"The next Minister for Magic is Scrimgeour."
"The master certainly won't be pleased."
"How is Yaxley's infiltration plan going?"
"It likely failed."
"Who knows which idiot used a shoddy Imperius Curse on Herbert Joe? The Ministry of Magic has already noticed."
The sitting room was filled with hushed whispers. Since Voldemort's return, meetings like this had been held more than once.
Other than arguing, few Death Eaters ever came up with a reliable solution.
Just then, the door opened and Voldemort entered from outside. It was as though someone had pressed pause in the sitting room; all arguments ceased at once.
Voldemort took the seat at the head of the long table. He swept his gaze over the silent Death Eaters and said in a slightly hoarse, indifferent voice, "Let the meeting begin."
After speaking, he turned his scarlet eyes toward Yaxley.
"Master, although we successfully dealt with Bones, the newly elected Scrimgeour is just as troublesome." Yaxley paused. Seeing that Voldemort did not speak, he continued, "The decision to make Scrimgeour the new Minister cannot be changed unless we kill him, but that may make the situation even worse."
"It seems you already have a plan." Voldemort gestured for Yaxley to continue.
"According to the latest intelligence I have received, Piers Shinkle will most likely succeed Bones as Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. If the master permits it, we can invite Piers Shinkle to join us." Yaxley continued explaining his plan. "If it succeeds, not only will we have a high-ranking spy in the Ministry of Magic, but we can also use Cinkness to alter others, then have them work together to drive Scrimgeour from office. At that point, Piers Shinkle can become Minister for Magic, and we can gradually place our people throughout the Ministry