Aug 18

When the

Roses Bloom

Again -

Signed,

Sealed,

Delivered

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

October 1942

As keen as Harry had been to implement his plan, he

equally understood the need to exercise restraint and

patience. There were so many factors that came under

consideration, and for the past few months, he had been

nothing but diligent, ensuring that even the minutest of

details were accounted for.

Covert scouting missions had been adopted almost daily to

check for patterns and inconsistencies within Grindelwald's

occupation of Italy, and to acquire an accurate number of

men and other defences they would be faced with.

With the need to maintain their own defences, their own

numbers needed to be considered, and how many men could

be spared for the undertaking on behalf of the ICW.

It was undoubtedly the most intricate plan they intended to

put into motion, and as Harry rightly pointed out, there was

no room for error.

Charlus had been all too happy to support him, and though

he had his reservations, he knew this was their best chance

to remove a significant supporter of the Dark Lord.

With Italy taken, the same door used to dislodge the ICW

from defending France would be open to them to return the

favour.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

"Are the guards still changed every four hours?" Harry

questioned, his eyes roaming the positions on the map that

Yaxley and Gilbert had marked out.

"Yes," Reg confirmed. "Those that are relieved go to here,"

he added, pointing to a section further away from the coast

that was being used to house Grindelwald's men.

"So, if we strike quickly, we have a few hours," Harry

murmured. "How many men are in that building?"

"No more than a hundred," Gilbert answered confidently,

"and no other positions until Rome."

Harry shook his head in disbelief.

For weeks he'd had the southernmost coastal parts of Italy

scoured by dozens of teams who had found no sign of

Grindelwald's forces. It wasn't until they were sent nearer to

Naples that there was any indication the Italians were

supporting the man.

Evidently, Grindelwald was relying on the natives to be loyal

to their government, and to him by extension.

It was an odd strategy, and for some time, Harry had been

certain there was more to it, but nothing had been found; no

further defences, no hidden parties of men lying in wait, and

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

no great army stationed within Italy further than the

northern border.

Reaching the capital via Ostia appeared that it would not be

as difficult as anticipated.

"It can't be that easy," Harry muttered to himself.

Charlus nodded his agreement.

"I can't see how he would leave it so unprepared. Not unless

this is something he hasn't accounted for."

"Or what we heard from the Italians is true," Gilbert piped

up. "They're not enjoying this war, and now that they're

losing, they want out of it."

Harry released a deep breath as he continued to eye the map,

looking for any flaw in the plan he had formulated.

"Petr said the same," he acknowledged. "The Italian soldiers

aren't so keen on the fighting anymore. If we can take the

Ministry, they may surrender."

"They will if their families are threatened," Arcturus broke

in. "We don't need to harm any of them, but if they believe

we will, they will fold."

Harry nodded grimly.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

"It will be much smoother for us if we can get them to

surrender," he mused aloud. "Without them in our way in

the north, we can secure the area for ourselves."

"What about Spain?" Charlus questioned.

"It's not a concern, for now," Harry replied. "The best

Grindelwald can do with it is send his men from there to

France to fortify it. If he is smart, that's what he will do."

"And Hungary?"

"It's isolated," Harry pointed out. "Again, he may move

troops from there to Germany or France, but that is all he

has now. The last of the fighting will be there, but I would

prefer if it was in France. Germany has too many unknown

variables."

"So, we're almost there?" Gilbert asked.

"Let us take Italy first before we decide that," Harry snorted,

"but if this goes to plan, the end will be in sight."

Gilbert smiled nervously in response.

"So, when do we make our move?" Adams questioned. "I

think the longer we wait the worse off we will be."

Harry eyed the map a final time, a thoughtful frown creasing

his brow.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

Charlus knew he was wracking his brain for any other

danger he had not considered, but he eventually deflated.

"We will move in two days," he declared. "I want the men

gathered tomorrow and we will reveal the details to them,"

he instructed Adams who nodded his understanding.

"Charlus, I want you and Yaxley to begin grouping ours, and

the rest of you to do the same," he added to the gathered

commanders. "For now, you're all dismissed."

Charlus remained with Harry whilst the others took their

leave.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked.

Harry shook his head.

"No, but we can't linger any longer," he muttered. "We need

to make our move whilst he's not expecting it. I have no

doubt that he is up to something, Charlus, but whatever it

is, I can't see any path of success for him. When we take

Italy, he will be surrounded."

"But at his most dangerous," Charlus replied, echoing

Harry's own words.

"At his most dangerous," Harry sighed.

(Break)

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

Her year away from Hogwarts had flown by, and before

Minerva was ready, she'd needed to decide if she was going

to return to begin teaching as a professor. She'd had her

reservations in doing so but had chosen to go back on a

part-time basis.

The thought of leaving Rosa filled her with trepidation, but

Minerva knew she had made the right decision.

Rosa would be fine with Kora caring for her, something the

elf was only too happy to do.

Still, as excited as Minerva was to begin this new chapter in

her life, she wouldn't do so full time until Rosa was older.

No, she would not reside in the castle and Albus had readily

agreed to Minerva teaching up until the fourth years for this

term at least.

This way, she was able to maintain a healthy balance

between the two where she was still a presence at Hogwarts,

but not away from her daughter for any prolonged period.

The first month had gone well enough, and with Halloween

approaching, those within the castle were very much in the

spirit of the celebrations.

For Minerva, the holiday had become a sombre one since

she'd learned what had befallen Harry's parents, and she

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

wondered how he would be spending the day.

Often, he would choose to isolate himself, wanting to be

alone so he could think of James and Lily Potter, and the life

that was robbed from him.

She didn't blame him for being so maudlin, but she wished

he was nearby so that she could offer him some comfort.

Inevitably, her eyes drifted towards Tom Riddle who was

surrounded by his housemates at the Slytherin table during

lunch.

In the year since she had seen him, he'd somehow become

more popular amongst his peers, more confident in himself,

and even began to resemble the man he was becoming.

He no longer held the look of a cruel, little boy, but carried

himself as a smarmy, arrogant young adult.

In some ways, he had earned the right to be so proud of

himself. His OWL scores had been the best any student had

achieved this year by some considerable margin, something

Slughorn would often brag about, though the man seemed

to be distancing himself from his once favoured student.

Whenever Riddle was mentioned in a meeting, or even in

passing, the man would appear to be conflicted, wincing as

though something had happened between the two.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

Not that the man would enlighten anyone.

As much as Slughorn liked to boast about the achievements

of those in his house, he remained rather tight-lipped about

what was required of him as the head of Slytherin.

It made Minerva ponder just what issues he faced, and what

had happened to make him cautious of Tom Riddle.

She shook her head of the thought.

Unless it was of concern to the safety of the school or

another student, he wouldn't bring it up with Armando or

Albus.

It just wasn't the Slytherin way.

"Are you set for the day?" Albus broke into her thoughts.

Minerva nodded, tearing her gaze away from Riddle.

"I am," she confirmed.

Albus offered her a smile.

"It really is great to have you back," he said sincerely. "The

castle was not the same without you."

His words warmed her, and though Minerva missed being at

home with Rosa as she had the previous year, she didn't

regret coming back.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

She had missed Hogwarts, and the castle was as much her

home as the one she had built with Harry.

What would happen when the war was over and Harry was

back, she knew not, but she couldn't imagine her life not

teaching.

"He's different," she said, nodding subtly towards the

Slytherin table. "It's like he is mocking everyone around

him, like he knows things we don't."

Albus's expression darkened as he nodded.

"I have no doubt that he does, my dear," he murmured. "He

has managed to avoid my efforts of keeping a close eye on

him, and I can only imagine what trouble he is causing that

we do not see. Have you noticed that they gravitate towards

him?"

"It's unmissable," Minerva replied.

"I had hoped that Harry's presence would have deterred him

in some way, the knowledge that there was another wizard

that possesses similar talents would have put Tom on a

brighter path, but I fear I was naïve. I see it now, Minerva,

the kind of man he is growing into, and worry for the future.

If what Harry says about him is true, I see dark days ahead."

"What can we do, Albus?" Minerva asked.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

She knew the answer already, the knowledge of the prophecy

Harry had told her of and her meeting with Cassandra

Trelawney not something she could dismiss.

"Until he does something that warrants our intervention,

there is little we can do," Albus sighed. "Already, Tom has

made significant connections amongst his peers, and his

OWL results has garnered him much interest. Unless there

is undeniable proof of any wrongdoing on his part, we can

merely continue to observe him as best we can, for what

little good it will do."

Minerva nodded her understanding.

Harry had always been adamant that it would be he and

Tom that would meet in the future, and the older the boy

grew and the more unsettling he became, the harder it was

to fool herself in to thinking it would be any other way.

(Break)

It was odd to be simply bobbing amongst the waves with a

thousand or so others around him under cover of darkness,

but here was where Harry found himself, now a short

distance off the west coast of Italy.

On his right was Charlus who appeared to be having a

flashback to the last time the two of them have ventured

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

near the country, and on his left was Ken Adams, wearing

an expression of grim determination.

The men that had been chosen for the operation were

somewhere below them, waiting for the signal to advance.

"Of all the things I imagined I'd do in my life, this isn't one

of them," Adams snorted.

"Well, you've not spent near enough time with Harry,"

Charlus chuckled. "It only gets stranger the more you do."

Adams nodded and grinned, seemingly quite enjoying this

venture for the time being, though Harry suspected his

mood would shift soon enough.

"If Reg and Derek are right, the guard should change in only

a few minutes," Harry murmured, his gaze fixed on the

shoreline in the distance. "When it does, we give them time

to settle."

As ever, Gilbert and Yaxley proved to be thorough in their

scouting, and the men that were seated around the fires were

relieved by another arriving party of around a dozen men.

For a short while, they simply conversed before the group

that had been on duty took their leave of the beach.

With it now being a little after midnight, Harry and his

men had time to carry out the first phase of their plan, and

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

without preamble, he sent the signal to those below before

he, Charlus, and Adams proceeded, casting a

disillusionment charm over themselves before setting off.

They slowly made their way towards the shore, their eyes

never leaving the men they were watching and ensuring the

lapping waves disguised their movements in the water.

When they reached their position, Harry halted them with a

gentle prod to each, and the waiting game began once more,

this time in utter silence.

It would not do well to do to jeopardise the efforts they had

put in these past months for something so negligent.

The next signal Harry was waiting for came around ten

minutes later when the fire the guards had situated

themselves around flickered before being snuffed by a

sudden gust of frigid wind.

As one, the Italians stood, only to crumple to the ground in

the same manner.

With the guards downed, the trio went ashore to find a

gathering of their own men bunding their prisoners.

"Good work," Harry praised as he went to each unconscious

man and took a sample of their hair.

"Are you sure about this?" Charlus asked worriedly.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

Harry nodded.

"We will be fine," he assured him. "It's too late to change the

plan now," he added with a grin.

Charlus simply shook his head, and Harry gestured for the

others to gather round.

"Keep them subdued and hidden," he instructed the group

that would be remaining behind. "You shouldn't be

disturbed, but if you are, keep your mouths shut unless you

speak the language."

Out of the twelve that were staying, nine were fluent in

Italian, something Harry had been insistent on.

Three of them were Adams' men and the rest were a mixture

of the ICW forces, men that Harry had come to trust whilst

preparing them for the operation.

"Do you all remember the codeword?"

"We got it, Commander," one of the Americans responded

whilst he transfigured his robes to match those of one of the

prisoners.

"Good, now there is enough Polyjuice to last each of you

twelve hours. It should be more than enough, but if you do

not hear from us by then, you are to abort. Petr will be

waiting for a report if that happens."

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

The men nodded their understanding, and Harry turned his

attention towards those that would be accompanying him

who had been altering their appearance as best they could to

resemble the natives.

"Remember, we subdue them quickly, take the potion and

get to Rome in the next twenty minutes. From there, you

will follow me to the Ministry."

"Are you sure we can just walk in like we own the place?"

Yaxley questioned.

"We are more likely to get caught if we try sneaking

around," Harry pointed out. "It's better to hide in plain

sight."

Yaxley raised an eyebrow but didn't comment further.

"When we are in the Ministry, we wait for the Minister to

arrive."

"You make it sound so simple, Evans," Arcturus chuckled

humourlessly. "Why don't we stop off for some gelato and

pizza on the way to really rub it in?"

"If we pull this off, I'll buy you all the pizza you can eat,"

Harry promised, ignoring the Lord Black's sarcasm. "We've

been preparing for this for months. I have every faith this

will be successful."

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

"And then Grindelwald will come down on us like a tonne

of shit," Gilbert snorted.

"No," Harry denied, "it gives us the chance to come down

on him like a tonne of shit. He will have nowhere to run,

not if he wants to keep any power here. He will either have

to try to remove us from here, or dig himself in."

"He won't come here," Charlus sighed. "He will make us go

to him."

Harry merely shrugged in response.

"I have no problem with that. Come on, we've dragged our

heels long enough. Let's go."

They hiked the half a mile across the beach where the other

men had been billeted, watching closely for any sign of life.

There was none, and the lights were off in the cabin,

signifying their targets were likely sleeping, something that

would be to their advantage.

Holding up a hand to halt his men, Harry approached the

door, and shook his head as he was met with the rumble of

snoring.

With a tap of his wand, the lock clicked, and he waited with

bated breath for a moment to ensure none within had been

disturbed.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

When he was certain they hadn't, he silenced the hinges and

gestured for his men to approach before opening it.

Lining the walls were a dozen beds, each occupied by a

single, slumbering man.

Without need of instruction, the group spilled silently into

the room and took their spots by the bed.

"Now," Harry commanded, and an array of stunning spells

were cast. "Get them tied up."

Harry watched as his order was carried out before a hair was

taken from each unconscious man and they were liberated of

their wands.

"Do they have portkeys?" Harry questioned.

"They do," Charlus confirmed, holding up a necklace he had

taken from his victim. "It has the Ministry seal on it."

Harry nodded.

The portkey wouldn't take them to the Ministry, but to an

arrival point a short distance away, something he himself

had established during his own observations.

Travel directly into the Ministry building had been

forbidden.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

"Take them," he instructed as he adjusted his features.

He would be the only one not using Polyjuice potion, his

experience of being Vincent Crabbe in his second year

having been more than enough of an experience to last him

a lifetime.

"What are we going to do with them?" Gilbert asked,

jerking a thumb towards the prisoners.

"Leave them," Harry answered. "They're not going

anywhere."

When the men had finished their preparations, he inspected

them to ensure there was nothing that would give them

away as they carried out the rest of their plan.

Satisfied, he released a deep breath.

"Remember, keep your mouths shut and don't draw

unnecessary attention to yourself. The last thing we want is

to have to fight our way out of there. On my signal."

Counting down from five to one, Harry and the rest of the

men activated the stolen portkeys and were sucked into the

abyss.

They would arrive in plenty of time for when the Minister

would make his appearance at six am, something he did like

clockwork.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

It would be a nervous wait, but one that would bear fruit, so

long as nothing went awry in the intervening hours.

(Break)

It was odd being surrounded by so many hostile people. At

any given moment, their cover could be blown, and the

entire group would be slaughtered where they stood, should

the locals take exception to their presence.

Charlus would not even predict what the reaction would be.

Although every building in sight as they passed through the

magical district of Rome was adorned with pictures of

Grindelwald, most had been defaced in some manner.

A comical moustache drawn here or there, or Italian slurs

scrawled across his face.

Still, these did nothing assuage to Charlus's worries.

The vandalism could be the work of one or only a few

disgruntled citizens. The rest could be firmly in support of

the man.

Regardless, this was the most vulnerable Charlus, and

undoubtedly many others had felt since they had been at

war.

"We're almost there," Harry murmured.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

The single saving grace was that they were carrying out the

operation early in the morning when most would still be in

bed. However, the streets were far from empty in the capital.

Market workers were setting up their stalls, and every café

was seemingly open for those heading to work.

If the ICW men were detected, they would be outnumbered

in seconds.

"That's the entrance to the Ministry."

As with every other country in Europe, the Ministry was

hidden amongst other innocuous buildings, the Italian's

having chosen a bakery as their front.

"Are you sure?" Arcturus questioned Harry.

"That's where the Minister himself enters. From what I have

seen, the bread oven the furthest from the door is the way

in."

"I suppose it's better than flushing yourself down a toilet,"

Yaxley snorted. "How long do we have?"

The sun had begun to rise by now, and the men were getting

nervous.

"Well, the Minister should arrive about now," Harry

declared, nodding towards an alley next to the bakery.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

Immediately after he finished speaking, a party arrived; a

single man surrounded by six guards dressed in blue robes.

Without preamble, the Minister was escorted into the

bakery by his entourage and disappeared into the backroom.

A few minutes later, Harry gestured for the men to follow,

and they too made their way through the building and to the

oven.

"Remember what your tasks are," Harry murmured. "The

auror office should be quite empty at this time, so let's take

advantage of that. Charlus and I will deal with the

Minister."

"And if anything goes wrong?" Gilbert enquired.

"Let's not think about that," Harry urged before he stepped

into the roaring flames.

Charlus and the others followed suit and found themselves

in a beautiful marble foyer, the white walls adorned with

renaissance paintings in gold frames.

The furniture was made of a solid, dark wood, and not

unlike the British ministry, the workers milled about, talking

to one another as they went about their business.

With only a nod, Harry headed towards a staircase to the

right, a path that Charlus took after wishing the others good

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

luck.

Now was the time for the riskiest part of their operation,

where how the rest of the war would proceed was to be

decided.

Using the wands they had stolen from the men in the cabin,

they were admitted further into the Ministry and Charlus

took another sip of the Polyjuice potion, grimacing at the

rancid taste of the brew.

"What about the guards?" he asked.

"They won't be a problem," Harry replied dismissively.

True to his word, when they reached what was evidently the

Minister's office, all six of the blue-robed men were

unconscious, and before Charlus could enquire as to what

had happened to them, Harry merely pointed to a small

spider scuttling away across the wall.

"Summerbee," Charlus snorted at the ingenuity.

There were aspects of the plan that Harry had been quite

forthcoming with, but others he had kept to himself.

After what had happened when they had been stationed in

France, he would take no chances with being spied on,

especially with such a delicate undertaking.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

"She spiked their coffee with a sleeping draught," Harry

explained as he began taking the wands of the slumbering

men. "They won't wake for a while."

Charlus began helping him, disillusioning each one after

they had been secured with ropes.

When they were done, they simply entered the Minister's

office as though they belonged, though the Minister himself

balked at their appearance.

Before he could react, however, he was disarmed, silenced,

and bound to his chair with a few spells from Harry who

took the seat on the opposite side of the desk.

With a wave of his across his face, the disguise he had

created for himself was shifted, and the Italian Minister's

eyes bulged fearfully.

"So, you know who I am."

The Minister nodded frantically.

Harry leaned back in his chair and eyed the man for a

moment before speaking.

"What happens next is entirely on you, Minister," he began

diplomatically. "Allow me to explain the situation you are

facing, and then you can decide how you wish to proceed,

yes?"

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

The Minister nodded once more and Charlus's grip

tightened on his wand.

"Firstly, I have you as my prisoner, and as we speak, your

department of magical law enforcement has been infiltrated

by my people. Any aurors within will have been disarmed

and subdued, as have your guards in Ostia. Are you

following so far?"

The Minister glared at Harry, his jaw tightening.

"Secondly, I have more than a thousand men who are

making their way to the city. They will arrive shortly, and

their actions will depend on the clock reaching nine am. If

we have not come to an amicable agreement, they have been

instructed to take Rome by force."

The Minister was breathing heavily by this point.

"Finally, your wife, Donatella, and your daughter, Cressida,

have been taken into our custody and are being held by Petr

Sokolov. They will not be harmed and have been taken for

their own protection. I imagine if you refuse my demands,

they will become targets of your enemies here."

A look of sheer panic had replaced the palpable fury of the

Minister, and though he could not speak, he was pleading

with his eyes.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

"I'm going to remove my silencing charm, Minister, I urge

you not to scream."

With a wave of his wand, the Minister's laboured breathing

could now be heard.

"My wife, my daughter…" he wheezed.

"Are safe and you will be reunited with them," Harry assured

the man.

This was one of the parts of the plan Charlus did not know

about, though it didn't concern him.

Harry would not allow them to be harmed.

"What are your demands?" the Minister questioned,

evidently understanding the futility of the situation.

"To begin with, I will accept your unconditional surrender.

You will withdraw your troops from the border, and you will

denounce your association with Grindelwald. Your men will

be disarmed, but allowed to return home, and Italy will be

governed by the ICW until it is deemed no longer a threat

by unanimous decision."

The Minister was not happy with the demands, but nodded,

nonetheless.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

"You will step down from your position and will place

yourself in my custody. Your country's assets will be frozen

and regulated by the ICW. Your auror force will consist of

men and women selected by the ICW and Italy will pay

damages to the countries it has invaded on behalf of Gellert

Grindelwald."

"And if we refuse?"

"Then Italy's membership will be rescinded for no less than

one hundred years, the ICW will continue to occupy your

lands, and economic sanctions will be placed to ensure you

pose no threat. If I were you, Minister, I would accept these

terms or the next decades for your people will be exceedingly

unpleasant. If you comply, your membership will remain,

and you will have the full support of the ICW in rebuilding

your country and re-establishing your reputation. If you do

not, Italy will be left to rot. The terms are laid out in this

document, and signed by all members of the ICW," Harry

finished, handing the Minister a scroll of parchment.

The Italian read it carefully before shaking his head.

"Before you speak, I have something else to say," Harry cut

him off as he opened his mouth. "What you decide will

determine the future of your country now, and in the years

to come. If you refuse, I will show no mercy to your men."

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

Charlus raised his eyebrows at the sincerity in Harry's

words.

"That is not what I want, Minister," Harry sighed. "You

have nothing to gain at this point, but still, everything to

lose. You have lost. Denounce Grindelwald, bring your men

home, and I will ensure that you and yours are treated with

dignity. I give you my word."

The Minister met Harry's gaze before chuckling darkly.

"You know, Serpent, I have heard that you are a ruthless

man that stalks the shadows. Some say that you are a

monster, that to make an enemy of you is signing a death

warrant, and yet, here you are offering me and my people

life," he added thoughtfully. "I have dreaded the day that you

would turn your attention towards me. I even spoke of my

fears to Grindelwald who was dismissive, but I am no fool.

You are not a monster, Serpent, you are a saviour."

Harry was taken aback by the Minister's words and the man

laughed once more.

"I will agree to your terms," the Minister continued. "Only

because I believe you are the better man. My people have

become quite disillusioned with Grindelwald, and my

advisors have been begging for months to abandon his cause.

You have given me the opportunity to do so, and I do it

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

gladly. My people have suffered enough these past years, and

I would see it come to an end."

Harry said nothing as he untied the man who immediately

reached for his quill and scratched his signature at the

bottom of the parchment.

"I place myself in your hands, Serpent, but I have only one

request before I am taken to my wife and daughter."

"What is it?" Harry asked, a frown creasing his brow.

"I wish to address my people to explain what has happened.

They will cooperate with you more when they know that I

am safe and that this takeover is to be amicable."

Harry nodded and bound the Minister's wrists before

leading him from the room with a thoroughly bemused

Charlus in tow.

He didn't know what to expect from the meeting, but not

only had Harry systematically dismantled the Italian alliance

with Grindelwald, but he had done so in a way that left no

room for compromise.

However, in doing so, he had also offered an olive branch,

concessions that many would see as more than generous

given the transgressions of the Italians.

(Break)

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

"It is too quiet," Cassiopeia moaned as she paced back and

forth in Gellert's study.

Gellert said nothing but nodded his agreement.

In times of war, silence meant one of only two things.

Firstly, a comfortable lull had fallen between the two

factions whilst they consolidated their men and resources.

Much of war time was like this, broken by bouts of violence.

Secondly, and more concerning was it meant that plotting

was afoot, and though he fell into the former of the

possibilities, he doubted that Evans and the ICW did.

They now held a significant numbers advantage, and the

morale of the men would be high.

If Gellert was in this position, he would undoubtedly be

plotting.

"Enjoy it whilst it lasts," he urged the woman. "Evans is

determined to claim victory. He will not remain idle."

"Evans," Selwyn scoffed.

As ever, the sound of the man's voice grated on Gellert, but

he had shown loyalty, and Gellert rewarded that, even to

irksome fools like Selwyn.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

Still, the man was a coward that had fled his country when

his cover had been blown.

He was now a social pariah in Britain after what he had

done and was now next to useless.

"Do you wish to confront him?" Gellert questioned.

Selwyn shook his head.

"Then you should not speak his name in such a tone. You

should have respect for your betters."

"Evans is a half-blooded bastard!"

"Who has the admiration and respect of even the most well

thought of in Britain," Gellert pointed out. "Your name falls

much lower than his amongst your peers."

Selwyn's lip curled in distaste, but he didn't comment

further.

Not that there was an argument he could make against that.

Cassiopeia grinned amusedly at the rebuke, but her

expression was replaced by one of confusion as hurried

footsteps were heard rushing towards the study.

Without knocking, a man burst into the room clutching a

newspaper.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

"Gellert, you need to see this," he said frantically, offering no

apologies for his rude and abrupt intrusion.

Gellert snatched the paper from the man, his blood running

cold as he read the headline and subsequent statement issued

by the now former Italian Minister of Magic, released in

their most popular publication.

Italy Surrenders to the ICW!

Today, I have ordered that our men abandon their positions and

return home. Italy has played its part in this war. To ensure that

our country can prosper, I surrendered unconditionally to

Commander in Chief Evans who assures me that we will be

treated well by his men that will be stationed here, that we will

be cared for, and that we will be protected.

Commander Evans has proven to be a fair man that does not

wish for there to be any further bloodshed for our men and

women, and I am in agreement with him.

Italy has sacrif iced too many sons and daughters for a war that

was not ours. Now is a time for us to heal, for us to accept that

our former ambitions were foolish, and for us to look to a better

future for ourselves and our children.

I make this solemn statement, that I denounce Gellert

Grindelwald as our leader, that Italy will play no further role in

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

this war, and I offer my apologies to those that have been

wronged by us.

Furthermore, I surrender myself to the mercy of the ICW as I step

down from my position as Minister of Magic, and I wish my

successor the best of luck, and every citizen of this great country

good fortune.

"Has this been verified?" Gellert growled.

The man nodded.

"The Italians have abandoned their posts and men of the

ICW are on the border been Italy and France."

Gellert's nostrils flared as he stalked from the room, needing

to see the treachery for himself.

Activating his portkey, he appeared in the trenches on the

southern border of France, trenches that were devoid of his

own men.

As he climbed over the lip and onto the ground above, he

could see them lined up, staring curiously across the ground

that separated the two countries.

When Gellert reached them, he pushed his way to the front

to confirm his worries and was greeted by the sight of Harry

Evans staring at him as though he had expected Gellert to

arrive.

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

Comments (14)

There was no smug grin tugging at his lips, nor any other

discernible emotion, but that was somehow more unsettling.

Evans simply stared, reminding Gellert that he drew ever

closer to victory with every country he took from him.

Gellert's jaw tightened.

The man was trying to goad him into acting with his defiant

silence, but he refused to give him that satisfaction, not

when he could make the man work for everything he

wanted.

Yes, he had lost Italy, but the war wasn't over yet, and

Gellert would ensure that Evans would not win it so easily.

If the man wished to see an end to the war, he would be the

one that had to pursue it.

Newest First

Preview Post Comment…

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

Another fantastic chapter, thank you very much

Every story that you have written has gotten better and

better keep up the good work

I was half-expecting them to charter a mundane cruise ship

and then head up to the coastal fortress and then attack from

the ship after the midnight shift change.

Brilliant, chapter!

Good drama. Enjoyed the nearly bloodless action.

AvidReader2425 2 weeks ago · 0 Likes

Zambo 3 weeks ago · 0 Likes

Armiture A month ago · 0 Likes

Elaine Rose A month ago · 0 Likes

Village Mystic 2 months ago · 0 Likes

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

Brilliant chapter. I actually liked the Italian minister. He

seemed very human.

I love this series keeps getting better, also cant wait to see

what your next story will be about when you start

writing/uploading it.

Awesome chapter!!!

Excellent chapter, I really liked it a lot. When is the next

chapter coming out???

Regular on sunday or earlier for s. ;)

Steve Moss 2 months ago · 0 Likes

Ryan 2 months ago · 0 Likes

Isles 2 months ago · 0 Likes

Justin 2 months ago · 0 Likes

Chiru 2 months ago · 0 Likes

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

Great chapter my friend

i can almost picture the scene where harry and gellert stared

at each other

My lord baron you have outdone yourself, after so many

slow chapters this has been a bombshell of excitement

Great going

Oh my! You force me to eat my words, Baron! I take back

any criticism of mine regarding your cliff-hangers. I

should've seen the calm before the storm for what it was.

Anyway, I loved Harry's interaction with the Italian

Minister - character interaction and Battle scenes are my

favourite parts of any story.

Gabriel Juárez 2 months ago · 0 Likes

jissy 2 months ago · 0 Likes

Sand 2 months ago · 0 Likes

Not Logged In - great name, I know... 2 months ago · 0 Likes

Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e a

t

1

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

Author/Site Owner: Lee : TheBlack'sResurgence

Email: (For all enquiries)

When the Roses Bloom Again - A Grand Plan

When the Roses Bloom

Again - A Return Home

Warily looking forward to whatever you have in store next -

there is nothing more insulting than being compared to

Selwyn. Home Library

Commissions

Patron Portal Shop

Team Contact

T h e

B a r o n '

s

R e t r e /Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/

https//library/when-the-roses-bloom-again-a-grand-plan

https//library/when-the-roses-bloom-again-a-return-home

https//cart

https//

https//library

https//leemccusker

https//patron-portal

https//shop

https//team

https//contact

https//Lee_McCuskerTBR

https/