Harry Potter and the Hall of Justice

Chapter 40 The Shaman


Austin proudly watched the sorrel gelding run away, tossing its head about and chasing after the other two horses sprinting ahead of him. He smiled at the horse’s spirit, turned and walked slowly back to the line shack. Harry followed.

Austin waited at the gate to the yard until Harry had passed through it. He then reached out and pulled it close. It was as if he was shutting the door on the last ten years of his life. All he saw around him, of this place he so dearly loved, would now be only a memory - - - a small but meaningful stop along the path of his eternal journey.

He looked up at the mountains and hills around him and scanned the cold January sky. Never in his life had he ever seen such a large expanse of blue. Austin thought back on blistering summer heat, of how the country looked and smelled after an infrequent late spring rain, of white powdery snow that, just as infrequently, blanketed what he now saw, transforming it all into muffled quietness.

Harry silently watched the young man, knowing he was lost in his memories. He felt sad for the young man, yet excited at the same time. At some point, Harry realized Austin had decided to change his path and join their crusade. He could sense an aura of great power emanating from him and was aware that not even Albus Dumbledore had such energy.

Austin lowered his head, turned around and walked back inside the small house. After entering, he turned to his right and walked to the old chest of drawers, sitting lonely against one wall of his small bedroom. He reached down, opened the last drawer, and pulled out a large, zippered, gear bag. One by one, he opened the other drawers, pushing his few belongings into the bag. He then disappeared into the small bathroom and rattled through a cabinet.

Harry noticed there was not one thing that signified the magical life he had once led. The last thing he retrieved was a picture frame, which sat on a small table by his bed. Harry saw a man and woman in the picture. A small boy stood between them. Austin laid the gear bag on the bed and showed the picture to Harry.

“My parents and me,” he said. “It was taken the day I started BC.” Austin ran his right index finger over the glass-covered picture. It stopped at the young boy’s chest. Austin laid the picture frame down on the bag and reached into a pocket of his denim jacket. Harry saw the gold chain and small cross dangling from his fingers, after he removed his hand. Austin raised the chain to his head and released it around his neck. He then reached down and pulled a shirt out of the bag. He wrapped it snuggly around the picture frame, carefully placed it back inside the bag and zipped it up. He then grabbed the bag’s straps and walked back to the kitchen, where he laid the bag on the kitchen table.

Slowly he scanned the room, opened a few cabinets and the door to the small refrigerator. He hefted the large coffee pot, walked to the door, and threw what remained in it across the yard. He then carried it back to the kitchen sink. There he went about washing the breakfast dishes and cleaning the table.

Lastly, he sat down at the table and pulled a small writing tablet to him. Picking up a pencil, he wrote a short note saying it was time he moved on. When all was as it should be, he turned to Harry.

“Where are we to go, Harry?” Austin asked.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes.” Austin said, looking around one last time and picking up his large gear bag. “It’s time.”

Harry reached out to the wall and wrapped his fingers around his invisible broom. He then reached into an inner pocket of his cloak and withdrew a large silver ring. Running two fingers of his right hand through the ring, he closed it around his broom. With his left hand, he reached out and took Austin’s free hand. Harry then closed his eyes and whispered “BC”. In a flash of emerald green light, they were gone.


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


Martin Dumbledore was sitting at his desk at the British Columbia School of Magic when they appeared in a flash. The suddenness of it startled the old wizard. The pen he had been holding in his hand flew into the air, as he jumped in his chair.

“Headmaster!” Austin exclaimed with a grin. “Good to see you again!”

“Austin!” Martin Dumbledore shouted out. “My boy! You look splendid!” The older wizard quickly got to his feet, reached out for Austin and threw his arms around the young man, hugging him tightly. Sobbing from great joy, the old man went about patting the younger man about his back. “I didn’t know if I would ever see you again. Bless be to God in Heaven.”

“It’s great to see you again, Professor,” Austin said, with tears in his eyes. “Over ten years, it’s been.”

The three men walked over to the headmaster’s conference table and sat down. For the longest, the two men spoke. At Martin Dumbledore’s urging, he told him about Abraham and what he had learned from the old man. Dumbledore was amazed at what his young protégé had been through and become aware of. Only after their conversation and the initial excitement abated did Harry get to his feet. The two men at the table knew it was time.


“If you’d like to visit longer, Austin, Professor Dumbledore can send you on to the Hall of Justice later. But I must return now,” Harry said.

“No, wait. I’ll go with you, Harry. I can come back and visit later. I sense your urgency,” Austin said, reaching out to shake the hand of his old headmaster. “I’ll be back. You can show me what changes you’ve made.”

“Yes! Of course! We’ve become all computerized, Austin. You’ll be amazed to see how we’ve incorporated some of the newest muggle technology into our course of instruction. There are many things I’ll want to show you,” the old headmaster said, smiling at the young man, proud of how mature and emotionally settled he appeared to be.

Harry and Austin walked over to the portkey on the headmaster’s desk. Austin again reached out to take his bag in hand, as Harry grasped his broom. Austin’s free hand closed around Harry’s wrist and in a flash, they were gone.


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


The coolness within the anteroom of the Hall of Justice greeted them upon their arrival. Austin looked around in awe at the huge room. Harry raised a hand to his back and urged him forward.

“Is this the Hall of Justice, Harry?”

“Yeah. This is the anteroom. You’ll be amazed at what you will see around this place. There are things here from the beginning of written history and, well, there’s much to show you,” Harry said, smiling at the young man’s awed expression.

Harry walked him through the large courtroom and into the justice’s chamber. He pointed him to the right, and they entered into the residence. Harry walked him on out to the huge patio beyond the double doors. Again, Austin couldn’t believe what he was seeing. They then climbed the stairs up to the third level where they saw Professor Dumbledore, Chief Justice Webster and Hermione seated at one of the large tables.

Dressed as he was, Austin looked completely out of place to those seated at the table, except for Chief Justice Webster who gave him a knowing grin. In fact, to Webster, the young man was a page out of his own past. The two men fixed eyes, as Harry and Austin approached them.

“Everyone, this is Austin Riley Preston. He’s come to discuss his future,” Harry said.

The young man shook hands all around and was invited to take a seat. Chief Justice Webster called out for more tea and served two large, cold glasses of Merlin’s Special Brew to the two travelers.

“How is it you ended up out on the ranch, Austin?” Daniel Webster couldn’t wait to ask.

“I was showed the way by another - - - an ancient old man who is my mentor. He knew of my need for solitude and directed me there,” Austin said. He turned his head and gazed around him. “There is great power around us.”

Professor Dumbledore grinned and nodded his head. “Yes, Austin. Power beyond anything we have ever been able to create or duplicate.”

“It seems odd, and certainly more than coincidental, that you ended up on a west Texas ranch where I myself had lived for over six years,” Chief Justice Webster said, directing the conversation back to the subject that interested him most. Again, he looked deep into the young man’s hazel eyes, trying his best to seize onto any thin fiber of information about how such an odd coincidence had come about.

“As surprised as I was to have someone find me, I’m sure,” Austin replied, knowing the justice was a muggle but also sensing some great energy about the man. He had never been in the presence of anything quite like it. Oddest of all, though, was the fact the young looking justice didn’t look as if he was old enough to have possibly lived and worked on the ranch, and then go about whatever it took to bring him here. There were many strange things to be sorted out. Many things were not as they seemed to be.

“We are very happy to have you with us, Austin. Martin spoke very highly of you,” Professor Dumbledore said, closely watching the young man’s reactions.

“Thank you, Professor. I’m not sure what you want me to do, but I’ll try to help in anyway I can.” Austin sensed tremendous power exuding from the old wizard’s aura. It was stronger than any he had ever felt. Yet, there was something strangely comforting about it, too. He saw the family resemblance to his old headmaster, Martin Dumbledore. The same piercing blue eyes, even the same frown lines and wrinkles, could have been swapped between the two men without anyone noticing.

“You are what, about twenty-six years old, Austin,” Hermione asked.

He turned to face the beautiful brown-haired girl. “Yes, that’s right. I left BC when I was sixteen. I’ve been away for ten years.”

Word shortly got out that there was a new and strangely dressed visitor on the third floor of the residence. Young witches began appearing from everywhere. Austin quickly sensed their lustful eyes upon him. Every motion he made was being appraised, every glance he made gave an opportunity to catch his eye and he could feel strange, unseen hands upon him.

“We haven’t decided where to put you yet, Austin,” said Chief Justice Webster. “There’s much I wish to talk to you about, but we need to get you settled in first. What do you recommend, Professor?”

The old wizard still had his eyes on the young man, appraising him and aware of the great energy within him. “I would like him to stay, initially, amongst his new team members at Falcon’s Lair. There is training he must receive. He should also be briefed on what we are facing, too. Of course, he should be allowed to come and go between the Hall of Justice and Falcon’s Lair as he wishes. What do you think of that, Your Lordship?” Dumbledore asked, glancing back over to the Chief Justice.

“Yes, by all means. Austin, Professor Dumbledore runs the show. He heads the Department of Special Investigations. I leave it entirely in his hands to decide what must be done,” Webster said.

The Chief Justice stood up and asked Dumbledore, Austin, Harry and Hermione to follow him inside the residence. Although he didn’t mind talking in the presence of the young witches, he noticed they were making Austin uncomfortable. Some things he wished to discuss privately, too. Shortly, they were seated at a table within the large living area.

“Austin, before you leave to Falcon’s Lair, Hermione can show you to a room you can use whenever you visit here. I’m sure you noticed there are a good number of young witches out on the patio who can’t wait to get their hands on you,” Dan Webster said with a laugh.

“Yeah, they seemed a bit forward. I’m not used to that,” Austin shyly admitted, looking down at his hands on the table. “I’ve been living a solitary life, you see.” He blushed and looked around at those sitting at the table. All noted his embarrassment.

“For better or worse, Austin, that has changed,” said Professor Dumbledore, with a grin. He envied the young man, wishing he could once again be his age and have his rugged good looks.

“Hermione, would you please show Austin to quarters he can lay claim to?” Webster asked.

“Certainly!” Hermione exclaimed, getting to her feet.

She led Austin out of the residence. Both the Chief Justice and Dumbledore turned to face Harry.

“What can you tell us, Harry?” Webster asked.

“I experienced something very strange but very wonderful at the ranch, Your Lordship,” Harry began. Both men noted his excitement. “At first, I got the impression he wasn’t going to come back with me. In fact, he said we didn’t need his help. It was obvious, from the very moment I met him, he knew much more than someone who had been in seclusion for so many years. He took me into his bedroom and closed the door. It was very dark inside. He summoned up the spirit of an old man named Abraham. Austin told me he was his mentor and advised him. The old man, when he looked into my eyes, knew everything about me instantly. He told me my parents were in the next reality and were aware of what I was doing. It was so surreal. He told me they knew of my children and that they would become very powerful beings. Then he told Austin the work we were doing was noble and just. He said you had many secrets, Professor. The old man said you meant well but much of what you wanted to do would best be left for the next reality. But he stressed your intentions were pure, that you wanted to help others. Anyway, I believe the old man changed Austin’s way of thinking. Although he left it up to him to choose his path, he made it plain that to fight evil was not contrary to the will of God. I believe Austin had been somewhat confused about all that. Or maybe he had just not ever considered it in that way before.”

Both men were taken aback by Harry’s revelation. Webster and Dumbledore stared into each other’s eyes. Harry couldn’t help but notice the men were both very amazed and moved by what he had just told them.

“Harry, who was this Abraham?” Professor Dumbledore asked.

“I don’t know, Professor. He was a very old and wise looking man. He was dressed in a white robe which shown with a bright light. He held a large staff in his hands and leaned into it, as if supporting himself. It was all very strange. Austin told me he was from a reality distantly removed from our own and that he was far along on his journey,” Harry said, looking from one of the men to the other, as he told them what he witnessed.

“Why does he appear to Austin?” Dumbledore asked.

“I don’t know. He said others come to him, too. But only Abraham reliably comes when he is summoned. Austin spoke of the path we are all on and why those with evil intentions are trapped within this reality, why they can’t pass on, as we will, into the next reality. He spoke of the journey we are all taking and of different paths and obstacles. He knows many things. It would be best if you spoke directly to Austin about them. I am still a bit confused. I’m sure there’s much I missed, too. Yes, it’s all very strange to me but also very wonderful,” Harry said, shaking his head, looking down at the table.

“There are many unseen forces around us, Harry - - - phenomenon we cannot understand - - - many powerful and wonderful things. Maybe Austin can help us understand them. I’ve always sensed their presence. It is as if we are constantly being watched and sometimes guided along our way,” the old wizard said aloud, as if he were speaking to himself while deep in thought.


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


Hermione took Austin down to the first level of the residence. She could easily see why the young witches within the Hall of Justice were so taken with him. Austin Riley Preston was one of the most handsome men she had ever seen. He moved with the grace of a cat, and Hermione sensed the extreme power his aura radiated.

No one had yet taken up residence on the first floor, and she gave him his choice of rooms. Austin went along the hall looking in each door and settled on a room of powder blue, with dark blue appointments. His breath caught when he looked into the bathroom. It was beyond anything he had ever imagined a bathroom could be. Hermione laughed out as his reaction.

“Where does all that water come from?” he asked.

“I don’t have a clue but it’s quite wonderful. You also have a shower room through there,” she pointed to a large slit in one wall.

“Unbelievable. This is quite a setup you’ve got here, Hermione. Wow! I haven’t ever seen anything like this,” Austin exclaimed.

Hermione smiled at his remarks. “You’ll get used to it. It is grand, though. House-elves will tend to your needs. But we might need to put a lock on your door. The girls won’t give you a minutes rest,” she said.

Austin turned and smiled at her. “I was thinking that might be the case. Would the Chief Justice take offense?”

“No, don’t be silly,” she replied with a laugh. “They’ll be glad to have you around. Believe me!”

“You are a mother, Hermione.” Austin said flatly, looking down into her eyes. He knew she was the most powerful witch he had ever been in the presence of. But there was much more about her than he could readily grasp. Somehow he knew he could learn much from her.

“Yes, how did you know?”

“You and Harry have had a male child. He will become a very powerful being. Harry’s parents know of your relationship and the child. They are extremely happy,” he told her flatly, as he continued looking around at the room.

“How do you know that?”

“Harry does, too,” Austin said, turning back to face her. “We were told just today. I believe it pleased him greatly to find out.”

“But who told you that?”

“An old friend of mine. He actually told Harry directly. But I was there at the time. Harry can tell you about it,” Austin said, turning around to continue his surveying of the room.

Hermione shook her head in disbelief.

“I really like this room. Thanks for showing it to me. Can I use it, then?”

“Yes, of course. Anytime you come to stay with us. Consider it yours,” she replied.

They then left the room and headed back up to the third-floor of the residence. Martha met them on the stairway on the second-floor.

“Hi!” Martha said coyly. “Are you staying with us, Austin?”

“Austin, this is Martha. She’s my deputy assistant,” Hermione said by way of introduction.

“Hi, Martha,” Austin replied. “Good to meet ya. But no, I’m going on to another place, I think. But Hermione just gave me a room I can use when I visit.”

“When can he come stay, Hermione?” Martha asked with clear desperation on her face.

“That’s up to Professor Dumbledore, Martha. He wants to get Austin familiarized with the Athena and Coeus team members,” she replied.

“Oh, how sad,” Martha said. “Hurry back, Austin. We’d like to get to know you better.”

“Yeah, thanks. I, er - - - well, I look forward to it,” Austin replied, stammering to find the right words.

Hermione smiled at his bashful reply. She liked this young man but was he ever in for an awakening. He’d be quickly drawn down to a mere whiff of a human being if he stayed too long around here, she thought with a knowing grin.

As they approached the third-floor residence, Captain Deborah Stran exited the door. Hermione noticed her instant reaction to Austin and smiled.

“Austin, this is Deborah Stran, she is the Captain of the Guard here at the Hall of Justice,” Hermione said. “Deborah, this is Austin Riley Preston. Harry has just brought him to join us. He is from Texas, like the Chief Justice.”

“Hi, Austin. Good to meet you,” Deborah said, offering a hand. She was totally floored by the young man’s good looks. It was the first time in her life she felt even a little bashful. She didn’t fully understand what was happening to her, but she was having a strong reaction to the man. As her hand met his, she felt her legs go weak. His touch was incredible, and she felt a strange comforting power radiating from him.

“Yeah, hi, Deborah. Good to meet you, too.” Austin’s breathing wasn’t quite right. He was looking at the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life. She was stunning. He knew instantly that she was a mother, too. She had also had a child sired by Harry. He shook his head slightly at that knowledge and smiled to himself.

“Maybe you two can talk later, huh?” Hermione said, as the two were standing, hand in hand, for an uncomfortable amount of time.

Deborah was the first to shake her head. “Yeah, I’m sorry. Yeah, I’ve got to go. Maybe we can talk later, Austin. Good meeting you.”

“Yeah, I look forward to it,” he replied. Their hands finally parted and Deborah walked down the stairway.

Austin turned to watch her leave. “She’s a beautiful woman, Hermione. She has had Harry’s child, too?”

“Yeah, how did you know that?” she asked, shaking her head in disbelief.

He didn’t reply but just turned back around to face the door, waiting for Hermione to enter the residence.


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


Hermione and Austin found the three men still sitting at the table within the third-floor residence.

“Harry, would you mind taking Austin on to Falcon’s Lair and settling him in? I’ll be along later,” Dumbledore asked.

“Yes, of course,” Harry replied.

“Austin, when you get a chance I’d like to chat with you some more. I did want to tell you, however, that I’ve been in negotiations for some time to buy the old ranch,” Webster said.

“Buy the ranch?” Austin exclaimed, rushing to sit down at the table next to the Chief Justice.

“Yes, actually for some months now. It has not been an easy thing to finalize, you see. It involves trading some property we own in New York City, and an insurance company happens to be in the middle of it. The waters are somewhat murky. However, I believe it will soon be done,” Webster said.

“I can’t believe it. It would be perfect for a school of magic or something like that,” Austin replied.

“Yes, indeed - - - my thoughts exactly. And after you see Falcon’s Lair, you will better understand why it interests me,” Webster replied.

Austin was thrilled over Webster’s admission. It was beyond anything he could have ever hoped for. That old ranch meant so much to him. He was now very happy the Chief Justice had spent time on it, too. Yes, indeed. Nothing could have pleased him more.


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


Within a few minutes, Harry and Austin appeared within the library at Falcon’s Lair. Sirius Black and Drucila Priest were sitting at the conference table sharing a pitcher of tea.

“Harry! Welcome back! That was a quick trip!” Sirius exclaimed.

“Yeah, wasn’t bad at all. Sirius, Professor Priest, this is Austin Riley Preston,” Harry said in introduction.

“Hello, Austin,” said Sirius, reaching out to shake his hand.

Austin then turned and shook the offered hand of the old witch at the table. Their eyes met and much was exchanged with the glance. Drucila’s breath caught, as she realized who the lad was.

“You don’t know who I am, do you boy?” Drucila asked, her eyes ablaze with recognition.

“No, sorry. I haven’t ever met you, have I?” Austin asked, looking down again into her face, seeing something familiar but not grasping its significance.

“I’m the younger sister of your maternal grandmother, Austin,” Drucila replied.

“You’re what?” Austin shouted out, reaching for a chair to sit down and dropping his bag to the floor.

“Your mother’s mother’s younger sister, if that makes any sense,” said the old witch. “Simply put, my boy, you were my sister’s grandson, God rest her soul.”

“Really! I didn’t know I had any living family!” exclaimed Austin.

“Well, now you do!” shouted out the old witch, laughing in her shrill way, hitting notes no other human being was ever capable of.

Harry and Sirius both looked at each other and smiled.

“I thought you told me you didn’t have any living family, Drucila,” Sirius said.

“Hell, Sirius, I’d been told the boy was dead. Everyone thought the Death Eaters had gotten to him. I’m damn glad to see they didn’t. You are the last of our line, boy,” she said, looking back into Austin’s eyes. “We’ve got to get you to breeding some of these young ladies around here. You better sire me some little ones and be damn quick about it.”

They all laughed out loudly at the old witch’s command. Sirius and Harry were not shocked in the least to hear her be so blunt and tactless. But from the look on Austin’s face, he appeared to be totally terrified. That fueled the laughter even more.

The old witch came to her feet and reached out for his hand. “You come with me Austin. Grab your bag there. I’ve got just the place to put you. Hurry along now.”

Austin looked down at Harry and gave him a quizzical look. Harry smiled and returned a wink. The old lady pulled him out of the room and up the stairway to the second floor of the castle.

“I’m putting you right down here. A room I reserved for Albus Dumbledore. But that was stupid of me to do so, it was. He’s not about to ever stay around here, not with that resort the Chief Justice had built,” she said, pulling him along.

She stopped just long enough to twist the knob on a door and pull him inside. “Here we are,” she said. “Now isn’t this a nice big room?”

Austin looked around at the room, which was almost as big as the whole house he had lived in at the ranch. “Yeah. It’s great. So how did you know who I was?”

“All I knew was that Harry had been sent off to fetch someone, but I didn’t know anything more about it. If I’d known it was you, I’d gone off and fetched you myself. You have no idea how long we looked for you, my boy. Where did you go off to?”

“I didn’t know what to do after my parents were killed, but I had to get away. I didn’t want anything to do with our world any longer. I believed it had let me down - - - as they let others who had no right go about doing murderous, evil things. My parents had never hurt anyone,” Austin said, lifting his bag and setting it on the bed.

“They were doing research that would have caused evil everywhere much misery, Austin. Surely you knew that?” Drucila Priest asked.

“Yeah, I knew,” he said, sitting down on the bed and testing it with a bounce.

“We have much to discuss, you and I. You freshen up and come down to dinner. It will be on the table within the hour. There are many who you need to meet,” she ordered, stopping at the door to look at him one last time. She smiled at him and closed the door.

Austin took a long shower and removed the items he had in his bag. He placed the picture frame on the stand by his bed before putting his few clothes in the chest of drawers. Lastly, he opened the bottom drawer, folded the large gear bag and pushed it down inside. He then reached for the one shirt he had laid out on the bed, which didn’t have any holes in it or showed much wear. Holding it out in his left hand, he raised his right and instantly the wrinkled fabric relaxed. He pulled on his old pair of jeans, wiped his boots off with a cloth and headed out the door.

Near the head of the stairs, a door opened and a beautiful redheaded girl stepped out of a bedroom. She stopped immediately when she saw the strangely dressed man walking toward her.

“Who are you?” Ginny Weasley asked, a look of fear in her eyes.

“My name’s Austin. I’m new here,” he replied, looking into her beautiful green eyes. Austin instantly knew the girl had been through many terrible ordeals. He sensed her emotional state and confusion. She was in pain and had suffered at the hands of others.

“My name is Ginny,” she replied, unable to hold the handsome man’s gaze. She felt he was appraising her. That he was somehow searching her. It made her very uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry if I startled you, Ginny,” he said.

“I’m okay. I just wasn’t expecting to see someone new like this. It’s okay, really. Are you going down to dinner?”

“Yeah, where’s it at?” he asked, but he really didn’t need. He could hear the clamor coming from downstairs, reminding him of the noise from a large mess hall.

“Come on, I’ll take you,” Ginny said, heading down the stairs.

Austin couldn’t believe the number of young witches and wizards he saw when he came to the door of the huge dining room. Faces turned around to look at the new guy. As he walked to a chair at the end of the table, he looked up to see Drucila Priest waving him down to where she sat. He walked down the length of the table, feeling eyes turning to watch him.

“Come over here, my boy. Sit yourself right down here. I’ve saved you a seat,” the old witch cackled out, smiling largely at her newfound family member.

Austin nodded his head in greetings to those seated close to him and took his seat. The old witch came to her feet and held up a hand. All those at the long table quieted themselves and turned to face her.

“I wish to introduce you to our newest member, Austin Riley Preston,” she called out loudly. “He’ll be taking up residence here within castle. I expect everyone to help him along his way.”

The old witch then took her seat, raised her two bony hands and clapped them together. Down the length of the table a large selection of food and drinks instantly appeared. At the same time, the noise level within the huge cavernous room ratcheted up several levels.

Drucila introduced Austin to all those seated near them. He met Remus Lupin, Fred, George and Ron Weasley and a number of other young witches and wizards within shouting distance. All during the meal Austin noticed eyes turning his way, behind which many questions were being asked.

One thing Austin did like considerably was the informal atmosphere within the room. There was obviously no strict code of conduct, no eyes of old professors watching for anything or anyone out of line, no limitations placed on how loud someone could talk or what about. It pleased him greatly. He felt oddly comfortable.

After the meal was over, Harry and Ron took him out into the cold January night and showed him around the outside of the castle. In the distance, Harry pointed out the newly completed resort the Chief Justice had built.

“Where did all the money come from to do these things, Harry? And he said something about property in New York he was using to negotiate buying the ranch we worked on,” Austin asked.

“Well, the property was probably once owned by either one of two evil old wizards, Cetus or Nott. Once they were eliminated, their property and valuables were seized by the Hall of Justice to finance our work. This castle and property, for instance, once belonged to August Nott. He was one of the Death Eaters probably involved in the slaying of your mother and father,” Harry said.

“How do you know all these things?”

“Cetus had a number of very detailed records on Voldemort’s Death Eaters and their associates. The records were found within his vault after we made a raid on one of his meetings. We killed something like forty that night. Well, whatever it was, we used the information to seek out others. We’ve destroyed well over three hundred very evil witches and wizards over the last year and a half. The worst of the bunch, though, have been those associated with Voldemort,” Harry told him.

“Is that what these two teams do? Is their only job looking for Death Eaters?” Austin asked.

Harry and Ron went on to tell them about what they hoped to do: Eliminate as many evil lords and associates as possible; stay active to be a deterrence against future upwelling of evil; but, most importantly, be forever vigilant. They went on to tell of the history of the two teams, about their training and the many other things they did day-to-day.

Austin soaked up the information like a sponge. He was nodding his head constantly after understanding why things were being done as they were. The night air soon became much too cold for them to stay outside, so Harry pointed them back to the castle.

“I met a girl earlier when I was going down to dinner,” Austin said. “I sensed she has suffered much pain and carries with her many emotional scars. Something must be done to comfort her.”

“She’s my sister, Austin,” Ron said, shaking his head sadly.

“Your sister? Yes. I see it now. Her life has changed. She will not be able to take the old path she once wished to take. A trust or a bond has been broken. Those around her must let go and let her find a new way. It is only then that she’ll once again find happiness,” Austin said slowly.

His observations made Ron and Harry very uncomfortable. “We can discuss those things later, Austin. We are hoping, given time, she will come around and be her old self again,” Harry said.

“Time is not what she needs, Harry. She must be healed. She should not live with such pain,” Austin said, stopping and looking into Harry’s eyes.

“Is there something you can do for her, Austin?” Ron asked, walking around to face him.

“I don’t know. Someone should try, though. She shouldn’t have to live that way,” Austin replied.

What Austin said bothered Harry greatly. They ‘must let her find a new way’? What could that mean? Were they never to be together again? He had become very frustrated with it all. Hermione said to give her more time. Priest told him to stay away from her. Harry knew Ron, Fred and George wanted him to stay clear, too. It was just too damn much for Harry to take. Something had to be done, but he wasn’t ready to give up on Ginny, no matter what anyone said.

When they again entered the castle, Professor Dumbledore had arrived and was speaking to Priest and Sirius in the library. Drucila waved him in. Harry and Ron told him goodnight and went up to their rooms.

As Austin entered the library, Professor Dumbledore turned and gave him a large grin. “I see you have found a living relative, Austin. You weren’t aware Drucila was family?”

“No, sir. I was never told. My grandmother died before I started school. I only remember seeing her a couple of times in my life. When I saw Professor Priest earlier, though, I sensed there was something more about her I should know. Well, she came right out and told me,” Austin said with a grin of his own.

“Right you are, boy! You sensed our blood relationship, you did. You have the mark of a shaman about you - - - an old medicine man, a healer, a druid. I sense that about you. It is strongly placed in your aura,” the old witch said with a smile.

“Yes,” Professor Dumbledore added. “I sensed that about him, too. But there is much more, I dare say, much more. Our history is filled with tales of healers with great powers, Austin. Very few exist, today. I believe they are born around us every day, but we have lost the ability to sense them or maybe we don’t try to bring that power out in our young folks, as our people used to do.”

“Tell me my boy, have you ever laid hands on man or beast?” Professor Priest asked.

“I’m able to calm animals and have helped along a number who have suffered from different maladies - - - mostly horses and cattle. I’ve never tried it on a human. Of course, I haven’t been around many humans in a long time.”

“Don’t worry, my boy. We’ll soon put you to the test. One of our young witches, Sandy O’Leary, was injured months ago. She was hit three times in the leg and hip by our own weapons. Her healing went well, but she suffers from a limp and a stiff leg. Maybe you can try to do something for her,” Drucila said, hoping the young man would jump at the chance to test himself.

“Yes, of course. I can try, but I really wouldn’t know where to even start. There is another that needs help much more, though,” Austin said. “It’s the redheaded girl, Ginny.”

“You know of her?” Dumbledore asked.

“Yes, I know she has suffered much and suffers still today. Something should be done for her,” Austin said, looking at the old wizard.

“Please try, then. Ginny has indeed suffered too much for too long. Yes, indeed. Do what you can for her, Austin,” the old professor said, sounding almost as if he were begging for his help. Dumbledore was at wits end over Ginny. He expected her to be much better by now, but she only seemed more withdrawn.

“You should be with her soon. I’ll arrange it myself,” said Drucila.

“Tomorrow, I hope you’ll have a chance to visit again with the Chief Justice, Austin. There is much the man wishes to discuss. He will be in court until late afternoon. Perhaps tomorrow night Harry can bring you back to the Hall of Justice with him. We’ll all have a long chat, then,” Dumbledore said.

The old wizard stood and excused himself. After he left, Drucila showed him around the inside of the castle. Austin was most intrigued by the security room. He had never seen so much high-tech equipment in one place. Even the computers were obviously much improved over what he had last used. Finally, the old witch took him back up to his room. She asked him if he felt up to speaking with Ginny Weasley.

“Maybe just a little chat, Austin. You know, to break the ice. It might do the girl a lot of good,” the old witch said.

“Yeah, okay. If you think she won’t mind, I’ll talk to her. But that’s all I can promise, just talk,” he said. Austin really didn’t think it was time but the old witch looked very determined to get it done. He knew Drucila Priest was probably like that about most things. The old woman probably had very little patience, he thought.


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


About thirty minutes later, his bedroom door opened and the old witch stuck her head inside. “You have a visitor, Austin,” she said, opening the door wider and urging Ginny inside.

Clearly, the girl didn’t want to be here. Drucila had forced it upon her like she was forcing the girl upon him. Ginny stepped inside and the old witch closed the door, leaving the two of them alone.

“Come in Ginny! I guess she kind of made you come see me, huh?” Austin said. He had been sitting on his bed but came to his feet. “Come over here and lay down. I don’t have a table or chairs, yet. I’ve got to do something about that.”

Ginny walked around and climbed up on the other side of the bed. Austin kicked off his boots and rolled up on the bed, turning to face her.

“What did Professor Priest tell you?”

“She said you wanted to talk to me. Why is that?”

“She and Professor Dumbledore seem to think I might be able to help you in some way. I do sense you’re in a lot of emotional pain. You’ve suffered much, haven’t you?” Austin asked her quietly.

“Everybody suffers from something, don’t they?”

“Yeah, maybe we all do to a certain extent. Can you think back when you didn’t have the pain? Was there a happy time in your life?”

“Yeah, but it seems like a long time ago.”

“Let me have your hands, Ginny. Let me hold them in mine,” Austin said.

Ginny held out her hands and felt his large warm hands encircle hers. For some minutes, he held her like this. Nothing was said between them. She bravely looked into his face and thought he was such a handsome young man. In fact, the more she looked, the more she became enamored. She was bewitched by him and felt strange comforting warmth radiating into her. It felt so good. Ginny slid across the bed closer to him. In time, she lifted her head to place her cheek against his. Austin let her hands go and she lifted an arm to his back to pull him closer to her. They soon went to sleep, tightly pressed against each other. Ginny felt comfort she hadn’t felt in a long, long time.

Some hours later, Austin was awakened to find Ginny kissing him. It startled him, but he caught himself before he jumped.

“How do you feel?” Austin whispered.

“Wonderful,” Ginny said. “I haven’t slept that good in a long time.”

Austin reached up and pulled her back down against him. He sensed she was much better and the majority of the emotional pain she had been feeling was no longer perceptible. Again, he wrapped his arms about her and held her tightly to him.

“You must get on with your life, Ginny. It does no good to relive painful moments. They are behind you now, only a faint memory. You should never again dwell on them. To do so will only have them surface again, and you don’t want to ever experience that pain again,” Austin whispered out.

“I’ll try,” she replied.

Austin rolled out of the bed and pulled his boots back on. He reached for his old blue jean jacket before walking to the door. Although he hadn’t adjusted to the change in time zones, he sensed it must be an hour or so before dawn.

“Where are you going?” Ginny asked, lifting herself up to her elbows on the bed.

“Out,” he said. “I’ll see you later, Ginny.”

He quietly shut the door and walked downstairs. From the direction of the security center, he heard talking. He walked in to find two young wizards making small talk while watching their displays.

He walked back towards the library and heard some pots rattling from the distant kitchen. When he walked in, he saw Drucila Priest going busily about getting the morning meal started. She had little house-elves jumping around all over the place.

“Austin? What are you doing up at this time of the morning?”

“I’m an early riser. Do you people drink coffee?” he asked.

“I do. Come over here. I’ve got a pot on the stove right this minute. It takes three good mugs of the stuff to get me going in the morning,” she said with a large smile.

“Yeah. Me, too,” he replied, returning her smile.

After pouring two mugs of the hot beverage, she motioned him over to a large kitchen table in the corner.

“How was your night?” she asked, taking a seat at the table.

“Great! And I hope Ginny’s going to feel better,” he told her, knowing that was where her questioning was heading.

“Better, you say? Were you able to help her?”

“I hope so. See seems better. She can’t ever dwell on those things anymore, if she expects to stay that way. I really feel sorry for her. She went through more evil things than most people would in ten lifetimes,” he said, lifting the mug of strong coffee. He sipped a small bit of it and found it to not be much different from how he preferred it. “Good coffee.”

“Probably a little stouter than you’re used to drinking,” she said.

“Nah. This is pretty much how I like it. What am I to do before I go back to the Hall of Justice this evening?” he asked.

“You need to talk to Sirius. But we should get you some other clothes, first thing,” she said.

“I’ve only got a few dollars in American money. I don’t expect that would buy very much,” he said.

“Money? You won’t need any money, Austin. You’ll get all the things you need and want. The Chief Justice has ordered no limits be put on you, and that includes muggle money,” the old witch said with a smile.

The revelation shocked him, but money didn’t seem to be one of their worries, after what Harry and Ron had told him. “I noticed everyone is wearing regular clothes. Is that something all magical folk has started to do over here?”

“No. Sirius and Professor Dumbledore thought it best. The teams have to spend a great deal of time working around muggles, looking for the Death Eaters, you see.”

“Yeah, I understand that. I never really did like wearing robes around. They always seemed ancient to me,” he said.

“Well, most of us old folks have worn them for so many years, my boy, we’d feel naked wearing anything else. But I must agree, it is best to wear clothing that doesn’t create mayhem in the streets when our people have to go out into the muggle world,” she told him with a grin. “Personally, though, I could care less if I ever leave this place. I’ve never had any desires to mix with non-magic folk.”

A blond, blue-eyed witch entered the kitchen. Austin noticed she was walking with a limp.

“Sandy! Come over here!” Drucila Priest called out.

“Yes, mum?” she said.

“How are you doing? You still look awfully stiff.”

“In the morning, my hip is pretty stiff. It gets better during the day. The more I move around the better it feels,” she said.

“I want you to let Austin look at it. He might be able to help you,” she ordered.

“Are you a healer?” she asked.

“I’m not really sure, but I’ll take a look at it if you want me to,” Austin replied, watching her move slowly over to the table.

“Yeah. If you can help me out, I’d appreciate it,” she replied, looking into Austin’s eyes and feeling better just from his gaze.

“Come with me, then. We’ll go up and take a look,” he said.

He reached out, placed his hand on her back, and they went back upstairs. When they entered Austin’s bedroom, the first thing he noticed was that Ginny had already gone.

“Where were you hit?” he asked.

Sandy pointed to her hip and upper leg. “The one that went into my hip causes me the most pain. Madam Pomfrey said the muscles and tendons were really damaged. The wound healed nicely, but it never has felt right inside.”

“Take your pants off, Sandy and lay on the bed,” Austin said.

Sandy’s eyebrows rose at his order, but she did as instructed. Austin kneeled at the side of the bed and put his right hand over her hip. Slowly and gently, he squeezed at the flesh and knew things were not as they should be.

“Lift your hips and pull off your knickers, Sandy,” he ordered.

“My knickers?”

“Yes, take them off,” he told her again.

Sandy did as he told her and again laid herself out flat. Austin could see where the rounds had hit her. One was low on her thigh, but the two higher up, one in the hip and the upper thigh, had caused the discomfort she was now feeling. Sandy turned her head to the side to watch the young man, as he went about touching and kneading her naked flesh.

Austin finally laid both hands across the wound and closed his eyes. He could feel what was wrong and began thinking about what should make it right. At the same time, he felt his hands warming up. Sandy, too, responded to the warm sensation. She closed her eyes at the wonderful feel of his hands. Quickly the pain left her. She had been living with constant, aching pain, but it was now gone.

Austin leaned forward, laying his forehead on top of his hands. For some minutes, he remained motionless. Sandy was overcome with the sensations she felt, closing her eyes she drifted off into a deep restful sleep.

Pulling his hands away from the girl, he lifted them to his face and felt the strong heat radiating from them. He had never sensed this before. Austin knew the girl was going to be pain free again, but more than that, she would regain all her lost mobility and would not have any more stiffness.

He got to his feet, covered her with the sheet of the bed and left the room. He had much to think about.