"The next Minister for Magic is Scrimgeour."
"The master certainly won't be pleased."
"How is Yaxley's infiltration plan going?"
"Probably a failure."
"Some idiot used a shoddy Imperius Curse on Herbert Cholmondeley, and the Ministry of Magic has already noticed."
The drawing room was filled with hushed whispers. Since Voldemort's return, meetings like this had been held more than once.
Aside from arguments, few Death Eaters ever came up with reliable solutions.
Just then, the door opened and Voldemort entered from outside. It was as though someone had pressed pause on the drawing room; all arguing stopped 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."
Then he turned his scarlet eyes toward Yaxley.
"Master, although we successfully disposed of Bones, the newly elected Scrimgeour is equally troublesome." Yaxley paused. When Voldemort said nothing, 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 my latest intelligence, Piers Shinkle will most likely succeed Bones as Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. If you permit it, Master, we can invite Piers Shinkle to join us." Yaxley continued outlining his plan. "If it succeeds, we will not only have a high-ranking spy in the Ministry of Magic, but we can also use Cinkness to influence others, have them work together, and drive Scrimgeour from office. Then Piers Shinkle can take over as Minister for Magic, and we can gradually place our people throughout the Ministry until we have complete control of it."
"Very good. Go