"Your Majesty, may I ask what the benefits are that you just mentioned?" Maverick asked.
The queen sensed that her persuasion was finally working. She straightened up, her gaze steady as she continued.
"The Double Zero Squad is an elite and covert group, under my direct command. There can only ever be nine agents, from 001 to 009. They handle missions of the highest stakes—missions directly tied to national security.
"In this squad, there are three non-magical and three magical agents. The non-magical agents handle all matters concerning the nation's safety, while the magical agents focus solely on national security when facing supernatural threats."
"For you, Maverick, I'm prepared to make an exception. You would only be called upon in the most extraordinary circumstances—if the nation faced a threat beyond what MI5, MI6, or even Defense Intelligence could manage. Only then would I summon you to defend this land."
Maverick couldn't help but interrupt, saying, "But I'm only a magus. Forgive me, Your Majesty, but it's hard to believe you'd put such trust in me... I mean, this is the first real conversation we've had. Your expectations of me seem unusually high."
His doubts were understandable. After all, only his teacher, Edward, truly knew his potential.
The queen didn't mind his interruption. In fact, she would have found it strange if Maverick hadn't raised the issue.
"For now, no, you're no different from the other wizards working for my government," she began, pausing briefly. "But I know this man," she continued, pointing to Edward. "There is an unspoken understanding we leaders share—and really, everyone does. A Speaker of any nation is seen as equal to the nation itself... you can interpret that however you like, young man."
She looked from Maverick to Edward and back again. "Not only are you his direct apprentice, but he even took the time to attend this meeting for you... "That shows me just how high his expectations are of you." She paused, allowing Maverick a moment to think.
"Think of it as a bet," she said. "I'm betting on you—for the future of my nation." Her voice was steady, letting her words sink in.
Edward didn't refute or add anything to what she said. He knows exactly what his status meant.
He was here only to make sure his apprentice wasn't taken advantage of. Beyond that, he would let Maverick make his own decisions and never interfere.
It was the same with Michael. He agreed with everything the queen had said and left the matter to be settled by his son.
Maverick took a moment to think and had to agree with the queen. Everything she said made sense. Honestly, given the situation, he would bet on himself too.
He met her gaze and nodded, signaling that he understood.
The queen nodded in return before continuing her explanation. "Where were we? Ah, yes... So basically, the conditions are meant to ensure you that your movements won't be restricted in any way." She paused for a moment.
"And as for the benefits... Well... within Britain, you'll have a very high authority across government facilities. If there's something you need done, doors will open, sparing you from unnecessary bureaucracy."
She held his gaze with a pointed look. "This isn't an invitation for corruption. But for the most part, my government would turn a blind eye and grant you authority—as long as it doesn't bring harm to the people in any way."
She paused again, relaxing slightly before she continued. "Internationally, you'd gain substantial travel privileges. A free visa to 127 countries, including all of North and South America, all of Europe, parts of Asia, and the Middle East. Even China." She gave a small smirk. "Not Russia, though. But you're a wizard. I'm sure you have ways of getting in, which I don't need to know.
"Let's see… yes. You'd be licensed to carry firearms, though I doubt you'd find it necessary. And finally," she narrowed her eyes, "you'd have the license to kill any target deemed a threat to my nation."
The queen watched Maverick's expression as he took this all in.
"And again," she added firmly, "this doesn't mean you'll have free rein to kill anyone whenever you want, and I trust you wouldn't. It just means there will be fewer questions about your decisions, if and when you ever decide to take a life." She paused, giving a brief glance to Michael.
"I have complete trust in the Prime Minister I've appointed to lead my government... and you are his son." She paused, then continued.
"Finally, I'm certain the man sitting here," she gestured to Edward, "wouldn't choose an apprentice without carefully considering their character."
"So, you're free to travel as much as you like, to teach, to learn—hell, even play football... or become a movie star if you want. You'd have complete freedom."
"All I ask is that you represent me if extraordinary circumstances demand it. And one last thing... aside from national security, if there were ever a threat to myself or my direct line, natural or supernatural, I would call on you then as well. But, as I said, these scenarios are as unlikely as the nation going to war."
Taking a breath, she delivered her final words.
"So, young man, will you take on the responsibility to represent Great Britain? To represent me?"
Maverick gulped, feeling the weight of the offer. The benefits far outweighed the inconveniences.
He glanced over at his father, who looked back at him, a trace of concern in his eyes, though he held his words. It was probably a worry for his safety.
Then he looked to his teacher, and Edward met his gaze at the same time, his eyes expressing nothing but trust. Maverick knew his teacher would support whatever choice he made.
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, letting the silence in the room settle around him. After nearly half a minute, he opened his eyes and met the queen's steady gaze.
"Your Majesty," he said firmly. "It would be my honor to serve you and this nation."
The queen's expression softened slightly, but she maintained her composed demeanor, simply giving a nod. Then she turned to the room and called out, her voice steady.
"Double-0 Eight, Double-0 Two!"
Two figures stepped forward, canceling their Disillusionment spells. One was a middle-aged woman standing to the queen's left, and the other was Jacob, whom Maverick and Edward had met earlier.
Maverick had sensed their presence through his Magical Sense, as had Edward, but neither had mentioned it. They both knew these were the queen's people, likely stationed here for more than just observation.
Maverick felt a flicker of surprise, but he kept his composure, understanding now that these two weren't simply guards. They were his soon-to-be colleagues in the Zero Squad.
Both figures gave a respectful gesture—a slight bow, almost like a salute—as they said, "Ma'am." The queen nodded in acknowledgment before shifting her gaze to Edward.
"You mentioned wanting to register him with the British Ministry of Magic?"
Edward nodded. "His wizarding identity is currently just his name in Ilvermorny's records. It worked while he was studying, but now, for his future, he needs proper identification. We planned to go to the Ministry after this meeting."
"Unnecessary," the queen replied with a hint of a smile. She raised an eyebrow. "Unless you'd like to see your face on tomorrow's front page," she added, implying she had another solution.
Edward's face remained neutral, though his tone carried a trace of interest. "I'd like to avoid that, if possible. But I doubt we could completely escape notice…unless you have a way to get him registered without us needing to step foot there?"
The queen's lips curved slightly. "I do," she said, and leaned back slightly in her chair. It's not every day that you get to do a favor for a speaker. And she know what it weighed.
"No fuss, no crowds. Consider it a favor from the Crown." she explained, the turned to her right.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
"Double-O Eight. Please ask Minister Fudge to come to the palace. Tell him it's urgent," the queen instructed.
The woman didn't hesitate. She simply nodded and walked out.
The queen then turned her attention back to her guests. "Her name is Joanna," she said, glancing at Edward to see if he recognized her.
"Hmm... Another No-Maj-born name from World War Two," Edward replied thoughtfully. "They saved many lives during the battle against Grindelwald and Schmidt's forces. I remember the heroes from the war, Your Majesty. Even though the Ministry of Magic at the time didn't highlight them much, because of their blood status..." Edward paused, then added with a touch of curiosity, "I hear their decadent behavior hasn't changed much since then..."
The queen sighed, her frustration clear. "Idiots," she spat. "They're simply ignorant. Sometimes I wonder if Dumbledore had a hand in this." She raised an eyebrow at Edward. "After all, his... lover... started the war against science. Maybe he thinks he's making up for it by manipulating things, keeping British wizards ignorant of the world's advancements."
Edward rubbed his chin, thinking. "If anything, he'd try to advise your country's nobles to let go of their blood supremacy ideas and see the world for what it really is. Dumbledore, though annoying at times, wouldn't harm our kind on purpose."
Edward wasn't embarrassed to speak his mind, even if it meant praising Dumbledore or criticizing the queen's people right in front of her. "Honestly, your so-called pureblood families are just ignorant. That's all there is to it."
Maverick watched in silence, his eyes wide. He silently gave his teacher an imaginary thumbs-up for being so bold.
The queen gave Edward a long, scrutinizing look. "I never thought you, of all people, would vouch for him."
Edward raised a hand in defense. "Don't get me wrong. I don't have a pleasant impression of the bastard, ever since... well, you know..." He paused, glanced at the queen, but didn't elaborate. "But that doesn't mean I'm petty enough to speak falsely about him when I know better."
The queen sighed, then brightened her eyes and looked at Maverick.
"Young man... if you do end up teaching at Hogwarts, try to put a little sense into those brainwashed noble children there."
Maverick scratched his head. "Well, that's a long way off..." he said.
"If anyone can do it, I'm sure it's my son who'll bring some sense to this country's magical community," Michael added, speaking up for the first time in a while.
The noble wizarding families of Britain would never have imagined that the country's Muggle leaders cared more about their situation than they did about themselves.
Maverick glanced at his father, giving him a look of appreciation.
"Right then," the queen said, catching their attention. "Let's eat. I've had my best chefs prepare a sumptuous lunch."
She gave a nod to her left, and Jacob nodded back before leaving to make arrangements.
Though Maverick, Michael, and Edward had already had lunch back at home, they knew it would be rude to decline the queen's invitation, so they simply thanked her politely and joined in some small talk.
Soon, a few butlers and maids entered, dressed in formal uniforms. They carried an array of dishes and drinks, arranging them neatly on the table.
About ten minutes into their meal, a knock came from the door.
At the queen's nod, Jacob canceled his Disillusionment spell, walked over, and opened the door.
Joanna entered alone, approached the queen, and spoke quietly. "Minister Fudge is outside, ma'am."
"Let him in," the queen instructed.
Joanna stepped out again, returning moments later, followed by a chubby, middle-aged man dressed in finely tailored, expensive-looking robes—fitting attire for a wizard of his stature.
Minister Fudge approached the queen directly, his focus entirely on her, not sparing a glance for anyone else in the room.
He stopped a respectful distance from the queen and gave a polite nod. "Your Majesty. May I ask the reason for your urgent summons..." His tone was calm, as if speaking to an equal.
The queen didn't seem bothered by his tone. She paused her meal, wiped her mouth delicately, and then responded, "Thank you for coming on such short notice, Minister."
As the queen spoke, Fudge's gaze slowly shifted to the people sitting at the table. His eyes first landed on Michael, and he gave a polite nod. However, when he saw Edward, his calm expression instantly changed. A cold sweat appeared on his forehead, and his confident demeanor turned nervous.
"Gold... Speaker Garling..." he stuttered.
Unlike the queen, Edward didn't stop eating. With a piece of meat on his fork, he met Fudge's gaze and raised an eyebrow before taking a bite.
The action seemed to make Fudge even more nervous, as beads of sweat quickly formed on his forehead.
"That's strange... I've never seen him react this way to Dumbledore..." the queen remarked casually.
When Fudge heard this, he seemed to regain some of his confidence. He straightened his posture, puffed out his chest, trying to appear more composed.
Despite his efforts, the slight shaking in his hands remained, but no one commented on it.
Before Fudge's arrival, the seating arrangement had been adjusted. The queen sat at one end, with Edward opposite her. Michael and Maverick sat together on the other side, leaving one side and a chair empty.
"Take a seat, Minister... join us for lunch," the queen said, gesturing to the empty chair. Fudge nodded hurriedly and sat down.
Taking a seat, Fudge quickly turned to the queen. "Your Majesty, could you explain why you called me here and what the urgency is?" he asked, deliberately avoiding Edward's direction.
"Yes," the queen began, taking another bite of her meal. "You've met Michael before, I'm sure..." she asked, glancing at Fudge.
Fudge nodded, glancing at Michael and Maverick. "We've met a few times, during formal meetings between our sides..."
The queen nodded, taking another delicate bite. She wiped her mouth and continued, "And I'm sure you're familiar with Speaker Garling here."
Fudge's gulped. He turned his head, giving Edward a polite nod before turning back to the queen. "Yes... I've seen him once at the ICW conference and once during the World Security Council meeting."
The queen noticed Fudge's nervousness around Edward, but she decided not to ask. This wasn't the right time or place.
"Good..." she said, pausing before continuing. "The reason I summoned you actually has something to do with him." She gestured toward Maverick.
Fudge turned and finally looked at Maverick, who was quietly observing him. He gave a small nod before looking back at the queen, awaiting an explanation.
"This is Maverick," the queen continued. "Maverick Caesar."
"Caesar..." Fudge murmured, then glanced at Michael.
"Yes... he's my son," Michael confirmed.
Fudge's expression remained puzzled as he turned to the queen. She didn't waste time, and got straight to the point.
"Maverick here... is a wizard."
Fudge finally turned to Maverick, his curiosity piqued. He paused for a moment before asking, "I think the Prime Minister should have mentioned if his son was from our side." He glanced at Michael.
"I took him in as my apprentice. Concealed his identity, and asked Mike here not to tell anyone," Edward replied, answering Fudge's unspoken question and catching him off guard.
It took a few seconds for Fudge to process what Edward had just said.
----------------------------------------
——————————
----------------------------------------
Author's Note:
Just a quick update — up to Chapter 67 is already available on P AT r30n!
PAT r30n [.] com / RyanFic