Buckingham Palace loomed majestic under the pale London sky, its beautiful gardens touched by the gentle glow of late autumn sun. Olivia Brooks stepped out of the car, her face set in the familiar mask of calm seriousness that had become second nature over the years. She gave no pause to take in the palace's imposing beauty or the symmetry of the courtyard. She knew it all too well; awe had long given way to quiet familiarity. Yet today was different. Secretary Cavendish had requested this meeting, and that was reason enough to bring her through the gates once more.
Emily was already waiting for her at the entrance.
Beneath the grand arches of the palace, the young woman stood poised and straight, hands neatly folded, her smile the refined one of royal service. When she caught sight of Olivia approaching, her face brightened with the calm, professional warmth reserved for familiar visitors.
"Welcome back, ma'am," Emily said gently.
Olivia inclined her head. "Thank you, Emily."
There was comfort in familiar faces. Emily had been little more than a trainee the first time Olivia met her. Now she carried herself with confidence, though the softness in her eyes remained unchanged.
Without another word, Emily turned and led the way inside.
The palace interior greeted them with its usual hush. The corridors were long and lined with paintings that seemed to watch silently as they passed. Polished floors reflected the golden light of chandeliers, and distant footsteps echoed like muted heartbeats in a sleeping giant.
Olivia kept pace with Emily, her strides even and unhurried as they moved down the hallway toward the meeting room. Secretary Cavendish's office waited at the end of the well-known corridor, as it always had.
Emily slowed as they approached the heavy wooden door. She reached out, knocked once, then opened it gently. Stepping aside, she gestured inward with quiet courtesy.
"Please, ma'am."
Olivia gave her a small nod. "Thank you, Emily."
She stepped inside.
The office greeted her exactly as it had the last time she stepped inside. Soft daylight filtered through the tall windows, pooling across the carpet in smooth, silken patches. The room was generous in size yet modest in every detail, arranged with the same deliberate simplicity she had always known.
Three men were already seated.
They turned the moment she entered.
James Clive was the first to stand, as always. He rose with the smooth theatricality of a man who enjoyed the spotlight. His hair, silvered almost to white, was immaculately combed, and the fine lines framing his eyes deepened warmly or pretentiously as he smiled.
"Well now," he said warmly, "if it isn't Madam Brooks. We were just talking about you."
Olivia met his gaze without returning the smile. Her expression remained calm, almost unreadable.
"Hello, James."
Her eyes shifted past him toward the other two men, who were already rising from their seats.
She nodded politely. "Mr. Barclay. It's good to see you healthy."
Barclay smiled, the expression slow and weathered. He was older than the rest of them, his white hair thin but dignified, his beard cleanly shaved. Time had carved deep lines into his face, yet his eyes still carried a spark that spoke of decades spent in service.
"It has been a long while, Madam," he replied warmly. "I hope you are doing well. As for my health, I am considering retirement. I have been working rather too much these past years."
James let out a soft laugh. "After marrying a new model, I would say you have no choice but to keep up. Isn't that right, Henry?"
The third man, Henry Chester, did not laugh.
He held himself as immovable as stone, shoulders squared, face schooled into perfect restraint. Time had not eroded his edge; it had only refined the deep stillness at his core. His voice, when he finally spoke, flowed calm and level, betraying nothing of the years behind it.
"Careful, James. There are ladies present."
Then he turned to Olivia and inclined his head respectfully.
"It is an honor to see you again, Madam Brooks. I wish we had more opportunities to meet."
Olivia's tone softened slightly. "Of course, Sir Chester. You have been overseas for so long that our paths rarely crossed. Though I imagine that will change now."
A faint nod. "Yes. I believe it will."
He glanced toward the back of the room where Emily still stood quietly near the wall.
"My child, would you be kind enough to bring tea for Madam Brooks?"
Emily smiled at once. "At once, Sir Chester."
She slipped out of the room, closing the door behind her with gentle gesture.
A brief, weighted silence settled over the room, carrying the quiet power of decades spent together in the dark. They were not simply colleagues. They were the few who knew the true shape of the world: the secret societies that moved unseen beside the everyday life. These four possessed knowledge of the magical realm deeper than most Muggle-born parents would ever gain about the schools their children attended.
Before anyone could speak again, the second door at the far side of the office opened.
Secretary Cavendish entered.
He carried himself with an authority so innate it never needed to be asserted. His silver hair remained perfectly combed, and the keen intelligence in his eyes had always prompted people to speak more softly in his presence.
When he saw them waiting together, he offered a small, genuine smile.
"Well now," he said lightly, "it has been quite some time since we have all sat in one room together. Please, have a seat."
With a slight, respectful bow of their heads to acknowledge his arrival, they seated themselves as directed.
Cavendish settled into his chair behind the desk, folding his hands together as he regarded them.
"Welcome, all of you. I trust you have been well. Especially Sir Chester and Mr. Barclay, who have only recently returned home after years of service abroad."
Both men nodded.
"It has been an honor," Barclay said simply.
Cavendish inclined his head in acknowledgment, then shifted his gaze toward James and Olivia.
"You are likely wondering why I have called this meeting. It has been three years since the last time the four of you sat together like this."
The door opened softly once more.
Emily returned, carrying a silver tray. She moved with practiced grace, placing a delicate cup of tea before Olivia. Then she turned toward Cavendish.
"Would you like tea, Mr. Secretary?"
He shook his head. "No, thank you."
Emily nodded and quietly withdrew again.
Once the door closed, Cavendish leaned forward slightly.
"I believe all of you are aware that I assigned new tasks recently. Some of you were even asked to bring your Operative Crown Agents back into the country. These decisions were not made lightly."
His gaze sharpened.
"It has now been a month. I would like to hear your progress."
The four exchanged brief glances, then nodded in agreement.
James leaned back slightly, folding one leg over the other with relaxed confidence. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Well then," he said, "let us begin with ladies first."
His eyes shifted toward Olivia.
She did not react immediately. Instead, she lifted her teacup, took a slow sip, then set it down with measured care. Only then did she speak.
"I have already briefed Mr. Secretary previously," she began calmly, "but I will present an updated report."
Her voice held the even, clear timbre of someone who had delivered important information many times before.
"My Crown Agent operative is now successfully positioned at Hogwarts. He has made significant headway in a brief period. At this stage, he teaches classes across all years and continues to familiarize himself with the school's physical layout, its personnel, and its internal currents."
Cavendish listened intently.
Olivia's tone remained calm and precise. "His core objective is to forge a close relationship with Albus Dumbledore. However, his latest report indicates he has not yet gained the confidence needed to join Dumbledore's private meetings with his closest advisors. He has observed a couple of those inner-circle gatherings from afar, though their purpose is still unclear."
James raised an eyebrow. "Still, he can't just keep waiting for Dumbledore to open the door. There are other ways to get inside information than hoping for trust."
Olivia shook her head slightly. "This week coincides with the elections for the British Magical Ministry. Dumbledore is heavily occupied with those matters."
Cavendish nodded. "Yes. I have seen the same report."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"I must say, I am quite satisfied with the progress you have made. Both you and your operative have exceeded our initial projections."
Olivia inclined her head slightly. "We were fortunate. The opportunity presented itself at the right moment."
She paused briefly, a faint note of satisfaction in her voice as she added, "In his first formal meeting at Hogwarts, my operative persuaded Dumbledore thoroughly enough that the headmaster took the unprecedented step of approving a new class for him to teach—a subject the Ministry and the Hogwarts trustees had banned after previous dark events."
James let out a soft whistle. "Now that is impressive."
Olivia continued without reacting. "Had that failed, we would have required Mr. Clive's assistance through his OCA in the Ministry to arrange an official reassignment. That process would have taken considerable time and drawn unwanted attention."
Cavendish nodded approvingly. "Yes. Avoiding bureaucracy is often the greatest victory."
He leaned back slightly.
"Especially considering the incident on the train."
A faint glimmer of interest passed through the room.
Cavendish's eyes rested on Olivia. "Your operative's decision in that moment was… bold. But effective. It accelerated public trust and provided significant strategic advantage."
Olivia gave a small nod. "It was an unscripted decision. But ultimately beneficial."
Cavendish tapped his fingers lightly against the desk.
"Very well. That covers the primary mission. Now tell me about the new handler I assigned to you. And the young operative agent."
Olivia did not hesitate.
"My handler remains under my direct supervision. She is young but highly capable. Intelligent, disciplined, and quick to learn. What she lacks is experience, which will come with time."
She paused briefly, choosing her next words carefully.
"As for the young operative agent, he is still undergoing foundational training. He shows promise, though I have not yet determined where he should be deployed in the future."
Cavendish shook his head gently.
"That decision will not rest solely with you. The Crown will determine his eventual placement. For now, continued training is sufficient. We have time."
Olivia nodded. "Of course. My focus will remain on preparing both of them properly. With another year of guidance, I believe the new handler will be ready for active service."
Cavendish's expression softened with approval.
"I certainly hope so."
Secretary Cavendish shifted his gaze slowly from Olivia to James, his expression thoughtful but expectant.
"Well then," he said mildly, "let us hear your side, James."
James straightened in his chair, the faint smile returning to his lips. Unlike Olivia's still composure, James carried an ease that bordered on theatrical. He clasped his hands loosely together as he spoke.
"As I have reported previously, sir, my operative agent is already deeply embedded in his assignment. The task you entrusted to me was clear, and I believe we have followed it precisely as instructed."
He leaned back slightly, confidence evident in the way he spoke.
"He is currently heavily involved in the elections. As instructed, he has aligned himself with Potter's faction and is actively supporting her campaign."
Cavendish's eyes narrowed slightly with interest, but he said nothing, allowing James to continue.
"If her campaign succeeds," James went on, "and she becomes the next Minister for Magic, my operative agent will be positioned to benefit greatly. He has already established proximity to key figures within her circle. With the right momentum, he could secure a senior administrative post. Possibly even a secretary-level position within the Ministry itself."
He paused briefly, then added with a thoughtful tone, "Of course, that outcome depends entirely on the election's result."
Cavendish nodded slowly. "Yes. If she wins."
A quiet certainty crept into his voice.
"Based on our projections and the information we've gathered, her chances are strong. Very strong."
He folded his hands together.
"If your operative secures such a position, it will be a significant milestone. A foothold at that level within the Ministry would provide us with invaluable reach."
James inclined his head. "I agree, sir. He has served within the Ministry for nearly forty years. He has held numerous posts of importance, but his advancement has always been limited."
His expression darkened slightly.
"Being a half-blood has never ceased to be a barrier. No matter his competence, certain departments remain closed to him. Certain doors never open."
He exhaled softly.
"But Potter represents change. With her leadership, those barriers may weaken. If she rises, he will finally have the opportunity to move beyond administrative boundaries and step into true political influence."
Cavendish inclined his head as James finished.
"And that," he said almost under his breath, "is precisely what we require at this stage. A figure of influence inside the Ministry. One who can observe power and direct it step by step into the service of the Crown and Her Majesty the Queen."
He tapped the desk lightly with one finger.
"With patience, such a figure could help us build a lasting faction. Influence that grows quietly, year by year."
James smiled faintly. "That is the intention."
A brief silence passed before Cavendish spoke again.
"And your new handler? The young operative agent assigned to you?"
James nodded immediately.
"I anticipated that question. As for the handler, I am personally overseeing his development. He shows initiative and a willingness to learn. I believe he will mature into his role with time."
He shifted slightly in his chair.
"As for the young operative agent, I made a decision I believe was prudent. Rather than keeping him close, I placed him under the guidance of my senior operative within the Ministry."
Cavendish raised a brow. "You sent him directly into that environment?"
"Yes," James replied calmly. "My senior operative possesses decades of experience. If the young agent is to grow, he must do so under someone who understands the Ministry's inner workings intimately."
He allowed himself a small smile.
"It is better he learns from a seasoned shadow than from theory alone."
Cavendish considered this, then nodded slowly.
"A wise choice. Exposure to experience cannot be replicated through training alone. In time, that young agent will develop strong instincts. A foundation already rooted within the Ministry will serve him well."
He gave a short approving nod.
"Yes. That is very good."
Then Cavendish turned his attention to Henry.
"And you, Sir Chester," he said, voice softening with familiarity. "You have only recently returned. Tell me, how are you adjusting? I imagine Britain feels rather different after so long abroad."
Henry allowed himself the faintest smile.
"You could say that, sir. I spent many years stationed in the United States. Their magical society is… different."
He leaned back slightly, eyes distant as if recalling another world.
"In America, influence moves quickly. Wealth opens doors with remarkable speed. Tradition exists, yes, but it is not revered in the same way. Lineage carries less weight. A powerful name can be built within a single generation."
His tone shifted, becoming more reflective.
"Britain is different. Here, history is everything. Bloodlines still hold sway. Old families shape how people think and act. Power gets passed down more often than it's earned, and anything new is quietly kept in check. I've noticed they resist change fiercely and stay loyal to their old traditions and values. Wizard born view themselves as far above Muggle born, so the divide is stark. It's not like the United States, where if you have enough wealth, you can rise above even the most ancient bloodlines."
Cavendish nodded slowly. "An old truth."
Henry continued, "Still, our time there was not wasted. My operative agent established herself successfully. We built foundations that could endure."
A faint pride entered his voice.
"Recently, we launched a major venture here in Britain. A grand hotel in Diagon Alley. Modern, luxurious, unlike anything that exists there now."
James released a soft chuckle. "Ah, yes. That particular information arrived to me in a report from my agent some time back."
Henry inclined his head in acknowledgment. "The establishment has been operating for only a few weeks, yet it has already drawn considerable attention. Wealthy families are curious. Some remain cautious, wary of a foreign witch acquiring property in Diagon Alley to build a hotel of such luxury. And that very circumstance has made some circles… notably interested."
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"There were attempts to pressure us. Offers of partnership from established families. Some subtle resistance as well. But our alliance with the goblins of the Gringotts
ensured stability. With their backing, interference of those families becomes difficult."
Cavendish's lips curved slightly. "An excellent safeguard."
Henry nodded. "The goal is simple. Establish presence. Then influence. Slowly, quietly, business by business."
Cavendish leaned back, clearly pleased.
"A strategic foothold in Diagon Alley was always a sound idea. Commerce is influence in its most subtle form. Control trade, and you reshape the landscape without ever drawing a wand."
Henry gave a small nod of agreement.
"As for the handler and the new operative assigned to me," he continued, "I adopted a similar approach to James. The young operative now works alongside my senior agent within the Diagon Alley. He has already completed his schooling, so immersion is the best teacher."
"And the handler?" Cavendish asked.
"Promising," Henry replied. "Sharp-minded. Quick to adapt. With another year, I believe he will be capable of managing his own agent."
Cavendish nodded slowly, satisfaction evident.
"Very good. It appears both of you are progressing well."
His gaze moved at last to the final man.
"And you, Mr. Barclay."
The room grew slightly quieter.
Norris Barclay folded his hands together before speaking, his tone steady but more reserved than the others.
"As you know, sir, I have only recently returned from China. The transition has been… gradual."
He paused briefly.
"My operative agent remains in the early stages of integration. She has spent most of her life abroad. British society is not easily entered, especially for someone of foreign origin."
He spoke carefully, weighing each word.
"Still, progress is being made. As instructed, she has aligned herself with Selvanos's faction. Offering support, building alliances, learning the rhythm of the political landscape."
Cavendish nodded. "Yes. Supporting Selvanos was a necessary move."
Norris tilted his head slightly. "Well, Oswin Selvanos recently required additional funds. My operative took the chance to step in and lend a hand, which opened a valuable opportunity. In return, the Foreign Trade Association extended official legitimacy for her to enter Britain—even though she is of Chinese descent. The association's head, who is backing Selvanos for the Minister role, personally approved her legal status. Temporary, naturally, but it's a foothold."
Cavendish's eyes glinted slightly.
"And if he prevails over the Potter faction and assumes the position of Minister for Magic…"
Norris offered no reply, his silence an invitation to continue.
"Then we retain an embedded presence regardless," Cavendish said quietly. "A foothold within an additional circle of power. A contingency we can rely on."
James spoke lightly, though his tone held meaning beneath it.
"If circumstances shift, we can always reposition her. Influence is rarely wasted. There are always paths forward."
Norris gave a small nod, though something unreadable passed through his expression. He did not voice disagreement.
"As for the handler and the young operative assigned to me," he said at last, "their training is underway. Fortunately, both are British. Integration is smoother than with my primary agent."
A faint exhale left him.
"They adapt quickly. That, at least, is reassuring."