The Witch and The Hunters

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Page count: 6

"Hoods up, boys," Hermione instructed as Harry approached her.

She quickly met him halfway and they greeted with a hug and when they pulled back from each other, he gestured to the hooded Sam and Dean and she nodded to his unasked question.

"They refused to leave, I've explained the rules, they know the consequences and I've given them as much protection as I could with rushed and incomplete runes."

"Their death wish," Harry shrugged unbothered by their presence. "I can't believe you actually found them."

"Me either, we've been waiting for this for almost a decade," she muttered.

"Let's get it over with," he agreed and he handed her the rolled-up blueprints she'd asked for. "Gift from Kingsley,"

"Thanks, let's get the layout figured out whilst the others prepare."

A table was conjured and they unrolled the blueprints, for twenty minutes they studied the blueprints and when they had come up with a plan, they stepped back and banished the table and blueprints, before getting everyone to crowd around. As this took place, the five Curse Breakers set to removing the wards and curses protecting the building.

"Okay, everyone, this is the moment we've been waiting for," Hermione started. "For almost a decade we've been hunting these murderous psychopaths and the time has finally come to put them all where they belong. After today, our world, our families, our businesses, our future, will be safe and protected and it will be because of you; your hard work, determination and bravery. You have dedicated your lives to protecting the innocent and the time has come to do that once more. I'm not going to sugar coat it, we're about to walk into what I am sure is going to be a blood bath, but, I'm confident that you're all capable of handling yourselves. Due to the large number of Death Eaters proven to be in the building, we will be at a ratio of one Auror to two Death Eaters, which I know you are more than capable of handling."

"Well all know what these Death Eaters are capable of, we've all seen the hurt they've caused and it's now that we have the opportunity to prevent it from happening again. We know this is going to be dangerous, so before we discuss strategies, if there is anyone here that wishes to leave, you may do so now and without judgment," Harry said, but no one moved or spoke up. "Alright then, let's begin."

"As soon as the wards and curses protecting the warehouse are removed, you will be separated into five teams. One team will be led by myself, and for those that don't know, I am Head Auror Hermione Granger. Another team will be led by Head Auror Harry Potter, another by Head Auror Charles, the fourth team will be headed by Deputy Auror Valentino and the final team will be headed by Deputy Auror Lance. The first four teams will be inside the warehouse and the final team is to be tasked with patrolling the perimeter so that if there are any escapees, they can be caught and detained quickly. There are four entrances into the building, two on the ground floor, one on the first floor and the final entrance is on the roof; we will each take an entrance. Once the mission begins, Anti-apparition wards will be erected meaning neither us nor the Death Eaters will be able to escape through apparition," Hermione explained.

"Some of these Death Eaters fought in the war, they have the most experience and are more ruthless. Luckily for us, most of the Death Eaters are new recruits from after the war, some are still in their teenage years. They don't have the experience we do, nor do they have the magical confidence in spell casting or shield charms. But, they'll be desperate and a desperate wizard is a dangerous wizard."

"What Harry's trying to say is be careful, always be on your guard and don't let your opponent get the best of you, don't show weakness and don't give them ammunition that they can use against you." Hermione's searched the gathered Aurors and a nod from the Senior Curse Breaker let her know his job was done. "Okay, it seems we're ready. Does everybody have their standard arsenal belts and are they secure and fully stocked?" Everyone chorused their confirmations. "Alright then, we'll split into groups and get this over with, I want this finished before sundown so we can all go home to our families. Port-keys to both the British and American Ministries and St. Helga's are on standby."