You had to judge people by their hearts and listen for the meaning behind their words.
Among the twenty-odd representatives of the Pure-blood families present, not one was a fool.
So it didn't take long for them to understand the pointed meaning behind Voldemort's words.
"The Lestrange family agrees." Bellatrix was the first to raise her hand.
"The Malfoy family agrees."
Malfoy, too late to regret not speaking up first, quickly followed suit.
"The Burke family agrees."
The head of the Burke family, who had frowned all evening, eagerly declared his loyalty.
Mr. Borgin, whom Voldemort had punished, came from this family.
One family after another voiced their support. Though they were not as unanimous as last time, their eagerness to speak up revealed even more than their previous show of support: Voldemort's influence over these families was growing at a visibly rapid pace.
When everyone had finished, Voldemort nodded in satisfaction.
"Lastly, let's talk about the Black family."
Voldemort wore a smile, but few dared to smile along with him.
Even those outside the Death Eaters knew that Sirius wasn't one of Voldemort's men.
And those among the Death Eaters knew all too well that although Sirius's younger brother was one of them, he was an out-and-out traitor.
Compared with the Shacklebolt family and the Pritchett family, perhaps this was the family that most deserved to be expelled.
At least, that was what everyone present thought—everyone except Voldemort.
"The Black family has a long history, and many of its members have had a profound impact on the Wizarding World."
Voldemort glanced at Bellatrix. Sure enough, the young woman was watching him nervously.
As one of the three Black sisters, Bellatrix naturally had the Black family's interests at heart.
As for Sirius, she didn't much care about him. He had