When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 89

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

October 1942

As keen as Harry had been to implement his plan, he equally understood the need to exercise restraint and patience. There were so many factors that came under consideration, and for the past few months, he had been nothing but diligent, ensuring that even the minutest of details were accounted for.

Covert scouting missions had been adopted almost daily to check for patterns and inconsistencies within Grindelwald's occupation of Italy, and to acquire an accurate number of men and other defences they would be faced with.

With the need to maintain their own defences, their own numbers needed to be considered, and how many men could be spared for the undertaking on behalf of the ICW.

It was undoubtedly the most intricate plan they intended to put into motion, and as Harry rightly pointed out, there was no room for error.

Charlus had been all too happy to support him, and though he had his reservations, he knew this was their best chance to remove a significant supporter of the Dark Lord.

With Italy taken, the same door used to dislodge the ICW from defending France would be open to them to return the favour.

"Are the guards still changed every four hours?" Harry questioned, his eyes roaming the positions on the map that Yaxley and Gilbert had marked out.

"Yes," Reg confirmed. "Those that are relieved go to here," he added, pointing to a section further away from the coast that was being used to house Grindelwald's men.

"So, if we strike quickly, we have a few hours," Harry murmured. "How many men are in that building?"

"No more than a hundred," Gilbert answered confidently, "and no other positions until Rome."

Harry shook his head in disbelief.

For weeks he'd had the southernmost coastal parts of Italy scoured by dozens of teams who had found no sign of Grindelwald's forces. It wasn't until they were sent nearer to Naples that there was any indication the Italians were supporting the man.

Evidently, Grindelwald was relying on the natives to be loyal to their government, and to him by extension.

It was an odd strategy, and for some time, Harry had been certain there was more to it, but nothing had been found; no further defences, no hidden parties of men lying in wait, and no great army stationed within Italy further than the northern border.

Reaching the capital via Ostia appeared that it would not be as difficult as anticipated.

"It can't be that easy," Harry muttered to himself.

Charlus nodded his agreement.

"I can't see how he would leave it so unprepared. Not unless this is something he hasn't accounted for."

"Or what we heard from the Italians is true," Gilbert piped up. "They're not enjoying this war, and now that they're losing, they want out of it."

Harry released a deep breath as he continued to eye the map, looking for any flaw in the plan he had formulated.

"Petr said the same," he acknowledged. "The Italian soldiers aren't so keen on the fighting anymore. If we can take the Ministry, they may surrender."