When Voldemort left Nurmengard Tower, he seemed to be in a bit of a hurry.
His Death Eaters were summoning him, forcing him to cut the conversation short.
"Pure-blood families?"
Beside the fountain at Malfoy Manor, Voldemort frowned in displeasure.
"Yes. They want to meet by tonight at the latest."
Lucius lowered his head and spoke with an apologetic note in his voice.
"Heh."
Voldemort was so furious he laughed. He turned his gaze from the white peacock to his subordinate, who had plenty of ability but lacked authority.
"Then I'll meet them, Lucius. I'd like to see who's in such a hurry."
The icy tone made Lucius shudder.
"Yes, Master. I'll arrange it at once."
After speaking, Lucius hesitated before asking, "Should we hold the dinner at Malfoy Manor?"
Voldemort paused. "Do they have another suggestion?"
"Yes. They want to choose the location themselves," Lucius replied.
"Then let them choose." Voldemort answered as if without emotion, then asked, "Where is Bellatrix? Why haven't I seen her these past couple of days?"
"I'll go ask Narcissa..."
"Never mind. Don't bother asking. Go prepare the dinner."
Voldemort waved Lucius away, but the other man did not leave.
"Something else?" Voldemort asked.
"It's Ms. Rowling. She sent word through Pochis that she'd like to meet with you this afternoon," Lucius said.
"Has she come up with an idea for the story?" Voldemort asked, sounding pleased.
"I'm not sure, Dark Lord. The message only said she wanted to meet you," Lucius replied.
"I see. Go on, then. I'll go to Pochis myself."
This time, Lucius said nothing more. He bowed and left.
Voldemort stood thinking for a moment, then left the manor and Apparated to the Riddle Consortium headquarters.
"Dark Lord, Ms. Rowling is inside," Pochis said, hurrying over when he saw Voldemort.