When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 37

The Battle of Warsaw

Although it was June, the Polish summer felt more like a warm spring in the northeast of the country. Not that the weather was of any concern to Harry. No, Grindelwald's forces would arrive soon, and having returned the very same day he had taken in Gaulitier's comrade, he had been preparing for this eventuality.

As best he could, he had ensured that that any attacking force wouldn't simply walk into Warsaw unopposed. Harry knew that it was almost inevitable that Poland would fall, even Federov had not tried to encourage him otherwise. His task was to delay it, to put up a semblance of a fight.

Abandoning the people here did not sit right with him, but much to his relief, it seemed that many had decided to cut their losses and fled to wherever they could.

Evidently, the Pols felt the noose closing around them too, and they did not wish to be here when it tightened.

The magical streets were now deserted, the shops boarded up, for what good that would do.

Little he suspected, but he was grateful for the absence of people whilst he went about his business.

Still, he needed to be careful that no innocents were caught in the crossfire of what was to greet Grindelwald's men, and even more so because, according to Federov, the ICW were dispatching a token force to protect the Polish magical district.

Harry was under no illusions that the force sent to oppose the Dark Lord would be successful in doing so.

Just like him, they were merely here to delay, not to seek victory. They wouldn't be ready for such a push, not for some weeks yet.

Already, Harry felt like he was fighting an uphill battle, and until the gap between how ready the ICW and Grindelwald respectively was closed, dark days such as the one he faced now would continue.

(Break)

William had not expected to be called into action so soon after signing up, but having learned what was to transpire, it had been his group selected to assist with the defence of Poland.

As explained by Moody, they were to arrive at the Polish ministry and meet with others that would be waiting for them.

From there, they were to collectively come up with a plan to defend Warsaw, one that Moody had already told them would be fruitless.

Checking the grey robes he had been issued to ensure he had everything he needed, he joined the rest of his team in the departure room, the mood within as dull as their garments.

The grey, according to Moody, would help them blend in with the urban setting they would be fighting in. Not that they would make much difference.

There was little chance of victory coming, not that William had mentioned this to his family.

Angelica and Charlus were beside themselves with worry and telling them that he would be heavily outnumbered would not have gone over well at all. Having been informed of this by Moody, it didn't fill William with confidence either, but he was needed here.

He had seen some of the others that had volunteered, and if they were to be dispatched without further training, they would become nothing more than martyrs, victims of a needless bloodbath.