Chapter Eleven

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: 6,269


It is dark, that's the first coherent thought to enter into Aldwyn's clouded mind; pitch black. Preluding his vision every which way making it virtually impossible for him to verify his location, making it difficult for his muddled mind to figure out how on Mother Earth did he manage to get where ever he is. Especially since he remembers the comforts of his Father's bedroom, the strong arms which were wrapped around his small body from both sides before he slept.

What was more disconcerting, is the immense pain which is coursing through his body; sharp shooting pains running mercilessly through the back of his head, the feeling of his body being set on fire. Panic starts to settle as Aldwyn tries to calm himself down, his muscles clenching painfully as fiery needles continue to assault his already exhausted body.

Suddenly a small crack of light appears along the floor as if spilling in from under a small door, his eyes squint as they try to focus, blinking rapidly behind wire-framed glasses in the now dimly lit room if it could even be named as such.

Heart fluttering to an almost grinding halt in his chest before it begins to beat at an alarmingly rapid pace as green eyes flicker hesitantly around the enclosed space. A small crib-like structure sits innocently against the far wall, holey blankets lie scrunched up on the blood stained, filthy mattress; a small shelf of cleaning supplies sits just above where a pillow should have been. Tiny soldiers, horses, broken crayons and other discarded and broken toys litter the available space; a childish sign hanging proudly on the back of the door declaring the small space to be 'Harry's Room.'

Aldwyn almost sobs out of despair as his surroundings become the all too familiar layout of his first bedroom; the cupboard under the stairs. Seconds pass; seconds where Aldwyn tries to gather his thoughts, get his breathing under control when he recognises the sounds of his overly large cousin jumping up and down on top of the stairs surface, directly above his head. His movements causing plaster, sawdust and an assortment of insects' rain down upon the young boy as the darkness continues to impair his vision.

He feels the small ticklish legs of spiders crawling across his arms. Legs and face though he does his best to ignore them as he is almost certain they are attempting to make themselves at home upon his unwashed body, weaving their webs within his birds-nest hair.

Aldwyn feels his eleven years as he listens to his cousin's cruel laughter seeming to penetrate the creaking floors of the staircase louder than he remembers, taunting Aldwyn as a foreboding shiver travels down his spine, though he still has to wonder how the whale had not yet fallen through the floor.

Bringing his small bony knees as close to his chest as he can, Aldwyn wraps his stick-like arms around them before resting his chin on top the knees. Squeezing his eyes shut tightly. An impending sense of dread washes over the small wizard filling his chest so much that it is almost painful, pulling uncomfortably as he shivers more insistently. Aldwyn tries to convince himself that nothing is amiss, that everything he is witnessing is just a bad dream; that he is still safe in bed, at Riddle Manor, with his Pap and Father right beside himself. He will wake up soon and be surrounded by that warmth, that feeling of love and safety he had come to adore.

His inner thoughts are broken when the banging above his head abruptly stops, small footsteps scurrying back up the stairs and Aldwyn tracks them. Listening until they stop in what he presumes is Dudley's first bedroom. He tenses again, however when the sound of newer, additional footsteps lumber down the stairs at an uneven pace, the rickety stairwell creaking under the increase of weight making Aldwyn's breath accelerate. His eyes widen in terror as the footsteps travel down the hallway; stopping directly outside his cupboard door.

Aldwyn feels his body seize completely, he can't move, can't speak ad really can't comprehend any of what is happening around himself. He barely recognises the sounds of the deadbolt pulling back nor does he hear the small cupboard door being thrown open, the sounds echoing down the empty hallway.

All the young wizard can do it clutch his hands to his ears, crossing his arms desperately over his face trying to ward off any unwanted violence; his voice breaking the unbearable silence as he peaks out from behind his protective wall at the red face of his uncle.

"Please, please don't! I'll be good, I'll be good, I promise!"

"Now you little freak, you are going to get what you deserve for going to that freakish school of yours!"

The only thing which breaks Aldwyn out of his fear-stricken thoughts is when his small frame is unceremoniously thrown onto the floor of Dudley's second bedroom. He can't fight back when he feels a large meaty hand viciously grabbing his own, dragging him across the floor before he feels a sharp piece of rope being secured around his wrists. Being tied much too tight until they are bound above his head, just like they had been several times previously.

The ropes burn, cutting into the delicate flesh of his wrists as Aldwyn fights as hard as he can to break free of his restraints, adrenaline forcing his movements to become almost frantic. Unwillingly, tears spring to his emerald eyes as he twists his body around as much as his binds allow, until he meets the looming form of his uncle standing above him. A vindictive smile shaping his features causing Aldwyn to swallow thickly.

Vernon sneers down at the boy he has bound, watching in delight as the child trembles on the floor by his feet, a long brown leather belt held loosely in his overly large hands. As he places a well-aimed kick towards the child's abdomen causing the young boy to cry out in pain, unable to withhold the noise.

"So, you think you can run away, do you?"

His uncles voice, devoid of every emotion but loathing breaks through the room, speaking over Aldwyn's whimpers of pain without a care. Vernon places another solid kick to Aldwyn's ribs making them shift painfully, straining under the immense pressure.

"Do you really think that you would deserve to be loved? To have a family?"

This time Vernon tightens his grip on the belt, bringing it down in an experimental arch before it slashes painfully against Aldwyn's thinly covered back.

"You are nothing but a Freak! Freaks don't deserve clothes, don't deserve food, don't deserve a family."

His uncle mercilessly brings the belt down once more, raining slash upon slash against the red back and chest of Aldwyn, tears now streaming down the boy's face as his hand pulling desperately at the robes binding him under his uncle's ministrations.

"You burden my family with your freakish nature and then run off with those other freaks? Have the torture my perfectly normal family because we gave you exactly what you deserve."

Another slash catches Aldwyn's ribs drawing a loud, pain-filled scream from cracked lips, his hands, by now, red raw; the skin being torn viciously away by the tight ropes, his clothing lying in tatters around his shivering form. Welt, cuts and bruises can be seen littering his small chest and back, along with the skin of his upper arms as he tries his best to protect himself from his uncle's anger. The tears streaming down in rapid succession mixes with the blood on his chest as they drip to the floor.

He feels so cold, so alone; the darkness once again closing in around him, surrounding him as his uncle's malicious laughter fills the now pitch-black space. His mouth forming words that won't reach his own ears, but he knows he is pleading, trying desperately to stop the tirade of abuse he can feel raining down upon his already broken form.

Severus wakes with a start, years of working as a spy for his Lord having taught him to wake at the smallest indication meaning that he has become an extremely light sleeper. Casting a quick Tempus he blinks rapidly as bright, red glowing figures appear in front of himself informing him that it is just 06:39 in the morning. A time he realises he would never usually be awake, meaning that something else had drawn him from his slumber. A noise or movement within the room.

Deciding to lie still for a few moments, Severus feels the tell-tale sign of people in the bed to his side, both still sleeping, he smiles softly. The events of the previous evening fluttering through his mind reminding him of what he would label, one of the happiest days of his life.

Marvolo had asked him to become Aldwyn's second parent, he now has a son who he can love and protect, just like he had always wanted. Thinking of Aldwyn, Severus slowly and carefully sits up, trying not to wake the other members of his small family. He looks down at the small figure tucked safely between Marvolo and himself, frowning softly.

Aldwyn is fidgeting in his sleep; his eyebrows furrowing as his eyes seem to flicker behind closed eyelids searching for something.

Continuing to watch his son carefully he feels his heart clench as Aldwyn curls in on himself, his breathing picking up as his small frame begins to shake, in what he can only guess is fear. Becoming alarmed that Aldwyn is trapped within a nightmare, Severus quickly flicks the bedside lamp on, earning a quiet protest from his bedfellow. He watches anxiously, his gaze flickering between Marvolo and Aldwyn, as Marvolo's brown eyes slowly flicker open, letting them adjust to the sudden lighting before pulling himself up.

Looking around the room as if to disconcert the meaning of his wakening, he locks eyes with Severus offering a small, tired smile which is returned, although stiffly, which the other doesn't fail to notice.

"My dear Sev, are you alright?"

The potions master nods his head silently, reaching a hand across the bed slowly, he tucks a small strand of hair behind Marvolo's ear before squeezing his hand, asking for comfort as he flickers his eyes back down towards Aldwyn who is now shifting and whimpering in his sleep. Following the others concerned gaze, Marvolo frowns at his son's slight thrashing, small terrified whimpers now reaching his ears as he looks upon his son's tear stained face, his features the picture of pain and horror.

Turning his head to Severus once more, Marvolo shifts over, pulling himself and his partner closer to their son offering him as much comfort as they could while his free hand settles on top of Aldwyn's head, stroking his soft raven locks away from his sweat soaked forehead. His eyes narrow in concern when a terrified scream breaks free of his son's lips resulting in Severus tightening his grip on his hand.

"No, please… I'm sorry."

Aldwyn's words are desperate, pain ridden, his voice hoarse as he pleads with his tormentor, thrashing further he pulls his trembling hands towards his chest in what his parents believe to be a defence against any more attacks.

"Freaks don't deserve a family…. Don't deserve to be loved."

Aldwyn's words sound defeated, as if resigning himself, believing whatever he is being told by his abuser. The sound of it makes both Severus and Marvolo's hearts clench in their chests as they look desperately at each other.

"Snakelet?"

Aldwyn's soft words halt, his violent thrashing slowing down slightly as his eyes seem to search the darkness surrounding himself, looking for whoever is calling out to him.

"Snakelet? Wake up for me, Little One."

Marvolo cards a shaking hand through his son's hair, once, twice, three times trying to coax a reaction from his still sleeping child. He releases a breath he doesn't know he is holding when Aldwyn leans into the gentle touch instead of flinching away as he had first feared.

"Come on, Little One. You are home; you are safe."

Severus watches Marvolo for a few seconds be he too reaches out slowly, wrapping his hand around Aldwyn's shaking and still clench hands, rubbing his thumb soothingly across the taunt, white knuckles, his voice soft and gentle, matching Marvolo's own perfectly.

"Please, Little Snake. I need you to wake up for us."

His parents watch as Aldwyn's flicker some more, fighting to open his eyes but the nightmare holds tight, forcing their son to relive what they assume to be some of his worse memories of his life with the muggles. Though they renew their efforts, carding hands through his hair, rubbing his back and sides soothingly, trying to reach their terrified son, trying to pull him away from his night terrors.

"Aldwyn, my son. Please wake up. Father and Papa are right here with you, you are loved little one, so loved. Come back to us."

Marvolo, startled by the thick emotions layering Severus' voice, looks up surprised to see silent tears running down the potion master's cheeks as he tries to coax their son to an awaken state.

"Please Aldwyn, our precious little boy, our precious child, you are so loved. Wake up now, Little Snake."

Bright green eyes flicker open slowly, blinking rapidly in the light filling the room as a fresh set of tears spill down his face as he catches sight of the worried glances aiming at him from his parents. They are still here with him, they hadn't left him, hadn't given him back to the Dursley's!

Aldwyn releases a sob as he feels a warm hand being dragged through his hair comfortingly, another is wrapped around his own hand just to his side. Looking up Aldwyn sniffles offering a shy smile to his Father and Papa.

"I'm sorry."

The small wizard winces at how hoarse his voice sounds and the amount his throat hurts as he manages to choke his words out. He closes his eyes in pain as he waits for the berating he is certain he is going to receive now.

"Whatever are you apologising for, Snakelet? You have done nothing wrong."

Marvolo's voice is soft, gentle and holds a hint of confusion as he carefully guides Aldwyn to sit up tucking the covers tightly around the boy's waist as he wraps an arm around his son's still shaking form pulling Aldwyn tightly into his side.

"But I woke you up. The Dursleys never liked it when I woke them up, Vernon would always shout at me and hurt me. I'm sorry."

Despite his timid words, Aldwyn happily leans into his father's warmth, tightening his grip on Severus' hand, he quickly pulls the potion's master closer as well. The young wizard sighs happily as the three of them sit silently for a few moments, Aldwyn sandwiched between his parents in a loving embrace.

"You will never have to apologise for having a nightmare, son. If you ever need us, morning or night then you are more than welcome to come and find us."

Aldwyn looks frantically between his parents looking as if he were trying to convince himself of the truth of Severus' statement, looking as if he were going to protest, but before he can utter a word Severus cuts him off, firmly but gently.

"Even if you have to wake one of us up. That is what we are here for Aldwyn, your Father and I are here to help you, care for you and love you, do you know why?"

The small child shakes his head, his mouth hanging open as his eyes widen in shock at his professor, uncertainty shining in his emerald eyes, body subconsciously leaning further into their embrace as Marvolo takes up where Severus left off.

"It is because we love you unconditionally, Aldwyn, you are our whole world and we would be devastated if something were to happen to you. We are nothing like those filthy muggles who called themselves your family. We are your family and you are never going to be alone ever again. You have Lucius and Narcissa who care for you deeply, also, young Draco, who I dare say is already highly fond of you."

Aldwyn blushes slightly, ducking his head as his father chuckles lightly, the young wizard soon looking back up at the man, smiling brightly as tears once more fall from his eyes, twisting around he launches himself at his parents wrapping his thin arms around their necks hugging them tightly.

"Thank you. I love you both too!"

The young wizard laughs breathlessly as two strong sets of arms wrap around his small figure in return, holding him protectively between his parents as he sighs contently, loving the feelings welling up in his chest as he holds on as if his life depends on it.

"How are you feeling now, Little Snake?"

Reluctantly pulling back from the embrace, Aldwyn lets a small smile pull at the corners of his lips as he quietly ponders the question. A warm hand wiping away the remnants of tears from his cheeks.

"Better… Though my muscles are beginning to ache, and I have a small headache."

Aldwyn cocks his head to the side in silent consideration before looking quizzically at Severus.

"Is that from the ritual yesterday?"

Severus nods his head tightening his arms around his son before leaning his head contently against Marvolo's shoulder, startling the older man just so.

"Yes, I believe so Aldwyn, it is your body changing in response to the new blood in your system. You are likely to grow a couple of inches; your hair should be more manageable. Though I do hope your eyes will not change too much."

Aldwyn tilts his head to side again, studying his papa."

"Why?"

He asks with child-like curiosity filling his tone. Marvolo smiles down at his son, resting his head on top of Severus' as he gently cards his hand through Aldwyn's hair, answering for the potions master.

"Because Snakelet, your eyes are beautiful, they are a rare colour; so bright, so full of light. They are practically glowing with power."

The young raven-haired boy nods his head in understanding, a light blush dusting his cheeks as he turns back around, leaning comfortably against his parent's chests settling back deep within their embrace.

"Anyway, Snakelet, I hear it is someone's birthday soon?"

Aldwyn tilts his head at an angle, a clear sign of his confusion and contemplation, his eyebrows furrow in concentration as he looks at his father, worrying his lower lip between his teeth.

"Really? Whose?"

Severus and Marvolo share a saddened look, eyes softening as they return their gaze towards their son, judging by what they knew about Aldwyn's childhood, they had guessed that he had never received any birthday or Christmas presents and so they had been planning something special for their little boy.

"Yours, Snakelet. It is the 22nd today and we are planning to throw a small party for you; a joint one with Draco so that you don't feel so overwhelmed. Would you like that Snakelet?"

Aldwyn shyly nods his head, his eyes fixing on the blanket which he fists in his hands as he begins to worry his lips again.

"I mean you don't have to do this. I have never celebrated my birthday before, so I don't want you to go out of your way. I don't want to be a burden for you."

"You will never be a burden to us Aldwyn, you are our precious son and we wish for you to experience a normal childhood. You have never had a party before and so we wish for you to have one if you wish we shall only invite a few people to attend."

Severus nods his head along with Marvolo's suggestion; he had informed the previous Dark Lord about how well Aldwyn wished to get along with the then first year Slytherins and suggested that those be the children invited. Though, if by accident something is revealed to the children, they would make sure that nothing would get back to the Headmaster and his light side that Aldwyn Slytherin was once Harry Potter.

Aldwyn nods his head as well, his gaze still fixed towards the blanket wrapped around his legs, though he offers a small shy smile towards his parents.

"Thank you, Father. – Turning towards Severus – Thank you, Papa."

An hour later finds Aldwyn being carried towards the family dining room for breakfast, his parents not wanting him to strain his already aching muscles. Aldwyn doesn't complain as he feels a twinge go through his leg and exhaustion running through his veins, his head throbs with an ache which seems to be getting worse and worse.

"Don't worry, Little Snake. It is just your magic settling back down. Your magical core expanded last night, and your signature has changed so it will take a while for it to re-stabilize."

Severus reassures him on their walk towards the hall, nodding his head, Aldwyn smile at his Papa before resting back down into his father's arms.

The family of three soon arrives at the dining hall to find the Malfoy's already seated around the table, leaving the head seats to Marvolo, Severus and Aldwyn as they quietly converse amongst themselves. Conversations cease when they notice the trio walking in, Draco waves at his friend, smiling happily as he calls a quick.

"Mornings blessings, Aldwyn."

Which Aldwyn is quick to return, having been taught the traditional Pureblood responses and greetings from the other boy during his stay in Severus' Chambers at the end of last year. He is placed gently down on his seat at the table next to his blond friend before receiving a soft kiss on his head from both Marvolo and Severus who the retreat to take their own.

"How are you feeling this bright morning, Aldwyn?"

"Sore, achy and a little tired but otherwise I am alright, Aunt Cissa."

Narcissa smiles warmly at the young wizard, her eyes shining with joy as she regards her Godson from across the table.

"That is good to hear. I am going to give you a pain relief potion for after you finish your breakfast, I fear you will need it. However, I will have to recommend you stay in bed for the rest of the day."

Aldwyn looks downtrodden for a few seconds, not wanting to be bed ridden again so soon after his last unfortunate stay, his plans to play Quidditch with Draco and maybe brewing some potions with his Papa postponed doe another day as he reluctantly nods his head, a small pout forming on his lips which causes Severus to chuckle softly.

"And what, pray tell, is so amusing to you this morning Severus?"

Marvolo looks at his partner, amusement twinkling in his in his brown eyes, a smirk breaking free when the potions master looks fondly down at a still pouting Aldwyn.

"It is just, Aldwyn here has a rather hard time staying put whenever he is in the Hospital wing at Hogwarts; sneaking out in the middle of the night or doing something to persuade Madame Pomfrey to release him early. I am surprised he has never been caught sneaking around."

He chuckles again, this time joined by Narcissa and Marvolo while Lucius simply smirks down at the young raven-haired boy who responds by pouting even further.

"It's not my fault she fusses way too much. I tell her I am fine, but she just gives you that look."

Aldwyn looks towards Draco, letting a small smile pull at the corner of his lips when he sees the boy nodding his head in understanding, knowing full well what Aldwyn is getting at.

"Yes, she has that stern frown on her face, puts her hands on her hips while tapping her foot on the floor impatiently. She just shakes her head and says, 'I am the Healer here, Mister Potter and I would appreciate it if you would let me do my job.' She threatens students with sticking charms if they try to leave even when she has told them they are fine!"

Draco and Aldwyn giggle into their hands at the young Malfoy's impersonation of the Medi-witch.

"Oh! We mustn't forget, 'Well Severus with the way you have treated the boy this past year I am just making sure that you know what you are doing and will not let old grudges get in the way."

Draco breaks out into more giggles, quickly glancing towards Severus who scowls playfully at his son, though the young child isn't paying close enough attention, he is too busy trying to quell his own laughter as his shoulder shake almost uncontrollably.

"You should have seen his face. He sneered at her and crossed his arms over his chest…"

Both boys almost fall off their chairs with the next onslaught of giggles, the entire table watching them fondly as the once rivals now getting along perfectly.

"Hahaha! I bet Uncle Sev had something to say to that."

Draco exclaims, hands clutching his stomach, almost bending completely in half with the force of his laughter now, small tears streaming down his flushed cheeks as he struggles to regulate his breathing.

Aldwyn is in no better state, though he does have the presence of mind to nod his head along with his friend, trying to calm his own breathing down just enough to allow himself to answer the blond Heir.

"Yes, he did. I think he said something along the lines of 'Are you suggesting Poppy, that I would neglect an ill child entrusted to my care? How disappointing."

Lucius, Narcissa and Marvolo snort at Aldwyn's surprisingly good impersonation of the potions master, the sneer on his face is well practices; the glint in his eyes and the composure in which he holds himself being remarkably like the dour man.

"I do not look, nor sound like that. Thank you very much."

Severus mock complains, even as he tries to keep the smile off his face as Aldwyn stops laughing for a moment to regard his Papa, a small mischievous smirk playing on his lips before he dons his impersonation of Severus once more.

"Papa?"

Severus looks down at his son who sneers up at the man, crossing his arms dramatically over his chest, trying to look down his nose at the older man, but considering their height difference it is a difficult feat.

"You seem to think that I am incapable of looking after a small child, Poppy."

Aldwyn manages to inject the right amount of exasperation into his voice to make everyone at the table start laughing again, Severus responds by pouting further, increasing everyone's amusement as the simple, light conversation.

Marvolo, finding Severus to be overly adorable when he pouts, decides to join in with teasing his partner, he pokes the potion master's cheek gently before placing a soft kiss to the area, earning a sharp, yet pleased look from Severus.

"The Dungeon Bat of Hogwarts pouts, who would have thought?"

The Dark Lord chuckles lightly as a bright pink blush dusts Severus' cheek; his pout turning into an embarrassed smile as he spots Aldwyn watching his parents with a joyous expression.

"I do not pout, nor have I ever."

The dour man responds, pout firmly back in place making Marvolo laugh breathlessly, though Severus is too busy staring at his lap to notice the sudden serious look on the older man's face. He doesn't notice when one of Marvolo's thin hands reaches under his chin until those long fingers grip it gently; he feels his head being lifted and turned, startling him at the close proximity Marvolo's face is to his own.

His breath catches in his throat as the Dark Lord leans forward, placing a soft, feather-light kiss to his lips before pulling back just enough to whisper in the man's ear, his warm breath ghosting Severus skin making him shiver.

"It seems that I am going to have to kiss that pretty mouth of yours until you smile for me, my dear Severus."

Severus' face lights up, his cheeks burning as Marvolo places another chaste kiss to his lips, pulling them into a shy smile as the older man pulls back, releasing his chin and stroking his cheek gently, staring into Severus' eyes for a moment. Before they are pulled back into reality by the quiet squeals of their son and his friend.

Quirking an eyebrow in amusement, Marvolo regards his son.

"Are you quite alright, son?"

Aldwyn simply nods his head happily before Draco leans forward, whispering hurriedly into his ear making the younger wizard squeal once more, his hands clapping together over his mouth as he looks innocently at his parents.

Marvolo's other eyebrow joins the first, not truly trusting the look his son is sporting towards himself and his partner knowing that Aldwyn and Draco are planning something.

"What are you and the young Mister Malfoy planning this time, Snakelet?"

Draco breaks out into soft giggles earning himself a small, heart-hearted glare from Aldwyn, from having left his counterpart hanging to dry, as the muggle phrase goes. Sighing slightly and shaking his head, Aldwyn dons his best innocent look before facing his father once more, his head cocking to the side as he gazes intently.

"We are planning nothing, Father. I am hurt you would even suggest such a thing. You are probably just being paranoid."

Draco's giggles become full blown laughter as Aldwyn fights hard to maintain his innocent look, though it becomes increasingly difficult when Lucius and Narcissa begin to snigger at him from across the table.

Marvolo simply looks at his son, not believing him for a second which causes Aldwyn to sigh, finally allowing a mischievous smirk to shape his features.

"When are you going to ask Papa?"

Draco once more snorts into his hand as Marvolo regards his sons sparkling eyes for a second answering.

"Ask your Papa what, Snakelet?"

Aldwyn watches his father in return, watches as his gaze flickers over to Severus, when he smiles at the still present blush dusting the usually pale cheeks before he settles on himself once more.

"Ask him to become your consort?"

The table erupts into chuckles, Lucius and Narcissa let out undignified snorts across the table, covering their mouths with their hands to muffle their laughter when they notice the look on Marvolo's face.

"You are completely right, Snakelet. I even requested to have the Consort ring bought to me in Gringotts…"

Shaking his head, Marvolo mumbles under his breath, calling for a House Elf whispering his request to the little creature who happily nods his head before he disappears with a loud pop. Only to return again seconds later with a small square box in his little hands.

Marvolo, grabbing the box in his left hand quickly walks around to his right-hand side, kneeling on the floor directly in front of Severus who is pulled from his thoughts by a hand squeezing his own, he lets a small gasp escape his throat when he spots his partner. The Dark Lord takes a deep centring breath before forcing himself to meet Severus' gaze.

"I know I have informed you of this before, my dear Severus but I have come to care for you a great deal these past couple of days; more so then I did before, and I hope that you feel the same. You have become the light of my life and I thank you for all you have done for our son… for me."

Severus brings a trembling hand against his mouth, his onyx eyes brimming with tears as he watches, almost petrified with shock as Marvolo opens the small box in his hands, exposing the Slytherin Consort ring to him.

The ring is magnificent, unlike any engagement ring he had seen before. The metal frame was a brilliant shining black, beautifully decorated in small polished emeralds along the sides. A giant emerald sitting within four black pillars. Two what look like leaves protruding from the large jewel with more emeralds glittering around it.

"I love you Severus, truly. I know I have not been the sanest character up until now, but I promise you that my feelings for you are true and if you would agree then you will rule by my side, with our son, forever by my side, my darling Sev. I would be humbled and honoured if you would consent to wear this ring as a symbol that you are mine as much as I am yours; a symbol that you belong in our family. Please Sev, will you wear my ring?"

Marvolo looks up nervously at Severus when he hears a chocked sob, ready to pull his hands away at the first signs of rejection. He is unprepared then when the potions master launches himself out of his chair, for two thin arms to wrap around his neck in a tight hug and to hear his partner sobbing quite happily on his shoulder as he nods his head frantically.

"Yes! Oh, thank you, Marvolo. Thank you, I would be happy to accept."

The Dark Lord quickly interprets the mutters in his shoulder and sighs a breath of relief while wrapping his arms around his now Consort in response, smiling against the younger man's hair as he gestures for Aldwyn, who is watching the proceedings with hope and joy shining in his emerald eyes, to come and join himself and Severus.

Smiling brightly, Aldwyn slips down from his chair before running around the table, joining his parents hug eagerly, wrapping his small around their necks, laughing out his congratulations when he is pulled into a tight embrace between the two adults.

"I am just so sorry that it took me so long to ask, my dear Sev."

Marvolo pulls back enough to slip the ring onto Severus' left ring finger, the cool metal shrinking to fit snugly before he pulls the man back into an embrace, kissing both his consort and son on the head in his overwhelming joy.

The family are broken apart when the sound of clapping fills the dining room, making the trio chuckle as Marvolo and Severus blush lightly. As they each return to their seats, Narcissa and Lucius congratulate the newly engaged couple while Draco pulls Aldwyn into a hug, congratulating him on finally having complete family of his own.

The group then sits in an almost relaxed silence as they each finish their breakfasts before Aldwyn is handed two different potions, a nutrient one from Severus and a pain relief from Narcissa. Despite his earlier reluctance, Aldwyn down both without so much as a complaint though he does screw his face up at the horrible tastes invading his tongue. Though he sighs in relief when the pain in his head and muscles slowly melts away, leaving him lax and exhausted.

"Alright, my little Snake. I think someone should rest in bed for today just like Aunt Narcissa said, you should be as right as rain tomorrow."

Aldwyn looks towards his papa, chuckling around a yawn at the confused looks being shot his way by the Malfoy family making his flush slightly.

"It's a muggle phrase."

Severus explains as looks of realisation spread through the room.

"Come along Snakelet."

Aldwyn blinks his eyes up at his father, his head cocking to the side as he stares tiredly at the hand being held out in front of himself before he looks back into the familiar brown eyes, smiling shyly as another yawn breaks out.

Marvolo watches his son fidget in his seat for a few seconds, his fingers nervously playing with the fabric of his pyjama top before it dawns on his what his son is too shy to ask for. Leaning forward slowly, Marvolo lifts Aldwyn up into his arms carefully, cradling him against his chest while placing a kiss to his forehead. He smiles when Aldwyn burrows closer, his eyes closing as he sighs happily, his small hands gripping his father's clothes tightly.

"Demanding little Snakelet."

Such a simple phrase being said with such affection makes Aldwyn simply chuckle, leaning his head down comfortably, he gestures for his papa to follow behind as he is carried out of the dining room sending a wave towards the Malfoy's as he goes.

The family of three walks silently through the halls towards Aldwyn bedroom, their footsteps the only thing echoing throughout the otherwise deserted corridor. Upon arriving at their destination, Severus quietly opens the door allowing Marvolo to carry their almost asleep child into the room, placing Aldwyn gently down onto the bed.

As soon as he feels to comfortable mattress under himself, Aldwyn crawls awkwardly under the covers seeing as he is still wearing his pyjamas from last night, and burrows down as his papa pulls the quilt up and tucks him into bed.

"Rest now, Little Snake. We will be in the family lounge when you wake. If you need one of us just call for your House Elf, alright?"

Aldwyn nods his head, another yawn breaking through, with the pain completely gone for now he suddenly feels completely exhausted, despite sleeping through most of the night. Fighting to keep his eyes open he feels two soft kisses on top of his head and smiles.

"Sleep well, Snakelet."

"Rest, Little Snake."

"Night Father, night Papa."


A/N

Chapter 11 now edited and revised. If anyone has any prank ideas as I am still collecting inspiration for Aldwyn and Draco's second year at Hogwarts then place them in the review!.

And to make things easier for people, I have created two polls on my profile so that you guys can vote for who you would like to be paired up with Aldwyn and Draco throughout their Hogwarts career. If the pairing you would like to see isnt listed then feel free to comment it in your review and I will tally up the votes when I am starting to write up the next book!

I hope you are all enjoying the story so far.