Briefing

They weren't exactly a sniper team, but compared to other units using the same caliber they were. The ZUZANA Mark 3 was a self-propelled Gun Howitzer carrying a 155mm cannon. Their job today was to stop the Death-Eater-friendly giants from joining with the dark side. Actually the giants Task Force Cobra had a non-aggression treaty with had this particular village under control until Oh-I-know-everything-better Albus too-many-middle-names Dumbledore decided to send two half-giants in. While Hagrid was loyal and friendly, he simply lacked diplomatic skills. He was great with magical creatures, but because he was a half-giant he sometimes forgot that he could not apply how they treat him to normal humans. Especially since Aragog, died he had to admit that the Acromantulas weren't exactly human-friendly. It had taken them several weeks along with the centaurs to convince him that it would be better to eradicate that colony before they became a danger. A full group of six howitzers had fired incendiary ammunition and had burned a bald patch into the forest where the colony was located. In the following days, Tank-destroyers had patrolled the area and hunted down the few survivors along with the centaurs.

The second person Dumbles sent was Madame Maxime. Two problems: First she was French. Second she was also a witch. A combo the "less-intellectual" giants didn't like. The peaceful giants were actually amused by this fact and were more like: "In your face, humans!"

Now this particular unit, call sign Elephant 6-2, was to serve as the first strike against the rioting village. One could debate that this was unnecessary violence, but on the other hand this was war. Well, it was still a cold war as Voldemort didn't really show himself, but to the Cobras it all began three years back when he was resurrected. An FB-22, equipped with multiple Laser designation pods, circled above them and marked six different targets. Over the wireless tactical network the howitzer tracked the objects, and then fired 6 shots in rapid succession. Then another five. The first six hit moving designated targets like the chief of the village and combat ready warriors walking around. The following five hit hard points like the weapon hut and the valley entrance. The collapsing wall had the desired effect as the giants abandoned the camp and fled into the caves.

Unknown to them the non-combatants had been taken by the other village and most entrances were sealed by thick layers of stone and magic. 6-2 waited and then fired another six rounds. The laser designation enabled the hit on the dam thirty kilometers away. Masses of water flooded the valley and also the caves, forcing the Death Eater Giants to retreat towards the only exit left which led right into the hands of the other village. What they would then do was not anymore of Cobra's concern.

Erik reread the report. They had reported six enemies killed and seven captured. Still, at least five were missing. Looking up, he met the eyes of the others. "We have managed to cut the numbers of raids down. However, the decrease makes the population believe what Fudge says, that Voldemort is not back." Severus nodded. "The Dark Lord had tried to place a taboo on his name, hoping to find out where you hide." Harry rose an eyebrow at the statement. While the taboo would point it out, the extensive wards around Potter Manor would block it. As if Snape had read his thoughts, he continued. "The only locatable place had been where Dumbledore was, mainly Hogwarts and the Ministry. I suspect that the Taboo can break human made wards since it uses human magic."

Ginny nodded. "Potter Manor is protected by human magic, as well as goblin and house elf magic."

Erik looked down at the reports again. The magical detachment of the SAS had been sent down to Albania to investigate the case of the missing Bertha Jorkins. Her corpse had been found, in a cave which had a stasis field on it, also conserving her dead body. Raiding the hideout, the SAS had found Intel on foreign contacts and several Bank accounts around the world. Police forces all over the world received tips about corrupt accounts with strange uses. Especially in Germany and France the numbers of arrest went up, as small cells of Death Eaters and their supporters were busted. Still, the numbers of supporters already in the UK was extremely high. MI5 estimated them to be around 2000 direct supporters, excluding all dark creatures under his command.

"What is the current situation?" Arthur asked.

Harry looked at his notepad. "So far, the Horcrux hunt has been quite successful. We destroyed the diadem, the diary and the locket. Additionally, we have removed the one in my scar. His magical family's ring was found and destroyed."

He kept to himself that the ring contained the resurrection stone.

"We still cannot access the cup. The only reason Greyback knew about it was because he escorted Bellatrix down there. He only knew that it was of high value, but not exactly why."

Snape nodded. "Voldemort is keeping Nagini close. She isn't away from him longer than a few seconds. He even takes her with him to the bathroom. Her food is delivered by Pettigrew." Erik nodded. He had once came across a young boy who was the container for another soul. He shared a look with Catherine, who mentally agreed with him. He turned towards his second-in-command. "Kelly, place a kill on sight order on Nagini." The medic saluted before she left the room.

Soon she was back, along with Morgan and McCord. "Sir? Miss Eva Grindelwald."

Erik came around the room and offered his hand. "Miss Grindelwald? Erik Winston. First Lieutenant of the 13th Platoon."

She shook his hand hesitatingly. This man was strange. His aura was mostly gray with a small black patch in his head, but his heart was pure and there was a light green thread connecting him with the tall intimidating woman in the back of the room. That woman was someone Eva would recommend not to cross. She was pitch black, apart from the purple heart and the green connection.

She turned her attention back to the Lieutenant. "Ma'am?" He guided her towards a chair at the table. Opening a folder, the man immediately launched into the briefing. "As far as I am informed you are here to unite the founders as this triggers something at Hogwarts. You yourself are Slytherin's heir?"

Snape nearly sneered: "Impossible. The Dark Lord showed us proof that he is a descendant from Salazar Slytherin."

Eva smiled. "Then he might have forgotten to mention that Salazar specified his title to be given to the first born, regardless of gender. Just like the Gryffindor title is strictly the first born male, the Hufflepuff title goes to the first born female and the Ravenclaw title goes to the one chosen by a ritual, the Slytherin title went to his firstborn, his daughter. However, she was raped, and Slytherin killed the ones responsible. His son took the title from his father when he went crazy and started the muggle-hating rumor. Still, magic doesn't care about politics or rape. Slytherin's daughter cared for her children. Somewhere along the line, the Grindelwalds got married into the family and two generations later, there is me."

Erik took notes. Slytherin and Gryffindor Heir were already accounted for. Missing were both Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Also, so far, only Eva Grindelwald would be their best way to identify them. According to her, the Heirs had a specific aura, regardless of their lives.

He sighed. This war was caused by a prophecy and would most likely be ended by a prophecy. Why did people believe in them all the time? If prophecies were always right, he would have died at least a thousand times in the past ten years. Well, technically, he had already died three times.

A small green light on his pad signaled a new message. Scanning the contents of it he looked at the few people in the room. "It's time."

Dumbledore was concerned. First he lost Harry, and then even the new asset from Germany. Although he was grateful for the help the Task Force provided, he knew that their way was not his and that they could not stay forever. Death Eaters may have been stopped but not all were captured or killed. Still, with in the holidays the Task Force had withdrawn a lot of their forces. Voldemort seemed to lie low, so there was no international threat they had to respond to anymore. The 13th Platoon stayed as a temporary force to maintain their base until a core crew could take it over. The killing would have an end. An owl had delivered him a shot letter stating that the Task Force had to withdraw due to classified reasons. The light had to win, without much bloodshed.

Just now his fireplace lit up in a green color. "Diagon Alley under Attack!"

Lance Mallard directed a Cruiciatus at the girl. His friends around him laughed, as they wrecked Diagon Alley. As soon as the news had arrived about the Task Force Cobra's withdrawal, several attacks had been staged. No one should forget about the Dark Lord. Originally they had planned to abduct Ollivander but then that plan was pushed back again. No one really knew what this was all about. Suddenly he felt a burn in his chest. His friends spun around, seeing their leader going down. Behind him was someone in a black armor.

Dumbledore apparated in with the Order. Many Death Eaters were lying around dead. Their corpses were partially unrecognizable. In the center of the largest pile, just in front of Gringott's stood a single person. He or she wore pitch black armor. It resembled the Cobra's gear but the helmet was completely different as it was formed like a skull. The places where the eyes were had a red glow in them. In this moment several soldiers of the 13th stormed out from the two alleys to the sides of Gringott's. "Hands where I can see them!" Lieutenant Winston shouted. Apparently this skull guy was not with the Cobras. An inhuman voice boomed from him. "I will not be stopped. Justice will be brought forward, for I am Justice." "More like a rouge vigilante." One of the soldiers retorted.

The Lieutenant held his arm out. "Corporal, stay frosty." Dumbledore kept observing. Suddenly Justice disappeared in smoke. "I want air recon online immediately!" The lieutenant shouted.

Upon returning to Hogwarts Dumbledore called in a full meeting. With in an hour all members of the Order of the Phoenix were in the small living room of Grimmauld Place No. 12. Just as Albus was about to announce the new discovery, he felt three individuals breaching his wards. Standing in the door frame were Harry and Ginny. "You are back." He stared at the second pair. Erik and Catherine. "YOU!" Molly began but Arthur subdued her. "Wait, dear. Don't scare them away so soon. Let's hear them out first." Erik nodded at the Weasleys as he placed a photo on the table. It was the vigilante from the recent raid. "We're here for two reasons: First, Harry and Ginny want to return to their family. Second, who the hell is this guy?" Dumbledore was dumbstruck. "I thought he was with you?" Catherine just stared at him until the headmaster broke eye contact. "None of our units have a freaking skull as a symbol." Erik held her back. "Back to the matter at hand, this one has to be stopped. However I cannot spare any men as the ICW ordered us out and we are to hand over any operations to the order of the Ministry." Dumbledore shook his head. Fudge would surely screw this up. "You told him about Justice?" "Had to. Unspeakable Croaker assured us that his men would take over most operations from us, at least the ones concerning artifacts.

Hermione launched into her interrogation. "What did you do? What did you learn? What did they do to you?" Harry and Ginny shared a look before the burst out in laughs. "What is so funny?" Hermione asked irritated. Harry held up one finger. "First, you never change. Always seeking knowledge and asking us." Ginny mirrored his motion. "Second, You expect us to tell you everything." Hermione turned a little red. "Well, we are best friends and we used to share everything." "We will tell you a few things but others are classified." Hermione would shriek in outrage but she was also creeped out at the uni-solo her two friends talked in. Ginny seemed to sense her rage and added: "I don't think that you would like to learn a few of Cobra's secrets because you would deem them as not suitable and not right. For example they do employ house elves."

"What?" Hermione was now very interested. "Are they paid? Are they treated well?" "No and not really." The bushy girl was nearly red with anger. "As far as we came across them the house elves who serve along with the soldiers mostly belong to wizards working with them. So their pay is none of Cobra's concern. As being well treated, It depends on your point of view. They are put across the same rash training as the others are. All species run the same course, however their results are only measured against those of their own kind. Their exact work is classified, even Erik does not know all the details." The soul-mates spoke together, finishing each others sentences.

The whole order watched as the Lieutenant placed his hands on the two teens' shoulders. "I know we didn't really got along before but in the light of the recent events I approach you. My hands are tied. While Task Force Cobra and by extend the ICW acknowledge Voldemort's return." He was stopped by various gasps and reactions of fear. "The ministry here doesn't. And counting the fact that there is no evidence of Voldemort's direct involvement we cannot operate anymore as there is no international threat. So unless you force him into the open, the 13th Platoon will be the only unit currently in Great Britain and even then we are limited to self-defense."

Dumbledore looked at the Lieutenant with disbelief. The man who had broken countless rules who help now played by the book. "What are you telling me? You used to bend the rules." Catherine stared him down. "The point is, at the moment there is no threat that requires a special forces unit of a supernatural Task Force to be present here. There are other points of conflict where we are needed. Do you think you are the only ones?" Erik took his helmet off and looked at each order member in the room. "My unit is only part of the first Special Operations Group Task Force Cobra fields. Currently we are locked into at least three major operations in Europe and we know on one coming at us which is on a far larger scale."

Dumbledore was not impressed. Three operations were nothing. "Only three? Can't you have any groups here?" Catherine scoffed. "Those 'only' three currently require one Group each. And for the larger scale: think galactic."

In the meantime Eva roamed through the Database of the unit. Something about the Lieutenant was amiss, and she was determined to find out what. His history with Task Force Cobra went back until 2045. Records say that he was a Ranger before, 75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 13th Platoon. Especially since the official union between Europe and the US many units worked closely together. The 13th Platoon of the US Army Rangers were often paired together with a Russian Artillery unit and a German armored Calvary. Logistics was provided by American and Australian Forces. However prior to 2037 there was nothing. Files were classified if they existed at all. She was able to back trace their origin to Germany, but she lost the trail there. His file listed his date of birth at 1995. The man seemed not older than 26, so there had to be something. Either he was not the human he claimed to be, or Erik Winston was not who he claimed to be. It would not be the first identity theft in the world and it will not be the last. It didn't help that Erik and Winston were very common names on the world.