Dear Reader,

I know I go through the whole "I'm sorry" business before each chapter, but I feel obligated. So here goes again: I'm sorry that this took me so long to update and that it's short but of course life has been busy. I AM working on the next chapter but can give no guarantees as to when I will actually update it, with exams and graduation parties this coming week and weekend, but I can promise that I will do it as soon as I can. Enjoy the brief chapter.

-LunarLitLover

Preview for next time: Minerva and Albus get caught together

Recap: Grindelwald is ready to attack the Ministry; Minerva and Albus are getting serious

Chapter 18: 4000

4000.

4000 goblins.

One large army.

"My clan pvided an armvy of 1000," Artemis the Arrogant bragged to Grindelwald as they strode across the walkway above the giant mass of goblins. "Borvic's clan did, as vell. Vhu other four gave to vhu cause armvies of 500 each. Making vhu total 4000."

"I am pleased. You have done well," the bald Grindelwald replied, nodding his wrinkled, gray head in response. "But I am exceptionally pleased with your work, Artemis. I understand it is you who pushed for so many troops."

"Ov course, Grinvelvald," Artemis grinned deviously. "Vithout me vhu vhole operation vould be a disaster."

"And don't think I haven't noticed. I will take your efforts into serious consideration when determining who will serve in high positions under my new regime."

The look on Artemis's face at these words was a glee Grindelwald had never seen. It was full of hope and greed. Nonetheless, she replied, "But, Grinvelvald, I thoughvt vhu goblins in pover vould be chosen by vus goblins."

"Of course they will, my dear Artemis. However, there needs to be a leader to keep all of that in line. There needs to be someone in charge of all of the goblins and their procedures."

"I vunderstand pervectly," Artemis said, almost purring in her delight.

Grindelwald nodded before changing the subject. "You said the armies are ready to march. I will be deploying them to the Ministry next weekend."

"A vhole veek ve must vait!" Artemis cried.

"Yes, Artemis. Unfortunately I need some time to acquire vacation time from my job. No one can be suspicious of my true identity."

"Yes, vell, it vould be nicer if ve knew vho you vere."

"I'm sorry, Artemis, but you know that is not possible. On that subject, do you have a private room I can go to transfigure myself back to normal before my journey? I can't exactly arrive at my destination as Grindelwald."

"Ov course, Grinvelvald," Artemis responded pointing her jeweled finger to indicate the way. "I vill see you soon."

"Yes. Very soon."