Chapter Seven

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters nor the scenery which you could recognise, the only thing I take credit for is the plot.

Pairings: None for this chapter.

Warnings: DarkHarry, Dumbledore, Hermione, and Weasley bashing (excluding Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George).

Word Count: 7,014


Draco sits on one of the sofas in the Riddle family lounge, back leaning against the arm of the sofa he is seated upon, his legs outstretched as his eyes scan the words of a large tomb he is holding in his lap, his full attention on the sentences he is reading, trying to understand and learn as much as he can.

He ignores the three adults sitting in front of the fireplace discussing plans of revenge to take upon Harry's relatives and the esteemed Headmaster Dumbledore. Though he too was feeling angry at the way Harry was treated by both parties, he knows that revenge wasn't what would protect and help Harry. That was what he wanted to do; he wanted to be the one to protect Harry, heal him when he was hurt and stop his tears when he was sad. His mother and father had never been able to give him a younger sibling, so this was his chance to be a big brother to a small boy who needed someone to look after him.

He is so engrossed in his reading that he doesn't notice when his Godfather breaks away from his parents; doesn't notice the man watching him curiously as he seats himself on the other end of the sofa. Though he does startle when he hears a throat being cleared. Looking up from his book, Draco feels a light blush dusting his cheeks when he sees Severus looking at him with a single eyebrow raised.

"What on earth are you reading to hold your attention like this?"

His voice was quiet and soft, not wanting to alert his parents as they were heavily discussing the effects of different Dark spells.

Draco feels his blush deepening as he sits up, sliding across the sofa so he could show the title of his book to his Godfather more easily, he is too embarrassed to look up so fixates his eyes on his shoes and the floor, his hands gripping the tomb tightly as his legs swing idly. He misses the amused look Severus sends his way as he glances at the title Healing Spells for Beginners, he was surprised in the least.

"Why are you reading about healing spells? You are not hurt, are you?"

Draco shakes his head, in response finally looking up into his Godfather's amused expression.

"I don't like seeing Harry hurt, I don't like how Harry had to live through all that and I don't want him to be hurt again."

Draco looks shyly at Severus, surprised when he is pulled into a tight hug, though happily returning the embrace with just as much vigor.

"I am proud of you Draco. Harry is lucky to have such a good friend in you. I am sure he will appreciate your efforts to keep him safe."

Smiling, Draco tightens his arms around Severus leaning into his embrace more before pulling away, shifting back into his earlier position on the sofa, he picks up his book once more preparing himself to continue his reading when the doors to the lounge open.

All heads turn towards the doors, watching in silence as Lord Voldemort walks in carrying Harry securely on his hip, chuckling at something the young child is saying, all occupants watch the exchange with soft smiles on their faces listening to their conversation with interest.

"Oh, I am sure they would like that Snakelet, you can ask them later if you would like?"

Harry giggles, his smile the brightest any of them has seen in the months, they had known the small child, well for Draco and Severus.

"Do you really think so?"

His giggle turns into a shy smile as he glances up at his father, looking through his fringe, his arms tightening around the man's neck out of anticipation, not really noticing the listeners leaning closer, trying to gauge what the conversation was about.

"I am positive, Little One."

The Dark Lord chuckles again before he looks up eyeing his followers with a small smirk on his face.

"But for now, I think we have a few things to discuss with everyone, don't you?"

Flicking his head in the general direction of the occupants of the room, Harry turns his head offering a small wave as he glances nervously at the gathered people. Lord Voldemort carries his son over to a vacant armchair, sitting himself down while placing Harry in his lap, holding him close as everyone's attention switches to himself. He watches Draco smile softly at his son who waves back shyly, grinning happily as Draco places his book down on one of the many tables around the room.

"Alright, well I think we all know that our mission was a complete success. Aldwyn is here, he is safe and fully healed."

Draco interrupts, a puzzled look on his face as he studies both Harry and the Dark Lord.

"Aldwyn? It that Harry's new name?"

Previously, Lord Voldemort would have cursed the small Malfoy Heir for interrupting him, he looks over at Heir Malfoy smiling gently at his son's friend, ruffling Harry's hair when he sees the slightly puzzled look the young raven-haired boy is directing towards him as well.

"Yes, I want Harry to grow up as a normal wizarding child, he should not have the weight of the war nor the wizarding world on his shoulders and Albus Dumbledore is a fool for putting it there in the first place. He will now be known as Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin, my son, and Heir."

Draco nods his head seriously, while Narcissa smile and Lucius studies his son carefully, the Dark Lord wasn't sure why, but he would let it go for now.

"As we are on the topic of names, I will be going by my old name Tom Marvolo Riddle, therefore unless I call a meeting, or we are on a raid/mission I want for you all to call me Tom or Marvolo. However, after I have claimed my Lordship it will change once more to Marvolo Slytherin."

Marvolo looks around the room, satisfied to see everyone, including Draco, nodding their heads in understanding, the latter making his chuckles softly.

"After Aldwyn is fully healed I will be taking him to Gringotts to check his inheritance and his family vaults…"

"Vaults? I only have one, don't I?"

Harry looks up at his father a small frown on his face as he thinks back to what Hagrid had told him during his first trip to Diagon Ally before his first year at Hogwarts.

"And what is inheritance?"

Shock registers through the room, as they stare down at the small child making him squirm uncomfortably, not being used to having so much attention on himself.

"If I may, Marvolo?"

The Dark Lord nods his head towards Lucius who sits forward in his seat, gazing at Harry seriously, one leg crossing over the other and his hands being placed on his lap.

"Aldwyn, you are the sole Heir to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. You will have access to all their vaults and properties along with company shares. The vault you are using now is just your trust vault, one your parents put together to get you through your schooling years."

Harry nods his head, slowly his mind trying to catch up and process all of which he is being told.

"Aldwyn, who is your magical guardian?"

Severus puts in, his gaze looking at Harry, a calculating glint in his eyes as if he dreaded the answer but when all Harry did was shake his head and look up at the Dark Lord with confusion lacing his features.

"Aldwyn, do you know what a magical guardian is?"

Another shake of his head, every adult in the room share a look, instantly knowing just who the boy's magical guardian is but none knew why the child had been left in the dark for so long.

"Snakelet?"

The soft voice of his father relaxes the child slightly, shifting Harry looks nervously up at the Dark Lord, tears gathering in the corners of his eyes.

"Oh, Aldwyn. It is not your fault; none of this is your fault, alright."

Receiving a nod, Marvolo gathers his son in his arms, hugging him close as he begins to explain things his son should have been taught throughout his earlier childhood.

"A magical guardian is a person chosen, normally by the child's parents, in their will, who is supposed to look after you, they oversee your heir lessons when you are younger, which I am guessing you never received?"

He receives a small shake of his son's head.

"They oversee your vaults, your seats in the Wizengamot and other additional aspects that come with being a Lord of your Household, normally they have your Gringotts keys as well."

Harry wipes his eyes, looking back up at his father, his face sad but eyes calculating.

"Hagrid told me that Dumbledore gave him the key to my trust vault before he came to get me; does that mean that Dumbledore is my magical guardian?"

Anger shoots through the Dark Lord causing his eyes to flash red for a moment until he feels Harry flinch in his arms, a small mumble of 'I'm sorry' reaching his ears, the small voice laced with fear draws the attention of Marvolo back down to his trembling son. Quickly calming himself down, Marvolo pulls Harry back against him, holding him gently, carding a hand through his hair.

"Shhh. It is alright. I am not angry with you Aldwyn. I will never truly be angry at you. I am angry at Dumbledore, he has been trusted by the government to look after you and he has failed you, my little one. Aldwyn, you are such a sweet boy, none of this is your fault."

With all his attention on trying to calm his son down, Marvolo doesn't see the looks exchanged between Severus and Lucius until the first clears his throat.

"I am not entirely sure that the Potter's would have wanted Aldwyn under the guardianship of Dumbledore; the Potter's will, as far as I am concerned, has never been read so, therefore, no one knows who was supposed to care for their son. I am afraid Dumbledore has manipulated the situation somehow, to raise Aldwyn as he wishes…"

With everyone's eyes now aimed towards the potion's master, he shrinks back under the weight of their gazes, his heart going out to the little boy whose eyes shine with unshed tears. At the raised eyebrow from his Lord, he presses on.

"Aldwyn, were you ever informed of any will readings by Gringotts?"

He receives a shake of the young boy's head.

"Even if a child is underage, they still would have been informed of the readings; this could indicate that Dumbledore has been somehow deflecting Aldwyn's mail or he has somehow sealed the Potter will, am I right to guess you have never received a bank statement either?"

Another negative.

Snape looks towards the Dark Lord, shrinking back inwardly at the intensity of his gaze.

"I see."

Marvolo brings his hand up to, stroking his chin in thought as his eyes were dark, calculating and holds a strength which no one present had seen in years.

"It seems Aldwyn, that we will be making a stop at Gringotts earlier than expected. Though I am sure, with their neutrality and all, the goblins should keep quiet about your adoption if you so choose. I do not want you having any role in this war if you do not wish it, my little one."

Aldwyn tugs his father's sleeve, bringing him out of his musing, smiling at the taller man Harry hugs him around the waist before smirking around the room.

"But I can help you win, right Father? I mean we could use this to our advantage."

The once shy child now smirks widely at the multiple raised eyebrows he is receiving from around the room, straightening himself up as he gazes at Draco who smirks back. Giving the young a nod of encouragement.

"Well, I was thinking, if a certain reporter… say… oh, I don't know… Rita Skeeter got a hold of this, we could make Dumbledore lose favour. I mean where would the light be if they lost both their saviour and its leader? Imagine a newspaper article spreading the disappearance of one Harry James Potter and his abuse."

Looking around the room, making eye contact with Everyone, Aldwyn's smirk widens.

"Going further, we could always make my filthy muggle relatives think they killed me due to the severity of their abuse."

Draco smirks at Aldwyn, his eyes shining with mischief as he thinks over what his friend and pseudo brother was saying.

"I do believe that this is a masterful plan, Heir Slytherin!"

The enthusiasm evident in the young Malfoy's teasing tone.

"When you go to Gringott's, if Dumbledore has been manipulating everything, and it was broadcast across the country then the esteemed headmaster would surely lose some of his favour, and if your father was to claim his Lordship and join the Wizengamot, he would have the influence to get rid and pass whatever legislation he wanted, especially with his followers and all of the Dark houses voting in his favour."

Aldwyn bounces up in excitement, his voice light and cheerful as he smiles at Draco.

"I do believe you are correct, Heir Malfoy. Though I would implore that your father could most definitely; with the helping of Father, get more of his followers into Hogwarts… I mean we clearly need a new defense against the Dark Arts teacher, one who either knows the subject and isn't trying to maim or seriously injure one of their students."

The adults sit back, watching in amusement as both Aldwyn and Draco continue to plan the Dark Side's winning of the war, Marvolo chuckles at the complete enthusiasm voiced by both boys making them stop and look up at him. Aldwyn with a shy smile on his face and even Draco looks a bit sheepish.

"Sorry, Father."

Marvolo chuckles again, ruffling Aldwyn's hair, who squeals in surprise but smiles brightly up at the older man.

"There is nothing for you to apologise for; your plans would work perfectly. I am sure that we can plan a trip to Gringotts tomorrow and see what your inheritance is as well as your magical guardian. Then we can head to the Ministry where I could collect my Lordship ring and have the adoption papers signed. Amelia Bones is a respectable woman and if need be, we could vouch for a vow of silence as to your identity."

Here Lord Voldemort looks over at Lucius who instantly nods his head in agreement.

"I will inform the minister himself upon arriving back home this evening, Marvolo."

Inclining his head in thanks he turns his attention to Severus, who without being told nods his head.

"I can have the potions ready for the blood adoption by the time we return home…"

Aldwyn looks curiously at his potions master before he switches his gaze towards his father who was also looking at Severus, a strange emotion dancing in his speckled eyes.

"We, Severus?"

Severus scratches the back of his head nervously, his face turning slightly pink under the scrutinising gaze of the Dark Lord; Aldwyn looks curiously between the two men before glancing at Draco who sends him a slight smirk, a promise that they would be talking later, Aldwyn nods his head discreetly in response.

"Ah, well I think it is time that I claimed my own Lordship; it is rather overdue."

Marvolo smiles at the potions master, making the dour man's blush darken slightly, making it highly visible on the man's pale skin. Snape returns the smile with one of his own before clearing his throat ignoring the questioning glances of the Malfoy Lord and Lady.

"Very well Severus, I was hoping you would be coming with us anyway but no we have a reason. Does anyone know if there are any… teaching positions at Hogwarts going?"

Once again, Aldwyn and Draco look at each other, a silent conversation going on between them if the raised eyebrows and nodding was any indication to the adults.

"What are you two planning?"

Narcissa raises an eyebrow at the two children, delighting in the twin innocent expressions she receives, knowing that if she didn't know her son as well as she did, she would have fallen for it if it weren't for the familiar mischievous glint in his eyes. Each adult chuckles softly at the boys, Marvolo hugging Aldwyn making his son look up.

"Now, my Little Snakelet, what were the two of you planning this time?"

Kissing his forehead, the Dark Lord looks between the children who smirk once more, Draco turning to look directly at Marvolo.

"Would you be able to get rid of the History of Magic teacher? Professor is unfit to teach, his lessons are so boring, most of the students use them as a chance to take a nap or catch up on work for the other subjects."

Aldwyn giggles and nods along with the words his friend speaks, gaining Narcissa's attention the matriarch looks down at him fondly, shaking her head.

"What on earth are you laughing at Aldwyn?"

The young boy turns his head towards Narcissa, a hand covering his mouth trying but failing to curb his laughter, before turning his attention back to Draco, cocking his head to the side as he giggles harder at the pout still present.

"It's just, I have never seen Draco pout before, he looks younger, cuter like that!"

Giggling harder, Aldwyn misses the amused looks being passed around the male adults, too focused on Draco whose pout deepens, his arms crossing over his chest.

"I am not young, nor cute."

Aldwyn quickly wiggles off his Father's lap, running across the room towards Draco, launching himself at the blond, wrapping his arms around the taller boy in a tight embrace.

Draco, startles at the prospect of having an armful of Aldwyn swiftly hugs the younger boy back, a pale blush dusting his pale cheeks once more when he hears Aldwyn say.

"You are cute to me, Draco."

Draco hugs Aldwyn tighter to his chest, glad that the boy is so much smaller than himself even as he buries his head in his friend's shoulder.

"Not as cute as you, Aldwyn."

It was Aldwyn's turn to blush as he pulls back from his friend slightly, smirking at the blond as he quickly places a kiss on the older boy's cheek before turning around and skipping back to his father where he crawls into the man's lap giggling at the dumbstruck look on Draco's face.

After calming down, Aldwyn looks around the room, finding all the adults smirking at him, sending quick glances between himself and Draco making him blush slightly.

"What?"

Marvolo shakes his head, an amused smile on his lips as he hugs his son closer.

"Nothing son, we just find the antics between yourself and Draco amusing, that is all. I am glad you have found such a good friend."

Aldwyn nods his head.

"Me too."

He sends a shy smile towards the newly recovered Draco who smirks and sends another wink his way, both boys breaking out into joyous laughter.

"Anyway, why did you want your History of Magic teacher replacing?"

Marvolo looks thoughtful as Severus shifts in his seat at the brown speckled eyes lock onto him once more.

"If I may, I am that Professor Binns is unfit to teach, I remember having him as a student and he was indeed monotonous. I am sure we could convince the Ministry and Board of Governors to exorcise him before replacing him."

Marvolo looks shocked and bought his gaze away from his laughing son to look back over at Severus, his eyes glinting in the light.

"Are you trying to tell me that they still have that infernal ghost teaching the students at Hogwarts nonsense about the millions of Goblin Wars? What about the founders? The first wizarding war, Grindelwald? Is none of this being taught?"

Both Severus and Lucius shake their heads, nervously glancing at their Lord whose eyes flash red at the end, Aldwyn having finally finished laughing, looks at his father and frowns. Tugging his father's sleeve, he waits until he gains the man's attention before he reaches up, placing a soft kiss to his cheek softly, smiling when his father looks surprised but delighted.

"What was that for, Snakelet?"

"Father, you looked mad. I don't want you to be mad, so I made you happy!"

It was said with such a childlike innocence, such simple cheerfulness that Marvolo instantly smiles hugging his son for what feels like the millionth time since his child woke, placing a returning kiss to his forehead.

"Thank you, son. I am much happier now."

Aldwyn nods his head, smiling brightly as he settles back down, leaning against his father's chest once more, directing his smile at Draco who returns the gesture.

"Lucius, I want you to try and get the Board of Governor for Hogwarts to exorcise that teacher; what about the Defence position?"

Marvolo turns back to Severus, seeing as he works at Hogwarts he would know best the position Dumbledore was in regard to hiring someone for the vacancy.

"So far, Dumbledore has only had one application from Gilderoy Lockhart and unless he receives another then we will be stuck with that fraud."

Nodding his head in thought, Marvolo Slytherin absentmindedly strokes the raven lock of his son making the child close his eyes and sigh in contentment at the ministration.

"Hmmm. I think we shall leave that, for now, I think I will take the place of the History of Magic teacher, I hear professors have control over what they teach?"

After receiving a silent affirmative from Severus, he continues.

"I don't think Dumbledore will be able to refuse an application made by the descendant of one of the founders now…"

The three men smirk at each other, already planning their take over Hogwarts.

"Alright, so we have all of that sorted now. What else do we need to go over tonight?"

Aldwyn looks up at his father who dissolves deep into his mind, his thoughts thinking back to what else he wanted to talk to his followers about this evening, his lips moving in quiet mutters. Seeing Draco sitting back against the arm of the sofa he slowly slips from his father's lap again, making his way over to his friend looking at the book title curiously.

"Draco?"

Aldwyn whispers gaining the blonds attention.

"What's the matter Aldwyn?"

Draco sits up slightly, moving his book to the side, giving the younger boy the opportunity to sit in front of his friend, situating himself between Draco's legs, leaning back into the blond's chest.

"Nothing is wrong, Draco. I was just curious. Why are you reading a book on healing? Are you going to become a healer when you are older?"

Draco wraps an arm Aldwyn's waist, pulling the unresisting body closer before opening his book back up, resting his chin on the other boy's shoulder as he carries on reading, talking softly into Aldwyn's ear.

"I want to learn how to heal minor injuries, like cuts and bruises and stuff. I guess being a healer like Mother wouldn't be too bad when I get older."

"Why do you want to learn it now? We always will have your Mother and Madame Pomfrey."

Draco turns his attention from the passage he is reading, looking into the imploring green eyes of his friend before smirking lightly, placing his book down on the table wrapping his now free arm around Aldwyn to join the other one.

"Well, you see. I have this friend, who is like a little brother to me; who is always getting injured and if I know a few simple healing spells then I can keep him safe. I will be able to help him and protect him more."

Aldwyn blushes darkly, knowing Draco was talking about him and he feels touched, a warm feeling spreading through his chest at the words. He had never had a friend who would go that far to protect him before, well he had never truly had a friend before either.

"I think that person is very lucky to have an older brother like you."

Placing his hands on top of Draco's, Aldwyn buries closer letting his head lean back against the other's shoulder as he feels the other settles back down against the arm of the sofa.

Meanwhile, Marvolo Slytherin is still muttering to himself.

"Alright, we have covered both Aldwyn and my own name changes, Aldwyn's adoption, and inheritance. The changes at Hogwarts and within the Ministry, Severus both you and I are going to claim our Lordship rings and Lucius is going to be coming with us to Gringotts when we check Aldwyn's inheritance. Depending on what we find, will lead to whether we tip of Rita Skeeter and the Daily Prophet. Is there anything else… Ah, yes…"

Looking up, Marvolo startles to find his son missing from his lap, but upon hearing the Lady Malfoy's muffled squeal of delight he quickly follows her gaze and smiles at the sight. Aldwyn is sitting on the sofa with Draco, cuddling with the older boy, speaking in hushed tones.

Not wanting to interrupt the sweet moment but knowing that he needed to finish up soon, so he could send his son to bed to rest up as he was still not fully recovered, and they were going to be having a busy day tomorrow. Clearing his throat catching the attention of the two boys.

"Ah, Aldwyn, I need to inform you that we will be moving to Slytherin Mansion in a couple of days, that is where we will have permanent residence. It is where, if you are agreeable, you will come home to during the holidays."

Aldwyn looks delightedly over at his father, his eyes glittering with happiness.

"Home? I get to come home for the holidays?"

At receiving a sharp nod from his father, he releases a child-like squeal of happiness, hugging Draco's arms tighter around his waist, fighting back the happy tears gathering in his eyes.

"Will Severus and Draco be allowed to come too? Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy too?"

The hopeful look he sends his father's way had the older man caving in in an instant.

"If they would like to then I don't see why not."

Severus, watching his Lord with an intensity can't help but chuckle at how fast his master bends to his sons will, trying to keep the little boy happy. Though, he tries to curb his mirth when he notices that he is now on the receiving end of one of Marvolo's patent death glares, though not feeling threatened by the stare.

"Something you find amusing Severus?"

Marvolo's smirk implies that he knows exactly what his potions master is sniggering at and couldn't help but feel like laughing lightly as well but he keeps up his Dark Lord image, secretly pleased to see that Severus doesn't cow under his gaze.

"Nothing of importance, Marvolo. I would be delighted to join you and Aldwyn during the holidays unless Dumbledore has need of me…"

The last part is muttered with disappointment in his voice, making the Dark Lord smile softly, he glances back at his son whose eyes are beginning to close steadily before he turns back to the potions master.

"Not to worry, Severus. I am sure I can find some potions to keep you busy…"

He grins coyly, making his insides squirm feeling like a teenager all over again.

Severus raises an eyebrow gazing at Marvolo in amusement, trying to will away his slight flush.

"Oh and pray tell, which potions do you have in mind?"

Lucius and Narcissa exchange a glance, smirking at the exchange transpiring between their friend and Lord, finding it amusing that they were both blushing like school children. They watch is silence as Marvolo grins playfully, his eyes glittering with a challenge as he keeps eye contact at the resident potions master.

"A fertility potion…"

His grin widens as Severus chokes, his face heating up dramatically as a red flush takes over his cheeks as he tries to hide his face behind one of his hands. After a second, Severus takes a deep breath, managing to get his blush under control, he returns Marvolo's grin with a smirk of his own. Something glinting in his onyx eyes.

"And who, may I ask, am I brewing this fertility potion for, Marvolo?"

At this point, Aldwyn and Draco were tiredly watching the playful flirting between Marvolo and their potions professor, both with strangely hopeful eyes, especially in Adlwyn's case.

"Exactly."

Was the only thing the Dark Lord says in response, confusing the children as their eyebrows furrow as they try to figure out what the older man means. Narcissa and her husband try to hide their sniggers at the bright red blush staining the potion masters face.

"And why would you need a fertility potion, Marvolo?"

Severus licks his lips nervously, his hands clenching tightly in his lap as he tries his hardest to continue smirking at his Lord. Hoping beyond hope that Voldemort's head had not been turned by another; that he did not have someone else in mind.

"Well, suppose I meet or have met someone I am considering asking to wear the Slytherin consort ring. I would need to secure the potion for future purposes."

Marvolo follows his statement with a sly wink towards the potions master before standing from his seat, smoothing out a few stray creases, the Dark Lord makes his way across the room towards his son who, despite still resting against the young Malfoy, is half asleep. Looking down at the two children he smiles softly, when bright green eyes focus meeting his own brown ones.

"Oh, Father, have you finished flirting with Severus now?"

He sniggers softly at the matching blushes on his father's and Severus' faces.

Marvolo, clearing his throat carefully picks his son up, situating the small boy on his hip as he had done earlier muttering a quiet but affectionate 'Brat.' To the tired child.

Aldwyn chuckles at his father's words, resting his head comfortably upon Marvolo's shoulder, one of his small hands wrapping around his father's neck the other fisting the material of the man's shirt.

"But you love me anyway."

It was Marvolo's turn to chuckle as he cards a hand through the soft baby locks, placing a kiss to the boy's forehead holding his son tightly against his chest as he answers.

"That I do, Son. Very much."

"Love you too, Father."

Aldwyn sighs happily, his eyes closing slowly as he snuggles into his father embrace not seeing the fond smile his father aims at him as the man wonders how he deserved to have such a magnificent child calling him dad. Shaking himself from his thoughts, Marvolo turns his attention to the young Malfoy Heir, holding a free hand to the blond boy.

"Come on, let's get you two to bed."

Draco stays seated for a second, staring up at the Dark Lord in shock before quickly standing, rubbing his eyes as he slips a hand into the one offered smiling up at Marvolo tiredly as he was led carefully out of the lounge.

"You are all welcome to stay the night if you so choose. Seen as we are up early tomorrow."

Severus stands up from the sofa, his pale cheeks back to the usual colour as he stretches, walking towards the door following behind Marvolo succeeded closely by the Malfoy Lord and Lady.

"I think I will have to take you up on that offer, Marvolo. Is my usual room set up?"

Snape walks until he is standing next to Marvolo, who smiles and nods his head before Aldwyn's quiet voice sounds through the hallway.

"I am sure, Father wouldn't mind you staying with him if it wasn't…"

Draco tries to muffle his sniggers as he watches Marvolo glare half-heartedly down at his son, who in turn gives a wide-eyed innocent look which Draco inwardly coos over, knowing Aldwyn would not appreciate being called cute for a second time that night.

His parents have no such qualms and outwardly snigger at their Lord and friend's expense, not bothering to cover up their amusement at the blush sprouting up on their dear potion masters face for the nth time that night.

"Aldwyn, I thought you were asleep?"

Shifting his head, the child smiles over at his professor, seemingly ignoring his Father's question as he reaches a hand out to pat Severus on the shoulder in a show of reassurance.

"Don't worry I don't mind. We can share Father."

The three Malfoy's snort with laughter when Aldwyn simply lays his head back down on Marvolo's shoulder seemingly oblivious to the gobsmacked expressions on his father's and Severus' faces as they stare down at the young boy.

"Oh, he is precious, isn't he dear?"

Narcissa mutters out between her laughter, looking down at Aldwyn as he finally lets his eyes close, his breathing evening out as his exhaustion finally catches up with him.

"That he is, Love. I do believe his father is going to have his hands full."

All adults stare fondly down at the sleeping child before Draco breaks the silence.

"I agree."

All eyes focus on the young blond looking at him in confusion, though he doesn't notice as his eyes are still staring at his friend with a fond expression.

"What do you agree with Dragon?"

"Aldwyn really is precious and not because he is the boy-who-lived or revered as the Saviour of the wizarding world like everyone seems to think. He is a nice person, friendly and happy despite what he has been through, he is my best friend and my little brother. He is very precious to me."

Draco says with finality, ending his sentence with a firm nod of his head, his parents looking down at him with pride shining in their eyes as he continues to look at his sleeping friend, or who they assumed was asleep.

"You are precious to me too, Dragon."

Aldwyn's eyes open a crack, smiling tiredly as Marvolo's gaze shoots down to his son once more, sighing as he drags a hand through the soft raven locks shaking his head as Draco's hand tightens around his own, the only outward sign of his surprise.

"Of course, Raven."

"Well, come on. Let's get these two off to bed, we have a busy day tomorrow."

Turning to look back at his followers and friends Marvolo smiles.

"I am sure you all remember the ways to your usual rooms? If not, I can call for one of the House Elves?"

Narcissa shakes her head almost immediately, taking her husband's hand she starts to lead him down the corridor, calling over her shoulder as she does so.

"No need, Marvolo, we know the way. Good night, Marvolo, Severus. Sweet dreams Aldwyn, Draco."

A chorus of different responses follows the Malfoy's down the hallway before the couple turns the corner and disappear from view.

"I will assist you in escorting the children to bed, Marvolo."

Nodding his head in thanks, Marvolo and Severus make their way down the corridor in a comfortable silence, until Draco almost trips as he yawns. Severus calmly picks the blond up, holding him against his chest with one arm, following Marvolo as he leads them towards the room which he had set the boys up in. The dour man startles slightly when he feels a warm hand slipping into his own slowly, whipping his head around to look at Marvolo, he finds the Dark Lord deliberately looking forward, his face dusted with a light blush as he worries his bottom lip nervously.

Smiling, Severus squeezes the hand in his in reassurance watching Marvolo relax out of the corner of his eyes as they continue to make their way down the hall.

"Draco?"

Marvolo whispers softly, not wishing to wake the child if he were asleep. The boy turns his head towards the Dark Lord in question.

"Would you like for us to take you to your own room for the night or would you prefer to stay with Aldwyn?"

Severus smiles softly at his Godson, watching the boy look towards his friend before nodding his head slowly.

"May I stay with Aldwyn tonight? He might have a nightmare, I don't want him to wake up alone if that happens."

Marvolo nods his head, turning to open the door he stops outside, gesturing Severus to follow his as he dropped the man's hand to turn the door handle. The adults carefully place the children under the covers, spelling their clothes into silk Pyjamas, both smiling down when Draco wraps his arms protectively around Aldwyn, who subconsciously curls into the older boy's side.

"Goodnight Son, Goodnight Draco."

The Dark Lord places a soft kiss to both boy's foreheads, turning to exit the room Severus following his lead as he two kisses the two children making sure the covers were tucked around them comfortably before finding himself back out in the hall with Marvolo.

"Thank you, Severus."

The potions master looks up at the Dark Lord, his Slytherin mask falling altogether as he stares in shock. Marvolo offers a small sheepish smile to the other man, his eyes flickering down and around the corridor much too nervous to look directly at the man opposite.

"Whatever for?"

Severus almost whispers, his hands clenching into his robes as they begin to sweat lightly, his heart rate picking up speed as his eyes meet the speckled ones of his Lord.

"For keeping you promise and looking after my son, I don't think I would trust anyone with Aldwyn's wellbeing as much as I would you, so thank you. He has really taken to you, you know?"

Marvolo looks back at the bedroom door, where Aldwyn was safely tucked up in bed, Draco fiercely protecting him through the night making the man smile fondly before turning the expression back to Severus.

"He is a special child. He is so shy; so timid and yet so very sly, cunning and with Draco by his side he is going to get up to all sorts of mischief this upcoming year."

Chuckling softly, Severus looks up at Marvolo, his breath catching in his throat as he spies the unusual glint in Marvolo's eyes, his own shining with want and amusement.

"I hope you are ready for that."

Marvolo chuckles as well, his eyes softening the longer he looks at the easy-going smile on the usually stoic, dour man.

"I am sure I will manage somehow, however, I somehow doubt they will ever be caught. No doubt part of the faculty will know it was the pair of them, but I am sure they will have no proof. Real Slytherins those two."

Severus nods his head in agreement, sighing softly before gesturing down the corridor, falling into step with each other Snape chuckles breathlessly.

"I have a feeling I must keep on my toes this year, will Aldwyn be getting a resort? He enquired about it before, but I wasn't too sure. He told me how the Hat wanted to sort him into Slytherin last year but he asked it not too, knowing that he would need to play a role even back then."

Marvolo regards Severus out the corner of his eye, watching him ponder the possibilities of Aldwyn being in his house, sleeping in their dorms no doubt.

"Due to other circumstances, Aldwyn has been worried about whether Harry Potter will completely disappear. I would like to give him the chance of being a normal wizarding child, you have already informed the Headmaster of Aldwyn's transfer to Hogwarts, so I am to believe he will be 'resorted'."

Severus nods in agreement, knowing how worried Marvolo was for his child.

"I will put him in a room with Draco, I have a feeling they are going to become inseparable."

Marvolo hums knowing what Severus says will be true, walking down the corridors, Marvolo nervously and slyly slips his hand back into Severus' squeezing it and offering a shy smile to the potions master who simply smiles back walking closer to the other male.

"I wouldn't mind, I have a feeling Draco is going to become fiercely protective of Aldwyn, it will be good for him, make him feel safer when neither of us is around, it will hopefully mitigate the thoughts of him being unwanted and unlovable."

They continue to walk down the corridor in a comfortable silence before all too soon Severus finds himself standing outside his bedroom door. Holding back a sigh, he turns slowly towards Marvolo who he is pleased to see trying to hide his own look of disappointment, creating warmth in the potion master's chest.

"Thank you for walking me back, Marvolo, I will see you in the morning."

Going to turn back around, Severus finds his hand being held tightly in a thin hand, looking from their interlocked fingers to Marvolo's face, Severus opens his mouth to question the older man, to ask him if something were wrong when he feels a soft, feather-like kiss on his cheek.

Marvolo pulls back slowly, his free hand stroking the pale cheek of Severus with the pads of his fingers whispering a quiet.

"Goodnight, Severus."

Before he draws back completely, walking off down the corridor before he disappears into the darkness.

Severus doesn't know how long he stands frozen in the corridor for, with his hand pressed to his cheek a giddy, breath-taking smile on his face before he too whispers a responding,

"Good night, Marvolo."

Slipping into his room with a wistful sigh.


A/N

Another chapter down, just another 9 or so more to go before I will update and carry this story on. It is almost finished s there will not be too much to upload after these ones.

Please enjoy the rest of the story and don't forget to review with any prank ideas, Pairings for both Aldwyn and Draco and anything else you would like to be added to the story.