As the man entered the office, his presence altered the atmosphere at once.
He was tall, with an elegant and disciplined posture that spoke of long years spent in proximity to power. His white hair was neatly combed back, contrasting sharply with his dark suit. Thin framed glasses rested on his nose, and behind them his blue eyes were sharp and observant. A black suit fit him perfectly, paired with a deep red tie that carried the subtle authority of his office without ostentation.
Secretary Cavendish stepped fully into the room and closed the door behind him. His gaze moved briefly from James Clive to Olivia Brooks, assessing them both with the calm precision of a man accustomed to weighing people as carefully as decisions.
"Welcome, Madam Brooks, and Sir Clive," he said, his voice elegant and measured. "Thank you for accepting my request for this meeting."
Both Olivia and James inclined their heads in unison, a gesture born not of friendliness but of respect. Gratitude was unnecessary. They both understood that an invitation from the Private Secretary to the Sovereign was not something one declined.
Secretary Cavendish moved behind his desk and took his seat. Once settled, he gestured toward the chairs before him.
"Please, have a seat."
They complied without hesitation.
Cavendish pressed a discreet button embedded into the side of his chair. Almost immediately, the office door opened, and Emily stepped inside.
"Yes, Sir?" she asked.
"Please inform the staff to leave us," Cavendish said calmly. "And do not permit any interruptions unless I give direct instruction."
"Yes, Sir," Emily replied at once.
She turned, quietly signaling the remaining staff. One by one they filed out, their movements swift and silent. Emily was the last to leave, closing the door gently behind her.
The office fell into complete silence.
Only three people remained within the walls of one of the most powerful rooms in Britain.
Secretary Cavendish folded his hands atop the desk and turned his attention to Olivia.
"How are you, Madam Brooks?" he asked. "Are you managing well with your tasks and other duties?"
Olivia straightened slightly in her chair, her expression composed.
"Yes, Sir," she answered. "I am well. Everything is proceeding smoothly with my assignments and responsibilities."
Cavendish nodded slowly. "Good. Her Majesty has been very pleased with your performance over the past several years. You will be formally acknowledged for it in due time."
"It is my honor to serve Her Majesty," Olivia replied without hesitation.
Cavendish inclined his head once, then shifted his gaze to James.
"And you as well, Sir Clive. Your contributions and continued effectiveness in recent months have not gone unnoticed."
James smiled politely and bowed his head. "It is my honor to be of service to Her Majesty. And I hope you yourself are doing well, Sir, given your recent health concerns."
Cavendish allowed himself a faint smile. "I am managing well enough. As long as I am capable of serving Her Majesty, that is all that matters."
His expression hardened slightly as he continued.
"I did not invite you here for pleasantries. I am certain you are both aware of the recent incidents that have occurred on English soil."
Olivia's demeanor shifted at once.
"Yes, Sir," she said seriously. "The recent experiments conducted on ordinary citizens. The abductions of young women. The disappearances."
Cavendish nodded. "Indeed. The perpetrators are members of the wizarding community. They have conducted illegal experiments on children and women alike. These matters were reported directly to Her Majesty, who instructed the Prime Minister to hold an official meeting with the Minister for Magic."
He paused, his eyes sharpening.
"Despite formal protest from the Prime Minister, the Minister for Magic assured us the situation would be resolved. Yet the only information we have received is that the kidnapped individuals were returned with their memories erased. Some were not returned at all. When questioned, the Ministry claimed these were the only victims involved."
He leaned forward slightly.
"We are not so naive as to believe that, are we?"
James cleared his throat.
"No, Sir," he said carefully. "My Operative Crown Agent embedded within the Ministry of Magic has reported otherwise. According to his findings, children were abducted on multiple occasions by dark wizards. Many of them were orphans taken directly from orphanages. They were brought into Knockturn Alley and subjected to experiments."
His jaw tightened.
"Most of them did not survive. Those who attempted to flee with the children were hunted down. Only a small number of victims were recovered. The Ministry's Aurors deliberately destroyed evidence related to the missing children to avoid pursuing further investigations."
Cavendish listened without visible reaction, his expression was unreadable.
"And the women?" he asked quietly. "Where were they taken?"
James's voice grew heavier. "The abductions of women were orchestrated by powerful individuals within pure blood circles. They were taken for personal gratification. Afterward, their memories were erased and they were returned to our world, often broken and unaware of what had been done to them."
Olivia's composure cracked slightly.
"How can they act so openly?" she demanded. "These incidents were never this frequent. Yes, abductions occurred before, but not on such a scale that even the ordinary citizens began to notice. The Ministry's deception and disregard for our human life is intolerable. They are undermining Her Majesty's authority."
Silence followed her words.
Cavendish finally spoke, his voice cold.
"This situation has greatly angered Her Majesty. Particularly given the pressures she is already facing within the royal family. As you are aware, the Prince of Wales is experiencing marital difficulties. Her Majesty's attention is divided."
He straightened.
"She has instructed me to treat this matter with utmost seriousness. She does not wish for open conflict with the wizarding world, nor for any risk of exposure."
James leaned forward slightly. "Then what are your orders, Sir?"
Cavendish rose from his chair and walked toward the window. He gazed out at the manicured garden beyond, hands clasped behind his back.
"It is time for this rogue government of the magical world to be brought under Her Majesty's direct command. For decades they have disregarded Her Majesty's authority, and now Her Majesty has decided to end this rogue regime — these wizards who believe they can do whatever they please on land that belongs to Her Majesty and her subjects."
He spoke slowly, letting each word settle.
"For this reason, I have been granted full permission and authority by Her Majesty to deploy the next generation of Operative Crown Agents into the magical world."
He turned back to them.
"You will each be assigned a young handler and a new Operative Crown Agent. You will oversee their training personally."
Olivia frowned slightly. "Sir, do you mean we are to train rookies while continuing oversight of our current agents?"
"Yes," Cavendish replied, his voice measured. "Your senior agents will receive separate assignments. Your focus — and that of your protégé — will be on shaping the next generation. The objective is clear: to assume the most valuable and prominent positions within wizarding society, and thereby bring the entire structure under the direct control of the Crown."
James hesitated but said. "Sir, with respect, such an operation will take years. Decades, perhaps. And if the wizarding factions become aware of our intentions, the consequences could be severe."
Olivia spoke before Cavendish could respond.
"That is irrelevant," she said sharply. "As long as our actions remain unnoticed, time is inconsequential. The future must be secured."
Cavendish nodded approvingly. "Precisely. Britain's wizarding world has grown rogue. It is time to ensure loyalty aligns with the Crown."
He returned to his desk.
"Your immediate task is to familiarize yourselves with your assigned trainees. You will receive full dossiers detailing their backgrounds. The same applies to the new Operative Crown Agents."
James raised a hand slightly. "Sir, what of the other two handlers? Their assignments have largely been overseas."
"They will return," Cavendish said. "The motherland requires them now. Their agents must integrate within Britain. I have already spoken with them."
He then turned his attention to Olivia.
"Madam Brooks," Cavendish said, his tone brooking no argument, "recall your Operative Crown Agent from France. I am sure he has been idle long enough there. He will be reassigned to a critical task here — one that demands his immediate attention."
Olivia's expression remained neutral, though her fingers curled faintly.
"Of course, Sir," she said. "He will return by the weekend."
James glanced at her and smirked. "May I ask, Sir, what task he has been assigned?"
Cavendish did not hesitate. "He will infiltrate the inner circles of British wizarding education."
James stiffened. "Sir, no offense intended, but is that wise? Given his age and experience, perhaps someone more seasoned would be better suited."
Olivia's patience snapped.
"What exactly are you implying?" she demanded. "That my agent is incompetent? Or that I am incapable of judging his readiness?"
James raised his hands placatingly. "Not at all. I merely meant he is young. And the wizard he would be approaching is one of the most intelligent and dangerous minds of the century."
"My agent has proven himself repeatedly," Olivia shot back. "He will succeed."
"That is enough," Cavendish said sharply.
The room fell silent.
"The decision is final. Assignments have been determined. They will not be altered."
Both James and Olivia nodded.
"Good," Cavendish continued. "You will receive all relevant materials shortly. In two months' time, you will return here with the other handlers and report on your progress."
"Yes, Sir," they said together.
Cavendish pressed the button on his desk. "This meeting is concluded. Remember that Her Majesty places great trust in you."
The door opened, and Emily entered.
"Please escort Madam Brooks and Sir Clive," Cavendish instructed.
Emily nodded.
James and Olivia turned and followed her out, leaving behind the quiet authority of the British leadership.