"Indeed, having just taken my OWLs mere months ago, I know well Uncle Alexandre's expectations." Alexei frowned at the memory of the pressure - not that he didn't want to earn top marks himself, but the external pressure was clear as well.
Alexei wondered if they would find the easy closeness they had had as children with the engagement. He took the offered hand. "No matter, we are still family." Alexei agreed, even if the meaning of family might change.