Magic, Curses and Gods Amongst Men || HP x JJK

Harry was sitting in Giuseppe's office reading through a book on lightning magic that the minister had been kind enough to provide him. Though to say that the Belgian Minister was thankful would be an understatement; he had even gone as far as to try and entice Harry to set down his roots in Belgium. If he did he'd be given all manner of riches and access to any information he wanted. While it was a tempting offer Harry wasn't interested, he valued his freedom too much to be confined to one place.

As Harry sat and read the book he found himself wondering about everyone back at Hogwarts. He knew they were alive... well most of them, he had asked Louis if he could look into it and the man had obliged. They all seemed to still be at Hogwarts with the exception of Susan who was currently being homeschooled. It hurt that such a pure soul could be subjected to what happened on Halloween night.

'It's your fault.'

Harry's hands clenched around the book. He had been warned, by Merlin, by Bella, by Dumbledore and yet he had not listened. If he had... things would've been different, he could've saved so many more.

Harry took a moment to compose himself, taking a deep breath before exhaling. "Keep moving forward," Harry whispered to himself.

*Knock*

*Knock*

Harry interpreted from his thoughts looked to the door. "Come in," he said loud enough for them to hear. Coming in with Giuseppe Rossi was Louis Delacour, though he was brought in a wheelchair as it seemed he had still not fully healed enough to travel long distances.

"Minister Delacour, Minister Rossi," Harry said formally as he shut the book and stood up.

"Please Harry call me Giuseppe, you have more than earned the right," Giuseppe said as he crossed the distance embracing Harry.

"He's right, I shudder to think what would become of our countries had you not stepped in," Louis added.

Harry nodded before looking at Louis. "I'm surprised to see you here, I thought you'd still be recovering."

Louis chuckled humourlessly. "I am still recovering, alas war waits for no man, and with Belgium now free to join us against Grindelwald many plans must be made."

"I see, so what will be our next offensive?" Harry asked.

Both ministers looked at each other before looking to Harry. "Harry we both appreciate the work you've done for us, but we both believe that you should take a few weeks, maybe months to rest and recover," Louis suggested.

"I am fine, I don't need to sit around doing nothing for a few weeks," Harry said back.

"Maybe not, but our next plan of action is a defensive one, we both believe that the best course of action will be to shore up the defences of everything we've managed to retake," Louis replied.

Harry frowned before leaning forward. "You're doing nothing?" He asked in an emotionless tone.

"Do not think of it as us doing nothing, it is merely making sure we don't lose what we have gained," Giuseppe said trying to support his friend.

However, this didn't seem to appease Harry as his fists tightened and his anger grew. "All the fighting, all the deaths, all the sacrifices, and you're going to do nothing while we have Grindelwald on the back foot!" He shouted.

"It's more complicated than that Har-"

"You're cowards!" He shouted as he banged his hand against the table cracking the wood. "We are close to winning and you're going to squander our chance giving the enemy time to recuperate!" Harry was fuming, after all he'd done for them they were pissing it all away because they were afraid of losing what they had.

While Giuseppe didn't reply choosing to be silent. Louis was not happy at Harry's accusations. Struggling slightly he stood up out of his wheelchair before standing up to his full height. "You may be a powerful wizard Harry, but you are still just a boy," he said, the words hitting Harry hard.

"You have done well, none will deny that and we are all thankful, but you've kicked the hornets nest, and because of that Grindelwald is going to hit us hard and if our defence's are not prepared we stand to lose a lot more than we did previously."

"You killed an Acolyte, you've recaptured Belgium, Grindelwald will raise our cities to the ground if he cannot have them."

Louis started to cough before he sat down in his chair. "Now take this time to rest while we endure the storm, visit Ciri and Yennefer, I know they have both been eager to see you."

Harry felt slightly deflated, he wasn't ignorant enough to not recognise a good point. However there was a part of him that didn't care, that just wanted to fight Grindelwald and kill them all. "I'll think about it," he said before standing up and leaving the room leaving the two Ministers in there slightly worried about what may happen next.

————————————————————

Place Cachee was a beautiful place, the heart of wizarding France. Here is where young witches and wizards come to get their wands and everything they need for the upcoming school year. From potion ingredients to books on spell craft, to trunks and animal companions Place Cachee had it all. However, unlike its counterpart in Britain, this place focused more on aesthetically pleasing scenery, numerous fountains made of marble, public parks filled with magical fauna with many fine dining experiences. Even the goblins at the French branch of Gringotts were more pleasant.

However, that was before.

Now the streets were empty with the exception of those loyal to Grindelwald who ran and laughed as they had fun enforcing the new laws brought upon them. French witches and wizards screamed as they were dragged from their homes; houses and businesses were set alight. Ahead of a group of dark wizards was Aurelius Dumbledore, one of Grindelwalds Acolytes. This was his district, which he was told to protect. This was the heart of magical France, not only did it have the entrance to their ministry, but it had where they kept their gold; it was the closest thing to a capital city that they had.

Near the entrance of the ministry, another Acolyte stood guard. This one was none other than MacDuff, the one responsible for Hannah Abbott's death. He stood there drowning one of the ministry workers in the Phoenix fountain, they had been discovered passing information to French Aurors so after torturing the man for hours under the Cruciatus he was now killing him in a rather muggle way. Macduff was like that however, he liked feeling when a person's life left their body. In fact, he had a line of people waiting just so he could execute them personally.

Walking through the burning streets was one of the last survivors of the Belgium detachment. He pushed past the others as he made his way through a narrow winding path; he ignored all of the screams and shouting, and he didn't even wait for Macduff to finish with his execution.

"Sir I have brought a message for Lord Grindelwald it's of great importance," The man said with a slight panic in his voice, he had not slept for days, it had taken him nearly a week to get to friendly territory where he could get a portkey that brought him here.

"It can wait..." Macduff growled with a manic grin on his face as the man beneath him struggled to breathe. "Yes... I like this method, though the hammer was good as well," he said to one of his men next to him.

"Sir! Belgium has been retaken, the blue eye has been cast over it!" The man shouted out.

Macduff froze, in doing so the man under him was able to break the surface of the water and get a large inhale of air. "What did you say?" Macduff said looking up at the man before him.

"Belgium has been taken, our whole detachment was annihilated and those who survived are scattered," The man reiterated.

Macduff's face started to twitch and his arms trembled before he grabbed the informant who was in the fountain and dragged him out. He threw him to the floor before kicking him in the stomach as he tried to run away. He gestured to the man next to him with an open hand, and the man placed a hammer into it. Macduff grabbed him by the shoulder and flipped him round. "No! No! Wait! Wait!"

*CRACK*

Macduff smashed the hammer into the man's face over and over again until it became nothing more than a puddle of broken bones and flesh. He then pushed his hair back as it had become a mess. "Perhaps muggle ways aren't half bad," he said with a chuckle before gesturing to his man. "Let him in," he said.

The survivor quickly went inside just as Macduff was calling the next prisoner who was ready to be executed. Heading down the elevator he took a moment to compose himself; he wasn't over what he'd witnessed in Brussels, seeing all of his friends being washed away by a gigantic wave, seeing water dragons shoot from the wave and drag people back into its depths. Watching as the blindfolded demon cut them down by the dozen. Even thinking of it was making him shake, there were rumours that even Grindelwalds Acolytes were no match for his power and that only Lord Grindelwald himself would be able to put a stop to him.

He didn't know whether these rumours were true or not but based on what he'd seen he doubted them a lot less now. When the doors opened he was greeted to a large atrium that was in disarray; Grindelwald had given all of his men free reign on what to do in the city, he had said that even if this place were reduced to rubble it would not matter. He wanted obedience from Europe, not its land or its resources.

He walked through the atrium watching as a few childish men swung on the chandeliers while others shot spells at French aurors that had been pinned against the wall. Turning down a corridor he passed by various offices, each one was occupied.

"No! No! Get off!" A French witch screamed as she was grabbed and held down on the table as a few others got undressed. This was quite a common scene as he passed by with others already mid-way through the act.

"Otto!"

The man stopped in his tracks and turned to one of the offices. He saw his friend Karl who was partially naked and thrusting inside of a battered and bruised French witch. "When did you come back from Belgium?" He asked not even slowing his pace.

"Yeah..." Otto replied holding his trembling hands, he hoped his friend wouldn't notice.

"Come and join the party! I hear that there is a Veela in the records room, if we get there in time maybe she won't be too... used." He followed this up with a raunchy laugh that the others in the room echoed.

"I have news I must deliver to Lord Grindelwald... I'll find you after," Otto said before leaving. While he would've usually taken such an invitation, his fear drove him forward. That blue-eyed demon had animated a house to walk, he saw a house slap wizards on brooms out of the sky. A house!

He then came to the final corridor where at the end was the minister of magic's office and what was currently being inhabited by Lord Grindelwald. In front of the office was of course an Acolyte —this one Abernathy. When Otto approached, Abernathy barely even regarded him, he was leaning back against the wall reading a book. "What do you want?" He said not looking up from the pages.

"I bring a message for Lord Grindelwald," Otto replied.

Abernathy drew his wand and cast a spell on Otto. He didn't know what it did but it felt like his whole body had just been touched. He then felt his wand slide from his sleeve and into Abernathy's pocket. "You can get it on your way out," he said before tapping his wand against the door. It opened... Otto took a deep breath before walking in.

...

The French Minister of Magic's office was kept very neat and orderly, even after Grindelwalds occupation of it the Dark Lord kept it neat and tidy as Louis Delacour had before him.

"Being a Leader means making sacrifices... are you listening to me Lyra," Grindelwald said as he slapped his wand down on the table making her flinch.

"Yes my Lord," she said sitting straight. Lyra as common with women of the Black lineage was incredibly beautiful, she had Raven black hair that cascaded in shining curls down her back. Her eyes were a violet colour, her jaw was slim and her cheekbones were high. However, it seemed that she had not inherited the madness that sometimes festered within the bloodline.

"Good... these lessons are important Lyra," Grindelwald said with a soft smile as he leaned down on the table. "You are the only one who will carry on my vision... when I eventually-"

"Don't say that my Lord," Lyra cut him off. She did not like it when he spoke of these things. Lyra was an orphan, while she knew —with help from Grindelwald— that she descended from the Black family. She never felt any connection to them, she still considered herself an orphan; one that was taken in by Grindelwald and made into a powerful witch. Not many people can say they've had the personal tutelage of Gellert Grindelwald one of the most powerful wizards in the world.

"So the future has changed?" Grindelwald asked, though it was a rhetorical question. Lyra was a seeress, and she had spoken a prophecy that involved Grindelwald a few months ago.

*When the Hallows rise, in darkest hour,

A shadowed crown shall claim its power.

But eyes of six, with blue so bright,

Shall pierce through lies and end the night.

The Phoenix bound in chains of old,

Shall hide its flame, though wings are bold.

The Boy shall stand with wand and will,

Yet love's old scar shall make the kill.

For though the Six shall face the fall,

It is the flame that ends it all.

The Deathly mark shall fade to none,

With Phoenix fire has come undone.*

It was clear to Grindelwald that this prophecy involved him and Harry Potter. He was the only user of the six eyes, and from what he could determine Harry would be responsible for his downfall, but he couldn't be sure. Prophecies were fickle and could sometimes be misleading. He could be the phoenix or he could be the hallow, and if he were both would that mean he was responsible for his own downfall? He couldn't be sure. What he did know was that prophecies were a real and powerful magic, and if he tried too hard to break the prophecy he would only end up fulfilling it. Fate was not something to be played around with.

"No... prophecies do not change," Lyra said looking down at the table.

"Indeed, we can only hope that our interpretation is wrong," Grindelwald said as he sat down.

"Or we could kill Harry Potter," Lyra said her head snapping up.

Grindelwald chuckled as he looked at her. "If Harry is the one meant to cast me down then our confrontation will only speed up the prophecy."

"Then have one of your acolytes kill him... send me I will do it!" Lyra nearly shouted. Grindelwald however shook his head again.

"After Krafft's death, I can't risk sending any more of you, it is only because of the Acolytes that we have done so well in the war, wizards of their calibre are one in a million," Grindelwald stated. "The best thing to do is to continue to try and bring Harry over to our side or at least remove any faith he has in our enemies."

"B-But he's already on their side! He's going to fight you regardless of whether you fight back or not!" Lyra said desperately. Grindelwald while a harsh mentor was like a father figure to her, from what it sounded like it was as if he accepted death. None of the acolytes knew of the prophecy, Grindelwald had made her promise not to tell them as he said the more who knew the less control there was when it came to influencing it.

"Lyra you should know better than anyone that fate is not to be played with, this was your prophecy," Grindelwald said. "I will not rush headfirst into a prophecy, Voldemort has already shown me what the results of that are, involving the same person no less."

Seeing the distraught look on Lyra's face he sighed. "I am confident in my immortality and power, there is only one man on the planet that can kill me and he is not Harry Potter," Grindelwald said trying to assure her.

Lyra nodded however they were both interrupted when the door opened and a man came inside. Grindelwald looked at him. "Otto I suppose you have a reason for interrupting a private tutoring session."

Otto was taken back slightly by the fact that Grindelwald knew who he was, but he composed himself a second later and stood up straight. "Yes my Lord, I have a matter of grave importance," he said.

Grindelwald leaned back in his seat and gestured for him to talk. "Speak freely."

"Belgium has fallen to the enemy, I was there, part of the detachment. The blue eye has been cast over Brussels," he said a slight tremor in his voice. "The Minister of Belgium has rallied his forces and pushed us out of the other cities with the help of the French."

Grindelwald was silent for a moment taping the Elder Wand against the table. "How did they overcome the detachment that was left in Brussels?" Grindelwald asked.

"A young wizard... he conjured a wave that swept through the city, it drowned and crushed everyone outside..." the man said, gripping his arm to stop it from shaking.

"I see..." Grindelwald said. He then smiled at Otto "You've done well to bring me this news, now go and get some rest, we have some arduous days ahead of us."

"Yes my Lord," Otto said as he bowed before leaving.

When he shut the door behind him Lyra turned to Grindelwald. "Regardless of the prophecy Harry Potter needs to be dealt with, he's nearly single-handedly changing the war," she said.

Grindelwald frowned but he nodded "You're right, but any action taken against him could influence or speed up the prophecy."

"Or it could be our inaction that causes it," she added.

Grindelwald chuckled. "True, prophecies are indeed very tricky, I'll have to think on what to do."

Lyra however had another idea, one that perhaps would work. "Perhaps there is one person who could kill Harry without it having any adverse effects towards you..." she commented.

Grindelwald looked towards her curiously urging her to continue. "Voldemort... if he was the one to kill Harry perhaps it would influence your prophecy," she suggested.

Grindelwald smiled. "I see your thinking, you believe that since Voldemort has a prophecy concerning Harry that it would allow him to kill Harry and therefore break the prophecy between us."

Grindelwald rubbed his chin. "I must say it's an interesting idea, something that I don't think has ever happened before."

"Will you try it," Lyra asked.

Grindelwald considered it for a few minutes. Playing with fate and manipulating destiny had consequences, but what Lyra suggested seemed to be a loophole. Voldemort and Harry were linked together through prophecy just as he was, and their prophecy was much older than theirs. "It is worth trying, I'm sure Voldemort will relish the chance to kill Harry," Grindelwald finally decided.

"However for now there are more important issues to deal with," Grindelwald stated.

"France has been able to push us back much more than I would like, so tell me Lyra in a situation like this what should I do?" Grindelwald asked.

Lyra looked thoughtful for a few minutes. "Louis Delacour is a highly competent Minister, he's a powerful wizard and has proven to be a good tactician, if we remove him then France will be put on the back foot as they try to replace him."

"Indeed, Louis after Harry is our biggest adversary in this war," Grindelwald said nodding his head. "And once France falls so will the rest of Europe."

"How will we kill Delacour? He's been in hiding since he was injured by Abernathy," Lyra asked.

"Don't worry, we have an informant in the French ministry who has given us the location of Chateau Delacour, he will supply us a port key close by and I will break through their wards," Grindelwald stated.

"You are going yourself?" Lyra asked.

Grindelwald nodded. "I think it's time I take a more active role in this war."

"And I will start by eradicating Louis Delacour and his family."

————————————————————

(15 Grimmauld Place)

Andromeda Tonks —formerly Andromeda Black— loved her family, well at least most of her family. But it wasn't half frustrating being related to people who have a petulant for madness and were more likely than not extremely hot-headed. Ever since the incident at Hogwarts her daughter had been antisocial which she understood, but even months after the event she remained angry, she was constantly on a hair trigger. Even calling her Nymphadora set her off despite the fact she had always called her by her name.

Now add on to that fact that her sister Bella was in very much the same boat. She had shut herself away at their family home, she said she was taking a break from Hogwarts but it was becoming more and more likely that this break was a permanent one.

Someone needed to do something and there were very few Blacks left to get involved. Narcissa had rarely talked to them since her marriage to Lucius, Sirius was in Azkaban, and the Black Head of House was rarely ever seen in public anymore; she would've thought he was dead if not for him making the news in his showing at the Wizengamot. So it was left to her to pick up the pieces of the family, which was why she was now in her ancestral home. Bella had been trapped in this dreary place for far too long.

As she emerged from the fireplace she shuddered as she felt the wards of the house move over her skin. Anyone who did not have Black blood or is not a guest would find themselves taking a trip to St Mungo's. Andromeda looked around wrinkling her nose slightly, it was just as dreary and depressing as she remembered.

Walking out of the entryway into the main living area she found it all empty. "Kreacher," she spoke softly as she looked around the main room.

A pop later and the old house elf was with her. "Filthy Blood Traitor is not welcome here, Mistress will not be happy to see you tarnish the purity of this house," the House elf croaked.

Andromeda kept a blank face as she looked at the House Elf. "Still as pleasant as ever I see," she commented as she walked past Kreacher.

"Would you please let Bella know I am here, so she can come out of whatever hole she's wallowing in," Andromeda instructed the House Elf.

"Kreacher doesn't follow orders of Filthy Blood Traitor, she is no longer a member of the House of Black, Kreacher wishes the House Wards would deal with you," Kreacher spat out.

Andromeda sighed. "Very well I shall find her myself," she said as she woke out of the room heading towards the staircase. She avoided a few of the floorboards knowing they'd been cursed by her Aunt years ago when she tried to teach them. They were cursed to make you slip if you did not walk the right way; something about making sure to always have a noble bearing. She walked up the staircase avoiding the fourth and with step as they were cursed as well.

When she arrived at the top of the staircase she heard talking. Familiar talking, she continued walking down feeling the house wards scanning her movement as she went. It seemed despite having Black Blood, being struck from the family tree had made the House suspicious of her. As she got closer she recognised the voices that were speaking, the first one didn't surprise her as it was her Sister, but the second one did as it was none other than her daughter —who was supposed to be at Hogwarts right now.

When she went into what used to be the office of Arcturus Black she saw Bella and Nymphadora standing around the table speaking. "What's going on here," Andromeda said as she walked into the room.

"Andi?"

"Mum?"

"You're supposed to be at school right now Nymphadora, I hope you have a good excuse for being here," She said sternly.

Tonks looked at Bella who looked back at her. Admittedly Bella was looking a lot better than she had before, she looked as if she'd showered and changed into fresh clothes —and even done her makeup.

"This is very important Andi," Bella said answering for Tonks.

Andromeda raised an eyebrow waiting for an explanation. "I'm listening."

Bella lifted up a copy of the daily prophet. "The Daily Prophet has had a few issues covering the war in Europe as every journalist that's been sent has ended up being captured by Grindelwald and hadn't returned," she explained. She then handed the copy of the newspaper to Andromeda. "But it seems Rita Skeeter managed to sneak into Belgium during an occupation, look at who was there!"

Andromeda looked at the front page and she had to admit she was surprised.

*HARRY POTTER THE-BOY-WHO-WON*

On the front page was a picture of Harry wearing a blindfold and dark duelist robes. He stood in front of the ministry building shaking hands with Giuseppe Rossi, it didn't seem they knew that a photo was being taken as the angle made it look like it came from the top of a building. In the article under it, Rita described how Harry had summoned a wave a least a hundred feet high and washed away all the dark witches and wizards. How he had used all manner of spells and had it was possible that he may have duelled with Grindelwald and made the latter retreat when he entered the ministry building.

"He's been gone for so long, to show up now of all times," Andromeda said —mostly to herself. She then looked up to her sister. "What do you plan to do?" She asked.

"What do you think I'm going to go and bring him home," Bella said with deep determination.

"We are going to," Tonks added.

Andromeda sighed, she was not looking forward to this conversation.

(AN: So Harry has kicked the hornets nest and now all of France are going to experience the wrath of Grindelwald. The final battle is close and it's gonna be big in scale but first we are gonna have a little taste. Anyway I hope you enjoyed the chapter.)

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