In the eyes of Gryffindor, Draco's actions were despicable.
But to Slytherin, that sneak attack just now was exactly what a true Slytherin ought to do.
After all, this was a battlefield.
However, although Draco's attack had been sudden and hidden, it had clearly failed to achieve much.
Because Voldemort, now walking out of the flames, bore no trace of being burned anywhere on his body, let alone any sign of injury.
If there was any difference, it was probably that the giant serpent originally coiled around Voldemort was no longer on him.
To be precise, in that brief span of time, Voldemort seemed to have moved the unknown giant serpent to a safe place.
It was worth noting that, aside from Draco himself, no one, not even Snape and the others, paid much attention to that small detail.
Perhaps in most people's eyes, it was only a pet the Dark Lord had decided to keep on a whim, nothing worth caring about.
...
The breath of a fire dragon.
Fiendfyre from hell.
It had to be said that this was not an attack an ordinary wizard could handle.
In fact, Barty Crouch Jr., who had already been reduced to ashes nearby, was the best example.
Yet Voldemort had still blocked it.
Yes, blocked it.
"Protego..."
The air burned.
It was as if an invisible wall stood there, making it impossible for the flames to get close to Voldemort.
It was a simple and familiar Protego, but when cast by Voldemort, it was something else entirely.
At the same time, this also proved one thing.
Voldemort was not skilled only in dark magic.
Perhaps Voldemort could even cast the Patronus Charm?
At that thought, Draco could not help feeling a little curious about what form Voldemort's Patronus would take.
In any case, Draco's sneak attack this time had failed.
It had even drawn Voldemort's attention back to him.
Those scarlet eyes made Draco focus completely.
...
Below, as Voldemort looked at Draco standing on the dragon's back, he actually admitted his own mistake.
If Barty Crouch Jr. were still alive, he would surely have gone pale and lowered his head in repentance.
Because his failure had brought shame upon the Great Dark Lord.
Hearing Voldemort's self-mocking words, Snape and Lucius were indeed so shocked that their eyes widened, as if they had heard something unbelievable.
That was the Dark Lord.
The Dark Lord who looked down on everyone except Dumbledore.
And now, in front of Draco, he had taken the initiative to admit his own mistake.
Because he had made a grave error in estimating Draco's strength.
And Voldemort truly reflected on his own lack of attention.
He slowly raised the wand in his hand and softly uttered words that could make any wizard's face change.
Boom!
From the center of the circle beneath him, a sickly green light shot out. It was the spell released from the wand in Voldemort's hand.
One of the three Unforgivable Curses.
Dark magic cast by the Dark Lord himself.
Avada Kedavra!