Don't make that face at me. I'm rather certain you can get wine here as well as vodka.

So. How was Brazil?

My Vi,

I just stopped by the estate agent's office. We now officially own a house in Cumbria.

Meet me at our front door when you get off work. Mother's keeping the twins tonight. And Father, too, I suppose. How odd, that. I keep forgetting he's staying with her.

Much love,
Marik

Enclosed is a heavy iron key.

Dinner tonight at Lake Cottage. Half seven. We'll save a chair at the table for you.

Marik

Hey.

Draco. I wouldn't expect to see you up at this hour.

My Vi,

Come home early and pick out your best dress. We're leaving the twins with your mother tonight, and I'm taking you to the most expensive restaurant we can think of. I just got word from the Board--they've dismissed the charges. I'm not being sacked.

Love,
Marik

I brought you a plate. God only knows what half this food is.

Is he still sleeping?

Hey. I think we need to talk.

Chyort voz'mi, Ivan Theodore Markovich! Back in bed. Now.

*running water, then a knock, a long pause and a louder, more insistent knock before the water shuts off*

One moment!

*another long pause, then a crash of books and swearing in Russian, before the creak of a door opening*

What?

So, my insanely gorgeous wife, who the hell are Pytor and Yasha?

Do you have a moment?

Going to Viktor. Keep me informed.

Vitya,

I doubt you want to hear from me right now. But we need to talk. About Ron.

Meet me at half-twelve at your flat.

Marik

R.,

They know. The Aurors will be coming. I tried to keep them away, but I can't lie to my wife. She says she'll look after you and she'll do her best, we both know that. But we also know how some of the others are, don't we? I'm doing what I can though. You need help, not Azkaban. All that damned place will do is make you worse. Twist your soul. I know.

Go to St Mungo's. It's the best for you and you know that. I know you do. They'll help you and they'll protect you. But for Christ's sake, if you're truly idiot enough to attempt to wait out the next nine days on your own--and you are a bloody Gryffindor--then at least keep your head down. And don't do anything stupid, monumentally or otherwise. To yourself or anyone else. And take the damn potions.

When you need to talk, you can find me.

M.

My Vi,

Something's come up--I can't share the details at the moment--and I need to be on the Continent. I don't know how long it will take to clear matters, but if you don't hear from me for a week or two, don't be alarmed. I'm fine.

I've no time to explain or to leave word for Father or Hogwarts. Would you share this owl with them? I'll return as soon as I'm able. Kiss my babies for me.

I love you, Nymphadora. With all my heart.

Always,
Marik

So you're certain you're all right.

Thank you, Issy. Take Scorpius in to see Van and Katya, please?

*splash of wine into a glass*

Now for you. Drink.

You know, really, you might as well be cheating on my father.