Harry Potter and the Hall of Justice

Chapter 19 Merlin’s Black Ledger


Witches and wizards were appearing at the Ministry in droves. A large number excitedly rushed Professor Dumbledore upon noticing his arrival.

“Professor, what do you make of Fudge’s disappearance?” was a common question shouted his way and seemed to be at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

“Please!” the old professor yelled out, motioning for quiet with his two hands held out in front of him. “Please! I have my own theory concerning our absent Minister of Magic! However, it would be improper for me to openly speculate, at this time. Why don’t we wait until after we hear what the Ministry’s own initial investigation reveals before we speculate openly?”

All around the old wizard magic folk began nodding their heads and whispering amongst themselves. Professor Dumbledore couldn’t help but notice the anticipation on their faces, and, it seemed, elation over Fudge’s disappearance. This pleased the old man him greatly.

Within the hour, hundreds of witches and wizards from around the world had assembled. Dumbledore was also delighted to see Bartholomew Grime had made the meeting. He was seated next to Jeremiah Bones, Head of Ministry Investigations. Bones, who had also lost family members to Voldemort, had attended Hogwarts during Dumbledore’s term as headmaster. He knew Jeremiah to be a hardworking and thoughtful man but never a self-starter. Nevertheless, he was proud of the man he had become.

As the old wizard waited for the proceedings to begin, it became obvious Bones had been asked to preside over the assembly, as heads were turning to him and a number of ministers were blatantly urging him to get started.

Somewhat frustrated about being rushed, the minister shook his head and slowly came to his feet. “Please! May I have your attention, please?” Bones shouted out. “Find your seats, please!”

Standing at the podium, he looked first to his left and then to his right at the ministers seated at long tables, facing the assembly, which extended the full length of the raised stage. Another long line of tables behind them was filled to capacity with under-ministers, assistants and clerks. The crowd slowly hushed and allowed Bones to continue.

“Thank you all for responding so quickly to the summons. The Ministry of Investigations has completed its initial inquiry, and we have found reason to believe our missing Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, to have been involved, to some degree, with a conspiracy to take the lives of Lord Chief Justice Daniel Webster and Professor Albus Dumbledore earlier this morning.”

All through the large gathering arose a reverberating murmur, as ministers from around the world were anxiously trying to get brought up to date.

Bones paused until he again had the undivided attention of the crowd. “We have rushed to interview a number of witnesses and have conducted complete searches of Minister Fudge’s residence and office. We have found no evidence of foul play nor have we found any reasonable explanation for his disappearance,” he said, pausing again, allowing the audience time to consider those points.

“The Ministers, here before you, came together in an emergency session and quickly determined it was sensible and prudent, after the horrid incident this morning, to elect an interim Minister of Magic to serve during this precarious period. We also came to a decision, after very careful consideration, to choose someone who, beyond any doubt, had no close ties to our missing minister and a person beyond reproach. It is an honor to introduce to you now, our interim Minister of Magic, by unanimous vote, Arthur Weasley,” Bones said, holding out his right arm in welcome to the newly appointed minister.

Everyone present came to their feet and gave the man a resounding round of applause.

Seated more than a dozen seats to Minister Bones’s right, Arthur Weasley stood and made his way to the podium. He was blushing profusely, nodding his head and smiling largely at the audience.

Professor Dumbledore laughed out loudly in great pleasure at the Ministry’s selection. He, along with the vast majority of witches and wizards who had been associated the man, knew Arthur had an unblemished reputation, as he was far outside the inner circle of ministers that had always been loyal and submissive to Cornelius Fudge.

As Weasley approached the podium, Minister Bones reached out and patted him lightly on his shoulder and then waved his hand towards the lectern. The audience remained on their feet and clapped loudly adn voicing their approval.

Weasley held up his right hand and waved at the crowd, which caused them to become even more raucous. Slowly they responded to his waves for order and began to take their seats.

“Thank you! Thank you! It was quite a surprise! Thank You!” he exclaimed. The crowd again applauded but quickly silenced themselves.

“If they wanted someone far outside Cornelius Fudge’s inner circle, they chose the right wizard,” he said. A large majority of people laughed out and clapped again over his retort.

“Minister Bones said his office’s investigation into the disappearance of Cornelius Fudge could take some time to complete, if he is not readily found. He also told the assembled ministers the Ministry of Investigations has been severely neglected for some time. They are seriously short of resources and people, as our missing Minister Fudge had insisted upon not filling vacancies within the office. This surprised no one. In the meantime, however, we wish to insure all present everything will be done to secure your safety and livelihood,” he stated emphatically.

After another rumbling went through the crowd, he again raised his hands for silence. “I assure each of you I am as concerned over all of this as you are. And I believe we all know who is most certainly behind the assassination attempts, which thankfully failed this morning. We are dedicated to the task of seeking out those responsible and bringing them to the justice they deserve.”

Everyone attending the assembly jumped to their feet and gave their new interim minister a booming round of applause.

Arthur Weasley smiled broadly, continued to nod his head and wave out at his supporters. As the crowd began quieting themselves again, he finished his short speech. “Again, I thank you for coming, and I thank you, in advance, for the support I’m sure you will give the Ministry over these next days and weeks. Thank you,” Weasley said, in conclusion.

As the audience got to their feet to again give their new Minister of Magic more applause, Minister Grime stepped over to Weasley and, while shaking his hand, leaned forward to whisper something in his ear. Dumbledore noticed the man nod his head and look his way. Weasley raised his hand and motioned for the old wizard to join them. He then went back to shaking the many hands of those giving their congratulations and well wishes.

It took the old headmaster several minutes to make it up to Weasley. “Congratulations, Arthur! I’m most impressed. They could not have made a better selection,” the old professor said, smiling at Arthur Weasley in jubilant approval. “Did Bartholomew tell you of our findings a few hours ago?”

“Yes, he mentioned you had made your way to Malfoy’s Manor. Can we go find a quiet place to discuss what you found?” Weasley asked.

“Certainly,” Dumbledore replied.

The old headmaster turned and motioned for Hermione and Captain Stran to join him. Weasley exchanged hugs with his young friend after she made her way to him through the thinning crowd.

“I couldn’t be happier for you,” Hermione said, her eyes watering from the emotion of the moment.

“Thank you so much, Hermione. I’m so happy you were able to make it. I hope you didn’t leave your boss at a bad time, though. I’d expect he’d still be pretty upset after all that took place this morning.”

Hermione shook her head and smiled. “One would think so, but he’s a much stronger willed man than he looks. I’d have to say he is more irritated about the possibility others may have been hurt than he is concerned over what might have happened to him.”

Arthur Weasley had Minister Bones and Grime join them, and they soon found an empty meeting room. The four wizards and two witches sat down at a table where Dumbledore went on to relate in detail what had been found at Malfoy’s.

Weasley and Bones found it hard to believe they had been so fortunate. The two ministers also informed Dumbledore that Minister McNair and some of his cronies had quickly left the Ministry sometime after Fudge was reported as missing, too. After Dumbledore next repeated names he had seen in Malfoy’s black ledger, it backed up their theory even that much more.

“It’s obvious Malfoy didn’t take any extreme steps with security at his residence. I’m sure he felt, as conceited as he was, that no one would dare attempt to search his property. It came, I assure you, as an unexpected and fortuitous shock to all of us. Of course, I must praise the man on the thoroughness of his record keeping. It was magnificent, I must say,” Professor Dumbledore added with a laugh.

“What do you intend to do, Professor?” Weasley asked.

“We’ve formed a small investigative and action team, to put it simply, under the authority of Chief Justice Webster. It’s the beginning of his Department of Special Investigations. I must warn you, it is most secret and must be kept that way,” the old wizard explained. The two men nodded in agreement.

“I’m glad someone has finally taken the initiative,” Bones replied.

“Chief Justice Webster has charged me with the oversight of his team,” Dumbledore said, removing the parchment of the Lord Chief Justice’s first official decree from within his robe. He handed it across to the two wizards to read.

“Damn! He is serious!” exclaimed Weasley. “This is unbelievable!” Bones and Weasley looked at each other and exchanged big grins.

“If this had been done twenty years ago, Professor, we wouldn’t be in our current dilemma,” said Bones.

“It is long overdue. We’re fortunate to have such a justice. Very fortunate,” said Grime.

“What can we do to help, Professor?” asked the new Minister of Magic.

“First and foremost, Arthur, we must keep this an absolute secret. By doing so, we will better be able to safeguard the members of our team until we can remove the most dangerous Death Eaters and their associates. Next, because it’s unexpected, our people will be able to move about covertly, initially. The dark lords have been operating with total impunity these last years. They believe the Ministry does not have the ability to stop them or the desire to give them grief. This will greatly work to our advantage, I’m sure you agree,” Dumbledore said.

The two men nodded again.

“Professor, I still can’t believe what I saw you and Hermione do this morning. I know you didn’t see her, but the power of her incantation was beyond belief. No one present, and as you know there were many who witnessed it, could fathom such power,” Weasley said with an amazed look on his face, looking from the old wizard to Hermione and back.

“I wish I’d been here,” replied Grime, contemplating what he had missed.

“Yes, Bartholomew. It was grand, I assure you. Malfoy just blew up. Splattered all over the place. Our cleaning crews will have to finish their cleaning after everyone leaves tonight. You can still smell his blood, even after a number of cleaning incantations have been used. Unbelievable!” Weasley exclaimed again.

“Arthur, I must also make you aware that Ron, Fred and George are members of the Chief Justice’s first team,” Dumbledore told the man.

Weasley almost jumped out of his chair. “You are serious, Professor?” he exclaimed.

Dumbledore nodded his head and smiled. “I wouldn’t have wanted to have a team without them, Arthur.”

“I’m so proud of those boys. Their mother and I have so worried the twins might wind up in Azkaban,” he said with a grin. “You will take care of them, Professor?”

“Yes, of course, Arthur. I will do my very best. Of course, we are now in some very troubling and dangerous times. I believe, however, they will be safe, if we can keep a tight lid on this,” the old professor warned.

“We will, of course,” said Weasley. Minister Bones was nodding his head in agreement, too.

“Arthur, Professor Dumbledore has asked me to assist in the training of the team,” Grime interjected. “It’s now only proper that I ask your permission to do so?”

“Of course! It goes without saying, we would all certainly feel a lot better with you helping out, Bartholomew. After all, you have one of the best minds around in dealing with Dark Magic. If there’s anything you need, either of you, contact Jeremiah or me at any hour, day or night,” Weasley pleaded.

Bones changed the subject. “Professor, after you are through with the ledger and that portfolio you found, could you make it available to us? It will, after all, be the unambiguous evidence we will need to present to the naysayers,” Jeremiah Bones asked of the old wizard.

“Yes, of course, Jeremiah. We’ll turn it over to you as soon as it fulfills our needs,” Dumbledore replied. “If I may, I would like to suggest both of you spend as much time as you can at the Hall of Justice getting to know our new Chief Justice. Webster’s going to make us an outstanding justice. He fully appreciates the peril we’re in and will do everything in his power, I have no doubt, to help bring us through our crisis.”

“We will, Professor. Bones and I will definitely do just that,” replied Weasley.

As it was getting late, they discussed few things more. Grime told the old headmaster he still needed to make contact with one of his sources before he returned to Falcon’s Lair.

As they stood to leave, Hermione once again approached the new interim minister. “Your family will be so proud. I know Harry will be, too,” she said, smiling largely at the man.

Before Dumbledore departed for Hogwarts, he asked Hermione to inform the Chief Justice of what had transpired in the secret meeting. He also told her he would remain at Hogwarts and Falcon’s Lair most of the next day, as they needed to begin strategizing now that they had the ledger with specific individuals to be targeted.

“Professor, if you need me to join you at any time, please let me know. I want to do my part,” she said.

“Hermione, you have already done so much. More than any of us could have ever possibly asked of you. Facing Malfoy like you did earlier today took great courage. I am so very proud of you,” he said, reaching out and wrapping his arms around the beautiful young witch. “Yes, you have made me so very proud.”

Hermione blushed red and returned the old wizards hug with a strong one of her on. Finally, Dumbledore released her but leaned forward and kissed her gently on the forehead before backing away. He gave her a large smile and a wink, then turned to start his journey back to Hogwarts.


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


Harry was sitting at the old wizard’s desk when he returned. Dumbledore pulled his robes about him and sat down, looking down into a very troubled face.

“Harry? Is there anything wrong?” Dumbledore asked, alarmed by the troubled look upon his face.

“Yes - - -,” Harry hesitated, his face displaying the anger he felt. “How could Malfoy have been getting away with those kind of things? Why did the Ministry let him get away with torturing people, like that girl?”

The old wizard reached up and carefully removed his eyeglasses and placed them on the table before him. He shook his head slowly, his eyes downcast, looking at the edge of his desk. “Harry, I don’t know. I simply don’t know. It’s beyond me why there are some who take such great pleasure in causing such great pain. Throughout the history of both the magical and non-magical world, there have been many who have done such terrible things. We should be thankful the vast majority of people are gentle, caring and loving. You see, they are the ones, Harry, who must fight the battles against such evil whenever it arises. That is why you have been called, you understand? You, Harry, are one of those chosen few who, it seems, are almost born for the very purpose of doing good and, in time of peril, go out and risk your very life defending those such as the young girl you found today. You have talent, my young friend, which you can’t even begin to comprehend. I would have wished this battle against evil had waited until you were older, but, alas, the battle draws near. It awaits no man.”

Harry remained silent for some moments. “Yeah. I wish it would have waited, too,” he replied.

“Perhaps you should take the night off and spend some time with Ginny, Harry?” Professor Dumbledore asked, arching his eyebrows.

Harry almost jumped out of his seat. “Professor? Could we do that?”

“I’ll arrange it myself. Though, it will again require you to use your invisibility cloak. We can’t afford having you seen in the halls of Hogwarts,” the old wizard smiled, his eyes twinkling at the instant change in Harry’s demeanor. “Now, if you will forgive me, it’s time to make my way to the Great Hall. I must make my appearances, you know. And I will speak with Ginny and have her meet you in your secret hideaway. Say, at eight o’clock? Well before Ginny’s curfew?”

“Thanks, Professor! I don’t know what to say! Thank you! I’ll be there!” Harry exclaimed. No trace of anger remained on his face. He raced to the conference room and was back in Falcon’s Lair in a flash.

“Wha’s up, Harry?” Ron asked. “Where you been?”

“I was with Dumbledore! Looks like we’re ready to eat, huh?” Harry asked, looking at the food on the tables but absent much of an appetite.

The meal was uneventful. Professor Priest had started using the time they spent at the table to critique the daily training. Due to the fact they had trained so little that day, her review was short and contained few criticisms. When they had first heard the old witches high-pitched voice, everyone had actually dreaded having to be around her. They quickly found, however, she was not one to drone on and on over a subject. Her training was the best they had ever received, and Professor Priest’s way of explaining things was actually enjoyable and interesting. Of course, what the young wizards really liked was the twisted sense of humor the old witch had. That, and of course, she could out curse the lot of them.

After the meal, Harry made excuses to Ron to explain his absence for the night. He told him he had an errand for Dumbledore. Something quite hush, hush. Ron didn’t really buy into it but was too tired to wart him over the particulars.

Harry made his way to the secret room well before eight. Soon afterwards, he heard Ginny’s rushing footsteps and saw her shadowy figure turn quickly to close the door behind her when she entered the room. She saw Harry near the mantel and rushed into his arms.

“I missed you so much!” Harry cried out to her. They kissed wildly, tears running down their cheeks.

He pulled her into the secret room behind the mantle and pulled it close. Harry then lifted his wand and the room was instantly lit in candlelight.

“I was so worried, Harry. We were told Hermione killed Lucius Malfoy. Draco, Crabbe, Goyle and a few others were taken out of school right after it happened,” she cried out, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him close to her.

Harry kissed the young redheaded witch again and held her to his cheek. He had thought about her constantly. She was always on his mind. He so longed to be with her with no distractions. Would that time ever come?

“Hermione’s okay. I was with her this morning not long after it happened. She told me what happened, and she said she had no choice. It had to be done,” he said, consoling her.

“Professor Dumbledore told us at the evening meal that my dad has been appointed to serve as the interim Minister of Magic,” she said, pulling away from Harry and looking into his eyes.

“You’re kidding? Really? That’s wonderful! He’s the perfect man for the job!” he shouted out, displaying a large grin on his face. “That should keep Voldemort’s people in check! That is perfect!”

“I almost didn’t get away because of it, though. Everyone was trying to congratulate me, and if Dumbledore didn’t rescue me, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have made it here on time,” she told him.

“What did he say?” Harry asked.

“He walked with me towards his office and told me to meet you in our secret room by eight. Did you tell him about this room, Harry?” she asked.

“No. He already knew. I don’t know how, but he knew,” he replied.

The two young lovers decided they had had enough of talking. They were soon lying under a sheet on the bed, holding each other for what seemed like hours. In the wee hours of the morning they finally drifted off to sleep. It was their time. Harry’s last conscious thought was of something Professor Dumbledore had told him: “The timing might not be the very best for our personal plans but rarely is it best, even in the best of times.”


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


Professor Dumbledore went straightaway to Falcon’s Lair after he had his talk with Ginny. He found Athena sitting around the tables enjoying the antics of Fred and George Weasley when he arrived.

“Ah!” exclaimed the old professor. “It looks like Fred’s butt has healed nicely!” He laughed out, joined by everyone, including Fred Weasley.

“I’ve still got a pretty good lump back there, Professor. Madam Hooch must have lead in her boots,” he said, again rubbing at his butt with both hands and wincing.

“I have a bit of news which might be of interest to you all!” the old wizard said in a loud voice for all to hear. Everyone quickly gathered around the old professor as he lowered himself into a chair. “A couple of hours ago, the Ministry assembled to hear the report on our missing Minister Fudge. It appears he has taken off to parts unknown. The initial investigation points to a possible conspiracy. Anyway, most importantly, they have appointed an interim Minister of Magic, and I am very pleased to report it is none other than Arthur Weasley!”

“Buggers!” cried out Ron. His eyes were as big as saucers, as he looked at his twin brothers and laughed out.

“Poppers!” yelled George.

“Hey, they’ve finally done something right at the asylum!” shouted Fred.

Everyone quickly gathered around the three and congratulated them on actually being related to someone that might be able to keep them out of jail. Sirius brought forth a whole bucket of butter beer, and there was soon toasting going on all around the table.

“To our ol’ Dad!” exclaimed George, lifting his bottle and clanking it against others raised all around.

The cheerful atmosphere continued for some time. Eventually, Minister Grime returned and went about telling each of the boys how proud he was of their old man. This got the toasting going again and Sirius had to make several more trips to keep them in something to drink.

Finally, the jovial crowd began turning into their beds. Dumbledore, Priest and Grime remained at the table and talked on for several hours. Grime informed them his source would have the weapons and other supplies he ordered the next day. He handed a detailed price list to Professor Priest. She looked at it but didn’t really know anything about muggle money. It didn’t look like very much to the three, and they each shrugged their shoulders, as if the actual cost was insignificant.

Professor Priest told the two wizards she had assigned Remus Lupin and Dean Thomas to make the evening visit to Malfoy’s Manor. She had told them to take their invisibility clothing and brooms with them, as they might find them necessary at some point. Finally, the old witch brought out the black ledger and explained what she had found so far.

“There are over forty associates who were working directly under Malfoy. It’s obvious Malfoy was Voldemort’s second in Western Europe. Each associate has any number of henchmen working under him or her. Here is my list,” she said, pulling a roll of parchment out of her robe and unrolling it on top of the table. “I have the names of one hundred and twenty-four in total. And beyond any doubt, we will find more links as we go along. In Malfoy’s brown portfolio, Calderon found a number of their meeting places. It clearly shows the days of the month they have them and where they are held.”

“That’s wonderful, Drucila,” Grime said.

“Well done, well done!” exclaimed Dumbledore. “And what’s the date and location of the next meeting, Drucila?”

“Three nights from now, Albus. It’s at an associate’s residence in the Lake District, near Whitehaven. His name is Cetus. Drago Cetus. I don’t know anything about him,” she replied.

“Cetus? I’ve heard mention of the name before. Something to do with banking, isn’t it? I’ll look into it tomorrow, Albus. If you like, I can make a quick run to the Ministry. I bet Jeremiah Bones has some information on the man. What do you say?” Grime asked.

“Yes, I agree. We should gather as much intelligence as we possibly can on the man. Perhaps, Drucila, if you can spare two of your students early tomorrow, they can make use of their brooms for a quick reconnaissance of the Cetus property. Have them find an ideal location to set up a portkey. It will save us considerable time, and we might need to transfer more evidence, too. Let’s plan then on making a little visit, three nights hence, on Cetus and his party. Are we ready?” Dumbledore asked, looking at the two sitting with him at the table.

“Yes, we are. It’s important that we get our little show on the road, as the muggles say,” she said with a smile.

“Yeah!” exclaimed Grime. “Maybe we can get in a little practical training with those muggle weapons, too.”

Dumbledore soon returned to Hogwarts and sat down again in his old rocking chair at his hearth. The old wizard knew it was time to “get the show on the road”, as Drucila had put it, though, he couldn’t help but worry about putting unseasoned young witches and wizards into battle so soon against an enemy that had no compunction about killing and who certainly would not hesitate to do so.

The old headmaster’s thoughts soon turned once more to the muggle weapons Grime was securing. Even though he agonized over what their use might mean, he decided once and for all to put it behind him. The evil beings would not expect them. Above all, they would not sense them and many of their charms and enchantments would have little effect against them. The very safety and success of his young charges would most likely depend upon their use, even more so than the unexpectedness of their strikes.

The criminal ambitions and malicious intentions of the Dark Lords’ justified, in his mind, taking whatever action necessary to circumvent the inevitable all out war for world domination the malicious beings were even now preparing for. The old wizard had decided long ago such a conflict must be avoided at all cost. The campaign he would wage would be one of small, surgical strikes against individuals or small groups. Such a strategy, in time, would undercut the evil lords’ plans. Without their henchmen to do the dirty work, the Dark Lords’ would be unable to carry out their wicked strategies.


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


The next morning, Minister Grime transferred a substantial quantity of muggle weapons and ammunition to Falcon’s Lair. He had also purchased black nylon riggings for the handguns, which included holsters, belts and clip carriers. For the shotguns, he purchased slings with bandoliers.

Being that he had been trained in the proper use of the handguns, Grime went about instructing the students in their use, stressing safety and pointing out the limitations of the weapons. At the end of the lesson he helped them make the adjustments to their riggings before putting them through dry fire exercises with the handguns.

The second half of the morning was again spent under the tutelage of Professor Priest. She was very impressed with the speed her young protégés were mastering the lethal incantations. However, she soon realized the amulets provided to them by Professor Dumbledore were amplifying the power of the incantations. Why this happened, she had no idea. And it was incredible to watch how confident her young charges were becoming due to that fact. This pleased her greatly.

Harry was back in his old form. Being able to spend the night in Ginny’s arms had greatly helped him shake his depression. Ron quickly noticed the change in his old friend and was therefore glad Professor Dumbledore had sent him off to do whatever task he had assigned Harry, as it surely must have been the reason his friend’s outlook had turned around so fast. The fact Harry wouldn’t discuss his little mission didn’t bother Ron in the least. Harry was his old self again and that was all that mattered.

Oliver Wood and Lee Jordan were sent off after lunch to scout the Cetus property. Oliver was from the Lake District and knew the area around Whitehaven very well. He had heard the Cetus name before and had a fairly good idea where to locate the man’s estate. Priest gave them their special instructions from Dumbledore and explained fully why it was necessary to have very detailed knowledge of the area.


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


Professor Dumbledore returned to Falcon’s Lair in the early afternoon and found Priest putting her young charges through their paces. He asked her to excuse Harry, and they went off to one of the training rooms, which had been reserved for Lupin’s second team. The old professor turned and sealed the door after they entered and put a strong silencing charm around the walls of the room.

“Harry,” the old professor began, motioning him to take a seat at one of the tables in the room. “Many years ago, Merlin’s Black Ledger came into my possession. Merlin, as you know, was a grand old sorcerer and quite possibly the wisest and most talented since Edward D’Mar. Early in his long life, he came upon a number of very ancient and powerful incantations. Merlin recorded them, in great detail, on a number of parchments, which he eventually bound together into a black leather ledger.”

Dumbledore walked around the table and sat down in a chair. He reached inside his robe and removed a black book bound with two leather straps. Harry could plainly see it was very old and showed signs of rough handling, as the leather was gouged and faded smooth from wear in a number of places.

“Merlin wrote in what we refer to today as Classic West-Saxon. West Saxon was one of the four distinct dialects of Old English, Harry. A number the older translations might have originated from the earliest writings we have of Anglo-Frisian and Brythonic Celtic, which was the dialect group spoken by the majority of our ancestors. There lived throughout that period a number of very powerful witches and wizards. None, however, are believed to have been equal to Edward D’Mar. He became a powerful wizard about the time King Alfred ruled or about 900 A.D. It is possible some of these incantations came to Merlin from that old wizard. My old friend Nicolas Flamel came into its ownership many years ago, and he passed it on to me. From my hands, Harry, I have decided the ledger will pass to you. And one day, hopefully many, many years from now, you will pass it along to someone equally capable of judiciously using and accepting the great responsibility which comes from its possession,” the old wizard said, looking into Harry’s eyes and somehow relieved to be finally delivering the powerful works into other capable hands.

Dumbledore went about untying the leather bindings and opened the ledger, revealing the old parchments within. He removed a number of them, which sat loosely on top of the older, faded parchments of the original ledger.

“Here, Harry, you will see my translations of the original texts. I spent many years studying and familiarizing myself with the old languages. These parchments here are those translations,” the old wizard said, hefting up the newest parchments he had taken out of the open ledger. “A charm now protects the contents. Although many pages in the original ledger are terribly faded, you will be able to read them and turn their pages without fear of them succumbing to greater harm.”

“How is it, Professor, that there were written texts from that age? Very few could read and even fewer could write anything at all?” Harry asked.

“The wizards and witches of our magical world began writing in cuneiform many centuries before the non-magical world did. In fact, the Sumerian and Linear B impressions first made in clay tablets were from our earliest ancestors. That dates from before 3,000 B.C., Harry. Even from that early time, a number of references were made to the great powers some possessed.”

“Do any of those writing still exist?” he asked.

“Yes, in fact they do,” acknowledged Dumbledore, smiling at the young man’s interest. “Within the library in the Hall of Justice, we have preserved thousands of clay tablets and the first rolls of parchment of some of our oldest masters and scholars.”

“One day I’d like you to show me, Professor. I’d really like to see them,” Harry told him.

“Of course, Harry!” the old wizard exclaimed, smiling broadly. “Now, so much for our history lesson. Today I wish to share with you two incantations of profound potency, so overwhelming and overpowering, Harry, no amulet or charm can stand up to their dominating power. Coupled with the amulet you now wear, you will have no need for your wand to use them. But before I teach them to you, I want to show you something. Something you must be aware of. Something you might already have an inkling of.”

“What is that?” Harry asked. His curiosity peaked.

“I wish to prove something to you, Harry. Stand over near that corner of the room,” Dumbledore commanded, pointing to a far corner.

Harry got up from the table and walked over to the corner where he had been directed. Professor Dumbledore removed his wand and pointed it at Harry. “Expelliramus!” the old professor exclaimed forcefully. A greenish glow enveloped Harry instantly and held the force of the Professor’s powerful disarming charm. Then the powerful incantation instantly reversed itself towards Dumbledore. The old professor was enveloped and protected by an even larger greenish force field, which absorbed the energy of the incantation and which slowly dimmed until it totally disappeared.

“What happened?” yelled Harry, unable to comprehend what he had just witnessed. “Are you alright, Professor?”

“Yes, Harry. I’m fine, just as fine as you are. Do you now see the power of the amulet? Did you notice I was attacked by my own incantation?” he asked, smiling at the startled young wizard.

“Yes! I felt it, too! My amulet heated and protected me without any will on my part. I didn’t even have time to know what you were about to do,” he replied.

“Come, Harry, return to your seat,” the old wizard ordered.

Professor Dumbledore returned to his seat and vocalized his desire for iced tea. Before Harry sat down, a tray appeared on the table in the wink of an eye.

“Sit, Harry!” Dumbledore said. “Drink some of this tea. Just recently I ascertained it also came to us by way of Merlin.”

“The tea?” Harry asked.

“Yes, indeed. It seems Merlin drank this tea to relax him and greatly increase his endurance. Quite a tasty drink it is, too. I’ve really become quite fond of it myself,” Dumbledore said with a smile, raising a glass to his lips and taking several large gulps. “Now, Harry, your amulet repelled my disarming incantation. If you did not have the protection of the amulet, you would have been thrown back into the wall with lethal force. You might have noticed, too, the amulet not only repelled the incantation but also greatly amplified its force. If I had been a dark lord, small bits and pieces of me might now be scattered all over this room. This is what happened to Lucius Malfoy yesterday morning at the Ministry of Magic. He struck out with a particularly nasty eviscerating incantation. The ring being worn by Chief Justice Webster is even more powerful than our amulets, Harry. It soaked up the energy of the incantation and, coupled with Hermione’s own incantation, returned such an awesome power to Malfoy he simply exploded. Even his large bones were shattered and reduced to small pieces. It was as if the man had been dropped into a large, industrial grinder. A very nasty sight it was, Harry, a very nasty sight,” Dumbledore said.

“Is there no way the Dark Lords can overpower our amulets? What if they possess something with even more power, Professor?” Harry asked excitedly.

“They do not, Harry. I assure you; they do not. It is possible they will use some particularly nasty incantations against us, which we are not yet aware of. Though, I do not believe anything will defeat the protection of our amulets. To give us the greatest possible advantage, we will strike out powerfully and lethally. We will strike with such force and such suddenness the dark lords will not be able to rally and mount any defense. It must be done that way. Initially we may be fortunate and catch a number of them during their evil gatherings. None must be allowed to escape. We can allow no survivors, Harry. It’s a very gruesome picture I paint, my young friend, but I assure you, it must be so,” Dumbledore told Harry, looking deep into his eyes.

Harry had never heard the old wizard speak as solemnly as he just did. The strategy sent cold shivers down his spine and gave him goose bumps. Professor Dumbledore had plainly left no leeway for mercy. It seemed callous and cruel, but every fiber in Harry’s being knew it was the only way to rid the world of such evil.

“I understand, Professor. It seems we have no choice. I agree. If we’re to ever make our world safe, it must be done. I can only hope we can get it over with as quickly as possible. I’m afraid the longer we take the more danger there will be,” Harry said, expressing his feelings, as cold and harsh as they were.

Professor Dumbledore then went on to reveal his overall strategy to Harry. He told him why he, Professor Priest and Minister Grime had decided to concentrate the initial raids on the meetings held my Voldemort’s associates. Within a short time, he reasoned, the dark lords would become leery of such gatherings and go deeper underground. They would, indeed, be harder to get at but their evil schemes would be interrupted, too.

Finally, Professor Dumbledore returned to Merlin’s Black Ledger and began his instructions in earnest. Harry was mesmerized by the lesson and absorbed everything the old wizard told him. It was well into evening before the professor decided to call it a day. He told Harry he needed to return once again to Hogwarts and make his appearance at the evening meal. Even though the sons and daughters of the known Death Eaters had been removed from Hogwarts, it was clear there would be eyes watching what was taking place around the school. It was not a good time, he told Harry, for him to suddenly change his routine.

“Harry, everyone will want to know what you and I have been up to,” Dumbledore said. “You may let them know I am giving you other training but you are never to mention the ledger. It must always be our secret. You understand?”

“Yes, Professor. I understand, and I agree. It would not do for anyone to have knowledge it exists past yourself and Professor McGonagall,” Harry agreed.

“Very well. Though, if you wish, you may share what you found out about your amulet today. I will ask Professor Priest to have everyone experience the effect tomorrow. I expect there will be many surprised by the power,” he said.

“Yes. I imagine there will be,” Harry said, smiling broadly at the old wizard.

When Dumbledore and Harry exited the room they found the members of Athena sitting around the tables eating their evening meal. Professor Priest was critiquing each of them and explaining some little known facts about the incantations they had been laboring over.

Dumbledore sat for a while and listened to her instruction. He then excused himself and went back to Hogwarts and then on to the Great Hall to attend the evening meal.

As the professor was taking his seat at the head table, he noticed a large number of students were missing from the Slytherin dining table. Professor McGonagall, seated on his right side, leaned towards the old wizard.

“Another group of students were taken out of school today, Albus. It might be because the families are fearing retributions, if they don’t follow the lead of the students who left yesterday,” she said.

“Yes, I see. Was anything else mentioned about the incident at the Ministry yesterday, Minerva?” he asked.

“Nothing more revealing than the front page article in the Daily Prophet. It contained a very gruesome picture of Malfoy’s remains, Albus. Very gruesome. Very disturbing,” she said.

“Yes, of course. Let us finish our meal, Minerva. If you can spare a few minutes this evening, I believe I will gather the instructors together, and we shall have a chat. I would like to see what they are hearing and thinking, too,” he said.