Lucius and the others nodded, understanding Erwin's intent: to reshape the wizarding world with an iron hand. Though they felt Erwin was moving somewhat aggressively, they said nothing. After all, their families' survival depended on the Cavendish family's success.
Leaving the Cavendish Building, the heads of the pure-blood families turned back to gaze at the towering structure. They hadn't fully realized how formidable the Cavendish family had become.
Parkinson sighed. "The wizarding world is about to change again. This time, no one can stop him."
Lucius nodded. "True, but isn't this advantageous for us? It's all favorable!"
Old Selwyn, leaning heavily on his cane, joined them. "Stop lamenting. Focus on how we'll manage our rapidly expanding influence."
The family heads smiled. This consolidation would grant their pure-blood lines unprecedented power. What previous generations had failed to achieve, they would accomplish in theirs.
"However," Lucius noted, "the Ministry of Magic is a concern. So are the ordinary wizards. If we cause widespread panic, it will be difficult to resolve later."
Old Selwyn waved a dismissive hand. "Lord Erwin has everything prepared. We've known him long enough to trust his leadership. Focus on your own responsibilities—the rest is not our concern."
The others nodded in agreement.
Once the family heads had departed, Erwin leaned back in his office chair. Old Tom placed a freshly brewed cup of tea before him.
"Master."
Erwin nodded. "Let's begin. The next few days will be busy for the Cavendish family."
"Understood, sir."
Three days passed in a blur. The wizarding world descended into controlled chaos, ignited by the Daily Prophet. Though ostensibly independent, everyone knew it was the voice of the Ministry of Magic. The newspaper's editor was found dead on his doorstep, the perpetrator unidentified. The Ministry attributed it to a dark wizard seeking to rob him.
Rita Skeeter swiftly rose to the position of editor-in-chief, a promotion personally granted by the newly appointed Minister of Magic, Dolores Umbridge. Umbridge's rise was due to Fudge's recommendation. Though Fudge had resigned over the Voldemort affair three months prior, he had recently returned to power. With the editor dead, Fudge found himself embroiled in controversy once more. Unable to withstand the pressure, he resigned again, then died at home by apparent suicide, leaving a note recommending Umbridge for the role.
As for the truth of his death? Only Erwin, Old Tom, and a select few knew the details.
Upon taking office, Umbridge immediately elevated Rita and placed several pure-blood families under suspicion regarding the editor's death. Then, the Daily Prophet published an article written by Erwin himself.
In it, Erwin accused several pure-blood families of heinous crimes. He had no concrete evidence, but he didn't need any. He attributed the suffering of "wandering wizards"—those outside the established system—and the chaos in the wizarding world entirely to these families. Presented with absolute conviction, the article convinced many wizards that Erwin spoke the truth. Suddenly, these families were branded as parasites, destabilizing the peace and ruining the lives of ordinary witches and wizards.
Erwin's statements ran for three consecutive days in the most prominent spot. On the third day, he wrote the final declaration:
"Although the Cavendish family is not omnipotent, we pledge to act against the following families to secure a future for all wandering wizards and those of mixed heritage. We will give our all to restore peace to the wizarding world."
A list of nearly twenty families followed—pure-blood lines and newer wizarding houses alike. The wizarding world was shaken to its core.
That afternoon, the Daily Prophet urgently reprinted. Families led by the Malfoys, Parkinsons, and Selwyns responded to the Cavendish call, pledging to restore justice. They declared their intent to move against the twenty families. Before those named could even react, the allied forces struck.
Conflict had engulfed the wizarding world.
What puzzled most was the Ministry of Magic's total silence, as if they were completely unaware. In reality, Umbridge stood obsequiously to the side of the Minister's office, watching Erwin sit comfortably in the Minister's chair.
"I've made the arrangements, my lord," Umbridge said, sweat beading on her forehead. "The Ministry won't intervene. However, some Aurors are resistant, especially the Head of the Auror Office, Rufus Scrimgeour. He's a stubborn man who might not obey my orders. You understand—if not for you, that position would be his."
Erwin looked at Umbridge, his eyes glinting with cold amusement. "Umbridge, don't presume to understand my thoughts, and don't flatter yourself. Have you forgotten how you obtained this position? Do not assume you can manipulate the Cavendish family. If Fudge could meet his end, so can you."
Umbridge's face turned ashen. She dropped to her knees. "I'm sorry, sir! I only meant that Scrimgeour would be an obstacle for the Cavendish family. I had no other intentions!"
Erwin scoffed. If not for the fact that Umbridge would eventually take responsibility for everything, she wouldn't even be in this room. A opportunistic bureaucrat had no right to be Minister of Magic.