Chapter Six
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: 6,368
Date Rewritten: 28/12/2020
Marvolo stays staring at the door as it closes behind Severus, his heart stutters in his chest as he fights the urge to call the man back into the room, to ask him to stay and watch over his son with him. Pulling his gaze away from the door, Marvolo stands slowly from his chair, his eyes fixating on the now peaceful look on his son's sleeping face. The healing and potions working through the injuries, diminishing his pain as he sleeps undisturbed. Sitting as carefully as possible on the edge of the large bed, the Dark Lord smooths the blankets out over his son, making sure that the child is completely tucked in. He strokes the soft raven locks off the boy's forehead, allowing a small smile to break out when Harry shifts slightly, leaning into the touch with a content sigh.
Continuing to muss the soft curls, Lord Voldemort loses himself in his thoughts, his brow furrowing in displeasure and concern, his mind flicking back through the events of the past evening and what they could possibly mean for his young charge. He recalls Lucius' words about how no wandless or non-verbal magic could be detected beyond the wards. So how were the ministry or Hogwarts able to sense any of Harry's accidental magic to send him his letter seen as it is, non-specifically, a form of wandless and sometimes non-verbal magic.
How could Albus Dumbledore possibly have known that Harry had so much power hidden within him? Besides the obvious of both Harry's biological parents being quite powerful in their own rights but that does not necessarily mean that Harry would be as well, if one discounted the words of the prophecy. Not including the possibility of Harry turning into an Obscurial due to the abuse he suffered through because of his accidental magic.
His hand continues its subconscious movements through baby soft hair.
Well, one thing is for sure, Harry is going to a very powerful wizard one day, rivalling my own power but stronger than Dumbledore and his little Light Army.
The house his son had been left outside of, as well as being dreary, was no place for a young wizard, especially an heir to his families Lordship, to grow up in seen as there were no other wizarding families for miles. Which leads on to the fact that his son, the sole Heir to the Noble House of Potter would have no prior knowledge of the Wizarding World, nor of his duties before his eleventh birthday, much like himself and if the old codger is still the same as he was back then, then he would have sent one of his closest followers, if not himself, to retrieve the boy.
Besides all of the suspicious actions of the esteemed Headmaster of Hogwarts, Lord Voldemort is pleased with the way both Lucius and Severus handled the situation. Yes, they had been informed beforehand, Severus had even spent time with the boy on his orders in Hogwarts before the end of term, who they would be collecting and why and yet, neither of them had asked any unnecessary questions. Severus had gotten the location of the boy's Muggle relatives quickly and easily whilst Lucius enjoyed the sounds of the muggles tortured screams.
The Dark Lord has been proud with how quickly Severus had worked on his son, spelling potion after potion into the young boy's system to prevent any further damage to his already bleeding and broken frame as they apparated with their precious cargo.
His quiet musings are broken by a soft moan coming from his side, looking down quickly at his little boy, a frown marring his features knowing that Harry shouldn't be waking up just yet. Casting a glance at Harry's face he sees a crease in the young child's forehead, a light sheen of sweat glistening on his head as he begins to fidget in his sleep. Without a second thought, the Dark Lord brushes strands of hair away from the pale forehead, placing a feature light kiss to the newly exposed skin.
"Shhh. It is alright, Harry. No one is going to hurt you here; you are safe Little One."
Whispering gentle words of comfort into Harry's ear seems to calm him down momentarily, his troubling thoughts being soothed slightly.
"You are safe, Snakelet. You are home now, it is alright."
Lord Voldemort continues to sooth his frightened child, moving back quickly enough to avoid a collision when Harry bolts upright, his small frame shaking in the pale light streaming through the window. His eyes are squeezed tightly closed, small tears gathering in the corners as his breathing comes in short, frantic bursts. Placing a hand on the thin, trembling shoulder almost hesitantly, as if not wanting to startle the already scared child, Voldemort draws his son into a tight hug, rubbing a hand up and down his back in an attempt to calm him down.
"It is alright, my Little One. You are safe. You are home now. No one is going to hurt you now my Precious Snakelet. It was only a bad dream."
After a few minutes of spewed words, calming gestures and rocking from side to side, Harry calms down enough to pull back from the comforting embrace, wiping his eyes he turns to look up at his father. His emerald eyes blinking repeatedly in the evening light. He offers a small smile up to the blurred figure still holding him in a secure embrace.
"Hello Father."
The soft voice pulls a warm smile from the Dark Lord as he cards a hand through his son's unruly hair once more tugging him back against his chest, wrapping his arms tightly around the young boy, a thrill going through his chest at being called 'father', something he disallowed himself to wish for many years ago.
"Hello, my Son. How are you feeling?"
Harry happily cuddles further into the warm embrace, sighing softly at the hand brushing through his hair while the other draws light meaningless patterns down his back.
"I am okay Father, my muscles still ache a bit and my ribs, wrist and ankle are throbbing a tiny bit. My head really hurts though, and I am tired."
Looking up from where he had burrowed himself inside his Father's robes Harry offers a small, slightly puzzled look, silently asking for the events of the last few hours. Sighing softly knowing that he is going to have to tell Harry the complete truth, Voldemort leans down placing a soft kiss to his son's head before a hand gently on the back of his neck pulling the unresisting body tighter to his chest.
"I arrived at your house to collect you like I had promised you, Snakelet. I had Lucius and Severus with me, and we all went to pick you up. To bring you home. What we saw when we got there was abysmal, I am truly sorry that I couldn't have gotten to you sooner my son. You had to suffer through so much pain and hardships before I could rescue you, I hope you can forgive me, Snakelet."
"S'not your fault, Father. You didn't place me there in the first place and you didn't make them beat and starve me. You kept your promise and came to save me. You have offered me a place in your home and the chance of a family like you said you would. There is nothing to forgive you for."
Voldemort looks down at his son, his throat constricting at the build-up of emotions he is feeling at having his son safe and in his arms, placing another kiss to his son's forehead he continues.
"I found you upstairs. There was so much blood. So many injuries. I was terrified that I would lose you before I had even gotten a chance to truly have you. Severus administered some emergency potions once I had taken you downstairs, enough to ensure that you would survive the trip back to the manor. While Lucius taught those filthy Muggle never to mess with my son!"
His voice rises in volume by the end of his explanation, his arms holding Harry tightly in his arms as if afraid he would disappear any second, he may possibly leave a couple of bruises if he did not relinquish his hold and yet, Harry clung to him just a tight.
"Did you make them pay?"
Blinking his eyes slowly, Marvolo looks down at the child curled up in front of himself, a familiar glint shining in the young boy's green eyes. Smirking down at his son, Voldemort gives a perfect disbelieving snort, titling his nose up in the air in what was to be completely Pureblood fashion, causing a small giggle to come from the raven-haired boy.
"Of course, we did. Though not as much as they deserved unfortunately."
Here Marvolo lets out a self-suffering sigh, a look of pure disappointment shaping his features before he breaks into a small smile at the soft peals of laughter coming from his son. He watches in amusement as Harry pulls himself upright, his back perfectly straight as he crosses his arms across his chest, his nose sticking up, imitating his father's previous position, nodding his head once firmly, wincing as his head throbs.
"Good, we can always get them back at a later date."
"That we will, Son."
They sit in silence for a few moments, each lost within their own thoughts of the previous evening before young Harry closes his eyes, a groan pulling from his lips as a small trembling hand goes to his forehead. Brown eyes snap to him immediately, concern swirling deep within their depth as Marvolo cards a hand through his Son's hair coaxing his startling eyes to open.
Feeling the gentle hand in his hair, Harry turns his head slowly, green eyes meeting brown as he takes in the form of his father, offering him a small smile before trying to push himself up into a more stable seated position, wincing at the aching of his muscles and body which forces a whimper to escape his throat. Trying once more he is surprised to feel two strong hands aiding him, helping him by leaning his own tired body against their own.
"Careful Son, you are not yet fully healed."
Snuggling happily into the warmth of his father's side, Harry smiles up at the man next to him.
"Thank you for saving me Father."
Lord Voldemort runs his fingers through Harry's raven locks, his free arm coming up to wrap around the child's small frail shoulders, pulling his gently against his side.
"There is no need to thank me, Snakelet. I am just sorry that I couldn't get to you any sooner; I was so worried about you when I opened that door and saw you lying there. There was so much blood. I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am."
Harry shudders at the memories of his Uncle's punishment, the sound of the belt hitting his skin echoes through his mind, thoughts of how his bones had snapped and broke under the intensity of the kicks sends phantom pains through his body, his nightmare comes to the forefront of his mind. Shaking his head, Harry buries his face in the robes his father is wearing, taking a deep shuddering breath; breathing in the calming scent before wrapping his hands in the silk fabric.
"It is alright, Snakelet. You will never have to suffer through anything like that again, I will make sure of it. I promise you that I will always protect you. Remember that you also have Severus, Lucius, Draco and Narcissa who will do anything they can to protect you as well."
Lord Voldemort looks down at the trembling form of his son, a sad smile coming to his lips as he gently pulls the child into his lap, cuddling him against his chest. Mindful of his current state of dress, Marvolo summons a deep emerald bathrobe, draping it around Harry's shoulders before wrapping his arms back around the small body, rocking them both back and forth.
"Thank you, Father."
Harry sighs happily, leaning further into the comforting warmth, resting his head against Lord Voldemort's chest he listens to the steady beats of his heart before a thought comes to him.
"I was so scared. He ripped up my photo album as well; it had all the pictures of Lily and James in them and he ripped them all up."
Tears once again come to Harry's eyes at the memory, his only pictures of his biological parents were now gone, he had nothing to remember them by now, not really. Holding his son close, Voldemort leans over slowly, pulling two items off the bedside table before handing them over to his son. Looking down at the pieces of paper in his father's hands, Harry slowly reaches forward, his hands hesitating for a moment before gingerly taking them. Flipping them over he gasps softly. The pictures he had taken out the night before!
"But how? I hid them under my pillow."
The loving smile Harry shoots the Dark Lord makes his chest fill with a warmth he had long since forgotten in his mad grab for power, something he hadn't felt in decades. Smiling down at the young wizard cuddle in his lap.
"When I came to get you, I summoned all of your belongings in your room and shrank them down in my pockets. I found them a little while ago when I was going through your things."
Voldemort is unprepared for the actions which happen in the next moment. Harry finally lets his tears fall as he launches himself up into his Father's arms crying happily into the man's shoulder as he feels arms wrap around him in return.
"Thank you. Thank you."
"You are most welcome, my Little Snakelet."
They stay in each other's embrace for several moments, soaking up the unconditional affection they can feel radiating from each other; waiting for them both to calm down before either of them even contemplated the thought of disengaging from the embrace. Harry, however, happily settles himself back down in the Dark Lord's lap, his tired muscles pulsing as he shuffles around to lean against his chest.
Just as the pair settle down into a comfortable silence, there is a hesitant knock on the bedroom door, the quiet noise startling Harry minutely.
"Enter."
The young wizard relaxes as soon as he sees the familiar, though more timid, visage of his potion's professor pushing open the door and stepping into the room. Severus' cheeks redden slightly as he meets the Dark Lord's eyes, hands tightening on the box of potions in his arms as he carefully makes his way further into the room, pushing the door shut with his foot. His eyes widen when he notices that Harry is not only awake but cuddled up quite contently on his master's lap.
"Is it true that you were friends with my mum? And Lucius?"
Harry questions before Severus can even think to enquire about the young child's health. Startled at the seemingly random question, Severus catches a glimpse of the crimpled photos clutched tightly in Harry's hands and smiles. Eyes lighting up in recognition before they dim, his smile becoming fixed and strained.
"Well, yes. We were friends once. Your mother and I lived close to each other before and during our Hogwarts years, she was my best friend for years."
"What happened?"
Severus sighs as he moves to place the potions down on the bedside table before settling himself on the mattress, turning to face the small child. He allows a small sad smile to shape his lips at Harry's expression of curiosity; ruffling the boy's hair.
"During our fifth year she became friends with your father, James. He had always tormented me, since we had gotten on the Hogwarts Express before our first year. Lily used to abhor bullies and always stood up for me against him and his friends. She would always help me and report Potter to the teachers, but nothing was ever done about it. She despised him. Always ranting on about his immaturity, how he was a bully and spoilt but then she changed…"
Pulling away from his father's embrace, Harry crawls slowly across the bed, wincing as his muscles pull tenderly as he places a hand on Severus' arm not really understanding why he doesn't like seeing the sadness spread across the man's face. His mum, Lily, had been lucky to have such a dedicated and loving friend as Severus and he couldn't understand why she would change.
"How did she change?"
"She started to hang around with Potter, Black, Lupin and Pettigrew sometime during our fifth year and suddenly she started going on about how his cruel ways, his insults and bullying were merely harmful pranks and fun. That he meant no real harm. She would sometimes go on at Lucius and I about turning Dark because we were Slytherins and that she and Potter would help me find the 'right' path. In the end, she resorted to calling me a disgusting Dark Wizard who she wanted nothing to do with. I believe Potter had been whispering in her ear; poisoning her against Lucius and I, and I lost her to him. After years of friendship she chose him over me."
Harry pats Severus' arm consolingly, offering up a shy smile before he leans forward and awkwardly embraces the Potions Master his small body tensing, breath catching in his throat until he feels Severus shuddering, wrapping his arms around the young boy in return. Holding Lily's child close.
"I'm sorry, I think Mum was wrong to pick James over you. I was told by Hagrid and McGonagall that James was a brilliant student, that he was smart and a delight to teach but he couldn't have been. Not if him and his friends tormented and bullied people just because of what house they were sorted into. I'm sorry she stopped being your friend."
"You have nothing to apologise for, Little Snake. Your Mother made her choice and although I was sad and angry to lose her friendship, it led to me gaining the companionship of others who accepted me for who I was and what I was interested in."
"But still, I wonder why she would do that; why would she suddenly throw away years of friendship for a boy she didn't like? Unless something happened to force her to listen to him; something that forced her to follow his orders or something."
"That is what Lucius and I suspected. We worried over her drastic change in opinion and assumed that a spell or potion had been involved. We tried everything we could think off; casting various Finite charms on her, spiking her food with anti-compulsion and neutralising potions to counter any potion she may have ingested but nothing worked. I had eventually resigned myself to the fact that she would never come back to us."
"I Know this isn't much, but you have Father and I now. Plus, Lucius, Narcissa, Draco and the entire Dark Sector."
"You are completely right, of course, Harry. Who can complain when they have such a bright young wizard in their life?"
Severus pulls Harry gently into his lap, holding the boy close as he tickles the young boy pulling a tinkling laugh from his lips as he wiggles to break away from the small torture.
"Harry is correct, Severus. You will always have us around to remind you that you are wanted; that you are valued and needed. You will never have to be alone again. Not now. Not ever."
"Thank you, My Lord. I am grateful for your kindness."
"We will have none of that now, Severus. You have helped me to save my son. You have always assisted me and stuck by me, even when my insanity overran my rationality and for that, you have my deepest respect and regards my dear Potions Master."
"It was nothing, My Lord. I live to serve you and your cause. I am but your humble servant."
"You must know by now that you are much more than that, Severus. You are my most loyal, my most faithful, my closest friend."
Marvolo smirks when he spies the growing flush on Severus' cheeks at his confession, his heart beginning to race as he watches Severus' interactions with his son. Harry, unaware of the light teasing going on between the two adults snuggles back against the potions master, sighing contently when Severus runs a hand through his hair.
"I believe it is about time for someone to get some more sleep, hmmm?"
Forcing his dropping eyelids open, Harry pouts up at his Father, worrying his bottom lip as he glances between Marvolo and Severus.
"But-"
"Do not worry so, Snakelet. We will still be here when you wake in the morning."
"Both of you? Will you both stay with me?"
Harry looks up at Severus, his green eyes flashing with hesitation when the older wizard stares down at him stunned at his query, wondering why this sweet child, one he had belittled and bullied all year (despite his numerous apologies and the boy's instant forgiveness) would wish for him to stay with him when he already has his Father with him. Glancing over at Marvolo, Severus can feel his cheeks flushing once again when he spies the amusement dancing in his eyes.
"If you would like for me to stay as well, Harry then who am I to argue. I would be happy to oblige but before you go to sleep, I would like for you to take a pain relief potion."
Severus passes Harry back to Marvolo so he can stand up off the bed and collect the potion for Harry, as the Dark Lord gets the young wizard settled back under the covers, fluffing his pillows to make him as comfortable as possible. Taking the vial from Severus' outstretched hand, Harry quickly swallows the vile tasting liquid before happily settling back in his cocoon of blankets. Glancing up at his Father sleepily, smiling when he feels a gentle kiss to his forehead.
"Good night, Snakelet."
"Sweet dreams, Little Snake."
"Good night, Father. Good night, Sev."
Marvolo and Severus sit in silence for a while watching as Harry slowly drifts off the sleep under their supervision. They smile softly when he snuffles in his sleep, cuddling further under the covers.
"Thank you, Severus."
"Whatever for, My Lord?"
The Dark Lord sighs tiredly and for the first time Severus takes notice of the pale grey rings clinging to his eyes, the tight drawn skin on his face and the over exhaustion emitting from his master, his Lord and he finds himself worrying. Wondering if Lord Voldemort had pushed himself too far; if he had been suffering some unknown aftereffects from the rebirthing ritual; if he had strained himself with the planning, worrying and execution of their plans to rescue Harry.
"I was afraid that we wouldn't make it to Harry on time. I thought we were too late when I entered that bedroom. There were multiple padlocks on his door, Severus and a cat flap built in to slip food underneath so that they wouldn't have to let him out. The room was filthy and covered in old blood as well as the fresh blood from earlier that day. His bed was a pile of ratty blankets on the floor and there was nothing personal within either. Except his photo album which had been torn up and scattered around the floor."
Marvolo sighs once more, dragging a hand through his hair as he glances towards his slumbering child. Feeling a hand gripping his arm gently he glances through his eyelashes at Severus, smiling softly when he notes the glimmer of concern shining in familiar onyx eyes. Lifting a hand up, he covers Severus' with his own.
"I know how much you despised James Potter for taking Lily away from you and for tormenting you in the one place you ever called home and I know how difficult it must have been for you to put that dislike and prejudice aside when I asked that you be the one to look after Harry. I thank you Severus, for taking care of him and looking out for him the way you did. I was afraid that those muggles would have damaged him beyond the capability to trust adults, but he is certainly fond of you and I hope that you will continue to watch over my son."
Severus can feel himself choking up at Marvolo's words, his eyes cast a quick glance towards the slumbering child before he focuses back on the man in front of him. Tightening his grip on Marvolo's arm for a brief second, Severus takes a deep breath.
"It was not at all hard to treat this child how I should have been treating him all along; he is not James and he never was. It shouldn't have taken me finding out he was abused for me to see that, but I am glad. He is such a sweet child, witty, cunning and sneaky. The perfect Slytherin. He is like the son I never knew that I wanted, that I never had the chance of having but I am not trying to take him from you, My Lord. He is lucky to have you."
"I am that one who is lucky, Severus. Harry has made me whole again, has filled the void inside myself that I never knew was there. He is going to be a force to be reckoned with when he grows up, both power-wise and mentally. He is such a gifted child but his worth has been stamped out of him and it may take a while for us to convince him that he doesn't need to curb his grades or that none of us are going to abandon him if he makes a mistake."
"And we will do our best to make sure he knows this, My Lord. Harry is a very lucky child and will do you proud."
"I know he will, Severus. I am already proud to call him my Son."
Severus smiles softly at his Lord, the man whose name strikes fear into the hearts of the wizarding world, the man who has ruthlessly murdered and tortured people who oppose him as he places another soft featherlike kiss to the small child's forehead before motioning for Severus to follow him over to the fireplace where he conjures up a set of camp beds for the two of them. Casting one last cursory glance towards Harry Marvolo settles down on the bed, the worry and concern he had been feeling melting away as he falls asleep to the soft sounds of Harry's breathing.
Light streams through the curtains and Harry squints his eyes in an attempt to ward off the invading consciousness it pulls with it. Shifting around slightly, Harry freezes when he feels soft sheets brushing against his mostly naked flesh, the comfortable mattress feeling light under his back. Frantically casting his mind back to the previous night, he recalls his Uncle's worse than usual beating. His memories are fuzzy as he remembers his Father coming to save him alongside Severus and a tall, blond-haired man. He remembers the potion he was made to drink before going to sleep.
Snapping his eyes open, Harry flies up, gasping loudly when sharp pains shot through his muscles as well as his head while his skin feels tight and uncomfortable from the rapid potion induced healing it was force through during the night. His frantic eyes glimpse the blurry shapes of two beds situated in front of the fireplace and after a moment of hesitation he climbs slowly out of bed. Moving cautiously so as to not aggravate his aches and to not wake the adults in his bedroom.
Creeping closer, Harry breathes a sigh of relief when he can see his Father and Severus fast asleep happy that they had kept their promise to stay with him. Feeling better than he had all summer, Harry carefully makes his way into his bathroom to freshen up for the day, brushing his teeth and relieving himself, he quietly makes his way back into the main room.
"Good morning Snakelet."
Jumping at the voice, Harry stumbles as he turns around to face his Father and Severus who are pushing themselves up, their hair in disarray as they turn to watch him. Smiling a little, Harry walks over to his Father cuddling into the man's side when he is pulled up onto the camp bed.
"Morning Father, Severus."
"How are you feeling this morning, Little Snake?"
"My muscles ache and my head still hurts. My legs are a little shaky as well."
Severus nods his head and gets to his feet, pushing a hand through his long hair as he walks towards the large box filled with potions, selecting one he turns to walk back towards Marvolo; who is brushing a hand through Harry's hair. Sitting down on his own bed once again, Severus hands the glass vial over for Harry to take.
"Here. I will need you take this pain relief now and there will be a nutrients potion by your plate at every mealtime which you will need to have as well. Until we can get your weight up to a satisfactory level, alright? I will also have to rub a salve into your remaining cuts and scars before you get dressed."
Harry nods his head, happily downing the potion before handing the empty vial to Severus who slips it into his pocket to wash later.
"Now, Snakelet. Narcissa has given us strict instructions that you are to take it easy for the next couple of days because it will take a couple of days for your muscles to fully heal and stop aching…"
Marvolo almost chuckles at the downtrodden look his son sends him, carding a hand through the raven locks the Dark Lord smiles at Severus who is struggling to hold his own chuckles in.
"However, after a quick breakfast, I am sure that there are some anxious people waiting to see you in the family lounge and I don't recall Narcissa saying that you had to stay in bed for the next couple of days… Do you think you feel up to getting dressed and meeting the others?"
Harry's face lights up as he nods his head enthusiastically, glancing between the two adults before a frown pulls at his lips.
"I haven't anything to wear, all I own are Dudley's old hand-me-downs."
Lord Voldemort's smile widens as he waves one of his hands in a grand sweeping gesture, carding the other through Harry's hair before slowly pushing himself up, standing next to the bed with his son held securely in his arms, protectively, if a little awkwardly, on his hip. Harry squeaks in surprise, his hands instantly wrapping around the Dark Lord's neck as he feels himself being carried across the room towards another door.
"Well then, it is a good thing that we are in your bedroom then, isn't it, Snakelet."
Harry's eyes widen as he quickly looks around the room from where he is being held securely, his eyes scanning the elegance around him in awe. He had thought he had just been placed in a guest room. His bed was huge, bigger than anything he had slept in before, it has a similar design as the one he had used while he had stayed with Severus. Deep Slytherin green covers with regal silver patterns bordering the bottom, the pillowcases and curtains holding the same intricate designs. There is a dark mahogany desk opposite, sitting pressed up against the wall, parchment, quills and inkwell lining its surface.
A matching bookshelf standing next to the desk, his schoolbooks already sitting on the shelves, neatly organized by subject and author name. A silent fireplace nestles snuggly against the adjacent wall with two armchairs placed in front of it, a deep fluffy rug lying on the floor between the three. Harry squints and notices the small snakes carved into the marble in extraordinary detail, flakes of gold and silver weaved into the designs to give it a more regale finish. Looking around feverishly trying to take every detail in as his father begins to move across the room towards one of the two doors, Harry sits in shock, never having had such a nice place to call his own before.
He watches as his father twists the door handle of the room furthest away from the main doorway leading into the hallway, opening it teasingly slow, looking down at Harry as the young wizard's eyes widen, his mouth dropping open as his gaze shifts around the large walk in wardrobe.
"This is… This is all for me?"
Harry's eyes shine with unshed tears once again looking for all as if all his missed Christmases had come as one.
"Of course, Snakelet. Plus, the room which is being prepared for you at Slytherin Mansion."
Lord Voldemort says softly, a sad expression shaping his features at the look of absolute delight on his son's face, all at the prospect of receiving a few new clothes and a bedroom he could now call his own. His anger spikes for a moment at the thought because he knows it is those despicable muggles fault for why his innocent little boy never had even the basic necessities he had right to.
Carrying Harry further into the closet towards the rails holding his new shirts and trousers, all made from the finest materials he could find; picking out a simple white acromantula silk shirt and plain black dress trousers. Walking towards the rows of cloaks he reaches forward towards a plain black one unaware of Severus watching the pair from the doorway, his onyx eyes narrowing in thought as Harry shifts nervously against his father's side, green eyes surreptitiously glancing towards a dark Slytherin green cloak.
"Is everything alright, Little Snake?"
Harry jerks in surprise, looking towards the dour man in the doorway of his closet, his gaze slips back to the green cloak with longing before glancing up at his father, lower lip worrying between his teeth. His green eyes widen in a pleading manner trying to mask the fear he can feel crawling up his throat, which Marvolo still spots. Stroking the raven locks soothingly he looks back at the rows of cloaks.
"Which ne would you like to wear, Aldwyn?"
Looking up at the man in shock, wondering how he knew what he wanted, Harry quickly smiles, his eyes shining as he points to the Slytherin green cloak accented with silver. Lord Voldemort smiles down at Harry, plucking the cloak from its hanger before passing it to his son who hugs the item to his chest smile brightening further. Marvolo glances over his son's head towards Severus, whose lips are turning up in a small smile of their own, mouthing his thanks to the potion's master.
"Come now, Aldwyn. Time to get dressed. Would you like some help, or do you think you can manage on your own?"
Carrying Harry back into the main room and placing him carefully on the edge of the mattress, Lord Voldemort crouches down so that he is eye level with the young wizard, who glances at the floor, a bright blush dusting his cheeks.
"May you help me please, Father? I still feel a little achy."
Smiling softly at the quiet, timid question, Marvolo places a gentle feather-light kiss to Harry's forehead.
"Of course, I will, Aldwyn. I will always be here if you ever need help with anything."
With that said he goes over to a chest of drawers on the opposite side of the room, pulling out a pair of black silk boxers and black socks before walking back over to Harry who, despite still having a soft blush on his cheeks, slips his bathrobe down his arms, knowing that the two adults in the room had already seen his virtually naked when treating his copious wounds. Glancing down at his exposed chest, he is surprised to see not a single abrasion left, some of his scars still remain but they look faded and less noticeable than before.
"It's alright, Aldwyn."
Reassuring his son as he helps his to stand, knowing that Harry is going to need all the reassurances he can give, all gestures of love and comfort which he is more than willing to offer the small child. Lord Voldemort carefully slips his underwear off before helping him step into clean ones before stepping back a little in order to allow Severus to apply another layer of balm to Harry's chest and back to further heal the remaining cuts and scars. Pulling up the trousers and buttoning them at his waist, Marvolo and Severus watch as Harry slips the shirt carefully over his shoulders before shyly asking his Father for help in buttoning it up and tucking it in. Sitting Harry back on the bed, Voldemort and Severus slip the boy's socks and shoes on his feet, tickling the appendages drawing a giggle from the boy before Marvolo clasps the cloak snuggly around his shoulders.
Taking a small step backwards, the Dark Lord looks over his son with a fond smile, he truly looks like the son of a Noble household and he couldn't help but feel proud. Leaning forward, Lord Voldemort picks Harry up gently, settling his back on his hip pulling him close in a tight embrace.
"You, Snakelet, look just like the regal Heir of the Ancient House of Slytherin and I couldn't be prouder of you, My Son."
Hugging Harry, he begins to walk out of the room, the door being held open by a smirking Severus, who pats Harry on the back, his own eyes shining with pride as he stares down at the content child.
"I am proud to call you my Father as well."