Erwin was certain no one would discover Millicent Bulstrode's death. A rumor would soon ripple through the wizarding world: he'd shown mercy to a fellow Slytherin, sparing her life in exile to a cushy existence abroad. As he'd vowed, anyone blocking his path would be swept aside without remorse.
In the top-floor office, Erwin gazed out the window. Charlotte lounged on the sofa across from the desk, poring over documents Tom had delivered at his request—every scrap of intel on the Bulstrode family.
Old Tom waited silently behind him.
After a moment, Charlotte snapped the folder shut.
"Done?" Erwin asked.
She nodded and jumped in before he could probe further. "It's odd, the Bulstrodes stirring up trouble out of nowhere. Their businesses overlap with plenty of pure-blood families, but they've got loyal clients locked in. Even if the Cavendish family edged into their territory, they wouldn't blow up like this. And they're not the greedy type usually. Something's off."
Erwin smiled. "What do you reckon the issue is?"
"I'd bet someone's pulling strings behind them."
He nodded. "Who?"
Charlotte pondered. "To sway a family like that, it'd take someone with far more clout—and an offer too good to refuse. Only one of the ancient pure-blood families fits."
"Spot on," Erwin said. "Your fieldwork's sharpening you up nicely. Tom, fill her in."
Old Tom inclined his head. "Our acolytes report the Conrad family's surfaced in Germany, moving toward England. Cavendish scouts have spotted unfamiliar visitors at the Bulstrode manor lately."
Charlotte's eyes widened. "Conrads? The Alvas' vassals? But Zoe Alva's in Slytherin! They'd risk the Dark Lord's wrath? Zoe's got potent Dragon Speaker bloodline—she's the Alva heir this generation!"
Erwin sipped his black tea. "That's the puzzle. Zoe's hiding something, or the Alvas are. Charlotte, dig into it. I want the full picture on them—why Zoe's at Hogwarts, any secrets we're missing."
"Got it, sir. She's warmed up to her roommate; I can pry some details loose."
Erwin handed his cup to Tom. "Make it quick. I hate loose ends."
She nodded.
"Right, back to it," Erwin said. "I'm itching for this afternoon's tryouts."
Charlotte grinned. "Since Lockhart's Duelling Club last week, kids from other houses have been crowding our common room. They've leveled up fast—should make for a cracking selection."
Erwin agreed, then turned to Tom. "Handle the pure-blood fallout. No loose ends in the counterstrike—wipe them out. Once the dust settles, the rest should fall in line. Then we push forward."
Tom bowed. "Consider it done, Master. Another family's fall will rally the holdouts to Cavendish."
Erwin nodded as Charlotte gripped his wrist. A swirl of Apparition swallowed them whole.
Tom exited to orchestrate the purge.
Afternoon arrived in Hogwarts' vast Great Hall, cleared of benches and tables. Only the Wizarding Duels activators dotted the flagstone floor, humming faintly.
First-years and older students clustered in pre-picked teams, wands at the ready. Professors mingled at the edges, drawn by the buzz.
Professor Flitwick eyed the activators. "Fancy how Erwin dreamed these up. Pure genius."
McGonagall nodded. "We've all tested them. They build combat skills without the real risks—perfect for these youngsters."
Sprout added, "Even we can cut loose in there. Fills the gap in hands-on practice."
At the entrance, Erwin strode in with a pack of Slytherins. Silence blanketed the hall.
He chuckled. "Easy, everyone. It's a fun day—team tryouts! No need to look like you're facing a dragon."
Glances darted, but no one replied. Erwin's reputation as Hogwarts' unchallenged force loomed large.
McGonagall cleared her throat. "Enough chatter, Erwin. It's time—start the selections."
He shrugged, bemused. He saw himself as laid-back, even kind. Why the fear?
"Professor's word is law," Erwin announced. "But Wizarding Duels is a Cavendish creation, so here's some incentive."
Eager eyes turned his way. Sure, he ruled with an iron fist, but his generosity was legendary.
Erwin capitalized on the hook. "As Cavendish head, I'm unveiling four new skins—one for each house. They'll double as official school team uniforms, personalized with each member's signature. All sales profits go straight to you. Trust me, it's a fortune—and it'll only snowball."
Murmurs erupted, the tension shattering into excitement. The tryouts were about to explode into life.
...
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