Erwin's lips curved into a wry smile. "It seems Mr. Nott knows a fair bit about my time at Hogwarts."
He could read the intent behind Nott's words all too clearly. This preamble was just the appetizer before the real offer – a subtle reminder that Nott had eyes everywhere on Erwin's school days.
Nott chuckled, though his eyes remained sharp. "Your father and I go back years. I keep tabs on the sons of old friends, especially ones making waves like you."
Erwin nodded politely. "Then I owe you my thanks, Uncle Nott – and Father's too. He was rather brusque last time he claimed my seat, leaving you bedridden for three months. I never expected you'd repay that slight by watching out for me so kindly."
Nott's smile froze, a chill settling in his gaze. Beneath the table, his fist tightened, then eased as he forced a laugh. "Water under the bridge. We were young hotheads then, like you and Valerius now – just a bit of rough sparring. No harm done."
Erwin set down his cutlery and dabbed his mouth with a napkin. He sipped from his teacup, swishing the liquid before Cassandra quietly offered a small bowl. He spat discreetly, and she whisked it away without a word.
Nott observed it all impassively. Once Erwin had finished, he raised an eyebrow. "Not to your taste?"
Erwin leaned back. "Frankly, it's passable at best. If I ran things here, the cooks responsible would be out on their ears."
Nott's expression didn't flicker. "Noted. I'll look into it."
With a casual flick, Erwin summoned his wand into his palm. Nott didn't react, but Valerius flinched, his sleeve shifting to reveal the wand hidden there. He eyed Erwin warily.
Erwin smirked. "Your son's on high alert, Uncle. Relax – this manor's wards block Apparition cold. Even if I tried something, we couldn't leave Demos Manor, could we?"
Nott shot Valerius a sidelong glance, irritation flashing briefly. "Put it away, Valerius. That's no way to greet a guest – and don't let me see it again."
Valerius ground his teeth. "Yes, Father."
Erwin waved it off. "Enough with the family chat, Uncle. Let's cut to it. Erecting an illusionary ward like this with Ancient Magic must've cost the Demos a fortune. So, what's the angle?"
Nott leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "Sharp as ever. Why not hazard a guess?"
Erwin shrugged. "The Demos can't take on the Cavendishes head-on yet, and I'm no use for bloodline absorption at my age. So it's not me you're after. That leaves Cassandra."
Cassandra continued slicing her steak methodically, unmoved. She trusted Erwin implicitly; his word was her shield.
Nott pressed on. "I can share the Worre family prophecy with you. As one of the pure-blood elite, surely you're dying to know its secrets."
Erwin inclined his head. "Curious, yes – though I put little stock in fate."
Nott gestured toward Cassandra. "Hand her over, then. Her bloodline will unlock it all. I'll tell you everything once it's done."
Erwin chuckled. "Tempting, but why share the prize? I can uncover it myself."
Nott's brow furrowed. "The Worres aren't as straightforward as you think. The prophecy's buried in their old manor, sealed tight. We've tried – captured a few, probed their blood. Cooperation spares you the headaches."
Cassandra's knife paused, her eyes narrowing at Nott in silent fury. He dismissed her glare entirely. To him, the remnants of the Worre family were chum in the water, ripe for the taking. Erwin was the only snag.
Erwin laughed softly. "The Demos are formidable, no doubt. But I don't need your muscle, Cassandra."
She rose smoothly and stepped to his side. "Sir."
Erwin met her gaze. "Would you let me study your bloodline?"
Without hesitation, Cassandra snatched a knife from the table and drew it across her wrist. Crimson welled up, and pain twisted her features, but she extended the bleeding arm toward him. "I'd give my life for you."
Erwin's fingers brushed the wound, magic sealing it in an instant. He turned back to Nott. "See? No need for partners."
Nott's face hardened, his magic coiling like a storm. "This is Demos Manor. You think you can walk out unscathed, dragging her along?"
Erwin twirled his wand idly, a subtle ripple of power eddying around him. "Planning to keep me here, Uncle?"
The air thickened, auras clashing on the brink of violence – a duel poised to erupt.
Then an elderly servant entered, murmuring to Nott. Their combined pressure ebbed as Nott listened, nodding curtly.
He turned to Erwin. "An old acquaintance wishes to see you. Care to oblige?"
Erwin's smile returned, the identity clicking into place. "It's been ages. I've missed the old devil."
Nott signaled the servant. The two men resumed their seats, the tension dissolving like mist. Moments later, footsteps echoed in the hall.
"Erwin, it's been too long."
...
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