"I suspect it has its roots in politics more than anything else - He doesn't have as much support among the young as He should, thanks in large part to Dumbledore's tenure - but I agree, they may not make much of a contribution to our more concrete ambitions." Lucius didn't mind admitting to a little doubt, so long as it was properly qualified. "They may be dedicated, but I've only ever known two competent men inducted before graduation."
He topped off his glass, in no hurry to see the bottom of it. He had something of a storm waiting for him at home. It would probably have been better to face it stone sober, but it wasn't as though he could handle it any worse than he already had. "In any case, it will be nice, when all this has settled, to do away with some of the pretense we've had to keep up for so long. I've never liked having to whisper about being in His service, but the consequences of publicity ..." Could never be worth it, he finished silently.