1st July, 1895

Sister,

You must forgive me—I have been a horribly negligent uncle of late, and that is no example to set for my namesake. I am resolved to set a better example for young F. Aldous and his siblings.

This was true enough. While he had seen Gaius at the club, it had been more than a month since he had last seen his sister—and longer still since Aldous had spent any real measure of time with his nephews and niece. He was, by society's standards, a fairly present uncle, but work had been particularly demanding of late, and the remaining energies the wizard possessed were due to his wife and his own children.

But that was not his motive for writing.

Like every good Ministry man, Aldous read The Daily Prophet each day, had seen the news of the incident at Hogwarts the morning before. It had only been the middle of the night, however, when the realization hit him that Skeeter's passing had been oddly similar to that of his parents—and, by extension, November's parents.

Perhaps you and I might take the children on a picnic this week-end. Short notice, I know, but failures must be remedied swiftly. I am sure Mrs. Crouch would be delighted to accompany us, though I know your own spouse will be away.

November had long been of a more... fragile, fanciful disposition. Perhaps Aldous coddled her—he had no other sisters with which to compare her to be certain. Regardless, he felt as though he would not be doing his duty by her if he did not check in, and seeing the youngest Crouch in person would be a far more reliable judge than simply asking her in writing.

And so, he had penned his missive.

Do say you will indulge me?

Your affectionate brother,
Aldous

November Malfoy

  

---

— Aldous walks with a cane and pronounced limp as the result of a splinching accident. —

— graphics by lady ❤ —

July 2nd, 1895

Dear Aldous,

Of course I shall indulge you; a picnic would be most agreeable. I suppose my own nephews are still too small to join us?

Where were you thinking of for this picnic?

Also, I should like to add that you are quite incorrect in your summation of yourself as an uncle. You are a most excellent uncle at all times.

Ever yours,
November

  

---