"Lucius, you did very well this time. Unlike those fools, who can't even handle the smallest matter." Voldemort raised his voice toward a cowering figure in the stone hall. "Well, Parkinson, when will I hear definite news about the Eye of Vecna?"
"M-Master... I... I'll do my utmost... as quickly as I can..." Old Parkinson, who still had no clue at all, broke out in layer after layer of sweat across his forehead. Then Bella, her belly swollen, lashed him with a whip transfigured from her wand, and he collapsed to the floor wailing and begging for mercy.
"Lucius, the Malfoy Family's reputation in Britain makes you better suited to remain there... Keep in touch with those oppressed pure-bloods... As for Harry Potter... regarding Harry Potter... we have allowed Potter to live until now..." Voldemort lifted his gaze again and looked at Lucius. "Once Potter comes of age, the magic protecting him will fail. So, aside from handling the matter of alliances, Lucius, devote all your remaining attention to gathering intelligence on Potter and the Order of the Phoenix... I leave this to you, Lucius. During the holidays, have less contact with your son. Do not interfere with his association with Harris... Send the Vanishing Cabinet in Borgin and Burkes back to Albania... As for the relic excavation I previously instructed you to handle, that will be given to..."
Voldemort's calm voice paused, and his thoughtful gaze slid over the wizards in the stone hall.
Lucius Malfoy understood perfectly. Before, with Dumbledore and Allen both holding Hogwarts, the Dark Lord had not dared enter lightly. Now, though Hogwarts had become Allen's private property, he still had a deity behind him as a backer, so dealing with Potter at Hogwarts was truly neither safe nor reliable. Therefore, the most crucial window