Harry Potter and the Hall of Justice

Chapter 15 First Action


Professor Dumbledore made his way to the arch within the anteroom of the Hall of Justice that contained the portkey to Coldstream School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The old professor had been to the school a number of times and considered Headmaster Harold Doughbry to be a dear, old friend. Although Coldstream was only about five hundred years old, and a much smaller school than Hogwarts, it had a very fine reputation amongst their magical institutions.

In a flash of emerald green light, Dumbledore found himself standing beside Doughbry’s desk. The old, rotund headmaster jumped nearly out of his chair when Dumbledore appeared.

“Albus!” he shouted out. “You scared the crap out of me! Damn!”

“Harold, how nice to see you, too, old friend. Forgive my intrusion and the fright. I trust your heart is in good condition?” Dumbledore said, laughing at the fright still visible on his fat face.

“It damn sure better be, Albus! But I think I might have dropped a big ol’ lunker in my shorts. Damn these portkeys, anyway. I think I’ll move the friggin’ thing into my privy. It would surely cure my constipation problem better than all that fiber crap I’ve been choking on,” he said, laughing out and walking around his desk to embrace his old friend. “Now, to what honor do I owe this wonderful, unexpected and somewhat astonishing visit?”

“I wish it was under pleasanter circumstances, old friend. I come with some very disagreeable news, I’m afraid. We need your help and a number of favors to ask of you,” Dumbledore replied, tilting his head forward and looking down into the eyes of the headmaster over the top of the half-moon lenses of his glasses.

“We?” he asked. “And who’re we, Albus?”

“Our new Lord Chief Justice is one and the most important,” he told the old headmaster.

Dumbledore then went on with his revelation about Martha and Vincent. He did leave out the involvement of Martha’s mother but sensed his old friend knew or had guessed something, due to his facial expressions.

“A horrid thing, it is, Albus! A horrid thing! I must tell you something in strictest confidence. It’s mostly from feelings I’ve had and information I’ve gathered myself these past few years, but now, well, maybe I should have acted sooner,” the old, fat headmaster frowned and appeared to be somewhat ashamed.

“You know me to be a very tolerant man and not one to punish when no harm comes out of some little infraction or some such thing. My fault, ol’ friend, is that I turn my head a little too much,” Doughbry admitted, shaking his head and frowning.

“No one could be more guilty of that than myself. But some school rules are broken or stretched a bit from time to time. I do try to overlook the infractions when no harm is done,” Dumbledore replied.

“Yes, yes, then you know exactly what I mean. Maybe that’s why we’re headmasters, Albus,” he said with a laugh. “You see, I knew Anne Marie, Martha’s mother, had become flirtatious with a number of her young charges. She’s a young woman herself, and, well, losing her husband at such a young age, I wrongfully hoped she would one day find comfort from another instructor. Her fancy turned to a few of our young wizards, and I did hope no harm would come of it. I feel very much to blame now for not confronting her. As many young men do, I, too, received my early instructions from an older woman. A very wonderful experience it was, I might add.”

“I appreciate the delicate position you were in, Harold. I’ve turned my head on many, many occasions, and, I must truthfully say, I was so instructed by an older witch as a young man, myself. A very meaningful relationship for me, too, I assure you,” Dumbledore admitted with a smile.

“But Vincent, on the other hand, was forced upon me. I had no choice in the matter. I find him a most despicable sort, Albus. He is a most evil, conniving man. I see now how Anne Marie could have easily found herself wrapped up in his web. I assume he has somehow blackmailed her?” Doughbry asked.

“Yes, though, extortion might be a better word. She feared for her position and the future of her two girls, Harold. I fully appreciate the hard place she was forced into. Over time, Vincent began to use Martha and her mother for his sexual perversions and enjoyment. Martha fears it won’t be long before he gets his tentacles on her younger sister, too. She fears for the life of them both, but I don’t believe for a minute there is any malice in her heart,” Dumbledore related.

“I agree. Martha’s a very bright, loving and pleasing young witch to be around. I have always expected great things out of her and hope this doesn’t change that,” he said, looking into Dumbledore’s eyes in an attempt to see if there was agreement.

“You’ll get no argument out of me. From what little I’ve been around her and, after interviewing those she has been associated with at the Hall of Justice, I hope, for her sake, things will work out as they should,” Dumbledore said.

“How can we make that happen, Albus? I’ll do anything you ask to help.”

“What I will suggest, and what the Chief Justice gives his full support and consent to might leave you shorthanded for a while. You must believe the actions we will take are the only options we presently have. Later, when things settle down, I promise to fully apprise you of the actions we had to take, and, of course, the justification will be made clear,” he told the man.

“As I said, Albus. Anything. We will make do,” Doughbry said.

Dumbledore went on to explain their course of action to the old wizard. Doughbry agreed to the plan and timetable, and Dumbledore left again for the Hall of Justice.

He found Chief Justice Webster, Hermione and Harry still inside the residence talking strategy when he returned. Dumbledore soon asked Captain Stran and one of her security officers to join them in the residence. He then outlined what would take place in just a few short hours at Coldstream.

“Therefore, Captain Stran and Officer Yale will return to Coldstream with me,” he finally stated.

“We will be ready for your return,” Webster stated. He then looked over at his young Master of Arms. “Captain Stran, if you will inform your officers to make preparations before you leave with Professor Dumbledore?” he asked.

“Yes, Your Lordship. I will see to it at once,” she said and immediately left the residence.

Webster agreed to have Martha brought back up to the residence, under guard. He agreed to explain what he knew to the girl and try to ease her mind.

“Professor?” Harry began. “Is there anything I can do to help? I’ll go with you, if you would like.”

“No, Harry. However, upon my return you can give me a hand,” he told his young protégé, knowing Harry would soon be needed for much more dangerous missions than this present one.

Dumbledore and the two witches returned to Coldstream at the appointed hour and found Headmaster Doughbry waiting for them as planned. Doughbry then summoned Professor Vincent to his office and, before he arrived, Dumbledore and the two security guards were shown to an area they could wait and remain unseen by Vincent when he entered.

In a short while the door of the Headmaster’s Office opened and a middle-aged wizard with long, oily black hair stuck his head into the room.

“You wanted to see me, Doughbry?” he scornfully asked. “Be quick, I’m too busy for trivial intrusions.”

“Come in, Jacque! This is no trivial matter!” Professor Doughbry commanded.

The wizard warily entered, his dark, beady eyes shifting around the room. Uneasily, he made his way to stand in front of the headmaster’s desk.

“There is someone I wish you to meet, Jacque,” he said with a smirk.

Vincent swung around, his wand in hand ready to strike out but it was too late. Professor Dumbledore, his wand already being lowered to disappear within his robe, had bound and gagged the wizard before he was able to fully face him. Vincent’s wand fell to the floor and the security guards rushed to his side to steady the despicable man before he fell over.

“Captain Stran, if you would, kindly remove this piece of trash from our sight,” Dumbledore ordered.

Captain Stran and Officer Yale roughly dragged the man over to the portkey and disappeared in a flash. Dumbledore reached down, retrieved the wizard’s wand and placed it inside his robe.

“You will want to destroy that, Albus. It should never be used again,” Doughbry said.

“Yes, correct you are. I will see to it,” Dumbledore said. “Now, should we continue to part two?”

“Yes, immediately!” he said.

Doughbry summoned Professor Anne Marie Snead to his office. Dumbledore and Doughbry sat down while they waited and discussed the excitement over finally having found a new chief justice. Doughbry mused over how wonderful it was to be getting their world back on the right track. He let Dumbledore know the great anxiety he had felt these last years and the great worry over what might eventually happen if they didn’t make a stand. Dumbledore voiced his agreement but felt regret he couldn’t let the old wizard know just how much was being done to accomplish that very thing, making a stand.

Shortly a knock was heard at the door.

“Enter!” Doughbry cried out.

A beautiful, blond witch entered the office. Dumbledore could see right off the resemblance to the younger witch at the Hall of Justice. The old professor figured the woman must be in her late-thirties. She clearly looked to be quite shaken; her apprehension was clearly visible, which he thought was understandable, under the circumstances.

“Anne Marie, I would like you to meet Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster at Hogwarts,” he said. “Albus, this is Anne Marie Snead, our transfigurations professor.”

Both men had stood and were facing the witch. Dumbledore reached out and shook her hand.

“Anne Marie, I’m going to leave you two alone for a while to chat,” Doughbry informed her. “I have a couple of quick errands I must complete, you see. I shall return in a bit.” The rotund headmaster walked over to his door, nodded at Dumbledore and exited the room.

Before the witch had arrived, Dumbledore had requested Doughbry make straight for Vincent’s quarters and office once he was in custody. Doughbry was to look for and seize any parchments or ledgers, which might be evidence of a conspiracy.

“Please, Professor Snead, take a seat. I have something to discuss with you,” he told her.

The blond professor sat down and brought a shaking hand to her mouth to cover it while she cleared her throat. Dumbledore couldn’t help but notice how terrified the woman was.

“Please try and relax. I have some rather wonderful news. Hopefully, it will come as a great relief to you,” he related.

“News, Professor?” she asked, her eyes round with expectation.

“Yes,” he said. “We have been able to avert a threat to our new Chief Justice today, thanks to the help of your daughter.”

“Martha? Is she okay? She hasn’t been hurt has she?” she asked, tears streaming from her eyes.

“No, no, she is fine. Everything is just fine. It seems like we found out the evil designs of your Professor Vincent and were able to take him into custody without anyone being the wiser,” he informed her.

The woman sighed in relief and wept openly, bringing her right fist to her mouth to stifle an uncontrollable emotional outburst.

“Thank you, Professor. Vincent is a very evil man,” she finally was able to say, between sobs.

“You understand, of course, I know fully of your involvement with him over these past three years, as well as Martha’s,” he said.

“I’m so ashamed I put her in that situation, Professor,” she said.

“Yes, I imagine you are,” he said flatly but not in a scolding way.

“You understand now what I must ask you to do before we discuss your options?” he asked her.

The witch nodded her head. “Yes, I think so. You have to see if I bear the mark of the evil ones,” she replied, wiping at her eyes.

“Yes. Regretfully it might cause you embarrassment but I do mean to do it. You understand?” he said.

“I do. I have nothing to hide, Professor,” she said.

“Very well. Headmaster Doughbry has consented to allow us to use the room over in the corner,” he pointed to a door.

He rose from his chair and helped the shaken young woman to rise. They walked over to the door he had pointed out and entered the room. Dumbledore closed and locked the door behind him. The woman walked over to a table and began disrobing. Soon she had removed her clothing and sat on the table.

The old professor found it hard to concentrate on his examination. As old as he was, the beauty of the woman aroused feelings he had not had in many years.

Beginning at her head, the old professor began looking for marks evidencing her having joined the dark lords, a common and ancient practice of nearly all practitioners of the dark arts. He ran his old fingers over her youthful skin and found no clear or obvious signs. Trying to avoid staring at the woman, Dumbledore’s eyes fell to her breasts. She was baring marks of abuse there, as well as on her arms and across her legs and hips.

“You have been bitten and beaten?” Dumbledore asked, wincing from the great pain that must have accompanied the marks she bore.

“Vincent relishes his sadism, Professor. I allowed him to use me freely for his pleasure after he threatened to do the same to my daughters, if I hadn’t,” she said, reliving the pain.

He had the woman lift her ample breasts, and he examined the tissue there before having her lie flat on the table to examine her back. After spreading the round, tight cheeks of her ass, he had her roll over and spread her legs for him. He lowered his old head to peer at her vestibule. The old wizard then had her spread the lips to inspect her inner folds, a frequent location pierced and studded by evil wizards to show ownership and control. Finally satisfied, he told her to dress and he left her to the chore.

The woman came back into the office and sat down in the chair across from the old wizard.

“We have yet to interrogate Vincent, but he will bother you no more. If you are aware of any associations he has with the dark lords, I request your help in their identification,” he told her.

The witch told him all she knew but had no idea who Vincent met while away from the school. She was certain no one within Coldstream had any association with the evil ones. Dumbledore sensed everything she had told him to be the truth. He then told the woman, if she wished, he would spirit her away to instruct at Hogwarts until the storm blew over, if she feared in anyway for the safety of herself or her daughter. The witch said she had no reason to believe they were in danger, as long as Vincent never returned. She finally admitted she feared losing her position the most.

“Doughbry knows of Vincent’s extortion and coercion. He does not blame you, Anne Marie. He’s an exceptionally fine old wizard and has always been more than fair. I expect things will return to normal or, in your case, a much better condition now that Vincent has been removed,” he told her.

She smiled and thanked the old professor profusely. Tears of joy streamed down her face.

“Thank you, Professor. I was too afraid and ashamed to bring my situation to Professor Doughbry’s attention. That might have cost our Chief Justice his life but, I assure you, it wouldn’t have been by Martha’s hands,” she said.

“Yes, I know you are right about that. Now, one last thing,” the old professor began. “Do not let one thing change in your day-to-day routine. Everyone will want to know what happened to Vincent but you know nothing, absolutely nothing, and it must remain that way. Never discuss what happened here today with anyone. To do so could jeopardize the safety of you and your daughters and could spoil future plans. And finally, if you hear of anyone or notice anyone sneaking around trying to obtain information about Vincent, please notify Professor Doughbry at once. He will bring it to my attention immediately. Do you understand?”

“Yes, of course, Professor,” she said. She felt a great weight had been removed from her shoulders.

Dumbledore excused himself and went directly back to the Hall of Justice.

Captain Stran met him upon his return and took him to the detention area two floors below ground level. There he removed the magical binding and gag from Jacque Vincent. He immediately leapt at Dumbledore, his fingers contorted like the talons of a bird of prey, shouting vile curses and hissing like a trapped snake. Captain Stran reached out and in one fluid movement, dumped the evil man upside down on the floor and then planted the heel of her boot right in the man’s groin with enough force to crack walnuts.

Vincent screamed out in agony and began rolling around on the floor uncontrollably. Captain Stran and Officer Yale lifted him physically off the floor and slammed the man into a large wooden chair, fastening restraints at his ankles, wrists and waist.

“My, my Vincent, you seem to be out of practice. Your reaction time seems to be terribly off,” Dumbledore said with a grin. “Your very future depends upon your cooperation. I have here, inside my robe, the signed authority of Lord Chief Justice Daniel Webster to permanently remove your filthy, disgusting being from this existence. Do you understand me?”

“Fuck off, you old piece of shit!” Vincent screamed out. “My Lord and Master will one day come to the Hall of Justice and torch vermin like you! He will then rightfully become Lord Chief Justice and Minister of Magic, too! He will be the Supreme Lord, the Supreme Being! And you muggle loving cretins will bow before him and clean his boots with your tongues!”

Webster had entered the room and heard the wizard’s ranting. Dumbledore turned and nodded at him, letting him know he was about to begin his interrogation. He asked the two security guards to leave the room.

Dumbledore withdrew his wand and voiced an incantation. The wizard instantly stiffened in the chair, his eyes in an open stare. The only movement visible was the quivering of his lips and the jerking muscles at his jaw line.

“Who do you serve?” Dumbledore began, in a loud monotone voice.

“The one and only master, Lord Voldemort,” came the reply.

“Where is the master?” Dumbledore continued in an unwavering voice.

“He is in the mountains. Waiting.”

“Where are the mountains?”

“Balkans.”

Dumbledore raised his wand again and the man’s head fell forward. The old wizard turned to the Chief Justice and nodded at the door. The two men exited the room.

“We must proceed slowly,” he said. “Just a few questions each day or we will muddle his brain and he will be useless. Tomorrow, I will return and see if I can ascertain if he has contacts near Coldstream and if he was put up to this deed. If you want his answers today, there are other, more violent means I can use to get the information we desire.”

“No, you do it your way. Later, however, if lives should hang in the balance, I release you to use whatever means you need to extract the information,” Webster said, looking directly into the old professor’s eyes.

“Very well. However, with those three answers he condemned himself. He is a very evil man, Your Lordship. We will face many, many more like him,” he said.

Webster turned to look straight into the old headmaster’s face. “Albus, I thought you said magic wands would not work in the Hall of Justice?”

“At the ground floor and above, Your Lordship, that is completely correct. However, known to very, very few, most magical devices and incantations will work below ground level. I found that out as a young child while living here in the hall. I believe it has always been so,” Dumbledore explained.

“Where is this Hall of Justice located, Albus? I asked Hermione and Captain Stran earlier but they had no idea,” Webster asked.

“Your Lordship, very few beings have ever been aware of what I am about to tell you. It must remain so. The Hall of Justice is located in a deep cavern within a very short distance from Hogwarts. If one were standing on the ground, directly above us, Hogwarts would be seen in the distance. Most magic folk believe it lies somewhere off the northern coast of Scotland. They are not too far from right but enough to safely keep those seeking it out from finding it,” he informed the Chief Justice, with a devious grin.

“But what about the lights in the atrium?” he asked.

“Magic, Your Lordship. Simple magic,” Dumbledore said, smiling at the man.

“That explains why it is so cool down here. The temperature is always the same,” Webster said, astonished but seeing the truth in it.

“Yes, indeed. The temperature will never vary at this depth,” the old wizard replied.

“Amazing. It really is amazing,” Webster said, looking quite astonished to learn the truth.

Dumbledore and Webster then went in search of Harry and Hermione. Dumbledore, along the way, related what had taken place at Coldstream, in its entirety. Webster was pleased Martha’s mother would be released from responsibility and expressed his desire to one day thank Headmaster Doughbry in person.

They then spoke about Martha’s future. Webster requested Dumbledore do a physical exam of the girl and, if she showed no sign of the evil ones, he would allow the young witch to continue her employment at the Hall of Justice. Dumbledore was extremely pleased with Webster’s decision.

Webster took Dumbledore to the room where Martha was being watched. After they entered, Webster asked the guards to wait outside. He then told the old professor he would find Hermione and Harry and meet him later on the third floor, as there were still some questions he would like answered before the professor returned to Hogwarts.

After Webster left the room, Dumbledore told Martha to remove her clothes. Soon she stood naked in front of the old wizard.

“I have just left your mother at Coldstream,” he informed her.

Martha jumped with a start. “Is she okay, Professor! Has she been harmed?”

“No, no. She is fine. Everything is fine. We have verified your story and Headmaster Doughbry has agreed to turn his head and not hold your mother responsible for the terrible things you have all been through,” he told her.

Martha ran to the old wizard and wrapped her arms around him. She began crying uncontrollably and slid to the floor at his feet.

“Please, Martha. Let me help you up. I must give you a quick examination and make sure the mark of the evil one is not upon you. Stand up!” he commanded her.

He pulled the girl to her feet and moved her to a table in the room. “Climb up here for me!” he ordered the girl.

She sat on the edge of the table and the old professor went to work giving her the same examination he had given her mother. He found no blemishes whatsoever on the girl and marveled at how well built she was.

“You are a very pretty girl, Martha. A beautiful girl! I wish I were some years younger,” the old man said, smiling at the girl.

She felt much better and wiped at the last of her tears.

“You have no marks upon you. I release you to continue your work under Hermione. You have done a brave thing today, speaking the truth when the welfare of your mother and sister were at stake. Yes, you did the right thing. Now, I charge you to serve your master well and Hermione, too. She’s a very splendid young woman and will treat you well. It would also do you very well to befriend her and to always be loyal,” he said.

“I promise I will, Professor. Thank you for helping my mother and sister. I was so terribly frightened,” she said, tears again flowing down her cheeks.

“Now get yourself dressed and join your friends,” the old wizard commanded at last, and he turned and left the room.


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


Professor Dumbledore again sought out Chief Justice Webster and found him with Harry and Hermione in the main residence on the third floor.

“Martha will be fine,” the old wizard told the group. “She will need a great deal of support, but she’ll be fine.”

“I was so worried!” Hermione exclaimed.

“She does not bear any of the marks you told me about, Professor?” asked Chief Justice Webster.

“No! And I did not expect to find any. I’m glad I was right about that,” he said.

“You have cleared her then? To continue working here with us?” Webster asked.

“Yes. You should be seeing her again shortly,” the old wizard said, looking into the Chief Justice’s face. “Now, Your Lordship, Harry and I must return to Hogwarts, with your permission, of course. We have much to do, and I must be seen at the school as much as possible.”

“Yes, certainly, I understand,” he replied. “If I may, Professor, would it be alright for Hermione and I to come and visit the school tomorrow? She has told me so much about it, and I would really like to see it. Sort of put it all in perspective, if you know what I mean?”

“That would be wonderful, Your Lordship! Please do come! Perhaps you can join us for breakfast. If you like, please bring Sarah and Martha along with you. I’m sure the two would also like to see the school. We will set a place for four at our head table,” Professor Dumbledore told the man.

“Then it is settled. We will be there in time for breakfast,” he confirmed.

Professor Dumbledore and Harry said their farewells to the group and made their way to the portkey. As they turned to leave, Captain Stran entered the residence and spoke a short minute to the professor. He nodded his head, and the two wizards went out the door.

Captain Stran made her way over to the Chief Justice and Hermione. “Your Lordship, a reporter with the Daily Prophet is waiting in your courtroom. He’s requesting an interview with you,” she related.

“Fine,” he said. “I expected it would happen sooner or later. Hermione, would you please join me?”

“Certainly, Your Lordship,” she replied.

They made their way down to the courtroom and found a small, balding wizard, looking to be in his fifties, seated at one of the long tables in front of the dais. He jumped to his feet when the large man and young witch passed through the door from the judge’s chamber.

“Your Lordship!” the man exclaimed. “Forgive my intrusion, sir. My name is Brian Ketler Bodrick. I’m a reporter with the Daily Prophet. Might I have a few minutes of your time, please?”

The Lord Chief Justice and Hermione walked down the steps to the floor of the courtroom. Webster reached out and shook the man’s hand when they reached the table. He introduced him to Hermione and informed him of her selection to the post of Executive Assistant. The man’s eyes lit up at that. It was clear he had two stories and what a front page that would make.

“Now please, Mr. Bodrick, sit down and we’ll have a little chat,” Webster directed the man.

The reporter was a very excitable type. He very nervously went about scratching out his story and made it sound like he wanted to get everything exactly right. After he had filled up two pages with squiggly little writing, he turned to Hermione and interviewed her for a considerable time.

“Mr. Bodrick, we now have two other employees here in the court. Perhaps you would like to speak with them, also?” Webster asked.

“Oh, Your Lordship! That would be wonderful! I am truly in your debt!” the little man said, actually tearing from his excitement.

Webster turned to the security guard standing at his chamber door, “Would you please ask Sarah and Martha to join us here in the courtroom?”

The officer nodded her head and left. Within a few minutes the two young witches came out the door. Webster noticed, to his great relief, Martha had freshened up and looked very happy. He was very pleased at this and introduced them to the reporter.

Before the man began interviewing the other girls, Webster made it plain to the man the four would be making a quick tour of Hogwarts the next day.

“That is splendid, Your Lordship. The front page of tomorrow’s edition of the Daily Prophet will be completely on the court. Wonderful, just wonderful!” he again exclaimed, his mouth spread wide with a big toothy smile.

After he interviewed the two girls, he had all four stand behind the judge’s bench. He took a number of photos and finished with close-ups of each. After he was done, he excused himself. He made it plain he needed to rush to make sure all the stories and photos made the next day’s edition.

Webster smiled to himself. He had dealt with a number of reporters in his prior career and found most of them to be the same. “I guess you can’t blame them. Most are trying to do the very best they can. I just couldn’t begin to force myself to do that kind of work,” he thought to himself, smiling as he watched the little man leave through the doors at the back of the courtroom.

He turned around to find the three young witches still seated at the table. “Martha! You look very relieved. I’m very happy you are still with us, too. I must say, you were very brave helping free yourself, your mother and sister from that evil man. I want us to talk about it, later.”

He was glad Hermione and Sarah were present when he said those words. It was important that the girl understood she was welcome, and they were back on solid ground. Also, just as important, was the fact the other girls knew his feelings. The last thing they needed was an air of distrust amongst the four.

“Thank you, Your Lordship. I’m so thankful you and Professor Dumbledore were able to help my family as quickly as you did,” she said.

“But we couldn’t have done it without your help, and that’s for certain,” he said. “Now, let’s go up and find us something to eat. I believe we missed our lunch.”