Harry Potter and the Hall of Justice

Chapter 34 The Attack


Some fifteen hundred miles from Hogwarts, in the Transylvanian Alps of Romania, an evil and vicious looking man paced the floor of a large cavern. In his hand was his ever-present black crop, which had an engraved silver cap upon its end. He slapped the whip endlessly into his left palm or against his right leg, as he strode nervously about.

The large man scowled. It was well past the time Razvan was to have made his report. His temper was rising with the man’s tardiness.

Lord Dracul was the eldest and most feared member of a loosely knit but most evil confederation, a partnership of like-minded peers, lusting to increase their power and domain. A number of years before, the wicked man had sworn allegiance to Lord Voldemort, believing the dark master would soon rule the world. Voldemort installed the man as his second, putting him over all his affairs in Eastern Europe.

But something unexplainable had happened to his lord and master. The remote mountain dwelling he had secured for his transformation had suffered an unexplainable disaster. Visiting the high mountain retreat, Dracul discovered firsthand evidence his master had been attacked. Soon, it became common knowledge the new Chief Justice, assisted by Albus Dumbledore, had ordered a raid to end his master’s life. Dracul realized the blame could only be put on Lucius Malfoy’s shoulders, as only themselves, along with Pettigrew, were able to know their master’s whereabouts.

After Voldemort’s demise was made public, two things became evident and demanded Dracul’s immediate attention: First, the Hall of Justice and Ministry of Magic were working closer than they ever had in the past to attack those practicing the dark arts. This he would soon stop by bringing down death and destruction against all those assisting the muggle and killing those at the Ministry of Magic holding positions of power. Second, some of the wealthiest and most influential wizards in the world had been killed. Along with that, he reasoned, was the seizure of a vast fortune. A fortune he must locate and possess in its entirety.

For many centuries, evil lords had run rampant over Eastern Europe against all attempts to eliminate them. Unlike evil beings in other parts of the world, their number had always been much more amenable to cooperative agreements. This loose-knit brotherhood of evil had insulated them from forces working outside their domain, forces wishing to destroy or control them.

As had his father and grandfathers before him, Dracul demanded all females be kept in a lower station where they belonged, one of subservience to their male counterparts. Females were commonly sold, bartered or traded amongst the evil associates. Human flesh had always been a source of revenue. Young girls were used to satisfy their carnal lusts and any refusal to do their masters’ biddings resulted in immediate and terrifying consequences. Older girls were bred to produce more wealth, and women were used to slave in their master’s households until their death. Few there were who lived past thirty years of age.

Some years before, he had prostituted his eldest daughter to all wishing to pay handsomely for her services. On the final day of her life, she had refused the lustful perversions of an associate and was immediately beaten to death with a club. Dracul had her body ground up and fed to his pack of ravenous dogs.

It goes without saying Dracul ruled with a heavy hand. He never showed any mercy or compassion, to do so was to display weakness, and that was totally unacceptable. Evil ran to the very marrow of his bones.

Razvan finally appeared in a flash within the large cavern from a portkey link at Hogsmeade. The black-robed man turned to find his master striding quickly toward him. Dracul flailed the man with his crop several times about his head when he reached him.

“Bastard! Where have you been! You should have been here hours ago!” Dracul bellowed out. His eyes were nearly bleeding from the intense anger rushing through him.

Razvan quickly bowed before the man. “Master! We were working hard to gather the information you desired. It’s taking more time than we anticipated,” Razvan shouted back, having raised his hands to protect his head.

“There is no excuse! You are to arrive when I tell you to arrive! Anything less is unacceptable! You have shown me contempt! You will not fail me again!” Dracul screamed. He hit the servant several more times about his hips and legs before striding off to a table. After taking a seat, he popped his whip on its top several times and yelled at the man to come to him.

“Yes, Master!”

“What have you found?”

“Many powerful and unseen charms protect the school, Master. We sense hidden dungeons or caverns, but we have yet to access one. It is a very large school. No one can enter upon its grounds without bringing immediate attention upon them. Many in Hogsmeade will not discuss the school and claim not to have any knowledge of it.”

“And Nott’s estate in Scotland?”

“We will approach the castle tonight, Master! We have sensed that it, too, is protected by charms. I put Silvio in charge of our group there. If anyone can find the castle’s weaknesses, he will find them. We believe the muggle’s entire offensive force lives there. We don’t yet know how many that is but all will die.”

Dracul nodded his head and squinted his evil eyes. “Yes,” he thought to himself. “All must die.”

The evil lord looked back at his underling. “And the fortune the muggle has stolen. Where can it be?”

Razvan lifted his shoulders and shook his head. Dracul’s temper instantly began rising.

“I must have that treasure, Razvan. You will find its location and transfer it to me here. All of it! You understand! All of it!” Dracul shouted out and pounded the table again with his crop. “Return and assist Silvio tonight in Scotland. I want an immediate report when it is finished. Gain entry and kill them all! Do you understand?”

“Yes, Master. Should I take a larger force with me? We are unsure of the number within the castle we’ll have to face.” Razvan asked. His lord and master wanted them to act too quickly. It was not prudent to do so, but one did not argue with Lord Dracul. Razvan was sure they would meet with disaster, if they didn’t have a large force to rush the castle.

“Silvio has three with him?” Dracul asked.

“Yes, Master.”

“Take Sorin and Petre with you, along with their men. That will make thirteen with you. I don’t want you to put your life in jeopardy. You stay away from the castle until it’s secure. Demand they kill the wizards and old women but bring the younger witches and any muggle girls to me. If any are worthy, I will sell them. Search the castle for treasure. August Nott was a very wealthy old wizard. He must have secreted away a vast fortune within the castle. Find it and bring it to me,” Dracul commanded.

“Yes, Master, of course.”

Razvan headed off to locate Sorin and Petre. He had less than ten hours to gather the men and plan their attack. As excited as he was, he could not shake his feeling of dread. He wished there was someway to convince his master to conduct more days of surveillance before they attacked blindly.

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

At Falcon’s Lair, changes had been made after the abduction of Ginny Weasley. Her capture and assault brought home Dumbledore’s call for increased vigilance and the danger of becoming complaisant and letting one’s guard down.

Sirius and Remus assigned four of their number, on a rotating basis, to support the security officers assigned to the castle’s defense. The shift rotation was for two-week periods. From dusk till dawn, the team was to be dressed and combat ready. This meant having their invisibility garments on, their weapons strapped to their person, their brooms and shotguns close at hand and ready for action. He expected two of their number to be outside the castle at all times, conducting active security sweeps.

Minister Grime had purchased some muggle-made security alarms and installed them throughout the castle. Each security guard on duty, as well as the rotating security team, was to always carry a button operated transmitter around their necks to sound the alarm in an attack or other emergency.

Dumbledore and Grime were very impressed with the muggle-made remotely monitored sensor system and high-tech cameras. It was decided to increase the area of first alert to one three times the size of the initial system. This outer installation mostly relied upon infrared motion detection equipment, which was set at a height above the level of a man’s waist. This would prevent a number of false alarms from dogs and other animals roaming about. The sending and receiving units were also camouflaged in a very careful way.

Harry had taken up residence in the castle. It had been decided he would remain there until Hermione decided it was time for his return to the Hall of Justice. Although the powerful charm at the Hall of Justice lingered within his body, he was thinking less and less about sex with each passing day.

Claire, the young girl Hermione had rescued from the coven in Wales, quickly took up with Harry, and he slept with the girl in her large bedroom during his sojourn at Falcon’s Lair.

Harry had also asked Sirius to put him in the security rotation with the other witches and wizards. This particular evening Harry would be beginning the second week of his two-week assignment and had pretty much adjusted to the nightlong shift. Ron, Oliver Wood and Preston Kelly were also assigned to the detail.

The security officers Captain Deborah Stran had hired were all proving to be very able members of their team. Of course, they knew their very lives would depend upon their competence and vigilance. Therefore, there was no goofing off amongst the teams of four, which were assigned eight-hour tours of duty. These members worked four days a week and had four days off. That was considered a major attraction to the job and allowed them to return to family and friends in the outside world every break.

There was no such thing as a forty-hour workweek in the world of magic. You worked what you were assigned. Hopefully it would be less than thirty hours each week. Athena and Coeus members, however, were not as fortunate. They had a history of working seven-day weeks for long periods without a break. Of course, when their breaks did come, they were substantial. As of late, the reduced workload had resulted in all having many lazy days around the castle to relax and play at the muggle games or to enjoy the televisions the large estate was full of. For this they were very thankful.

Harry and Ron decided to begin their long security walk around the estate just as the sun was setting. The spring day had been warm and glorious. The air was alive with new life. It was going to be a very pleasant night.

Completely dressed in their invisibility garments, they slipped out one of the back doors of the castle and decided to swing around from the north. This would take them to the top of much higher terrain and give them a nice view of the countryside before it got too dark. One thing all members assigned to the security guard were cautioned about was going about their sweeps in the same, habitual patterns. Every sweep was to be different.

Harry and Ron each carried a small walkie-talkie strapped to their belt alongside their weapons and extra magazines. A small earplug ran to their ear so the walkie-talkies would not squelch and give away their invisible positions. The microphone was clipped to their right shoulders underneath the invisibility clothing.

As they walked along, they didn’t carry on any conversation. They both had been instructed and fully realized a human voice could carry a great distance, and even a child could pinpoint accurately from whence it came. The only time they would share conversation was when they stopped and after making themselves completely aware of everything around them for some distance. Even then, they had been warned to only talk in whispers.

Sirius was the one who had designed the invisibility covers for the shotguns. This allowed them to be carried in slings across their shoulders. It was much less tiring to do so and provided quicker access than removing them from underneath their garments.

As they reached the crest of the large hill, Harry grabbed Ron and halted him. As Harry had the ability to clearly see the outline of his friend, he closed on his ear and whispered a warning to him.

“Look to the west, Ron. There near the tree line. Do you see them?” he whispered.

Ron moved a little to one side and squinted his eyes. He did see something but wasn’t sure what Harry meant.

“What is it, Harry?” he whispered back, after first reaching out and finding his friend by touch.

“There are a number of hooded figures down there Ron. I can’t tell how many but they are watching the castle.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. But it will soon be too dark to see them. They are way outside sensor range, too.”

“What are we going to do?” Ron asked.

“I’m going to call the security desk and have them fetch Sirius. He needs to know about this,” he said. Harry turned his back to the distant group, who were much too far to hear him whispering into the walkie-talkie, but Harry wanted to be careful.

“Falcon Base. This is Easy-Two, do you copy?” he whispered into the small microphone.

Ron, of course, could hear the entire conversation easily as he had his earphone in place.

“Easy-Two, this is Falcon Base. Go ahead,” came the reply from the security officer working the radio console inside the castle.

“Falcon Base. Advise Sirius we have a group of hooded figures standing at the edge of the tree line north of base. Too far to determine number. Will wait for his orders,” Harry said.

“Rodger that, Easy-Two. Will advise ASAP. Hold your twenty, over,” came the reply.

“Rodger, will hold our twenty,” Harry whispered back, affirming he and Ron would remain exactly where they were until Sirius could be located.

Short minutes later, Sirius was on the radio. “Easy-Two, this is Falcon Base. What is your situation, over?”

“Falcon Base, a number of hooded figures were seen along the tree line north of base. It is now too dark to see them. How do you want us to proceed?”

“Hold your twenty. Easy-One and Easy-Four are going to flank them to the west. Do not take any action. Remain as you are,” Sirius commanded.

“Roger, Falcon Base. Will remain as we are,” Harry replied.

Sirius immediately sent everyone to their rooms to make themselves ready. He had Graciela use the portkey and immediately head to Hogwarts to advise Professor Dumbledore.

Within minutes, Professor Dumbledore and Graciela had returned. The old professor went directly to the security room where Sirius had retasked one of the long-range cameras and was scanning the tree line. He was unable to make out any movement.

Professor Dumbledore asked Graciela to return to Hogwarts and advise Professor McGonagall of their situation. He wanted her to warn the other professors and the Ministry security staff on duty at Hogwarts that there might be some efforts made to breach their security there.

The old professor then sent Grace White to the Hall of Justice to inform Captain Stran. “Have her advise the Chief Justice immediately and to put her whole staff on alert. Return here as soon as you are able Grace,” Dumbledore ordered.

“Easy-One to Falcon Base,” came a call over the radio from Oliver Wood.

“Falcon Base, Easy-One, go ahead.”

“Falcon Base, we see at least ten gathered in the tree line. All are hooded and appear to be watching the castle,” Wood informed.

“Roger, Easy-One. Maintain your present position. Prepare for Bravo Four. Repeat, prepare for Bravo Four,” Sirius called out on the radio. “All Easy units confirm.”

Each of the four easy units called in to the base station and confirmed they had understood the transmission.

The Bravo designation had to do with their basic defensive plans, which were a number of different defensive schemes, which had been carefully prepared to meet specific threats. Bravo Four specifically called for Athena and Coeus to establish defensive positions facing the known threat. Any Easy units were to flank and follow the threats toward their objectives. Four other members, on brooms, were to guard the castle’s rear and flanks and redirect Falcon Lair’s defensive forces to counter other unseen threats, if they should appear. Captain Stran’s security forces were to fall back to the castle and guard the entrances from within the residence.

“Sirius, advice Harry and Ron to try to capture at least two of them alive. Tell them to stun them quickly and knock them to the ground out of the line of fire,” Dumbledore ordered.

Sirius again contacted Harry and Ron by radio and told them what they were to try to do. Harry requested Oliver to inform them when they saw the hooded figures begin to move.

In the meantime, Sirius gathered the Athena and Coeus members outside the large security room. He instructed them to exit the rear of the castle and quickly take up their positions as required using the Bravo Four defensive strategy.

Fred and George Weasley were two of the four who would take to the air on their brooms. The four wizards immediately swooped along the outer perimeter of the estate looking for other threats but stayed clear of the northern boundary. They soon reported back to Sirius that no other threats were seen. The Athena team leader then ordered them to take up and maintain their designated hovering points.

Almost an hour passed before Oliver reported seeing the subjects move out of the tree line. He informed Sirius, Harry and Ron that they appeared to be moving very slowly, very cautiously, as if expecting to encounter a charm.

Minutes later, Professor Dumbledore and Sirius were plainly able to see the hooded attackers. There appeared to be twelve of them, and it was confirmed they were indeed moving very cautiously.

The infrared devices sounded intrusion alerts when the figures crossed the invisible beams of light. Sirius nodded and smiled at the old wizard standing at his side. The system worked as it was designed and tested.

Harry, Ron, Oliver and Preston had already made their initial flanking maneuver and were closing at the backs of the attackers. Harry and Ron agreed to come up as close as they could to two of the attackers on their left. The closer they were able to get, the better chance they had of insuring they could quickly and accurately stun them.

Sirius reached for the radio’s microphone one final time. “Athena and Coeus members, make ready. Your targets are closing at your twelve o’clock position. They are presently one hundred and fifty yards from you. Hold your fire until ordered.”

The hooded figures set off the next set of alarms, both infrared and seismic devices, which were buried in the ground. Several of the cameras had them clearly illuminated, too. Sirius waited patiently until the attackers came within the optimum kill range of their weaponry.

“Athena and Coeus, you will fire as soon as you see the two wizards fall on your extreme right. Harry! Ron! Anytime you are ready!”

Sirius hardly had finished his command when the still air lit up with the explosive power of Harry and Ron’s wands. Instantly, shotguns blasted away, echoing around the buildings and sounding like large field artillery pieces firing off huge shells. Ten hooded assailants were blown into mangled bits of bloody flesh. Harry and Ron instantly ran up and searched the two stunned wizards for weapons and removed their wands. They quickly bound and levitated them, hurrying off to the castle with the two prisoners.


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


In the distant tree line, Razvan heard the explosions and saw the sky light up. He quickly ran to higher ground to get a better view of what had happened. What had made the horrific noise, he didn’t know? It reminded him of small bombs or explosive devices. Maybe the castle grounds were mined, he thought. He knew none of the wizards could have survived the horrible onslaught, so he quickly withdrew the portkey and disappeared in a flash.


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


Fred quickly reported seeing an emerald green flash to the north. He informed Sirius by radio of what he was sure was the telltale sign of a portkey being used.

Sirius told Fred and George to hurry to the north and scrutinize the area very closely.

Harry and Ron came through the front door of the castle. The two prisoners were floating inches off of the floor in front of them.

Professor Dumbledore came out and pointed down to the first captive. “Take him below Ron and secure him in one of the cells in the basement. Stay with him. Watch him carefully,” the old wizard ordered.

“Harry, take this one to the library. We want to keep them separated. They can’t be allowed to speak with one another. Is that clear?”

Sirius and Harry both nodded their heads. Harry levitated the man and moved him on into the library, removed his restraints and, with Sirius’s help, put him back into a chair. They then went about binding his forearms, legs and waist to the chair.

Dumbledore revived the wizard, who immediately began babbling incomprehensibly in Romanian. The old wizard sent Harry off to find Snape.


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


Razvan arrived to find his master again pacing the floor of the large cavern.

“What?” Dracul shouted out. “What has happened?”

“A most terrible thing, My Lord! The castle was mined. All are dead,” Razvan said, hanging his head, fearful of the rage rising in his master’s face.

“What are you saying, Razvan? They have all died?” he screamed.

“Yes, Master. They are dead.”

“This cannot be possible! You have killed my men, you cretin, you miserable moron!” Dracul yelled, lashing out at the man with his crop, beating him about his hood-covered head.

The wizard stomped off to a portkey and disappeared. Razvan walked to a table and collapsed into a chair. He knew the master would not forgive him. Later, he would feel his wrath.

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

Harry found Snape at the Hall of Justice studying at a table in the library. He brought the man immediately to Falcon’s Lair, explaining what had just taken place while they were enroute.

“Severus, here!” Dumbledore exclaimed, pointing to the man tied to the chair. “I have no real idea what he is speaking but it might be Romanian.”

Severus began interrogating the man and told the old professor what the man was saying, as he did. He ascertained him to be an associate of Lord Dracul. His name was Sorin. Three of the men killed were his. Their mission had been to attack the castle and kill all the wizards and older witches. Then, search it for treasure and return to Dracul’s Cavern with the younger witches and muggle girls, if any were present.

The frightened man did not attempt to resist the questioning. He informed Severus his daughters had been taken from him by the evil master at an early age, and soon died at his hands. He was willing to help defeat him and would gladly assist in any way he could.

Under further questioning, he was also forthcoming with information concerning Dracul and his evil confederation. Dracul had made certain things clear to his associates: He had been helping Voldemort reemerge when the evil lord was mysteriously killed. After that, Dracul set his sights on taking his place in Great Britain and Western Europe. He hungered to get his hands on the treasure he was sure the Chief Justice had stolen from the evil lord’s associates.

Dumbledore had Severus ask him if he could show them exactly where his cavern was. He affirmed that he would. And he agreed to show him where all the evil associates lived, also.

Professor Dumbledore had the other man brought up from the basement holding cell. He then had Harry and Sirius take Sorin below and lock him up for the present.

The next man refused to cooperate fully. Severus said it was obviously from fear of Lord Dracul. He then proceeded to put the man in a trance and questioned him long enough to ascertain Sorin’s statements were true. After they finished with him, Professor Dumbledore had the man taken to a detention cell at the Hall of Justice for safekeeping until a hearing could be arranged under the Chief Justice.

Professor Dumbledore gathered Snape, Harry, Sirius and Remus and took them into the dining hall. Priest and Grime soon joined them, too.

“Did any of the information you’ve received from Minister Bones at the Ministry verify any of Sorin’s information?” Dumbledore asked Snape.

“Some, yes. Dracul has been known and feared for some years. His whereabouts has been unknown, though. What has made the evil wizards of Eastern Europe so problematic has been the nature of their alliances over the centuries. They are all of one large extended family; intermarriages are not only common but also greatly desired. To find one such as Sorin is very fortunate. He is an oddity, without a doubt,” Snape said.

“We must test his information, of course. He might lead us right into a trap, an ambush,” Sirius reasoned.

“I agree, Albus. I don’t trust him. I don’t trust those eastern types one bit,” said Grime.

“The flash Fred saw tonight. What he believed to be a portkey? Let’s ask Sorin about that, too, Severus. Have the man locate the approximate location of Dracul’s stronghold on a map, too. Bartholomew has a map of the area. Can you help him with that, Bartholomew?” Dumbledore asked.

“Yes, certainly. We have a large one on the easel. I’ll remove it and we can take it down into the basement with us,” Grime replied, standing up and walking to the large easel where he went about searching for the map.

“Very well! Let’s meet tomorrow morning at eight o’clock in the conference room at Hogwarts. Bring the map with you, and we will begin planning our strategy,” Dumbledore said, getting to his feet.

After the old wizard left for Hogwarts, Snape and Grime went back down into the basement to interview Sorin a second time and get an approximate location of Dracul’s cavern.

Sirius put his security team back to work and called in the four who had been covering for them. The Athena and Coeus members were relieved but also quite alarmed over the incident. It was now plainly obvious the secret hideaway had become common knowledge, if an evil lord from Romania knew of Falcon’s Lair, then anyone might. They would have to be doubly on their guard from now on.


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


The next morning at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore walked into the conference room to find Minister Grime, Severus Snape, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Harry and Hermione seated at the large table.

As Chief Justice Webster had a full day of court, he had sent Hermione along to be his eyes and ears. Harry was asked to be present for an entirely different and, as of yet, unexplained reason.

After the good morning pleasantries were finished, the old wizard got right down to it. “And Sorin? Was he of any further help?

“He’s singing like a canary, Albus! If all he’s told Snape is on the up and up, well, we’ve got a nice big den of evil little foxes to smoke out,” Grime said.

Snape smirked at the large man’s statements. “As Minister Grime so eloquently put it, the man has opened up and provided us with considerable details. He did respectfully request no one be told any of them survived the attack. The retributions, he fears, would be horrendous. The man has a family and, naturally, fears for their safety,” Snape said.

“Yes, indeed. Please see that Athena and Coeus are all instructed to keep this strictly secret,” Dumbledore ordered, looking to both Sirius and Remus who nodded their heads in return. “Was he able to help with the map?”

Grime began unrolling the large parchment he had brought with him. He came to his feet and moved one of his large fingers around in a circle to show the general area. With Snape’s help, he went about showing the specific location of the cavern, Dracul’s residence and where the homes of others within the evil confederation were situated.

“How we deal with Dracul falls under the Chief Justice’s first decree. He will be eliminated. Before we decide on what course of action is to be taken with the others, I want Sorin questioned again at length. Draw up a complete list of the evil associates and the crimes they have committed. I will then take the allegations before Chief Justice Webster for him to decide under which decree he wishes us to take action. Obviously, my first impression, being that we are dealing with an association of evil, I wouldn’t hesitate to say the Chief Justice would decide they all fall under the mandate of the first decree,” Dumbledore reasoned.

The meeting soon ended and the participants went back to their duties. Professor Dumbledore asked Snape to stay.

Once everyone left the room, the old professor took the arm of his late potions master. “Severus, we must hurry along to the Hall of Justice. Last night, I asked Captain Stran to make a call on Headmaster Stefan Tuca at Brasov. I instructed her to bring him back with her,” Dumbledore informed the dark man.

The two immediately departed for the Hall of Justice and, after appearing in the large anteroom, found court to be in session. The old wizard turned and took Snape to a hidden lift, which they took down to the security floor. They then walked directly over to another area and stepped into another lift, which terminated within the library. It was here they found the old, tall and very frail looking headmaster, waiting with Captain Stran at his side.

“Albus, old friend!” the headmaster exclaimed when he saw Dumbledore. The old man jumped to his feet and walked to Dumbledore with his two arms held out in front of him. The two old wizards embraced each other and laughed happily at their meeting.

“It has been too long, Stefan! How have you been, old friend?” Dumbledore asked, smiling and patting the thin man about his shoulders.

“Yes! Much too long, Albus! I have been fine. Yes, doing very well, indeed,” the old headmaster replied with a large grin.

“Stefan, I wish to introduce you to a very special member of my staff at Hogwarts. And, further, a masterful wizard who has taken on additional responsibilities of this High Court, Severus Snape,” Dumbledore said in a polished, refined way, which was not missed by the potions master.

Snape straightened himself and reached out to take the man’s long bony hand. “An honor, Headmaster Tuca!”

“Likewise, I’m sure, Professor Snape. You will please excuse my forwardness, but you appear to have an Eastern European flair about yourself, young man,” Tuca replied, peering intently into Snape’s face and nodding his head.

“Yes, Headmaster. My mother was Romanian. I was raised there until I began my schooling at Hogwarts.”

“Was? I’m sorry! Your mother then has passed on to the next adventure?” Tuca asked, his expression sadly expressing regret over Snape’s admission.

“Right after I started my instruction at Hogwarts. My father soon returned to England to his family. I never again returned to Romania,” Severus stated.

“One day soon, if you wish, please come to Romania and be my guest. It would be a great honor to reacquaint you with your homeland.”

“Thank you, Headmaster.”

Professor Dumbledore then stepped forward again, lightly placing his hand on the old man’s arm. “Stefan, I hope we have not pulled you away from any pressing business. We have special need of your expertise and familiarity with Eastern Europe. Please sit down. I have much to tell you,” Dumbledore related in a serious manner, guiding the old man back to the table. The old professor immediately ordered up iced tea and, before getting down to business, introduced the old headmaster to Merlin’s Special Brew. The old wizard was quite impressed and finished his first glass quickly.

Dumbledore went on to tell Tuca what they had been doing in great detail to remove evil from their shores. He spoke of the Chief Justice and of his aggressive stance against the dark lords. The old headmaster said he had read extensively about what had been going on in Great Britain and had been very excited and pleased to see Voldemort and many of his evil associates eliminated. Dumbledore lastly told him what had happened at Falcon’s Lair the night before. He told him of the information they had extracted from the captured man and what specific information they had been provided.

Snape was somewhat shocked by his old headmaster admitting so much to the man. It was not a prudent thing to do, he thought. What if the man was indebted to the evil lords or feared retribution? What if he had family within the evil confederation? “No,” he thought. “I would never have trusted that information to anyone.”

At the same time, Stefan Tuca knew his old friend had great trust in him to divulge so much detail. Before Dumbledore ever brought up the subject, he knew where the conversation was heading. The old headmaster had read between the lines and was beside himself with joy over the possibility.

“So, you see, Stefan, we now must take action against Dracul and his evil bunch. I’m sure you agree?” Dumbledore asked.

“Albus! Albus! You have no earthly idea how much I’ve dreamed something this grand would happen in my lifetime. Dracul is such an evil man. Everyone trembles in fear at the very mention of his name. Yes, I agree more than you will ever know. Whatever help you need, I stand ready. There are others, too, Albus, who would forfeit their very lives to put an end to the evil man. You realize, of course, the Dracul family has exerted great influence over the good witches and wizards of Romania for centuries. His great, great grandfather was the first of his line to demand no females be allowed to enter Brasov. ‘Witchcraft’ was stripped from the school’s name. For all that time, we have simply been known as Brasov School of Wizardry. Yes, indeed! I will do anything you ask of me, old friend,” the man passionately swore.

Professor Dumbledore lightly patted the hand of his old friend. “There was never any doubt in my mind about that, Stefan. And Severus and I know exactly how you feel. For many years we, too, have lived under the constant threat of Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Now, old friend, we mean to put an end to Dracul, as we did with Voldemort, and we will most definitely need your help,” Professor Dumbledore said, nodding his head and peering intently into the old headmaster’s eyes.

Dumbledore had Severus repeat some of the specific allegations Sorin had made. The old man nodded his head in understanding and believed all they had been told was most likely the truth. He next mentioned the area where Dracul’s cavern was said to be. Tuca again said that was very likely true, too. The area had a number of large caverns, and it happened to be located near where he believed Dracul was born and raised.

“Stefan, we’re just now in the early planning stages of our mission. Would it be possible for you to take a short break from Brasov and join us for the next few days? Your assistance would be greatly appreciated, and I’m sure it would accelerate our mission, too.”

“Yes, Albus. Count me in, old friend. It would do my old heart much good to take a hand in the planning and execution of the mission. There are three young men, all recent graduates of Brasov, who have lost family members to Dracul and his associates. They would give anything to take part in this great adventure,” Tuca said, raising his eyebrows and hoping Dumbledore would agree to his request. The old man went on to tell them about the three young wizards in greater detail.

The Hogwart’s headmaster then turned to Snape. “What do you say? I leave the decision up to you, Severus,” Dumbledore asked.

“Might I meet the three young men, Headmaster?”

“Yes, certainly. We must be careful, though, Dracul has many eyes and ears about.”

“Would it be possible to bring them here to the Hall of Justice. It would be best if I were not seen in Romania too soon. Many know of my relationship to Hogwarts and Professor Dumbledore,” Snape stated.

“Yes, of course. I see your point and agree. I will secretly contact them and bring them back personally.”

After their meeting, the old Romanian headmaster quickly returned to Brasov. He acceded to all that had been requested of him.

“You have trusted the man with much, Professor,” Snape observed.

“It would not have been proper to do otherwise, Severus. I was extremely confident Stefan would jump at the chance to do battle against the evil man. As I said, he is a very good and decent man,” Dumbledore said flatly.


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


Lord Dracul had called a number of his closest associates to his side. “The treacherous Dumbledore has just killed twelve of my best men!” he cried out to the group.

He commanded them to begin planning an all-out assault against Dumbledore’s army. “We shall kill all who stand in our way. The muggle, too, must be among the first to die.”

After the evil master left them, the wizards spoke amongst themselves for some time. They were hesitant to take a war to foreign shores. None were familiar with Great Britain. None wanted to risk what little they had just to placate the man. Of course, they all knew they had no choice but to comply. Dracul would have any who refused him, along with their families, tortured and put to death at the first hint of a refusal.


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


Hermione had returned to the Hall of Justice minutes before Professor Dumbledore and Snape had their meeting with Stefan Tuca. As court was in session, she believed she wouldn’t be able to speak with Webster until the evening meal.

She found Ginny sitting at a table within the second-floor library reading a book on pregnancy, which had been written some years earlier by a witch of some notable repute.

“Ginny!” Hermione exclaimed, walking in to sit down with her. “Reading up on childbearing?”

“Yeah - - - I wasn’t sure about some things,” Ginny replied, grinning at her old friend.

“I’ve noticed Professor Snape has been visiting you every evening. Has he been any comfort to you?” Hermione asked, returning her grin.

“He’s been wonderful! He’s very adventurous, too,” Ginny cackled out, blushing red at her statement.

“Somehow I never thought he would be that way, but that is great. You really have been cheerier these last few days. That’s what really counts,” Hermione said, pleased Ginny’s recovery was being helped along by any means, even if it meant she was in the arms of a man she had never cared for.

“I know the Chief Justice can’t wait to get you in his bed, either.”

“He’ll just have to wait. I’m not ready,” Ginny replied in a short and very sharp way.

“I understand, of course. I just hope he does. He has really been pining for you,” Hermione told her, stressing the ‘pining’ part.


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


Very early the next morning, Professor Dumbledore was sitting at his desk when Tuca suddenly appeared. With him were three young wizards who he quickly introduced to his old friend.

The young men were very cordial, and Dumbledore was amazed all spoke English extremely well.

“I have always insisted, Albus, our young men, who show an aptitude for languages, master three or four of our European tongues before they graduate from Brasov. In my opinion, English is the most important, as it is so widely spoken,” the old headmaster explained.

“I am very impressed. Please follow me,” Dumbledore directed, as he walked out behind his desk and took them into the conference room. “As much as I would like to give these three young men a tour of Hogwarts, I believe our present situation will have to put that off until later. If you will all join hands with me, I would like to take you directly to our base of operations. Professor Snape is there this morning. They are making plans, which I believe you can all help with.”

The old professor reached out and placed his hand atop the figurine of the falcon and, in a flash, they appeared in the library at Falcon’s Lair.

Professor Priest had purchased a large conference table, which she had placed within the spacious library for their meetings. When the four men appeared, they found Priest, Grime, Snape, Sirius, Remus and Harry talking over the map of Eastern Europe spread out on the table. Grime had just obtained another large map of Romania, which he had attached to the easel. It stood against the wall, in the corner closest to the large table.

“Albus!” shouted Grime, as he saw them appear.

All at the table immediately looked up when they heard the big man yell out. Dumbledore brought the guests over to the table and introduced them all around.

“Harry Potter!” Stefan Tuca exclaimed, shaking young Harry’s hand excitedly. “I’ve always wanted to meet you, my boy. You’ve led quite an exciting life. I should have known you would be right in the middle of all this.”

The other young men quickly made their way to Harry, too. All of them had followed Harry’s exploits very closely. They felt honored to meet him.

“Here, now! Where are my manners?” Tuca exclaimed. “These three young men are outstanding examples of the young wizards we have at Brasov. They have each lost family members to Dracul, too. This young lad is Vlad. Here we have Sandu and Silvio.”

The young men nodded their heads and smiled at their introductions.

“Are you young men willing to join in our fight against Dracul?” Dumbledore asked, but knowing the question did not need to be asked.

All three quickly affirmed. The old headmaster was not the only one who noted the fire burning behind the young men’s eyes.

“Very well, perhaps you might wish to take a look at this map. We were able to capture one of those who attacked us last night, and he seems to be willing to cooperate,” Sirius explained.

“You were attacked?” Vlad asked. “Last night?”

Headmaster Tuca spoke up. “I have not said a word to them yet. I thought it best if you informed them of what was being planned.”

Professor Dumbledore went on to explain what their mandate was from the Chief Justice. He told them of Athena and Coeus and the work they had been doing, of the raids and the individual missions. All three of the young men agreed they had heard much of what he said from the Romanian edition of the Daily Prophet.

The old wizard then pointed Severus Snape out to them and explained what function he had been ordered to perform in Eastern Europe for the Department of Special Investigations. The young men were extremely interested in that.

He next explained what they intended to do shortly in Romania. “We must act before they mount other attacks here or against other good wizards and witches living abroad.”

Sandu was the first to ask a question. “And you, Professor Snape, will be needing people to help you, no?”

“Yes, I am going to put together an intelligence gathering team. It will be fashioned much as the Coeus team is here,” Snape replied.

“I would like to apply for the position when you begin,” Sandu said.

“Yes, I hope all three of you will join me,” Snape said.

The three eagerly nodded their heads and grinned largely at his statement.

Grime then showed them on the map where the captured wizard had noted Dracul had his stronghold. Vlad was the first to nod his head, smiling in recognition.

“I know the area well. I live right here,” he replied, pointing to a small town along the foothills of the Transylvanian Alps. “This is very rugged terrain. All along here. Very few people live up in the mountains.”

It was soon agreed to outfit the young men, along with the headmaster with the same gear being used by Athena and Coeus. The young wizards were immediately familiarized with the weaponry, invisibility garments and special order brooms. They quickly picked up on how everything was used. All had extensive training in the use of muggle firearms, as their families had all used them for sport or hunting. They were also issued the walkie-talkie radios and low visibility goggles.

Snape, too, was outfitted. He, however, had never used the muggle-made weapons. That afternoon, Sirius began a quick course of instruction, assisted by Remus, Harry, Ron and Oliver. Each of the instructors took one of the new members and gave them personalized instruction.

Over the next three days, the five men became very competent with the equipment and came to understand fairly well how the teams had been operating. Headmaster Tuca had a room much like Dumbledore’s off of his office, which he seldom used. The two old headmasters quickly linked Falcon’s Lair with the room by portkey.

Professor Dumbledore and Severus Snape also had a number of private conversations. The old wizard had decided, if things went as planned, to make use of Dracul’s cavern and residence for Snape’s future Coeus team. Of course, for them to safely make use of them, they would have to eliminate the majority of the associates, if not all.

For that reason, Professor Dumbledore spent one evening in conference with Chief Justice Webster. The old wizard carefully explained all that was known about Lord Dracul and his evil henchmen. He also informed the justice of the plan to make use of Dracul’s cavern and residence. Webster comprehended the danger in that but also understood the advantages. The Chief Justice, after Dumbledore finished laying out his case, mandated the old professor to handle all wizards under the authority given to him under the first decree, meaning they were all to be killed. Dumbledore had not doubted this would be the justice’s ultimate decision before he met with him.

On the fourth day, Snape and his new team, including Headmaster Tuca were ready to begin their first mission. To assist them, Sirius, Remus, Harry, Ron and Oliver were to go along to assist in the scouting mission and planning.

They immediately left the Brasov School of Wizardry by another portkey the old headmaster had just installed. It took them to within ten miles of Dracul’s cavern, using the calculations they had previously made. Sirius had taken the muggle-made GPS unit with them to make note of the exact locations of their searches.

They quickly found Sorin’s information had been very precise. The large mouth to Dracul’s cavern was well hidden behind a sheer rock wall, which fell away at one edge revealing the entrance once nearly upon it. The men cautiously entered the huge cavern and found it deserted. They quickly went about noting the location of everything within it and were about to leave when three darkly cloaked wizards landed at the caverns entrance. After propping their brooms against the wall of the cave, the men began arguing amongst themselves while motioning toward the tables.

The invisible team avoided the wizards, who went to work moving tables around. Snape understood nearly everything being said by the evil underlings. An long hour later, the men left the cavern. Snape then called out for the team to leave and return to Brasov. Once back at the school, the men pulled off their hoods and gloves.

“You understood what they were talking about, Severus?” asked Tuca.

“Yes. Tomorrow night they are having a large meeting. I understood Dracul is planning to announce his intentions to take over Falcon’s Lair,” Snape replied.

Sirius and the other Athena members gathered round to hear what had been overheard, as they had no idea what the Romanian men had been talking about.

Snape also overheard them saying they had to make room for sixty and that even more might show up. Of course, what was most obvious was the way the men spoke about Dracul. It was plainly evident they greatly feared the evil man. The most dreadful thing overheard, however, was the fact there were still members watching Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and closely monitoring the Ministry in London. All of those wizards would be called back to attend the meeting, though.

Sirius had heard enough. They had to return to Falcon’s Lair immediately. Professor Dumbledore had to be advised of what was to take place. Plans had to be made and their people made ready.