The three Death Eaters were being debriefed by their master. Their mission had failed but they believed it not to be their fault. Now, they just had to convince the Dark Lord that it wasn't.
"My Lord, please understand," said Yaxley, "the situation was complicated. We encountered magic that was way above our heads. Ancient magic that we knew nothing about. We almost perished."
Yaxley was not exaggerating. He and his two companions had gone to the cave in hopes of finding the map their master desired. But the map was protected by such powerful magic that they had all been seriously injured and barely left the cave alive.
"That is hardly relevant," the Dark Lord spoke in his high, cold voice. "This time you will be better prepared and will know what to expect."
"Sir, with all due respect," Dolohov was now trying in what his comrade had failed, "we aren't prepared. We almost died in there. We can't go back or I am sure we will not escape this time."
"I seem to be speaking to deaf ears," Voldemort said getting slightly irritated. "I gave you an order. I need the map. It is essential to my victory. You do want me to succeed, do you not?"
"Of course, My Lord," Yaxley said quickly so to not give his master any reason of doubting their faithfulness. "We would do anything to ensure your victory, but I beg you, do not send us into a suicidal mission."
"Suicidal?" Voldemort spat. "You three are some of my most powerful and skilled wizards; I have no reason to want to get rid of you."
He watched them in silence for a few moments. Their pleading faces seemed almost amusing to him. He pondered on their request and said, "Here's what we will do: I will give you more time to do some research and try to figure out what "ancient" magic is protecting the map and how it can be defeated. Then you will go and bring the map to me without dying in the process."
Voldemort sat content on his throne and Dolohov spoke.
"Sir, we have already done research but we couldn't find anything that will help."
Voldemort was getting impatient with them. "Then you will do more research. Do whatever it takes to get me what I want. I have given you an order. Obey it. Now go."
They didn't move. Yaxley gathered his courage and said, "My Lord I will not go in there again. If I did I would surely die."
He stood there trying to hide his fear by shaping his features into a defiant expression. Voldemort looked at him dangerously. "If you refuse to obey me, the cave would be nothing compared to what I will do to you," he said fixing his ruthless eyes on his servant. He was now waiting for Yaxley to bow and beg for forgiveness and while he was thinking whether he should forgive him or not, Dolohov spoke.
"I am on Yaxley's side," he said with dignity and went to stand beside his comrade. "I too refuse to attempt retrieving the map again."
Voldemort was now both infuriated and a little amused at their rebellion. Poor fools, how dare they defy him? They had no idea what he could do to them. Both Dolohov and Yaxley were looking at him with a mixture of fear of consequence and pride at their conduct. Their colleague, the third Death Eater hadn't decided on what to do. Voldemort spoke.
"What about you, Bella? At least you should know where your loyalties lie."
Bellatrix was staring at her feet considering the situation. Something like this had never occurred before, and now that it did she didn't want to be involved in it. She looked up and met her master's expecting look. Her colleagues' eyes were pleading with her to join them. She realized her decision would be the one to tip the scale.
"Yes master," she said at last. "It lies with you."
Yaxley and Dolohov sighed and rolled their eyes wondering how they could have been so stupid as to expect something different from lap-dog Bella. Voldemort smiled, looking pleased. But none of the persons in the room was giving Bellatrix the benefit of the doubt.
"Yes my loyalty lies with you," she proceeded. "It is therefore my duty to tell you that you are making a mistake. Going to the cave would be the death of us. Yaxley and Dolohov are right." The two men smiled and looked relieved. She went to stand beside them and felt Dolohov patting her back. But she now dreaded the consequences of her choice. Voldemort looked ready to tear all three of them apart.
"I see," he said attempting to sound composed but his voice shook with anger. "All three of you will be severely punished. When I'm done with you, you'll wish you were dead."
Five Death Eaters then came into the room.
"Take these traitors to the dungeons where they are to await punishment. Put them in separate dungeons." Voldemort raised his wand and theirs flew into his hand. Bellatrix, who had been appalled at being called a traitor, tried to object but before she could utter a single syllable, she found herself being dragged out of the room by two of the tough looking Death Eaters. She heard Dolohov, who was struggling near her say, "I'm proud of you, Bell."