Hogwarts: I'm Harry's older cousin

Chapter 348, Section 342: The Survival Rules of the Death Eaters

"Isn't there even a little bit of news to cheer me up?"

Voldemort's face was as cold as frost.

The Death Eaters in the room didn't dare to breathe, fearing they would suffer the Cruciatus Curse for breathing out of their left nostril. Even Avery didn't dare to utter a sound.

"Of course, my master."

As the fireplace suddenly burst into green flames, Lucius emerged gracefully, his clothes untouched by the dust that had settled upon him.

He knelt at Voldemort's feet, gently kissing his toes as he respectfully said, "The materials you need are all prepared; now we only need the final catalyst."

The presence of a lifeless corpse nearby did not cause any disturbance.

Peter spent a whole year collecting materials, while Lucius only used one vacation. To prevent failure, he even prepared two sets.

As for what the "introduction" refers to.

Of course, it's the enemy's blood.

"This bunch of useless trash combined can't even compare to you, Lucius."

Voldemort looked pleased, a sinister smile spreading across his face: "That 'lucky boy' is about to enroll; that's the opportunity."

Lucius understood and said, "Master, don't worry, you will see the 'Introduction' within a week of the start of the semester."

Voldemort was even more pleased.

That's great news.

"Master, I've also heard some good news."

Lucius strolled up behind Voldemort, stood with his hands behind his back, and assumed the position of a subordinate.

"Fudge didn't know what he heard from someone, but he suddenly became worried that Dumbledore would compete with him for the position of Minister of Magic. He was afraid that his power would be taken away, so he appointed his confidant—Senior Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic—to Hogwarts as a professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts and concurrently as a senior investigator of Hogwarts."

"Investigation? Investigate what? Are there criminals hiding in Hogwarts?"

Seeing that Voldemort's temper had softened considerably, Avery chimed in with a sarcastic remark.

"Of course, we're looking for evidence that Dumbledore wants to become Minister for Magic."

Lucius glanced at the other man sideways, his tone full of contempt, then continued slowly to Voldemort, "I think this is an opportunity. An opportunity for Fudge and Dumbledore to fight to the death."

"A complete idiot"

Voldemort said disdainfully, it was unclear whether he was referring to Avery or Fudge.

"If that old madman Dumbledore really wanted to be Minister for Magic, would he even have a chance? Does he really think he's capable of holding that position?"

Voldemort also felt it would be a shame not to take advantage of such a good opportunity.

"Yes, Master, so Fudge could not possibly be a match for Dumbledore."

Lucius said with absolute certainty, "But we need to be careful that Dumbledore doesn't actually use this opportunity to run for Minister of Magic."

"Dumbledore will not run for Minister of Magic."

Voldemort interrupted Lucius, speaking with absolute certainty, without offering any further explanation to Lucius and his companions.

Lucius quickly gathered his thoughts and continued, "That puts my mind at ease."

"Our people are all in place. As soon as Fudge steps down, he will take over as the next Minister of Magic."

Just because Avery couldn't handle something doesn't mean Lucius can't either.

The Death Eaters were once the largest organization in the wizarding world (having taken over some of Grindelwald's "assistants"). At their peak, their influence spread throughout Europe, and their reach and influence covered the entire wizarding world (although the storyline didn't portray them well or in terms of scale, it was officially acknowledged that the Quidditch World Cup, where 100,000 wizards gathered, was terrified and ran away in terror by a Dark Mark).

However, where there are people, there are conflicts, and the group is not monolithic. Excluding the group of fools imprisoned in Azkaban, the remaining people can be roughly divided into the "ancient" pure-blood upper class led by Lucius, and former Ministry of Magic officials led by Avery. However, it seems that Avery does not have the ability to confront Lucius, and they are already considering replacing him with a different representative.

Of course, a small number of lower and middle-class individuals were also snatched away by Karkarov.

"Lucius, what are you planning to do with Amelia Bornes, the current head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement?"

"After all, she is a director-general and doesn't have any scandals. It will take some time to bring her down."

"I can't wait that long, I can only give you one year."

The first rule of the Death Eaters' survival is that they must grant Voldemort's most unreasonable demands, even if it means eliminating Tang Sanzang and his disciples.

But you can find a way to shift the blame onto others; if the mission is successful, it's your achievement, and if it fails, it's your teammates' fault.

"No problem, your request is exactly what I'm looking for. I will make sure that boy is no longer fit for that position before the end of the school year, but I'll need to use some drastic measures."

"You know she's not some useless guy like Fudge; the fact that she's in that position means she's very capable."

The Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, a candidate for Minister of Magic, is practically a shoo-in for the next Minister, barring any major mistakes.

"I need to borrow someone from you."

"No problem, you can mobilize any Death Eater."

Voldemort was very satisfied with Lucius's attitude and efficiency, but after saying that, he added, "Lucius, my most loyal servant, once this is done, whatever you do afterward will represent my will."

This statement carries significant weight; if Lucius agrees, it means that his status among the Death Eaters is second only to Voldemort.

Avery's eyes instantly reddened, and before Lucius could even speak, he cried out, "Master... Lucius has only achieved a little bit, your actions are far too much!"

"Are you questioning my decision? Hmm?"

Upon hearing this, Avery broke out in a cold sweat.

Question Voldemort? How dare he?!

Terrified, he immediately knelt down and begged for mercy.

What's the value of face? He can't bear either the Cruciatus Curse or the Death Curse.

Moreover, this kind of situation is extremely common among Death Eaters.

Which Death Eater dares to say they haven't done this?

"Master, how dare a lowly servant like me presume to represent your will? Compared to you, my wisdom is as insignificant as roadside weeds. I will be content as long as I can do my best to serve you."

The second rule of the Death Eaters' survival: When Voldemort shows unconditional trust in you, you should be wary. Do not become complacent or do anything outrageous. You must show fear when necessary.

Because you never know whether the mentally unstable person in front of you truly trusts you or is testing you.

(End of this chapter)