Half an hour later, in Diagon Alley, outside Cavendish Tower, Charlotte steadied Zoe, whose legs trembled uncontrollably. Erwin glanced at them sidelong, his own expression tinged with exasperation. Zoe had been like this since they'd left the Great Hall—pure fear, it seemed, leaving her weak-kneed.
Erwin couldn't fathom what image he'd left in her mind. Did she see him as some monstrous villain? Despite his polished facade, something had pierced through it, exposing his sharper edges. Shaking off the thought, he strode into the tower without a word.
Charlotte propped Zoe up straighter. "Come on, pull yourself together. The master didn't bring you here to harm you—he wants you to see your family. If he meant to kill you, you'd already be gone."
Zoe blinked, startled. "My family? He went to our house?"
Charlotte snorted. "Don't be daft. Your lot isn't worth a personal visit from the master. They came of their own accord. Though if they hadn't, he'd have sent someone to fetch them. Cooperation keeps families intact; resistance turns you into an orphan."
Zoe shivered but relaxed slightly. Seeing her kin sounded reassuring, even hopeful. She missed them, truth be told. With Zoe steadier, Charlotte released her arm, followed Erwin inside, and Zoe hurried after.
In the conference room, the four members of the Alva family waited impatiently. The middle-aged patriarch sighed. "This is outrageous. The Cavendishes are pushing it— we've been here ages."
A companion hushed him. "Keep it down. We're the ones begging for their help to save Zoe. You know what happened to the Selwyns. We endure their arrogance. Just wait."
The door swung open then, Old Tom holding it steady. Erwin entered, settling onto the sofa with casual authority. Charlotte and Zoe followed; her face lit up at the sight of her relatives.
"Father! Uncle Rick! You're here!"
The Alva head nodded curtly. The two women drew her into a quick huddle, fussing over her.
"You daft girl, I fretted you'd struggle at Hogwarts. What's this—you've put on weight?"
Zoe glanced at her midriff and huffed. "Mum, I haven't!"
The Alva patriarch rose. "Greetings, Head Cavendish. I'm Laurent Alva, current head of the Alva family."
Erwin inclined his head. "Mr. Alva. Please, sit."
Laurent complied, then turned to Zoe. "Go take your mother for a stroll—you've been apart too long."
Zoe shot her mother a look, received a nod, and they slipped out with the other man. Old Tom sealed the door behind them, leaving Erwin, Laurent, and Charlotte alone.
Laurent eyed Charlotte. "I remember you as a child. My condolences for the Theresa family's fate—but at least Head Erwin avenged them."
Charlotte bowed slightly. "Your concern is appreciated, Mr. Alva."
Laurent smiled, shifting to Erwin. "Forgive the intrusion, Head Erwin."
Erwin returned the smile. "No matter. Had you not come, I'd have summoned you myself."
Laurent chuckled. "You're nothing like your father."
"You're not the first to say so," Erwin replied evenly. "But I differ from him in one key way: I value directness. State the Alva family's intentions plainly."
Laurent's expression remained composed. "You've likely gleaned some from Zoe. Before Hogwarts, I instructed her: if anyone pries for secrets, spill everything. Honesty disarms."
Erwin nodded. "Clever. You anticipated interrogation and coached her to cooperate fully."
Laurent's smile held a glint of satisfaction, as if he'd orchestrated the entire exchange. Erwin saw it now—the man's foresight had turned Zoe's apparent dimness into a calculated ploy.
Leaning back, Erwin conceded, "Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Alva. A master of strategy and control."
Laurent inclined his head. "Flattery accepted. The Alvas' precarious position demands it—survival hinges on wits alone."
"Indeed," Erwin agreed, then fell silent, sipping his tea.
Laurent's brow furrowed. This wasn't the script he'd envisioned. No back-and-forth? Erwin seemed content to let the quiet stretch.
Finally, Laurent pressed on. "Head Cavendish, I propose an alliance."
Erwin nodded faintly. "Go on."
The frown deepened. "You know our plight. Zoe's my daughter—her life comes first. Absorb her bloodline if you must, but spare her. In return, though you've razed the Selwyn stronghold, they linger, as does the Demos menace. Partner with us: the Alvas become your strongest allies. Together, we crush them and fulfill our ancestors' dream—merging the Dragon Rider bloodlines to forge new Dragon Whisperers, perhaps even a new Merlin."
Erwin's smile sharpened. "A compelling offer."
Laurent's relief was palpable; things flowed even better than planned.
But Erwin pivoted. "Yet why accept? What binds me to it?"
...
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