mr. Crouch, I remember the last time we met was when you were the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. It's been such a long time since we last met, and you're still as charming as ever!" Madam Zabini complimented kindly.
But such compliments seemed like sugar-coated bullets to old Batty. He responded coldly: "There is no need to say polite words. We are all very busy. Let's get straight to the point!"
Mrs. Zabini did not show any dissatisfaction with the other party's attitude. Instead, she continued to smile and said slowly, "I wonder if Mr. Crouch still has ambitions and is willing to serve the Ministry of Magic in a higher position?"
A trace of disdain appeared on Old Barty's face. He sneered and said, "This kind of ridicule means nothing to me, Mrs. Zabini. You underestimate me too much."
As if sensing the other party's dissatisfaction, Madam Zabini smiled and explained, "You think too much, Mr. Crouch. Then I will be frank. As long as you can stand with us, our alliance will fully support you in your pursuit of the position of Minister of Magic."
Old Barty was obviously stunned when he heard this. He was a little confused about what the other party was up to. So he continued to test, "Mrs. Zabini wants to form an alliance with me?"
"I'm afraid an alliance is not enough. This kind of relationship is too fragile and cannot withstand the test of wind and rain." Mrs. Zabini smiled and said, "I think loyalty is a better solution."
Let me put it this way, as long as you are loyal to us, your son will be free from the Death Eaters and live well, and you can also pursue the position of Minister of Magic. We will help you with all our strength. "
"Loyalty? Just you?" Old Batty's eyes were full of suspicion and contempt.
"Of course not us, but our master. You should have noticed the recent legend about the great wizard who cured the Squibs, right?" Madam Zabini asked frankly.
"Haha, it's just useless sensationalism. Oh, I remember now, this is something you made up. You're not stupid enough to think that I would believe this?" Old Batty's sarcastic tone became even stronger.
"What if this isn't just a gimmick, but a real thing?" Mrs. Zabini instantly put away her smile and looked straight into old Barty's eyes and asked solemnly.
Mrs. Zabini's reaction made Old Barty's heart tighten, but he still said disdainfully: "So what? Even if this technology can win over many pure-blood families, even if he can really make me the minister, this is not a reason for me to be loyal to him."
"What if you can also help your son Barty Crouch Jr. escape from the Dark Lord's control and gradually resume his normal life?" Madam Zabini said unyieldingly, "Just think about it. You won't have any worries at that time. Your son can continue to live happily, and you can stand at the top of the Ministry of Magic wholeheartedly."
Old Batty did not interrupt the other party. After the other party finished speaking, he sighed and said, "I have to say, the picture you painted is really tempting. But I just can't understand why you think you can do it? What I have been unable to accomplish for so many years can be accomplished by a so-called charlatan?"
"Because I have Voldemort's soul in my hands, and because I can let your son see the true side of Voldemort." The secret door of the study was opened, and a childish but confident voice came slowly.
Old Barty was startled and quickly drew out his wand, assuming a defensive posture, while his other hand tightly grasped an alchemical tool.
"Mr. Crouch, I've just told you that there's no need to be so nervous. If they really wanted to do something bad to you, they could have done it as soon as you entered Zabini Manor." As he spoke, a group of three people had already arrived in front of old Batty. They were Yang Tian, Old Xia and Old Li.
Feeling the magical fluctuations of the two old men opposite him, old Batty reluctantly put down his wand.
"Okay, let's turn our attention back to the question just now." Yang Tian didn't care about old Barty's reaction at all, but continued to ask like a spring breeze: "If I promise that all the conditions mentioned by Mrs. Zabini just now can be realized, are you, Mr. Barty Crouch, willing to be loyal to me?"
"I need more powerful evidence to prove that you are capable of accomplishing these things." Although he knew that he could not win by force, old Batty had no intention of backing down.
"It's not difficult, is it? I just said that I can let your son see the true side of Voldemort." Yang Tian said, and then he used his magic wand to draw out a silver thread of memory; after waving the magic wand again, the thread of memory had turned into a picture of Voldemort being tortured...
"How about it, Mr. Crouch? Do you have a little more confidence in me now?" Yang Tian said with a smile.
"You are...you are the decorated student at Hogwarts? Yang Tian?" Old Barty asked in surprise.
"Mr. Crouch has a good eye." Yang Tian said with a smile.
“So, you Chinese want to invade the British wizarding world?” Old Barty’s eyes suddenly became sharp.
"Haha, you have a really rich imagination! I tell you clearly that I only represent myself or my family! To be honest, let alone the small British wizarding world, I don't care about it. Even if I really covet it, what decision will you make?" Yang Tian suddenly revealed his true intentions and said contemptuously:
"If you agree to my request, we can live in peace and each get what we need. If you disagree with my request, let's not talk about what will happen to the British wizarding world, but your end will be extremely tragic! I can even release Barty Crouch Jr. and let him do some earth-shattering things. By then, the fact that Mr. Barty Crouch Sr. secretly released his Death Eater son will no longer be concealed! Believe me, Mr. Crouch, the scene will be very exciting."
Old Batty was so angry that he was shaking all over, his eyes were full of ferocity, but he really couldn't refute. Is this kid really only 11 years old? He is so scary, he can accurately find his weak spot and attack madly. Thinking about the possibility of his reputation being ruined in the future and the possibility of his family being disgraced, Old Batty felt completely hopeless.
After staring at the devil-like child for a long time, Old Batty finally sighed and said, "Tell me, what do you want me to do?"
"I've made it very clear, surrender to me, surrender to me sincerely. Remember, you only have one chance, and I have the ability to see through whether you are truly loyal!" Yang Tian's low voice was full of threats.
"I...I know what to do..." Old Batty finally lowered his proud head...
