Chapter 74 "A Minister's Frustration"
The hallowed halls of the Ministry of Magic buzz with tension and anticipation as Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic, rises from his seat. Fudge's face flushes with frustration as he addresses Director Bones. Fudge, his voice stern and accusatory, "We are dealing with a grave matter that Amelia cannot ignore. Harry Potter stands accused of murder."
Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, stands and faces the Minister, her expression firm. "Minister Fudge, let us not rush to judgment. We must consider the circumstances surrounding this accusation."
Fudge's patience wears thin, and he turns to face Dolores Umbridge, his Secretary of State, for support. "Dolores, I trust you share my concerns?"
Umbridge, a woman known for her strict adherence to the rules and genuine belief in the Ministry's authority, nods firmly. "Indeed, Minister. Murder is a serious offense, and we must bring those who commit such crimes to justice."
Amelia Bones maintains her composure, her voice calm and measured. "Minister Fudge, you must understand the complexities of this situation. The incident occurs at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, an institution with its own governing body. The Board of Governors, as you know, has been dismissed."
Fudge's frustration is palpable, and he pounds his fist on his desk in exasperation. "But that does not absolve us of our responsibility! Murder is murder, no matter where it occurs. We have the authority to intervene."
Amelia Bones leans forward, her tone unwavering. "Minister, we must tread carefully. Harry Potter is defending himself against a threat. This is not a cold-blooded act of violence." "And you forget; Mr. Potter is a first-year against a Professor!"
Umbridge, seething with impatience, interjects, "But that doesn't change the fact that he killed another wizard! We cannot allow such actions to go unpunished."
Amelia Bones sighs, her patience waning. "Minister, if we push this matter, it could lead to severe consequences." "You would be a laughing stock if you tried to bring murder charges against Harry Potter." "Others would see it as you trying to deflect from Black escaping or cutting the DMLE budget."
Fudge's face contorted with anger and frustration. He knows pursuing this action could have dire consequences, including a potential political backlash. He reluctantly acquiesces, realizing that pressing the issue further could result in a loss of credibility for the Ministry.
With a begrudging nod, he mutters, "Very well, Amelia. We will leave this matter for now. But mark my words; we shall not forget it."
Director Bones hears a voice from her badge. She looks down, and all she says is, "Report!" It seems there is a disturbance at Gringotts; the goblins have sealed the main door, and a company of heavily armored and armed goblins is in front of the door. "I am on my way. Have Moody meet me there." Bones orders. "It seems I have another situation that needs my attention." She turned without another word and left the Minister's office, leaving Minister Fudge and Dolores Umbridge fuming in frustration.
Umbridge turns to Fudge, her voice a hiss of anger, "You let her win, Minister! We cannot afford to let this slide!"
Fudge, realizing the complexity of the situation, sighs heavily. "Dolores, we must pick our battles carefully. For now, we have no jurisdiction over Hogwarts. But mark my words, I will not let this matter rest."
As Umbridge fumes, the Minister leaves his office, determined to find another way to exert the Ministry's authority and maintain his grip on power. Umbridge hums; she has dirt on the warden; perhaps he wouldn't mind her borrowing two or three dementors for some off-the-clock work.
Chapter 75 "Trap is Sprung"
In the King's chamber, the alarm sounds. The King walks to his throne room and sits down. He turns to his adviser, "Report," the king demands.
The Advisor looks at his King, "The trap on level 35 has been activated, and the green skins, as we thought, have used the stolen portal device and have invaded level 35."
The King's throne swivels and a massive black stone slab slowly emerges from the floor. Runes briefly flash along the surface, and soon, an image of level 35 comes into view. The King can see the blue portal pop into existence, and orcs come charging out of the portal.
Another image cuts across the black stone; it's of a trooper elevator full of goblin warriors and one Harry Potter dressed in his Combat Robes. The King leans forward, "Now we see if he can fight?"
His adviser does not speak, shakes his head yes, and watches the battle unfold.
Chapter 76 "The Battle Below"
The alarm echoes through the dimly lit corridors of Gringotts Bank. Wards are down at level 35, and all goblin warriors respond to level 35. A magical voice echoes through the halls. Orcish invaders, drawn through a portal of ominous blue energy, pour forth into the depths of the bank.
Harry Potter is sitting on his rack when the alarm goes off. "To arms!" Harry bellows. His cadre of cadet sergeants echoes his call to arms. "To arms!" they scream. Goblin warriors leap from racks, run into the squad bay from the showers, pull their combat armor into place, and grab their weapons and gleaming spears.
Harry turns to his fellow goblin warriors, and in the blink of an eye, he is in full Combat Robes with his helmet in place. The visor on his helmet emits an eerily green light where his eyes should be. He turned, and with practiced ease, the goblin platoon formed on their lieutenant and followed him through the halls to the troop elevator.
The cacophony of battle cries and the furious roars of the orcs reverberate through the corridors as Harry and his platoon make their way to the troop elevator. It is a crucial moment, and they can't afford to delay. The goblins on the platform are already preparing for battle.
Harry addresses his troops. "We advance as one. I will open fire with my destructive magic, and then we charge. We'll show these invaders that Gringotts does not yield to invaders." Harry turns and notices three goblins dressed in their bank attire. Two of the three are armed with swords. The taller of the three has no weapon. "Are you in need of a weapon?" Harry asks.
The goblin laughs, "A champion is never without his weapon," and with a crack, a huge Warhammer is in his hand.
It is Harry's turn to laugh, "I agree with you," and the sword of Gryffindor appears in Harry's hand.
The Goblin champion laughs, "I like you, human. You have style!"
As the troop elevator descends, the anticipation is palpable. Harry can feel the tension in the air, a mix of fear and adrenaline. The platform looms before them, and on it stands other goblins, already locked in combat with the invading orcs. Harry looks over his shoulder at his goblins. "Come on, you putakume, do you want to live forever?" Harry charges out of the elevator.
Arcane energy crackles around Harry, forming a vortex of power. He thrusts his hand forward, and a bolt of raw magical force erupts, striking the advancing orcs. The explosion sends several orcs flying, their bodies crashing into the stone walls.
It is the opening salvo, a display of Harry's newfound abilities. Harry and his platoon surge forward with their initial advantage, their spears gleaming in the dim light. They charge into the midst of the orcs. Their battle cries rising above the chaos—the clash of metal on metal, the pungent scent of sweat and blood.
Harry's sword, a weapon forged and enchanted for battle, extends his will. He dances through the fray, his movements fluid and precise. His blade meets orcish steel with a resounding clash, and with each strike, he displays the skill and finesse of a seasoned warrior.
The battle unfolds blow by blow, a chaotic dance of combatants. Harry's platoon moves as one, their spears striking true, their magic surging with power.
Harry's arcane abilities continue to shine. He unleashes devastating spells that send shockwaves through the ranks of the orcs. His destructive magic tears through their defenses, scattering them like leaves in a storm.
But the orcs are relentless, their numbers seemingly endless. The battle rages on, a brutal contest of wills and strength. Harry and his platoon fight with determination and skill. They are holding the line of invaders.
As the battle wears on, Harry's combat skills shine brighter. With each swing of his blade, he cuts a path through the enemy ranks, his cadet sergeants following his lead.
The orcs are fierce adversaries, but the tide of battle begins to turn, inch by hard-fought inch. Harry and his platoon press forward, driving the orcs back.
Chapter 77 "Clash of Titans"
Amidst the chaos of the battle below Gringotts Bank, Harry Potter's keen eyes survey the unfolding combat. They are pushing the invading orcs back. However, he notices that the goblin champion, garbed in banker's attire and wielding a massive hammer, fights valiantly against an unusual adversary—a towering black-skinned orc. And, a colossal ogre, its hulking frame, is brandishing a battle axe. The goblin moves between his foes, blocking and attacking. He is overwhelmed by the two brutes.
Harry knows that without help, the Champion will fall to the black-skinned orc.
"Sergeants, take over!" Harry orders. His cadet sergeants step forward to take the lead.
Without hesitation, Harry summons his arcane power. With a burst of energy, he propels himself into the air, a blur of robes. He soars an astonishing 60 feet.
Mid-leap, Harry unleashes a barrage of lightning bolts, three in quick succession. They sear through the air with crackling intensity, striking the ogre head-on. The creature bellows in agony as chunks of armor and flesh are torn from its massive frame.
As Harry descends toward the battlefield, he witnesses the black-skinned orc land a brutal blow on the beleaguered goblin champion, sending him sprawling. But before the orc can reveal its victory, Harry lands with a thunderous impact, his combat robes billowing around him.
Harry closes the gap between himself and the black-skinned orc with lightning-fast reflexes. He intercepts the orc's enormous sword with his blade, the clash of metal ringing out like a symphony of war. The orc's eyes widen in disbelief as he meets the unexpected resistance of Harry's defense.
Harry's strikes are relentless, a flurry of rapid swings that cut through the orc's defense and armor like a hot knife through butter. As Harry's sword carves deep furrows across the orc's body, green blood sprays through the air. The creature roars in pain, its dark skin marred by Harry's onslaught.
But the orc, though mortally wounded, is not to be underestimated. With a final surge of strength, it launches a decisive blow aimed directly at the helpless goblin champion, who lies dazed on the ground.
In an instant, Harry pushes his magic to its limits, channeling it into his body. As the orc's blow connects with Harry's chest piece, the impact slices through Harry's Combat robes until the blade meets his mithril shirt, and the edge is stopped. Harry remains standing, unyielding. The force of the blow does not move Harry, who stands there, and he increases his strength and speed with his magic.
With newfound vigor, Harry retaliates with a devastating swing of his sword. The blade slices through the orc's defense and armor, deepening into its chest. The creature's bellow of pain becomes a gurgling scream as it hurtles through the air, its eight-foot frame flying ten feet before crashing to the ground, lifeless.
With the orc defeated Harry turns his attention to the looming ogre, who has been charging toward him. Harry spins to the left with grace and precision as the massive axe arcs through the air. His combat robes flutter as he executes the movement flawlessly.
With a flash of silver, Harry's sword carves across the ogre's massive back. The sheer force of the strike sends blood spraying in all directions. The ogre stands briefly, towering and grotesque before it collapses to its knees and falls over, dead.
The battlefield is a scene of chaos and victory. Harry's blade has sung a song of death and triumph; in this moment, he has proven he is a warrior.
Chapter 78: Oath and Victory
Amidst the stillness of the battlefield, Harry Potter stands over the fallen bodies of the black-skinned orc and the colossal ogre. He has fought with courage, defending a goblin champion. As he catches his breath, the goblin Champion, a figure of honor and respect among his people, approaches him. "My name is Rodnuk Hammerfest."
"You save my life, young warrior," Rodnuk declares. "For that, you have my Warrior's Vow. No matter the odds, I shall arrive and fight by your side if you call." Harry extends his arm, and Rodnuk grasps it firmly.
The battlefield remains silent as the goblin King arrives, commanding the respect of all. He surveys the scene, his keen eyes taking in the fallen foes and the goblins who have fought valiantly to protect their home.
"You all serve the goblin nation proudly," the King proclaims, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "And today, two of our greatest foes lie dead on this battlefield."
The goblins raise their weapons high in salute. The King then leads the goblins in a toast, their voices raised to celebrate their hard-fought victory. The clinking of weapons on shields and the hearty cheers fill the air. As the celebrations continue among the goblins in the depths of Gringotts Bank, the King steps forward once more to address the gathering. His voice, filled with pride and respect, carries through the chamber.
"Today, we honor a warrior who stands by our side, who fights with valor and honor," the King declares. "He is not just an ally but a companion to our kind, a young wizard who earns his place among us."
The goblins nod in agreement, their appreciation for Harry's bravery. The King continues, "In recognition of his deeds on this day, I hereby bestow upon him a goblin name, a symbol of our bond."
With a sense of ceremony, the King approaches Harry. He raises his hand, palm outward, and chants in the ancient goblin tongue. The words resonate with power, carrying the weight of tradition and honor.
As the chant concludes, a hush falls over the chamber. The King turns to Harry and proudly speaks his newly given goblin name. "From this day forth, you shall be known among our kind as 'Thrain Spellblade,' which signifies 'Companion of Goblins.'"
The goblins erupt into applause and cheers, their voices echoing through the chamber. "Thrain Spellblade will carry all rights of a goblin champion. The goblin nation embraces Thrain, and his new name symbolizes the deep bond they forge by blood on the battlefield.