Ari had all but let himself sink into his own thoughts, though Mr. Holm was still here. The encounter had given him a great deal to think about, never mind the whirlwind of conflicting emotions in his chest... Could Mr. Holm be trusted, as he had promised? (Perhaps Ben was a better judge of truth and lies, as an auror, but Ari’s instincts still leant yes. As for why the boy had been so receptive to the idea, after the shock he’d had, well - even if he wanted to inquire, it was not something he could coax out loud from a young stranger; that was something for Mr. Holm to determine quite for himself.) As for he and Ben, had they been unnaturally lucky tonight, then? Were they risking this every time they were alone? It had unsettled Ari to his bones, and he thought he’d been prepared - but what about Ben? Did Ben still really believe this was worth it? Had Ben truly known what he was getting into, that night before the wedding?

Could Ari really expect him to risk the whole rest of his life for this?

Out of this, Mr. Holm chirped up again with an issue that, amongst the rest, had sincerely slipped Ari’s mind. “Oh!” He exclaimed, shaking his head at the obvious practical issue that remained. He glanced across at Ben, lips twitching. “Yes, of course, I’m sure he does -”

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