I thought you could use a project for the day. Much more enticing than merely Apparating.

F.

Pansy,

Apologies for only now returning your note; I retired early last night and didn't look through my post until this morning over breakfast.

I'm not entirely certain what I can do. I've little influence over Severus myself; however, I suppose it wouldn't hurt for me to stop by after work this evening and speak with him. Marcellus has expressed concern to me recently as well regarding his father.

You seem distraught. Perhaps you should join me for lunch today. I am quite aware of how Severus can be when he's feeling beastly. Come by my office at half noon if you'd like.

Finola

Oh, dear.

What's wrong, darling? Are you all right?

Marcellus,

I've asked your grandmother to pass this along to you.

By noon today you will have reached your twenty-ninth year, and yet I won't see your face on your birthday. That makes a mother sad, you realise. Instead I'll console myself with remembering celebrations of the past, not to mention the truly horrible fifteen hours of labour you put me through during the worst of a St Petersburg winter. You always were quite the headstrong boy, though I suppose you come by that quite naturally, all things considered.

Your children are growing and happy and babbling; I see them every week. The household is caring for them quite well, despite their grandfather's protests, and I talk to them each time I visit about their Papa and tell them how very much he loves them. I know that remains true. Parents never forget their children. It's impossible, no matter what their age. They stay in our hearts always.

I miss you, love, and I always will. It's a mother's prerogative, I would say, whether or not she agrees with the choices that her child makes. I think the Theotokos would agree. I ask her every day to look after you; I trust that she will do so. She is a mother herself, after all. Don't forget what she is capable of, my Marik.

Happy birthday, my solnyshko.

Love,
Mother

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Wrapped in a soft cloth is a copy of the Svenskaya icon and a small, recently taken wizarding photograph of Van and Katya.