Chapter Summary: I think the title of the chapter says it all...

Disclaimer: I own nothing!

A/N: This little chapter was inspired by Reader-anonymous-writer's comment, or rather part of it: "Bloodaxe should not have been condemned without a trial. Dumbledore might have leverage over Bloodaxe's family. Or Sirius Black (or Potters) might have insulted Bloodaxe. Whatever. Give Bloodaxe a trial. Make sure that Dumbledore cannot hoodwink another goblin like this." So, I want to say thank you! I really liked your suggestion and went with it. It is shorter than my other chapters, but I think it works out well.

Please enjoy!

UPDATED: 10/13/18

The Fate of Bloodaxe

Dungeon Cells, Gringotts
August 1, 2001

~*Bloodaxe's POV*~

Bloodaxe sat in his cell, knowing that death awaited him. If it was easy to go back in time with the knowledge he now held, he would most certainly change how his life has gone. Goblins, as a race, are bloodthirsty, war-like, greedy creatures. They would do anything to make a profit or spill the blood of their enemies, but what wasn't known was the fact that when it came to their families, their mates and children, they would do the most despicable thing they could possibly do, despite their honor, to protect them and keep them safe.

His King's snarled words from the day before continued to ring in his ears, even hours after the fact, "Take him to the cells. He will be executed on the 'morrow and we will feast on his bones!" Bloodaxe shuddered even as he thought of the fate of his darling mate and his young children, children that have yet to taste blood. He hoped that whatever curse Dumbledore cast on his family would be discovered before it was too late.

"Traitor! On your feet, we're to take you before the King!" a guard called, a long spear in his hand, a shield in the opposite. He wore a helm with the King's crest, and armor of the finest goblin craftsmanship.

He stood on shaky feet, fear nearly overwhelming him. He knew his silence would be his downfall, but he could think of nothing but his family and their fate. "My Mate…will she be there? My children?" he asked, knowing that the guard would only sneer at him and ignore his inquiry.

"Our King has demanded all Goblins be present. You bring shame to our clan, Traitor." Was the only reply.

They marched down to King Ragnar's throne room, one in armor, the other in shackles. Once they arrived, the guard motioned those at the door to allow them entrance. Bloodaxe, knowing his beloved mate would be there, refused to look up in his shame. If only he could change the past!

~*Ragnar's POV*~

Ragnar sighed as he sat upon his throne, waiting for Bloodaxe to be escorted to him. The entirety of the London Gringotts Goblin Clan, except those still on their mother's breast, were present. This was the first execution they have had in decades, and he could hardly believe it was happening.

After having slept on everything that had happened the day before, and having spoken to his mate, he felt that perhaps there was more going on than what there appeared to be. So, instead of the normal immediate execution, Ragnar had delayed it and insisted on a trial of sorts, perhaps knowing that Albus Dumbledore was behind a great many things, he was behind this as well.

The grand doors opened then, and all heads turned as the traitor was escorted before him by an armed guard. "The prisoner, my King," the guard intoned, shoving the shackled goblin to the floor before him.

With another, well-hidden sigh, Ragnar stood and stepped closer, "Stand, Traitor," he ordered, then watched the nearly broken goblin stand.

"My King, my life is yours to do as you wish. I am a traitor, death is what I deserve." Bloodaxe said, resignation in his gravelly voice.

Ragnar blinked, he had presided over many executions in his long years, but never has a prisoner ever behaved like this. The resignation, the brokenness, his pride nowhere to be seen…surely Dumbledore is behind this. "Tell me, is Albus Dumbledore behind your treasonous acts?" he asked, waiting.

He watched as Bloodaxe looked up at him, startled, and a great deal of fear written on his face, in his eyes. He watched as the goblin before him tried to speak but could not. He narrowed his eyes as he took in each little, insignificant reaction passed across his face at the question asked of him.

"Yes, I can see it on your face, in your eyes. Dumbledore threatened you," he said, resigned to the fact that he has temporarily lost on of his best account managers.

"Not I, my King," Bloodaxe answered, "my mate and our children..." he choked for a moment before continuing, "He has prevented me of speaking of it, my King."

Ragnar snarled in absolute anger. That man! When I get my hands on that bastard, I will make him suffer for all the wrongs he has made. To threaten a goblin's family! He turned away from his people as he tried to compose his anger. He could hear them whispering back and forth at the atrocity Dumbledore has committed to one of their own. Just like him, he could not blame Bloodaxe for his actions with his family at stake.

"Release him from his restraints," Ragnar ordered as he turned back around, "Gather your family, Bloodaxe, and report immediately to the Healing Chambers. You are hereby suspended from your current position as an Account Manager. You will not have access to any High Priority accounts until further notice. You will be regulated to the carts going to minor accounts only, understood?"

Bloodaxe nodded, rubbing his wrists, "I will do as you command my King. You have shown mercy where you could have just as easily killed me for my actions. I am in your debt."

"Go! Before I change my mind!" Ragnar said, anger still in his voice.

Bloodaxe bowed low before straightening and looking for his beloved mate. Finding her with their children gathered around her, he hurried over and quickly ushered them from the throne room and towards the Healing Chambers.

~*Bloodaxe's POV*~

Bloodaxe felt relief beyond imagination. He quickly located his mate and children before rushing them to the Healing Chambers. "Come, quickly, before he realizes what's happened!" he urged them.

They we nearly to the Chamber doors when he heard a cry of pain. Skidding to a halt at the sound of his mate calling his name, Bloodaxe turned and watched in horror as his youngest convulsed on the floor, screaming in pain. No! They were so close!

The sound of the Chamber doors opening didn't faze him as he watched as, one by one his family fell to the floor, screaming and withering on the floor. He fell to his knees in anguish and horror, there was nothing he could do but to beg the gods for mercy. He was numb as the healers rushed passed him and to his beloved family, shouting orders and taking them quickly into the Chamber.

He was alone, sitting there on his knees, tears of fear and anguish running down his face. He jumped as he felt a hand come down on his shoulder, "There is nothing else we can do, Bloodaxe, but to wait for the healers to do their work. I am truly sorry that I hadn't thought of this possibility last night, or I would have done something to prevent this. You have my greatest apologies."

Bloodaxe looked up at his King, unashamed of his current behavior, "My King, if I…if I could have told you when…when you called for m…me yesterday, I…would have."

"I know, and for that I have failed you. You have my greatest sympathies in this, Bloodaxe. Come, let us get you cleaned up before you go to the Chambers yourself," his King said, helping him to his feet and leading him to a room near the Chamber his beloved mate and children were.

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