Because of Fudge, the Ministry of Magic had already begun a major operation behind the scenes. Aurors were sent out in shoals to find Peter, while unseen currents churned beneath the Ministry's calm surface.
Most people might not have noticed those currents, but they could not escape the eyes of the Wizarding World's Pure-blood families. Voldemort soon learned what was happening.
The news quickly reached Lucius through other channels. He was now the Dark Lord's appointed liaison. Although the other families had eagerly invited the Dark Lord to stay with them, the man insisted on living in Lucius's home.
That made Lucius Voldemort's mouthpiece, rather like a Lord Chancellor in an ancient Muggle kingdom. The Malfoy family had produced such figures before.
To the other Death Eaters, the Malfoy family had been granted the highest honor. Once the Dark Lord rose again, their loyalty would be beyond question, and their future would be bright. To Lucius, though, it was far too dangerous, and he dared not harbor any private schemes.
"Master, Fudge is mobilizing large numbers of Ministry personnel to search for Peter."
In the dark Chamber of Secrets, Lucius knelt on one knee and waited for the man in the darkness to speak.
"Peter?" a deep voice came from the shadows. "Was this Will's doing?"
"I don't know whether Mr. Behrens was responsible. I came to report to you as soon as I received the news. What we do know is that Fudge began acting in secret after a visit to Hogwarts. Rufus Scrimgeour and Barty Crouch went with him, and they're the ones in charge of this operation." Lucius kept his head bowed.
"Go ask Will what's going on. If necessary, help him deal with Peter. If this is part of Will's plan, give him your full support,