Frank had spent the better part of the week browsing ads. Marko had been keeping him company, head resting on Frank’s knee when he got tired of chasing the ball around. Or when Frank stopped throwing it for a time, focusing more on the prices and potentials. He had come back with a fantastic haul on his last outing; the small bonus he had received for it had been a blessing.

As much as he loved his apartment (and he had spent years in it), Frank needed to get away from the busy city life. The constant congestion of people and noise didn’t help with his insomnia. Plus, Marko was more confined than he would be if Frank had a small place with a garden for the old pup to run around in. The other hope was that if he could settle down and build the right... cell, perhaps the Ministry would allow him to skip the monthly cage detail.

It was a long shot, but it was his best bet.

The realtor he was working with had appraised his place remarkably more than he had expected. Frank had taken it as a good sign. New dog and circumstances, new life. His hope was that by mid April, he could have most of his ducks in a row. Frank pulled the pen from between his teeth and circled another ad.

It would be nice to live in Scotland again. Then again, Molly had talked about a couple of small cottages around Godric’s Hollow. Frank sighed and tossed the paper and pen on the coffee table, his hand finding its way to the top of Marko’s head. Maybe he would go out and have a pint. It was Friday, after all. Anything but sit in his apartment and wonder about ‘what ifs.’ “Come on, pup, let’s get you some dinner.” Marko perked up and it looked as if he grinned. As if he understood Frank too well. They both got up off the sofa and Frank made his way into the kitchen.

Frank let out a soft howling whine before Marko joined. They were definitely life long companions now.