“Oh…” Cassandra replied with a somewhat bored tone after the revelation.

Both Voldemort and Professor Quirell can’t help but be confused upon seeing her expression.

“Is this all you have to say after knowing of Lord Voldemort’s existence? Little girl, do you have any idea who you are currently in the presence of?!” Professor Quirell exclaimed.

In the midst of the Forbidden Forest in the dead of night, the chilly wind swept through, rendering a moment of silence that left the atmosphere tinged with awkwardness.

After a pause, Voldemort spoke contemplatively, “It appears your parents have kept you from learning the influence I’ve spread in my reign! You seem unfamiliar with my name.”

However, just as Voldemort’s words lingered in the air, Cassandra calmly retorted, “Of course, I know your name. You are Tom Riddle, renowned as the most deranged dark wizard, the second-generation Dark Lord, and the master of the Death Eaters!”

Cassandra’s words seemed to catch Voldemort off guard, but considering Cassandra’s background, Voldemort mused, “You are indeed well-informed. It appears that even after more than a decade, the students at Slytherin Academy still revere my name.”

Reflecting on his past, Voldemort couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. He continued, “In that case, for the sake of Slytherin, if you pledge allegiance to me, I will bestow upon you the Dark Mark, allowing you to join the Death Eaters and become my loyal followers! On the day of my return, you will have a place by my side, and I can secure a position for you among us!”

Upon hearing Voldemort’s words, Cassandra sneered. She was ready to decline his “glorious” offer.

However, a sudden thought seemed to cross her mind, prompting a change in her tone as she questioned, “You claim to be Voldemort? What proof do you have? I see no second-generation Dark Lord here. All I hear is someone who lacks the courage to reveal their face, skulking in the shadows and speaking to me!”

As Cassandra finished speaking, Quirrell stepped forward indignantly, exclaiming, “Insolent brat! Who gave you the right to address the Lord in such a manner!”

Unfazed, Cassandra looked around nonchalantly, remarking, “Lord? Where is your Lord? I don’t see anyone!”

Just as Quirrell was about to draw his wand and reprimand the uninformed Cassandra, the mysterious voice sounded again, “Remove the scarf!”

Hearing this, Quirrell hesitated for a moment and then quickly interjected, “My Lord, you are still in a weakened state. You need more time for self-cultivation! Allow me to deal with this ignorant brat and teach her a lesson!”

Yet, the “loyal” Quirrell did not receive Voldemort’s commendation. Instead, Voldemort bellowed once more, demanding, “I said, remove the scarf, you fool!”

Witnessing this, Quirrell lowered his head, responding with deference, “As you wish, my lord!”

In reality, Voldemort felt a sense of helplessness.

Presently, he resembled a solitary figure, lacking the support of the Death Eaters who were either imprisoned in Azkaban or had their loyalty questioned. Voldemort was acutely aware of the questionable motives of those Death Eaters who remained free.

The Dark Lord found himself in dire need of allies. This urgency was the driving force behind his impatience to confront Wentworth.

After all, Wentworth’s association with the entire Alliance made him a valuable target.

Hence, Voldemort is bent on getting Wentworth on his side before his return.

If the current Alliance is led by this strong boy, then the world shall know terror once more under the name of the Dark Lord!

Moreover, the Slytherin girl named Cassandra was no ordinary individual standing before him.

Voldemort recognized the irresistible allure his ideals held for most Slytherins. Cassandra, linked closely to Wentworth Grindelwald, provided an opportunity to exert control and surveillance over both Wentworth and the Alliance if he ever got his hands on her.

For these reasons, Voldemort chose to unveil his still-weakened self, meeting Cassandra with the intention of bringing her into the ranks of the Death Eaters for a more secure future – one where he could dominate and manipulate both Wentworth and the Alliance.

Otherwise, if another wizard were present, daring to address Voldemort in such a manner would likely result in the imposition of the Cruciatus Curse.

The title of the second-generation Dark Lord was not bestowed without reason. In this world, names carry weight, and nicknames are not assigned haphazardly.

With an air of solemnity, Quirrell unraveled the turban that concealed his head, turning away from Cassandra.

To her astonishment, behind Quirrell’s head, another visage was revealed. The face displayed blurred and distorted features, as if ravaged by fire, eliciting a faint sense of nausea in Cassandra.

Cassandra, her mouth agape, observed the grotesque scene that unfolded behind Quirrell. After a prolonged moment, she spoke slowly, “It’s rather unsightly how ugly you are…”

Upon hearing Cassandra’s candid remark, Quirrell contemplated scolding her but restrained himself, considering Voldemort’s recent display of authority.

Nonetheless, Quirrell sensed an imperceptible change; it seemed as though Voldemort, residing at the back of his head, was breathing a bit more heavily in response to Cassandra’s words.

After a brief silence, Voldemort inquired, “Now, do you believe in my existence?”

Cassandra nodded unequivocally, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. “I believe it! So… you are still alive after all.”

Impatiently, Voldemort continued, “In that case, are you willing to join the Death Eaters and become my followers? Since you are a Slytherin, you must know my dream – the pure blood shall reign supreme! Would you like to help me?”

Contrary to Voldemort’s expectations, the scene of Cassandra kneeling in worship and swearing allegiance did not unfold. Calmly shaking her head, Cassandra replied, “I don’t want to.”

Simultaneously, a bright flash of lightning illuminated the night sky, followed by the resonant rumbling of thunder as if heralding an impending downpour.

Cassandra’s response evidently caught Voldemort off guard. After a moment, he suppressed his anger and asked, “Why?”

With utmost simplicity, Cassandra responded, “Because I already have a Lord to whom I’ve sworn allegiance.”

Upon hearing Cassandra’s response, Voldemort had initially considered asking for the identity of her allegiance, but he quickly deduced the answer and tentatively mentioned, “Wentworth Grindelwald? The Alliance?”

Cassandra nodded solemnly, seemingly unaffected by her precarious situation. Although Voldemort received the confirmation, he remained persistent and ventured, “Wentworth Grindelwald? He’s just a little kid! It won’t be long before he, too, will join under the Death Eater; it’s your chance to be together with him again under my command!”

“Cassandra, I see great potential in you, so I’ll offer you one last chance! Join the Death Eaters!”

Despite Voldemort’s aggressive appeal, Cassandra’s answer remained a steadfast refusal. She shook her head and asserted, “You are but a remnant of an old era, but he will undoubtedly become the Dark Lord of the new era!”