A/N: Another early-ish chapter, as writing remains a struggle. I've reworked my outline in a way that'll hopefully help push through this block, but I also spent the last couple days enjoying a lovely stomach virus. My rough drafts are approaching the end of this story quicker than I expected, and I'm struggling a bit to put it to paper correctly, but I'm confident I'll push through this block relatively quickly and keep posting once a week minimum.

On a happier note: we just reached 1800 followers! That's CRAZY. Thanks for all the support, and I hope you continue to enjoy.

Chapter 46

August 11, 1996

Charlie woke to the sound of the shower running in the bathroom, his mind whirling at his unfamiliar surroundings. Realization was slow in its arrival, but he chuckled in relief as he remembered he was in one of Harry's guest rooms. He stretched deeply in an effort to loosen his tight back muscles, and stood to find his scattered clothes.

"Now that's a sight that'll wake you up," Narcissa observed, though he fought the surprised jump he felt at her sudden closeness.

"I thought you were in the shower," he answered with a grin, turning unabashedly to greet his girlfriend.

"I was… to make sure the spray was wide enough for two…"

"I remember you tapping out a few hours ago…"

"It's a brand new day, Charlie. Are you joining me or not?"

"I pray to whoever is listening, that I'll never be forced to say no to that question."

Twenty enjoyable minutes later, he sat in front of a huge breakfast with a wide smile on his face. Life in the Manor wasn't all bad if this was his morning routine, but his satisfaction was quickly interrupted as the wards pinged multiple times in a row. Harry and crew weren't expected back until after dinner, and he took a moment to focus on the magic to name the new arrivals.

Bill and Fleur, as expected, were moving up the stairs, but Snape and Albus approaching the front door was a surprise. He watched as Winky put on a larger kettle, clearly feeling the newcomers as well, and did his best to wipe the shit-eating grin from his face. Bill entered first, his face showing his apology, and Fleur followed with a similar look.

"Welcome siblings," he greeted warmly, gesturing to seats around the den's table. "A beautiful morning, isn't it?"

"It's pouring…" Bill countered suspiciously. "What the hell's wrong with you?"

"Is it? Weird."

"Charlie," Narcissa called distractedly as she entered, her hair still wet from the shower. "Where did you throw my bra? I can't find it any…where…"

He hid a grin as the woman realized they weren't alone, and quickly stood to shield her from the surprised laughter from the pair behind him.

"Behind the headboard, I think," he whispered, pulling the mortified woman into a hug.

"Well this can't get any worse…"

"Narcissa?"

The unsurprised roll of her eyes was too much for him, and Charlie couldn't help but allow a chuckle to escape. She attempted a glare, not quite as damaging as she intended, and turned in his arms.

"Severus…" she offered politely, as if this were a normal Sunday morning. "Albus. Lovely to see you both, it's been too long. I'll leave you all to your business, and hope you have a good day."

Her movements were as quick as her words, as she pushed through the two newcomers with her head held high. Severus was gobsmacked, clearly unaware of their relationship, but Albus' eyes were twinkling at full strength.

"Good morning, gentlemen," Charlie managed, though his smile was stubbornly permanent. "Winky has tea in the works, and there's pastries on the counter. The full breakfast is mine, though, and Bill, if you take another bite I'm hanging you from the chimney."

"It was just a bit of eggs," the man countered indignantly, proving him right in his guess.

"My eggs."

"Leave his plate alone," Fleur admonished with a grin. "He clearly needs to regain his strength…"

"Yeah yeah, get it out."

Charlie led the two men to the table, pulling his plate towards him protectively. He sent a warning look to his elder brother, and began tearing into the meal with gusto.

"I'm sorry for our early arrival," Fleur offered with a smile. "But Severus reached out to us an hour ago, and the cause couldn't wait."

Charlie's eyes found the slightly dumbfounded man staring at him, though his mouth shut with an audible click. He shook himself briefly, and his expression turned more neutral.

"I trust you'll treat her right, Mr. Weasley?"

"With everything I have."

"Good," the man answered with a hint of a smile, the expression weirdly foreign to his face. "She deserves it."

"She deserves the world… Now what can I do for all of you, two hours before my day was supposed to start?"

"I've had a breakthrough with one of our prisoners," Snape answered immediately, back to business as usual. "A Gringotts employee, who was supposed to be part of a team inside the bank for a coming attack…"

"They're moving on Gringotts!?"

"And now you see the reason for our suddenness," Albus offered with a smile. "The planned attack is still a few days away, but I'd like us to have recommendations by the time Harry comes home."

"Recommendations?" Charlie asked confusedly. "For what? We have Bill speak to Ragnok, and the goblins do what they do best… not much to talk about."

"That's where we're split on the matter," the wizened man said with a grimace. "Two of us believe we should warn them, and two believe we could use the attack as a chance to bring the goblins fully to our side should they prove victorious."

"I'm with you and Fleur," he offered, knowing who was who immediately. "They're allies already, and they don't deserve to be caught unawares."

"How'd you know it wasn't me?" Bill asked indignantly, looking slightly offended.

"Because I know you, brother. You're an amazingly moral person, but you hate this war even more than most. You'd do anything to see it ended, including allowing the goblins to suffer if the rest of your friends and family survive."

"I'd kill them myself," the redhead admitted with a wry smirk. "Anyone not on my list isn't my problem, and there's only a few goblins that made the cut…"

"Fleur, there's blackmail material should you ever need it."

"I've already made plans…"

"Harry's gonna warn Ragnok immediately."

"I'm not so sure," Albus argued gently. "He's different since his magic matured, and he's become much harder to predict."

"He'll listen to his team regardless," Severus offered as he grabbed his newly delivered tea. "We need to come up with a few ideas, to get the ball rolling once everyone's home."

"You're right," Charlie answered somewhat reluctantly. "And that I agree with you, while you sip your tea in what's essentially my home right now, is a very bizarre moment for me."

"I get that a lot."

"Let me take Narcissa her breakfast, and we can get to work."

"And that is a very bizarre moment for me."

—

"Harry."

The whisper pinged his consciousness, but his body seemed loath to respond. He could feel the sun on his face, and knew he'd finally slept, but he wasn't sure if he was willing to change that just yet. He decided to give it a test run, and cracked one eyelid. The test failed impressively, and he grabbed his disturbance, pulling her back to the pillows.

His rest was interrupted again an untold amount of time later, though the interruption smelled much different. Bacon wafted through the room, and Harry's head followed his nose as he sat up.

"I told you," he heard Mamma declare victoriously, proving that he had an audience.

He stretched widely before opening his eyes, and felt Daphne next to him doing the same. His doorway was filled by an exceedingly happy Italian woman, and two slightly worried English parents.

"You look better," Mamma offered with a smile. "A dangerous thing for the young ladies if you hadn't already found your person…"

"I trust you slept?" Daniel interjected worriedly.

"Of course he did," Emily answered happily. "Did you, Daphne?"

"Like a baby. Thank you for breakfast, Mamma. What time is it?"

"Just after ten. You slept for almost twelve hours, so he should be good for a while."

"He'll sleep again tonight!" Sirius called from the sitting room. "No more of this 'once a week' bullshit!"

"I believe that's my decision," Daniel called back indignantly.

"Let's hear it, then!"

"It's not that you're wrong, I'd just like the final say!"

"Then say it, man, and come play darts!"

"I'm coming," Mamma offered excitedly, placing the large tray at the foot of the bed. "After you, Daniel."

Harry shared a grin with Daphne as the pair moved out of the room, and turned to see a similar expression on Emily's face.

"You two look like a picture," she offered happily. "Enjoy your breakfast."

"Thanks, Mum."

Harry watched bemusedly as his girlfriend pulled the tray towards them, separating the food in a specific manner known only to her. His side held the bacon, melon, juice, and half of the eggs, while the pastry, both coffees, and remaining eggs were clearly hers. Finally done with her fiddling, she looked at him exasperatedly.

"Did you sleep away the ability to speak?"

"I haven't been given the opportunity, and didn't feel like interrupting in case they kept bringing me things..."

"How do you feel?"

"Like I'd rather kiss you than eat…"

"Harry…" she said with a smirk. "Are you rested?"

"I feel great, Daph," he offered with an honest smile. "Better than ever, though I'd still like a kiss."

"You can have one if you finish your food."

"Just one?"

"Don't be greedy."

—

Leaving this home felt wrong, and Harry glanced around to try and commit the place to memory. Some of the best food, conversation, and sleep he'd ever had… all within ten steps from where he stood. Mamma's send-off dinner had been impressive, and the fullness he felt, both physical and emotional, was sure to last weeks at the very least. The chef was a bit teary herself, clearly having enjoyed the company, though her tight grip on Enzo's arm proved her priority.

Sirius and Izzy both missed dinner, a fact that no one felt comfortable joking about, though his godfather's face was as determined as ever upon his sudden arrival.

"I guess it's that time," Sirius offered with a grin. "This war won't fight itself, and Charlie's probably burned the Manor down a few times by now."

Izzy's expression was much less certain, and the hint of red in her eyes showed her emotional state. The woman moved forward in a less excited mirror of her earlier welcome, kissing cheeks and sharing words as she moved.

Harry watched as she reached her younger brother, and his heart broke as Enzo's eyes filled with tears. The man was stubborn in his refusal to remain at home, and though the adamance warmed Harry's heart, he wished he'd stay with his family. He couldn't promise anyone's safety, though he wished for Enzo's more than most. His friend meant the world to his family, and he didn't know how Mamma would survive if he was lost to her.

"And you," Izzy said, interrupting his thoughts with a sad smile. "You, dear Harry, will keep yourself safe, or I'll hunt you down myself."

"I'll do my best," he admitted, accepting the hug and kisses much more confidently than he had days prior. "You and Mamma are always welcome to visit."

"I intend to," she whispered in response. "But you may be without your godfather when I do."

"A blessing I've never thought to ask for," he countered with a grin. "Enzo! One last chance…"

"I'm with you, Marshal."

"Mamma, tell him to quit calling me that."

"No can do, Marshal. You're back on the clock."

"Betrayed in all directions…"

"You'll bring him back soon," Mamma offered confidently. "You go fight your war, Harry… and take my love with you."

"I'll never forget this weekend," he responded as the woman drew him into a hug. "Thank you."

"No, thank you," she whispered. "My son has found his true purpose, and I couldn't be happier that it's you. Give 'em hell, Harry."

"Yes ma'am."

His eyes found Enzo's over the woman's head, and the man nodded confidently in response. As much as he wished things were different, there was nobody he'd rather have as a fellow Commander. Harry winked in response, and released Mamma after a long moment.

"I'll be thankful for this weekend until I die, and I'm grateful for everyone I've shared it with. Those coming with me, grab hold of this belt… and any who don't, you still have a piece of my heart."

Izzy seemed to hesitate at his offer, though Harry watched as Sirius sent her a warning look. The woman stared back stubbornly, but reluctantly backed away after a long moment. His original group gathered around him, and he sent one last look to the pair he was leaving, his heart in his eyes.

"Home."

—

"Remus."

"I've just stepped foot in my office," he answered waspishly, though he regretted the tone immediately.

"I know," Charlie offered with a contrite look. "But we've had a development."

"Damn it."

He set his bag down with a sigh, moving towards his desk slowly. The weekend away made things here seem so much more bleak, and the sudden reinsertion would take a couple days to get used to. Just having Tonks in his bed at night was an almost supernatural happiness, and he felt her absence as soon as she apparated back to base.

"I'm sorry, Charlie," he offered as he sat heavily. "Just a weird day."

"I wish you could've stayed, mate..."

"Me too. What's the problem?"

"An attack on Gringotts…"

Remus' spine reacted before his brain, and he sat ramrod straight at the sudden information. The knowledge immediately tore his brain in two, and he realized why Charlie brought it to him before the meeting scheduled in a half hour.

"I'm assuming this is from Severus?"

"Yep, and those of us here are split down the middle. Me, Fleur, Albus, and Dad think we warn them, Bill, Snape, Moody, and Amelia think we wait and see."

"And Robards?"

"He's waiting to hear from Harry."

"He'll warn them…"

"You're certain?"

"I wouldn't be if he hadn't slept, but it's still going to be a discussion. Sirius and Daniel will want them to be left in the dark, and part of me doesn't blame them, as Ragnok will almost certainly turn to us after…"

"But they're our friends, even if they aren't quite allies…"

"And that's why Harry will tell them. Hell, if I have my guess, he'll have Griggs building a new bank in town by tomorrow…"

—

"We tell them," Harry said firmly, his eyes alight with power. "I'll warn them in the morning, and I'll speak with Griggs about alternate accommodations if things go wrong."

"But Harry," Sirius began gently, rising from his seat. "Any attack is bound to fail, and once it does, we have a goblin army on our side…"

"At what cost, Pads?" he asked, though he could appreciate the argument. "This isn't their fight. If Ragnok's son is killed, you think he'll remain on our side when he finds out we knew? Hell! If innocent goblins die, could we meet with clear minds afterwards? They are our friends, and I won't be a party to letting friends be killed."

"You aren't thinking of the strategic side of this," Amelia offered gently. "Gringotts is a fortress, and any attack is damn near bound to fail. That failed attack will draw their might into our ranks, and that might will save our own people's lives."

"So I risk sacrificing other people's lives for my own? I can't accept that, Amelia, not when they're innocents. If it was offering Death Eaters, I'd be all for it, but the goblins want nothing more than to stay neutral, and I won't condemn them to death for that desire."

"So you'll ignore our advice?" Bill asked stubbornly.

"Your advice hasn't been ignored… it's been accepted and decided against. I appreciate your perspective, but while I'm at the head of this, we won't be sacrificing anyone."

"Our troops may suffer for it," Daniel offered gently, and Harry saw Daphne glare at the man in response.

"Maybe so, but our troops signed up for this, as so many of you have told me in the past… Any loss is heartbreaking to me, as you all know, but I won't leave Ragnok in the dark when his people are so immediately affected."

"You're a better man than me," Bill offered with a huff.

"And a better woman than I," Ameilia countered with a wry grin.

"I'm glad to be such a representation of men and women, as you're both excellent examples. Robards… you've been silent…"

"If we're to warn them, I'll ask for a unit under my command," the man offered seriously. "I'll take volunteers only, and I intend to extract a payment in blood for Kingsley."

"You have your first volunteer," he answered with a nod. "I'll warn Ragnok tomorrow, and I'll stand next to you as we make them pay for his loss."

"Well what am I supposed to say to that?" Bill asked frustratedly. "I'm with you wherever you ask me, Harry."

"As are we all," Sirius added, reaching over to grasp his wrist.

"Then I'll go in the morning, and we'll work with Ragnok to make it a battle worth remembering."

—

August 12, 1996

"Harry," Ragnok greeted warmly as he moved to his austere desk.

"Ragnok," he offered in response, shaking the leader of the Goblin Nation's hand. "It's good to see you, but I'm afraid it's under less than optimal circumstances…"

"Please don't tell me you're here to ask for assistance…"

"The opposite, I'm afraid," Harry countered, growing concerned by his friend's obvious worry. "We've received intel of a coming attack on your home, and I'd like to provide assistance of my own."

"You've heard?"

"I… I have," he answered confusedly. "How did you?"

"We have our ways," Ragnok answered vaguely. "The information was laid on my desk last night, and I've been scrambling to plan a response all day."

"We'd like to add three hundred of our people to stand with you," Charlie interjected, the only of his team he'd asked to join the meeting.

"Harry, Charlie… I can't possibly accept. We Goblins are a fierce people, and we have protocols in place. We'll be fine."

"For hundreds, if not thousands of wizards storming the bank? I'm sure you've heard you have traitors in your midst… Your impressive doors won't be able to hold them back if they don't intend to use them. Only a fool would doubt your people's ability, but I'd hate myself if I didn't stand by your side."

Harry felt his eyes light up at the emotion behind his own words, and he watched as Ragnok seemed to deflate in relief. He glanced at Charlie, sharing a quick grin, and knew they'd won this part of the battle.

"You offer to stand at my side," Ragnok began weakly. "When I did not offer the same? Why would you do this?"

"Because you're my friend. I understand why you haven't been able to help us, but I'm under no such constraints."

"Your Wizengamot will allow this?"

"I have four of my team persuading them as we speak, and those four hold the power during our State of Emergency. Even if they're convinced to stand down, which they won't be, we've had at least three hundred Polish and Italian soldiers that have already volunteered, and their Commanders can do as they see fit. I'll offer more if you need it…"

"Our halls will be full enough," Ragnok answered with a wave of his hand. "I don't know what to say, Harry."

"I'll help you," he offered with a grin. "'Thank you, Harry. Your troops will be welcome as soon as they are available, and I look forward to standing next to you.'"

"Thank you, Harry," the goblin mimicked with a grateful smile. "Your troops will be welcome, and I look forward to sharing the field of battle with you."

"Then let's get down to business! I have the Commander of the mixed unit in the lobby, may I bring him in?"

"Please. I'll go gather my own."

—

August 14, 1996

Daphne stood next to her father, her hands trembling slightly in her pockets. Neville, on her other side, seemed equally as nervous, but the rest of the auxiliary unit looked as if this was an everyday occurrence. It was almost frustrating, seeing Remus and Sirius joking back and forth when she felt so out of control, but a glance at her Dad's steady countenance allowed her to calm herself a bit.

Harry was a few meters away, with Charlie and Robards joining him for one last meeting with Ragnok and the goblin commanders. He seemed at ease from the back, but he turned slightly, and Daphne's breath was stolen by the power in his eyes. He was as amped up as she was, but he'd grown used to this feeling somehow in the course of the last year. She hoped she'd do the same, though it was a weird hope to have.

Three hundred volunteer soldiers stood behind her, and the large chamber buzzed at the whispered conversations. Robards was in overall command of this operation, and Daphne was suddenly thankful for the thirty-six hour bootcamp the man demanded from his troops. Their plan was a good one, and from what the goblins could gather, their enemy had no idea they were walking into a trap.

The traitors in Gringotts' employ were quickly found and captured with the help of Snape's intel, and the goblins were just as quick to draw the attack's plan from their new prisoners. They'd been working for months on a long-abandoned cavern, and managed to find the bank's wards hundreds of meters underground. The Death Eaters on the outside spent just as long on a tunnel towards the cavern, and all it would take was to breach the rest of the connection to signal their attack.

Instead of their allies, however, it would be a squad of cave trolls that breached the tunnel, and her mind shuddered at the amount of devastation the beings would cause in the initial confusion. She didn't feel bad for the Death Eaters in the slightest, but she knew it was a painful end for people merely following a madman. The trolls would be recalled after a few moments of terror, as Ragnok wasn't willing to let his foe run in fear. If everything went to plan, the enemy would continue their attack once their opposition retreated, and walk right into the hands of the waiting army.

Seven hundred goblins, three hundred and eight humans, and thirty trolls… and if the surprisingly diverse force couldn't repel the attackers, a further five hundred troops stood at the ready with Gringotts approved portkeys.

"I think we're as ready as we could be," Neville offered into the awkward silence, breaking her from her thoughts.

"You've seen exactly how pear-shaped Voldemort makes things when he joins," her father countered with a grimace. "Preparation is all well and good until he shows up and starts blasting through defenses."

"The intel suggests he won't be," Bill interjected optimistically.

"And how many people do we have at home 'just in case'?"

"Fair point, but Dumbledore and Moody will be here in seconds if he does show up."

"Again… preparation is all well and good…"

The discussion was cut off immediately as Harry turned towards them, leaving the two other men to trail in his wake. Daphne's heart turned to jelly at the fierceness in his eyes, and that jelly turned to butterflies as the fierceness softened when his gaze found hers. Even at a battle's front door, a simple look from her boyfriend could delete any other thought in her brain, and she wasn't sure how she felt about that fact.

"You guys ready?" he asked softly, the hall echoing as the other commanders asked similar questions.

"Bored," Sirius answered with a smirk. "I'm tired of standing in formation, and I'm starting to get hungry…"

"I told you we'd have a long wait," Harry countered with a huff. "There's protein bars in my bag, pass them around."

"Without a drink? We'd choke to death before the Death Eaters get here!"

"Bottles of water in the other compartment, you child. There's a pillow and blanket in there too, if you need a nap."

"If we don't get moving soon, I might."

Daphne grinned as Harry rolled his eyes, turning to her and effectively shutting out his godfather.

"How are you two?" he asked, glancing at Neville to include him.

"Ready," the teen offered confidently from her right.

"I'm fine," she added, wishing she felt it.

"I know how you feel," Harry countered as he stepped closer. "This part's the worst bit, but I've seen you in action… once things kick off you'll feel better, as weird as that sounds."

"I'll feel better when this mess is over for good."

"Then be proud you're a part of getting there."

The honest response froze her in her tracks, surprisingly optimistic in a sea of shit. This was how they'd get to their happy ending, and if framed in the grander perspective, this moment didn't feel so big. She felt her heart beat more normally at the new point of view, and felt a grateful smile grow on her face.

"There you go again with the perfect response…"

"And you with the perfect smile…"

"I'd appreciate a perfect silence, if you two are going to keep flirting," her dad interrupted with a roll of his eyes. "If I thought I could, I'd send you both to your rooms…"

"But Dad," she countered with a sarcastic smirk. "His room is my room."

"Don't remind me."

"Then don't be a jerk."

"You're too much like your mother."

"A fact I'm grateful for," Harry offered with a grin. "Of the two options…"

"Eat a protein bar," Daniel countered with a snarl. "I hope it's dry."

—

Harry could feel the anxiety around him, his people's fear tinting their magical presences. He didn't blame them in the slightest, and if past performance was anything to go by, that anxiety would be gone the second a spell was fired. He squeezed Daphne's hand as she shuddered in anticipation, and felt her calm slightly at the contact. He glanced around at his team, praying to whatever god that existed to keep them safe, and met Sirius' eyes over his girlfriend's head.

His whiny godfather was gone, and a dangerous Lord Black stood in his place. He returned the man's confident nod, and repeated the gesture as his eyes found Remus'. His people would be used as an ancillary unit, only stepping in if the goblins needed them, but he somehow knew they wouldn't get out of here unscathed. A quick glance to Robards showed the man speaking to his second in command, Davies nodding determinedly at whatever order he was receiving.

Putting his people's lives in danger would never get easier, but a quick look towards the host of goblins in front of them steeled his resolve. Those before them were a fraction of their Nation, and he'd even been allowed to listen in as goblins around the world floo-ed to offer them luck. There were twice the number of the beings locked away somewhere above them, protected by a less capable force, and that was who he'd fight for today.

He felt Ragnok's presence turn his way, and as his eyes found the armor-clad leader, the goblin nodded pointedly. He felt a bizarre sense of relief at the unspoken message, and breathed deeply.

"Here we go," he called loudly enough to warn his team.

He extended his magical senses as far as he could, managing to pick up the trolls as they moved forward. He felt bad for the creatures, as most of them would likely be cut down, but knew mentioning such to the goblins would be a bad idea. They treated the trolls as trusted working-pets in a way, and he knew asking if their sacrifice was necessary would be treated with hostility. He couldn't change everything from where he stood right now, but he added it to the ever-growing list for when he could.

The lumbering creatures moved forward slowly, the lead troll holding a specifically designed bomb of sorts. It was originally designed to dig tunnels, and the instrument would attach to the wall, its blast extending into the rock itself. The trolls were trained to follow the explosion, unleashing their might on whatever stood on the other side. They'd be recalled shortly after, but he felt a harsh tinge of pain for the ones who wouldn't be able to heed the call.

He felt the bomb placed in the wall, and could just make out the silent fuse.

"Three seconds," he offered to those around him.

The explosion rent the air impressively, and the cavern was immediately filled with the screams of the dying. He felt the trolls move forward, and the screams intensified, though the goblins in front remained still.

A sharp blast of a horn drew the remaining trolls from the new entrance to the bank, and the screams quieted a bit at the sudden reprieve. He sent one last look to his team, meeting Daphne's eyes last, and kissed her on the cheek to ease her nerves. His own were running rampant, but somehow, having her next to him focused his mind in a way he didn't expect. This experience suddenly felt like a job, as the young woman standing next to him felt like his purpose.

Ragnok was a perfectionist, and that fact proved itself in his planning. His troops were formed up out of sight, and as the Death Eaters turned the final corner that revealed them, it would be far too late to retreat. The leader of the goblins knew exactly what he was doing, and the suddenness of their apparent 'arrival' would ensure the Death Eaters were well within range of the goblins' close combat magic and blades.

His eyes turned to the goblin, finding him seemingly at ease, with one hand raised slightly for the rest to see. Harry knew the falling of that hand would signal the attack, and he could feel the tension building in front of him as the beings clamored to defend their home.

His team held their breath around him, though he breathed normally. He had to, as Daphne was stealing glances in his direction every few seconds. The Azkaban operation was different in that way, as they'd arrived knowing they were in constant danger. Today, however, the danger was taking its time, and if things went well, they'd never even see the enemy. Her heartbeat was racing, so he forced his to slow in compensation.

He watched as Ragnok held perfectly still, his commanders also watching in rapt awareness. He was more patient than Harry was, and the teen couldn't help but respect the stillness of the goblin's hand. His expression showed his excitement for the battle, but the conversations he'd had with the goblin allowed him to understand the expression was for show. Ragnok was as nervous as anyone in this chamber, but he had a role to play. He played it well.

Harry felt the Death Eaters quickly regroup after the violent greeting, and he could sense them finally move forward as a unit. They seemed to be in rank and file, a surprising realization, though their training wouldn't hold up for long if they continued. Ragnok looked to him in question, and he held up a hand with his fingers outstretched. He dropped one as the enemy crept closer, and another shortly after.

His next two fell surprisingly fast, and as he pulled his thumb into his hand, Ragnok raised his battle axe.

"For the Nation!" the goblin leader screamed, his people raising their weapons in response.

The call was repeated throughout the chamber, and the speed at which the formation surged forward was impressive to the wizards behind.

—

The Elder Wand itched on his forearm, begging to be drawn and brought to bear. Harry fought the feeling distractedly, as he focused on the unseen fighting happening somewhere in front of him. He could feel Ragnok swinging furiously, though he also felt a sickeningly large number of lives snuffed out just around the corner.

"Marshal!" Robards called loudly. "We should join them!"

"No," he called back firmly, though he understood the man's passion. "We're the reserve unit, and they've yet to call for us. There are countless tunnels and unknown entrances to this chamber, turn your men out to watch the flanks."

Robards did so without complaint, though Harry could feel the man's frustration. The loss of his best friend demanded recompensation, and Harry couldn't blame him in the slightest. The battle plan they'd drawn up demanded they be left behind however, and he knew it was for the best.

"Anticlimactic," Bill whispered behind them. "Could've stayed home at this rate…"

"Don't jinx us just yet," Remus hissed in warning.

"You hear 'em, Moony," Sirius countered frustratedly. "I'm all for Death Eaters dying, but I'd like to see it at least."

"How many are they?" Charlie asked, his eyes finding Harry's.

"Around four hundred, though they're being cut down quickly."

"And how many goblins?" Daniel asked, his tone showing his concern for the people.

"We've lost a hundred… maybe two."

Neville's unspoken words were cut off with a gesture, as a large presence of magic pinged Harry's consciousness. Hundreds of magical folk were approaching from far behind, and his heart fell at the realization.

"Grimlock!" he called desperately, the goblin liaison turning from Robards immediately. "How much do you trust the force you left behind?"

"I trust a few with my life," the goblin called back immediately. "The others are newer trainees that I haven't met!"

"You have traitors among them… At least three hundred goblins are leading a huge number of Death Eaters towards us from behind."

"Impossible!"

"You're welcome to join us at our sudden second front if you'd like to see for yourself! Robards, turn your men around and prepare for attack! My team, grab on..."

He felt seven hands touch him as they moved to do so, though he was surprised as Robards and Grimlock joined them. Moving nine others through Gringotts' impressive wards was an exhausting thought in hindsight, and the reality proved the thought lacking in reality. They appeared at the back of their combined force, though Robards' loud command quickly turned the troops.

"Charlie," Harry offered weakly, though he knew his reserve would return in time to face the new attack. "I need a minute, you're in charge…"

"Remus!" he heard the man call immediately. "Summon Dumbledore, Moody, and the rest of Alpha. Harry's gonna be out of commission for a bit…"

—

"Fuck!"

Charlie couldn't help but echo his brother's response to their leader falling to the ground, though a strange part of him was anxious for the fight.

"Daphne!" he called immediately, though he barely spared the girl a glance. "You and Neville protect Harry while he recovers, shields and conjured walls only. Let the rest of us work while he figures himself out."

"Fine, but we need his bag," the teen replied. "He carries Pepper-Ups."

He watched as Sirius tossed the bag, and Neville caught it expertly. He turned his attention forward, finally hearing the approaching hoard, and leveled his wand while pooling his magic. The spell was a rare one, something he'd mastered just days ago, but the animated dragon's breath would sear just as well as its real counterpart, and its range was impressive.

The magically sentient dragon soared through the distant tunnel with intent, and the chamber was thick with new screams of pain. He cringed at the sound, but knew they needed every second they could get. He was the power behind the small group with Harry down, and that thought wasn't a welcome one.

"PREEEE-PARE!" Robards screamed from his left, the first half of a familiar command. "SHIELDS!"

Charlie watched as a chest high stone wall was erected in front of their forces, and two others placed behind the first. The first three ranks, finished with their task, took a knee while ranks four and five cast a diagonal stone ceiling atop the walls. The ceiling left a large enough gap to fire through, but small enough that it was almost impenetrable from a distance. The last two ranks cast the strongest area shields they could manage behind the walls to protect the front ranks from debris, and the unit was finally ready for battle.

It was an impressive display, but the enemy at their back worried Charlie in a way he'd yet to feel. In all other engagements he'd merely reacted, and the waiting brought out an insecurity that he didn't like. He had too much time to think, and those thoughts seemed to weigh on him. Narcissa was the first to cross his mind, his mother the second, and his Dad, waiting in his office for word, nearly brought the man to his knees.

"Charlie!" Remus called sharply, drawing him from his thoughts. "We should pull back until Harry's with us, but it's your call…"

He did so slowly, his mind casting about wildly for an idea for how to slow the approaching hoard. He saw Albus and Moody portkey in on his right, and gestured the older men back towards the wall. Harry'd been loath to include them, as the close quarters and uneven terrain would hamper them, but Charlie couldn't help but feel thankful for the added power. His team was similarly hindered by the immovable walls the rest of the troops had trained to use in this situation, their mobility and speed proving to be their biggest force multiplier, but he'd rather be outside the walls than stuck behind them anyway.

The sound from the tunnel fifty meters in front grew impressively, and he cast his mind around for possible solutions. Collapsing the entrance completely would be a death sentence for any goblins left above them, but allowing the Death Eaters through would likely prove the same for some of their men. The decision was an impossible one, and he cast a quick glance at Harry to find the teen barely sitting upright.

"We pull them in," he finally decided, turning his back on the approaching enemy. "Hear me!"

He watched as the troops turned as one, except for Daphne and Neville… the first helping Harry regain his strength, the other casting his eyes around determinedly, unwilling to drop his guard.

"We're outnumbered!" he called, projecting his voice with a spell. "No doubt about it… there's hundreds heading right for us, and hundreds at our backs! But we'll hold our line until Ragnok is done on his end, and we'll make these bastards wish they'd never attacked our friends! Keep your walls and shields strong, and have no fucking mercy as you fire between them!"

The roar of agreement was staggering, and Charlie's heart thumped loudly in response. It was a bizarre feeling, ordering men and women to their deaths, but the confidence they responded with was like a drug. He felt himself filled with adrenaline as he moved backwards to his group, and smiled in gratitude at Dumbledore as the man cast an impressive shield of his own in front of Bill's.

"Not bad, little brother," Bill called with a grin. "If you're thinking of a military coup, let me know."

"I'll settle for a military time-out until Harry recovers," he countered with a smirk.

"I dunno," Sirius interjected. "Rome was best when they were fighting amongst themselves…"

"Dumbest thing you've ever said," Remus offered with a roll of his eyes, as the attacking horde continued their rush towards the chamber.

"That's a tough thing to prove…"

The surprising reply was the loveliest sound Charlie had ever heard, though he made a mental note to never say that out loud. His head whipped around fast enough to guarantee an appointment at the hospital, though the effort was worth it as he saw Harry standing tall, a grateful smile on his face.

"Thanks, Charlie."

"Fuck you, Harry."

"Would you prefer I lie down again?"

"Absolutely not. It's my turn for a nap."

—

Harry couldn't help but laugh at the relief in his friend's eyes, walking forward to take Charlie's place while dropping a grateful hand on his shoulder. The apparition through the wards took more from him than he expected, but he knew the soldiers at his back were just as capable regardless of which direction they faced. He nodded to Albus and Moody, glad for their presence in case Voldemort showed up, but from what he could feel behind him, that half of the battle was almost over. The remaining forty Alpha troops porkeyed in and drew up on their left flank, and he knew he had hundreds of others in reserve should he need them, but he'd rather get out of this with as small a number of friendly troops in danger as possible.

He felt the approaching horde as they closed in, Charlie's dragon slowing them only slightly, though he extended his magic even further into the tunnel. He could almost feel the weight bearing beams and wards at the far end, and he knew if he pushed forward just a bit, he could collapse the entire tunnel behind them.

"This is gonna sound crazy…" he offered hesitantly, his team looking at him in confusion. "I need to move forward twenty meters or so, but I know that's a tough thing to ask…"

"I'll pave the way, give yourself another minute." Charlie offered immediately, earning another grateful smile.

"I'm coming with, and I'll drag Remus and Daniel with me," Sirius added with a confident nod.

"Robards!" Moody called in response. "We need a squad of your best…"

"First Squad!" the man called immediately. "On me, shields at the ready!"

The new front ranks parted to let the back rank through, and Samuel Davies led the men and women to stand at Harry's back. He turned to offer them a grateful smile, just as the Death Eaters rounded the last corner between them and the chamber. Davies turned back to the larger unit as Robards placed him in overall command, with an order to turn the flanks out to cover all other avenues of attack, with those facing the tunnel firing constantly.

"Five seconds until we're dropped in it," he called loudly. "The only friendly goblin in front of you is Grimlock beside me. Kill anyone else you see, and stay safe."

The thirty men and women expressed their agreement loudly, and Harry turned his back on them to face the coming threat.

A/N: Sorry for the cliffhanger, but I promise 47 covers the entirety of the battle, and the… fallout. It's securely buttoned up at the end, so at least it's not two cliffies in a row. Thanks again for reading!