Having a Field Day
Ron and Harry actually rose before the alarm went off. The Professor had required of all three children that they take a swallow of Dreamless Sleep when they retired. He knew, as keyed up as everyone was about this Field Day, there would be no chance otherwise of a solid night's restful sleep. They cleaned up and dressed in hurried silence, meeting Hermione a few minutes early and heading to the dungeons very much on their guards.
Professor Snape was nearly cordial as he greeted them this morning. He cautioned them to pay close attention to their work this morning, it would be easy to be distracted or careless, and they were to ask questions about anything they were unsure of. Ron completed his written work, and chose to help Harry with his last medicinal potion, rather than just sit around. Even Hermione chose to wait until they could all go back together, as they planned to change out of their school uniforms before breakfast. Professor Konstantyn had allowed Ron and Hermione to keep their armor jackets from skiing in the Ukraine, and he'd instructed them to wear them thereafter under their school clothes. He reminded them to be wearing them today.
"Have you any advice for us before this all gets started, Professor?" Hermione asked.
"Not really anything you don't already know," Professor Snape answered, without a hint of sarcasm or attitude. "Two things strike me as important for you, and possibly difficult. One, that you go through the day acting naturally. This is a 'Field Day', a play day with fun and activities all through. Students, you included, should be focused on just having a good time worried about nothing more than winning any competitions you enter. You really want to put all your concerns about this afternoon's battle way up on a shelf, and not get it down until the time draws near.
"The second thing I would stress is that this is the first time you are engaging in an 'operation'. That is, your adventures up to now have never been more involved or complicated than the three of you coordinating your activities at a current moment. And you've been pretty effective at that. But this time, we have people operating from Romania, from London, from the Castle, and from the Forbidden Forest, all according to an agreed upon schedule. This requires blind trust to timing, and that requires that everyone do what is expected, precisely when scheduled, from precisely where they are supposed to be. So, there may well develop some unexpected situation that requires spontaneous decision and action. But other than that, it is critically important that no one depart from the script. No 'bright ideas', no dawdling, no improvising... not unless absolutely necessary. There is more than enough risk to this without creating more, agreed?"
"Yes, Professor," they all answered, nodding.
"So, for the moment, just go upstairs, change into your play clothes, have breakfast, and literally... have a good time. There's nothing more for any of you to do until we get to the afternoon. I think you may find some surprises at the Field Day..." he said mysteriously, walking away with a smile.
The cacophony of juvenile voices at breakfast was almost overwhelming. Fortune had graced the school with a bright sunny day, with just a hint of coming frost in its brisk wind. The mood was holiday merrymaking as uniform of the day was declared to be play clothes/casual and family and friends were welcome on campus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The house elves had outdone themselves with food preparation as two long serving tables were kept filled with food, snacks, and drinks.
In the early morning hours, the Konstantyns had been busy with Albus, terraforming the school grounds to allow for six new "fields", as flat oval greenswards, to allow for ball games and spectator benches surrounded by containing wards to keep random balls from flying elsewhere, some dueling lanes, and a "carnival lane" of canvas booths for games. The Weasley Twins had been recruited to manage the games booths, and turned out bright and early to help with set up. A number of older students had been recruited to manage different activities, and would serve only an hour at a time, to allow them to play or compete as well. Only the "caretaker students" knew what the activities would be, so when the school gates were opened for everyone to enter the grounds, most of what they saw was a complete surprise.
Competitions would include: Egg and Spoon racing, on brooms, where competitors would complete a course of variable difficulty depending on their skill level. There was a Water Bucket Relay Race, that teams could enter, having to pass a full bucket of water from one broom rider to another while navigating a course - this was judged not only by time, but by how much water remained unspilt in the bucket. From 1:00 to 3:00 there would be straight up broom racing, like Steeple Chase, through courses graded by difficulty. There were also Time Trials, through a course of hoops that would test riders' control and agility. The best time in each category would be awarded at the end of the day.
The carnival games had been designed primarily by John and Professor Flitwick, testing magical and wand control through tests of dexterity. There was a "Wingardium Leviosa" Game, where the competitor controlled a small broomstick riding doll through a course of hoops, rather like the Time Trial Races, and again the course difficulty depended on the skill of the contestant. A first year may find five fairly large hoops in a straight line, while a sixth year would find fifteen hoops of various sizes in a very difficult pattern on a much longer course. There was a marksmanship game that required shooting water from the wand to douse dancing flames, without getting areas of the backdrop wet.
Every student was given a wrist bracelet with their name, so that they could "sign up" for an activity or game that had a long queue, and go off to enjoy other activities while waiting. When their place was five from their turn, their Bracelet would sound an alarm, and they could return to play what they were waiting for.
Prizes were awarded. John had brought his experience of American Muggle carnivals to the festivities, so that winning at various games accumulated point tickets, that could be redeemed at a Prize Booth. Prizes included a variety of sweets, books, toys, House items like neckties, beanies, pennants, patches, and there were some Premium and a Grand Prize... The Grand Prize was a "Get Out of Detention Free" card, good for one detention anytime in the year. Premium Passes included a "Free Homework Pass" card, good for a missing homework assignment.
Not all of the competitions were wizard or broom based. There were competitions for muggle type ball handling as well, reflecting skill in cricket bowling, cricket batting, baseball pitching, baseball batting, soccer kicking, football throwing, and football kicking. These contests were based on both distance and accuracy. Kicked balls were aimed down a measured line, given credit for distance, with off-line distance deducted. Thrown balls were first measured like kicked balls, but then another second round aimed at target tyres at various distances.
Activities were open to both students and visitors, and there was much laughter as children got to compete with their parents, getting to demonstrate what they had learned in Charms or general wand management.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione first made a quick sweep through the entire fete, giggling and gasping in wonder at all the color and creativity that had gone into this. Harry kept up almost a running commentary to Professor Konstantyn, as he discovered all the unexpected treats and games. Pavel "forwarded" all this to the rest of the conspirator faculty, who had also worked hard and secretly to make this a delightful event for all the students. It was great to hear the appreciation of pulling off a true surprise. John had lined up some Auror colleagues from the United States, New Zealand, and Australia, to work the various game venues, both because they knew the games, and for further security backup as they were briefed on what would be happening later. Aurors everywhere knew the name "Petrov", and were more than happy to assist in bringing him down.
Ron, Hermione, and Harry spent their first hour or so playing the various games on the Alley, accumulating point tickets. Much to the boys' chagrin, Hermione outstripped them by miles. She may not be as fast or strong in her magic, but she was precise. She made few mistakes and wasted no time. By the finish of a game, she'd normally beaten them handily. They were happy to cash in their tickets as soon as they accumulated enough for some Chocolate Frogs, or other treats. She wanted to save hers up for the day and see what she could get with a total lot.
There was a great pool of water with draped signage over at one side of the fair, with only one sign that announced the event would commence at 11:30 and no other information. When students inquired of any faculty member what that was about, they'd be met only with a knowing smile and the response, "Wait and see." It became a mysterious buzz throughout the fete, but no one could figure it out.
Hermione didn't choose to race or obstacle course on her broom, but she was willing to try the egg and spoon race, though she bypassed the water bucket relay. Gryffindor House got up an impromptu team, including the Twins, Ron, Harry, and even Neville Longbottom. Professor Konstantyn had spent a good amount of time on free flying Wednesdays, working with Neville on his balance, confidence, and focus. He'd become a fair-to-middling good flyer. He may not be up to Quidditch standard yet, but he wouldn't be spilling any water from his bucket, either. The Gryffindor team scored very well on their run, and that prompted other Houses to pull teams together and give it a go as well.
Competitions, such as the races or broom events, won House Points for prizes. The Obstacle Courses and Time Trials would win House Points, and riders were separated into divisions by skill ranging from novice to expert. Quidditch players on House teams were automatically considered Expert. Each division had a time limit by which to finish their competition runs... novices were to finish by 11, beginners by 12, moderate by 1, skilled by 2, and expert by 3. Each competitor could make three attempts at the course, and keep their best qualifying round. Everyone who completed the course with a qualifying round - no missed hoops - was awarded House Points for participation, even if they did not place. Pavel was delighted to see that Neville completed the course in the Novice class, and made a quite respectable showing. He hoped he would place.
The dueling lanes received considerable attention. A number of students chose to duel their parents, making for a great deal of laughter and fun. Some students chose to work out old grudges there. Some "tournament play" was permitted, where a student who won could choose to take on up to the next four qualified challengers. After a fifth win, the student was retired, with house points and recognition as a champion. Perhaps later in the term, champions would be organized into a tournament for the school. Malfoy took a lane, and chose after his first win, to opt for competition as a champion.
Harry decided to disabuse him of this, making the first "unpleasantness" of the day, as he let Pavel know of his intention to duel Malfoy, and was forbidden.
"What do you mean 'no', sir?" Harry whined, caught a bit off guard, as he and Pavel argued by mind-speak.
"I mean, 'Don't duel Malfoy' today, or at least not yet, anyway."
"Why not?!"
"The reason you are not to duel him, is because I command it, and you are obedient. The reason I am commanding it, is that there is the off chance you could be injured. Not much chance, but some. We cannot afford for you to face the battle this afternoon with any injury. John and I cannot protect you 'unfairly' in a duel. That would be dishonorable, and ordinarily I have no problem with your taking your chances in a fair fight with Malfoy. But not today."
"So, you don't think I could beat him without getting hurt!"
"I DO think you can. In fact, I KNOW you can. I've seen you do so repeatedly. But that does not change the fact that there is a possibility, especially out here where his father would be watching, that something could happen to injure you. John and I would have to break cover to prevent it or correct it. Oxsana could not help you in a duel or protect you. This is simply not the time for you and Malfoy to enjoy your mutual feud. I hope, truly, that you can understand that and agree with me. But whether you do or do not, I urgently need you to obey me. There's just way too much going on here, far too much at stake, to run that risk. Will you trust, and mind me, Harry?"
"Yes... sir..." Harry muttered, clearly unhappy.
"Thank you, my son. Now, I think it's about 11:30 or so. If you're through being angry with me, I've a surprise for you. Go over to the water tank and get a good seat."
At 11:30, a fanfare sounded, and Headmaster Dumbledore announced that a new activity was being unveiled, as some fireworks went off attracting everyone's gaze to the water tank. The drapes came down, and a sign "Dunk-A-Prof" was exposed. A 3 meter diameter clear water tank, with a wooden plank suspended from one edge to the center about 2 meters above the water's surface, had a long arm attached to a target about 3 meters out to the side.
Professor Dumbledore climbed the steps up to the plank, walked out to the end over the center, and used his wand to announce, "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Ten competitors will have the opportunity to drop me into this water tank, based on your throwing skill. Depending on your age and skill level as determined by the magic of the ball, you will stand at your assigned distance, and get three throws to hit the target. The target, and the distance, will vary depending on skill. Every half hour, a new staff member will take this place. Those will include: Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall, Professor Konstantyn, Professor Flitwick, Madame Hooch, Master Constantine, Instructor Hagrid, and... most kind in volunteering on this... Mr. Filch. Mrs. Norris is excused from the competition."
This raised a raucous cheer from the entire assemblage, as more than one adult voice was heard to mutter, "I wouldn't mind taking a shot at... myself!" Professors McGonagall and Snape were most often heard, completing the sentence.
This brought Minerva's rich brogue in response, "I heard that! And I know who it was, too!" prompting laughter all round.
At this point, Headmaster Dumbledore sat down, with great dignity, straightened the skirts of his robe, and waited calmly to be plunged into the depths. The Weasley Twins were monitoring the queue and balls, and announced loudly, "Each participant will only get ONE go at any professor, until all have had a chance that want to. So, think through if you want to line up for the Headmaster, or another staff member later, because once you've gone, you're done, probably for the day."
At this point, a number of older students came off the line, preferring to try for Professor Snape on the next go round. Harry had already decided he wanted to try for Professor Konstantyn, so he signed up on that sheet, and trusted his bracelet to tell him when to appear. Ultimately, the Twins got lists for every teacher or staff member, and had each student who signed up roll a "Random 1000" with their wand, putting that number down. They would take the lowest 10 results, as random draw, to select those who got a go. The Professors would exit the pool soaking wet, if they were dunked, and dry themselves off by wand. They would allow all 10 their turns, even if they were dunked. Considering the queue, they didn't have the heart to turn away any of the 10 in line. The event, through the course of the day, turned out to be a great hit. On average, each staff member dropped twice. And they were great sports about it.
At a few minutes past 12, Professor Konstantyn was surprised to find Adrian Pucey's bullying alarm going off, with the warning that someone was attempting to assault him.
"Of all the possible times," Pavel said to himself, as he split off one segment of his consciousness to attend to the alarm with full attention and consciousness, even while his body continued monitoring Novice riders on the obstacle course. Instantly, he appeared in the form of a 3 meter tall black dragon, with flame red eyes and smoldering nostrils, translucently overlaid on the person of Adrian Pucey.
He found himself facing a pudgy, middle aged wizard in rather drab robes of forest green and brown, who had marshalled Adrian to a quiet area behind the Field House. He knew the nature of the bullying by the type of alarm that had gone off, and he could see the panic on Adrian's face, flushed, hyperventilating, nearly tearful. "Adrian," Pavel mind-spoke, "you are fine now, nothing bad will happen to you. Not now, and not later. You may go now, return to your friends, and forget about this. You will never see this man again, I guarantee it." And the dragon gently patted Adrian on the shoulder, and let him go his way.
The offender, nameless, staring at the dragon in shock, found himself suddenly pulled from the environment of the Hogwarts grounds, onto plain flat featureless ground surrounded by glowing light that seemed to have no source. It was as if he stood on a desert covered over with black starless night sky, and radiance from the horizon without any sun or moon.
"Wh... who... or what... are you? What's going on? Where am I?" the man stammered, drawing his wand with his right hand.
"As to who, or what, I am... You may consider me to be either your conscience, or your worst nightmare. Nothing else is relevant. As to where you are... you are in my clutches and we are going to have a little chat. I don't know who you are, and I don't care to know. You really don't matter to me that much. But that boy does. He, and all the children here you have looked upon with such desire this morning, are all under my protection. I know what you want. I know why you came. And that, stops here and now," the dragon walked in slow circles around the terrified man, speaking in slow, measured, tones.
"You are a very lucky man today. You will live. Were we in a different place, or a different time, you would not. But because we are here, and I'll not shed your blood on this ground, you will live through this."
"What do you mean?!" huffed the visitor, trying to puff out his chest and bluff his way through this boldly. "Don't you know who I am? How DARE you speak to me this way!"
At which point, the dragon stood, spreading his wings to their full extent, towering over the little man opening his jaws to show the fiendfyre within. If the visitor thought a posture of intimidation was going to help, he had lost that battle handily.
The dragon continued, "I thought I had been clear. I neither know who you are, nor care. That is actually something you should be glad of. Now, I'm not going to waste much time with you. Here is what you need to know. I care not how you spend your own private, personal, recreational time. I don't care about your reading habits, or what you view. But you will never again assault a child, nor use one for your pleasure. Not that boy, nor any other child on the face of the earth for as long as you live. Do you understand that?"
"Who do you think you are, to say such things to me? You can prove nothing! You can't go making wild accusations..." and suddenly his voice would not work any further.
"I told you, I am your conscience and your nightmare. I make no accusations. I need no proofs. Behold..." and suddenly, memories flooded the man's mind, as time after time he had pleasured himself at the expense of some child. The visions would have sickened Pavel, had he not been Inquisitor and Magistrate for as long as he had. He'd come to witness such memories as one counts weights into a scale over time. In this case, he held no formal office, so he was free to function purely in the realm of Mind Mage. "Now, am I understanding that you would rather we go to the authorities, and make them aware of the memories you hold, perhaps with the assistance of Veratiserum? There are Aurors here among the marshals and monitors, I'm sure we could attract their attention if you prefer?"
"No... no... that won't be necessary!" The pudgy man replied. He'd never been subjected to this kind of treatment. He was a wizard of means, with community standing and good solicitors. He was so well insulated politically he considered himself untouchable.
"Fine. Then you place yourself at my mercy then?"
"Yes, yes, whatever. Just get this over with. I want to leave."
"I'm sure you do. And I don't want to deal with you any longer than necessary either. Very well then, your life will change rather dramatically from this day forward. Extend your left arm."
"What?"
"I said, 'Extend your left arm'. Push it away from your body."
"Why?"
"Because, I'm going to bite you. You are going to be injured. I've selected your left arm since I observe that you are right handed and I don't want to incapacitate you."
The man paled, and began to shake, "But why, why bite my arm?"
"Because I need you to believe that this happened when I return you to Hogwarts. Your arm will be incapacitated for about 6 to 8 weeks, though there will be no physical injury. If you seek relief at St. Mungo's or some medical center they will find nothing wrong, and tell you you are hallucinating. Which will be, technically correct. If you follow their recommendations and seek psychiatric treatment, they will conclude that your hallucinations are guilt-based, which will also be technically correct. You see, I am going to be with you for the rest of your life. Any time, and every time, you think about Adrian Pucey, you will see me in my most frightening form, standing guard over him in your mind's eye. In fact, you will see me appear in your mind every time you even think about touching a child.
"Should you ever be foolish enough to interact with a child, bait them, have someone procure one for you, or touch another, then I will come to you again and I will remove from you a body part. Normally, I leave it up to someone's choice whether they lose an eye, a hand, or a foot. In this case, the choice is already made and a rather obvious part. Though, I have been told it can improve one's singing voice if that is of any interest to you.
"Am I making myself perfectly clear?" the dragon hissed, in an even more threatening voice.
"I don't believe you. I don't believe any of this. I must be dreaming. This can't really be happening," the pudgy man said, shaking his head as if trying to convince himself that none of this was real.
"I know you don't believe this... hence my bite now. This is only a warning, and a proof. But once you believe, it is important that you remember all that I've said. Interfere with another child, and I shall visit you again, wherever you are, wherever you hide. Touch another after that, and you will disappear forever. And I never EVER break my word. You can believe this. Now... EXTEND your ARM!" and these last words were said with an irresistible "voice of command", making the man stretch his arm out, even as he tried to prevent himself from doing so.
Pavel then walked slowly up to the man, stooped down a little, and crushed his massive jaws down engulfing the offender's left arm from elbow to wrist between his massive fangs. The scream torn from his victim's lips would have curdled milk, as the man fell to the ground writhing and clutching his arm to his body.
Pavel stood dispassionately over this man, watching him writhe, roll, and weep... wondering if he had ever shown compassion to the children he had made weep across the years. He waited, patiently, until the man quieted down a bit.
"Do you believe me yet?" the dragon asked, in an almost bored voice.
"What?!" the man screamed.
"Do you believe me yet? That this is all quite real, and do you remember what I've told you, or must I repeat it?"
"No. NO! I believe you. I don't know how you're doing this, but I believe you!"
"Good, because I have other places to be. Now, nothing you can do will accelerate the healing of that injury, or reduce its pain. You will simply have to wait until nature heals you, as I say, in about 2 months. But you will always carry that ache with you, as a reminder. Stand up now and get control of yourself. No injury will show, and people will think you mad. I want to return you now. I shall deposit you outside the wards of Hogwarts at the Hogsmeade bridge where you can apparate home, if you can stand the pain, or you can get a floo from Hogsmeade. Are you ready?"
The man was standing, still clutching his shattered arm, but showing only the etched lines of miserable pain on his face, as he said, "Yes, yes, I'm ready."
"Fine. Now, remember what I've said. You never want to meet me again. Goodbye... for now." and Pavel touched the man's head, and the offender opened his eyes on the Hogsmeade Bridge.
He had hoped it had all been some sort of terrible dream or something, but when he tried to bend his left arm, the shooting dagger-like pain of what clearly felt like broken bones set the sweat pouring from his brow. Apparation seemed out of the question, so he chose to head for the floo at the Three Broomsticks.
Pavel took one more moment to mind-speak with Adrian, "Are you all right, Mr. Pucey? Did he upset you very much?"
"No, Professor. He'd just come up on me, and pulled me around there. Then you showed up right away. Thank you, so much," and there was a gush of intense gratitude in those last words.
"More than welcome, young sir. I doubt you'll be troubled by him, or anyone he knows in the future. Please let me know if you need any support along the way. I'm happy to dissuade bullies, of any stripe," and Pavel smiled in his voice.
"I will, sir."
"By the way, have you tried to Dunk a Prof yet?"
Adrian laughed, "No, sir."
"Well, if you get the chance, I'll be up soon. You could see if you can dump me in the tank if you like."
"Sounds like fun. I may try it. Thanks again."
"All right then, go on having fun! See you later."
Harry was still not real pleased about having to let Malfoy strut around like a peacock because he could defeat 5 duelists, and what made it worse was that his father, Lucius, was strutting just as big. Draco had already defeated three opponents, and others were hesitant to try. He'd gotten down to take a break and get some food. The referee told him they'd flash his bracelet when they had another opponent willing to fight him. Lucius had dragged poor Dobby along, to fetch and carry for them, probably just to show off that he had so frightened a house elf. Dobby caught Harry's eye in the crowd earlier, and managed a sneaked wave, before Lucius kicked him in the direction he wanted to walk. After today, Harry wondered if he'd have much chance to see Dobby, since Lucius was behind the plot of the book and the Basilisk, and they were going to settle all of that in the afternoon.
It got him thinking... He had to save Dobby. And probably, he needed to do it today, right now... since Lucius might not be hanging around as much or bring Dobby once he found out the Heir of Slytherin business was settled. But what to do? So he stopped a few minutes and settled down to think and plot. He was in the carnival alley at the time, and his eyes drifted over to the premiums booth... and an idea struck him.
Bah! Would he get in trouble? Would there be risk? OK, settle down, Harry. THINK!
Would he get in trouble?
Not if he cleared it first.
Was there risk?
Some, but not too much given the crowds and all.
Could he get hurt?
Probably not, given the witnesses here.
Could there be other harm done?
Maybe political. It would be good if Hogwarts staff had plausible deniability.
Professor Snape said not to go "off script" or do anything unplanned.
Maybe with a hypothetical, the Professor Konstantyn would have a solution.
Harry decided to get on his broom, and go speak to the Professor, who was also flying at the time. He didn't want to do this by mind-speak for some reason.
"Professor, do you have a moment?" Harry asked, a bit tentatively.
Pavel could feel some nervousness, and misinterpreted, "Sure, Harry. Are you feeling anxious about the Forest?"
"No, sir. I need you to approve an addition to the schedule, because I need to do an extra thing. But, I want you and John to have plausible deniability, so I can't tell you exactly what I want to do. Is that ok with you?" Harry thought that had sounded so much better in his head a minute ago.
"Well, it's hard to say with so little information, Harry. This isn't a really good time for departing from the plans we have already made. Is this something we could look at another day?"
"I don't think so, no, sir."
"I see. And it's important to you?"
"Yes, sir. Very."
"Well, you've planned with me enough to know my concerns. My first concern is, could you be hurt?"
"I don't think so, sir. I would make a wizard angry, so I suppose that could have a risk. But in a crowd like this... and I'd certainly be sure we were in a crowd at the time, I don't see how he could do anything harmful or extreme."
"I see. I'm just not comfortable telling you to go ahead with something, without any knowledgeable backup."
"Tell you what. You've let me do things you didn't know about, if John knew all about the plan, right?"
"Yes."
"Well, Oxsana isn't officially here, so she wouldn't need plausible deniability. If I explain everything to her, and she feels it's safe, have I your permission?"
Pavel thought about this a moment, intentionally deciding not to consult with Oxsana, though he knew she could hear and understand this entire conversation. "All right. Oxsana is an excellent tactical and strategic planner, she knows you and your capacities. And she knows and understands everything about the risks here. If she approves, I approve. But you must be completely transparent and up front with her, you understand?"
"Yes, sir. Completely. Give us just a minute," and Harry took off to discuss all this with the snake wrapped around his throat under the turtleneck cuff. "Oxsana, you're a Mind Mage too, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Like the Professor?"
"Well, he's stronger than I, and can do some things I cannot. But I am a Master Mage of the Mind Arcanum, yes. And an Inquisitor, as was he."
"Right, so if I invite you to see some memories in a few seconds, you can do that like he can, right?"
"Oh, yes. That's not hard."
"OK... here's the information..." and Harry showed her all his encounters with Dobby, including Dobby putting him to bed that night, and how dearly Dobby has tried to protect him. He showed her Lucius' cruelty to Dobby, not knowing Oxsana had significantly more information on Lucius that put him even lower on her "favorite person" list. Then he showed her exactly what he had in mind to do about it. And he was open and honest about any risks he could anticipate. She may know of others. "So... what do you think? Can we do this, safely enough?"
"I don't see why not, Harry. As you point out, he'd be very foolish indeed to try anything in a crowd like this. And in private he's already conspiring to kill you. And if he pulls a wand or loses control, I am more than adequate protection, especially knowing the risk ahead of time. Yes, Papa Pavel would approve of this. And with Lucius on the Board of Governors for Hogwarts, it is wise to keep this to ourselves until it is done. I'll vouch for this plan," Oxsana agreed.
"Great!" Harry exclaimed, as he headed back to Pavel. "Oxsana agrees. I'll just sit here while you two talk a minute."
Oxsana mind-spoke, "Harry has a good plan. He's probably right on the timing. This would best be done now. There is minimal risk, and I shall be right there if needed. I believe you would approve. I'll be honest, I don't think you would LIKE it, knowing all the facts. But as to risk, you would approve."
"Very well. I trust you both, so I approve. Will I be getting any 'notes home' on this?" he smiled.
"I don't think so, Papa Pavel." Oxsana laughed as she said, "I don't think he's even going to break any rules... this time."
"All right, Harry. This project is approved. Do you need anything?" Pavel asked aloud.
"Only one thing, sir. Can you make..." and he fumbled around in his pockets for a piece of scrap parchment... "this into a book that looks just like Riddle's Black Book for me? You know, the black leather cover, and old parchment pages inside? It doesn't have to say anything, just look identical to that Book."
Pavel took the scrap, laid in carefully between his hands, and watched as his hands glowed and a twin of the Black Book appeared between his hands. This did not make him any more comfortable about this project, but he'd promised to trust them, and he would keep his word.
"Thank you, sir," Harry said, as he took the book, and placed it in a pocket of his cloak. "and for trusting us."
"Yes, well. You just be careful, the two of you. And let me know when you are finished. Is it alright if I watch from a distance?"
"Absolutely! I'd appreciate that a lot!" Harry answered.
Pavel nodded as they flew off in different directions. He mind-spoke, "Ivan? Harry and Oxsana are up to something. I've approved their plan and am trusting them, though I don't know what exactly they are up to. Maybe help me keep an eye on them from a distance? We have time before the Tank or other things."
"Right, Papa. Be right up." John responded as he summoned his broom.
