After the Temporary Meeting ended, Snape, having caught Yaxley's eye, stayed behind. Several of the remaining old-guard Death Eaters stayed as well.
They looked at one another, at the few old partners still around them, and all fell briefly silent.
Back when the Dark Lord had just returned, including those still in prison, there had been at least forty or fifty Death Eaters alive. Yet before even the second year had passed, more than half of the original Death Eaters had been killed or wounded.
"I know you're all curious. Come with me."
Yaxley rose and left the Meeting Room, heading for the living room outside.
They exchanged glances, none of them knowing what Yaxley was up to, but they followed anyway.
Only after all the Death Eaters had sat down did Yaxley explain why he had kept the others behind. "I suspect there is a spy hidden among the Death Eaters."
At the mention of a spy, everyone turned to look at Snape, currently the most famous spy in the wizarding world.
However, the latter merely shook his head expressionlessly, indicating that it had nothing to do with him.
"If it isn't him, then who is the spy?"
"It's hard to say for now, but all signs point to that Mudblood having planted a spy among us."
Yaxley paused, then said with utter certainty, "That's why that Mudblood always manages to get accurate intelligence at the first opportunity."
Yaxley had not guessed wrong. Albert really did receive firsthand information from the spy.
Alecto Carro sharply sensed something, glaring at Yaxley with ill intent as she demanded, "Are you suspecting us?"
Yaxley, who had just poured himself half a glass of red wine, paused. He suddenly looked up at Alecto and said blandly, "Until we prove our innocence, everyone is