Shock.
Voldemort's words stunned every wizard present.
The wizards on Hogwarts' side, in particular, stared at Snape's back with deeply conflicted expressions.
Because what he had just said had already confirmed one thing.
It confirmed what Professor McGonagall and the others had never quite been willing to believe, which was...
Dumbledore had been killed by Snape!
Even if Snape had not killed him himself, he had to have been involved somehow.
After all, aside from Voldemort's testimony, and Voldemort had no reason at all to lie about this, the physical evidence was now in his hand.
Only by defeating its original master could the Elder Wand accept a new master!
Just as everyone was thrown into confusion by this shocking truth, a shout filled with hatred and malice rang out beneath the deep night sky. "I knew it. I knew it all along! This was the only possibility, the only possibility!!"
"....."
That hoarse voice, and that gaze burning as if it could pierce straight through him.
Even from a distance, Draco noticed that his godfather's body seemed to tremble for the briefest instant, though he quickly straightened again.
Because there was no way Snape failed to recognize that voice.
It belonged to... Harry Potter!
...
Snape had never seemed to care about other people's stares.
Nor had he ever shown any intention of explaining away misunderstandings.
Even with those emerald-green eyes, eyes that held a special meaning for Snape, glaring at him with hatred, there was not the slightest trace of wavering on his face.
With acting that flawless, Snape could have been called a master in that field...
But beneath that gloomy exterior, only a small handful of people like Draco could understand the softness hidden under that hard shell.
And now, having understood what Snape had been planning all along, Draco could not help wanting to step forward and say something.
But Snape, who understood Draco just as well, clearly had no intention of giving him the chance. "Perhaps you are wrong again?"
"....."
"....."
"Just like the last time you failed."
"....."
"....."
Silence.
Stunned silence.
Even Harry Potter, who had been shouting moments earlier, stopped struggling in Hagrid's arms.
What had Snape just said?
Had Voldemort... just been lectured?
Everyone had thought Snape might keep silent, or perhaps strike at Voldemort directly.
But no one had expected him to openly correct Voldemort's statement. For some reason, the absurdity of the scene nearly made Draco laugh out loud.
Especially when he saw Voldemort's already ugly face begin to twist.
No one could criticize the Dark Lord.
And no one could defy the Dark Lord's will.
If Voldemort had not spoken, loyal Death Eaters like Barty Crouch Jr. might already have rushed forward and torn Snape to pieces where he stood.