"The next Minister of Magic is Scrimgeour."
"The Master certainly won't be pleased."
"How is Yaxley's infiltration plan going?"
"Probably failed."
"Some idiot used a clumsy Imperius Curse on Herbert Chorley, and the Ministry of Magic has already noticed."
The living room was filled with murmurs. Since Voldemort's return, meetings like this had taken place more than once.
Other than arguments, few Death Eaters ever came up with any reliable solutions.
Just then, the door opened and Voldemort entered from outside. It was as though someone had pressed pause in the living room; all arguments came to an abrupt halt.
Voldemort took the head seat at the long table, swept his gaze over the silent Death Eaters, and said in a slightly hoarse, indifferent voice, "Let the meeting begin."
After saying that, 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 might make the situation even worse."
"It seems you already have a plan of your own." Voldemort gestured for Yaxley to continue.
"According to the latest intelligence I have obtained, Pius Thicknesse will most likely succeed Bones as Director of Magical Law Enforcement. If the Master permits it, we can invite Pius Thicknesse to join us." Yaxley continued outlining his plan. "If it succeeds, not only will we have a high-ranking spy in the Ministry of Magic, but we can also use Thicknesse to convert others, then have them work together to force Scrimgeour out of office. At that point, Pius Thicknesse can take over as Minister of Magic, and we can gradually place our people throughout the Ministry