Harry Potter and the Hall of Justice

Chapter 45 Unexpected Guests


Professor Dumbledore took Austin to the Hall of Justice. At first, the young wizard thought the old professor’s scheming was revolting. But his small head eagerly convinced the large one that it wasn’t such a bad idea.

As court was in session, the professor took Austin through the basement and within minutes, they appeared in the library just down from Hermione’s office. Hermione was in a meeting with Martha and Pamela when Dumbledore stuck his head in the doorway.

“Professor!” Hermione exclaimed, lifting herself out of her chair.

“Good morning,” he said, nodding his head to the girls.

Austin entered the room behind the old wizard and said his hello. He walked over and dropped the four large books on Hermione’s desk.

“Finished?” Hermione asked.

“Yeah. Sorry it took so long. Interesting stuff but a little on the dry side,” he said with a smile, looking into Hermione’s beautiful brown eyes and holding the stare a little too long. He quickly looked away and felt himself blush a bit, hoping she didn’t notice his aroused state.

“They weren’t exactly writing novels, Austin,” Hermione huffily intoned but sensing there was something more the handsome young wizard wished to say. She noticed the handsome young man had a bit of inexplicable fire in his eyes.

“No doubt about that,” Austin said, looking around the office with an air of nonchalance, avoiding Hermione’s eyes.

“Hermione, I wonder if I might have a private word with you?” Dumbledore asked.

Hermione’s eyebrows peaked at the man’s tone. “Of course! If everyone would excuse us,” she said, pointing toward the door and turning back to Austin. “Pamela and Martha will help you find the next texts you will need, Austin.”

“Yeah, okay,” he replied, following the two young witches from the room and closing the door behind him.

Professor Dumbledore lifted his wand and put a strong silencing charm around the room. He then nodded towards her chair, and Hermione reseated herself.

“How have you been feeling, my dear?”

“Wonderful. And like I told you before, I’ve decided against leaving the Hall of Justice. I’m seeing it through, if for no other reason than for little David’s sake.”

The old headmaster grinned broadly. “Excellent. You will not regret it. And have you yet considered when you might have your next child?”

Hermione hesitated. She had the feeling the old man had asked her a loaded question. “I’ve given it some thought, Professor. David is over a year old now. It would be nice for him to have another little brother or sister. But I haven’t discussed it with Harry, yet.”

“I see. I’ve been considering something else along the way. Austin continues to amaze me, but you know that. His natural abilities are beyond anything I’ve ever seen, Hermione. The young man doesn’t even possess a wand. His focus is so strong, and naturally so, that his will simply makes whatever he wishes happen. And what he did for Ginny and the other young witches is nothing short of incredible.”

Hermione knew the old headmaster had much more on his mind. Over the last year and a half, she had been astonished at some of the scheming he had done. She had learned to never put anything past him, ever again. Of course, when she stopped long enough to consider it, because of the old headmaster, she now had a wonderful little son. “But for him, Harry and I might never have been together,” she thought.

“What are you thinking, Professor?” she asked, instantly regretting the need to satisfy her curiosity.

“I’ve asked Austin if he wouldn’t mind siring two children of his own. Just as little David and Lily were conceived and will grow up under the strong influence of the charm here, I would like to see Austin’s children have the same opportunities.”

The old wizard noticed Hermione’s eyes glaze just a bit as he finished laying out his plan. He knew the young girl continually did battle with her own lustful cravings. Constantly living under the charm’s influence had made the young witches nothing short of nymphomaniacs. He waited until she undressed the young man in her mind before continuing.

“I came to you for counsel, Hermione. I knew you would help me make the right decisions,” he said, twisting his lips into a slight smile.

“Yes, thank you, Professor. And I understand what you mean to do. Are you sure Austin is willing?”

“Certainly! He seems quite excited about it, if I do say so myself.”

“Have you thought about which of our female staff you were considering to approach?”

“Yes, I have indeed. I would like to talk with Deborah Stran. She would be an excellent choice. And you once told me she is an outstanding mother. I do know Austin is quite taken with her.”

“Yes, she would also be my choice. And I must say, Deborah is equally taken with Austin. And the other?” Hermione asked, wishing she could tend to the itch between her thighs.

“You were my first choice, Hermione,” the old wizard said flatly.

“Me?” Both of her hands slapped down on the top of the desk.

“Who else? You are the most powerful witch in our world, my dear. No other female I know could possibly pass on such powerful traits to a child. Coupled with Austin’s attributes, the child might even be an equal to little David,” he explained.

Hermione sat still, staring at the clasp on the old wizard’s robe. She immediately became lost in her thoughts. It would only be proper to show shock or even be furious at the proposal before throwing the old man out of her office. Though, she coolly knew this wasn’t to be. In her mind, she was already thinking about another, yet to be conceived, life growing within her.

Hermione shook her head and returned to the moment. She noticed Professor Dumbledore had patiently waited while she went through her mental gymnastics. The old man was obviously satisfied to see the excitement in her eyes. She also realized he had expected to see nothing less.

“What would I tell Harry?” she asked.

“Harry will accept it, Hermione. Oh! And I meant to tell you; Harry will be away for at least a month, maybe two. Severus has asked him to assist with the training of the new Coeus members at Eagle’s Nest. He’ll live there until Severus feels he’s no longer needed. It seemed the perfect time, you see, if you are willing?” the old headmaster asked, but already knowing what the answer would be.

“Yes. I am willing,” came the reply, with a slight smile too hard to hide.


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


Shortly after noon, Professor Dumbledore returned to Hogwarts. He was ecstatic things had gone so well at the Hall of Justice. In fact, he had been more optimistic over Austin’s chances with the two girls than he had been with Harry. He knew Minerva McGonagall would again be shocked that all parties had eagerly accepted his scheming. She had been appalled when he had mentioned even considering such an arrangement. To her, it was nothing less than a breeding program. She even had made mention of livestock when they discussed the plan.

The old witch had been waiting for him when he appeared in a flash of emerald light at his desk. As always, she jumped with a start at his sudden appearance. It took several minutes to bring her around and for him to fully understand what she so anxiously wanted to tell him.

“What was that, Minerva?” Dumbledore asked, not understanding a word she was trying to say.

“Hagrid encountered two muggle men walking up to Hogwarts from Hogsmeade, Albus. They said they were from the government and needed to speak with you. Hagrid turned them away and wouldn’t let them approach the school, thankfully. I’m so worried. What does this mean?”

The old man straightened himself and stared at his shelf of books. He couldn’t even begin to grasp the reason behind such a visit. “I’m not sure, Minerva. This is not their regular means of contact. In fact, they should be dealing with the Ministry directly, not Hogwarts. Possibly, there has been a failure along the way. Maybe there’s been a death in their Home Office. What was it they needed to speak with me about?” Dumbledore asked, taking his seat behind his desk, feeling somewhat weak.

It had been years since anyone had come poking around Hogsmeade. The last had been an operative with the British Secret Service. He was able to alter the man’s mind, however, before the man was able to leave with any damaging information. Very few muggles working in governments around the world knew of their existence. The only contact they were to ever make was through one of the ministers at the Ministry of Magic. This didn’t seem proper.

“Possibly they wish to warn me of something. What could it be?”

“After the actions taken by the Department of Special Investigations, Albus, it could be anything. The teams have done considerable work inside and outside Britain. Could it possibly be there have been some reports made over the disappearances?”

“Yes,” he carefully considered, continuing to stare at the shelves of books and trinkets before him but unfocused and not conscious of any of them. “That it must be. Why else would they ask to speak with me specifically? Why didn’t they use our contact at the Ministry? You must be right.”

“They told Hagrid they would wait for you at the Prancing Pony. It sounded as if they were not going to leave until they’ve talked with you. Shall I send for Hagrid?”

“No. I will find him,” Dumbledore replied.

McGonagall was still very worried. “And what will you do with them, Albus? What if they haven’t been sent by the government?”

The old headmaster began to say something, then paused. The witch noticed a spark appear in the old man’s eyes and his lips curled into a large smile.

“Maybe I’ll have a little fun, old friend. A bit of entertainment, if you will,” he said, laughing out.

McGonagall huffed, came to her feet and walked to the door, all the while shaking her head. “Why did I ever come to work in this asylum!” she thought.


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


Hermione left Austin with Martha and Pamela in the library to gather up the next texts he was to read. She went in search of Deborah Stran and found her in the basement speaking with some of her security officers.

“Is there somewhere we can talk privately, Deborah?”

“I’m through here, Hermione. Would you like to go back upstairs? It’s time I checked on Lily,” Stran said.

“Yeah. That would be best.”

The two witches made their way to the third-floor of the residence and went to the bedroom they still shared with Harry. David and Lily were being cared for by a house-elf. After entering the room, they watched the little brother and sister walk out of the nursery to them. The two little faces lit up when they saw their mothers.

“I noticed Professor Dumbledore walking through the basement earlier with Austin? Is he still here?” Stran said, walking over to pick up her little daughter and give her a hug.

“Austin is. He’s in the library with Martha and Pamela. Professor Dumbledore wanted me to discuss something with you, Deborah,” Hermione said, sitting down on the large bed and waiting for her to join her.

“What’s that?”

“He wants Austin to sire two children,” Hermione said, pausing to watch the beautiful witches expression. “He believes you and I are the perfect choices to be their mothers. That is, if you are ready to have another child.”

Deborah’s lips twisted up into a large smile. She reached across and took Hermione in her arms. “Yes, yes!” she exclaimed. “He wants me and you?”

“Yeah. Can you blame him?” Hermione said with a laugh. “Look at those kids.”

Deborah turned her eyes once again to watch the two siblings playing with each other on the floor. “No, I can’t blame him. But with Austin no less! Wow!”

“Yeah. That’s what I thought, too. How lucky can two girls get, huh?” Hermione said, with another laugh.

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


Once Hagrid was located, Professor Dumbledore sent him off to Hogsmeade to find the two government men. “Bring them directly to my office, Hagrid,” were his instructions to the gentle giant.

By late afternoon, Hagrid was back with the two men in tow. “Professor, this here is misters Lee and Gleason,” he said, pointing to the two muggles as they entered the office.

Lee and Gleason both looked to be in states of disbelief, as they slowly made their way to the headmaster’s desk. Dumbledore tilted his head back and peered at the two men standing before him through the half-moon lenses of his glasses. It was plainly obvious why they were in such a state, dressed as he was and with the many strange things around him in the room, which only added to their shock.

“Harold Gleason! Back again, I see! What has it been, some twenty years or more?” Dumbledore asked, with a slight smile at the very corners of his old mouth.

“You know me, sir?” Gleason asked.

“Of course, Harold. You were sneaking about Hogsmeade those many years ago. I had a hell of a time turning you around, running you through my little maze. I finally just gave up, you see, and brought you in for a little chat. My memory charm seems not to have been strong enough, though. But I certainly didn’t want to scramble your mind. We’d all have had hell to pay over something like that. But now, I see you’ve returned with a friend,” Dumbledore said, focusing his eyes on Lee, appraising the man.

The two men were flabbergasted. “What in the hell is happening?” was written across both of their faces. Gleason couldn’t speak at all. His eyes fixed in such a way to clearly show his mind was doing somersaults trying to remember what had happened to him two decades past. Finally, he gave up and scratched at his head of white hair, as confused as ever.

Lee was the first to find his voice. “Sir, my name is Robert Lee. I’m from the United States and work for the Central Intelligence Agency. I’m not a spook - - - a spy, I mean. It’s entirely my fault we’re here. I asked Harold to bring me.”

“And for what reason, Mr. Lee. There are, after all, representatives in your government who get a full accounting of us, almost daily, in fact.”

“There are?” Lee asked, puzzled by his statement. “What representatives?”

“Clearly, Mr. Lee, you are not meant to know, for whatever reason. What made you want to happen across our magical world?”

“You see, sir, I’ve been charged with the archiving of old intelligence files. One of those files concerns you and your so-called ‘magical world’. There was no way for me to know if the data was still current without my coming to Great Britain and checking it out personally. Hence, I’m standing before you now,” Lee said.

Professor Dumbledore sensed the honesty in the man’s declaration. Gleason was standing beside the younger man nodding his head in agreement. The old wizard thought back on the man, how it had been when he brought him inside the castle years ago and what he ultimately had to do to the man’s mind. He had been careful, possibly too much so. He couldn’t have dared send the man back to the intelligence gathering service he worked for with an addled mind. Now there were two of them. And one of them had to be an American, of all things.

“What are you wanting to know, Mr. Lee?” Dumbledore asked, knowing full well what knowledge the man was thirsting for. Somehow, he enjoyed the game. It had always pleased him greatly, but at the same time befuddled him, to think how the non-magical world must perceive them. Of course, most didn’t believe they existed at all.

“Do you people practice some sort of religion? Why do you believe in magic? And why are there references to your group using terms like witches and wizards?” Lee asked, questions flashing through his mind, both simple and complex. He abruptly stopped, though, when the old man raised a hand.

“You are simply full of questions, aren’t you, Mr. Lee? Please, sit down - - - both of you. It is best if you do,” the old professor said, pointing to the two chairs in front of his desk. “What I’m about to tell you will, as you Americans are fond of saying, might well knock your socks off.” Dumbledore couldn’t help but laugh at the phrase, as he had always wanted to use it. “What an appropriate time for that little witticism,” he thought to himself.

Lee and Gleason almost fell into the two chairs. They were both even more shaken then when they first entered the room.

“Tea!” Dumbledore exclaimed.

Instantly a tea service appeared on the desk. The two men jumped nearly out of their skins. Professor Dumbledore reached for a tall glass of ice and poured it to the top with Merlin’s Special Brew. He couldn’t help but see the astonishment on the two men’s faces.

“Magic,” he said, smiling again.

He motioned them to each take a glass of the tea he had poured, as he filled a glass for himself and Hagrid, whose glass almost disappeared within the grasp of his huge hands, after he walked forward to take it. That didn’t go unnoticed by the two men who looked up at the huge man towering over them.

“We’ve shared this planet with our non-magical brethren from the beginning of human existence. You ask if we practice some sort of a religion, as you put it, Mr. Lee. We certainly do. Your God is our God. We believe in magic because it is. And we use the words witches and wizards because we are. It really is as simple as that. We began living apart from our non-magical brethren long ago. Those who did not understand us feared us, you see. We were persecuted, tortured and, often times, killed for being what we were simply born to be. One day, I should hope to see our worlds again united. I don’t believe that day will be anytime soon, however,” the old wizard said, lifting his glass of tea from his desk.

“If you people have some special powers and abilities, why haven’t you come to the aid of good, non-magical people? Why are you not proactive in making the world a better place to be?” Lee asked.

“Everyday we do exactly that very thing. We have been doing constant battle against forces of evil beyond your comprehension, Mr. Lee. There are malicious beings working around the world that will stop at nothing until they enslave the entire human population. Perhaps you would like to take a look at some of our efforts?” Dumbledore asked.

“Yes, we would,” Lee replied.

Professor Dumbledore thanked and excused Hagrid. He then came to his feet and led them into the conference room. He held out his left hand and asked Lee to take it. Looking around him, he told Gleason to take Lee’s other free hand. The old professor then reached out, placed his hand atop the figurine of the falcon and they were instantly standing within the castle at Falcon’s Lair.

“Shit!” Gleason exclaimed. “What the bloody hell happened!”

“Calm yourself, Harold. You are in no danger, yet,” said the old professor with a grin. The two muggles both looked horrified.

Professor Dumbledore walked out of the library, closely followed by the two men. He found Sirius and Remus speaking with their two teams in the large dining hall.

“Continue!” Dumbledore exclaimed, as Sirius had stopped when the three men entered the hall. The old headmaster pointed at chairs at the end of the long table and they sat down.

“As I was saying,” Sirius continued. “Harry, Ron, Oliver and Preston will be temporarily assigned to Severus Snape at Eagle’s Nest. You will remain there twenty-four seven for at least a month. Snape has selected four Martinsbruck graduates and six from Hogwarts to train for his new Coeus team. Each of you will take all of your equipment with you.”

Remus came to his feet as Sirius sat back down. “Over the next two days, Coeus team members will transfer the equipment the new team will be needing from Hogwarts to Eagle’s Nest. Graciela Calderon and Grace White will transfer the supplies to the conference room from the dungeon. Professor Dumbledore has already set up a portkey between there and Eagle’s Nest, which will be used for the transfer.”

Sirius again stood up. “During the period the new Eagle’s Nest members are in training, Athena will revisit the last haunts of the Death Eaters whose folders have not yet been closed. We will only concentrate on those who were known to be living in Great Britain. Graciela has the folders and some have been undated with information we’ve recently received from the Ministry. Tomorrow, I will have the new team rosters we will use until our four instructors return. Professor, do you have anything to add?”

Professor Dumbledore came to his feet and walked to the distant head of the table. He looked about and smiled at the young faces of wizards and witches who had made their quest such a success.

“As you see,” the old professor pointed down to the far end towards Lee and Gleason, “I’ve brought two visitors with me. Mr. Robert Lee is with the American Central Intelligence Agency and Mr. Harold Gleason, who is now retired, once worked for MI-6, British Intelligence. They asked me, just minutes ago, why we haven’t used the resources of our magical world to come to the aid of our non-magical brethren, helping them to fight evil.”

All around the table a chorus of rumblings matched disgusted, sour and disbelieving looks.

“My feelings exactly,” Dumbledore continued. “You see, gentlemen, we are constantly doing battle against evil beings who would make your worst nightmares seem like delightful fairy tales to us. Just as in your non-magical world, there are many, many wicked and malicious beings moving about with very nasty intentions. In less than two years, we have dispatched well over three hundred. One would think it would set things right, giving the good people of our world a better place to live. However, such great evil is trapped within this plane of existence, within this reality. Every time an evil being is removed, sooner or later, that same evil being will again manifest itself into another form, human or otherwise.”

Lee and Gleason were both shocked by the revelation. It was all just too unbelievable to them. Neither could readily accept what the old man had just told them, but they both knew, beyond all reason, he spoke the truth, as he knew it.

Sirius was the first to speak up. “These two are not regular contacts from their governments, are they?”

“No, Sirius. It appears Mister Lee happened across information about our magical world in the course of his regular duties,” Dumbledore explained.

“Now!” Dumbledore continued, looking back down the long table. He paused long enough for the many faces to turn back his way. “It is very important to help those at Eagle’s Nest get their feet on the ground, so to speak. Their training is a priority. I understand some of you will be away from Falcon’s Lair for at least a month, some even more. Please believe me, it is important to get this done, done right and done quickly.”

The old wizard paused and lowered his head. He walked several paces before again looking up and continuing. “As most of you know, we obtained significant intelligence information from Fierkin’s Castle. The evil old wizard had many detailed files on what will be our next targets in Central Europe. From what I have seen, most are very vile, malicious beings. The Chief Justice has ordered them handled under the first decree. For that reason, I’m sure you understand the importance of getting our Coeus team at Eagle’s Nest ready. I ask everyone involved to give their maximum effort in getting that very thing done.”

The old wizard slowly walked back down to the end of the table where Lee and Gleason were still seated. The two men still had shocked looks upon their faces but clearly had no earthly idea what he had been talking about. He motioned the men to follow him.

Professor Dumbledore led them back to the portkey. Again, he reached out for Lee’s hand. Gleason saw the action and grasped Lee’s other hand. He certainly didn’t wish to be left behind. In a flash of emerald green light, they were back within the conference room at Hogwarts.

Professor Dumbledore looked down at Gleason’s hand. “Don’t let go, Harold.” The old wizard then placed his hand atop the portkey to the Hall of Justice. In another flash, they were standing in the large anteroom.

“What the hell!” Gleason exclaimed again.

“Calm yourself, Harold,” Professor Dumbledore said, smiling largely to himself. “Follow me.”

Dumbledore walked to the large wooden doors leading into the courtroom. A young, blue-caped security guard pulled one of the doors open, allowing them to enter.

The two men gasped when they saw the size of the court. “Yes, it is rather large, is it not? This is our Hall of Justice, gentlemen. We have but one judge, our Lord Chief Justice. With any luck we’ll have a little chat with him.”

Soon, Dumbledore had walked the two men through the judge’s chamber, out the two double doors onto the huge patio and up the stairway to the third-floor residence. The two men couldn’t believe how beautiful everything was.

Chief Justice Webster was talking to several of his young witches when he noticed the old professor and the two guests top the landing. He quickly came to his feet.

“Professor!” he exclaimed. “Just in time for a spot of tea!”

“Thank you, Your Lordship. I’d like to introduce you to Misters Robert Lee and Harold Gleason,” he said. Within a few minutes, the old headmaster related what he knew of the two men and their unexpected visit. Webster plainly saw how it amused the old wizard to do so.

“About two years ago I received the same shock,” Webster told them. “I’m from the non-magical world myself, you see.”

That really astounded the two men. Professor Dumbledore couldn’t help but laugh out as Webster related his personal experience. Of course, both were full of questions once they found out he was an American and had never had prior ties to the magical world.

For almost an hour, Webster told his story, with the old professor nodding his old head and adding his own narrative along the way.

“And why the great secrecy? Surely humankind has changed much from the days when you magic folk would be tortured or killed, have we not? When are we to know the truth? Who will decide?” Lee asked, looking from Dumbledore to Webster and back again.

Dumbledore slowly shook his old head. “Robert, I feel rather certain that day is still years ahead of us. Both the magical and non-magical worlds have many demons yet to deal with. One day, perhaps.”

“It is all so amazing. I love it. I really do. And what will now be done with Harold and me? Are you going to do the mind-altering thing to us like you did to Harold here years ago?” Lee asked.

“Regretfully, it must be so, Robert. I’m sure you fully appreciate the spot you’ve put us in. Of course, I do admire the way you two have handled this,” Dumbledore said, plainly displaying his regret.

“Yeah. But no one could regret it more than me. As unbelievable as all this has been, I have a much different view now of what we might someday all become. Truly wonderful, it really is,” Lee said, with a large smile.

Harold smiled along with his new friend, nodding his head and thinking how grand it was, after all the years he’d spent searching for this wonderful world. How close he had come, in fact, he had come. He actually had entered their world years before, only to have the memory of it stripped from his mind. Now, sadly, it appeared it was once again to take place. Yes, it struck him as very sad.

“And Harold, Professor?” Webster asked. “What will happen to him now? If he forgets this experience, won’t he go back right where he left off and again begin researching the magical world? Never knowing what he had actually accomplished? That seems downright hellish to me.”

“You spent many years conducting investigations around the world, did you not?” Dumbledore asked the man.

The man nodded his head. “Yes. It was my life work. I never really did anything else,” Harold Gleason admitted.

“Perhaps there is much Harold could teach our young witches and wizards, Albus. What do you think? Could we use such instruction?” Webster asked.

“Outstanding idea, Your Lordship! Yes! That is a grand idea!” Dumbledore exclaimed. “What relationships do you have who would miss you, Harold?”

Gleason’s eyes lit up and a large grin stretched his lips thin. “I’m very much a solitary man, Professor. The only real relationship I ever had in my life was with MI-6. That is all behind me now, of course. I do still have some distant relations but none who’d ever miss me. Are you saying you might have a position for me?”

“Yes, indeed. I think you might just be able to teach our young people much about the intelligence gathering business. What would you say to taking up residence at Falcon’s Lair?”

“When can I start?” Gleason almost shouted out.

Lee patted the old man about his shoulder. He was actually envious of the man but very happy for him at the same time.

“We’ll fetch you, have no doubt about that,” Dumbledore said. “I’m sure there is much you wish to bring with you from home. I will make the arrangements myself.”

“And me?” Lee asked, looking hopefully at the two men.

“I’m sure we would offer you the very same opportunity, Robert. But I don’t believe you are ready. Perhaps, one day,” Webster said.

“I agree, Your Lordship. Though, it is something to keep in mind. Tell me, Robert. I believe you to be a man who can keep a secret. Can you live with yourself, knowing of our existence but never sharing that knowledge with another in your non-magical world? It might be time for the Department of Special Investigations to develop a few contacts of our own amongst our non-magical brethren. What do you say to that, Your Lordship?” Dumbledore asked, tilting his head back and peering into Webster’s eyes.

“Great idea, Albus. Perhaps Robert Lee should be our first,” Webster said, exchanging a smile with the old professor before looking over at a very excited Robert Edison Lee.

In short order, all was arranged. Harold Gleason, an old man who’d spent the better part of his life in search of a world the majority of his peers would have had only a good laugh about, was finally going to realize his goal and become a part of it.

Robert Edison Lee, whose inquisitiveness, in another era, might have resulted in a dangerous alteration to his memory, was to become the Hall of Justice’s first contact with the non-magical world. A connection not one at the table, at this moment of decision, had any idea would one day have such far-reaching consequences.


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


Over the next two weeks, Severus Snape began training his new Coeus team in earnest. As they were able, the team from the Eastern Front joined them. He rightfully knew it would be important for both teams’ members to become completely familiar with one another.

Harry, along with the other assigned Athena members, did remain at Eagle’s Nest. They had never been so busy. Snape’s training regimen was much more mind-numbing then either Sirius or Remus had ever put them through. Knowing Snape as they did, one wouldn’t have expected anything less.

At Falcon’s Lair, Graciela Calderon, Sirius, Remus and Grime were soon mapping out the known locations of the evil beings Fierkin had maintained files on. They were scattered all over Central Europe. None appeared, thankfully, to have the evil ambitions of Fierkin, Cetus or Malfoy but they were a treacherous lot nonetheless.

At the same time, Athena and Coeus at Falcon’s Lair divided into three teams and began their search-and-destroy missions against the remaining targets in Great Britain. Only twelve evil witches and wizards were found and terminated. Most still believed some of the open folders were on targets killed in earlier raids, as some of those who fell were unable to be identified, the faces, in most cases, had been simply torn away during their grisly assaults.

Harold Gleason was soon put to work, too. Whenever the teams at Falcon’s Lair had any downtime, the old man gave short lessons on the gathering and interpreting of intelligence. He, too, however, had much to learn. Drucila Priest made sure he didn’t fall behind in his studies, either. After dropping a large History of Magic into his arms one morning, she told him she would drill him everyday on what he should be learning. She also let it be known she never tolerated a slacker. From what little Harold Gleason knew of the old witch, her mannerisms were enough to scare him into compliance.

Austin began showing up early each morning at the Hall of Justice, heading straight for his room on the first floor. Hermione and Deborah would slip into his bedroom at various times of the day. They soon would be in his arms or on their knees. Austin quickly became totally enamored with both of the young witches. And although he never stayed the night at the Hall of Justice, he was there enough for the powerful charm to begin having an effect on him. He was so wrapped up in the affairs; he was hardly able to concentrate on his research. It was a very heady experience for him. But one he wouldn’t have traded for anything in the world.

Professor Dumbledore had a number of meetings with Chief Justice Webster. Late into the night, on a number of occasions, the two men discussed their goals and what it would take to reach them. How much must be completed in Europe before they organized their teams in Asia and the Americas? Was Harry sensing anything else about Voldemort? If he did, should they drop everything to focus on that one evil being? What of their next outpost?

Chief Justice Webster, through a proxy, had obtained the large ranch in West Texas, as he had told Austin he would. Dumbledore agreed it should become their base of operations in the Western Hemisphere. There was much work to be done there first, however.

Using the same wizard construction firm who had built the resort in Scotland, the two men made very detailed drawing of what would be needed there. They both agreed everything must be built underground. Webster told the old professor of a large shelf in the mountains, know as Carrizo Springs. Behind it, in a large horseshoe shape, was another higher shelf at the base of the mountains. It was large enough to allow them hundreds of thousands of square feet of building space on a number of levels and access to some of the best and purest water in the United States.

Professor Dumbledore soon established a portkey to the ranch and construction began. After the old headmaster visited with his younger brother and explained their needs, Martin Dumbledore hired two prior graduates from his school. Both had been born and raised in Texas and had returned there after graduation from British Columbia. The two jumped at the chance to take charge of the ranch and put up the front needed to pass themselves off to the non-magical public. Oliver Wood, the two men agreed, would be appointed as the liaison between the ranch and the Hall of Justice.

During this period, Ginny Weasley buried herself in her studies at Hogwarts. Never had the instructors seen her display such dedication. Where she had once been an average student, she was now performing at an outstanding level in all her classes. Best of all was the fact Ginny was again a happy young witch. She surrounded herself with newfound friends and eagerly served as a mentor to a number of younger students. Dumbledore and McGonagall were very pleased with her progress.

After their parting, Ginny couldn’t get Severus Snape out of her mind. Visions of him invaded her dreams almost every night for some weeks. Slowly, though, she let him go, deciding what would be would be. She would let fate decide her future and wouldn’t fight it. Ginny quickly realized it did her no good to dwell on something she could not control. That realization brought her peace.


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


Arthur Weasley and Minister Bones made their way to the Hall of Justice one morning during one of the scheduled breaks Chief Justice Webster had calendared. Generally, one week each month the court was not in session, which allowed better control of the court’s docket and a period of rest for himself and his young witches. Of course, this did not count the three to four week break the court took beginning mid-December each year.

Minister of Magic Weasley had come to make a special request of His Lordship. Webster and Dumbledore had just finished their breakfast when the two men walked up the stairway onto the third-floor landing.

“Gentlemen!” Webster exclaimed, when he noticed them. “Bad timing! You should have been here thirty minutes ago, we could have taken our morning meal together.”

“Thanks, Dan, but we filled up back at the Ministry. How are you two doing?” Weasley asked, nodding at the two men before he took a seat at the table.

“All is well, Arthur, for the moment,” Dumbledore said, with a knowing grin.

“I hope it very well stays that way, too,” Weasley replied.

“What’s on your mind, Arthur?” asked Webster.

“Bones and I have been giving some thought about Perkins and Fudge. We still haven’t found either one, although we’ve had investigators out and about for months. It’s like they vanished into thin air. Yesterday it occurred to both of us that you might be able to use that Orb thing of yours to find them, if they are still alive,” Weasley said.

“Yeah. Albus and I considered that a while back. At the time, though, we both figured it might be best to let Fudge be. He was out of the picture and most folks had even stopped talking about him,” Webster replied.

“Are you sure you want to find the man, Arthur? You know it will all end up in a very nasty, drawn out trial with accusations thrown about, which might drag down many in the Ministry. As you two know, Cornelius had his tentacles wrapped around some very good witches and wizards. Many things they had to do under duress. Certain things that might be best left undisturbed and forgotten. Let sleeping dogs lie, as our non-magical brothers say,” Dumbledore stated.

“Aren’t you the least bit curious what he might be up to, Professor?” Weasley asked.

“Yes, truthfully, I’ve wondered and pondered about it, I have. But considering the great burden and strain it causes our Chief Justice to use the Orb, well, quite frankly, I’ve never thought it was worth it.”

“You should have asked me, Albus. If it’s important to you, certainly I’ll do it. But if I go to the trouble, if the man is located, then I will insist he be arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder and malfeasance of office. And I agree, it will most likely result in a very messy business all around, before it’s through,” Webster said, looking around at the three men sitting at the table.

Arthur Weasley rubbed his face then shook his head. “What is that saying you used about old dogs, Professor? Maybe it would be best to do just that. I’ve so wanted the man brought to justice, but I, too, agree there are many good people within the Ministry it would cause great embarrassment to. Please forget we brought it up. Let’s let the old dog be.”

“I really think it best, Arthur. If we hear of the man causing any trouble then without a doubt we will take off the gloves, so to speak, and go right after him. Cornelius Fudge was a pompous ass that absolutely never showed any regard for others. He was all about self-glorification and had a thirst for power that he couldn’t quench. I’d say he is most likely living in his own little hell about right now,” Dumbledore said, his mouth tightening into a grimace.

“Bones and I were also wondering about the new facility you are having built across the pond. Has much been decided how you’ll go about staffing it and when it will be ready?” Weasley asked.

“Construction has begun. Albus was fortunate enough to locate two overseers for the property who are perfect for the job. We will most likely use some of the graduates of the British Columbia School of Magic to form the core of our Coeus group there. And Athena will train them, which is still months away. We will begin interviewing for the positions very soon,” Webster said.

“Arthur, again we must keep our expansion into the Western Hemisphere a complete secret. I know your ministers in the United States may one day realize something is going on right under their noses, but we mustn’t let them know anything at present. Absolutely nothing. I have a couple of old relations who I’ll tap for intelligence to get us started there. In time, however, most will probably find out about our expanding interests,” Dumbledore said.

“Do you expect to find many evil types across the pond, Professor?” Bones asked.

“Actually, Jeremiah, in South America there’s a very nasty old wizard known as Senor Demonio by those living down that way. Thankfully, he has never been known to take any interest outside his domain, which is a rather large one. Magical beings living in Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia and parts of Chile and Brazil are partly or wholly under control of the evil wizard. He will be one of the first we target,” the old headmaster told the men. “Our own Graciela Calderon was born and raised in Uruguay, if you remember. Both her parents and four siblings were killed by the evil man’s organization almost ten years ago.”

Webster spoke up when he heard that news. “Why wasn’t I told of this before, Albus?”

“It never came up, Dan. I assure you no one was intentionally keeping that information from you,” Dumbledore replied.

“Well then, I should hope our people will definitely be paying Senior Demonio a visit then. The sooner the better,” Webster said.


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

At Eagle’s Nest, Severus Snape continued to be relentless with his training schedule. One would have thought his new crew was charged with saving all humanity, as if the battle could begin at any moment.

Harry was physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted from the daily grind. Each day started well before dawn, and he was usually in bed asleep immediately after the evening meal, which Snape had delayed two hours each evening to allow for more training.

Snape had become so impressed with muggle weaponry; he had Minister Grime add more varieties to their arsenal. In fact, Eagle’s Nest could have waged a good size war from the huge amount of arms, ammunition and explosive devices stored in their dungeon.

They were almost thirty days into the training when Harry began noticing the itch again. But it now had become more than an itch. His scar was actually beginning to burn. And he began to have visions late at night, which would suddenly frighten him out of his sleep. Finally, it bothered him enough to have a face-to-face with Snape. It was immediately decided he must make his way back to Dumbledore. Something wasn’t right.