A/N: Thank you all for your feedback. I really enjoy your theories and thoughts on where the story is going.
A couple of people inquired as to why I chose a burial at sea, as opposed to a cremation for Voldemort's body. Simple answer: I like the parallel it has with Osama bin Laden. A sea burial of an enemy combatant felt appropriate when Seal Team Six took care of business in May 2011, and it felt appropriate here too.
This chapter has been in the works for a while, and it's a little bit different. I hope you enjoy it.
XIV. 24 Hours in Wizarding Britain
"The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels tonight. They're our students and our teachers and our parents and our friends. The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels, but every time we think we have measured our capacity to meet a challenge, we look up and we're reminded that that capacity may well be limitless."
– President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet
0440
Harry groggily swung his tired body from his bed and made his way to a fireplace, which was spitting green flames.
He glanced at his watch and let out a groan.
"This had better be good," he said, peering at the face that had appeared in the flames.
"Good morning, sir. I'm terribly sorry to wake you, but I'm afraid I must deliver some bad news."
0755
Ignoring the grumble in her stomach, Kara Albright arrived at the Auror Commander's office. Placing a copy of the day's schedule and a ream of parchment with the overnight reports,
Executive duty was coveted by third-year Trainees as the best possible placement. Rather than being fostered off to the Law Enforcement Squads or the diplomatic details, Executive Officers - Exo's - were always by the Commander's side. The inside track on everything.
But this morning, Kara would have traded places with someone performing the dullest of protection services in a heartbeat. In half an hour, the Prophet would know what she knew, and ten minutes after that, so would half of Wizarding Britain.
And then there would be hell to pay for.
0758
The lift doors opened, and Harry exited, walking briskly towards the Auror Office. He passed through the iron doors, and was greeted by the wizard at reception.
"It's a nice day today, isn't it, sir?"
"Don't worry, we'll take care of that in a hurry."
The Commander made his way to his office, where he found Kara, flicking through the early edition of the Daily Prophet.
"Morning."
"Morning, Commander. Have you heard the news?"
"Yeah. The Goblins are in uproar."
"I'm not surprised. What the fuck were they thinking?"
"I imagine the problem was that no one bothered to stop and think," Harry replied, his eyes flicking over the report in front of him, before he gave a noise of annoyance.
"Have you eaten?" he asked.
"Not yet."
"How about some breakfast?"
Her mood brightened.
0805
"A croissant and bacon," Kara requested. The man nodded and reappeared moments later with her order.
Harry looked at her with raised eyebrows.
"I like croissants. And I like bacon," the witch shrugged.
"We'll take two coffees as well," asked Harry, handing several Sickles to the man serving.
"Won't be long."
"Thanks," Kara said as they took seats.
"No problem."
0822
"Breaking News from Gringotts Bank this morning following the failure of two major Wizard-Goblin joint investments. Financial markets have tumbled…folks, I'm getting word that the Auror Commander is with reporters now, let's take you live."
"Commander, you're live with WWN Breaking News. What will you discuss with the Minister?"
"No comment," Harry replied, walking briskly through the Atrium.
"Several goblin factions are mobilising, what's your response?"
"No comment."
"Is there any truth to the rumours that Gringotts is on the verge of collapse?"
Harry stepped into the lift and hit the button for Level One.
"No comment."
0830
"We dropped sixty points within two minutes of opening. Frankfurt's down twenty-one," Kingsley stated, flicking through a ream of parchment.
"How's Tokyo?" Harry questioned.
"Since when did you start on magical economy?"
"Since the Goblins started talking about heads rolling," Harry replied.
Kingsley nodded.
"Fair enough. What's your take, security-wise?"
"It's basic. If we respond poorly and our domestic markets suffer for it, then the Goblins will be extremely upset."
"Funny that."
"It's almost like they don't like losing money," Harry said glibly.
Kingsley smirked.
"There's little we can do, except wait and see how it plays out," Harry added sagely. "Any unrest will only make the situation worse though."
"I got Flooed by the German Minister earlier. Half of his Council want to cut our rebuild loans."
"They do realise that the value of our Galleons fell through the floor when Voldemort took over?" Harry replied.
"I did stress that point to him. And that our coffers were cleaned out by Death Eaters."
"How much of that have we repatriated?" Harry asked.
"Conservative estimate: eight percent."
"You'd think that with magic, we wouldn't have the threat of financial disaster."
"If only."
Harry sighed, and stood.
"Keep me updated. I've got a full morning tied up in training."
"Sure. Have your bags packed though. I might need you in Frankfurt on short notice."
0850
"How did your meeting go?"
"The Germans want to stop giving us money."
"That's a worry," Kara remarked.
"It makes no sense. It'll bolster them temporarily, but when we fall through the floor because they cut off our loans, then their own markets will suffer for it."
"When did you study magical economy?"
"You know, Kingsley just asked me that. Six o'clock this morning. But there's nothing I can do right now. Do you have a go bag ready?
"Of course."
"Good. What's happening with training?
"Full second year."
"Lovely. Let's bang some heads together."
1050
"I'm sorry to bother you, Commander, but your presence is required by the Wizengamot. An emergency session has been called."
Harry gave the aide a nod. "I'll be there."
He cleared his throat and addressed the Trainees, several of whom were nursing small injuries.
"Duty calls, so we're finishing early today. Continuing practicing your shield-work with Auror O'Reilly. We'll start on offensive dark magic next week."
1101
"This Council is now in session. We recognise the Minister for Magic."
Kingsley stood to address the Chamber.
"Councillors, I won't sugarcoat this. We are close to the brink of financial collapse."
"The Ministry, as you all know, had significant capital tied into a fund managed by Tribe Ragnuk. That investment failed overnight. It threatens our ability to repay the loans granted to us by the European Council of Magic, and hampers our reconstruction efforts."
1228
Harry strode to the podium, adopting a carefully neutral expression.
Flash.
Flash. Flash.
"Good afternoon."
"What did you discuss in the emergency session with the Wizengamot this morning?"
"Our response to the present economic situation. Let me be clear that the Wizengamot has nothing less than the utmost concern for this crisis."
"Commander, are you worried that you have lost money today?"
"My personal wealth isn't relevant."
"Commander, is it true that you're going to Germany to resolve this crisis?"
"The Minister has made no formal decision on personnel at this time."
"Why isn't he going?"
"He acts in the best interests of the people of Wizarding Britain. If that requires him to stay in London, then he'll stay in London. If he thinks he's better off going to Frankfurt, then I have no doubt he'll be there."
"Commander, two Goblin factions have broken ties with us just today. Are we on the verge of another Goblin attack?" "The Goblins are a proud and noble people. I don't think a minority will sway clearer heads from prevailing."
"What preparations have you made should such an attack eventuate?"
"I'm going to use Daily Prophet reporters as cannon fodder if you continue trying to incite violence," Harry replied with irritation.
1309
"There's a crowd growing at Gringotts."
"Yeah?" Harry replied through his sandwich.
"Apparently the line stretches right back to Eyelops. Everyone's taking as much money as they can carry."
Harry swallowed and reach for a glass of water.
"I'm sure the bank is overjoyed."
"Think we need to worry?"
"No. Gringotts can handle itself. Make sure someone from the Squad keeps an eye on things though."
1400
"The last year or so has been tumultuous."
"Tell me about it," quipped Harry.
"Er, I mean for the Tribe. There's considerable dissent within Ragnuk over the Tribe's relationship with the Ministry. The ruling elders have been able to keep things under hand - at least whilst the invested performed. But following today's news, that may all change. Two of the major families have mobilised."
Harry appraised the man sitting on the other side of his desk, sent by the Goblin Liaison Office to brief him of the situation. He seemed nervous, his eyes not knowing where to rest. and was fidgeting with the sleeve of his robe.
"You think the goblins are gearing up for a fight?"
"Well, no, but a mobilisation is uncommon."
"You don't think that they're just posturing?"
"Goblins are deliberate. Everything they do has a carefully crafted motive behind it. What that motive is, I can't say."
1420
"Here are the numbers you wanted," said Kara.
"Cheers."
"Anything from Germany?" he asked.
"Nothing yet."
"Alright."
"Coffee?"
"Please."
"How's Ginny?" Kara asked as she busied herself with conjuring a couple of drinks.
"She's in camp with the National Team until Thursday week."
"You should Floo her. She'd appreciate it."
"I was-" he paused mid-sentence, his eyes narrowing. "You've been talking to Hermione."
"It's for your own good."
"You're enjoying this far too much."
"It's the little things that get me through the day, sir."
1515
"We've got marching orders," said Kara, handing him a unfolded memo. "Aurors are to accompany Magical Trade. They'll deal with the negotiations. We're there officially as security, but - "
"Unofficially as celebrity," Harry interjected.
"Yeah. Formal robes are in your office."
"Thanks. Find out if Siobhan's free. We'll bring her along if she is."
"Sure thing."
"When's our departure?"
"Thirty minutes."
1630
"Welcome, Mr Potter. It's a great honour to meet you, and to welcome you to Germany."
"Thank you. It's very nice to be here in an official capacity."
"You've visited before?"
"A couple of times last year."
The man's eyes widened as Harry moved to greet the next dignitary.
"Nothing like a bit of Wrath of Merlin mystique to spice up diplomatic relations," Kara murmured in his ear.
Harry shot her a grin in reply.
After the greetings were concluded, the delegation was led to a large boardroom. Harry made his way towards a large group of seats in the back where a number of minor functionaries and officials were seated, but Magnus grabbed his shoulder and pointed to the table set in the middle of the room. Harry was surprised to see his name on a placard.
He followed Magnus to his seat, joining the others. A man with a short crop of blond hair rose to speak.
"Good day," the man spoke in clipped English, "Let us get to business. But first, introductions. Let me present Jacques Le Roux, the French Treasurer."
"Narlfang, of the Goblin Monetary Fund."
"Ragnor, of the Ragnuk Tribe."
"Gronaught, representing Gringotts Europe."
"Magnus O'Brien, Senior Warlock to the Wizengamot and British High Representative to the European Council of Magic."
"Someone who needs no introduction. Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, and currently, the Auror Commander."
"And of course, myself. Stefan Kaufmann, German High Representative to the European Council of Magic."
"Let us begin."
1730
"We can't take that money off the table."
"We don't expect you to."
"Gentlemen, we've been at this for an hour. I think a recess is in order."
There was a murmur of consensus.
Harry leaned over to Magnus O'Brien.
"Where are we?"
The warlock's tone was tense.
"Nowhere yet."
1923
The French Treasurer raised his hands in exasperation.
"We've been over this! There's no way –"
Harry slammed his fist down on the table. "Enough!"
The room fell silent.
"We've been going around and around for hours," Harry said through gritted teeth.
"Mr Potter, would –"
"I'm sorry," Harry said, placatingly, and exhaled.
"Look, those who have already suffered will only lose more if you redraw the war loans. So I implore you. Back the loans. The money to repay them is there. Trust in our ability to rebuild."
"As I'm sure you know, I was raised by Muggles, unaware and unknowing of the magical world. Back then, magic was something that could fix anything, and make any problem go away."
He paused.
"I know that a wave of my wand won't fix this, but what I'm saying is that I'm asking you to believe in a little bit of that magic now."
"I'm no economist. I'm no banker. So I'm asking those of you who are: please help us. We need it more than ever."
2025
Flash. Flash. Flash flash, flash.
"Harry! Harry!"
"How was Frankfurt?"
The mob of reporters descended on Harry as soon as he appeared in the Atrium.
Flash.
"What did you discuss with the Germans?"
Harry raised his hand in a gesture for quiet.
"Thank you. The Minister and the Office for Magical Trade will be releasing statements."
"Why not yourself?"
"It's not the purview of the Auror Office. I was acting in a security capacity."
Flash. Flash.
"Sources are telling us that you were directly-"
"The Minister's Office and Magical Trade are the ones doing the real work."
Kara handed Harry a scrap of parchment. He read it, then combusted it in his hand.
Flash. Flash, flash.
"Thank you. Duty calls."
2030
"Tell me everything you know."
"Suspected Death Eaters, suspected Snatchers. At least a score of Goblins. MLE guards are sustaining heavy fire," reported Kara. "Marcus was on the long watch. He'll brief on the play."
Harry strode through the iron doors of the Auror Office. Aurors were rushing frantically every which way, strapping on combat gear.
"Sir, you're got the brief?" asked Marcus Savage.
"Yeah. Gringotts under attack in primetime," Harry replied, taking the combat vest handed to him by Kara. "What is this, Christmas fucking morning at the Prophet?"
"I'm sure they're happy about it, sir," Marcus replied, checking his watch. "Okay sir, you're first assault, I'll take second. Siobhan third. Proudfoot has recon. Fourteen of us in all."
"Sounds good."
Marcus turned to address the room. "Sixty seconds!"
2033
"We're taking fire!" the MLE Officer yelled.
"Aurors inbound. Be advised, Aurors inbound," crackled a voice over his headset.
A bolt of white lightning screamed by overhead and exploded in the middle of the Alley.
Red and blue jets flew back in retaliation, but were absorbed by a shimmering blue shield cast by Harry as he charged forwards.
"Perimeter established. Engage with prejudice," announced John Proudfoot over his headset.
"About time," Harry muttered.
He fired a series of Stunners at the assailants, downing two. Beside him, Kara unleashed two vivid curses, both finding their marks. Harry sidestepped to avoid a green jet, and retaliated with a wave of inky black darkness that howled down the passageway with an unearthly shriek.
"That'll do it." He keyed his headset. "First assault is clear."
2145
Harry walked briskly over the cobblestones, surveying the aftermath of the battle. The Alley had been cordoned off, and MLE personnel were positioned around the periphery. Smoke and haze from several fires still lingered in the air, and Healers attended to several wounded.
"There hasn't been blood spilt between goblins and men like this in over a century," Harry stated woodenly, looking at the damaged facade of Gringotts. The bodies of several Goblins lay still on the steps, small and frail in death.
"We had no choice," said John Proudfoot. The Auror had a nasty gash above his eye, and still held his wand tightly in his hand.
"Gringotts is sacred ground. Ragnor will be harsh, I can promise. The tribe is embarrassed by the betrayal of their own," Gronaught, the goblin representing Gringotts Europe stated.
"I don't doubt it," Harry replied.
"We will resume trading in the morning. My hope is that this unpleasantness does not adversely affect the market," Gronaught added.
"As is mine."
Harry inclined his head low to the goblin in a show of respect. Gronaught returned the gesture, then disappeared into thin air.
2230
Kara sat down at her desk, tapped her wand to the wireless, and took a Butterbeer off the shelf.
"Good evening. The Auror Commander will deliver a short statement, but will not be taking any questions at this time. Thank you."
There was a pause, and then Harry's voice, cold and somber came through the wireless.
"Today has been a sobering reminder that we live in an uncertain world."
"We have faced the very real possibility of economic crisis, and endured yet another act of senseless violence against our own. To those who would seek to emulate the actions of the aggressors, let me say this: there is no way, no conceivable outcome, in which this ends with anything else but your doom."
"As long as the Ministry permits, the Aurors will continue to exercise the most extreme prejudice against all acts of terrorism. You will not find forgiveness. You will not find fear. Consider this your only warning."
2300
"Drink?"
"Please."
"Siobhan?"
"Cheers," said the witch, taking the drink.
"Marcus?"
"Aye, thanks," replied Marcus Savage, accepting a Butterbeer.
Harry walked into the Office and approached the group at the cubicle.
"Drink, boss?" Siobhan offered.
"Sure."
Harry sat down and took a long swig.
"We did good work today," he said.
"Gringotts is safe, we're still getting paid, and we all became economics majors," quipped Kara.
"How's John?" Siobhan asked.
"Fine. St Mungo's stitched up his forehead and sent him home. How's your ankle?"
"Only a sprain."
"Good."
The group sat in quiet contemplation for a moment.
"Sir?"
"Yeah?
"What we've been hearing about Nazar…are you worried?"
"Yes," Harry replied simply. "I'm worried that every single time we seem to get close, the trail disappears. I'm worried that his reputation alone is a deterrent. I'm worried that the underworld is terrified of him."
"And I'm worried that there's no guarantee the prophecy refers to him."
0020
"How's training?"
"Exhausting. Booke has us running ten-hour game drills for the next three days. I swear he's some kind of sadist," Ginny replied, her face in the flames of his fireplace.
"Lovely."
"How was Frankfurt? Are we going to wake up with a functioning government in the morning?"
"Could still go either way," Harry said dryly.
"I guess you've still got another six or seven hours for something to go wrong."
Harry gave a short laugh.
"Harry?"
"Yeah?"
"This is going to sound silly."
"No judgement," he said, bemused.
"I miss you. And I know it's only ten days, but-"
"I miss you too."
0448
"Commander."
Harry sat up and hunted for his glasses on the nightstand. He gave a groan and peered through squinted eyes at the face in the fireplace.
"Yeah?"
"I have good news, Commander. Our people just flagged a movement in Moscow. Despite his very best intentions to stay hidden from sight, we've found Ivan Rusilov."
A/N: Next chapter should hopefully be no more than a month away. Thanks for reading!