The eyes of every pure-blood patriarch in the room lit up at Old Tom's words. They knew exactly what he meant.
This was Erwin's gift—or rather, compensation—for their steadfast loyalty to the Cavendish family. It meant handing over the businesses and assets of the rest of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. More than that, it signaled Erwin's intentions: he was about to purge the British wizarding world.
The assembled patriarchs understood that Britain was on the brink of transformation. They'd anticipated this day, but not so soon. The Cavendishes had only been embedded in wizarding society for three years, yet Erwin was already poised to unite it under one banner.
Lucius Malfoy warmed to the idea immediately. It was a no-risk venture with immense rewards. "What does Erwin need from us?" he asked.
The others turned to Old Tom, echoing the question with their stares.
"Master Erwin values his ties with you all," Old Tom explained. "But the Sacred Twenty-Eight are intertwined—relatives, old alliances. He suggests you reach out to your contacts. If they're willing, invite them to the Cavendish estate to join the fold. There are still empty shops in the manor."
Lucius and the rest exchanged knowing glances. The message was clear: the Cavendishes offered one final chance to align. Assimilate peacefully, or face oblivion. No middle ground. Their houses would fall either way, but one path preserved some legacy.
"This is Erwin's stance," Old Tom added quietly. "And the family's ultimatum."
"We understand," Lucius replied. "We'll make contact soon."
Old Tom nodded. "I'll inform Master Erwin of your cooperation."
Lucius rose. "Then we'll be off. Much to arrange."
Old Tom stepped aside. "Gentlemen, safe travels."
The patriarchs filed out, leaving Old Tom alone in the chamber. He touched the Communication Rune on his arm, activating it.
Moments later, Erwin's voice crackled through. "Is everything in place?"
"Yes," Old Tom replied. "Operations begin at once."
"Have all Cavendish wizards mobilize," Erwin ordered. "Give them three days, then strike the remaining Sacred Twenty-Eight together."
Old Tom hesitated. "Master, isn't that rushed?"
"We haven't the luxury of delay," Erwin said firmly. "The wizarding world must be unified. If I'm not back by then, proceed to phase two."
"But if the Malfoys balk?"
"They won't. The Malfoys and Selwyns stand with us. If the Parkinsons resist, stall them—handle the others first. They'll fall in line once they see the tide turn. My only demand: unification. No time for negotiations. Anyone who obstructs us dies."
Old Tom caught the steel in Erwin's voice. "Understood, sir."
"How are Lupin and Sirius?"
"Our people are on them. Lupin's teaching at Hogwarts now. Sirius seems to be scouting a way in."
"Watch them closely," Erwin said. "If I return in time, I'll deal with it. Otherwise, ensure Pettigrew evades capture. My teacher needs him for the resurrection ritual—he can't die yet."
"I'll see to it, Master."
Erwin paused, as if about to add more, but the connection severed abruptly.
Erwin frowned, the rune going cold against his skin.
At that instant, from between his brows, Ravenclaw's spectral form materialized. She wasted no words, her gaze fixed ahead.
Erwin followed it. An island was materializing before them, piecing together like a vast, ethereal puzzle amid swirling seas.
Back in the Cavendish Tower, Old Tom felt the rune shatter. Alarm gripped him. "Master, take care!"
Erwin leaped to his feet on the deck. "At last—I've found it!"
Ravenclaw's expression darkened. "Is this the Isle of Avalon?"
"You've never seen it, Your Majesty?" Erwin asked.
She shook her head. "Only legends in my time. It's said to be magic's cradle, but its location was lost even then."
"Would you join me, then?" Erwin proposed. "To explore it together?"
"I'm beyond fear," she replied wryly. "But Erwin, reconsider. You're powerful enough without it. What if it's a fool's errand? Grindelwald sought it ages ago—no one knows what he found, or the perils within. You needn't risk this."
Erwin eyed the fully formed isle, resolve hardening his features. "I must. The secrets there... they call to me."
Ravenclaw sighed. "Stubborn as ever. Very well—curiosity gnaws at me too."
Erwin turned to the captain. "Return to port. I'll Apparate back. No need to wait."
The man nodded gravely. "Safe journey, Master."
With a grin, Erwin streaked toward the isle as a bolt of violet light.
As he drew nearer, the fog thickened, cloaking the approach in heavy veils. Erwin's brow furrowed. "It wasn't this shrouded from afar."
"This place pulses with something unnatural," Ravenclaw warned. "Not magic, nor divine essence—some other force. It severed your rune earlier, no doubt. Tread carefully, Erwin. All is not as it seems."
...
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