The Life of Bryan
Everyone in Pavel's study just stared, open mouthed, at the chorkling blue-eyed newborn that sat among the ashes on Dumbledore's hospital bed.
Pavel, still attending primarily to Harry after his exhausted collapse, took a moment to consider what steps to take next. Even the briefest sweep over the mind of the baby, showed that this was, indeed, Albus Dumbledore in newborn state. It would seem the combination of Fawkes' and Harry's love and power for Albus, when primordially boosted by the Primal Wild magic to which Harry had temporary access, had forced Albus to regenerate in the manner of a Phoenix.
A myriad of questions had yet to be asked and answered, but Minerva had appropriately focused on the simple matter at hand... Albus' immediate needs.
"Oxsana?" Pavel began, "I know your mother has been retired for quite a while, but do you think she would be willing to lend us her aid for a bit? She is a most competent nurse and caretaker, and I'd like to keep this matter in the family until we know more. I am going to take Harry to nap for a bit. If you could see if she would join us, bringing anything she thinks useful for a newborn, we'll work out a plan."
"Of course, Papa Pavel. I know she'll be glad to help. I'll go get her, and we'll be right back."
"Good, good. Thank her for me," he nodded, lifting Harry in his arms to carry him up to his room. "I'll be back down shortly. Minerva, I presume you will act as Headmistress for the interim? We shall have to see about timelines as events unfold."
"Yes, Paul. I'm sure we can wait a bit before worrying about making any notifications," McGonagall replied.
In the meantime, Minerva took it upon herself to transform the hospital bed into a diaper changing table, the bedlinens into diapers and a onesie, along with some receiving blankets. With surprising speed and skill she washed and dressed the Headmaster, banishing any trace of ash or debris, chattering away at him cheerfully, keeping him entertained through his ablutions.
Mere moments later, Sonja Brezynski arrived with her daughter, carpet bag in hand, saying, "I understand my services are needed?" So saying, she set her belongings down and reached out for the cooing infant with a warm smile.
Minerva lifted the baby, and cradled him securely in Sonja's arms, watching him focus on her dangling earrings with a not yet coordinated reach.
"Ah, Little One," Sonja chuckled, "those are not your playthings! I shall have to child proof myself before we go much further. Let us go rock for a while, and see if you will eat while I get better situated." Looking up to address Minerva, she asked, "does he have a room here?"
Minerva thought this through a moment, and said, "follow me." She then led the nursemaid to one of the guest rooms, and transfigured his bed and bedding into a crib, adding a playpen and comfortable rocking chair to the room's ensemble. The house was nothing if not neat, and there was nothing out of place or strewn about when they entered. Minerva adjusted the draperies to allow muted daylight to cheer the room without glare, and said, "I'm not sure what the arrangements will be, but for the moment this should be fine. We'll have to discuss arrangements in a little while, but for now, please make yourself at home."
"This will be fine," Sonja answered. "We shall see if he will eat and nap soon. He certainly seems happy and healthy," she added, as she bounced him gently in her arms, seeing him giggle in return. "He is strong, sitting up already and holding his head steady. I can feel the life in him. He's not like a newborn, at least not a muggle newborn."
"Um, yes..." Minerva began. "Things will likely be a bit different... perhaps even VERY different... for him. I suspect he may mature very quickly, as this was more a 'regeneration', than a 'birth'."
Leaving the door open so they could hear if they were called or needed, McGonagall sat in a comfortable armchair while Sonja sat to rock and feed the baby. The Professor explained what had happened as best she could understand it herself. She had to marvel at the nurse's capacity to absorb surprising circumstances as the woman just rocked humming gently to the child, without turning a hair at the story.
"I see," was her only response. "Well, we shall see how long this Little One has need of my services. He may well outgrow me quickly. But I shall be happy to help in any way I can for as long as I can. For now, let us see if he will settle to sleep some. His growth will require much energy, I suspect."
Minerva took her cue and exited the room quietly, leaving the two of them cuddled as Sonja rocked.
Pavel lifted the semi-conscious Harry from the sofa in the Study, holding him close, saying they were going to Harry's room where he would nap for a bit and recover his strength. If anyone needed him, just to find him there. Gently, he lay the boy down atop his covers, pulled off his boots, and tucked him up snug with a down comforter, before pulling a chair up alongside the bed to sit and keep watch. Harry just murmured a bit, before rolling on his side, winding even more securely into the coverlet.
Pavel had been monitoring Harry's mental state since he appeared so suddenly in the kitchen, and for the first time Harry's frenetic energy seemed slowly to be abating. He'd nearly been in a frenzy before they secured Albus from Hogwarts, and his conjunction with Fawkes had made it difficult to keep Harry's identity clear and intact. All that seemed gone now, and the boy seemed to be slipping into something like natural sleep. Truth be told, the old man was grateful for that. Intimate encounters with the Primal Wild, supernal cataclysms at the level of power Harry, Fawkes, and Albus had just experienced, vastly exceeded what Pavel typically thought of as "reasonable, typical, or safe". In short, Pavel did not approve of them in the least bit, not that there was a darned thing he could have done about it. Life with exceedingly powerful and talented youth, could be tough indeed on an authoritarian like Pavel Konstantyn. He let his eyes drift closed as peacefully he leaned back in his chair.
At about 10 a.m. - all this excitement having taken place before 8:30, actually - Pavel stirred to wakefulness as he sensed Dobby standing alongside him with respectful attention.
"Yes, little friend," Pavel smiled and stretched as he spoke in low tones to the little elf. "Vot iss it?" Silently, without anxiety, he checked the status of Harry and his mind, finding him napping in a very normal and typical sleep.
Keeping his own voice quite low, not to waken Harry, Dobby said, "So sorry to disturb Master, but young Master Percy has come, saying you had an appointment with him, so I came to check. Do you want him to come back later? I don't think he knows of anything that's happened here this morning," Dobby finished, looking anxiously over at Harry, almost reaching out for his hand, lines of concern creasing his usually exuberant face.
"He's fine, Dobby. Really," Pavel comforted. "He's exhausted at the moment. But a wondrous thing has happened to him, and he's been instrumental in rescuing Headmaster Dumbledore from a very serious injury. He should be fine when he catches up on some sleep. In fact..." Pavel rose from his seat with a great feline stretch, "I would be grateful if you would just sit here with him for a while keeping an eye on him, while I go downstairs and speak with our young Mr. Weasley. Please summon me if he wakens or for any other need, all right?" Pavel patted the little elf's shoulder kindly. "He is just fine, and should be back with us after he's gotten some rest."
"Dobby will watch over him, Master," Dobby assured, gently taking Harry's hand before climbing into the chair just vacated.
"Thank you, Dobby," Pavel smiled, pausing as he looked in at the two of them before closing the bedroom door softly.
After knocking gently on Bryan's door to be assured that all was well with Sonja and the baby, Pavel walked on downstairs to get a cup of coffee and greet Percy Weasley.
Percy rose respectfully as Pavel descended the staircase. "Good morning, Professor," he bowed slightly greeting the older man.
"Good morning, Percy," Pavel smiled with a nod and wave. "Care to join me in a cup of tea or coffee? Have you had breakfast?" he asked, with a welcoming gesture that Percy should walk with him to the kitchen. He noted that young Weasley was dressed in business/professional robes, apparently considering a formal appointment with him to call for better than casual attire.
"Yes, I have, sir. But I'd be glad to share a of a cup of tea."
"Fine, fine. Help yourself," Pavel indicated a row of canisters on the counter top with a vast array of blends. A wave of his hand brought a teapot filled with scalding water onto the counter before them, as he poured a cup of rich coffee into his own mug, steaming with a heady aroma. He leaned back against the counter as he watched Percy carefully select his tea leaves, measure the right amount into the pot, then carefully clean his utensils being assured there was no sign of his preparations. Pavel noticed Percy's punctilious attention to detail and tidiness.
"Why don't we just sit down here in the kitchen to chat? Or would you prefer to repair to my study?" Pavel asked.
"No, no. Here would be fine, sir," Percy answered quickly, seeming to relax a bit, granting his shoulders some relief from their nearly military rectitude. He pulled a mug from a cabinet, and carried the teapot, strainer, saucer, and spoon, to the table with him, as he sat down in the chair indicated.
Pavel sat next to him and said, "This is just a friendly chat, Mr. Weasley. I sense some anxiety on your part, and I want to assure you that there is absolutely nothing wrong. I just wanted to take some time to speak with you, get a feeling for what your plans may be for the future, and perhaps even offer a proposal you might like. I also, deeply, want to thank you along with your whole family, for being such wonderful friends to Harry since you've known him. Is anything troubling you?"
"No, sir, not at all," Percy replied, pouring and straining his tea. "I guess I feel just a bit awkward, truthfully," he smiled. "Ron and Harry are brilliant friends. And Fred and George are about as fond of Harry as they could be. I know they all consider me a stuffed shirt and a bit of a pompous... well... um, let's just say they don't always appreciate the prefect's eye I must keep on them as Gryffindors. I know I'm a bit of a thorn in their side, and I hope Harry doesn't take it amiss. Our family loves Harry like one of our own, and I'm very glad you've asked us here this week so Mother and Father can get to know you a bit better," he finished, setting his strainer and spoon neatly in their saucer as he leaned back in his chair to take a sip of tea.
"I see," Pavel nodded, as he carefully took measure of this young man. Overall, he liked what he saw, and what he'd observed thus far. In class, Percy was diligent, attentive, comprehensive and methodical. He studied hard and had excellent recall. His reasoning skills were well developed, and if he had an area for improvement... it was his imagination and creativity. He could recite the history and progress of dozens of battles over the centuries without flaw, but found it hard to suggest a better strategy if challenged to think on his feet.
"Well," Pavel continued, "I'm delighted that you could all make this time for us to get together. Everything with Harry's situation has moved along so quickly, I wonder if you have any questions or concerns you'd like to air?"
"About, Harry, sir? About your guardianship?" Percy asked thoughtfully.
Pavel's lips compressed as he considered the question, "Well, yes... there's that. But not necessarily confined to that, no. Feel free to ask anything you are curious about. I may not answer everything, but you're quite welcome to ask." Pavel made an encouraging nod and doffed his mug in a clear gesture to go on with his thoughts.
"Well," Percy began thoughtfully, "I've really been a bit confused about things. As I said, I try to look out for both Ron and Harry as my younger brothers," he shook his head slightly as he took a sip of tea, muttering, "that can be a bit of a challenge considering Fred and George. But anyway," Percy continued a bit more energetically, "when you first arrived, I was surprised, and more than a little concerned with how quickly you and Harry seemed to get together. He's been through a lot, some very dangerous people have it in for him, and... well... sir, to be perfectly frank, erm..." Percy's voice faded to unintelligible mutter...
"I," Pavel continued cheerfully, "... am a foreigner. Who knows where I am from or what my designs might be, eh?"
"Well, not to put to fine a point on that, sir. But yes. Exactly. Harry is very gifted as a wizard, and has both powerful friends and powerful adversaries. First there was you, then Master John... even though it was clear that Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall knew you from long ago... Well, I just couldn't be sure everything was on the up and up. Then, when I heard about your taking Harry on as apprentice, I was even more concerned. Why would you do that? I mean, you could gain control of his power. He comes from a powerful and respected wizarding family. He even has considerable wealth I believe. I just wasn't sure of your motives, or that you were acting solely in his best interests." Percy ploughed on through this conversation, becoming more uncomfortable by the minute.
"What in the world am I thinking, saying all this?" he chided himself. Still... "in for a penny, in for a pound" as they say. He'd finish saying his piece, and hope he had not offended his host and professor.
"Anyway, sir," I was very much looking forward to this visit, as I wanted to understand more about you, your home and family, and your relationship with Harry."
Pavel interrupted, chuckling gently, "And have we calmed your concerns and set your mind at ease by now?"
Percy, too, had to chuckle as he responded. "Yes, sir. I must admit. None of my concerns, theories, or hypotheses seem to make the least bit of sense. Clearly, the Potter legacy doesn't seem substantial enough to be a motive, considering your obvious holdings. Your command of magic, I suspect, vastly outstrips even what we've been able to observe of it thus far. The only concern I'd not yet put away completely was some sort of political machinations regarding Harry and the Ministry's involvement with him and his history with You-Know-Who. Harry is still a very powerful icon of hope and freedom to much of our wizarding world, and from some things I've heard you have something going on with the Ministry about such matters."
"I see," Pavel nodded thoughtfully. "Have you interest in Ministry politics? And what, if you don't mind my asking, have you heard? And how have you heard it?" He was careful to keep his tone friendly and casual, not wanting to push Percy into a defensive posture. "I'm just curious, and it bears a bit on the reason for this meeting. Don't say more than you are comfortable saying."
"Well, Professor, as to politics, yes, I have a strong interest. Father works for the Ministry as you know, and I think I would like to as well. I'm not sure in what capacity as yet, but I've worked hard to keep my grades and deportment, and hopefully potential recommendations, such that I will qualify for some Ministry position upon graduation. I don't know that I could ever eventually run for office, I'm not much of a popularity vote-getter, but I like being part of a system and process that keeps things safe and orderly for both muggles and magical citizens.
"As to what I've heard and how... Well, mainly, I just listen. A lot. Adults don't tend to notice me as long as I stand in a background looking like I'm doing something tedious, like filing or studying. It's kind of the same thing I do as Prefect. I stand still, seeming to pay attention to something else, and listen to what students are saying or planning around me. When I hear about some caper or plot that would be unsafe or get someone in serious trouble, I don't turn around right then and confront them. I'll just wait to show up at the right place at the wrong time, 'accidentally' foiling the gig. I don't want Gryffindors losing house points, and it just enhances my reputation as being 'everywhere at once' when it happens."
"Zo, then..." Pavel laughed gently as he sipped his tea and passed a recently materialized plate of pastries towards Percy, "you are telling me, you eavesdrop."
"Yes, sir. I do." Percy met his gaze without blush or falter, taking a cheese danish. "Fred and George have some useful aides in this endeavor, and I've liberated one or two with a bit of extortion here and there. They don't grouse on me. They daren't."
"Well then, what intelligence have you managed to glean in your investigations about me, or Ivan, and our association with your Ministry of Magic?"
Percy's face took on a puzzled expression. "Not too much, really. Just that it seems that you, Master John, and Miss Oxsana are now involved with the Ministry in some way, especially with the Aurors and wizengemot, somehow. People just aren't talking about it all that much. There's just a bit of buzz here and there. Apparently, sir," Percy leaned back in his chair as he laughed quietly, "you seem to make some adults nearly as nervous as students."
"Oh?" Pavel leaned back as well, subtly mirroring Percy's postures. "Do you find me fearsome? Some students do, I know. I've never felt you to be very anxious. At least not past the first week or so of class."
"No, sir," Percy smiled. "I don't find you fearsome, at least not in the sense you mean. Not as a professor, or in your authority at Hogwarts. You have clear rules and boundaries, and you are consistent in enforcement and consequences. You are..." Percy took a moment hunting for the right word... "orderly. One can predict what you will approve or disapprove, and the likely results of one's actions. I despise chaos, disorder, randomness. Such things make me uncomfortable. My twin brothers drive me mad. What they find amusing I usually find annoying, and that just eggs them on."
"And yet, Percy, I sense you still have some misgivings about me. That's fine, of course. I'm not the least bit offended. But if there's something you want to know that would set your mind more at ease, this is an opportunity away from school, from family, from any onlookers at all, where you and I can converse with absolute privacy," Pavel invited.
"Well, Professor, since you open the door so wide, I must say that I'm yet confused as to your motives. It's clear, coming here, that you have no need to enhance your status or political strength by alliance with Harry Potter. You're more than just a 'local official' here, aren't you? And Harry has changed in just the short time he's been here. He's quite a bit more serious, notwithstanding his little stunt yesterday. There's something going on here, something in your relationship with Harry, that's bigger than any scenarios or schema I had hypothesized. No?
"For example," Percy set his mug down with an assertive thump, leaning forward onto the table with a determined expression, "I suspect I'd be more correct to address you as 'Milord' rather than simply 'Sir' or 'Professor', would I not? You are not simply a local Squire hereabouts, are you?"
"Percy, my dear young man, you are quite right and you exceed all my expectations and hopes regarding your understanding of politics and diplomacy. Let us see if I can allay your concerns as to my motives, and offer you an opportunity to serve your Ministry of Magic in a manner that pleases you.
"First, as to who and what I am... Your instincts and observations are quite right. In this part of the world, I hold considerable authority. We, in Eastern Europe, yet hold a far more feudal structure of magical governance, due to historical issues of religion, centralized government and military history, along with deep roots of diverse magical forms and dark magical practices still very much at large. I, as head of House Konstantyn, am what you would call a Peer. I am a ReichHerzog, head of this demesne, a feudal territory with magical boundaries separate from other domains ruled by other heads of houses. I have no designs or ill intentions, and offer nothing but alliance and assistance to the United Kingdom. I have agreed to lend assistance to your Ministry of Magic by Treaty, drafted between your Minister of Magic and this domain's head of state security, endorsed by the Queen. Therefore, rest assured, my relationship with Harry by no means is in aid of any other political end. Rather the opposite. A great deal of my political capital is currently dedicated to assuring Harry's ongoing safety and security. Is all this clear?" Pavel paused, letting Percy process all this information.
"Good," Pavel continued. "You and I share a preference for the 'decent and orderly'. I have noted that you are observant, careful, diligent, and pay considerable attention to detail. You have mentioned a desire to work towards a ministerial career. My current arrangement with the Ministry would benefit from the services of an intern, a legal clerk, to do research and liaison between the Aurors, other elements of enforcement, and the courts of the Ministry or wizengemot. If you were interested in such a position, Professor McGonagall could assign it as your scholastic task while you prepare for your N.E.W.T.s. Formally, you would serve as a clerk to Justice Amelia Bones, working on the Project that is the subject of our Treaty."
"That sounds most interesting, sir," Percy's eyes sparkled with animation. "May I ask the nature of this Project?"
"You may," Pavel nodded, sipping more tea. "We are engaged in investigation of the Death Eaters, past and present, and their potential influence in society and government. It goes without saying that we are engaged in this investigation with great discretion and diplomacy. Events over the past few years, even some events of this year, indicate that the shadow of the so-called Dark Lord still haunts a number of places and people. These matters have become a concern both in Great Britian as well as here. Death Eaters were judicially dealt with 10 years ago at the end of the Wizarding War there, but it seems that a number of issues may have slipped through the cracks without adequate resolution. Justice Bones, the Aurors, and I intend to make a methodical examination of all matters Death Eater, and gain some assurance that their corruption has been properly eliminated from the halls of government."
"I see," Percy sat back, pondering thoughtfully. "Pardon my asking, but it would seem this could be a more than somewhat risky endeavor, could it not? I mean, last year Professor Quirrel brought You-Know-Who all the way into Hogwarts, in some way under that turban of his. Ginny was haunted by Riddle's Diary, being controlled to some extent by some ghostly extension of You-Know-Who... and that Diary was planted on her intentionally. Whether Death Eaters, as such, are still around or not, clearly You-Know-Who has some sort of minions still functioning. Could this Project be potentially dangerous?"
"Yes," Pavel nodded matter-of-factly. "Yes, indeed it could. Does that dissuade you or dampen your interest?" he chuckled a moment, considering... "Or perhaps, does it make the prospect more attractive to you?"
Percy gave an almost embarrassed smile as he looked deeply into his tea mug, "Neither, really, Professor. I just like to understand what I may be getting into. I don't jump at the chance to do risky things, like Bill or the Twins, but I won't back away from danger if it's important. I can hold my own pretty well in Dueling Club, but I'm not yet up to a standard to take on a Death Eater, I'm afraid."
"Well said, Mr. Weasley!" Pavel praised. "I am a great proponent of Risk Assessment which is precisely what you are doing. Is there some danger to investigating supporters or former supporters of Voldemort? There certainly could be. Ivan and Oxsana are working with the Law Enforcement Division directly, I am working with the courts. You ought never be working alone, or in any risky location. For the most part, you should be working in Justice Bones' Chambers, or an adjoining office we will secure for you, or at Hogwarts. Beyond that, you would have armor and communications, providing considerable protection and backup. Do I take it then, that given these conditions, you are interested in the position?"
"Absolutely!" Percy nodded energetically. "I despise Voldemort..." he dropped his voice and looked over his shoulder, as if using profanity near his parents, "along with his mindless lackeys and everything they stand for. They tried to kill Harry years ago when they killed his parents, and I don't doubt they'd do it again if they could. If this is working with you and the Ministry to overturn darkness, I certainly want in."
"Very well, then," Pavel set down his mug decisively. "Let us put on our coats and go outside for a stroll. I will explain what we are doing and what we'll need you to do more fully, and I'll ask you to swear formally by your magic, that you will keep all this confidential, only disclosing to appropriate people as instructed, when necessary."
"That will be fine, sir."
Pavel took a moment to check in with Sonja and Bryan, as he blinked to and from his bedroom to don his overcoat and cloak. Finding all well, Pavel led the way out to walk the cobbled path from the kitchen's Mudroom down towards the Mews. Together, he and Percy passed the rest of a fascinating hour.
AN: I know it's been way too long since I'd posted a chapter. I'll not make excuses but to say other things have intervened. I've been getting the juices flowing again, and I hope to get more story up much more regularly soon. Please review when you can. Your notes and encouragement are tremendously appreciated! Grace to you, Gentle Readers! - Mort