Robert laughed warmly, "Be glad that was all he did. I'll have to introduce you to the auror Khaat turned into a fluffy little yellow duck. It was truly very funny. I did change him back. I wasn't going to leave him as a little duck forever, but I don't think he'll ever live it down or forget it either. It was hilarious. Let me tell you something about Brian. He takes his job very seriously. If you have ever known someone who was truly married to his career, then you'll understand Brian. He sees nothing but his job. He believes so much in what we do that he lives it and breathes it.
"The man rarely sleeps, he'll put himself in front of any child or any organization member and take their hit so tht he doesn't lose a child or a man, either one. I've seen probably more of Brian's insides than any other patients I've ever had. He doesn't fear taking a hit, and he doesn't fear death either one. The only thing he fears is losing someone he cares about. He takes his job extremely seriously, and he is obsessed with improving his physical conditioning and his fighting skills. He's as good in a bar room brawl as he is in a duel. You know, you two have so much in common, I would think you would learn to be good friends.
"I presume you had everyone watching your sparring match with him. Just so you know, that was not because you were new. It was because Brian practices while everyone else sleeps and when the house is empty. Normally, very few live here. Brian lives here practically year round. The only one he regularly spars with is me because it keeps us both in shape. But make no mistake, he will drill you all during our 'retreat' harder than any other military bootcamp instructor you've ever known. He doesn't want to ever have to live with the thought that perhaps the next person we lose wasn't prepared enough. When he's through with you, you will be in the best shape you've ever been in, in your life. That I promise you.
"Steven, as his partner, you need to know something. He wears a medallion a lot like yours. It is a gold dubloon with a skull on it. Spinning the skull will alert the rest of you that he is in danger. However, if he should risk his life and become seriously injured, you will find a small pin at the bottom of the dubloon. Almost unnoticeable. If you pull that pin, the eyes in the skull will glow. That will alert me instantly and help me to portkey right to him. He is much too valuable for me to lose. And he is Gryffindor through and through. He will throw himself on the bomb or the fire if he believes it will save someone else. I'm telling you this in case he takes a hit tomorrow night. I usually partner with him on the last night of the races, but in case I can't be here, you need to know he will do whatever it takes to protect you all. If he gets hurt, I'm putting you in charge of sending for me immediately. No matter what. Pull that pin on his medallion, no matter what nonsense he might try to tell you. You know a serious wound if you see it. If it's serious, don't hesitate to send for me. You understand me? That's the only order I give you full right to disobey of his. My orders will always supercede his. Always. You and he will be positioned at the entrance to the tunnels and the catacombs. That is the most dangerous place for either of you to be tomorrow night. If you need a muggle weapon, take it. But do not let them get a child down in those tunnels. Your chances of coming back alive diminish by massive percentiles down there. Be extremely careful. If I can be here, I will leave you in charge of apparating the children into this building and immediately returning to us. We have always needed a third man there at the tunnels. I'll do my best. I promise. But you're in good hands."
by Steven Walker Sat May 08, 2010 1:03 am
