When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 46

The Fires of Paris

The mood in the chambers of the International Confederation of Warlocks was sombre, the representatives of each member country wearing grim expressions and spending much of the time muttering amongst themselves.

Harry would be too if he was in their unenviable position, but he wasn't.

Here, his opinions meant nothing and that would suit him just fine were it not for the thousands of lives at stake.

"Might I ask why his men are marching towards the border and not apparating?" the Spanish representative asked.

Ghost cleared his throat.

"I don't know," he answered. "I suppose he could be concerned about traps waiting for them."

"And are there any?" the Spaniard followed up.

Ghost shook his head.

"No."

"Why ever not?"

Ghost stood straighter, evidently not appreciating the accusive tone.

"Our efforts have been focused on fortifying Paris. For weeks we have been preparing for this attack. I can assure you all that everything is under control, it is just a matter of Grindelwald coming to us."

The representatives muttered amongst themselves once more and Harry shook his head disapprovingly.

It was a poor plan.

"I hope you are right," the Supreme Mugwump said severely. "The Minister has assured me that all our aurors will be placed at your disposal."

Harry could understand his position.

The man was French and concerned for the safety of his country.

"Did your scouts manage to get an accurate count of how many?" Doge questioned.

Ghost shuffled awkwardly.

"Not entirely," Fox broke in, "but we were told around three thousand. Our scouts didn't want to get too close."

"About what we expected," Doge mused aloud.

"From my count, it was closer to six thousand," Harry explained, shooting Fox a look of annoyance.

Had the woman even verified anything for herself?

"Six thousand?" Doge pressed.

"Not true!" Fox defended, only to be waved off by the Supreme Mugwump.

"You are certain you saw six thousand men?"

Harry nodded.

"Grindelwald has recently added to his numbers by recruiting abroad. He has men from Africa and Asia, likely more places," he explained. "His ranks have swelled and when we meet, it will likely be at a disadvantage."

The murmuring amongst the representatives were not the sounds of men that had been reassured.

"The Serpent is wrong," Fox huffed. "Our scouts could not have been so inaccurate."