Chapter 32: Battle with the Goblins

As Harry saw the moment he arrived at the vampires' residence, the goblins' hate of the vampires was making them go a lot further than simple eviction. The cottage was surrounded by a circle of cannons, each manned by one or two armoured goblins. A larger goblin sat great chair on wheels, talking with his advisors.

Harry built up all his strength, and walked towards the goblin on the wheeled throne, wand raised. "What are you doing?" he asked, loudly and clearly. "You have no permission for this."

All the goblins turned to face him. "We don't, don't we?" sneered their leader. "Then what's this?" He unravelled a scroll of parchment. Harry walked forward to take a look:

BY ORDER OF THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC

The vampires in residence at Dartmoor are a menace to society and have severely broken several of the just laws of our land. The crimes they have committed include:

· Possession of a wand, or wands

· Refusal to pay taxes

· Violent conduct towards Ministry employees

It is hereby given permission to the goblins of Gringotts Bank to take these vampires by force, as they are dangerous to wizardkind, and to bring them to the Ministry so justice can be carried out.

"Signed by the Minister himself," grinned the goblin, whilst the other laughed.

Mr. Weasley? thought Harry. No, he wouldn't …

He glanced at the signature: B. Weasley. To the uninitiated, it certainly didn't look like a forgery. But this wasn't Bill Weasley's handwriting. Harry pointed his wand at the goblin's throat. "Who really signed this?"

"The Minister for Magic. Honestly, you humans. Such bad memories," the goblin taunted, but he sounded scared. His soldiers had stopped laughing.

"Who signed this?" repeated Harry, talking as if to a young child.

"I've told you," said the goblin, trying to sound cool but failing spectacularly. He attempted a discreet nod at one of his advisers.

"Liar!" Harry replied. "He would never do this to innocent people."

"But they're not people …" returned the goblin. He no longer sounded scared.

Harry wheeled around at the last second, just in time to leap sideways from three fireballs that had shot from the cannons. They slammed into the throne and exploded. The goblin leader leapt off hastily. "KILL HIM!"

Harry sent spells randomly at the cannons. Three hit, and the cannons exploded, flattening the goblins behind them; two hit goblins in their own right; and the other four missed completely. He had just enough time to duck another speeding fireball. They were no worse than Bludgers.

Goblins were advancing on him now, curved swords drawn. Harry wished he had paid more attention in History of Magic classes. How did wizards win the goblin wars?

He Stunned twelve more goblins with quick spells, and set his sights on the cannons. Unfortunately he hit one with an Engorgement Charm – it blew up to three times its original size, then exploded, knocking him and several goblins backwards.

He scrambled to his feet just before another goblin managed to reach him, obviously intent on severing off his head. Harry knocked him backwards with his arm, then Stunned him as well. Focusing his energy, he spoke the incantation for the Total Havoc Curse: "Omnisnecare!"

He managed to keep his feet this time as goblins and cannons were flung backwards, some slamming into the cottage. The cracks that appeared in the stones were easily visible.

There were just two goblins left standing. Conjuring a rope, Harry bound them easily. Silence fell.

Harry approached the goblin chief, and revived him. A shard from one of the cannons was buried in his chest. The force had even been enough to break through the goblin armour. The goblin groaned.

"Do you know who I am?" asked Harry sternly.

The goblin took a close look at him. "H – Harry Potter," he replied.

"Correct. I believe you helped us in the war against Lord Voldemort. Why are you doing this?"

"The money," replied the goblin, shaking. "We did it for the money."

"The vampires' money?"

"Yes. We are metalworkers, and treasure gold more than anyone else."

Harry hesitated. Trying to sound intimidating was not easy. "Who really signed that document?" he continued.

The goblin quaked, as if he was scared to say what Harry had asked him to. "The Dark Lord."

Harry was surprised. He had not been expecting something this major. He tried to think of how to continue. "What is his name?"

"He calls himself Amarenox. I have not seen him. Only his shadow." The goblin breathed out heavily.

Harry waited for a few seconds before asking, "Why did he sign the document for you?"

"I don't fully understand," said the goblin. "I think there's something he wants from us – in return."

"Right," replied Harry. "I see. Do not take orders from him – ever. I will not turn you in this time."

The goblin nodded. "Of course."

"Does the leader of the bank know?"

"No. It is only myself and my troop who know."

"Good," said Harry. His voice was harsh. "Behave yourselves, in future. If you don't –" He drew a finger across his throat. "Go now."

The vampires had been crouching in their cottage the whole time, and were overjoyed when Harry told them what he had done They paid him all the money the goblins had been trying to take.

"Don't now why I bothered," smiled Harry.

He spent the rest of the day with the vampires, drinking Firewhisky and telling jokes, but the whole time Amarenox was still on his mind. What was it the self-created Dark Lord wanted to do? He really wanted an answer, but it was hard to think of one amongst all the festivities.

It was dark by the time he returned to Andros. He had been hoping for some time to think, but something else put him off: Ron. Harry had spent most of the day enjoying himself, and not thought about his best friend once.