Ben started slightly. He hadn't been expecting the offer at all, and had never imagined how the conversation might go with a third party present. It was appealing, because it meant they were unlikely to get into a proper fight. Melody was too practiced at high society to let slip a biting remark if he had his brother at his elbow. He could just deliver his terms, let her know how things were going to be, and expect little in response from her except short remarks or possibly a few tears. It seemed, however, like it would be blind siding Melody to show up with Aldous in tow, and even after she'd violated his privacy and caused him so much misery he wasn't sure that was fair to her. Maybe she deserved a chance to fight a little, before he left for good. He'd survived their fights before; he could handle another.

"I appreciate the offer," he said, sincerely. "But I think it's probably best if I go alone. If you don't hear from me in a day you can send in the aurors," he joked, before realizing this probably wasn't something Aldous was in a mood to smile at.

He fell quiet for a moment, thinking over everything that had transpired since he'd arrived in his brother's parlor. He felt lighter now, and hopeful that maybe someday he might start feeling like his old self again.

"Sorry," he said after a moment. It encompassed a lot: for arriving unannounced, for dropping another problem at Aldous' feet, for crying. For the upcoming separation and the elopement a year ago and everything he'd done prior that had given either of his brothers a headache. Sometimes he didn't know how he'd remained in their good graces so long. He'd been disappointing them for a decade, and Aldous still offered him a place to stay and company during what was going to be one of the most uncomfortable conversations of the year. Melody's parents had disowned her for far less.