Lucius Malfoy was carefully reading an article in The Quibbler. Judging from the recent articles, Fudge's situation had grown increasingly dire. Remembering the prophecy from some time ago that Fudge would be forced from office, Lucius frowned even more deeply.
Someone was clearly targeting Fudge, perhaps even planning to use dirty tricks against him.
That was absolutely 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 help hold Dumbledore back.
The creak of a wooden door being pushed open suddenly rang out, followed by a burst of noisy footsteps and chatter. Lucius Malfoy set down his magazine and looked up at the group entering the Secret Base. "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 entirely trust Bellatrix. Merlin knew what that Madwoman might do.
"I didn't expect a place like this to exist."
"It's our Temporary Stronghold, more or less," Lucius Malfoy said casually.
"What did you call us here for?"
"Wait a little longer. The others should be arriving soon."
Lucius Malfoy gave the others a slight nod, exchanging greetings.
Before long, the mechanical clock in the corner began to chime, and the last Death Eater entered right on time.
"All right, everyone, please 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 subsided.
"The Dark Lord has given us an important task." Lucius Malfoy looked at Augustus Rookwood and continued,