Death Eaters stood in a wide circle around Voldemort who paced angrily before them. No one dared speak, move, or even breathe too loudly for fear the Dark Lord would be moved to release his rage.
"Would any of you," Voldemort hissed, "care to explain why Hogwarts is not in my possession?"
The older members of the circle knew better then to answer unless directly spoke to. This was not the case in the newer recruits.
Antony Night fell to one knee and stood up again in the customary Death Eater bow.
"My Lord, the students used a spell we knew nothing about. It seemed to pull magic straight out of the school itself." He explained.
The Death Eaters waited for the man to be punished but that moment never came. Instead Voldemort's snake eyes were focused on another man at the far side of the circle.
"How could the students have had time to prepare in such a way?"
The man in question bowed quickly.
"My Lord, they had outside help I was not aware of."
Voldemort walked forward until he was mere inches from his follower's mask.
"I have many doubts of your loyalties, Severus, but you were most helpful leading us through the wards. Now I come to find that my plan has failed because the students knew of our attack. This does not bode well for you."
"Believe me my Lord I had no knowledge of the student's plans." Snape explained. "It is entirely possible the boy trapped in the forest had something to do with their sudden preparedness."
Voldemort's gaze lingered on his servant for another moment.
"Crucio."
Snape collapsed to the ground writing in pain and biting his lip to hold back his screams of agony. His bite was so hard he felt blood drip freely down his chin. The Dark Lord held the curse for a while longer before lifting it and allowing his follower to stand shakily. Voldemort turned away from the man in disgust and addressed the rest of the circle.
"Who can tell me the true reason you were once again thwarted by a group of teenagers?"
Lucius preformed the bow and faced the Dark Lord.
"My Lord, the boy Severus speaks of is named Cameron Scott and was imprisoned in the forest by Albus Dumbledore many years ago. According to my son the boy has been working among the students, uniting them all house by house. I believe he is the reason we failed. I also believe it is possible that if we either permenatly be rid of him or attempt to have him join our cause. He is still young but he would be a valuable asset."
Voldemort looked thoughtful for a moment.
"Tell me more of what you have in mind." He said.
"You see my Lord for years our goal has been Harry Potter and while I fully understand the importance of his destruction I believe there is a larger treasure at hand. By capturing Hogwarts as your own you will have hundreds of young minds and souls ripe for conversion against the light. That is where Cameron would be of value for he has an innate ability to manipulate a person's mind without them knowing so that they will almost blindly follow him. Harry Potter is just one teenager My Lord but by winning Cameron you have just earned hundreds more followers."
Voldemort's blood red eyes shone greedily.
"Your plan is very enticing, Lucius."
The Dark Lord began to pace once more but with more determination then rage.
"You have all heard everything Malfoy has just said. Bring to me Cameron Scott and you will be rewarded for your trouble."
Voldemort turned on his heal and disappeared in a puff of black smoke. Slowly the circle began to dissipate as the Death Eaters apparated away.