Voldemort and the Missing Servant

Avoiding Questions

The evening air was warm, with a fresh cool breeze that ruffled the feathers of Lucius's many peacocks.
"Lucius always has to show off," Voldemort said to Nagini, watching the birds strut. "It's ridiculous."
"Quite," Nagini agreed, holding back a chuckle as Voldemort skipped wildly to the side to avoid a large pile of peacock droppings.

Lucius managed to give an expression near a smile when he opened the door for Voldemort. He was never pleased to have the Dark Lord at his mansion. What if Voldemort blew it up? What if he frightened away the peacocks? What if he somehow damaged the expensive chandeliers? What if? What if?
Voldy knew Lucius wasn't thrilled to have him over, but tonight he observed that the man was unusually jumpy.
This made the evil pale wizard suspicious.
Lucius led the way through his mansion to the dining room, past carved marble pillars and priceless paintings and sculptures, past countless doors and several scurrying house elves.
As they sat, Voldemort asked, "So, what have you been up to these days, Lucius?"
Lucius quickly issued a few orders to the house elves before turning to his master. "Not much. What about you?"
Avoiding my question, is he? Voldy thought.
"Are you still pursuing dreams of Olympic figure skating?" Voldemort asked, trying to get him talking.
"Oh yes," he answered. "Unfortunately I can only get to the rink a couple times a week, and I'm afraid I haven't found anyone to skate with."
"What about Snape?"
Lucius frowned. "I don't know about him."
"Your wife?"
"Narcissa isn't as fond of skating as I am. She is more interested in golf." Lucius said, then again asked, "but what about you?"
Voldemort's spooky snake eyes narrowed slightly. He was becoming more suspicious by the minute. "I did get a beard," he said at last.
"Oh, how wonderful!"
"I didn't wear it here in case a lead on Wormtail was discovered and my presence was needed elsewhere."
Lucius nodded. "Good idea. You wouldn't want anything to happen to it."
Then the house elves arrived with food, and the two wizards set to eating (does Voldemort eat, though?).