"At the very least, the Malfoy family accepted this theory," Lucius said.
Voldemort nodded. He, too, thought it was highly likely.
"But someone like that, even if he hadn't made it into the history books, should still have been the subject of legends."
Lucius readily answered Voldemort's question.
"The Malfoy family once devoted itself to searching for related legends. We investigated the first Minister for Magic, Ulick Gamp, in particular, because we suspected that if this person existed, he might have been connected to him."
Lucius's words made Voldemort's eyes light up. He nodded in approval.
The International Statute of Secrecy was established in 1689, when Ulick Gamp was Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot.
At the time, he wielded the greatest influence of any wizard in the world.
Clearly, starting the investigation with him had been the right choice.
"What did you find?" Voldemort asked.
"Nothing in History of Magic or his autobiography. But we did find a strange account in a book of miscellaneous writings."
Lucius's words piqued Voldemort's interest. He sat up straight and listened closely.
"It was in an autobiographical book called Born for Love. It tells the story of a wizard who gave everything, even his life, for love. Er... it was a bit of light reading my grandmother enjoyed."
Lucius looked a little embarrassed, and Voldemort awkwardly scratched the bridge of his nose.
That title had plenty of room for mockery.
"The author, Elphinstone Matthews—we couldn't find his name in any family tree—did it all for one of Ulick Gamp's great-granddaughters, and..."
Voldemort had just leaned back in his chair, but he shot upright as if his back were fitted with a spring.
"Wait." He stopped Lucius and asked, "What did you say the author's name was?"
"Elphinstone Matthews. Why?" Lucius asked, taken aback.
"That