"I don't know!" Aldous shot back. This mistake...it had too many moving parts to be easily mended, even by Aldous. Though he had long ago accepted his role as custodian of the Crouch family, the wizard found himself now wishing very much someone else had that responsibility. He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on.

"Perhaps...perhaps it is best if you go abroad again, just for a few weeks," the wizard settled on at last. "To avoid any...confrontation. You might even see if your employer has any need of you on the continent until spring."

And perhaps, with his brother not standing before him imploring him for help, Aldous might approach the problem with a clear head.