Harry Potter and the Hall of Justice

Chapter 13 The Morning After


As had always been the case, Professor Dumbledore rose very early after his nightly slumber. The old wizard found a crumpet and a hot cup of tea at his desk when he walked into his office just minutes later. This had been his routine for many, many years. But this morning he hesitated before pulling his chair out and taking a seat.

“Burty!” the old professor called out.

In a flash, a little old house-elf stood in front of Professor Dumbledore’s desk.

“Yes, Professor?” Burty inquired. He stood, as he always stood before the old wizard, both hands clenched at his chest, leaning slightly forward at the waist with his head cocked, like an old man turning a good ear towards a speaker so as to better hear.

Dumbledore began, his eyebrows arched. “How, may I ask, are you making that iced tea?”

“Please forgive Burty, Professor,” the little house-elf began. “Burty did not mean to offend.”

“You did not offend, Burty!” Dumbledore said emphatically. “How are you making the iced tea?”

“An old recipe, Professor, it is. A recipe passed down to Burty from his old grandfather, Mirphak, Merlin’s house-elf, Professor,” Burty replied, scrunching his eyebrows, as if afraid the old wizard might throw something at him. Of course, Burty knew better than that. The old master had never raised so much as a finger to Burty. Lucky he was to have been in service to this Grand Sorcerer these many years.

“And the recipe, Burty?” the professor asked, waiting his reply.

“Forgive Burty, Professor. It is but a simple mixture of common ingredients - - - mostly fine teas. When the Hall of Justice was informed His Lordship drank tea as a cold beverage, Burty remembered the recipe amongst his old parchments,” the old house-elf related. “Merlin preferred the beverage over all others. He drank it to clear his mind and greatly increase his endurance.”

“Thank you, Burty,” Professor Dumbledore said, smiling down at the little servant. “I wish it to be available at all hours for any visitors in our conference room. And inform those in the dungeon to continue it as the drink of choice there as well. From this day forward, no beverage is to be prepared for me except for the iced tea as you make it. Up until I again change my mind, of course.”

Burty nodded his head, closing his largish eyes, “As you wish it, Professor, so shall it be done.”

“Thank you, Burty,” the old professor said. “You may go back to your duties.”

Burty quickly swung his right hand out to the level of his shoulder, snapped his fingers and in a flash was gone. In an instant, a tray appeared on Professor Dumbledore’s desk. On it was a pitcher of the tea and a glass of ice. A most gratified smile came to the old wizard’s face.

“Thank you, my little friend,” he whispered out into the stillness of the room.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Several floors above Professor Dumbledore’s office and well above the Gryffindor Common Room, two young lovers arose out of their blissful slumber with a start. Harry blinked his eyes and rubbed his face, as Ginny roused and wiped the sleep from her own. Both realized, simultaneously, that sleep had entangled their tired minds and bodies in its inescapable web. They simultaneously jumped off the bed in an instant.

“We went to sleep, Harry!” Ginny cried out with fear in her eyes.

“It’s okay, Ginny. It’s still very early. We have plenty of time,” he said, trying his best to lessen her anxiety.

Harry pulled her into his arms. He kissed her neck softly and lovingly, squeezing his dear soul mate to him tightly. Her naked presence again aroused him and he pushed her flat of her back on the bed. Harry then swung his right leg over hers and moved his hips into her side.

“Harry! Please don’t! Not that! Anything but that! I’m still sore!” Ginny whimpered out, afraid he was ready to remount her, fearing the pain it would cause.

Harry fell over on his back and let go a rush of air. “Okay,” he said.

Ginny raised herself to her elbow and reached out for him. “I’m sorry, Harry. Can we wait till later?”

“Yeah, we’d better. In fact, we have to get out of here. If we don’t get back to our rooms before everybody wakes up, we’ll cause quite a stirring,” he told her.

“Yeah,” she replied, quickly gathering up her clothing.

Within minutes they were back under the invisibility cloak and shuffling down to the Gryffindor Common Room. After entering, Harry removed the cloak and quickly folded it up.

“I have to get things ready to leave. I have no other choice. There are others waiting for me,” he told her.

“I know,” she said. “Please come back as soon as you can, Harry. I will miss you so much.”

“Me, too. And you must believe me. I would never have wanted this to happen. Never,” he said. “But you must remember, you don’t know anything about what happened to Ron and me. Okay?”

“Okay. I won’t say a word,” she replied.

They kissed and each ran off to their bedrooms. It was still a full hour before the early birds would be up and about, so Harry was able to quietly pack his things without anyone noticing. He soon had his backpack filled with the barest of essentials, including his invisibility cloak. He then looked over to Ron’s bed and noticed his footlocker and other small things were already gone. Harry lifted his backpack and hurried down to Dumbledore’s office, never once looking back.

He found the old professor at his desk when he entered his office.

“Harry!” Dumbledore spoke out. “Up early, I see. Lots of tossing and turning last night? Or just a lot of tossing?” The old wizard smiled a large, toothy grin and motioned Harry over to join him.

Harry was often shaken by Dumbledore’s keen observations. Either it was just one of his little jokes, or he knew what had taken place a number of floors above them.

“I do hope things went well, Harry. Was Ginny pleased?” he asked, again with a knowing smile.

“Yes, Professor. We’re both very pleased,” he replied, now realizing which of his suppositions was right.

“Wonderful, Harry. I am very happy for the both of you,” the old wizard said. “It’s easy for one to say ‘Now is not the best time’ and the like. However, sometimes that is all we ever really have, Harry. The ‘now’, as it were.” The old wizard paused as Harry sat down in the chair Dumbledore had pointed out. “I’ve noticed for some years how young Ginny has worshiped you. So many times, her eyes have betrayed her wish to keep the great reverence and devotion she feels for you a secret. I’m sure it has come as a wonderful relief to you both - - - finally and openly sharing your mutual love for one another. A very wonderful thing that is.”

“Yes, it is. We are very happy. I’m just hoping things won’t muck it all up,” Harry said.

“Yes, a terrible thing that is, having things get all mucked up,” Dumbledore said, with a serious and disagreeable look on his face.
“But I’m glad you’ve come along, Harry. It saved me having to send someone to run you down. Why don’t we go into the conference room. I’m expecting Minister Grime shortly. And we’ll also be able to get you a little breakfast. How does that sound?” he asked.

“Great! I’m starved!” Harry exclaimed.

“And well you should be! Quite an appetite you’ve worked up, I’d say,” Dumbledore added, with a knowing grin.

Dumbledore and Harry sat and ate crumpets with warms meats, cheese and jam, topped off with several tall glasses of Merlin’s Special Brew. The old professor had had himself a good little chuckle when he thought of that name. “An old wizard, if he were interested in making a load of Galleons, couldn’t do better than bottling up batches of this wonderful beverage,” he thought to himself.

Minister Bartholomew Grime suddenly appeared in the conference room in a flash and went straightaway for a glass of the tea. “We might have quite an addiction started,” Dumbledore thought with a smile, reaching again for his own glass.

“Good morning, Bartholomew! How goes it at the Ministry?” he asked.

“Good morning, Albus! And to you, Harry!” he began. “It seems like everywhere I turned at the ministry this morning witches and wizards were pumping me for information. I arrived two hours early to avoid that very thing but found ministers, under-ministers, assistants, clerks and even attendants had arrived an hour before that so as not to miss me. And the Daily Prophet is poking around everywhere trying to get a scoop. It seems the few pictures they took at the swearing in ceremony just whetted their appetite.”

“Yes, old friend. We should have figured as much,” Dumbledore replied. “How do you suggest we proceed?”

“If it’s alright with you, Albus, I plan on telling our dear Minister Fudge I’m going to detail myself out on special assignment and let it go at that. I’ll have my under-minister run shop until I return. I’m never going to get anything done for our group, if I have to deal with this sort of an onslaught every morning,” he related. “Also, it won’t be very long before I’ll have curious eyes following me each morning to the Hall of Justice and watching me just as quickly head out to Hogwarts.”

“You’re quite right, and a very good idea you have there. If you wish, I can prepare very comfortable quarters for you here at Hogwarts,” Dumbledore told the anxious looking man.

“No, I’ll have none of that. It’s better if I stay down in the lair with our young witches and wizards. It wouldn’t do to take the chance of having me seen out of this room. It would me much too risky,” Grime rightly figured.

“Very well. Though, that is a great sacrifice you’re making, my old friend,” Dumbledore said, nodding his head. The old wizard had seen this coming the very minute he had considered having Grime added to the initial training session. He did not say anything to the minister at that time but knew it wouldn’t be long before the man came to that very conclusion. “Most often, it is best for people to feel they are in full control of their own lives and free to make their own decisions,” the old professor had reasoned. Dumbledore’s long years had taught the wise old wizard many things, but one of the most important was to let people decide as much as they can for themselves so as not to feel things are being forced upon them. It was much healthier that way and did wonders for their self-esteem.

“And Bartholomew!” the old wizard added. “Our dear old friend Drucila told me last evening, before she left, that she was anticipating doing the very same thing. As she would be spending the next months mostly here at Hogwarts, she thought it best to leave her deputy in charge of school affairs and move down into our lair. It does make one wonder, what will Voldemort’s eyes and ears make of you and Drucila suddenly vanishing. We should be seeing quite a bit of activity when they begin running around trying to get to the bottom of it all. I must say, it would be grand to be a fly on the wall at some of their meetings these next few days.”

The minister chuckled at the thought. “I believe it would at that, Albus. Now, if you will excuse me, I think I shall go down to the lair and lay claim to my living quarters,” Grime informed the two.

“I’ll go with you,” Harry said, looking up at the man.

Dumbledore raised a hand to stop Harry from leaving. “Please, Harry. I need you to stay with me a short while,” he ordered. Grime reached out and touched the figurine of the falcon and in a flash was gone.

Professor McGonagall knocked at the conference room door just seconds later. The old headmaster lifted his head and waved her in.

“Minerva, good to see you so early. How was your night?” he asked.

“Fine. A little restless but no more than usual,” she replied. “How are you this morning, Harry?”

“Fine, thank you, Professor,” he replied.

“I must soon prepare to be off to the Hall of Justice. Grime just left for the lair. He has decided to stay down there for the duration, as has Drucila. That is best. Now, is there anything you and I must decide this morning before we leave?” he asked of the old witch.

“You should make every attempt to be seen around Hogwarts as much as possible. Don’t you think that’s best?” she asked.

“Yes, of course, you are right. I will make a grand tour as soon as I get back from the Hall of Justice and will try my best to make the evening meal in the Great Hall as well. That’s the one commitment I should try to keep every evening,” Dumbledore said, nodding his head.

“That would be best. Now, how do you want me to handle our absenteeism at Gryffindor? That’s going to cause quite a stir today, I’m afraid,” she asked the old wizard.

“Tell them Hermione Granger has accepted the position of Executive Assistant at the Hall of Justice. And, as for Harry and the others - - - we should say only that they have left school and no reason was given. Leave it at that, Minerva. We have people about anxiously waiting to see what stirrings that will cause amongst Malfoy and his associates. Very shortly, I expect the disgusting man to come pounding upon my door and threatening to have me removed, as I have endangered the lives of precious children and all that, being that there will have been so many disappearances,” he said, giving his deputy a sly grin.

“Professor, the evil man has caused you great misery in the past. If he senses something’s going on here at Hogwarts, he’ll no doubt try to wrest control before his dark master is endangered. Of that I absolutely have no doubt,” the old witch said.

“Yes, you are right, of course, Minerva. Somehow that might just play into our hands, too. Sooner or later Malfoy will have to be dealt with. He is, after all, at the very top of our list. He’s very influential and has gotten quite used to threatening any and everyone to advance his master’s evil plans. And he’ll go to any length to eliminate all threats to Voldemort - - - that’s a certainty. Yes, we will soon have to deal with him, but it will be on our terms,” Professor Dumbledore emphatically stated.

The two old professors did not try to conceal the contempt they felt for Malfoy from Harry, who sat there listening with great interest to everything being said. It was clear, without hearing another word, both Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall detested Lucius Malfoy and all he stood for.

“It will ease a great deal of tension at the Ministry, too. Once Malfoy is out of the picture, those who have feared him will be freer to express their opinions and will not have to worry about keeping their positions because they have done something to displease the evil man,” she rightfully reasoned.

“Right again. I fully intend to speak with His Lordship about Lucius Malfoy specifically, as soon as it’s possible. I’ve already explained Malfoy’s relationship with Voldemort and the workings of his associates in and outside of the Ministry. It will be interesting to see what Chief Justice Webster suggests. You know, Minerva, I’m confident my feelings are right about the man. He may well turn out to be the most powerful justice we’ve ever seated,” Dumbledore said, grinning at that great possibility.

“Let us hope so,” she replied, also smiling pleasurably at the thought.

“Now, Harry and I must be off. We have a very important meeting at the Hall of Justice,” the old professor said.

Dumbledore’s statement gave Harry a start. He instantly rose from his chair as the old wizard came to his feet.

“Give me your hand, Harry!” he commanded.

Harry reached out and placed his hand in Dumbledore’s. The old professor put his hand on the figurine of the phoenix and said “Justice Hall”.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


His Lordship Daniel Webster rolled over on his large bed and opened his eyes to the start of a new day. He almost considered slapping himself to confirm whether or not this had all been a dream. He felt wonderful. “I haven’t slept like that since I was a baby,” he thought. He grinned broadly before breaking out into a loud laugh.

Jumping out of bed, he bounded into the bathroom to head for a quick dip in his enormous pool of water, anticipating the coolness would even further invigorate him. He was very anxious to get on with his day. As he jogged past the mirror, the reflection gave him a start, and he almost lost his footing from the quick stop he made. He quickly moved back to it and saw the face and body of the Daniel Webster he remembered as no more than a twenty-five year old.

“What the hell is this?” he screamed out. He lifted his hands to his face and leaned in close to the mirror. “Shit!” Webster was staring into more youthful eyes. Not one age related wrinkle did he see. His skin was as clean, clear and soft as a baby’s. Turning around, he craned his head around to look at what he was able to see of himself. He could hardly believe his eyes. Looking down, he ran his hands over his chest, stomach, and thighs. He hadn’t had this muscle tone in years. Finally, his heart skipping a beat, he reached down to lift his most important appendage and found it intact, with all the right moving parts. He breathed a loud sigh of relief.

“You old wizard you! You said this would happen, didn’t you! I’ll be damned!” he exclaimed.

He grinned at the young man in the mirror in wonder. “Damn, you’re a good looking guy,” he said, winking at himself. “Wow, I wonder how long this lasts?” Suddenly, the thought of losing how he now felt and looked filled him with dread. “Well, I guess it’ll be damn great however long it lasts.”

He ran on down to the pool and jumped in. The water was so cold it almost took his breath away. Along one wall, close to where the water cascaded down the marble falls, he saw a number of soaps, oils and lotions. He made his way over to these and smelled of them. He found one bar of soap that smelled like the lavender his mother used to grow when he was a youngster living at home. He always loved the smell. He lathered up in the cold water and soon began swimming small laps to stretch out his muscles. Within a short while, though, the water was too cold to remain any longer, and he jumped out to dry himself off. He grabbed a clean robe and quickly returned to the sink to again look at the guy in the mirror.

“Well, that didn’t seem to do you any harm,” he said, as he began to shave and groom himself.

As he stood there, his thoughts suddenly turned to Hermione. “Wow,” he thought. “I could sure use some of that.” He rubbed some lotion into his face and went to his bedroom door, which he slowly opened. He then peered out to see if anyone was about.

He sensed it must still be early and hated bothering Hermione before her usual waking time. But just to be sure he lightly stepped over and quietly opened her door. He saw Hermione curled up under her covers and decided to step quietly into her room to take a better look. As he approached her bedside, she rolled over and looked up into Webster’s face. What she saw gave her quite a start. She almost screamed and jumped out of bed in fear. But then her large brown eyes suddenly registered who it was.

“Your Lordship!” she cried out. “Is that you?”

“Yeah, I just got up!” he replied, sitting down on her bed.

“You are so much younger looking. What happened?” she exclaimed.

“I guess I got a pretty good nights rest,” he said, laughing out.

“No really!” she said, still shocked by his appearance. “What happened to you?”

“I don’t know. Professor Dumbledore told me once I put on this ring my clock would reset. I didn’t really believe he meant that literally. But he wasn’t joking. It gave me quite a start, too. I was on the way to my pool a little while ago and when I passed the mirror, I almost slipped and fell down. It gave me one hell of a scare,” he said, smiling broadly. He reached up and ran a hand alongside his cheek.

Hermione couldn’t resist, either. She pulled at the covers to hide her bare chest and scooted over closer to him. Reaching up, she ran a hand up and down his cheek and marveled at his smoothness.

“Is it just your face or did it happen all over?” she asked, her eyes opening wide at her question.

Webster jumped back off of the bed and pulled his robe off. He stood there in all his naked glory for her to see.

“Well, what do you think?” he asked her, again laughing out.

Hermione was astonished. His body had completely transformed overnight. He looked to be little more than twenty years old, she thought to herself.

“Come here,” she commanded him. “I want to feel you.”

Webster walked up alongside the bed. She reached out and felt of his hips and thighs. He turned a little to his right to allow her to squeeze and pat his behind.

“You are unbelievable. I wish my butt was as firm as that,” she laughed out.

“Your butt couldn’t be better, Hermione. You have the most perfect little behind I’ve ever had the pleasure of being behind. Now, what are you hiding under that blanket?” he asked with a knowing smirk.

Hermione threw the blanket off and he looked down on her totally naked being. “I sleep like this most of the time,” she said with a large grin, unabashedly displaying the fact she did not have a stitch of clothing on.

Webster could hardly stand the electricity coursing through his body. He hadn’t been this excited in years. As he looked down on the girl, Hermione couldn’t help but notice his arousal.

At the same time, Webster noted Hermione’s eyes were full of lust, of carnal desire. He jumped into her bed, and they speedily went at each other like the two hungry animals they were.

They were soon totally spent. Webster came to his feet and pulled Hermione off the bed. He then swung her over his shoulder and carried her through her bedroom door, through his and on into the bathroom. Straightaway, he carried her up the marble steps and down into the bubbling effervescence of the hot tub. He splashed hot water on her face and rubbed her face and chest sparking clean.

Webster then pulled her back up on his shoulders, after deciding cold water was probably best, and moved her over to the cold, crystal clear waters of the pool. He climbed into the cold water with Hermione still slung across his shoulders. He stopped at the wall with the soaps, oils and lotions. She screamed out in shock as he dropped her into the cold water, but he held her fast. He then reached up for the bar of lavender scented soap he had liked so much and began soaping the girl up.

Webster began laughing and Hermione squinted up at him with soap running from her hair and across her face. “You think this is funny, do you?” she screamed out and threw her cupped hand at the water, lifting a wave of the cold stuff into his face. He dodged it but she nearly drowned him with her next attempt. Within seconds they had a small war going on between them in the cold pool. Finally Webster dropped under the water and dragged her feet out from under her. The war then continued submerged for a full minute before they burst free of the surface. Both were exhausted and walked to the edge of the pool to throw their arms over the side to keep themselves from sliding back under the water. They then looked at each other and laughed long and hard at their escapade.

After catching his breath again, he walked over to fetch the bar of lavender soap. Quickly returning, he made another attempt at lathering the girl up, at least the part above the water. He soon decided this was not going to work either and lifted himself out of the pool. He reached down, dragged Hermione out and pulled her to the shower room, through the slit in the wall off to their left. He turned on one of the showerheads and soon had the water temperature where he wanted it: warm. Webster then pulled the girl into the spray and again began looking around for more of the lavender soap. Upon turning around, he spotted a bar on a ledge on the opposite wall. Soon he was back and began his lathering routine in earnest. Hermione squirmed against his efforts, but he held her in place, loving the feel of her skin, as his soap slicked hands slid over her. He turned her around, facing him, and she looked at him again through squinted eyes.

“Are you having fun, yet?” she asked sarcastically.

“Yeah, loads of fun. I just thought since I was the one who got you all dirty the very least I could do is get you squeaky clean. How do you like lavender scented soap?” he asked her.

“Love it. It’s my favorite,” she replied.

“Mine, too,” he said.

Hermione then took the bar of soap and turned him around. She pulled him out of the shower spray and within a minute had worked soap over every square inch of him. After she was satisfied, she pushed him back into the spray and turned him around until not one small bit of suds remained.

Webster gently reached out, pulled Hermione into the spray and wrapped his arms around her. He kissed his little beauty of a witch and hugged her tight. Thus they stood for some minutes before letting her go and turning off the water.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

“Starving,” she replied with a big smile.

“Let’s get some clothes on and see if we can find something then,” he said.

When Hermione returned to her room, the first thing she noticed was new clothing, which had been laid out across her freshly made-up bed. There was a new dark blue cape with even darker blue piping around the garments outer edges. On its left side, at the level of her chest was the Great Seal of the Hall of Justice, which looked to her as if it had been embroidered with a metallic thread and which was very detailed. Next, she examined a dark blue pleated skirt and, lying next to it, a gold blouse. She quickly dressed and found them to have been tailored perfectly to her form. Hermione was very pleased how she looked and primped for some time in front of a full-length mirror in her bedroom before she entered the bathroom to brush out her hair and care for her face. When she felt everything was just right, she went out her bedroom door and found Chief Justice Webster waiting for her in the large living area.

“My, my, do you look grand!” he exclaimed. “Those are definitely your colors, Hermione. You are beautiful! As fresh as the morning!”

“Thank you, Your Lordship. One of the trappings of the position, one might say,” she replied, giving him a grin.

Within minutes they were walking out the door onto the upper patio. There, in front of them, sat Sarah and Martha at a table full of breakfast items. The two girls jumped to their feet when they saw Hermione bringing a visitor to breakfast. Their eyes opened wide and they screamed out in amazement when they realized they were looking at Daniel Webster.

“What happened?” screamed Sarah.

“Is that really you, Your Lordship?” exclaimed Martha.

“Yes!” Hermione cried out. “It really is! May I introduce you to our younger Lord Chief Justice Daniel Milton Webster!”

The girls ran over to touch him to see if he was really real.

“Yeah, it’s really me alright,” he said, smiling broadly at the two pretty witches.

“What happened, sir?” Sarah asked.

“I’m not really sure, Sarah. Professor Dumbledore told me the ring would have an affect on me, but I never expected this,” he said.

“You look great!” Martha said, giving him a lustful eyeing.

“It didn’t hurt you in any way, Your Lordship? Is everything still working?” Sarah asked with a big smile.

Hermione smiled up at the man before turning to give an even larger smile to her two new friends. “I assure you, everything is working as great as ever, if that is possible,” she laughed out, turning to give her master a wink.

He laughed down at the young witch, appreciating the twinkle in her eye but mostly the ‘if that is possible’ part of her response. He reached out and grabbed the two girls, pulling them to him and gave each a big kiss on their cheeks. He then wrapped his large arms around them, hugging them both tightly to him.

“I’m starving, what are we having?” he said.

Much to Webster’s joy, there sat a large pot of hot coffee on a small disk of marble. He filled a cup before piling a plate high with crumpets, bacon and eggs.

“How did you sleep, Hermione?” Sarah asked her, with a wink and a grin.

“Never better,” came her reply, with a return wink and an even more deliberate grin. “I see you each have been surprised with new clothes, too.”

“After coming out of the bathroom this morning, my bed had been made and these were laying out for me,” Martha said. Sarah nodded her head in agreement.

“My blouse is white. I guess that’s the only difference, huh? The blouses?” Sarah said.

“They gave me this pale yellow one,” Martha said. “I wonder if they change them around or if the color has something to do with our positions?”

“Well, we probably won’t know that until tomorrow,” Hermione said with a smile.

Webster greatly enjoyed his coffee, as it was the first cup he’d had in more than two days, a first for him. He was listening to the three young witches, but he wasn’t really concentrating on what was being said. His focus was on the great meal now before him. He quickly finished one plate than another of the wonderful breakfast before pushing it away from him.

“Have either of you girls seen anybody else this morning?” he asked Sarah and Martha.

“No, sir. Not even one of the security guards,” Martha replied.

Webster looked up and noticed the skies were again overcast. “What is it with these skies? Don’t you ever see the sun around this place?” he asked no one in particular.

“Your Lordship, I don’t think anyone really knows where the Hall of Justice is,” Hermione said, as if frustrated that she did not have an answer to give him. “Some say it’s on a small island off the northern coast of Scotland. If that’s the case, we won’t be seeing the sun very often. Perhaps if Professor Dumbledore returns today, he might have an answer for you.”

“Yeah, I sure hope he comes soon. I hate sitting around feeling like I need to be doing something. I’d much rather be busy doing something, anything!” he exclaimed, looking totally disgusted. “I guess we could do a little more exploring, though. But if anybody sees one of the security officers, let them know I want to speak with them.”

No sooner than he had said that, a young security officer topped the flight of stairs at his back and walked up to the table.

“Your Lordship, Professor Dumbledore wishes to inform you that he’ll be returning to the Hall of Justice this morning,” she said, raising her right hand to her upper chest, a little below her neckline.

“Thank you! What is your name?” he asked the officer. Webster had never seen such a beautiful, naturally blond female in his entire life. She was striking and looked to be in her mid-twenties.

“My name is Deborah Stran, Your Lordship. I am the Master of Arms of the high court and the senior Captain of the Guard,” she informed him, her hand remaining on her chest as if covering something.

“Please, Captain Stran, take a seat. Is it alright if we take you away from your duties for a few minutes?” he asked. Webster couldn’t help but notice something seemed to be bothering the young security officer. He knew she was unsure about something and was trying to hide that knowledge and feeling. Webster sensed this and it troubled him, though, at the same time, he knew he was looking into the face of a loyal and trusting witch. Of that, he had no doubt.

“Certainly, whatever you wish, Your Lordship,” she said and sat down in a chair directly across the table from him.

“Have you had breakfast? Would you like something to drink?” he asked her.

“No, Your Lordship. I have already had breakfast. But thank you,” she replied.

“How many security officers do we have assigned to the court?” he asked.

“There are thirty-six officers and supervisors, Your Lordship. We maintain eight and a supervisor on each shift except our midnight tour, which is maintained at six officers. Those not working are either in training, on days off duty status or on holiday,” she said.

“And whom do you work directly under?” he asked.

“I work directly under the Executive Assistant, Your Lordship,” she said, nodding at Hermione, “As I am the senior Captain of the Guard, the others are under me, and I make their work assignments. We share the shift work equally among ourselves. And, of course, with your new decree, two of us will be handling the physical security and communications between the Hall of Justice and the special detail,” she said.

“Special detail?” asked Hermione.

The Chief Justice stiffened. “We’ll wait until Professor Dumbledore arrives to discuss that, Hermione,” Webster quickly stated, reaching across and laying a hand over one of Hermione’s.

“Earlier, Captain Stran, I asked our young witches if they knew exactly where we are. Where’s this Hall of Justice located?” Webster asked, as if frustrated as much as Hermione about not knowing.

“I honestly can’t say, Your Lordship. All I know is that it exists. And I don’t know anyone who can say where it’s actually located,” she answered Webster. Studying her carefully, he noted the honesty of her response.

“One other thing before you go, Captain. Where do you live?” he asked.

“The Hall of Justice Security Force has living and training quarters two levels below ground level. If you would like, when you have a few free moments, I would be honored to give you a tour of our facilities. We are quite comfortable. Our quarters are quite luxurious, in fact. My office, though, is next to the Court Clerk’s Office in the library,” she replied.

“Very well, Captain. Thanks for sticking around and talking to us. How do I contact you, if I need you?” he asked finally.

“Just mention you need security, we’ll be at your side as quickly as we can make it,” she informed him. “When court is in session, My Lord, six security officers will be present at all times within the court.”

“Thank you for your time, Captain. I’ll take you up on that tour as soon as I get the chance,” he told her.

With that, Captain Stran rose from the table. Webster sensed there was something more he must ask the young captain, so he rose from his chair to escort the young witch back down the stairway. When they arrived at the second floor, Webster reached out an arm and steered her away from the stairway. He pointed down the hallway to the first bedroom door on his right. She nodded her head and, after entering the room, Webster closed the door behind them.

“Captain Stran,” he said. “I sense there’s something bothering you. Something you are unsure of which you have never felt or wasn’t aware of before. What is it?”

“Your Lordship, as I approached your table, the amulet Professor Dumbledore presented to me yesterday became suddenly warm, and I’m unsure of the meaning,” she told him, unclasping her dark blue cape. Pushing it back on her shoulders, she unbuttoned the top two buttons of her light blue blouse and opened the material to show him the necklace she was wearing.

“An amulet? What’s that? It looks like a necklace, Captain,” he said, looking down at the beautiful emerald.

“An amulet, Your Lordship, is an object which magically keeps its owner from harm. But unlike other amulets, this one is said to be very unique. You see a regular amulet does not enhance its owner’s magical abilities. Professor Dumbledore said this one will, although it’s unclear to me, at this time, just what powers or other capabilities it has,” she told the justice, raising her eyes to look into his.

Webster’s eyes met hers, and he was sure she noticed the carnal desire in his. He steadied himself, willed himself, to stay focused on her words and to control the sexual craving rushing through his mind, an internal struggle against the impulse he had to reach out, seize the fabric of her blouse and tear it back to expose her heavy breasts. He shook his head and backed away, turning toward the door.

“Your Lordship, it’s okay. I’m aware of the powerful emotions you are struggling with. I’m yours to command and use however you wish, My Lord, as is any of my guards,” she said.

“I know that, Deborah, and thank you. I’m having a very hard time controlling my urges, but I’m trying my best not to let them control me. I hope you understand. It has nothing to do with you, not that way,” he confessed to her.

“Yes, of course, My Lord,” she replied.

Webster turned back to her and saw her refastening her cape at her neck. “You are, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life. I would like nothing better, I assure you, than to spend the entire morning with you. But we have much to do. My selfish urges cannot be allowed to stand in the way of our great responsibilities,” he told her.

“Yes, I understand,” she said. Deborah Stran did understand, but the realization of what it meant pained her. She was charmed and totally captivated by the young man standing before her. She could only imagine how it must feel being in his arms and held close to him. “I am available whenever you desire it to be so.”

Webster nodded his head, wanting it to be so this very moment, but willing himself to continue and change the subject. “Please have Professor Dumbledore brought to me as soon as he arrives, Deborah. And thank you for understanding,” he told her, hoping she truly did understand.

“Yes, Your Lordship, he will be brought straight to you,” she said.

He opened the door and again began negotiating the stairway to the third floor. Captain Stran disappeared below.

Webster couldn’t get the young witch out of his mind. He would be with her one day soon, he told himself. Though, Webster knew she would be hard to get out of his mind until that day came.