There were so many things he could say. I have a son your age, except what did Theodore have to expect from fathers? There's always something to be gained, but it wasn't anything comprehensible to a boy grown up with suffering. The sad truth of it was, of all the things he had to say, none of them would change Theodore's mind.
Frank sighed, studying the boy with his twitching fingers, sharp voice, and flat, unbelieving eyes, and decided it may be time to retreat. "Can you at least promise me this?" he asked softly. "If someone hurts you again, tell me. Send me an owl and I'll be right there, or come to the Ministry and ask for me. Maybe I can't change your past, but if you let me I can help with your future."