The Best Laid Plans (Alexander)

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

The sun had just vanished beyond the horizon, leaving the castle in complete darkness save for the torches, placed on the walls to cast dim light on empty hallways. Professor Ksenia Calpurnia was walking down the corridor at a brisk pace, with her head raised up high. The corridor leading to the Headmaster's office was a long and narrow one, but she managed to cross it within seconds, lead by some strange desire to see her boss and do whatever he wanted her to do. He had summoned her by sending a terrified first year student to fetch her. She had left everything she'd been doing only to meet the Headmaster.

Ksenia stopped in front of Alexander's door, waiting for a moment in complete silence, before she knocked on the door and opened it. The room was a sight to behold, with a large fireplace, tall bookshelves and a massive writing desk. Ksenia slowly approached the desk, but the seat on the other side of the surface, the one where her boss would usually sit, was empty. It seemed that the room was empty. Ksenia looked around, narrowing her eyes slightly and wondering why on earth he had summoned her into an empty room. Suddenly, she heard something behind her and turned, startled. There was nothing there. Then she slowly turned towards the desk and couldn't suppress a scream when she realised that Alexander was sitting in his chair, his grey eyes focused on her. "You wanted to see me." she finally muttered, after regaining some composure after the shock.

[P. Alexander Grigoryevich Olaf]

"I," Alex stopped suddenly. He looked down at his lap as if ready to throw up his dinner. It took a moment before he looked up again. He gazed across the room at Ksenia, his eyes betraying his sensitive condition. Despite this, his face remained stern as always. "I am glad that you answered my summons. I have not expressed my gratitude for your service enough."

Alex gave a short sigh and closed his eyes. After a moment, he opened his eyes now composed against his broken heart. "There has been a change in plans." He stood up and paced behind his desk slowly as he continued, "It has been decided that you will not be promoted to Professor Karkaroff's office. Though I would appreciate if you announced our new Deputy Headmistress' succession to the students in your first class tomorrow morning; Professor Lamia. I could not appoint one of these pureblood monsters, they would make this office too difficult for me. And I need you by my side next year. I am deeply sorry." Ksenia was the only Professor he had confided his actual blood status with. While many others had guessed he was halfblood, no one would dare speak of such suspicion aloud.

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Now that her face was stern and calm again, without any traces of shock or surprise, Ksenia's gaze was focused on her boss. Her eyes narrowed a bit and she observed him carefully. There was something wrong, something seemed to be bothering him, but he also managed to keep his face stern. The two of them were similar in so many ways and Ksenia often wondered if she was the only one who had noticed that. She bowed her head slightly, before speaking: "Sir, you know that I have always been loyal to you. And I always will be."

Ksenia remained standing and she kept staring at Alex, even when he closed his eyes. She wanted to know what was troubling him, but decided not to ask anything. He would probably tell her eventually, she only have to give him some time. "A change?" Ksenia frowned. Her eyes followed Alexander as he stood up and began pacing behind the desk. Ksenia bit her lip, trying to hide her disappointment. Somehow she wasn't surprised, though. "Yes, sir." she answered, lowering her gaze to the floor. She was immensely displeased with the decision, but remained silent. Of course he favoured his wife over her, everybody favoured that woman over her, but they could hardly be blamed. Ksenia let out a small chuckle at Alexander's remark on pure-bloods. She was the only staff member who knew about his blood status, and he was also the only one who knew about hers. She raised her head and looked up at him. "You know that you will always have me by your side. No matter what happens." Ksenia answered passionately. She truly meant every word she said and she was glad that Alexander appreciated her devotion.

[P. Alexander Grigoryevich Olaf]

Alexander cast off his cloak and it fell onto the chair he had been seated in a moment ago. With a flicker of his wand, the dying flames rekindled themselves and the fireplace emitted a bold yellow glow once again.

Alex turned back to his guest. He smiled to her for a fleeting second before looking away again. This time his gaze was drawn to an open drawer of his desk. With a sigh, Alex made a gesture toward one of the chairs before his desk, "Please, come in. Sit with me."

Alex himself returned to his seat on the opposite side of the desk. He opened the drawer to his desk and peered inside. He noticed the missing books and parchments immediately. With a weary sigh, Alex re-closed the drawer properly. "There has been a betrayal. As you already know, Karkaroff though well past his prime and positively ancient, did not resign from his post willingly. Sever a head from the Hydra and two more emerge."

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Following the rule to remain standing until directed to be seated, Ksenia didn't move from her place, but her eyes followed Alexander's movements. The yellow light, emitted by newly rekindled flames in the fireplace was casting long shadows on the walls.

Ksenia allowed herself to return the smile. Then her eyes followed his gaze to an open drawer of his desk. The witch raised a questioning eyebrow, but remained silent. When Alex invited her to it with him, Ksenia nodded her head and took a seat across from him. "Thank you, Sir." she said, straightening her dress.

Ksenia's eyes narrowed slightly at his weary sigh. Other than that, she was the picture of a serene woman. Good Lord, things were getting more and more interesting every year, she was indeed working with strange people. As a response to his words, Ksenia just nodded her head. "What are you planning to do?" she asked. If he wanted to punish the traitors for their insolence, she would be more than willing to help. She would do anything to please him, as he probably knew.

[P. Alexander Grigoryevich Olaf]

Alexander rubbed a corner of his desktop. It was something that he started doing when he came to this school. He hadn't ever had need for a desk previously. Sitting behind one most of the day had been uncomfortable at first. But he knew he needed to slow down.

Alex smiled for a short moment. "I wouldn't tell you my plan as it is a family matter. Karkaroff found out what happens when you meddle in my personal life. Regardless, I think it would do little harm to inform that I have not devised a plan yet. Though if you can keep an eye on that boy, Ivan, it would be greatly appreciated. I think he may have something to do with the missing contents of this drawer."

Alexander sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. His eyes drifted shut though he did not notice them close at first. "How are your lessons going?" He yawned after he asked the question, the encounter with his spouse he had had tonight was most exhausting. Alex knew Ksenia wasn't happy with most of the students and that the only reason she stayed was because of him. That was why he had initially wanted to promote her as his deputy so that she wouldn't have to teach a class.

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Ksenia frowned, crossing her arms over her chest. She felt hurt and quite disappointed that Alexander wasn't willing to share all of his secrets with her. She considered him a part of her family; he had saved her life once and it wasn't something one easily forgot. And she wanted so badly to be a part of his personal life, just as she was his loyal business partner.

The woman nodded her head, the frown slowly disappearing from her face when Alex admitted that he hadn't devised a plan yet. She would be more than willing to help him, he only had to tell her what was troubling him... which he didn't do. Ksenia was taken by surprise when she heard his request. However, she didn't show it. "Alright, I will do as you wish." Her eyes widened when she heard the accusation; why on earth would the boy do that? However, strange things happened at Durmstrang every day, one had to get used to them.

"I am satisfied." Ksenia answered. "Even though I am forced to work with ignorant fools, I am doing my best." To be completely honest, Ksenia wasn't particularly fond of children, but she had grown to like the job. It would have been even better, had she been promoted to the deputy headmistress. "I can leave if you are too tired..." she suggested, hoping that he wouldn't send her away, even though he was exhausted.

[P. Alexander Grigoryevich Olaf]

Alexander could see the disappointment in Ksenia's eyes. This night's chat was not going easy on her, that inevitability was plain to him before he had even engaged with her. Though he had resovled to use it as a sort of test of loyalty. Though he knew she was loyal now, what if that loyalty was strained? He had to be sure.

Alex took up his wand again and waved it. A tray laden with goblets and a pitcher of some foreign brew upon it. It was a habit of his, to request a random drink unknown to him every night. "Indeed. I am grateful. You should be wary. If he understands and can handle what he has stolen, he will possess some powerful magic. Though neither of those is likely, given his weak bloodline." Alex had been so blinded by rage at the boy and his mother he had completely forgotten his girl. She was his favorite, carved in the exact image of her mother. Despite that, it seemed she was not his child after all.

After a moment, Alex's eyes re-opened. He looked across the desk at Ksenia mildly perturbed. "You should view your knowledge as a blessing. Without the ignorant fools we would have no labor force. Our power over them dictates our right to rule over them. The masses must be kept in their place." Alex moved his wand again and the pitcher filled the two goblets steadily. Another swing of his wand hand and the goblets levitated and floated before Ksenia and Alex. "I will dismiss you when I have no further need of you. Was there some other engagement you had planned tonight?" Alex raised an eyebrow at her as he took the goblet in front of him in his hand.

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Ksenia's eyes widened slightly when the drink appeared before them. She knew of Alexander's habit to summon different drinks every night, as she was often there to drink with him. "I do not wish to be indiscreet, Headmaster." she started, hesitating for a moment, afraid of his reaction. "But can you tell me what is it that he has taken? If I knew what that object was, then I would be able to devise a more sufficient plan... in case he does understand the item he has stolen and learns how to use it." Ksenia was confused by his words; wasn't the boy his son? How on earth could his bloodline be weak, then? Of course, there were rumours, the rumours she refused to believe, that the boy wasn't Alexander's son. How could his wife have been such and idiot? Had he married her, instead... Ksenia took a deep breath, deciding not to think about it tonight. They had to act, not dream.

Ksenia looked back at Alexander just when he opened his eyes. "I do, sir, I do." she answered. "But it can be very hard sometimes to work with such fools. Even the labour force needs to be channeled. There has to be someone to keep direct contact with the masses, to keep them in their place." Ksenia accepted the goblet he had levitated to her, but she didn't drink from it. She was looking at Alex. "I understand, Sir, please forgive me." Ksenia quickly apologised. "Well, you were the one to summon me here..." she whispered. "I believe that we should discuss the Hogwarts matter." she continued. "I am certain that they can give us all the information we need, only if we ask the right person."

[P. Alexander Grigoryevich Olaf]

Alexander nodded his head in agreement. He would have personally been angry if his master did not warn him of what awaited him on an expedition; a common behaviour among Muggle leaders. After only a few moments he responded, "Not one object. It was books. Books that I had originally wished to keep secret from him. Spells and such. Written by some of the most powerful wizards and witches of past ages. I had them removed from the library and set in here when Ivan first enrolled in Durmstrang." Alex grinned half-heartedly. "And when I appointed our new deputy headmistress, this office was opened for her to enter and leave as she pleased." Alex had originally wanted to keep his falling out with Lamia a secret. "Just this night she accused me of incompetence and not being able to keep our children safe." Alex tried to grin again but couldn't coax his facial muscles to work. He took another sip of his drink and wondered if he shouldn't drink much tonight.

"That is good, that is good. We wouldn't want our underlings to believe they'll be honoured without putting in the necessary hard work and determination."

Alex was able to find his grin again. "Ah. The tournament. That is why I don't have the two of them searched and the books they took confiscated; we may need a champion with enough determination to steal from his own master for their own gain. This is why I only want you to observe Ivan, to track his progress. If he proves incompetent, as is likely, another champion will be chosen in his place."

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

"Books?" Ksenia repeated, finally understanding why he had been so worried about the situation. If the boy was smart enough to use the books he had stolen and learn from them, he would get immense power. The power he had no idea how to use and control. It would be too much for the boy. Ksenia bit her lower lip in order to suppress the urge to smile. His wife had made a mistake, she had betrayed him. Ksenia raised the glass to her lips and took a sip. The drink had a strange bitter taste, but she was enjoying it. "That's nonsense!" Ksenia snapped, before she could stop herself. "That's utter stupidity, calling you incompetent, I would never..." Ksenia realised that she'd crossed the line, so she fell silent. She was always there to defend Alexander with great passion, even from his own wife. "Forgive me, Professor." she quickly took another larger sip of her drink.

Ksenia nodded her head to show that she had understood the plan. "Of course, sir. Even though I agree with you regarding his competence, or lack thereof, the boy might still surprise us." then she added "I will not let you down." Ksenia lowered her gaze to the drink in her hand. "What are we drinking?" she asked "It has a very peculiar taste." Ksenia sipped the drink silently, her eyes focused on Alexander and a small frown on her face. "Professor, do you think that we can find an ally in Hogwarts? Melkor Valenceus has changed because of that Ravenclaw woman, but there has to be someone else who doesn't support stupid mudbloods."

[P. Alexander Grigoryevich Olaf]

Alexander tipped his goblet over his lips and drank deep of the foreign liquid. He began to cough and spat the drink back up into the cup. Angered he put the goblet down onto the desk. "Yes. Well, to be honest, I am quite incompetent compared to Lamia. Not too many are not." Alex grinned watching Ksenia, she was brave. That was part of the reason he kept her around. "Do not fear my wrath while you speak of her, fear hers." Alexander hated incompetence, anyone who wanted to associate with him had to be strong.

Alexander picked the goblet off his desk and placed it onto the tray it had appeared on. He leaned forward in his chair and placed his wand against the tray. It disappeared and the drink with it. "It tastes like goblin dung."

Hogwarts presents us with many possible allies. Salazar and Gryffindor have both been disenfranchised from the school in recent years. Due to the weaknesses of their other two accomplices, especially Rowena Ravenclaw. Salazar would be a welcome ally. Though Gryffindor, an impetous young man, will be easy to manipulate. Of course, Mitrevska may get to him first. He is not likely to be helpful to our cause for long anyway. We must focus our efforts on Salazar."

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Ksenia raised her eyebrows. as she stared at Alexander, quite surprised to hear him praise his wife's competence and almost question his own. Her lips parted; she was ready to protest, for she considered him greater and far more worthy than Lamia. He seemed quite amused with her reaction, though. "I do not fear your wrath, Professor. At least not in this matter." Ksenia allowed herself a small smile. "You know that I am completely and utterly devoted to you, as I have been for more than twenty years. However, your wife still doesn't trust me. I don't know why." she took a sip of her drink and grimaced at the taste. Then she politely put her goblet back on the table. Ksenia nodded her head, showing that she agreed with the way her boss had described the taste.

"Gryffindor is too young and foolish and I fear he doesn't share our beliefs. He is useless. I doubt that Mitrevska would find him interesting either. Slytherin, on the other hand, is our natural ally" Ksenia made a pause and leaned back in her chair. "What do you want me to do?"