Fortune smiled upon Professor Konstantyn as he entered the Senior Common Room to find his quarry sitting peacefully in the chairs near the fireplace. He suspected that they may have, in fact, been "lying in wait", knowing that he was assessing Potter this evening. He'd not said a great deal about it, but had mentioned the earlier encounters and that he was following up. He sat down and Minerva asked if he'd like tea, as she rose to pour him a cup.
He held up his hand saying, "One moment, Professor McGonagall. Rather than that, as it is nearing 9:00 and I know you and Professor Snape frequently visit your house Common Rooms before curfew, may I suggest that you go ahead and do that... see to it that all is well... and let me see if Albus is available to meet with us in his office at 9? I believe we all have something to discuss."
His serious demeanor and tone set all of Minerva's senses on the alert. "Is Harry all right? Is something wrong? What has happened?"
Pavel nodded and smiled a bit tiredly. "In order, kind lady, the answers to your questions are: 'Yes', 'Yes', and 'That's what we need to discuss with Albus.' However, things are going to be vastly better from here forwards, so be comforted. Let me see about Albus, and we can plan to meet there in 15 minutes, yes?" Everyone nodded as Minerva and Severus went to their respective houses to check on their charges for the night.
Fifteen minutes later found the five of them seated comfortably around a low table as Minerva again poured tea for all. Once all were served, Pavel brought a small clear crystal globe from a waistcoat pocket, along with a stand for it that looked like a black checker piece. Setting them in the center of the table, well clear of the teatray, he extended his hand over it, softly saying "Engorgio". The globe expanded greatly, until it was about the size of a spinning globe map of the earth, or a beachball.
"Albus," he began, "we all know that you've placed Harry with the Dursleys because Petunia, being Lily's sister, carries the blood wards with her, and those can be powerful protection for Potter. While they have no doubt helped the boy remain occulted and hidden from Voldemort or his lackeys... they can be impaired if the blood relative does not really accept the relationship emotionally, or embrace the child. In this case, I believe we may want to consider an alternative. Harry was kind enough to allow me access to some of his mind and memories.
"This globe, you may think of as a 'group participation penseive'. I spent 20 minutes with Potter this evening reviewing some aspects of his domestic life."
"Ah..." interrupted Snape with a sarcastic twang, "so now we get to see the little Potter Prince, the Boy Who Lives, in his regal palace with his adoring admirers and family?"
"Yes, Severus, we will. I ask that no one interrupt or comment until we finish, and you can either observe the action within the crystal, or place your hand on the surface of the globe, and you will enter as an observer just as if this were a liquid penseive."
"We may as well go together, eh?" Albus volunteered, laying his palm atop the globe.
"Certainly," agreed Minerva.
"Why not?" intoned Severus.
"Very well, since I have already been there, I shall refrain. But I will monitor the process. Here we go..." and Pavel opened the memory container and used his wand tip to deposit the mist on the crystal surface. He stood and walked over to the fireplace staring at the flames, unable to bear seeing the boy suffer so much all over again.
Fifteen minutes along or so, he returned and sat down, drinking some more of his tea, avoiding the scene playing out within the globe. Although their consciousness forms were within the globe, his colleagues' bodies were here sitting with him. He saw the expression of deep grief lining Albus' ashen face, Minerva's tear filled eyes and shocked expression, and the look of utter horror and remorse on the face of Severus. John, he could see, was tight-lipped and angry. Everyone exited the globe as Harry conducted Pavel to the door and they had ended the session.
When all eyes were again focused on him, Pavel said, "My dear friends, I suggest we say nothing at all. I can only imagine the feelings you are experiencing. Let me just say I have the most full confidence that every decision made here for this lad, has been totally in the interests of protecting and nurturing him. There is no reason for recriminations.
"More to the point, all of this is the past, and we are now in the present and building a future. Let me share with you a bit more about Mr. Potter and his potential future..." And Pavel took about 10 minutes describing the three elements: Harry's power level, Harry's fate weaving, and Harry's lack of attachment and trust... along with the future possibilities, both light and dark.
"I have in mind a proposal I wish to make, that I believe will adequately address our needs. Before I go any further, I need to have a few moments to discuss matters with John, though I believe I know where his heart will lie. Still, we need to make a decision which is in part John's alone. So... if we may be excused for just a few brief moments, we'll be right back and continue."
John and Pavel actually left Dumbledore's office, down the rotating staircase, both to assure their privacy, and to allow the three of them to speak freely with one another. He could not imagine what they were going through, as he knew Albus and Minerva, at least, would consider themselves wholly responsible for all that boy had suffered. Severus was free of that, but Paul had not had the heart to point out that one of the foremost bullies in Harry's life, was Snape. And he now knew vastly more of Snape than he had before this night. When Severus watched these scenes, he did not only experience disgust, anger, and revulsion... but also "resonance". Even in the worst moments, Snape synchronized with Harry, which meant... he had experienced the same things in his own childhood.
Within five minutes, all could hear the staircase returning Pavel and John to the office, and entering with a spring in his step he clasped his hands together in a gesture of determined action and said, "Well, that is all taken care of. Now... I presume we are agreed that the current situation is no longer to be tolerated, yes?"
"Absolutely..." Albus spoke, as all three voiced some form of affirmation.
"However, simply to remove the boy from the care of his guardians would leave two problems... One, the loss of the protection of the Blood Wards; and Two, who would raise the boy? Am I correct?"
"Yes," Minerva picked up the thread of conversation. "Though I'm sure the Weasley's or any number of wonderful families would be delighted to foster Harry."
"True. But aside from the issue of the Blood Wards, let me ask you truthfully... all three of you... Do any of you know a home that could raise and train a wizard of Harry's power and temperament? What was it you said to me yesterday, Minerva? 'Just... don't you go spoiling the lad. He's a handful, and requires very little encouragement to get his own way, regardless of the rules!' Think of the stories you have all told me of his exploits last year, and even thus far... THIS year. He slips the harness and grabs the bit in his teeth with even all of us maintaining a structured environment here."
These reflections caused them all to pause and consider. In a moment or two they were nodding in understanding of the problem.
Albus spoke, "Good points you make, Pavel. Now, you said you have a proposal to make. I assume it somehow meets all these concerns."
"Perhaps. There's no way to tell for certain unless or until we try, but it MAY meet all the concerns. Harry Potter has asked me, with all the sincerity he has, to 'teach him'. And by this, he really meant 'everything'... magic and wizardry, yes... but beneath that I think he's asking how to grow up, how to become a man. I propose to grant his petition, to offer him Formal Apprenticeship, and purchase him from the Dursleys. I need to know what you would think of that."
A few moments of sheer silence passed before Minerva's outraged voice cried, "PURCHASE him? What in the world d'ye mean 'purchase him'?"
Albus leaned forward, raising his hand to interject, and opened his mouth to speak...
She cut him off with a warning finger, saying, "don't even try, Albus... I want to know what Paul means by this."
"I mean exactly what I've said. The Blood Wards contribute some protection for Harry. Therefore, while none of us ever want him to be vulnerable to the Dursley's again, it would be well to preserve what we can. Investigation has shown that they are not only selfish and self-indulgent, but greedy as well. They have no desire to interact with Harry. It's not even like the situation of a bitter divorce where uncaring parents will fight for custody just to spite one another. They truly do not want him there. Very well. I am prepared to enter into a contract with them, for a substantial amount of gold, to sign him over to my care and training as an Apprentice until he reaches his majority... and perhaps beyond. And by the way, he would of course be remaining here as a Hogwarts student. But I would contract for full rights in loco parentis, along with requiring a vial of Petunia's blood to establish some additional protections and wards for his quarters. I would not pose this as a 'transaction' because it reflects anything of my heart and feelings for the boy... but rather because doing things this way, I can sever the threads binding him to the Dursley's authority in any way."
Minerva was much calmer as she followed up with, "But Paul, are you really prepared, at this point in life, to raise such a boy? And what does John think about all this? And what are the implications of 'Apprenticeship'?"
John cleared his throat, and took Minerva's hand. "Auntie, I know it doesn't appear publicly when you read Papa's resume or something, but he has been parenting and reparenting 'problem children' his whole career. Most aurors come from difficult or disturbed backgrounds, and his skills weaving time, fate, and mind magic heal souls in ways I cannot explain. As to what Apprenticeship would mean... if Harry accepts this covenant, then my father will teach Harry everything he knows, or ever learns... or as much of that as Harry can learn. He will become his Heir as a Mage. His library, so on... his magical legacy would go to Harry. I know that in this part of the world, Apprenticeship is nearly extinct as so much is invested in academies like this one. But in our part of the world, since the academies are not necessarily of this quality - not to mention that we are simply quite a bit more medieval regarding things arcane - formal Apprenticeship is a well recognized means of supernatural training. The contracts Papa speaks of are very standard and formal, generally well recognized by any nation's ministry. They would not preclude any family taking domestic guardianship or becoming a foster family, but when Harry would be in my father's care rather than at home, Papa would stand in loco parentis. As far as how I feel about all this... I cannot be my father's heir in magery, for I have adopted the alternative path. I have, of course, been 'raised' and largely trained by my father, but as to vampiric training, that has been at the hands of the Vampire under whom I became a ghoul. It would delight me if this works with Harry, both for Harry's sake, for Papa's sake and the sake of his legacy, and frankly because I've always wanted a kid brother. I couldn't be happier."
"Well, noo... what do ye think?" she asked, looking over at Albus and Severus.
"As for me," Snape volunteered, "I think the solution is an elegant one. After seeing you two 'spar' the other night, I cannot imagine better preparation for Potter facing the challenges he may have coming up in these few years. It goes without saying that I have seriously misjudged the boy up to now, and will do all in my power to promote your efforts to heal and restore him. I shall not suddenly go all 'warm and fuzzy' on him," Snape nodded smiling at Pavel, "but never again will I give him cause to feel 'bullied' by me. I regret that deeply."
All eyes turned to Dumbledore as quietly he had just sat to the side listening to all parties, sipping his tea. "Well, dear friends, I hold myself the most responsible for failing Harry in these years. There is no excuse for my inattention and I offer none. Pavel, if you feel that you can heal this grave injustice over the next six years, or ten, or twelve, or whatever it takes, you have my most full support.
"We have all carefully tiptoed around the word across this entire discussion. Harry needs a warm, consistent, passionate loving father. He needs to master powers, forces, and temptations that are hard to imagine for one so young. Few men would have my confidence to heal, guide, train, and love enough for a situation like this. You are certainly one of them, and John could not be a better 'big brother'... helping to heal the sibling damage done by the Dudley boy.
"I do think it goes without saying..." thoughtfully adjusting his glasses and putting his teacup down, "that Harry will also need some maternal influence as well, just as we've noted the significance of Iryna in John's life. Minerva, I think between your relationship with Harry, along with your familial relationship with Pavel and John, it seems as if all the proper pieces are in all the proper places."
Pavel had the grace examine the tea in his cup with great focus and intensity while Albus spoke, and had to clear a bit of huskiness from his throat as he acknowledged everyone's comments. "So I take it we are agreed, are we not? First, we should discuss this option with Mr. Potter, and let him declare his preference. If he agrees, and you are all satisfied that he understands the gravity of the decision he is making, I shall then travel to the Dursley's home and make my offer. I have no reason to believe they will hesitate, and I will place protective wards over them to last for at least the next six years. They must remain safe at least until Harry reaches his majority.
"Does this meet with the approval of all?" all nodded. "Wonderful. I have an appointment with Mr. Potter for tomorrow evening at 7. Perhaps we could all meet here at that time, discuss the matter with Mr. Potter, and provided that he agree, I shall see the Dursley's on Saturday. Agreed?" all nodded. "Excellent, thank you!"
At which point, John raised his teacup in toast, saying "Congratulations, Papa. You're about to become a father... again. A bouncing adolescent wizard who doesn't know the meaning of the word 'rules'. This should be great fun!"
All laughed and joined in the toast with their own congratulations, as Paul responded, "Thank you so much, dear friends. Heaven help us all!"
A/N What do you think of this tale, Gentle Reader? I'm interested in ideas you may have for the nature of Apprenticeship of Harry under Paul. I know what's in my mind, but here's a terrific opportunity to add elements and variety to "magical education". What would you teach an apprentice, and how? Constructive criticism and comment welcome! Thank you for reading thus far. Grace to you - Mort