Erwin snapped his fingers.
In an instant, he vanished from his spot and reappeared in the heart of Diagon Alley, inside Selwyn's Magical Materials Shop. The doors were bolted shut, sealing out the bustling street. Inside waited three figures: old Tom, Rita Skeeter the beetle reporter, and a burly man in a crisp black suit.
As the swirl of Apparition faded, Erwin materialized. Tom and the suited man bowed deeply. "Master Erwin!"
Rita dipped into a quick curtsy. "My lord."
Erwin nodded and took the chair Tom swiftly provided.
"Rivers, it's been too long," Erwin said.
The man—Rivers—grinned broadly. "Two years, sir. Feels like a lifetime."
"What do you make of the wizarding world so far?" Erwin asked.
Rivers's expression turned thoughtful. "Incredible, but bloody terrifying. Their power... it's unreal. Even the strongest wizards shrug off bullets like raindrops in a duel."
Erwin inclined his head. "Precisely why you're here, Rivers. I need a foothold in this world—a real one. For the Selwyn family."
Rivers chuckled. "I figured as much, Master Erwin. I've known my role since you pulled me and my kin from those thugs four years back. I'd lay down my life for you and the family without a second thought."
Erwin met his gaze steadily. "Your family will want for nothing. In the Selwyn name, I'll ensure your line thrives for three generations. Wealth, security—no effort required."
Rivers dropped to one knee, eyes fierce. "No need for that, sir. Serving the Selwyns is my honor. I'll do whatever it takes."
Erwin waved him off. "You earn it, Rivers. You're pivotal to everything ahead. No room for error."
Rivers straightened, voice grave. "Understood. I'm ready. Your plans won't falter on my watch."
Erwin paused. "Anything else on your mind?"
Rivers hesitated. "One thing, Master. Could I call you... head of the family? I know the rules—no one under thirteen inherits. But I might not live to see it."
Erwin studied him, surprised by the modest plea. He sighed. "If it means that much, then so be it. Today, I claim the role officially. Rivers, spread the word to the family. You're my first witness."
Tom vanished into a shadowed shop—only to reemerge within the Selwyn estate. Rivers awaited in the courtyard.
Old Tom, beside them, blinked back tears. "Master!" He'd dreamed of this moment for years.
Erwin understood their fervor all too well. Since uncovering the family's ancient bloodline, he'd grasped the odd inheritance rule: Only at thirteen could heirs unlock their full potential, deeming them fit to lead.
Rivers pressed a reverent kiss to the hem of Erwin's robes, then rose. "I'm off, then. From the other side, I'll watch the Selwyns conquer the wizarding world."
He strode to the door without a backward glance and stepped into the alley.
Erwin's fist tightened, his silence heavy. After a long breath, he turned to Rita. "Go. Make it detailed, make it undeniable. Ensure the whole world hears."
Rita nodded sharply and moved to leave.
"Wait," Erwin called. She froze. He wavered, then added, "If Rivers falters, back him up."
Her face drained of color, but she bowed lower. "Yes, my lord. Consider it done."
Once she was gone, Erwin gazed out the window at the throngs in Diagon Alley. "Tom, was I too harsh?"
Tom lingered behind him, heart aching at Erwin's shadowed silhouette. "No, Master. Rivers's essential to the plan. Contingencies are wise."
Erwin exhaled. "Truth be told, when I saved him, I saw talent we needed desperately. And yes, pity played a part. I gave his family a shot at a decent life—no more scraping by. But now? I'm sending him to his grave myself."
"Rivers's grateful, sir," Tom replied softly. "Loyal to the bone. He always wanted to repay you with everything he had. Only he can pull this off."
Erwin rubbed his temple. "Hogwarts is changing me, Tom. Softening the edges."
Tom stayed quiet. He cherished this more human Erwin, yet the family's survival demanded the sharper version—the one from before school, ruthless and unyielding. Emotions bred vulnerabilities. Part of Tom yearned to spill every secret, to whisk Erwin from the family's tangled web.
But a grin soon cracked Erwin's face. "Hogwarts, you sly old fox. Can't deny your pull. Tom, relay the order: We're avenging Rivers. He'll hand us the perfect cause. We'll seize it, etch the Selwyn name into every corner of the wizarding world. My name, Erwin. Let our family crest bloom amid our enemies' blood!"
Tom bowed. "As you command, Master. The wizarding world will soon feel the Selwyn edge."
Erwin flung open the window, letting the breeze tousle his hair. "Time for a reckoning."
...
Bonus chapter progress:
Power Stones: [11]/100
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Every stone gets us closer.