Lucius Malfoy was carefully reading the articles in The Quibbler. Judging by the recent pieces, Fudge's situation had grown increasingly dire. Remembering the prophecy that Fudge would step down, Lucius frowned even more deeply.
Someone was clearly targeting Fudge, perhaps even intending to do him real harm.
That was certainly not good news for Lucius Malfoy.
He did not want Fudge to fall from power. Or rather, none of the Death Eaters wanted Fudge to fall. With Fudge around, he could hold Dumbledore back for them.
The wooden door suddenly creaked open, followed by a burst of noisy footsteps and chatter. Lucius Malfoy set down his magazine, looked up at the group entering the secret base, and asked, "No one saw you on the way here, did they?"
"Don't worry."
After pulling out a chair and sitting down, Bellatrix raised an eyebrow. "What did you call us here for?"
"Several of you are on the wanted list. I have to be careful." Lucius Malfoy did not particularly trust Bellatrix. Merlin knew what that madwoman might do.
"I never expected there to be a place like this."
"It's one of our temporary bases," Lucius Malfoy said casually.
"What did you call us here for?"
"Wait a little longer. The others should be here soon."
Lucius Malfoy gave the others a slight nod, acknowledging their greetings.
Before long, the mechanical clock in the corner began to ring, and the last Death Eater entered right on time.
"All right, everyone, quiet down."
As the Death Eaters whispered among themselves, Lucius Malfoy clapped his hands sharply, drawing everyone's attention.
The noise in the hall gradually died down.
"The Dark Lord has assigned us an important task." Lucius Malfoy looked at Augustus Rookwood and continued, "The Dark Lord needs us to obtain the Prophecy Orb