After a long stretch of silence, one so heavy it seemed to press against the walls themselves, Ethan finally spoke.
"So what about the other OCAs?" he asked quietly. "Will we be in contact with them? Will I have to cooperate with them? I do not know any of them."
Olivia lifted her teacup again, unhurried, as if the question carried no weight at all. She took a measured sip before answering.
"If cooperation becomes necessary, then yes. There is no reason not to. You know that for a long time the organization operated under strict compartmentalization. Handlers knew one another's identities, but operatives did not. OCAs were never meant to know each other. That policy has changed."
She set the cup down gently.
"This mission is long term, and the Crown understands that isolation will become a liability rather than a safeguard. You will inevitably encounter other OCAs in the field. For now, however, there is no immediate need for coordination."
Ethan nodded slowly, absorbing her words. He hesitated, then asked another question.
"When I get to Hogwarts, what else am I supposed to do besides being a professor? Are there additional instructions?"
Olivia folded her hands in her lap, her posture straight and composed.
"You will receive instructions as the situation in the wizarding world evolves. The first step is positioning. Every OCA must secure an ideal role within the structure they are assigned to. Once that is done, handlers will issue tasks based on circumstances. Nothing will be rigid. Adaptability will be essential."
Ethan nodded again, then frowned slightly.
"Then why me?" he asked. "Why did Secretary Cavendish personally name me for this mission? There are operatives with far more experience than I have. Older ones too. People who would fit far better as Hogwarts professors."
Olivia's gaze sharpened, though her tone remained even.
"There are several reasons. First, your mind. You are a natural born Occlumens. Your ability to shield your thoughts is instinctive, not learned. That alone places you beyond the reach of most wizards, even those as powerful as Dumbledore or Selvanos."
She paused, watching his reaction.
"Second, your experience. Three years as an assistant professor at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic may not sound like much, but it gives you familiarity with magical academia, student behavior, and institutional politics. That experience is rare among OCAs."
Her voice softened slightly.
"And finally, trust. The Crown trusts you. Your loyalty to the Queen and her subjects has never been questioned."
Ethan looked into Olivia's brown eyes for a long moment. Then he let out a quiet breath and smiled faintly.
"Alright," he said. "Wherever you say, boss. So I go to Hogwarts, gain the trust of one of the most powerful wizards of our time, and report everything about him and his movements back to the Crown. Am I understanding this correctly?"
"Yes," Olivia replied without hesitation. "Along with emergency tasks when necessary. That is the core of your mission."
She continued before he could speak again.
"It is also imperative that you and the other OCAs identify those responsible for the recent kidnappings, as well as any wizards who operate within our world while engaging in criminal activities."
Ethan raised an eyebrow.
"So I am a police officer in my spare time."
For the first time since they met today, Olivia smiled. It was brief, but genuine.
"You could put it that way. Do not worry. Those tasks are secondary. If they endanger your primary mission, you are permitted to disengage."
Ethan sighed, leaning back in his chair.
"Only four OCAs does not seem sufficient for something this large. The British wizarding world is vast. This will take longer than you estimate."
Olivia stood, her expression turning serious.
"That is why the Crown has approved the formation of a new team. Every handler will be assigned a rookie handler and fresh OCAs to train. After several years of preparation, they too will be deployed into the British wizarding world. With your assistance."
Ethan stood as well, grinning.
"Oh, so you are retiring and passing the mantle to someone younger?"
Olivia rolled her eyes.
"You know very well our line of work has no retirement. As long as you are alive, you serve the Crown."
"Well," Ethan replied lightly, "I am curious to see who my junior will be."
"You will know when the time comes," Olivia said. "For now, settle into your new home. Familiarize yourself with this neighborhood. I will return with detailed information on Hogwarts staff, British magical families, and influential witches and wizards once my colleague's OCA sends the files."
She gestured toward the documents on the table.
"There is also a black card among them. Use it for daily expenses."
With that, she picked up the box she had brought and walked toward the door. Ethan followed her outside, watching as she stepped into her car and drove away, disappearing down the quiet street.
He stood there for a moment, staring at the now empty road, his thoughts tangled and restless. The neighborhood returned to its usual silence.
A soft sound broke the stillness.
'Meow.'
Ethan looked down and smiled as his cat brushed against his leg.
"Oh, Nina," he said warmly, scooping her up. "Are you hungry?"
He cradled her gently, stroking her fur.
"I am sorry, my love. I got distracted by that big bad boss of mine and forgot all about you."
Nina hissed softly.
"Yes, yes," Ethan laughed. "She is annoying, I agree. Come on. Let us find you something to eat."
He closed the door behind him, leaving the street once more in silence.
But not all eyes had turned away.
Across the road, hidden among the bushes, a small figure peeked out. A golden haired little girl, no older than eight or nine, stared at the house with wide, curious eyes.
She whispered softly to herself.
"Such a cute cat."
Then she turned and ran back toward the house behind her, vanishing as quietly as she had appeared.