The flickering tongues of flame had been raging in the cave for quite some time.
Meanwhile, in the North Sea, inside that ancient, pitch-black castle, some dispirited people sat on a long, old-fashioned bench, their heads lowered as they exchanged glances.
At the head of the table, in the seat belonging to the man who had called this meeting, someone sat lazily propping up his face. He sensed nothing of the flames raging in the distant cave. The flickering yellow candlelight gave his utterly hairless head a faint sheen.
Without having to think too hard, the handsome men and beautiful women in front of their screens should naturally have guessed that this was Mr. Voldemort, who had gone bald and grown stronger.
"Tell me, Lucius, is that fool my dear teacher helped into office after my 'death' still opposing him?"
"Yes. According to the information I've received, he is trying to use his power to interfere with the teaching at Hogwarts Castle." Pale-faced, his silver hair hanging loose, Lucius lowered his head slightly.
"I gave him a little help. I think this should hold Dumbledore up for a while."
"Oh, it won't. Don't underestimate my dear teacher."
Voldemort rose from his chair. An enormous python slithered out from beneath the table and raised its head slightly before him. Voldemort gently stroked it with his long, utterly bloodless hand, turning his head to look at the distant, churning waves outside the window.
"This is merely a minor inconvenience. It won't trouble my respected teacher for very long."
The candlelight flickered across his face, making his expression impossible to discern, but Lucius bowed his head deeply, as though he had sensed fear.
"I apologize for that, Master. I'll go back and find a way to cause more trouble."
"There's no need, Lucius,