The obvious explanation for Rodolphus" plans was that he was setting himself up to be the next Dark Lord. For whatever reason, many of their former comrades flocked to him and wished to join his side. Was it because they believed he was a stronger candidate for power than Antonin or any of the others who might be interested? Hermione tried to remember all of the times they were together in the past when they discussed the future. Either they never once mentioned what would happen in the aftermath of the Dark Lord's death or the memories of those conversations were lost thanks to her reliance on those damned potions.