Harry Potter and the Hall of Justice

Chapter 27 Standing Down


Once back at Hogwarts, Hermione rushed off to see how the injured girl was doing. She found Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall at her side.

The old witch motioned Hermione over to stand with her at the foot of the bed. “Madam Pomfrey has given her a sleeping potion, dear. She should sleep peacefully through the night. The young girl must have had terrible, unspeakable things done to her. I hope you put an end to the wizards who did that to her,” McGonagall said in a low voice, shaking her head in disgust.

“We did. They dropped like rag dolls out of the sky. But we won’t know the complete story until she’s able to talk. Nevertheless, it appeared to me, from the way she was bound and tied, she was being mounted by a large dog,” Hermione replied, her eyes tearing from the rage inside her.

“A dog?” Professor McGonagall shouted out. The witch turned her head from Hermione back toward the young girl on the bed. “I understand now, a common practice down through the ages by many despicable covens. It’s beyond any and all comprehension why witches have taken so much pleasure in humiliating and torturing young innocent members of our gender.”

Hermione turned to look into the old witch’s face. “Covens, Professor? You mean witches have done these terrible things all along?” Hermione asked, astonished at McGonagall’s remark.

The old witch sadly nodded her head. “Yes, my dear, covens. Many take great pleasure in passing on the torture and humiliation they themselves went through as children, most often at the hands of their own parents. It’s most disturbing, Hermione. When you’re emotionally strong enough to do so, I’ll give you a text to read. It describes in disturbing detail the morally offensive and reprehensible sexual perversions they enjoy,” the old witch explained, with marked repugnance in her voice.

Hermione’s eyes clearly showed her disgust. “I must read it, Professor. The next time I see you I’ll get it from you. I can’t believe anyone in their right mind would do such a terrible thing.”

“You’re right, of course. They’re not in their right minds. Far from it,” Professor McGonagall replied.

Hermione looked down upon the young girl one last time before excusing herself and heading back to Falcon’s Lair to join the Athena team. The evening had opened her eyes to many things, none she cared to ever think about again.


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


Professor Dumbledore returned to Falcon’s Lair to find the young witches and wizards sitting with their instructors at the long tables drinking large quantities of Merlin’s Special Brew. He smiled and nodded his head, greatly appreciative of their loyalty and the many long days of devoted service to the Department of Special Investigations. Not one time did he ever hear a complaint or a display of negativism from any one of them.

The old headmaster took a seat next to Grime and Priest and poured himself a tall glass of the iced tea. They sat and exchanged stories of what each had seen or taken part in. Minutes later, Hermione appeared in a flash and walked over to join Harry and Ron.

Grace and Preston had related what they had seen in the basement to the other Coeus members. They were all sickened at the thought of the blood and torn bodies, but they all conceded it was something that had to be done. They were also amazed there had been no reported injuries amongst their Athena counterparts.

Chief Justice Daniel Webster appeared in a flash with Captain Stran at his side. All seated at the tables jumped to their feet when they saw him.

“Sit! Sit!” he hollered out, moving to take a seat next to Harry.

After a short time, Professor Dumbledore came to his feet. The many young faces at the tables turned his way and hushed.

The old wizard appeared haggard. Much had been done over the last days and the old man needed his rest. But even as tired as he felt, he was also acutely aware of the fatigue he saw in the young faces around him. It was time to do something about it.

“Again, you have all performed admirably! I will forever be thankful and forever in your debt! We can now close the first chapter on your service to the Department of Special Investigations!” he exclaimed, pausing to reach down and sip a little more of his tea.

He looked around with noticeable pride in his eyes. “Before the next chapter begins, you’re all due a well deserved break. A long holiday, if you will, a respite from the many days of hard work you have each selflessly performed for our Lord Chief Justice Daniel Webster and me. Your Lordship, would you like to say a few words?” Professor Dumbledore asked, raising a hand to allow Webster a chance to speak.

The large man stood and looked about him. “As Professor Dumbledore just stated, we’re very proud of the service each of you has so nobly performed. But mostly, I’m proud that you’ve each worked so hard while risking so much to make both the magical and non-magical world a safer place to be. My greatest hope now is that each of you will continue to serve the Department of Special Investigations, as much remains to be done. Thank you again,” Webster said, taking his seat.

Around the table, the young witches and wizards came to their feet and gave the big man a round of boisterous applause. Dumbledore slowly returned to his feet, clapping himself and smiling largely.

“Yes, indeed. Thank you, Your Lordship. Yes, we’ve much to do. After you all take a well-deserved rest, we’ll again begin our work in earnest. But first, if you will, I’d like to take a few minutes more of your time to tell you what will happen over the next days,” the old wizard said, with a satisfied look upon his face.

“First thing tomorrow morning, the Daily Prophet will be provided a complete list of the evil lords and witches who have been defeated. They will be told of Voldemort’s demise. Also, we will disclose the fact that very specific information had been obtained, documenting the evil deeds these dark lords had committed, along with their dastardly plans. But most importantly to you, only the results of our actions will be provided for public consumption. We can never, never let anyone outside this room know how we go about our work. The Cetus and Crhystone raids will be made a part of that public record. But again, how we went about it, will not be,” once more the old wizard paused.

“For the foreseeable future, we’ll continue to use Falcon’s Lair as our headquarters. Sirius and Remus will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of Athena and Coeus. You will continue to have permanent living quarters here, however, you’ll be able to return to your homes, families and friends much more frequently. Training will only take place on an infrequent basis, dependent upon the needs of each team. Are there any questions?”

“Professor, will we be able to establish other portkeys to more easily facilitate our trips home?” Lee Jordan asked.

“It’s important each of you learn to Apparate and Disapprate at will. Becoming proficient in Disapparition will be your next priority. For all of you! However, as you well know, you cannot Apparate on Hogwarts grounds, nor into Falcon’s Lair. To facilitate your comings and goings, we will place a portkey at the exit of the ventilation shaft we’ve used these last weeks, as it’s located in a very remote location. I will discuss that with Sirius and Remus. We must consider the security aspects; I’m sure you understand?” Dumbledore asked.

Around the table, heads nodded in affirmation. The old man paused until everyone settled back down before continuing. “Harry! Chief Justice Webster has appointed you as the liaison officer between the Hall of Justice and the Department of Special Investigations. You will reside in the Hall of Justice from this moment on,” Dumbledore stated, looking at Harry.

Hermione was as shocked as Harry. She grabbed him around the neck and hugged him. Webster reached up and patted him on his shoulder. Ron joked about finally being able to get some rest and presented to Harry one of his best smirks.

The old wizard then asked everyone to begin going over the files Graciela had laid out on the tables. All containing pictures of witches and wizards positively identified were to be marked. Graciela, in the meantime, began putting together a complete roster of the evil lords and associates that had been eliminated.

Hermione and Chief Justice Webster soon left, after he spoke with Professor Dumbledore one last time. The Chief Justice agreed to travel to the Ministry of Magic in the morning with the old professor where they would release the joint statement to the Daily Prophet.

Professor Dumbledore then went about trying to identity some of the faces in the remaining folders. In all, twenty-four files were closed and marked with a large “X”. Graciela told the professor they had forty-eight open folders, which still needed action.

Before he headed back to Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore was given a parchment from Graciela with the names of the recently departed. He thanked her for all the hard work she had performed the last weeks. He then told Priest and Grime he would return early the next morning before the young Athena and Coeus members were released to begin their holiday.


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


“When did you decide you wanted Harry to move in here with us?
Hermione asked, as soon as she was able to have a moment alone with Webster.

“Professor Dumbledore spoke with me a few days ago about it. It was his idea. It has something to do with giving Harry the opportunity to be around the powerful charm that protects the Hall of Justice. He thinks it will have a beneficial effect on him,” Webster replied.

“But he’ll also be affected like us girls, no?” Hermione asked.

Webster looked at the young witch quizzically. “Yeah, I suppose he will. Don’t worry, Hermione. I don’t think I’ll want to spend any time with Harry,” he said, laughing out at what she had implied.

“No, Dan!” she said, shocked at his thought. “I mean he’ll soon get as lustful as we are. Harry isn’t gay. At least, I don’t think he is. No! What am I saying? He isn’t. But if he’s affected, well, you know what I mean,” she said.

The large man couldn’t help but chuckle at the girl’s frustration. “Hermione, like you told me before, you, Sarah, Martha, Deborah Stran and the others, all have cravings. It might give me some relief to have Harry around. I’ll certainly not be jealous,” he said.

“Yes, but Harry’s really involved with Ginny. I don’t think she would know how he’ll be affected,” she replied.

“She’s still going to Hogwarts, no? She has what, another year or two?” Webster asked.

“Yes. Two more years,” she replied.

“Well, in two years maybe Harry won’t be living here anymore. I can’t say, Hermione. We’ll just have to wait and see what Professor Dumbledore decides. This is his show,” he admitted.

“Okay. You’re right. I shouldn’t worry about that anyway. If Harry gets lustful and all, well, that’s between him and Ginny anyway. It’s none of my business,” she said.

“I’ll remember you said that,” Webster replied, smiling at the girl.


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


Early the next morning, Professor Dumbledore returned to the Hall of Justice to accompany Webster to the Ministry. As always, he arrived just in time for breakfast. After their meal, Martha and Sarah hurried off to complete some early duties, leaving Hermione, Webster and the old professor alone at the table.

Hermione couldn’t wait to ask her old headmaster the burning question that had nearly ruined her sleep the night before. “Professor, I was wondering something. Won’t the charm here have an effect on Harry? I mean in the sexual sense?” Hermione embarrassingly asked.

The old headmaster returned a coy smile. “Yes. Right you are, Hermione. I don’t see anyway around that. But it’s very important he lives here to experience the power of the charm as much as possible. I believe it will be very beneficial to his development. One of my reasons is to see if his abilities and powers increase, as I believe they will. I know the charm will have a great effect upon him. But, of course, you are wanting to know the real reason, I assume?” the old wizard tilted his head forward and peered at the young witch over the rim of his glasses. “You see, Hermione, the day will come, I’m afraid to say, that Voldemort might reemerge at a very inopportune time. Harry will be our key to defeating him again. This time we were very fortunate. We caught Voldemort when he lacked the ability to defend himself. The next time, I assure you, he will not leave himself as vulnerable.”

“You realize, of course, that Harry has just begun a serious relationship with Ginny Weasley?” she asked.

“Yes, I do. This should not interfere with that relationship, Hermione. Though, I do expect Harry will spend time with you young witches here. I don’t think it would do him any good to fight the lustful urges that will assail him. I’m certain you girls will provide him with the release he’ll need,” Professor Dumbledore stated flatly.

Hermione looked shocked over what the old headmaster had just implied. For once in her life she was actually left speechless.

“It’s okay, Hermione,” Webster said, patting her hand. “Professor Dumbledore is right. I expect you to help him along the way. I know the feeling myself. Trying to fight it has caused me to become very irritable and, well, out of sorts. You told me that yourself, if you remember?” He then winked at the girl.

Hermione shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. She turned to face the large man but still appeared distressed. “Yes, I do remember. But do you expect me to also give myself to him, Daniel?” Hermione asked.

“That’s entirely your business, Hermione. I love you very much, but I promise I will not let jealousy get in the way with what Professor Dumbledore is trying to accomplish. It’s too damn important. Maybe if you thought about it in that way, you would be more willing to help him along,” Webster said.

Hermione was completely shocked at what the two men were suggesting. Truthfully, she had never felt sexual urges in her entire life as strong as she had within these halls. She never thought Webster would have said what he did, though. He and Professor Dumbledore had more or less just told her what she was expected to do. The thought disturbed her greatly, but, at the same time, she felt a lustful stirring deep within her.


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

Professor Dumbledore and Chief Justice Webster arrived at the Ministry of Magic just as Arthur Weasley was exiting his office.

“Professor! Your Lordship! How did it go? We’ve had a reporter with the Daily Prophet outside since early this morning,” he excitedly exclaimed.

“Arthur, if we can have a minute to catch you up,” Dumbledore said, motioning him back into his office. Minister Bones opened the outer door of the anteroom and hurried into Weasley’s office before the door was closed.

“I trust everything turned out well?” Arthur Weasley asked anxiously, standing at the side of his desk. Minister Bones hurried up to his side to also face the two men.

“Perfectly, Arthur. We eliminated sixty-six last night in Wales. Two were knocked out of the sky during an attempt to escape from an upstairs bedroom window. The remaining sixty-four we were fortunate to have contained within the basement of the large house. I’ve brought with me a complete list to release to the Daily Prophet. Several copies were made,” Dumbledore informed the man, passing two rolls of parchment to Minister of Magic Arthur Weasley.

Weasley unrolled one of the parchments and sat down at his desk, motioning Bones over to read it along with him. “One hundred eight-four witches and wizards, plus Voldemort! That is unbelievable! And to think, all done in what, about six or seven weeks?” he exclaimed, shaking his head.

“Yes, but of course, it officially began with Malfoy’s death. His records gave us our excellent beginning and led us to both the Cetus Estate and the Crhystone meeting last night in Wales. Without those records, we would still be just starting, I’m obliged to confess,” the old wizard admitted.

Minister Bones pointed down at the list. “I recognize names here of evil wizards and witches of my parents generation. And there are many others I always suspected were associated with Voldemort, too,” he said, looking back up from the list.

Arthur Weasley looked back up into the faces of the two men, too. “So, how do you suggest we do this?”

“A joint statement, Arthur. We’re all in this together, after all,” Chief Justice Webster stated.

“Yes, but you people did all the work,” Arthur said.

“Let’s not forget three of our best men just happen to be your boys,” Webster pointed out.

The man’s eyes opened wide. “How did they do? Did they really help out?” Arthur Weasley asked, excitedly and proudly.

“Not one on our team did any better, Arthur. In fact, it was Fred and George who got the two who tried to escape. Splendid work all around, it was,” Dumbledore said, smiling at the proud look on Arthur Weasley’s face and noticing tears of joy gathering in the man’s eyes.

“Thank you, Professor. I’m so proud of those boys. I can’t wait to tell their mother. I’ve had to keep her in the dark about what all they’ve been doing,” he said. “I certainly hope they can come home and see their mom soon. They’ve been so sorely missed.”

The four men walked out to the Ministry podium, which stood outside the Minister’s anteroom and within the huge atrium. Witches and wizards, ministers, under-ministers and the curious began walking toward the podium when they saw Arthur Weasley and the three other men standing upon the raised stage.

“Would you like to do this, Your Lordship? Professor?” Arthur Weasley asked.

“No, you do it, Arthur. It would be best coming from the Minister of Magic himself,” said Webster.

Arthur Weasley thankfully nodded his head, holding the parchment in his hand and turning around to face the gathering crowd.

“Good witches and wizards! The Ministry of Magic and the Hall of Justice have a joint message to be released!” he shouted out, noticing the reporter from the Daily Prophet was listening intently and scratching out notes. From all quadrants within the huge atrium, more ministry staff and visitors began moving toward the podium.

Arthur Weasley hesitated until more had gathered before continuing. “We are pleased to inform you of actions taken by the Department of Special Investigations at the Hall of Justice these last weeks. I hold here in my hand the names of over one hundred and eighty dark lords and their evil underlings who have died violent deaths at the hands of Chief Justice Webster’s special team of investigators. Included in this number, is the vile Lord Voldemort himself.”

All around people began screaming and applauding vociferously in relief and shock. Some actually began crying, after hearing the sudden, shocking announcement. Minister Weasley held up a hand for quiet.

“Thank you. Yes, the Ministry, too, applauds the brave young men and women who have risked their lives to free us from such evil. The Daily Prophet will be given this list to publish the names of the known Death Eaters and their disciples who have been killed. A number, however, could not be identified. The actions taken were against those the Ministry and the Hall of Justice had clear, unequivocal evidence of their evil deeds. Many of the records were obtained from Malfoy’s Manor the very day he attempted to kill our new Chief Justice and Professor Dumbledore, inside this very atrium. Also, on that very day it was confirmed Lucius Malfoy was Lord Voldemort’s second in command. The records were very detailed and explained a number of disappearances and evil occurrences we, here at the Ministry, were never able to explain before. Other evil wizards and witches have yet to be found. But we’re here to tell you, they will be found. They, too, will be eliminated. We ask for the help of every good witch and wizard to step forward with any information, which will lead to the capture of those who are still being sought. Thank you!” Arthur Weasley exclaimed.

The reporter from the Daily Prophet hurriedly began snapping pictures of the four men standing at the podium. He then stepped forward and was presented the list of names for publication. When he attempted to obtain further interviews, Arthur Weasley told him they had nothing more to say at the time. However, in the coming days they would be glad to respond to questions.

The four men again retired to the Minister’s office. All through the atrium, witches and wizards were seen hurrying about to inform others of what had just taken place. There was much celebration, and the men rightfully reasoned there would be plenty more over the coming days.

“I’m still extremely excited myself. My heart is racing,” Arthur Weasley said. “I’ve got to go see my boys.”

“Why don’t you come with us now. We were just returning to Falcon’s Lair, as we’ve got an early morning meeting before releasing our two teams for their much deserved holiday,” Dumbledore said.

Within minutes, the four men appeared within the dungeon. All around them, the Athena and Coeus members were relaxing. Professor Dumbledore noted the lack of strain he had been seeing in their faces these last weeks. They had been pushed nearly to their limits, seven days a week, with no breaks.

Fred, George, and Ron ran to their dad when they saw him walking with Dumbledore.

“I’m so proud of you three boys!” he exclaimed. “How do you feel now that you are all heroes?”

“Heroes? Did ya hear that, Fred?” George cried out, laughing and smacking Ron behind the head.

“Yeah! It’s about time someone noticed!” Fred said, laughing along with his twin.

“Don’t listen to a word they say, Dad. They’ll have ya believing they did it all themselves,” Ron said, smirking at the twins.

“I’m greatly relieved you’re all okay. I’ve been worried, as you can imagine,” Arthur Weasley said, reaching out a hand to Ron’s head and ruffling his red head of hair.

Professor Dumbledore and group walked on over to where Professor Priest and Minister Grime were talking to Calderon, Black and Lupin. After they shared greetings and congratulations all around, Professor Dumbledore got to his feet and called all to the tables.

“Before we release you today, I wanted to tell each of you to be very careful what you say to anyone outside this dungeon. Many evil lords will be seeking revenge. Although I don’t expect it soon, the day will come when they will strike out. We must, therefore, be very careful in all that we do. Do not ever let anyone know what work you do. To do so will endanger the innocent lives of your own families and friends. Be very careful not to let yourselves be led into unfamiliar territory. Someone should always know where you are or where you were going. It’s best if you never go anywhere alone. Are we all clear on that?” Dumbledore asked. He noticed the expressions change on the many young faces before him. Where large smiles had been just minutes ago, they now took on serious, worried expressions, just as the old wizard had hoped they would.

“You have two weeks to relax and enjoy yourselves. I expect to see you back here by the fifteenth of November. If for any reason we need a few of you sooner, have no fear, you will be found, if I have to do it myself,” Dumbledore exclaimed, laughing at the shock that brought to a few faces.

“Of course, you always have living quarters here. Therefore, I hope you continue to consider Falcon’s Lair your home. And you will always have friends and family here; it’s important to remember that. Now be off with you! Have a good time! And try not to get in any trouble!” Dumbledore screamed out, laughing again, as the young Athena and Coeus members jumped to their feet.

The old witch approached Professor Dumbledore displaying a sad countenance. “Albus, it’s time for me to be getting back to school, too. I’ll be around anytime you need me. If you want our young witches and wizards to have any further training, please give me a few days notice and I’ll be here,” Professor Priest said.

The old headmaster smiled and reached out for his dear old friend. “Thank you, Drucila. For all you’ve done, I thank you,” he said, and hugged the frail old witch to him. “Please come down several times a week, if for nothing but a little visit and to keep current.”

The large Minister of Defense Against the Dark Arts walked up close to the two headmasters. “The same goes for me, Albus. It’s time I get back to the Ministry and my family. I’ve really enjoyed being associated with this rowdy bunch,” Minister Grime said, smiling largely.

The old wizard nodded his head and returned the smile. “We’ll call on you and Drucila from time to time. You can be sure of that,” Dumbledore said. “And you, Graciela? What are your plans? You know you’re always welcome here.”

The young Hispanic witch blushed. “Sirius and I, well - - -,” she began, but too embarrassed to finish.

“Oh? Is there something we should know?” the old wizard winked at Sirius.

“Yes, you should. Graciela and I are thinking about moving our things into one of those larger rooms, Professor. I think I’ve found the love of my life,” Sirius said, pulling Graciela to him and kissing her cheek. The two beamed, as they began receiving congratulations within the group.

“That’s wonderful!” exclaimed the Chief Justice, reaching out and shaking their hands.

“Best of luck to you both!” added Arthur Weasley.

Harry and Hermione walked over to a remote bench where Ron sat talking with Grace White. Ron quickly stood when the two approached and blushed.

“So, you’re leaving us down here to our own devices, huh, Harry?” Ron joked, grinning at his two old friends.

“Yeah! It looks that way. I didn’t know anything about it until Professor Dumbledore announced it, though. I was as shocked as you were,” Harry admitted.

“He’ll be fine, Ron. I imagine you’ll still see him most every day,” Hermione said, as she sat down next to Grace White on the bench.

“Why’s it necessary for you to live there, Harry? You have a room here and all. Heck, you can be at the Ministry in less than a minute,” Ron said, curious about the rationale for the move.

“Professor Dumbledore told the Chief Justice and me it was something he had to do. I’m not sure what it’s all about but it seemed pretty important to the professor,” Hermione said, not wanting to state the real reason behind the move. Dumbledore would tell Harry when he was ready. It wasn’t her place to do so. He might not want any others to know, either.


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


An hour later, Webster and Hermione were walking down the length of the courtroom, having just returned from Falcon’s Lair.

“Where should we put Harry?” Hermione asked.

“Why not let him have your bedroom. You’ve moved into my room, anyway. When was the last time you actually slept in your own bed?” Webster asked her, turning his head to see the look in her beautiful brown eyes.

“I didn’t mean to encroach, Your Lordship. Are you implying I should move out?” Hermione asked, arching her eyebrows but betraying her question with a slight smile.

“You most certainly will not move out! Not till I’m through with you!” he said sternly, but breaking out into a loud laugh.

They walked through his chamber and out into the library. Turning to the right, they walked down to the office of the Court Clerk. Sarah and Martha were shuffling some folders around on her desk trying to rearrange them in the order Sarah wanted.

“Your Lordship!” Sarah exclaimed, standing when he entered. Martha dropped her files to the desk and straightened herself, too.

“Sit!” Webster ordered. “Did our delaying those cases cause you quite a bit of misery, Sarah?”

“No, sir,” she said, sitting back down. “It hasn’t been too bad. We’re just now starting to put everything in its correct place. Court will begin next week, as you ordered?”

“Yes! Finally!” Webster exclaimed. “I’m sorry it caused so much extra work, but I didn’t want to begin hearing cases until Professor Dumbledore got some of their actions behind them. I believe next week will be just fine. Were you able to reschedule them like we discussed?”

Sarah showed Webster the docket and the caseload for the first week. From her prior experience and research, Sarah explained why she had scheduled the cases as she had. Webster was impressed with her grasp of court procedures.

“And in December and early January, Your Lordship, are there any periods you do not wish to hold court due to the holidays?” Sarah asked.

“Oh yes, of course. I had forgot about that. Let’s see,” he thought to himself, pausing to consider a calendar the girl had on her desk. “From the fifteenth of December through the first full week of January, we will not hold court. Does that sound okay?”

“Yes, perfectly,” Sarah replied, smiling at having such a long break.

Harry soon arrived at the Hall of Justice with a trunk of personal items. He was met at the two large doors leading into the courtroom by one of the security officers. She took him to the judge’s chamber where Webster and Hermione were discussing her choices for the positions of Court Librarian, Court Historian and a number of lesser clerk positions.

“Harry! Welcome!” Webster said, after looking up and seeing the security officer holding the door open for him.

“I hope it’s okay; I brought by trunk first. It has most of my things,” he said. “Where should I put it?”

“Hermione will show you. You’ll be living up on the third-floor, Harry,” Webster informed him.

“I’ll take you there,” said Hermione. “Let me have one end of that trunk, and we’ll go right up.”

They soon deposited the trunk in Hermione’s old room and she showed him around. “The last bedroom on the left is Sarah’s. She’s sharing it with Martha.”

“Where are you staying, Hermione?” Harry asked.

“I’m sharing with Daniel,” she said, smiling at Harry’s astonishment to her statement.

“With Webster?” Harry exclaimed.

“Yes, we’re very much in love, if you haven’t already sensed that,” she replied with a smirk.

“I didn’t know. No, honestly! I never realized, but I knew you were spending a lot of time with him.”

Hermione sat on the bed and told Harry about the power of the charm and what effects he should expect. She also explained why Dumbledore wanted him to live within the Hall of Justice, to the best of her ability.

“I’m not really quite sure of everything Professor Dumbledore expects to happen to you, Harry. He did say, over time, your abilities and powers would increase. I think he’s really worried Voldemort will soon attempt to return again. Well, anyway, I guess that’s part of the reason why,” she said. “Now, surely you have more stuff to move in here than this, don’t you?”

“Yeah, but I’m going to bring a little at a time. We have plenty of room at Falcon’s Lair. Sirius said it wouldn’t be a problem leaving some of my junk there for however long I need to. I’m going to keep my bedroom there, as a backup.”

“Well, all right then. Let’s go down and I’ll reintroduce you to Sarah and Martha. They’ll be glad you’re here, too. More than you can know, for now, that is,” Hermione remarked, winking at Harry.

“What do you mean by that?” Harry asked.

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough. Don’t worry about it right now,” she teased.

They went down to the library and the two girls were ecstatic to hear Harry was moving into the residence. In fact, he thought they were a little overly so but didn’t comment about it.

“What did the Chief Justice say about your selections, Hermione?” Sarah asked.

“He was quite pleased. I’m going to interview the candidates starting tomorrow. The Court Librarian position will be the first I’ll select,” she informed her.

“How many more will there be?” Martha asked.

“The Court Historian position is pretty much an assistant to the Librarian. She’ll be the next selection. Then Sarah will help me interview her assistant the day after. We’ll employ one more clerk to assist you and me, Martha. After we see how that all goes, we’ll then decide if we need to add others,” Hermione explained. “Of course, our house-elves will take care of the housekeeping, ground-keeping and cooking. Captain Stran has a complete staff of security officers presently, so I won’t have to fret about that.”

“Looks like you’re going to have some new faces around here,” Harry commented. “Will they live here, too?”

“Yes. All four of them will,” Hermione said.

Later in the afternoon, Webster invited Harry up to the third-floor living room for a chat.

“Harry, I’m damn glad Professor Dumbledore suggested bringing you here to the Hall of Justice to live. It’s good for a guy to have another fella to talk to now and again,” Webster said, laughing at the thought. “We’re the only two guys in the whole damn place.”

They exchanged small talk for some time. Webster tried, as best he could, in layman’s terms, to explain the power of the charm that Edward D’Mar had used to protect the court. He also let Harry know Professor Dumbledore was hoping to see it have a positive effect on his abilities. He then went on to tell him how powerfully the ring and the charm had affected him.

“I really got a double dose, Harry,” Webster continued. “You see, the charm alone would have done a number on me, I have no doubt. But then, I put this ring on. Wow! The effect was almost immediate. You would not believe how sexually aroused I became. I had lustful thoughts of such intensity; well quite frankly, I almost lost all control. I’m glad I had some girls around besides Hermione. I’m afraid I would have caused her quite a bit of misery.”

“You have it under control now?” Harry asked, shocked to hear him admit to dallying around with the other two girls, as well as Hermione.

“The last couple of weeks I have made an extreme effort to control it, yes. But Hermione is not pleased. She told me yesterday it’s making me real testy, her words, and not at all like my old self. She suggested I had better get back to enjoying myself some more. Sarah and Martha were damn glad to hear that, too. You see, Harry, the charm has just as powerful of an effect on the girls as it will you,” Webster admitted, grinning like a kid telling a nasty joke and shaking his head.

“You mean Hermione has been effected, too?” Harry asked, astonished even more by the thought of that.

“Wow, has she ever! But in a very good way, I might add. Professor Dumbledore warned me of it the very day of my ceremony. He said any girls living here would soon be like bitches in heat. He was damned sure right about that,” Webster said, laughing out.

Harry shook his head, smiling. “Hermione? Like that?” he thought to himself. “A bitch in heat. Imagine that.”

“Just give yourself a few days, Harry. You’ll not believe the way you’re going to feel. It’ll be hard to keep your mind on anything other than sex. But I’m sure you’ll enjoy it,” he said, giving Harry another wink.

“I have a girlfriend, Your Lordship. Ginny Weasley. I think you met her. Would it be okay if she visits me here from time to time?” Harry asked.

“Certainly, Harry. You’ll have the run of the place, of course. It is your home now, too. I expect you to treat it that way,” Webster stated.

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” he said, a large smile replaced the astonished look he had had the last minutes.


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


Professor Dumbledore, Ministers’ Weasley and Bones had returned to Hogwarts. The old wizard led them into his office and was pleased to see a tray of fresh iced tea on a counter. He poured three glasses and then a fourth, as Professor McGonagall came in. In her hand, she was holding a special edition Daily Prophet with the news of the day.

“This just arrived, Professor! It’s amazing! There’ll be much made of this over the next few days and weeks!” Professor McGonagall exclaimed, as she laid the paper down on the old headmaster’s desk.

“Yes, indeed, Minerva! Yes, indeed!” the old wizard shouted out. “Hopefully the good wizards and witches of our world will rest a little easier, too.”

Professor Dumbledore walked around to the chair at his desk and asked the three to take a seat. All four drank a large quantity of the iced tea before a word was spoken.

“You know, Arthur. This iced tea comes to us from Merlin himself. It was a special brew of his own making. It’s quite a wonderful drink, is it not?” Dumbledore asked, sitting his glass down on his desk.

“Merlin, you say! Yes! The finest I’ve ever had! I never would have thought I’d drink tea with ice in it. But this is wonderful.”

The old wizards’s face took on a serious look again. “There is one more thing we must do, Arthur, and very soon,” the old professor began. “A number of the wizards and witches we’ve just finished, well, as I’m sure you are aware, some had children of various ages. Can we count on the Ministry to round them up and place them in good homes? It’s extremely important we attend to this as soon as possible, as there might be some evil relatives eager to get their hands on them. We must do everything in our power to raise those children properly. Save them from the same evil lives as their parents. Wouldn’t you agree?”

The Minister of Magic bobbed his head in agreement. “Yes, of course. I’m ashamed I hadn’t considered that myself. What do you suggest?” Weasley asked.

Professor Dumbledore looked into the eyes of the Minister of the Department of Investigations. “Jeremiah, could some of the new people you’ve put on be tasked with that job to help us out?”

“Absolutely! We can begin doing that at once. But how will we find people willing to take them in?” Bones asked.

“It might be as simple as just putting the word out at the Ministry,” Dumbledore replied with a grin.

“Indeed. Right you are, Professor. If you don’t want something kept a secret, just tell someone at the Ministry. The word will be whispered all across Europe by the next day,” Weasley said, laughing out at the truthful observation.