LETTERS FROM HOME

[Casimir Elias Karkaroff]

[Casimir Elias Karkaroff rarely shares what's on his mind and in his heart. His correspondence with his family may provide some insight into his life, although it has been difficult to intercept his letters. Perhaps some excerpts from his brother's will allow us to understand who Cas Karkaroff is and why he does what he does.]

1 January 2025 

Cas,

It was a welcome change for your last letter to herald good news. Congratulations on your promotion; Borgin and Burke’s will no doubt be better off under your leadership. Per your stories, old man Borgin is getting on in years and can finally enjoy his retirement. The burden now falls on you to maintain the prestige of the store.

Unfortunately, I cannot return news of your good fortunes with my own. Be forewarned that the Burke children are not happy with this recent turn of events. As Borgin had no direct descendants of his own, they greatly expected ownership of the shop to transfer to their care. This may amount to nothing, but forewarned is forearmed. Do what you will with this information.

News of the family remains unchanged. Mama hardly leaves her rooms, and Katarina is losing her patience with the situation. Damian left on assignment in November and we have not heard from him since. I think she’s jealous, that you were able to leave so smoothly all those years ago and leave us here. I cannot deny that I am as well.

What opportunities does England promise that you could not find here? Does your family truly mean as little to you as it seems? I follow your instructions to the letter, but this family could be so much stronger if you would take your proper place at its head.

Your dutiful brother,
Aleksander

[Casimir Elias Karkaroff]

7 January 2025

Cas,

I know it seems unusual to receive two letters from me in such quick succession, but I write urgently. Perhaps you have already heard, being in England, that Azkaban Prison has fallen?

The news has shaken this household. Mama has reanimated and has a new life in her. She seems aglow at this recent development, and absolutely certain that Papa will return to us. Damian returned shortly after we received the news, and he and Katarina have attempted to quell her joy. They remind her, correctly, that we must not appear overtly celebratory at the news and in fact show no clear reaction at all. It is a lesson that was instilled in us by Mama and reinforced by you.

I confess at being uncertain as to how to process recent events. I hardly remember our father, having been so young when he was taken away. You never speak of him, and although I do not remember him well I do recall you shedding no tears at his imprisonment.

Is Azkaban’s fall truly an asset for our family? Is it a victory we should celebrate, or a defeat we should fear? I look to you for guidance, brother, as you have not yet steered our family wrong. You have always warned us that the Dark Lord’s beliefs should be put to rest and our family would be better off to welcome the new world order. And yet, was this change in tactic not exactly what led to Uncle Igor’s demise?

Please write again soon. Your distance from us suggests that you have little interest in the affairs of this family, and yet we depend on you to move forward. You were not ready to fill Papa’s shoes at such a young age, but I am not ready to fill yours now.

Your dutiful brother,
Aleksander

[Casimir Elias Karkaroff]

3 April 2025

Cas,

It has been some time since your last letter. Is all well, or have the English finally eaten you alive?

Joke aside, I am writing regarding an incident with our mother. Per your recommendation, we coaxed her out of the house and to a late-night dinner hosted by her sister. The outing went horridly. As could be expected, one of the most-discussed topics continues to be that of the Azkaban break-out. As per the norm, Mama threw a fit and we left with our tails between our legs.

She expects Papa to return, as you may well know. Every day that lapses between that of his escape and without his presence sinks her deeper into her grief. She is becoming a liability to our family name and our rather tenuous grasp on our reputation. I have attached a list of all the guests that were in attendance for the Volkov dinner (thank Merlin that the list is short). I am not aware of whatever tactics you use to smooth over the consequences of her tempers, but it worked well enough last time to quell the gossip. You need not share what your plan of action will be this time – you hardly ever share what is on your mind, after all, and ultimately it is your siblings who bear the brunt of the shame.

I hate this burden you’ve left me. There is only so much guidance you can deliver via your letters, Cas. Why won’t you come home?

Your dutiful brother,
Aleksander

[Casimir Elias Karkaroff]

15 May 2025 

Cas,

Your last letter bore concerning news. It is difficult to ascertain the usual tone of your letters – or really, anything of yours at all – but your concern (and perhaps fear?) of Hag's Fever was easily noticeable. Mama implores you to return home promptly, although of course I have followed the outbreak more closely and know that no such action is possible now.

As you have always noted, there is both danger and opportunity in any magical calamity. I have no doubt that you will navigate this crisis with your own advice in mind, and that you will discover and exploit any due opportunity to advance the standing of your family.

I have thought long and hard about approaching such a topic now, with the contagion so naturally interrupting your normal responsibilities, but I believe it is beyond time to begin considering suitors for our sister. Now that Damian is safely engaged to an acceptable woman of pure lineage, and you of course skirting the same such duty, we must begin to broach this topic with Katarina. She will naturally oppose such a pairing so "early" -- in this your influence over her remains strong – but a match will secure her standing in respectable society and perhaps even advance it.

I have attached a list of potential families in Central Europe to consider inviting for a social engagement. As you have become more intimately familiar with Western Europe, I implore you to consider what is best for our family and reply in kind with a list of British or other pureblood families with eligible sons.

Your dutiful brother,
Aleksander

[Casimir Elias Karkaroff]

28 May 2025 

Cas,

I need hardly remind you, but our mother's birthday rapidly approaches. As you naturally will be unable to visit, please select an appropriate gift to send through the owl post.

Have you any news about our father? The lack of updates on his escape or recapture remain concerning...

Your dutiful brother,
Aleksander

[Casimir Elias Karkaroff]

6 June 2025 

Cas,

I have attached a note from our mother thanking you for the delightful earrings. She was thrilled at the note of genealogy that accompanied the gift.

It has not escaped my notice that you have tactfully avoided sending an answer regarding Katarina alongside your traditional instructions for the family. Naturally, as the head of the family, you must be involved in any ultimate decision regarding our sister. If you refuse to participate, however, I will take the appropriate steps alone.

In happier news, word has reached Prague of the new expansion of your store to include wands of unusual origin. Gossip among prominent social circles indicate that you may have recently acquired a rare wand of historical significance. Whether or not this particular rumor carries truth, I congratulate you on your recent business endeavors. This will surely aid you in your quest for influence, and provide a new avenue to explore in your particular trade. In the meantime, you honor your family with your continued success.

Despite your apparent business acumen, Mama has observed that you seem reluctant to fully enter Britain's pureblood society. Although your presence has often been noted at the renowned casino in Horizon Alley, reports indicate that you remain in the periphery of social gatherings and that you seem reluctant to form partnerships with prominent members of Britain's elite. I highly recommend you change this behavior at once. If you require, I can arrange any necessary introductions. This is as much for your sake as for ours.

As always, your return letter is awaited with anticipation.

Your dutiful brother,
Aleksander