In the conference room of the Cavendish Mansion in Diagon Alley, the atmosphere was tense. Several wizards had already gathered around the large table—patriarchs of pure-blood families. Lucius Malfoy, Parkinson, and others who had initially aligned themselves with the Cavendish family sat alongside heads of smaller houses.
Silence hung heavy in the room. Everyone stared at the polished wood of the table, heads bowed in thought. Lucius Malfoy gently rubbed the handle of his cane, the silver serpent head catching the light. Parkinson leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes sweeping across the room, calculating.
They had been summoned by Old Tom, who was undoubtedly acting on Erwin's orders. The question remained: why?
The office door swung open. Erwin walked in, a confident smile on his face.
"Gentlemen, my apologies for keeping you waiting," he said, his voice cutting through the silence.
Lucius and the others rose quickly. "Erwin! We've been trying to reach you since the holidays began."
Erwin gestured for them to sit. "I had business to handle. But I appreciate your patience." He took his seat at the head of the table. "Now, to business. The Cavendish family is currently engaged on two fronts—in the United States and Germany. It's demanding, yes, but manageable."
Lucius leaned forward. "If you need assistance, we are willing to lend our support."
Erwin nodded. "I appreciate that. However, I don't need you to send wizards abroad. Today, the Cavendish family declares our intention to consolidate power across the entire British wizarding world. Within a month, the Cavendish family will be the dominant voice in Britain."
The room erupted. Gasps echoed off the walls.
"Consolidate power? Across all of Britain? What will the Ministry of Magic say?"
"The Ministry won't allow this! The wizarding world is already in turmoil. Moving against neutral parties will cause a scandal!"
"Is this too hasty? Most of the remaining families are neutral. If we move against them, we become the enemy of every wizard in Britain!"
All eyes fixed on Erwin. They wanted him to reconsider.
Erwin's smile faded. His expression turned cold. "Gentlemen, there is no time for debate. I don't need neutrality. I don't need anyone playing both sides. I need one unified voice: the Cavendish family's. The Ministry of Magic? That is my concern. Your task is to mobilize your forces and secure your territories. I want results, not discussion."
Old Selwyn stood up immediately. "The Selwyn family will cooperate fully. I will deploy our entire force as soon as I return."
Erwin nodded. "And the rest of you?"
Lucius and Parkinson exchanged a glance. They stood together. "The Malfoy and Parkinson families will also commit."
Several other family heads rose to join them. But three remained seated, staring at the table, hesitating.
Consolidating the British wizarding world was a massive risk. If they joined, they would become targets. These families had allied with Cavendish for protection, not for open confrontation.
Erwin noticed their silence. He stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor.
"It seems you're hesitant," Erwin said, his voice deceptively calm. "That is fine. You may return home to discuss it with your families."
The hesitant patriarchs looked up, relieved. "Thank you, Lord Cavendish. We will discuss this with our families and give you an answer."
Erwin nodded. He glanced at Old Tom, who had been standing silently by the door.
"Tom, please see our guests out."
Old Tom stepped forward. "This way, gentlemen."
As the hesitant patriarchs left, a chill settled over the room. Lucius and Parkinson watched the door close, sensing what was coming.
Erwin's voice was ice. "Before sunrise tomorrow, you will divide the assets of those families among yourselves."
Lucius felt a shiver run down his spine. He had guessed Erwin wouldn't let them walk away, but he hadn't expected such swift ruthlessness.
"I've said it before," Erwin continued, pacing slowly. "I don't tolerate divided loyalties, and I don't accept neutrality. I want the Cavendish family to be the singular voice in Britain. When the dust settles, your families will be the pillars of the new order. I am a fair man. Those who stand with me will be rewarded generously. When the Cavendish banner flies over the Ministry, you will always have a place beneath it. We will be your shield."
Lucius and the others stood as one. "We are honored to serve the Cavendish family."
Old Tom returned, unrolling a map of the British Isles onto the table.
"Then, let's begin," Erwin said. "Choose your targets. The Cavendish family handles the Ministry of Magic. The rest is up to you."
Lucius and the others huddled over the map, marking out territories and rival families. They drafted their strategy, dividing the British wizarding world into sections for consolidation.
Once the assignments were made, Erwin stood.
"You have made your choices," he stated. "I will say no more. One principle: speed. Be swift. Eliminate threats at their root. Don't fear the chaos that will follow. The Cavendish family will handle the consequences. I only want results."