Harry Potter and the Hall of Justice

Chapter 44 Outside Interests


Long before daylight the next morning, Professor Dumbledore made his way to the anteroom at the Hall of Justice. After appearing at the Hogwarts Arch, he turned to his right and walked past the arches of four other schools before coming to the Martinsbruck’s Arch.

He reached out, placed his right hand upon the portkey, uttered “Martinsbruck” and disappeared in a flash of emerald green light. The next moment, he found himself standing at the edge of Headmaster Urs Quirin’s desk.

The headmaster was not in his office, so the old wizard walked over to a window facing east and watched the first rays of sunlight scattering over distant mountains in the late winter sky. The school, which was located almost directly on the Austrian border, had a splendid view of the Austrian Alps. The Italian border was only a few miles distance to the south.

It had been many years since Professor Dumbledore had visited the old headmaster at the school. However, Urs had been to Hogwarts on a number of occasions. Dumbledore thought it a shame the headmasters and professors from the many schools worldwide had such little free time to visit with one another. More times than not, years passed before they were able to have even brief meetings with associates from around the globe. “Surely we must change that,” the old wizard thought to himself.

A large, rotund old man opened the door to the office, mumbling something and frowning. Dressed in a brown, woolen robe, the old man looked much like his namesake, a bear.

As he looked up, the man jumped with a start. “Albus Dumbledore! Are you still among the living?” he shouted out, laughing uproariously and quickly moving over to wrap his large paws around the old Hogwarts headmaster.

“Good to see you, too, old man!” Dumbledore exclaimed, patting him about his heavy shoulders.

“Hell, Albus, how long’s it been since you’ve given me a visit? I’ve been to Hogwarts four or five times since you were last here. It’s about damn time you came calling,” he said, laughing and pointing to a chair.

Urs Quirin rounded his desk and sat down heavily in his chair. Around his large office, the old man had hundreds of framed pictures of friends and family. Amongst them were even more on his extensive trips abroad. Hardly a spot on the walls or shelves had a vacant spot where one could see the actual painted walls of the room.

“Your young witches and wizards have been quite busy, Albus. Tell me, have you left any evil ones around for seed?” the old man jokingly asked his colleague.

The old headmaster smiled slyly. “It would do my old heart a great deal of good to tell you there were no more of the evil bastards about, but I’m afraid we’ve a long way to go yet. Have you heard the latest?” Dumbledore asked.

At that, the large man’s eyebrows peaked. “The only information we get here is from the Daily Prophet, Albus. The last I read was something having to do with August Nott, if I recall,” the rotund headmaster replied.

“Well, we’re a bit farther along. You remember Olsto Fierkin?”

Headmaster Quirin’s eyes lit up at the name. “You don’t say, Albus! You’ve tangled with that evil son-of-a-bitch? What happened?”

Dumbledore went on to tell the old wizard about the trap Fierkin had planned for them in Belgium. He then explained what actions Severus Snape and his men had taken at the castle. The old wizard shook his head and smiled with delight at the story.

“Imagine that! You’ve made my day, Albus! Fierkin and his family have an awful history. And to think, the only real comfort we will ever have is the fact he wasn’t ever able to sire a child to continue the family line. What a bunch of bastards they were, old friend. His grandfather was every bit as bad as Voldemort. He was treacherous - - - a very wicked old bastard he was,” Quirin said, shaking his large head and squinting his eyes at the thought.

Professor Dumbledore nodded his head. “I do remember the tales. But now, I should hope you can give me a few minutes of your time to explain our current situation,” Dumbledore said, tilting his head back and staring into the old headmaster’s eyes through the half-moon lenses of his glasses.

“Certainly, Albus. You have my undivided attention.”

“Lord Chief Justice Webster has seized Fierkin’s castle, Urs. Severus Snape, who presently heads our mission in Romania, will be taking up residence there. His present team of investigators will remain in Romania. Therefore, we have need of other young witches and wizards of above average abilities and intelligence to assist him. It has been suggested, and I wholeheartedly agree, that we find a number of Martinsbruck graduates who would be willing to take up the cause, so to speak,” Dumbledore said.

The man straightened quickly in his chair. “A great honor, Albus. Yes, certainly. And we’ve some outstanding graduates from which to choose. In fact, I can recommend four right off the top of my head. All of them have recently finished their education here. If you can wait a few minutes, I’ll fetch their student folders,” Quirin said, coming quickly to his feet and disappearing into a side room.

Professor Dumbledore heard him pulling open a number of file cabinet drawers and ranting under his breath. After a few minutes, the old headmaster returned with four thick folders.

“These files are on the four that came immediately to mind, Albus. All are from very good families, very astute and quick of mind. I would think they would be very interested, too,” he explained, as he laid the heavy folders atop his desk.

Dumbledore came to his feet and walked to Quirin’s desk. The old Martinsbruck headmaster went about opening and spreading the four folders, which had photos of the students attached to the left side of the dossiers.

“They all speak English, Urs?”

“Yes, of course. English is a second language at Martinsbruck. Many of our classes are taught from English texts, you see. Only in backwoods areas will you find Swiss speaking only their native tongue, Albus. Most all speak English fluently.”

“How long would it take you to gather them up do you think? I would like to interview them at the Hall of Justice, and, of course, Severus Snape should also need to be present,” Dumbledore asked.

The old headmaster brought a fist to his chin, giving the question some thought. “Tomorrow evening, perhaps. What would be the best time for you?”

“If you could have them there by six, we could give them a quick tour of the Hall of Justice before we sit them down for a chat,” Dumbledore said.

Quirin nodded his head. “Fine, fine. I’ll have them there by six.”

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


Before the morning meal at Hogwarts, Ginny Weasley ran to meet Severus Snape when she saw him enter the Great Hall.

“Severus,” she said in a whisper when she approached him. “I must see you.”

“After the meal, Miss Weasley,” he said sternly and loud enough for those around them to hear. His lips curled into the barest hint of a smile, which she noticed immediately.

As soon as breakfast was over, Snape went straightaway to his old quarters at Hogwarts. Taking a look at the school’s registry was secondary to his pressing need to speak with Ginny. He was thankful the old professor had made this trip easy for him. Left to his own devices, he seriously doubted he would have mustered the courage.

Ginny came rushing into his room and closed the door. Her chest was heaving as she stood catching her breath from the run.

“Severus!” she finally was able to gasp out, moving to his side.

Snape reached for her and pulled the young redhead to him, squeezing her to his chest. “You have filled my every thought since last I saw you. I’ve been so worried about you,” he said, the emotions of the moment bringing tears to his eyes.

“I didn’t know if you ever wanted to see me again,” Ginny replied, pulling away just enough to look up into his eyes. Noticing his tears brought tears to her eyes, and she buried her head once again in his chest.

“How could you think that, Ginny?” he asked in a scolding way, kissing her about the top of her head and pushing his cheek down against it.

“What are we to do, Severus? If you want me to, I’ll come with you right now,” she said. “I’ll do anything you ask.”

Snape pulled her over to sit on the bed. He sat down beside her and wrapped his left arm around her.

“Not a word of that, my love. You must finish your education, and I have commitments I am honor bound to keep. This is not the proper time for either of us. We both have much to do. As much as I want to take you with me, it simply cannot be done,” he said.

She pulled away from his grasp and looked into his eyes. “Why, Severus? Why must we wait?” Ginny asked, roughly wiping away tears with both hands. “I thought you loved me.”

“I do, Ginny. More than anything, I love you. And for that reason, we must wait, my love,” Severus replied, again pulling her close to him and kissing her cheek. “I had to come back to tell you that. I’ve been frantic. It wouldn’t do to make any more mistakes. You’ve been through so much trauma. I’ll stand for no more of that.”

Ginny shook her head not wanting to believe what she was hearing him say. She had imagined him coming for her and taking her away. She had prepared herself for that, had thought of nothing but that, but now he was telling her they must wait. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

“I will come back and visit you as often as I’m able, Ginny. Believe me, time will pass faster than you think. The day will soon come when we will be together,” he said, trying to comfort the girl. “It just can’t be now.”

Ginny separated herself from the dark wizard and quickly left the room. She didn’t want to hear any more, but she knew in her heart he had spoken the truth. It couldn’t be now, and it may be never. That thought pained her greatly.

Snape remained seated on the bed for long minutes. With closed eyes, he steadied his emotional being. He had never felt so sad and out of control in his life. Never had he believed he would have a relationship with any woman. He had steeled himself early in life believing such a thing would never be. His mind was in turmoil. The prudent and cold side of his nature wanted to tell the girl to leave him. Yet, it was something he couldn’t force himself to do. “How can I be so weak?” he asked himself, shaking his head.

Snape jumped to his feet and made his way swiftly to Dumbledore’s office. His mind needed to be occupied. He had to make it to the school’s records. There was work to be done.

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


Robert Edison Lee sat waiting outside an office within the building at 85 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall Cross in London. The American had transferred to the Office of Leadership Analysis (LDA) at the Central Intelligence Agency six months earlier and had been tasked with removing obsolete files, containing the comprehensive assessments of groups and individuals who had once exercised power, either formally or informally, around the world.

Early on in the assignment, he happened upon an old folder containing limited information on a little understood group under the code name “Occultus”, or secret. Running his finger down one of the folders few pages, he passed words and phrases that belonged more in a work of fiction than amongst serious government intelligence documents. He had sat the folder aside, after noting it made reference to MI-6, the British Secret Intelligence Service, as being the source of the information.

Known internally as “The Firm”, MI-6 and the CIA had always had a very close working relationship and shared foreign intelligence gathered from around the world. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the relationship became even more ardent.

After tying up loose ends, Lee convinced his boss of the need to ascertain more information about “Occultus” before the file was closed and buried in archives. And this was why he now found himself sitting outside the office of Charles Royce Cummings.

Cummings, a scholarly looking man in his early forties, dressed in a tweed jacket and looking every bit what an American would think a British intelligence jock would look like, came rushing around a cubicle and quickly apologized to his American colleague for his tardiness.

“Damn meetings, old boy. They bloody well get in the way of everything,” he angrily noted, reaching out and taking Lee’s offered hand. “Come on in and have a chat.”

Lee smiled, walked through the door of the man’s office and seated himself in the chair Cummings pointed out. “First trip to London?”

“Yeah, it is,” Lee replied.

“What exactly was the information you were needing on Occultus?” Cummings asked, taking his chair behind his desk and tenting his fingers, after raising his elbows to its top.

“I’ve been tasked with archiving some of our older records, but the Occultus file didn’t seem to have enough specifics for me to make a scholarly assessment. However, it did point us your way,” Lee admitted.

Cummings pulled a small ring of keys out of his jacket and opened a locked desk drawer. “I’ve gone over our file and think it’s all a bunch of bunk, old boy.” He dropped a moderately thick folder on his desk, which had a diagonal red ribbon across it’s front and the words “TOP SECRET” down its edge. “The intelligence was gathered by one of our operatives many years ago, you see. He must have been delusional, as very little of this makes any sense whatsoever to me,” Cummings said, flipping open the folder’s cover.

“Is he still employed by MI-6?” Lee asked.

“No. He retired some twenty years ago. But I did some checking and can tell you he now resides in Edinburgh. Why we even kept the file around, I can’t say. However, much as our sort does, we don’t seem to ever throw things out. I’m surprised you are taking any of this seriously,” Cummings said, turning the file around for Lee to view.

“Do you mind?” Lee asked, pointing at the open folder.

“No. Not at all, old boy. I don’t see how Gleason got away with it. His supervisor must have been as batty as he was,” Cummings laughed.

Lee quickly flipped through the thick file and was quite taken by the copious notes the man had made. “These don’t appear to be the ramblings of a delusional man, Cummings. Were his notes checked? Were there ever any follow up investigations?”

Cummings shook his head. “None are noted. Very little of it makes any sense, you see. Gleason retired before his supervisor did. The folder was then classified and archived. If you lift the cover sheet on the left side of the file, you will notice a yellow colored page from the head of our agency canceling the operation after the supervisor’s retirement. I do find that somewhat bewildering, though.”

“Would it be possible for me to read the file and make notes?” Lee hopefully asked.

“Not a problem, old boy. I can take you to a reading room, but one of our officers must be with you at all times. Would that be alright?”

“Yes, of course,” Lee replied.

Cummings took Lee down to a small sparsely furnished room on the same floor. A security officer unlocked the door and turned on the lights.

“Take your time. If you need anything, just tell our man here,” Cummings said, smiling and leaving the room.

Lee dropped the large folder on top of the table alongside his briefcase. Opening it, he took out a yellow legal pad and pulled a pen out of an inner pocket. After taking his seat, he opened the file and read Gleason’s intelligence précis at the files beginning.

As he read through the pages, Lee couldn’t believe the details the man so clearly described. Indeed, it did sound like a work of fiction. He shook his head and smiled. “The man should have been a writer. What was he doing in intelligence work?” he thought.

As he ran across names and specifics, he noted them on his legal pad. There were many unfamiliar names and phrases he had never heard: Hogwarts; Albus Dumbledore; Ministry of Magic; portkey; and Apparating. He did grin at the man’s use of common fictional descriptions such as wizard and witch.

“This would make one heck of a movie,” he thought, loving the rich detail and explanations. He was just pages into the folder when he knew he must meet Gleason. Only a face-to-face meeting would answer the many questions already beginning to take form in his mind.

Lee remained in the room through three changes of security officers. He read the file intently. He only took one short break, purchasing a soft drink. Cummings made his way back to the room late in the afternoon to see how things were going with the American.

“What are you thinking, Lee?”

“I’d like to meet Gleason, if that is possible.”

“Yes, of course. But you must realize the British government no longer employs him. If he refuses a meeting, there’s nothing we can do for you,” Cummings explained.

“Aren’t you interested in meeting the man?” Lee asked.

“No, not really.”

“Have you read the file?”

“I scanned through it. Surely you don’t believe any of it, do you?” Cummings asked.

“I don’t know what to make of any of it, Cummings. But I don’t want to leave Britain without satisfying my curiosity.”

“Very well, I anticipated as much,” he said, reaching into a pocket and removing a small folded paper. On it he had written down Gleason’s address and other particulars. “You’ll need this then.”

Lee reached out and took the offered paper. He stood and shook Cummings hand, thanking him for his help.

“Do let me know what you find,” Cummings said.

“Yeah, I’ll give you a ring. You understand, of course, I’m caught up in the intrigue of it all. If it’s no more than a bunch of bunk, as you say, its still one hell of a story,” Lee replied, smiling and handing the top-secret folder back to Cummings.

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


When Professor Dumbledore returned to Hogwarts, he found Severus Snape in the conference room reading through the school’s registry. He had been making notes on a piece of parchment.

“Professor!” Snape exclaimed, quickly coming to his feet. “How were things at Martinsbruck?”

“Fine, fine. I had a nice visit with Headmaster Quirin. He has four candidates, which he’ll bring to the Hall of Justice this evening. From what I saw of their student files, I would say they are fine choices,” Dumbledore remarked. He pulled out a chair and sat across from Snape at the conference table. “And have you made any decisions?”

“Yes. Ten have caught my eye,” Snape said, turning the parchment around on the table and pushing it toward the old headmaster.

Dumbledore lifted the page from the table and quickly read through the man’s notes. All were recent graduates. But amazingly, the old professor noted most were from Gryffindor. In fact, not one of those on the list was from Slytherin.

“Any comments?” asked Snape.

“Very good choices, Severus. When will you begin interviewing them?” Dumbledore asked, tilting his head and peering into Snape’s eyes to read his expressions.

“Day after tomorrow. With your permission, would you allow them to use the new portkey to Eagle’s Nest from here at Hogwarts?”

“Yes, certainly. How many will you interview each day?”

“Just two, I should think. After the interviews, I will take each of them to Falcon’s Lair. They should know fully what they are in for. I will tolerate no slackers,” Snape said, his upper lip lifting into a sneer.

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


The following day Robert Lee of the CIA made his way to Edinburgh, Scotland and had found Gleason’s address by early afternoon. He changed clothes to closely match the business attire of a Scottish gentleman. At thirty-five years of age, he had just entered his eleventh year working at Langley. Recruited right out of college, he delayed his employment long enough to secure a master’s degree at MIT. In the current position he held, it was very rare to travel past the daily commute to Langley. He smiled at that thought. He might just get to like this.

Known as Robby to his friends, he was a brown-haired, green-eyed, intelligent looking man. Lee had an easy smile and a very pleasing demeanor. From all outward appearances, he looked to be more a professor of English Literature than a man involved in assessing possible threats against the United States.

Lee approached the three-story apartment building and made his way to the rear of the first floor. He quickly found the door to the man’s flat and knocked several times. After what seemed like an inordinately long time, a short, rotund, white-headed man opened the door slightly to peer out.

“Yes?” the old man exclaimed, looking very put out.

“Mr. Gleason? Mr. Harold Gleason?” Lee asked.

“Yes, it is. Who are you?”

“The name is Lee, Mr. Gleason. Robert Lee.”

“What can I do for you Mr. Lee?”

“I’d like to have a chat with you, if I may?”

“I’m not interested in buying anything, Mr. Lee. Sorry!” Gleason said, closing the door.

Lee immediately reached out and knocked again.

Gleason quickly opened the door again and squinted his eyes. He looked to be taken aback that the interloper hadn’t been polite enough to leave.

“What?” the man almost screamed out, looking somewhat pissed.

“I’m not here to sell you anything, Mr. Gleason. I’m here about Occultus,” Lee whispered.

Gleason’s eyes opened wide, and he nervously began fiddling with the door’s security chain. Once unhooked, he opened the door wide, stepped forward and looked both ways down the hallway.

“Come in,” he said. “Who are you? What interest do you have in Occultus?”

“I work for the ‘Company’, Mr. Gleason,” Lee said. “I’ve just come from ‘Legoland’.”

“What interest does the CIA have in the magical world?”

“You stand behind your dossier?”

“Yes, of course I do, young man. Why shouldn’t I? It took over ten years of my life to compile,” he huffily replied.

“The director who allowed me to read the Occultus file yesterday doesn’t put any credence in your work,” Lee said, closely monitoring the man for his reaction to the cold and callous statement. “He thinks it to be the ramblings of a deluded mind.”

The old white-headed man laughed out. “Splendid!”

Lee was surprised by the man’s reaction. It wasn’t what he had expected.

Gleason pointed him to an old, overstuffed chair and sat down in his own. Around the older man’s chair were mounds of newspapers, magazines and books. Few showed any signs of dust.

“Well he should, Mr. Lee. Well he should,” Gleason said. “I would be delightfully surprised if the stiff-necked pricks at Legoland ever began thinking outside the box. But you, on the other hand, have traveled clear across the pond. You aren’t so sure this is all so much bunk, heh?” the old man asked, again laughing and pushing some unruly strands of hair back atop his head.

“I don’t know what to think, Mr. Gleason. That’s why I am here, of course. I wanted to speak with you in person, face-to-face,” Lee admitted.

“To see if the old fart was as batty as you’d been told, I presume,” he said with a large smile.

Gleason’s eyes were bright and looked to be as cleaver and crafty as a teenagers. Lee could plainly sense the man’s intelligence and instantly knew from his demeanor he wasn’t delusional or psychopathic - - - at least not without having the man properly analyzed.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t know what to believe. Our file at Langley only had scarce notes - - - all referencing the Occultus file at MI-6. My work, Mr. Gleason, is making threat assessments and documenting individuals and groups having or seeking power at whatever level, you see. I’m presently tasked with archiving our old records, and it’s ultimately my responsibility to archive a file or keep it open, putting it back on the shelf, so to speak. To do so, I must satisfy my boss the file isn’t just taking up empty shelf space,” Lee explained to the man.

The old man nodded his head knowingly and grinned. “Yes, I see. I stand by my work, Mr. Lee. I’m not sure what they’ve kept within the Occultus dossier, but I assure you, if it’s still complete and has not been edited, it is factual, regardless of what the ninnies at Legoland would have anyone believe to the contrary,” Gleason said, looking directly into Lee’s eyes.

“You understand, of course, that I’d like to do some poking around on my on?”

“I’d have hoped you would say something like that. If you wouldn’t mind an old man traveling along, I can take you directly back to the very place most of my data was collected,” Gleason said.

“Hogsmeade is it?”

“Yes, indeed. I see you’re acquainted with my work,” the old man said with a grin.

“Yes, as I said before, I was able to read most of your file,” Lee said. “And yes, if you wouldn’t mind. I’ll pick up all expenses, of course.”

“Then we should take off first thing tomorrow. Where are you staying, lad?”

“I have a room for the night and I’ve rented a car. Is a car the best way to travel?”

Again the old man nodded his head. “Yes, it’ll be best. You never know what side trips you might wish to take. We’ll be having to travel north and west. It will take us most of the day,” Gleason said.

Lee went on to speak to the man at some length. As the afternoon progressed, he became more and more amazed at the man’s tales. He had a very sharp mind and went about describing things in rich detail to the younger man.

Gleason was somewhat amazed someone, even an American, had finally taken interest in his work. He never could understand why no one above his supervisor ever bothered to even read the dossier. It had frustrated him greatly. But following his retirement, his old supervisor related something of great interest to him. Someone at the top of the agency had ordered the dossier sealed and archived. He had wondered about the reasons behind it but soon put it out of his mind. Newly retired at the time, he continued his research as time allowed. He had learned many interesting things over the past years but was never able to verify any of them to his satisfaction.

Gleason got up and made them some tea. He directed Lee over to the kitchen table, while he went to his desk. He opened a large drawer and withdrew several heavy folders. When he laid them down upon the table, Lee saw one was a duplicate of the Occultus file at MI-6.

The other folders contained other research and intelligence gathering the old man had done.

“I don’t doubt you will one day find there are a number within the British government who knows there’s much truth in these folders. In fact, there may even be some of your folks across the pond who are aware of more than they are allowed to admit to knowing,” Gleason said.

When Lee finally made it back to his hotel room that evening, the world as he knew it had forever changed. He was certain all the old man had been saying was true. “How could such beings have existed for centuries without a large number of people becoming aware of them? Something just isn’t right about this,” he thought.


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


Headmaster Urs Quirin appeared in the anteroom of the Hall of Justice at exactly six o’clock. With him were four young wizards and witches. Professor Dumbledore and Hermione had been waiting for them.

“Urs! Right on time!” Dumbledore exclaimed.

“Yes, indeed, Albus. If there’s one thing I always am, it’s punctual,” the old man replied.

“Welcome to the Hall of Justice,” Hermione said, shaking the hands of the five.

“Severus Snape is up on the third-floor speaking with Chief Justice Webster, Urs. If you would like, why don’t we give your young people a quick tour of the Hall of Justice before we join them?” Dumbledore asked.

“Lead the way, Professor,” he said.

The four Martinsbruck graduates were awestruck when they entered the huge library. It was beyond anything they had ever imagined. Hermione knew exactly how they felt, remembering the first time the door was opened for her.

After Hermione told them about the library and answered their questions, they made there way to the third-floor of the residence by way of the outer stairway. Next to the library itself, the large patio and pool were also a wonder to behold. The lighting, the cascading waterfall and the well tended gardens and plants were mesmerizing.

As they topped out on the third floor, Severus Snape and Chief Justice Webster came to their feet and welcomed the guests. The five were seated around the tables and took their dinner with the Chief Justice and his employees.

After the meal, Professor Dumbledore and Chief Justice Webster explained the function of the Department of Special Investigations and the actions the force had taken. Professor Snape then told them of the positions they were being interviewed to fill and of Eagle’s Nest.

Professor Dumbledore, Severus Snape and Hermione then took them to Falcon’s Lair where they met the Athena and Coeus members. It was near midnight before Professor Dumbledore, Hermione and Headmaster Quirin returned to the Hall of Justice. Snape and the four young Swiss candidates were shown to rooms prepared for them at the resort at Falcon’s Lair.


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


Early the next day, Robert Lee and Harold Gleason left Edinburgh, Scotland heading northwest to the small town of Hogsmeade. It was some distance, so the two men prepared themselves for nearly a full day drive by auto.

The old retired MI-6 operative continued his story where he had left off the evening before. He admitted he had made a mistake earlier on when he had heard mention of Hogsmeade, but due to its small size, he decided not of investigate in detail until just before his retirement from the Firm.

“That was one of my biggest mistakes, Robby,” he said. “I should have gone directly to Hogsmeade when I first heard of it. Much of my time I spent in London, Wales, Belgium and other countries. All the time, my investigation should have been centered on Hogsmeade. There’s much yet to learn there, I am sure of it.”

“Why did you elect to retire when you did then, if you were so close?”

The old man shook his head and waved his hands about. “It was a matter of timing - - - all a matter of timing. Considering my age and the calculations for my retirement benefits, it was the proper time for me to go. That’s one reason I came to Scotland, though. I continued my research in London, nothing more than a little light reading, but couldn’t get Scotland out of my mind. But living close to Hogsmeade was out of the question. Too far from doctors, hospitals and such. At my age, that was another important consideration.”

Lee looked over to his left, watching the man’s expressions and his gesturing. He liked the old guy, even though he did seem to be a little eccentric. Many might even have thought him peculiar and a little off his rocker. Robby Lee knew better though. He sensed it. And he was sure he was reading the old man like a book.

They had to take numerous stops along the way, stretching their legs, finding restrooms and getting bites to eat. Late afternoon they finally pulled into Hogsmeade and looked around for a place to stay. They found a small inn on the edge of the village named the Prancing Pony.

Before they got out of the car, Gleason looked over to Lee and asked him if he could make a suggestion. Lee nodded his head, already guessing what form the suggestion would take.

“Most likely, they will get around to asking our business. Remember to say we are just passing through. Just taking a little holiday with by nephew from America and wanting to show him a little of Scotland. That should do,” Gleason said.

“Sounds good to me,” Lee replied.

A middle-aged, plumb woman was straightening up in the lobby of the inn when they entered. Her eyebrows peaked as they made their way to the small counter.

“Good evenin’ to ya, gentlemen!” she exclaimed. “Come to have a little stay with us, have ya?”

“Yes, please,” replied Lee. “My uncle and I are making a little auto tour around Scotland, you see. It was getting rather late and we thought we’d better make a stop.”

“A Yank, are ya? My, my it’s been some years since we’ve had a Yank with us. Welcome to the Prancing Pony. I hope you enjoy your stay. Would ya care to sign in?” the woman asked, turning a guest ledger around on the countertop.

“Yes, thank you,” Lee said. He noticed Gleason walking along the wall in the lobby looking at the photographs. “Is there much history hereabout?”

“No, we’re just a little, out of the way community of underprivileged Scots,” she replied with a near toothless grin.

“What do people do around here?” Lee asked.

“Sheep, dairy, a few crops and tending shops and such. We are pretty bland, I guess you’d have to say,” continuing her grin.

Lee signed his name and called out for Gleason, who had made his way to the back wall.

“Who’d be these folksy looking folks here, madam?” Harold Gleason asked the woman.

“Don’t rightly know. That picture was taken some many years ago. I never knew any of them,” she said.

“They appear a bit oddly dressed. Members of some fraternal organization, I’d expect,” Gleason said, turning around and walking to the counter.

“May have been, though I never knew,” she said.

After Gleason signed the register, she showed them to two rooms in the rear of the building on the first floor. As she opened the doors, the musty smell of stale air rushed around them. Lee thought it must have been ages since they’d been properly aired out.

“Do you any recommendation where we might take our evening meal?” Gleason asked.

“There are two small eateries, if you walk straight back into Hogsmeade. You can’t miss them. Also, if you’d like a little nip, you’ll find two taverns in town, too,” she told them.


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


Early the next morning, Professor Dumbledore made his way to Falcon’s Lair. He noticed Sirius and Remus had called a meeting within the large dining hall. Severus and his four Swiss candidates were seated along the long table.

Professor Dumbledore was relieved they were occupied. He hadn’t made this trip to be brought into their business. Climbing the stairway to the second floor, he made his way to Austin’s bedroom.

Dumbledore announced himself with a knock. Austin quickly came to the door and invited the old headmaster inside.

“How are you this morning, Austin?”

“Great! And you, Professor?”

“Thankfully the same. I see you’re still reading through the texts Hermione got for you.”

“I’ve just about finished with the four. I’ll need to go back and pick up some more today or tomorrow,” Austin said.

“I’ve come to discuss something rather delicate with you. I hope you can give me a few minutes of your time,” Professor Dumbledore asked.

Austin motioned the old wizard over to the table and called out for tea. After pouring two glasses, Austin took a chair across from him.

“Something delicate?”

“Yes. It may seem somewhat strange, and I’ve a favor to ask of you,” Dumbledore said, looking into Austin’s eyes.

“Of course, Professor, whatever I can do,” Austin replied.

“Chief Justice Webster mentioned he had spoken to you about the powerful charm at the Hall of Justice, which protects it. And, of course, he mentioned one of the side effects. For whatever reason, it increases the carnal lusting of those residing there for any length of time. It’s not a permanent effect, if one leaves in a matter of a few days the effects quickly ebb. However, the charm has a lasting effect on those born under it. Its power greatly enhances the senses. I was born there and lived with my mother within the Hall of Justice for over ten years before I began my schooling at Hogwarts. The charm had a powerful effect on me, Austin,” Dumbledore admitted. He stopped long enough to lift a glass of Merlin’s Special Blend to his lips. After taking a sip, he again looked into Austin’s eyes and saw his interest had peaked.

“Hermione and Deborah Stran have both conceived and delivered children under the influence of the charm. As Harry is the father of the two, I expect them to grow up to be very powerful beings. Now that you are with us, I wish for you to do the same,” Dumbledore said flatly.

“Do the same?” Austin’s eyebrows rose.

“Yes. I’ve come to ask you if you wouldn’t mind siring two children, Austin. You’re very powerful but in a very unique way. I’m not sure how the charm would influence you personally, but it would have a very powerful effect on your children. You understand what I’m saying?” Dumbledore asked.

“You want me to get Hermione and Deborah pregnant?” Austin asked. He was shocked by what the old wizard had just implied.

“Yes. To put it bluntly, that’s exactly what I’m asking you to do,” the old wizard said, again reaching for his glass of tea.

“I can’t believe Hermione or Deborah Stran would agree to that, Professor,” Austin said, almost exasperated by the headmaster’s blatant manipulations.

Professor Dumbledore knew what he was suggesting would be a shock to the young man. But he was hoping he would be readily receptive to the idea. Both of the young witches were very beautiful, and he couldn’t believe any young wizard would turn down a chance to be with them.

“I should have made things a bit more palatable by telling you they both should readily be eager to be with you, Austin. You see the powerful charm has just as great of influence on them. I’ve noticed how they’ve looked at you. It wouldn’t be a problem. And of course, with Harry gone for a month or more, you’ll have more than adequate time to plant your seed,” the old wizard said.

“Harry is going where?”

“He’ll be assisting Severus Snape in Switzerland. I’ll be having him remain on site to train the new Coeus recruits with a number of the other Athena members,” Dumbledore told him. Harry, of course, wasn’t really needed to assist in the training, but the old wizard had realized it would be the best way to get him out of the way for a period of time. Snape had already agreed to keep Harry more that adequately busy.

“Harry doesn’t know what you’re wanting me to do, Professor?

“No, Austin. He doesn’t need to know.”

Austin didn’t know what to say. It seemed all too underhanded and wicked to him. He shouldn’t do such a thing. But he wanted to be with Hermione and Deborah from the very first time he saw them. He had a tingling sensation in his groin just thinking about them. He couldn’t help but innocently rub at his stiffening organ. “Yes,” he thought. “I’d like to be with them. Harry isn’t married to them, after all.”

Professor Dumbledore noticed the young wizards arousal. He could easily read it in his eyes and his expression. Austin was already undressing the two young witches in his mind. The old wizard’s lips curled slightly into a grin as he lifted his glass of tea to his mouth. His thoughts turned to Hermione and Deborah. They wouldn’t be a problem. They were both as horny as a bitch dog in heat. He just hoped they wouldn’t be too rough on Austin. After all, he thought, he’s far from being an experienced young man.


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


Early that morning, Lee and Gleason drove out past the railhead at Hogsmeade. The road ended near a lake and they saw a large castle in the distance.

“What is that, Harold,” Lee asked the old MI-6 operative.

“I’ve never seen it before, Robby. The last time I was here, I never made it as far as the railhead, I don’t think. I didn’t believe anything would be out this way. Do you think it could be the Hogwarts school?”

“There’s only one way to find out. Care to take a walk?”

Harold Gleason was already opening the door. There was a small trail of sorts visible across the railroad tracks, but they really couldn’t make out how to get to it. Lee looked behind them, back down the railroad tracks toward Hogsmeade but couldn’t make out a crossing.

“It would probably be better to walk instead of drive, anyway. Wouldn’t you think?” Lee asked.

“Yes. We could always say we were out for a stroll around the countryside and saw the large castle in the distance. After all, we are sightseeing, are we not?”

Lee laughed at the innocent way the old man said that. He almost believed it himself. They gave each other large, devious grins, as they walked across the rail.

The distance was much farther than they had originally thought, and the castle, at least what was visible of it, was much larger. The closer they got to it the more of it came into view. It was huge.

“Why isn’t it on any maps, Harold? Even small roadside stops are on the map I bought back in Edinburgh. The map shows only vacant country for miles and miles in all directions. In fact, Hogsmeade is the only thing noted that is within miles of it,” Lee said, folding the map back up and stowing it away within an inside pocket of his jacket.

“I’m furious with myself, Robby. Why didn’t I come this way before? What had stopped me? I can’t remember even seeing the rail station house,” Gleason admitted.

“Well, that’s neither here nor there. The fact we’re seeing it now makes it so. That, old man, is not an illusion,” Lee said, having to tilt his head back the closer they got to it.

After rounding the lake, they could see large wooden doors at one of the castle’s entrances. While negotiating around the last bit of trees and bushes, a huge, bear of a man suddenly appeared before them.

“And what might I ask are you two fellas doin’ here?” the giant spoke out.

“We’re doing a bit of sightseeing, my man,” Gleason replied.

“There ain’t nothin’ to sightsee ‘round here. Now you best turn ‘round and walk back to Hogsmeade,” the giant said, barring his teeth.

Gleason had already backed up and was beginning to turn around when Lee spoke up. “Would this be Hogwarts?”

The giant’s eyes lit up and he raised his arms as if to shoo them away. “That’s none of your business, now is it.”

“Tell me, friend. Would it be possible to have a visit with Albus Dumbledore?” Lee asked, wanting to see if there would be any recognition on the huge man’s face to the name.

The giant threw his head back. “Who said anythin’ about Professor Dumbledore?”

“It’s just that we’ve been desperately needing to speak with him. We’re representatives of the government, you see. It’s terribly important we speak with him,” Lee said, rightfully feeling he could bluff his way past this gentle giant of a man.

“Government, you say? What does the government want to speak with Professor Albus Dumbledore about?”

“I’m afraid we’re not at liberty to discuss it with anyone but the professor. You see, it is rather important.”

The giant lifted a hand to his beard and scratched at it. Lee could only imagine what fleas and other parasites it might be concealing. The man looked much beyond simply that of being unwashed. His huge hands were filthy and his fingernails contained enough dirt to plant a garden.

“Professor Dumbledore ain’t about. Go back to Hogsmeade. I’ll let him know you were here,” the giant said.

“Very well, please tell him we are staying at the Prancing Pony. We’ll remain there until we hear from him,” Lee said.

The giant nodded his head and waited until the two turned and walked back towards Hogsmeade before going to find Professor McGonagall.