Harry Potter and the Hall of Justice

Chapter 17 Malfoy’s Blunder


It was late evening at Malfoy Manor when the last wizard seated himself in the large basement meeting room. Lucius Malfoy had gathered over forty of his loyal henchmen to discuss recent troubling events and to work them into a savage frenzy.

“Where has Jacque Vincent gone off to, Greely?” Malfoy screamed out.

“No one knows, master. He just suddenly left the school. Headmaster Doughbry and the instructors searched the grounds and couldn’t locate him. It’s said he took some personal items with him when he left. There’s no evidence of foul play. I spoke with Doughbry myself, and he took me to his living quarters,” Greely replied. The man was sweating profusely at being put on the spot over the disappearance. He had seen Malfoy lash out with lethal force whenever his temper raged.

“He was your responsibility, you idiot! How do you know he hasn’t been arrested by the fucking muggle?” Malfoy screamed, his eyes bloodshot from the rage boiling within him. The muscles of his jaw were quivering from the nearly uncontrollable psychotic state the man was in.

“There’s no indication of his being arrested. And there are absolutely no signs of a struggle. It looks like he simply has fled. I have no idea why or to where,” Greely finished, slumping down into his chair, terrified at what might be his fate.

“You are a fucking idiot, Greely! If our Supreme Lord was here, he would melt your worthless ass!” Malfoy continued his ranting. “You will immediately find a replacement. One who can step in and take over the school the very minute our Supreme Lord returns to power.”

He slapped his cane across the large table several times and sat down, a large scowl upon his face, his eyes ablaze with rage.

“Vincent should be the least of our worries, Lucius. What’re we going to do with that frigging muggle? Many of our old established families are praising the man. That’s where the real danger lies,” a middle-aged wizard in black robes pointed out, nodding his head at others around the large tables.

“You leave the fucking muggle to me. I’ll put a quick end to him. Once he’s dead, we won’t be having any more trouble out of the ministry or the cowards who have failed to heed the call of the one true master. They will fall to their knees in fear. If I am fortunate, I’ll take out that old sack of shit Dumbledore at the same time. Our Supreme Lord is to return very soon to claim his rightful throne, and he will not be pleased if we have not prepared the way,” Malfoy warned, looking around at the wicked assemblage before him. “It must be done now. We will not wait any longer. Though it’s clear that I will have to initiate the plan myself.”

Heads turned at Malfoy’s statement. It went unsaid, but many at the table feared the old wizard Dumbledore. He had proved his power too many times in the past. Malfoy was evil incarnate, of that there was no question, but the man had never demonstrated his power against anyone outside this room. He had always used others to do his evil tasks and to take all of the risks. That’s what he was known for; what he was best at.

“Sebastian? Where are you? Stand up!” Malfoy shouted out.

A dark wizard came to his feet near the end of the long table. He had a dark cloak pulled tightly about him. The hood of the cloak covered so much of his head one could only make out the man’s large pointed nose and rotting teeth behind a permanent leering smile.

“You have earned a reward from our Supreme Lord, Sebastian. Your loyalty and hard work should be an example to all in this room,” Malfoy said to the large gathering, looking around with a sneer plainly exaggerated by the cast shadows of the dimly lit room. “At a later time, all will be told of the great efforts you have made on our Master’s behalf. For now, though, a small token of appreciation from our Supreme Lord.”

Malfoy clapped his hands and a door opened high in a corner of the room. A large goblin with reddish eyes pulled a young girl out of the doorway and began dragging her down the steps to his master.

The sight of the beautiful young girl being manhandled by the beast caused a stirring from the tables and a few catcalls and laughs went out. As the goblin stopped at Malfoy’s side, the creature went behind the girl, grabbing a large handful of her blond hair in his powerful hand and wrenching her head back.

Malfoy reached out and grabbed the girls blouse in both hands. He then ripped it from her body and did the same to her skirt. The girl reached up to cover her bra-covered breasts with her cupped hands while screaming and struggling against the goblins grip.

Stepping to one side, Malfoy allowed the girl to be clearly seen by all in the room. His eyes were ablaze with evil intent, and he laughed at the hungry, leering eyes he saw around the table.

“A nice little carrot for the donkey, is she not?” Malfoy laughed out sadistically at his little quip. “Come claim your reward, Sebastian!” Malfoy then looked back into the horrified eyes of the young girl, pleased at the terror he saw in them. He next reached out and pulled her bra down under her large breasts for all to see how well endowed she was.

Sebastian quickly made his way to the head of the table and pushed the goblin out of the way. The large, ugly wizard threw the girl face down on the table and ripped her knickers off with his powerful hands.

“Not here, Sebastian, you cretin! Take her back to the holding cell!” he ordered the sex-crazed man.

Sebastian reached between the girl’s naked legs and wrapped his long, heavy arm under and around her hip. He then reached out with his other hand and twisted her long blond hair around it, pulling her off the table and carrying her back up to the door.

Everyone laughed out at the site of the girl screaming in pain and struggling in vain against the large evil brut. The goblin, displaying an excited evil grin of his own, had run ahead of the dark wizard and held the door open.

“Enjoy!” Malfoy yelled out with a laugh. “Save some for my dogs!”

The wizards were screaming out and laughing largely from the frenzy Malfoy had caused. This pleased the evil man greatly. He allowed them a little more guffawing before raising his cane once again. They instantly quieted themselves and returned to their seats when they saw him.

“See what rewards you can expect when our master’s finally seated on his rightful throne! This is but one young muggle!” he yelled out. “Those who are loyal and faithful to our Supreme Lord will be allowed to please themselves with any number of young muggles. They will be for your pleasure and to do with whatever you wish. Do you not now see why I am counting the very seconds until his return?”

“What are we to do, Master?” a voice called out. “When will you give us your plan? We want to prove ourselves and receive our rewards, too.”

“First, I will take care of the muggle justice and the bastard, Dumbledore. Our Supreme Lord has also promised me the muggle-born Granger girl. After that is done, I will lay out our master’s plan. All will take part. There will be many we must destroy quickly. However, and I give you the master’s stern warning, no one is to touch Harry Potter. The master has very special plans for that little bastard,” he told his henchmen, with a smug smile. Malfoy could say no more. Voldemort had warned him not to discuss their plan of action with anyone until the first steps were completed. They could trust no one.

Lucius Malfoy could hardly wait for the moment when he would go before his Supreme Lord and relate the deaths of the muggle justice and Dumbledore to him. And, of course, there was the Granger girl. He had spent many months fantasizing over how he would break the girl. He would turn her into a little whore, he had decided, and would take great delight in watching her service some of the most despicable, unsavory and seedy creatures he could find. It will suit her right, he thought, loving the thought of destroying the young girl’s life, reveling at her screams, her pain and her agony.

Malfoy hurriedly ended the meeting. He knew he had to find Cornelius Fudge to discuss the latest development. Fudge’s self-righteousness and inflated ego would serve him nicely, he thought. A smug grin came over his face, and he began to chuckle at the notion.


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


Professor Dumbledore attended the evening meal at Hogwarts to dispel any rumors of frequent absences on his part. As soon as the meal was over, himself, Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch headed straight to Falcon’s Lair.

Upon their arrival, Professor Priest and Minister Grime sat down with the three and briefed them on the days training.

“Fred Weasley caught George’s pants on fire, Professor,” Drucila Priest told the old wizard with a chuckle. “Burned them right off of him. Haven’t seen anyone move so fast in years.”

“And we are all sporting more bruises than Bertie Bott has beans,” said Minister Grime with a large boyish grin.

“I trust we will have survivors? We will need some who are still breathing to take the fight outside this dungeon, you know?” Dumbledore stated with a loud laugh.

“I must say again, Albus, you have put together a fine group here. I hope it won’t be more than a few weeks before we can start giving them something to practice on besides each other,” Grime said, squinting his eyes at the old professor.

“Yes, Bartholomew. Though, we may not be afforded that much time. Drucila, please begin teaching them your unique Avada Kedavra incantation tomorrow,” he said to the old witch, giving her a hopeful look.

“Don’t look at me like that, Albus. They will master it quickly enough, I assure you. I could teach it to a ten year old and have it perfectly executed within a couple of days,” she replied with confidence.

“Of course, Drucila. I’m certain you could just that,” he said. “Now, if I may, I need to have Athena gather round me.”

Minister Grime got the attention of those scattered around the large dungeon practicing their incantations and had them gather around the old wizard.

“I have brought Madam Hooch with me to describe the capabilities of our new Nimbus Special Order brooms. Madam Hooch, if you please!” he said, looking at the Hogwart’s instructor.

Madam Hooch picked up one of the unique, black brooms from a table where the first shipment had been laid out. “You will notice, first of all, a slightly shorter but thicker stick. After you select your broom, we will go through a process to make it uniquely fit itself to you. First, you will grasp the stick firmly with your weak hand at your usual grasping point. It will automatically mold itself to your fingers and will provide a unique handgrip. Even with considerable force, you will not be knocked off of your broom. If you should become unseated, it will not leave your hand; you should readily be able to remount it quickly. You will also notice, in letters barely visible underneath the broom near the top, the unique name of your broomstick. Coupled with the power of your amulet, you will be able to call the broom to you from any distance at a remarkable speed.”

The old headmaster raised a hand. “You will not need to vocalize the name of the broom. Your desire to have the broom, along with repeating its name in your mind, is all that will be needed. However, you must remember to focus through the amulet,” Professor Dumbledore interjected.

“What will make our flying experience without equal is a special over-covering. I will demonstrate,” she said. She reached down into a box and withdrew what appeared to be a long silky sock. Reaching out, Madam Hooch took a broomstick and slid it down the sock. The broom disappeared.

“Wow!” exclaimed George Weasley. “Would you look at that?”

“Look at what!” Fred screamed out. “I don’t see a thing!”

Everyone was quite impressed all around. Of course, to Harry, Ron and Professor Dumbledore it was old hat.

“Now,” continued Madam Hooch. “If you look closely, you will see a flap barely visible. It is through this flap you will put your hand to grasp and control the broom. Just forward of your handgrip, you will feel a small sliding switch underneath. It allows a dim light to glow at the top of the broom when it is on, which is visible even with the invisibility cloak fitted. The reason for this light will soon be made clear, however, as I said, it’s very dim, about what you would expect to see from a firefly.”

“This is great!” said Fred, hardly able to contain himself.

“That isn’t all Fred Weasley! If you will allow me to continue?” said Madam Hooch in her particular huffy way.

“Each of you has here in this crate,” she said, walking over to a large wooden box, “a suit made from the same invisibility material, provided again by Professor Dumbledore. I will put mine on to demonstrate.”

As she began pulling on the baggy pants and overshirt her body disappeared. She then reached down and pulled on booty coverings and fixed them to her feet before tightly pulling and pushing the tight elastic bottoms of the pants over them. Hooch then pulled out a pair of gloves and her hands completely disappeared from view. Finally, they noticed her head bobbing over toward the box again. She then lifted another item out of the box.

“Now! This hood goes on over your head and is pushed down through the neck of the overshirt, both front and rear, to drape freely inside. The material is so very thin you won’t even be aware you have anything on. You will suffer from absolutely no loss of vision,” she went on to explain. With that, she pulled on the hood and completely disappeared. A few seconds later, Fred Weasly was kicked hard in his butt and flew across the ground.

“That will teach you to be quiet when I’m giving instructions, Fred Weasley!” Madam Hooch yelled out with a laugh. All around witches and wizards alike got a good belly laugh from the look on Fred’s face.

Fred got up and went about massaging his butt with both hands, fretfully scrunching up his eyes at the pain.

“Thank you, Madam Hooch, for that splendid instruction and demonstration!” Dumbledore said, still laughing at Fred. “The small lamp Madam Hooch told you about will be used at night, of course. During daylight hours, you will attach a very small colored ribbon or streamer, which will extend out of the slit at the top of the broom. Now, another little surprise which might come in handy. Something from our non-magical brethren, which I believe will be most useful to us.”

Dumbledore walked over to another wooden crate. He withdrew his wand and silently whispered an incantation. The top of the crate popped and its bindings snapped. He flipped his wand again and the heavy wooden top flew into the air, landing some feet away.

“Here!” he exclaimed. “You will find what is known by our non-magical brethren as night vision goggles. They are of the most recent manufacture, and I’ve been told they work in near total darkness. In normal circumstances, of course, magic folk would have no need, whatsoever, for such an oddity. However, the fact we must quietly and covertly operate at all hours of the day and night will require us to use whatever might give us the upper hand. What makes them work is something our non-magical brothers call batteries. You will find a number of boxes of the little cylinders inside the crate. Minister Grime, I believe you are familiar with these devices, are you not?”

“Yes, Professor. If I may?” Grime stepped forward and lifted one of the goggle headsets. He flipped one over and showed his attentive audience the small compartment where the cylinders would be placed. He explained the purpose of the batteries and about how long they should last. Grime then went about putting a pair of the goggles on Ron’s head and explained how to adjust them and turn them on. “I’ve been told the older models actually would blind you for a number of seconds, if a light was turned on or if there happened to be an unexpected flash of light. These will not. They quickly adjust, preventing the bright light from reaching your eyes. Because you might find yourself in a situation where instant illumination is possible, I suggest you practice lifting the goggles away from your eyes with your hood in place. It’s easy to do, as they are held in place and pivot on this adjustable headband. Now, if everyone will step forward. Remove a pair of goggles from the box, and I’ll give you the batteries you will need. You will always carry spare batteries, is that understood?”

“Professor, why don’t we just use charms to make ourselves invisible and to light our way?” Sirius said.

“It gives us a greater advantage to use devices Voldemort will not be attuned to or expects to see. He’s very proficient at sensing and removing charms. It would put Athena in great jeopardy. Therefore, you will likely see and be trained to use a number of other unusual devices before our mission is complete,” the old wizard said, confidently smiling around at the young wizards and witches before him.

Heads nodded around the group and soon all were trying on the goggles. Madam Hooch then presented each with their own broomstick and helped them through the process of fitting their grip. Within a short time, each had individually prepared their broom and was dressed out in the invisibility clothing.

Dumbledore called for their attention and had the invisible troop follow him over to a sealed door at the back of the large dungeon. He raised his wand, unsealed and opened the large door.

“This is a large ventilation shaft which exits high on a hill behind the school. The shaft opening is hidden, so each of you should familiarize yourself with its location. For the first few nights, I ask you to stay away from the school while you are testing your brooms and invisibility cloaks. Also, and this is extremely important: you do not want to collide with one of your friends at a high rate of speed, so please, turn on your small beacons and do not speed around crazily. You should also practice flying at night with your goggles until you are completely comfortable using them. And lastly, remember your amulets. Trust them. They will both inform and warn you of many things. Now, away with you!” Dumbledore said at last and heard the group shouting and laughing out as they flew up the shaft.

Professor Dumbledore turned around laughing. “My, my,” he began, “I do wish I was young again! I’d give anything to be out in the open air right now alongside them.”

Professor McGonagall laughed at the old professor while thinking back on her own days on the Quidditch field. Professor Priest and Minister Grime agreed, also. The four elders walked back over to one of the tables and, much to everyone’s great surprise, found fresh trays of iced tea and specially prepared treats.

“Albus, you never got back to me on the other idea we discussed before. Have you given it any thought?” Grime asked Dumbledore.

“I have, Bartholomew. I have,” he replied. “You said it would be simple to implement, and you would train Athena yourself?”

“Yes, I’m very familiar with the weapons. I’ve spent many hours using them and can make specific recommendations,” he said. “However, it also occurred to me our new Lord Chief Justice would be even more proficient. He did, after all, spend most of his life using them. It would be a great benefit if he could somehow help me out with the lessons or share his ideas, too.”

“What are you talking about, Bartholomew?” Professor Priest asked.

“Muggle weapons, Drucila. I was telling Albus we should consider training our first team to use and carry small automatic weapons. They are particularly lethal and very fast to use. It would give Athena more flexibility and would prove quicker, in some circumstances, than incantations,” Grime explained.

“I would once have told you that was a very bad idea. Nevertheless, we are up against the wall here. As much as I find myself opposed to their use, I must agree with you. We should use every resource available to us,” Drucila Priest said in agreement.

Professor Dumbledore nodded his head. “Yes, I too share the same feelings, Drucila. However, I know in my heart anything we can use that would increase the effectiveness and safety of our young team must be utilized, no matter how much we detest the thought. The Dark Lords will not expect their use. But above all, if our young masters should go about using the large amount of magical power it will take to eliminate so many, such energy will ripple through time itself, warning the very evil beings we will be targeting.”

Grime nodded his head. “I’ve been worried about that very thing myself, Albus. That’s the reason, as you know, I brought their use to your attention.”

“Very well. I leave it to you Bartholomew. Will you be able to secure enough of the weapons?” Dumbledore asked the man.

“Yes, I have my sources. I’ll get started tomorrow, after our morning lessons. It will give me a chance to use my new broom and invisibility cloak,” he said, with a grin.

“Excellent!” Dumbledore replied, but unable to return the man’s grin. The old headmaster was appalled over the whole proposition. But he knew there was no other way.

The old professor went on to explain what was planned at the Ministry the next morning. He told them Webster was expecting Minister Fudge to try to put him in his place. Dumbledore couldn’t help but laugh at the thought. He was sure Fudge wouldn’t want him anywhere around when he talked to the justice. Everyone at the table agreed with that.

They went on to talk about Malfoy and the specific danger he brought to the table. Professor Dumbledore told them he expected Malfoy to try again to have him dismissed from Hogwarts and was surprised he hadn’t already made the attempt.

Finally, Dumbledore and McGonagall excused themselves, as it was getting very late. They soon found themselves back in his office where she bid him a goodnight and left for bed.


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


Very early the next morning, Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge sat at his desk waiting for a special visitor to arrive. A caller he cared the very least in seeing, in bad times or in good.

After a short late night meeting, however, he had to make a quick decision and enter into a most malicious agreement. Something he had not planned to ever do, something dangerous and vile. Although, it occurred to him there just might be times one had to enter into a pact with the devil to forward ones own agenda. This must surely have been one of those times.

The door of his office opened and a tall blond man stepped inside. He pushed the door shut behind him and smiled insolently at the little man seated at the desk.

“Our glorious moment has arrived sooner than we expected, Fudge,” Lucius Malfoy said, with a guttural laugh. “Our master will be pleased.”

“Your master, Lucius. Not mine,” replied Fudge.

“Yes, of course. Nevertheless, I assure you, the Supreme Lord will not soon forget your assistance in arranging our little - - - how should I put it - - - party?” Malfoy said, laughing out while rubbing at his chin with his free hand. He held his ever-present cane in his left, which concealed his wand. Fudge had always thought it enhanced the man’s evil, dominating appearance.

“Whatever you wish to call it; the arrangements have been made. I expect the muggle and Dumbledore to be here in a couple of hours. You will not do your devilish deed in my office, is that understood?” Fudge ordered the man.

“Why would I wish to do it here, Cornelius? We must have many witnesses, don’t you agree? There must be no doubt in anyone’s mind the two are finished. And, of course, the headline has already been prepared: ‘Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge and Lucius Malfoy End Conspiracy of Evil’. And the story is much better, I assure you. You will be most impressed, Cornelius,” Malfoy cried out, laughing loudly at his evil plan.

“And are you planning to do this alone?” Fudge asked the man, knowing Malfoy never dirtied his hands but always chose to act through a proxy.

“There will be another. As much as I would like to kill them both, especially the bastard Dumbledore, I will take my pleasure in putting an end to the fucking muggle. Dumbledore will never know what hit him, I assure you. He will be taken first and from behind. I do not want the old wizard interfering with the delight I will take gutting the muggle. It should be quite bloody, Cornelius. It will make for wonderful photographs in the Daily Prophet, I assure you. Of course, it will all happen so fast. Everyone will swear I killed both before they could strike out at you. Yes, there will be much rejoicing. The great Cornelius Fudge’s life was spared. Saved by Lucius Malfoy. And an evil plot to overthrow the Ministry was brought to a quick and successful end!” he laughed again at the thought.

“I’m sure your master will reward you handsomely, Lucius.” Fudge pointed out, again cringing at the very thought of being involved in the evil plan.

“Most assuredly, Cornelius. He’s a most giving and loving master. I should hope you will one day soon be able to spend some quality time with him,” Malfoy said, enjoying greatly the fear that notion put on the man’s face. “You know, get to know him and appreciate him as I have.”

“You should leave, Lucius. My staff will be arriving soon. It will not do for them to see you here,” Fudge retorted.

“Yes, certainly. But remember, Cornelius, you must thank me profusely for saving your life and helping you uncover their dishonorable conspiracy. Oh, and lest I forget, you will have the Granger girl arrested and taken to the holding cell I spoke with you about. I will remove her soon afterwards,” Malfoy said, as he turned to leave the office.

Fudge remained seated at his desk. He was feeling dreadful for allowing himself to be sucked into Malfoy’s evil plot. After he had seen the reaction of Webster’s ring at the ceremony, however, Fudge knew he would have a hard fight to hold onto the power he so craved and had grown accustomed to. The very afternoon of the ceremony, Malfoy had approached him saying it was clear the muggle would greatly diminish his authority. Malfoy had quickly spun his web about him. Before he knew it, he was trapped and had agreed to the evil man’s dastardly scheme.

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

Professor Dumbledore departed early for the Hall of Justice. He arrived, thankfully, just as the Chief Justice and his court were sitting down to breakfast. He was famished and greatly enjoyed his meal.

Within the hour, Chief Justice Webster, Professor Dumbledore and Hermione had used the Ministry of Magic portkey and found themselves in Cornelius Fudge’s anteroom. Fudge greeted the three with open arms, as if they were long lost friends. He then showed them out into the large atrium of the Ministry where witches and wizards were beginning to assemble for the Chief Justice’s grand tour.

Arthur Weasley walked up and Hermione rushed to wrap her arms around the man. They exchanged a few pleasantries before she pulled him over to introduce him to Chief Justice Webster.
“Your Lordship! This is Arthur Weasley. He is the father of Ron, George, Fred and Ginny,” she said as an introduction.

“Arthur!” Webster exclaimed. “So good to meet you. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting three of your sons and Ginny. Very fine young magic folk they are. It’s a pleasure.”

Arthur Weasley was slightly taken aback by the minister’s knowledge of his children. He wondered how the man could have ever met them all so quickly, while lifting his hand to shake Webster’s. “Thank you, Your Lordship. It is indeed an honor. I hope you enjoy your tour of the Ministry.”

“Thank you, Arthur. I’m looking forward to it,” he replied.

Minister Fudge motioned for them to begin their walk across the atrium. No sooner than they began, Dumbledore’s amulet suddenly burned hot against his skin. Hermione, too, felt hers heat instantly. She looked at the old professor and saw him slowly raise his right hand to disappear within his robe. This startled her, and she too began to raise her hand to find her wand.

In front of them, at some distance, Lucius Malfoy stepped out from the crowd they were approaching. What happened next is best left to the front-page article of the Daily Prophet:

* * * * * * * * * *

“A most terrible chain of events was set in motion. A dark wizard stepped from behind a crowd at Professor Albus Dumbledore’s back. As the wizard thrust his wand out at the elder wizard’s defenseless back, Professor Dumbledore fell to his knees, pivoted around instantly and blasted the man with such force he was lifted many feet from the ground and thrown with lethal force against the hard, marble walls of the lower atrium. The dark wizard’s body splattered horribly against the wall, pulverized into a bloody, oozing mass, which slid down the atrium’s wall.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing Lucius Malfoy, at the very same moment, strike out at Lord Chief Justice Daniel Webster with an eviscerating incantation, an obvious attempt to disembowel the man. The spell was captured by some unknown force, which appeared instantly around the Chief Justice. The mysterious power held fast, which was made evident by the presence of a large greenish glow swirling around the Minister. At that very same instant, Executive Assistant Hermione Granger struck out at the threat against the Chief Justice with a force of power even more formidable than Professor Dumbledore’s. The energy of her incantation had such power, witnesses’ report, Malfoy simply exploded. Small, bloody pieces of the wizard were scattered about everywhere. None were found that could not but easily fit inside a small paper sack. Janitorial crews were instantly called to clean up the horrible mess.

After the incident, Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge was nowhere to be found. Some believed he hurried off in fear of his own life. A few stated, to no one’s surprise, that the minister had been spending considerable time with Lucius Malfoy the last several days. A complete investigation has been called to ascertain how deep the conspiracy to assassinate the Chief Justice and Professor Dumbledore may have been. Depend on the Daily Prophet to bring you the latest news - - - as it happens.”

* * * * * * * * * *

All around the large atrium witches and wizards were running and screaming. Arthur Weasley quickly ran up, his wand at the ready and stood in front of the Chief Justice. Hermione, her wand thrust out in front of her, slowly turned, scrutinizing the remaining crowd.

“Hermione!” Dumbledore screamed out, not looking her way but continuing to scrutinize the crowd around them. “Are you all right?”

“Never better!” came her reply. “And you, Professor?”

“Fine! Don’t worry about the Chief Justice; he’s completely protected!” Dumbledore assured her, wanting to make sure the young witch was properly taking care of her own safety and not worrying only about her master.

The green glow swirling around Webster soon dissipated. He reached out for Dumbledore and pulled him toward Hermione.

“What the hell just happened?” Webster shouted out.

“Apparently, Your Lordship, an attempt was just made on our lives. I didn’t recognize the wizard who made the attempt on me, however,” the old professor said, surveying the crowd gathering around them. The amulet at his chest was again cool. The old wizard knew the threat was over.

“It was Lucius Malfoy, Professor. He attempted to kill Chief Justice Webster,” Hermione said.

“Malfoy?” Dumbledore repeated. “Where is he?”

“I think that bloody mess over there is mostly what is left of him, Albus,” Webster said, pointing out the blood and small chunks of flesh and bone scattered about.

“Hermione?” Dumbledore exclaimed.

“Yes, that’s him - - - what’s left of him!” she excitedly told the old wizard.

“Hermione!” Arthur Wesley exclaimed. “Where did you learn to do that? I’ve never seen such power! I’ve never even heard of such power! How did you do it?”

“I’m not really sure, Mr. Weasley,” she replied. Hermione knew, however, the force came not from within her but was somehow channeled through the amulet. She didn’t actually know how nor could she articulate what she felt when it happened. Strangely, though, she knew it was not her power alone that had caused such devastation.

A number of witches and wizards ran up and suggested the Chief Justice be spirited off to a safer area. Arthur Weasley led the way back to the Minister’s anteroom. Most gave Hermione a wide berth as they walked back to the room. Their eyes still registering shock and fear over the power the young witch displayed.

“Where is Fudge?” Dumbledore asked looking around.

“I have no idea, Professor. I’ll look in his office,” Weasley said.

Arthur Weasley opened the office door and saw no one inside. “He’s not here, Professor. I can’t remember seeing him leave, either.”

A number of ministers quickly made their way to the anteroom and were obviously greatly disturbed over what had just taken place. Several noted seeing Fudge quickly move away from them right before Malfoy jumped out of the crowd. Everyone present had witnessed the event unfold before their very eyes. They each admitted being amazed at the power the two had displayed. None had ever witnessed such power.

Dumbledore and the Chief Justice each thanked them for their concern but, under the circumstances, begged them to understand their need to quickly return to the greater safety of the Hall of Justice. All heartily agreed.

“There is obviously a conspiracy underfoot. We must get to the bottom of it quickly,” Dumbledore said loudly and was satisfied to see the nods and agreement voiced by those present. It was a terrible thing to happen, the old wizard thought to himself, but it might have been the most fortunate event they could ever have hoped for. Clearly, Malfoy’s blunder had opened the door widely for the coming confrontations.