Reviews:
TReXD: Thank you for telling me. I should have checked that sooner.
Qhristhian: My apologies. I should have been more clear. I was trying to imply that Harry ditched Ginny when she needed him most. And you're right, it was a "mistake" letting Neville live and not erasing Ron's and Hermeone's memory of the Deathly Hollows. However, it shows that he hasn't mastered the art of warfare yet, and was too soft (at the time) to do what needed to be done. I promise that if Neville or someone else survives they'll have earned it.
HP Notes:
Notes: Please leave a review.
Chapter 4: And Let Slip The Dogs of War
One week after the coup d'etat
Harry's coup d'etat was a resounding success. The sub-ministers of Wales and Northern Ireland happily accepted Harry's takeover. Even better, Ireland became part of the magical UK. 82% of magical UK citizens approved of Harry's changes. No longer would male purebloods have an unfair advantage over muggleborns and half-bloods of both genders. Thanks to Harry's Equal Opportunity Act, refusing to hire or terminate a person's employment based on race, gender, ethnicity, marital status, socioeconomic status, and/or blood status was punishable by ten years in Azkaban or paying G1,000 to the victim(s).
On a semi-related note, Ireland, North Ireland, Wales, and England withdrew their status as members of the International Confederation of Wizards.
Needless to say, the world had mixed reactions. While very few countries disapproved of Harry's policies, most greatly disliked how he came to power. In some ways, they were right. After all, what kind of precedent does this set in international and/or local law? The Spanish had the audacity to complain to the International Confederation of Warlocks. Unfortunately, they were bound by their own laws. The Statute of Secrecy was not and is not at risk. That didn't change the fact that the Supreme Wugmump greatly disagreed with Harry's actions. Again, Harry's policies weren't bad–but the world despised his methods.
Even more bad news is that Scotland turned itself into a fortress. Finlay Irving, the Scottish sub-minister, locked down his borders and turned Hogwarts into a fortress once more. Most of Harry's former classmates fled to Hogwarts as well. From Gryffindor, Angelina Johnson, Lee Jordan, George, Ron, Ginny, Arthur, and Molly Weasley, Katie Bell, Cormac McLaggen, Lavender Brown, Seamus Finnigan, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, the Patil twins, Dean Thomas, and Colin Creecey all sought sanctuary within the walls of Hogwarts Castle. From Hufflepuff, Ernie Macmillan, Hannah Abbot, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Susan Bones, Megan Jones, and Zach Smith. Along with various others from Ravenclaw and Slytherin.
The new Minister of Magic knew that simply storming the castle wasn't a viable option. Success or failure, Harry would lose everything he worked for if he did. So, Harry devised a better plan. He would take six of his best men and take over Hogwarts from the inside. After all, if your enemy's front door is of steel, but his back door is of wood, attack his back door.
Revolution: CH4
After reviewing the memory of the batter, Harry selected the top six strongest witches and wizards to become generals. Those wizards were Yann Moore, Malcolm Lowry, Wallace McCauley, Penny McKendrick, Gavin Henson, and Cathleen Munroe. Harry magically expanded his desk to keep it organized and to fit the world map and the Hogwarts Tactical Map. The countries in and near the United Kingdom were color-coded according to their stance in Harry's takeover. If the area was green, then that country supported him or was under his control. Yellow meant neutral territory, and red meant hostile. "The seven of us will infiltrate Scottland and Hogwarts and remove everyone who wishes to oppose us. Does anyone have any ideas for getting into Scottland?"
Yann nodded. "I do. A black-market portkey maker will get us in and out without anyone knowing."
Gavin respectfully made his opinion known. "Why can't we travel muggle?"
"Because we don't know how well muggle and magical Scottland get along. Muggle Scottland may alert their counterparts the moment we enter the country on the plane or in a car."
Harry sighed. "Getting a black-market portkey maker to make international port keys into Scottland for us won't be cheap, but it's nothing too horrible. One question. Given ideal circumstances, where would we arrive?"
"Just outside of Hogsmeade."
"Good plan. Remember, do not get caught. It will be hard to explain why I entered a foreign country illegally and attempted to overthrow the Scottish government."
Everyone nodded.
Ms. Monroe pointed to the front of Hogwarts. "Hogwarts is a nearly impenetrable fortress. The only reason Death Eaters were able to invade was because they bombarded the wars for six days without rest. Time is not a luxury we have right now."
Harry nodded. "No, it isn't. That is why we will sneak in through the secret entrance to the Shrieking Shack. It won't be fun, and it won't be easy, but it will get us in and out clean."
"And how will we get to it?"
"That entrance is a few miles away from Hogsmeade. Unfortunately, apparition is out of the question. We'll set off every alarm known to man." Harry sighed. "Next on the agenda is the Scottish Ministry. What do we know about sub-minister Finlay Irving?"
Penny McKendric spoke up. "Sub-minister Irving was elected two years ago. He is a good man. If Irving went to Hogwarts, it would be a tough call between Hufflepuff and Slytherin. He is fiercely loyal to his country and friends, but that loyalty comes with a certain level of brutality. Do not underestimate him."
Harry nodded. "May I have an example?"
Wallace McCauley, a lawyer who specialized in international laws, spoke up. "His definition of capital punishment is muggle-style decapitation. His methods keep the crime rates low but make the citizens weary of him."
Harry analyzed this new information. "What is his body type? Is he obese, skinny, fit, or unfit? Does he have a medical condition we can exploit? What about vices? Is he a gambler, does he have a drinking problem, does he have a mistress, etc.?"
Penny answered this question. "He's one step away from being a functioning alcoholic. His favorite drink is 65% moonshine."
A lightbulb went off in Harry's head. "Brilliant! Maybe we don't need to target him directly at all. If we spread rumors of a man who makes 95% moonshine, he'll die of alcohol poisoning within a month. Penny, can you provide the moonshine?"
"I can."
"Good. We'll let the alcohol kill the sub-minister first. We don't need this to be a bloodbath because the Minister has even a little bit of competency. Any more questions?" Everyone shook their heads. "Then this meeting is adjourned. We leave for Hogwarts in four days."
Four days later, Office of the Minister of Magic
Harry gave all of his generals one sock. The socks were actually illegal portkeys to just outside of Hogsmeade. Getting eight illegal portkeys wasn't easy and it wasn't cheap. G100 per portkey. While it's true that 100 galleons wouldn't so much as scratch Harry's budget, he didn't know when he might need the extra funds. Like it or not, war is expensive.
Harry set his portkey sock down on the desk. "The activation phrase is activate. Remember, the moment we enter Hogwarts property, we must assume we've been detected."
The group nodded.
Three hours later, the Shrieking Shack
After activating their portkeys, the group walked three miles to the Shrieking Shack. From there, Harry used various shortcuts to make their way to the Headmistress' office. Harry assumed McGonagall was still the Headmistress. He would have to choose his words very carefully. McGonagall wasn't as naive as Dumbledore. She wouldn't hesitate to activate Hogwarts' nastier wards.
Harry and his comrades entered McGonagall's office and found the whole faculty waiting for them. Harry sighed and slowly raised his hands. "We come in peace."
Neville glared at Harry. "Then why did you sneak in?"
"Because Hogwarts only has one reliable way to sneak in. Going through the front door would have activated the nastier wards."
Neville pointed his wand at them. "Give us one good reason why we shouldn't kill you on the spot."
Harry smiled sadly. "You've grown, Neville. Though we are on opposite sides, I respect you. And you shouldn't kill us because you would be vilified for killing people who did not attempt to fight back."
Neville reluctantly lowered his wand–knowing that Harry was right. The world would crucify him if he killed Harry and his comrades.
The UK Minister of Magic smiled. "Thank you." Harry sighed. "We've come to request permission to turn Hogwarts into our primary fortress." Seeing their fearful looks, Harry reassured them. "Rest assured, we have no intention of interrupting classes and other extra-curricular activities."
Professor Flitwick saw where this was going. "You need Hogwarts Castle because you know other countries will eventually launch a counterattack. You need a place to defend from. While I understand your reasoning, I hesitate to allow Hogwarts and her territory to be soaked in blood."
Harry found himself in a bind. The half-goblin was and still is old enough to remember the rise, peak, and fall of Gillert Grindelwald. If Harry mentioned The Greater Good, this diplomacy mission would transition into an assassination mission. "A valid argument. But we need this fortress to protect not just the muggleborns but the creatures and half-creatures too. Don't tell me you didn't face serious opposition and racism growing up. Or the Ministry didn't hit you with enough bureaucracy to drown even the toughest secretaries."
Flitwick hesitated. "Yes, they did do that. It was the Jenkins Administration."
Flashback: The walk to the secret entrance
Harry decided a history lesson was in order. "Is anyone a history buff?"
Malcolm nodded. "I am, sir."
Harry sighed. "First of all, don't call me sir. It makes me feel old. Second of all, what can you tell me about Fudge's predecessors?"
Malcolm refreshed his memory. "A lot. Can you narrow it down?"
"Yes. Which ministers were the most and least bigoted since 1900?"
"The least bigoted minister was Eugenia Jenkins. However, the people saw her as unfit to deal with you-know-who the first time. However, no one was more useless than Fudge himself. The best Minister for Magic we had was Leonard Spencer-Moon. He led us through the muggle World War 2 and the Grindelwald War."
"Thank you."
End flashback
McGonagall hesitated. "If I allow this, what guarantee do I have that the students won't be harmed?"
Harry decided to be upfront with his former transfiguration professor. "Truthfully, not much. The wards in this place are damn near impenetrable. And my forces should repel any assault on the castle. The enemy will be attacking from a position of no cover. We'll see them long before they see us."
The former transfiguration professor nodded. "I see. I will allow you to use Hogwarts as a fortress. However, if someone dies or our daily routine is interrupted, I will have the wards throw you out on your arses."
Harry smirked. "Yes, ma'am!"
Five minutes later, the Room of Requirement
Harry Potter, Yann Moore, Malcolm Lowry, Wallace McCauley, Penny McKendrick, Gavin Henson, and Cathleen Munroe got themselves organized in the Room of Requirement.
Harry pointed to the Scottish Ministry of Magic. "With Hogwarts under our control, we can focus on expanding our territory and putting down rebellions. Step 1: Scotland. I want the man dead, and his replacement to support us."
Harry's generals nodded. "Yes, sir!"
Two weeks later
Two weeks later, the Scottish Minister for Magic was found dead in his home. The healers said he died of alcohol poisoning. 90% of the country approved.
"SCOTTISH MINISTER FOR MAGIC DIES OF LIQUOR POISONING!
By: Peadar Roy
Finlay Irving, the Scottish Minister for Magic, died in his home after he drank too much moonshine. One man had this to say…
Roy: How do you feel about the late Minister's death?
Man: Well…I always knew it would happen sooner or later. Unfortunately, he was still in office when he died.
Roy: How do you feel about his replacement, Mr. Tavish Angus?
Hard to say. He's an outsider, that's for sure. We'll see what the future holds.
This new Minister agrees with Mr. Potter's new policies and has agreed to join his growing empire and withdraw from the ICW. Is Mr. Angus a real Minister? Or is he a puppet?"
A few days later, The Room of Requirement
Harry and his inner circle met in the room of requirements after a few days. They used those days to research current events and potential methods of attack.
Harry smirked. "Well done. With the Scottish under our control, we can focus on our attack. How many people have signed up for my army?"
Their Logistics Specialist Penny smiled. "When we started, we had 3,495. We last a few in the attack on the main Ministry. However, our new friends have given us 2,000 soldiers each."
Harry smiled back. "13,495 people. Perfect. Do we have the supplies for an assault?"
"We do. We have plenty of food, water, medicine, and magical artifacts for a sustained assault."
"Perfect. Yann? Where should we attack first?"
Yann hesitated. "We must be cautious this early in the game. We cannot afford to attack France or Germany. However, Portugal and Spain don't have the same military might as France or Germany."
Gavin, their current events specialist, nodded. "Wizarding Portugal doesn't have a dedicated army like their muggle counterparts do. At best, we'll be dealing with a few hundred Aurors."
Harry nodded approvingly. "And Spain?"
Gavin paused. "Spain is a little more tricky. Their army is small but ferocious and well-trained."
"I see. Any weaknesses?"
"Potentially. Their Minister for Magic is a greedy bastard. He was accused of corruption, but the star witness against him died mysteriously the day before his trial."
Harry snorted. "Convenient. What else?"
Gavin responded. "The Spanish Minister for Magic has many enemies. It won't be hard to believe that someone offed him."
"Interesting. Who will replace him? And will we withdraw from the ICW?
"We'll find someone. And yes, we will. We'll do that for all countries we conquer."
Harry nodded. "I agree. Do you have a plan to get us into Spain?"
Penny nodded. "The Ministry of Magic is in and under Belem Tower. It used to be a tourist attraction but was condemned after a bad storm."
Yann looked at the map of Portugal. "Lisbon is the only place in the entire country that has a magical settlement. If we win there, the country is ours. Unfortunately, Spain has magical settlements in every city. The battle for the main Ministry will be the biggest endeavor. But pushing the remaining fighters out will take time."
"Time is not a problem yet."
Harry nodded. "What about allies? Which countries are likely to support us?"
Malcolm had an answer. "Italy, Greece, Austria, and Germany were Grindelwald's main supporters. However, Germany and Austria have changed since Grindelwald's War. Italy and Greece are our best options."
Cathleen smiled. "Brilliant! Italy and Greece have the strength needed to conquer the countries between them."
Harry raised one eyebrow. "Careful. Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Turkey and not to be trifled with. And we have no way of knowing if they'll say yes until we ask."
"True enough."
Harry and his inner circle planned the invasion of Portugal and Spain.
Three weeks later, Wednesday, Belem Tower, 17:45
Before the invasion even started, Harry applied copious amounts of muggle-repelling charms. The last thing he needed was to have the ICW kick down his door for breaking the Secrecy Statute.
The invasion had three parts. Entering, capturing, and holding. Harry and six hundred others would use breaching curses to throw open the doors. The doors to the Portuguese Ministry looked old. They were made of cobblestone. However, each brick was filled with magic. Unfortunately, it didn't stop the Elder Wand's blasting and breaching curses. The six hundred men behind him rushed through every department in the Ministry they could find. To Harry's credit, neither he nor his men hurt civilians. Only those who fought back were intentionally killed.
Spells of all kinds flew across the Portuguese Ministry. Jinxes, hexes, and curses were fired and would be fired until there was no one on either side to fire jinxes, hexes, and curses at. Harry used the standard cutting curse to cut someone's jugular open. After a few more minutes of fighting, everyone, civilian and Auror, rose against their attackers. Harry sighed. He really didn't want to use protego diabolica here.
The Elder Wand had different plans. "Kill them. They stand in the way of your path to victory."
Harry froze once again. There was too much noise to hear those words so clearly. And it was more like a voice in his head."
"Kill them. They stand in the way of justice."
Harry subconsciously dodged a few curses and killed their casters.
"Kill them. They stand in the way of freedom." The Elder Wand begged to be used. They called it the Death Stick for a reason.
Harry observed the chaos around him. His men would be overrun in moments if he didn't do something incredible.
"Kill them. It is them or you."
Harry made up his mind "PROTEGO DIABOLICA!" The forbidden spell burned Harry's opposition to ashes. Over 1,200 people died in the onslaught of blue flames. The surviving enemies hid behind a very powerful protego totalus. Harry raised one eyebrow and applied the translation charm. "And you are?"
The man glared at Harry. "My name is Gustavo António. I am the Minister for Magic."
The man spoke in his native tongue. Harry's translation charm worked as intended. "Your people are lucky to have a Minister like yourself. Strong-willed, powerful, and honest. Please surrender. It would be a shame to kill a man like yourself."
"I would rather die!"
"So be it." The ten people held against the blue flames for seventeen seconds before they died–a testament to their willpower and skill. Harry sighed. "Such as waist of life." Harry turned to his men. "How many did we lose?"
Yann, who led Harry's soldiers, answered him. "About 200 Unfortunate, but whatever you did saved many lives."
Harry sat on a large piece of rubble. "I see. Make sure their families are notified and compensated. Take funds directly from the Black vaults. And have a replacement Minister in office quickly. Be prepared to run damage control."
Yann nodded. "We screwed up. We should have trained more."
Harry observed the clean-up process. "Indeed. But we can recover. Train them as best you can."
A few days later, the Former Portugal Ministry Auror Training Grounds
After the remaining deserters and contestants were dealt with, Harry began training the troops for another difficult fight in Spain. Physical fitness, offensive charms and transfiguration, and one of three dark curses. The rotting curse, the blood-boiling curse, or Snape's unhealable cutting curse. Harry taught those to Yann who taught them to his assistant who taught them to the troops.
There was more to it than curses and fitness. They learned how to be calm under fire. They did this by forcing them to crawl under barbed wire while Harry and a few others shot dark curses over them. The men found themselves more terrified of Harry than they were of the enemy. Regardless, the training was very effective. The recruits lasted much longer against Harry than before. Harry actually had to work for his victory.
In the commanders' tent, Harry and his generals observed the war map. Harry pointed to Italy. "Italy has the manpower to dominate everything south of Slovenia, bar Turkey and Greece."
Wallace McCauley voiced his opinion. "The Italian Minister is not to be trifled with. He is cunning and ruthless. However, a little honesty might go a long way in convincing him to join our cause."
Harry raised one eyebrow. "And you think you can convince the man?"
"I do."
"Then leave quickly. We need Italy the world to focus on Italy."
"Yes, sir." Wallace left for Italy.
Harry pointed to the Spanish-French border. "France may react unfavorably if they feel threatened. We cannot afford to fight a war of attrition right now."
Penny had an idea. "A war of attrition is unavoidable. But we can mitigate the damage by fighting it on our terms. If we stop advancing beyond Barcelona, we'll have room to dig in."
Malcolm nodded. "And launch an all-out offensive when the French are exhausted and short on manpower. It could work. And it puts us ahead of schedule. And from there, we can waltz through Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands."
Harry nodded. "Yann, keep training the troops until you can't. The rest of us will hurry up, and wait for Wallace's return."
With Wallace, One week later, Rome, Italy, Minister for Magic's Office, Waiting Room
It took Wallace one week to schedule an appointment with the Minister of Magic of Italy; Silvio Laura. The man had a 70% approval rating. If he died, the world would blame Harry in a heartbeat. Even worse, the Imperious curse would be noticed by the Minister's advisors.
The Minister's secretary entered the waiting room. "Wallace McCauley? The Minister will see you now."
Wallace nodded. "Thank you, ma'am."
Wallace bowed to the Italian Minister when he entered his office. "Minister. Thank you for granting me an audience."
Silvio Laura kept his face blank. "When I heard about a Scottish man wanting to talk about joining Mr. Potter's cause, I was tempted to have you arrested and/or thrown out of the country. But, my advisors convinced me to hear you know. But know this: You will not leave Italia alive. Inteso?" (Understood?)
Wallace hastily nodded. 'Well anal me with a cactus. He's more volatile than I thought.' "Understood."
"Talk. Tell me why I should support Potter's quest for world domination."
"Mr. Potter's goal is not world domination. His goal is to end the atrocities in this world. Specifically, discrimination against certain groups. Unfortunately, countries like Italy are the exception, not the rule when it comes to equality. Your western neighbors are a prime example of this."
Minister Laura grunted. "I asked you why I should join Potter's quest, not tell me things I already know. Try again."
Wallace hesitated. 'If the scalpel doesn't work, then try the hammer.' "I'll be blunt. The muggleborn-pureblood dispute is coming to a head. If Mr. Potter didn't start this conflict, then someone else would have. You should join our cause because we are trying to end the discrimination in this world. And no matter how many times we wish, this dispute cannot be settled in court."
Silvio narrowed his eyes. 'Valid points. But I'm not stupid. Grindelwald tried something similar, and it almost damned my country. My advisors will have thoughts about this.' "Your points are valid. But many of my countrymen are old enough to remember the Grindelwald War, and what it did to us. I will talk it over with my advisors. Keep yourself available."
Wallace understood the subtle dismissal. "Thank you for your time, Minister. Have a pleasant day." 'Please work.'
Three days later
Wallace stood in front of the Minister and his advisors. The Minister's military advisor trained his eyes on the foreign guest. "Against my better judgment, the rest of us have agreed to support your efforts. However, we will not hesitate to switch sides if things go south. We did that in World War II, the Grindelwald War, and we'll do it this one if we have to."
Wallace bowed. "Thank you, honored advisor."
"What is your opening move?"
Harry's diplomate blanked. 'Fuck me sideways anally with Hungarian Horntail's tail spines. I really hope Mr. Potter approves.' "Your western neighbors stand in the way of us and a better world. Greece could be an ally, but their northern neighbors aren't. Also, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Turkey are not to be touched. We don't have the manpower to capture and hold those countries right now."
Silvio nodded. "Italia will aid Mr. Potter. Do not make us regret this."
"Understood. I must inform him of the good news."
Three days later, Portugal, Commanders' Tent
Wallace called a meeting with the fake galleon that Harry gave him. Wallace smiled broadly. "Italy has agreed to conquer their western neighbors barring the ones we specified. They might have already started. Luckily, I was given a multi-use portkey to stay up-to-date with current events."
Harry also smiled broadly. "Brilliant. That could not have gone any better. We'll invade Spain in two weeks."
Harry dismissed them. 'And so it begins.'
One week later, Longbottom Vacation Home. Norway
"ITALY INVADES SLOVENIA, AND CONTINUES SOUTH!
By: Rita Skeeter
When I learned about Italy's domination of its western neighbors, I started comparing Potter to Grindelwald. Potter used Italy to dominate Eastern Europe. So did Grindelwald. Potter started by uniting his closest country(ies). So did Grindelwald. When Potter was a Hogwarts Fourth-Year, I called him the next Dark Lord. For once, I'm praying to every deity in existence that I'm wrong.
For more information about Grindelwald, see page 4
For more information about Harry James Potter, see page 10
For more information on Italy's role in the Grindelwald War, see page 13"
The survivors of the Battle of Hogwarts fled to Nevilve's vacation home in Norway. Neville, along with many Hogwarts students, wondered where they went wrong with Harry. What happened that turned him into Grindelwald II? Neville asked his grandmother the one million galleon question. "Gran? Who was worse? Grindelwald or Tom?" Neville used Voldemort's real name to avoid triggering people's trauma.
Augusta Longbottom hesitated. "In the long run, Grindelwald was worse. Voldemort never made it out of the UK. Ireland mailed the bodies of Death Eaters back to Tom in pieces. And even though Fluer was used as a hostage, Tom couldn't attack France without consequences."
Arleen Kendal, a Ravenclaw history buff, nodded. "The world did not see Tom's victory as legitimate. The ICW would have intervened before he got out of hand."
"By that logic, the ICW should have stopped the Potter brat the moment he conquered Scottland."
"Not quite, Madam Longbottom. The late Scottish Minister's election was technically valid. As was Portugal's. Even Italy is taking time to make sure the leaders in place are legitimate."
Susan Bones hesitantly spoke up. "But how bad is it, really? Because of Harry, there are real consequences for bullying and discrimination. The population as a whole is happier and more successful."
Neville's grandmother said nothing for a few seconds. "I suppose someone had to address the elephant in the room. You're right, Potter's new policies are excellent. But his methods need improvement. And it wouldn't be as angry if he wasn't acting like Grindelwald. I was in Hogwarts during the Grindelwald War, but I remember the chaos he caused and how he singlehandedly toppled nations."
The similarities between Grindelwald and Harry were staggering. How many more lives would be ruined before he was stopped or succeeded in world domination?
And the plot does thicken. Remember to leave a review.