Chapter Eight
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: Lucius/Narcissa and minute Marvolo/Severus
Warnings: DarkHarry, Dumbledore, Hermione and Weasley bashing (excluding Bill, Charlie, Fred and George).
Word Count: 6,941
Date Rewritten: 06/02/2021
It had been a long and exhausting day for Aldwyn, he had played multiple games of chess with Severus and his Father, sometimes winning but mostly losing. It had been the most fun he had had all summer so far; he didn't want the day to end. They had all sat down for dinner and then retreated to the library where everyone had spent a few hours reading. It had been peaceful cuddles between Marvolo and Severus, he had been able to ask them for explanations when he came upon information he hadn't understood or if he didn't know what certain words meant.
They hadn't thrown a dictionary at his head or shouted at him for asking too many questions. He had been so happy that he had even scheduled a day where Draco would come round and they would spend the entire day doing their homework together with his Father, Severus, Lucius and Narcissa on hand to help them if they got stuck. He had beamed for ages.
Though it hadn't been much longer before he had felt his eyelids drooping and the grip on his book slacking he still felt a little off from his stay with his relatives. He had been surprised when his Father had put down his own book and gently guided him off the sofa, gripping his hand tightly to help keep him up right. He smiles up at the man and rubs his eyes tiredly.
Marvolo ruffles his Son's hair softly, smiling down at the drowsy boy, wondering not for the first time how he deserved to have such a loving, sweet child as his own. He turns to look down at Draco and his smiles softens even more. The blond was also on the verge of drifting off. He slips his arms round the back of Aldwyn's knees and shoulders, easily lifting the child into his arms, walking over Draco he offers his hand to the other.
Aldwyn wraps his arms around his Father's neck, burying his face in the man's shoulder when he feels himself shifting, resting in Marvolo's arm, being held tightly to the man's chest. He glances down at Draco and smiles as his friend hesitantly places his book on the arm of his chair, reaching out to grasp the Dark Lord's outstretched hand. Aldwyn sniggers causing the Dark Lord to shake his head and roll his eyes a quiet but affectionate muttering of 'brat'.
"But you love me anyway."
Aldwyn responds drawing a chuckle from his Father, who places a soft kiss to his Son's forehead, tightening his grip around the boy in his arms.
"That I do, my Son. Very much so."
"Love you too, Father."
Aldwyn sighs happily, his eyes closing slowly as he snuggles closer into his Father's embrace not seeing the fond smile the man shots his way. Shaking himself from his thoughts, Marvolo glances between the two exhausted boys.
"Come on, lets get the two of you to bed."
Draco rubs his eyes, his grip tightening around the Dark Lord's hand, he shots a glance towards his parents as he is led carefully out of the library, the others following quietly behind the children.
"You are all welcome to stay the night if you wish, seen as we are all going to be up early tomorrow morning."
Severus smiles softly at the sight of the Dark Lord leading the two children to bed, never would he have imagined his Lord looking so at home surrounded by small children. He follows closely behind Marvolo succeeded closely by the Malfoy's.
"I think I will have to take you up on that offer Marvolo, I have no desire to return to the school. Is my usual rom set up?"
Severus lengthens his strides until he is walking beside Marvolo, who smiles and nods his head just as 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 smother his sniggers as he watches Marvolo glare half-heartedly down at his son, who in turn gives a wide-eyed innocent look in return which draws a snort from the Malfoy Heir. Aldwyn places a soft kiss to his Father's cheek.
The Malfoy's held no such qualms and outwardly snigger at their Lord and friend's expense, not bothering to cover up their amusement at the blush sprouting across their dear potion masters face for the nth time that day.
"Aldwyn, I thought you were asleep?"
Shifting his head, the child smiles over at his professor choosing to ignore his Father's question. He reaches a hand out to pat Severus on the shoulder in a show of reassurance. He smiles cheekily.
"Don't worry Severus, I don't mind. We can share Father."
The three Malfoy's snort with laughter when Aldwyn, smiling to himself 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 over at her husband who is shaking his head at the small child held securely in his Lord's arms. The manor was going to be interesting with Aldwyn around now, he can tell. They watch as Aldwyn's eyes finally slip closed, his breathing evening out as his exhaustion finally wins out and he falls asleep.
"I have to agree with you, Love. I do believe his Father and Dad are going to have their hands full."
Severus stutters, his cheeks exploding with a deep flush as he shots a dark glare towards Lucius who merely smirks in response. Marvolo sniggers, his chest tightening and stomach filling with butterflies at the insinuation behind Lucius' words. Marvolo glances at Severus, he wouldn't mind that scenario at all if he were being honest.
"Anyway, let us get these two off to bed, we have a busy day tomorrow."
Severus intervenes, attempting to divert attention away from himself as he averts his gaze away from Marvolo willing his blush away.
"I am sure you all remember the ways to your usual rooms, if not I can call for one of the house elves to assist you?"
Marvolo asks his gaze sweeping around at his followers. Narcissa shakes her head almost immediately, taking her husband's hand she begins 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 responses follow 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 corridors, a comfortable silence surrounding them until Draco stumbles as he yawns. Severus calmly slips his arms around the blond, hoisting into his arms. He draws Draco into his chest, carding a hand through his hair before he lets it drop back to his side. Following Marvolo through the hallways as he leads then towards the rooms he had set up for the boys. The dour man startles slightly when he feels a warm hand slipping into his own slowly. Whipping his head around to stare at Marvolo, he finds the Dark Lord deliberately looking forward, his face dusted a light pink as he worries his bottom lip nervously. Severus can feel his breath catching, he had never seen the Dark Lord looking nervous before. He smiles, squeezing the hand in his in reassurance watching as Marvolo relaxes out the corner of his eye.
"Draco?"
Marvolo whispers softly, not wishing to wake the child if he were asleep. The boy turns his head towards the Dark Lord in questions, eyes drooping.
"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 down at his godson, watching as the boy looks towards his friend before nodding his head slowly.
"May I stay with Aldwyn tonight? He might have a nightmare and I don't want him to wake up alone if that happens."
Marvolo nods his head, turning to open the door he stops in front of, gesturing Severus to follow him as he reluctantly drops the man's hand in order to turn the door handle. The adults carefully place the children under the covers, spelling their clothes into comfortable pyjamas, both smiling when Draco wraps his arms protectively around Aldwyn who subconsciously curls into the older boy's side.
"Good night Son, Good night Draco."
The Dark Lord places a soft kiss to both boy's foreheads, turning to exit the room as Severus follows his lead as he too drops tender kisses to the two children, making sure the covers are tucked around them comfortably before he finds himself back out in the hall with Marvolo.
"Thank you, Severus."
The potions master looks up at the Dark Lord, his Slytherin mask falling completely as he stares up at the man 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 Severus.
"Whatever for?"
Severus's voice is a whisper, hands clenching into his robes as they begin to sweat lightly, his heart rate picking up speed as his eyes meet the speckled one of his Lord.
"For keeping your promise to look after my Son, I don't think I would trust anyone with Aldwyn's wellbeing as much as I would you, Severus so thank you. He has really taken to you, you know."
Marvolo looks back at the bedroom door where Aldwyn is safely tucked up in bed fast asleep with Draco fiercely protecting him through the night. Marvolo smiles fondly before turning to face Severus, his expression softening.
"He really 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 shining in Marvolo's eyes, his own shining with want and amusement.
"I hope you are ready for that."
Marvolo continues, chuckling along with Severus, expression softening the longer he looks at the easy going smile on the usually stoic and dour man.
"I am sure I will manage somehow, however; I somehow doubt that they will ever be caught. There is no doubt that part of the faculty will know it was the pair of them, but I am sure they will have no evidence to show as proof. Real Slytherins the both of them."
Severus nods his head in agreement, sighing softly before he gestures down the corridor, falling into step with each other Severus chuckles breathlessly.
"I have a feeling that 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 had wanted to sort him into Slytherin last year, but he asked it not to 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. It would be easier for him to remain friends with Draco and his Snakes, while also protecting him from Dumbledore all the more. He saw no reason why Aldwyn wouldn't be sorted into his house. Not now.
"Due to other circumstances Aldwyn has been worrying about whether Harry Potter will completely disappear or not. As I said earlier, I would like to give him the chance of being a normal wizarding child. You have already hinted the Headmaster of Aldwyn's transfer to Hogwarts, so I am sure he will be 'resorted' when he arrives."
Severus nods in understanding, knowing how much Marvolo was worrying for his child, especially with the thought of sending him to Hogwarts under the tutelage of Dumbledore and his supporters.
"I will make sure to put him in a room with Draco, I have a feeling those two are going to become inseparable."
Marvolo hums knowing that Severus is most likely correct in his assumption, walking down the corridors Marvolo nervously, shyly slips his hand back into Severus', squeezing it while offering a smile to the potions master who simply smiles in return walking closer to Marvolo.
"I wouldn't mind, I have a feeling Draco is going to become fiercely protective over Aldwyn, it will be good for him, make his feel safer when neither of us are around. It will hopefully help to mitigate te thoughts of him being unwanted and unlovable."
They continue to walk down the corridor in comfortable silence, before all too soon Severus finds himself standing outside his bedroom door. Holding back a sigh of disappointment he turns slowly towards Marvolo who he is pleased to see trying to hide his own look of disappointment, creating a 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 tight in a thin hand, Marvolo's thumb stroking over the back of his knuckles. He looks from their interlaced fingers, to Marvolo's face, Severus opens his mouth to question the Dark lord, to ask him is something was wrong when he feels a soft, feather-like kiss brushing against his cheek.
Marvolo pulls back slowly, his free hand stroking Severus' pale cheek with the pads of his fingers as he whispers a quiet,
"Good night, Severus."
Before he draws back completely, walking off down the corridor, 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 whispers a responding,
"Good night, Marvolo."
Slipping into his room with a wistful sigh.
Aldwyn wakes to the sight of soft sunlight streaming through his bedrooms thin curtains casting a beautiful golden hue around the room. Squeezing his eyes shut for a moment, blocking out as much of the offending light as possible, he feels consciousness chasing away sleep as the sensation of a warm hand stroking through his hair pulls him further awake.
Shifting slightly, Aldwyn groans as he notices a comfortable weight resting around his stomach and a firm presence beneath his head. Sighing in contentment, Aldwyn snuggles into the presence still fighting his battle with consciousness, though he freezes when he hears a breathy chuckle and feels whatever he is lying on vibrating in time. Slowly peeling his eyes open, Aldwyn lifts his head, rubbing sleep from his eyes as he feels his glasses being slipped onto the bridge of his nose.
Once his vision has cleared, he glances over to his left, a small smile tugging the corners of his lips as he spots a familiar head of blond hair spanning across his pillows and the soft blue-grey eyes staring down at him.
"Good morning Aldwyn."
Pulling himself up so he is resting against his headboard, Aldwyn yawns and stretches his arms above his head wincing at the lingering pain as his muscles pull uncomfortably. He is happy to note that most of his aches have faded.
"Good morning, Draco. Thank you for staying with me last night."
Following the younger wizard's example, Draco pushes himself up. He swings his legs over the edge of the bed and slides down until his feet land on the floor before he pushes himself to stand up. Smirking down at his friend, Draco answers with fake haughtiness.
"No problem, Aldwyn, I told you that I would always protect you."
A soft chuckle escapes his throat as he sees the light blush dusting Aldwyn's pale cheeks. Draco reaches over to ruffle the already messy raven hair.
Aldwyn quickly follows his friends lead, scowling as he tries to flatten his hair back down, he had never liked how untameable his hair is. Aldwyn makes his way across the room to retrieve some underwear and socks from his drawers. Opening the doors to his walk-in closet, Aldwyn wanders around picking clothes similar to the outfit he had worn yesterday. He chooses a smooth silk black shirt with a pair of matching black dress trousers before locating his Slytherin green cloak, which was quickly becoming his favourite.
Satisfied with his outfit, Aldwyn smiles softly as he makes his way to his bed, placing his pile of clothes on the edge.
"Molry!"
The sound of his friend's voice draws his eyes up, watching in fascination as a small male house elf appears in the middle of his bedroom, handing a pile of clothes to Draco who quickly places them down on the opposite side of Aldwyn's bed.
"Your clothes, Heir Malfoy sir."
"Thank you Molry. That will be all."
With a small bow, the elf pops back out of the room.
Keeping the soft smile on his face, Aldwyn walks into his bathroom to get changed for the day not entirely comfortable with the idea of dressing in front of anyone but his Father just yet. His body was still showing some signs of his relatives' delightful treatment. Brushing his teeth and washing his face before relieving himself and washing his hands, Aldwyn finishes his morning routine and walks out of the bathroom. Smiling brightly when he sees that Draco is almost finished dressing.
Aldwyn's excitement for the upcoming few days grows as he remembers his Father mentioning the plans for the adoption ritual were set for the following day. He would finally have a real family, a loving family in magic, blood and soul and he couldn't wait. Though he tries to push back his rising apprehension as well.
What if Marvolo realised he really was worthless? That he really was a freak and that he didn't want him around anymore? Shaking himself to try and rid his mind of such thoughts, Aldwyn lays his cloak back on the bed, leaving it there so he could collect it later. He slips on his dragon hide boots and laces them up. Walking towards the door, Aldwyn pauses in the doorway waiting for Draco to catch up with him before they start to make their way out of the room, shutting the door behind them.
Draco instantly takes hold of Aldwyn's hand gently gripping the appendage as he guides the smaller boy through the maze of corridors towards the dining hall.
"So, did you see Marvolo and Severus last night?"
Draco starts, a smirk stretching across his face as he glances at Aldwyn who nods his head happily.
"I know. Do you think they are going to end up together? I mean do you really think they could like each other?"
Aldwyn asks, his voice excited even as he furrows his eyebrows in confusion. He had never seen anyone flirting before and wasn't really sure what being in love or having a crush on someone really looked like. He glances towards Draco who still has the patented Malfoy smirk on his lips.
"Don't fret so much Aldwyn, I am pretty sure that they like each other a lot. I mean did you not see how much they were blushing when you said your Father wouldn't mind having Uncle Sev sleeping in his room with him? Even Father was laughing."
Aldwyn and Draco break into childish giggles as the image filters through their minds reminding them just how red Marvolo and Severus had turned.
"Yes, but if they really did…"
Aldwyn trails off, his face becoming solemn as he absentmindedly continues to follow his friend down the long corridors.
"…Do you think they would forget about me?"
The young Malfoy Heir stops dead in the middle of the hallway, his eyes widening as he stares as his friend, shocked by the small insecure tone of voice. He watches Aldwyn as he shifts from foot to foot, hie eyes gazing around the corridor refusing to look at Draco. Draco shakes his head before gently gripping Aldwyn's chin in his free hand, directing those green eyes to meet his own blue-grey ones.
"Aldwyn, no matter what happens you Father will never forget about you. Think about it this way, if Uncle Severus and your Father did end up together then you would end up with two parents, they couldn't forget about you Aldwyn, they both love you very much already, Raven."
Aldwyn stares at his friends for a few seconds before he casts his gaze down to the floor, shifting his weight enough to dislodge Draco's hand, a clear sign that something else was weighting on his mind.
"But what if they do end up together and have a child of their own? They wouldn't want me anymore and would love that child more because it would be their own. I am just going to be adopted, they would forget me!"
Draco watches as his friend has an internal battle with himself, Aldwyn clearly wants to believe everything his friend is saying but the continuous abuse from his relatives for the past ten years was still holding him back. Pulling Aldwyn into a tight embrace, Draco drags a hand through his hair, rubbing the other up and down his spine to sooth his friend.
"Aldwyn, I want you listen to me carefully, okay? You Father will never, could never forget about you, even if he were to have a child of his own. He already loves you and sees you as his own child. The ritual is just to ensure that no one can take you away from him. It will make you his biological Son in every way possible. If Uncle Severus and Marvolo did have a child together then I think you would make a brilliant big brother and they would be so proud of you. They will never forget about you nor will they ever send you away."
Aldwyn clings to his friend, nodding his head against Draco's shoulder though Draco knew Aldwyn wouldn't fully believe him, not until he saw it for himself. Aldwyn pulls back slightly, offering a small smile as he places a thankful kiss to Draco's cheek.
"Thank you, Dragon. I think I needed to hear that. It's just so hard to think that they would actually want me around. I have never had a parent, not one I could remember anyway, who loved me before. I don't want to let them down and disappoint them."
Pulling his friend back in for another hug, Draco whispers in the other's ear.
"No worries Raven. I can tell that both your Father and Severus love you, you don't have to worry about that."
Drawing back from each other once more, Draco takes hold of Aldwyn's hand again and continues to lead him down the twisting corridors of the manor.
"Now come on. Breakfast."
The boys travel down the corridor in silence, each lost within their own thoughts at the revelations of their morning conversation. Draco ponders how he could go about proving to Aldwyn just how much he was already loved and adored by everyone in the manor. Whereas, Aldwyn is trying desperately to quieten the voice, a voice that sounded too similar to his Uncle, that everything Draco had said was a lie.
The group congregate in the Floo room preparing for their trip to Diagon Ally.
Severus quickly hands over another pain relief potion to Aldwyn and watches in satisfaction as the young child drinks it down without so much as a grimace. He banishes the empty glass back to his potions lab in order to wash later on. Marvolo watches the interaction with a small smile on his face before he steps up to Aldwyn, placing his hands on the boy's shoulders he calls quietly.
"Geeney!"
A small female house elf pops into the room bowing lowly to the Dark Lord. Marvolo squeezes Aldwyn's shoulders.
"Geeney, you are going to be Aldwyn's personal house elf. You are to follow all his orders; do I make myself clear?"
The little elf nods her head, a small squeak escaping her mouth as a wide smile shapes her lips. Marvolo turns his Aldwyn around, crouching down so he is eye level he brushes his fingers across his Son's soft cheek.
"Aldwyn, whenever you need something; whatever you need call for Geeney, and she will be there to help you. If you ever wish to find me or know where I am then she will show you where to go, alright?"
Aldwyn nods hesitantly eyeing the small creature as she beams up at him bouncing on the tip of her toes seemingly awaiting her first order. Taking a deep breath to calm himself Aldwyn holds his hand out. He allows the corner of his lip to upturn when he sees her hesitating, eyes widening before she grips his hand in elation.
"Hello Geeney, my name is Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin. It is nice to meet you."
Marvolo watches the interaction with pride shimmering in his eyes, his mind clouds with the reasons behind his Son's amicable treatment of the little creature, not even the most prestigious houses treat their House Elves with respect, but quickly shakes them away before Aldwyn can notice.
"Geeney?"
Aldwyn's voice drops in volume, watching as Geeney bows to him.
"Would you please fetch the cloak I left on my bed and bring it here please?"
Geeney nods her head, eyes sparkling in joy and Aldwyn has to stifle a giggle as her ears flap almost violently against the side of her head as she gives another low bow.
"Of course, Little Master Aldwyn. Geeney bes getting yours cloak for yous!"
Geeney pops out of the room returning only seconds later with the green cloak which she passes over to Aldwyn before disappearing presumably to finish whatever job she had been doing before the Dark Lord had called for her. Aldwyn glances down at the cloak in his hands before holding it up to his Father eyes pleading as a blush dusts his cheeks.
"May you help me put it on please? I could never do it properly myself."
Marvolo takes the cloak from his Son's hands, dropping a feather-light kiss to his forehead as he secures the fabric around his Son's shoulders draping it so that it flows around his ankles elegantly. He pushes himself to his feet, looking down at Aldwyn Marvolo cannot supress the chuckle as he notices remarkable resemblances between him and someone else, he knows.
"You know Son…"
He trails off waiting for Aldwyn to glance up at him before he continues.
"Looking at your outfit you look like someone we both know. Are you sure that you are not related to them?"
Aldwyn raises his eyebrow in questions glancing around the room as his Father's smirk widens.
"Lucius, don't you see it also? The outfit, the facial expression. He reminds me of a very dear friend of ours, don't you think?"
Lucius looks over Aldwyn, eyes widening as they flicker towards Severus and back again. Draco stands off to the side next to his Mother, a hand muffling his sniggers as he too eyes his friend in amusement.
"I do believe you are correct, Marvolo. Aldwyn does remind me of someone. A certain snarky potions professor if I do remember correctly."
Marvolo, Narcissa and Lucius snigger when Severus raises an eyebrow at the same time Aldwyn does, the similarities in their expressions and their synchronisation causes the three the breakout into earnest laughter. Aldwyn and Severus, on the other hand, stand in front of the fireplace arms crossed over their chests, mouths pulled down and eyebrows furrowing as they watch the others attempting to control their breathing small chuckles escaping every now and again.
After a few extra moments of regulating their laughter Lucius takes hold of Draco's hand and leads him over to the Floo, Narcissa following close behind as the family of three disappear in a swirl of green flames. Aldwyn watches in a mix of fascination and trepidation at this new mode of transportation, his bright eyes gaze at the fireplace unsurely before glancing up at Severus and Marvolo who smile down at him in reassurance.
"This, Aldwyn is known as the Floo system. It is a type of magical transportation. You simply call out the Floo address while throwing down this powder and it will transfer you to the correct fireplace."
Aldwyn nods his head in understanding nervousness building as he turns to watch as Severus disappears in much the same way the Malfoy family had leaving just himself and his Father standing in the Manor. He slips his hand into his Father's.
"You need not worry Aldwyn, seen as it is your first time using the Floo I thought it best that you travel with me. Now come along."
Marvolo escorts Aldwyn to the fireplace, carefully directing his Son to wrap both of his arm tightly around his waist and bury his face in his chest to avoid getting ash in his eyes. Marvolo grabs a fistful of powder and throws it on the floor, his other wrapping around Aldwyn's shoulders to keep him close.
"Diagon Ally!"
Aldwyn buries his face in his Father's cloak, fists gripping the fabric in white knuckles as he feels his feet lifting off the floor and himself being squeezed through a much too small space. He can feel himself spinning for a second before his feet slam back down onto solid ground. Taking a deep breath, Aldwyn waits for his stomach to settle before he pulls himself away from his Father's embrace. His eyes wide as they glance around the crammed pub, looking just as decrepit and dank as it had the year prior.
Marvolo can feel the tension building in Aldwyn's form and is quick to begin rubbing a soothing hand up and down his spin, holding his child close to his chest as he tries to regain his bearings. He sends a wandless cleaning charm over himself and Aldwyn releasing their clothes of ash and soot from the travel. Marvolo smiles fondly down at Aldwyn whose grip slackens minutely still refusing to release his Father from his grip.
"Shhh. It is alright Snakelet."
The Dark Lord ambles out of the way of the Fireplace, moving over to stand with the Malfoy's and Severus who smiles down at the young child. Marvolo's hand never ceasing its soothing patterns as he casts a quick glance around the pub, examining their surroundings.
Aldwyn finally loosens his grip on his Father's robes, shifting so he is standing firmly against Marvolo's side with one arm wrapped around the top of the man's thigh. His wary eyes travel around the Leaky Cauldron hoping that no one would recognise him. He didn't really want a repeat of last year if he could help it. Aldwyn flattens his fringe against his forehead and presses himself tighter to Marvolo's leg.
Sighing softly Marvolo crouches down and pulls his Son into a loving embrace, smoothing the back of his hair. He knows just how unnerved Aldwyn must be feeling to be in such a crowded place and wished to leave as soon as possible. He pulls back a little dropping a kiss to Aldwyn's hair. He glances up at Severus pleased to note that the potions master was watching them already; he gestures to Aldwyn and the man is quick to nod. Pushing himself to his feet, Marvolo cards a hand through Aldwyn's hair.
"Aldwyn? Severus is here, would you mind staying with him for a moment while I speak to the owner for a moment? I will be back in a few minutes. I promise."
Lifting his head to look at his Father and potions professor, Aldwyn nods his head slowly, eyes shifting to glance around the room once more before he makes his way to Severus. Aldwyn smiles shyly up at the dour man, wrapping an arm around his waist and presses himself against the man's side much like he had done with his Father just moment before. Marvolo smiles, his features softening as he drops another kiss to his Son's forehead.
Aldwyn watches as Marvolo and Lucius disappear into the crowd, his eyes widening as a stranger wizard stumbles a little too close to himself, he flinches back fist clenching tighter into Severus robes. Severus, noticing the young boy's distress gently pulls the boy behind him before he turns to crouch in front of him blocking him from the crowds.
"How are you feeling, Aldwyn?"
Narcissa glances down at Draco who is staring dishearteningly at Aldwyn, concern shining in his eyes even through his Slytherin mask. She feels a warmth of pride settling in his chest as she swiftly pulls her little boy into her side, holding him close in a rare show of public affection.
Draco's eyes widen, gaze turning to glance up at his Mother's face, his hands automatically wrapping around her waist in response to her action. He leans into Narcissa's embrace, a small smile tugging at his lips, he hadn't been cuddled like this in a few years, at least in public. His Mother was usually such a reserve woman in the eyes of the populace.
"Mother?"
"It is nothing Dear. I am just so proud of you. You really are such a good friend for Aldwyn. He is lucky to have you by his side, Draco."
The young Malfoy Heir hugs his Mother tighter, burying his face in her side to hide the wide grin shaping his lips as well as the pale blush dusting his cheeks.
"I am okay, it is just too noisy and busy in here. I don't like it."
Lifting his hand to the back of Aldwyn's head, Severus pulls the young child forward to stand between his bent knees, guiding his head to rest against his shoulder in an attempt to block out some of the noise. Aldwyn nuzzles the junction of Severus' neck hiding himself from view as his hands come back up to wrap around Severus' shoulders.
"I know Snakelet. It will not be long now. You Father and Lucius will be back soon and then we can be on our way."
Severus smiles when Aldwyn relaxes against him, his head nodding against his shoulder to show that he heard. Severus wraps his arms around Aldwyn's small form smile widening when more tension bleeds from the young boy's muscles.
"I know."
Severus turns his head glancing down at Aldwyn who cuddles closer.
"No one will hurt me. Not when I have Father, Draco and you with me."
"That is right, Aldwyn. We won't let anything happen to you again and do you know why?"
At the negative shake of the young child's head Severus tightens his arm around Aldwyn's waist his other gently guiding the boy's chin so that he could look into the startlingly beautiful green eyes.
"It is because we all love you dearly Aldwyn. You are and always will be a part of our family. Now and always, Snakelet."
Severus' expression softens at the tightening grip around his shoulders; the small tremors travelling through Aldwyn's small frame and the shine of tears glittering in his eyes as he stares up at the man in awed surprise. Severus chuckles when Aldwyn throws himself at him, face burying back into his shoulder and almost forcing himself to the ground as he precariously teeters on the balls of his feet.
"Thank you, Papa. I love you too."
They stand for a few moments in silence basking in the feeling of love and security the pair can feel surrounding them as they stand in the rundown old pub, warmth settling around them as a protective bubble. Severus looks around the pub, dropping a soft kiss to Aldwyn's temple before beginning to stroke the soft raven hair rhythmically watching as Lucius and Severus begin to make their way back through the crowds towards their group.
As Marvolo steps up to Severus his eyebrows furrow in concern at the shine of tears glistening in the corner of Severus' eyes and the tight embrace he has on Aldwyn. He watches the interaction between the pair a smile tugging his lips as Aldwyn cuddles closer to Severus.
"Severus, is everything alright?"
Whatever the Dark Lord is expecting from the dour man it is not for Severus to smile up at his brightly, nor for him to shift Aldwyn to his side as he pushes himself to his feet and slips his hand into Marvolo's. Marvolo is quick to tighten his grip, placing a soft kiss to Aldwyn's hair before brushing a hesitant kiss to Severus' cheek. When he speaks, Severus voice is soft and filled with unconditional love and happiness.
"Yes Marvolo, everything is perfect."
The Dark Lord wraps his free arm around Aldwyn when the boy comes running to his side, drawing Severus into a three-way embrace. Aldwyn grins, cuddling in between the two men feeling much happier than he ever had since he had found out he was a wizard. Maybe he wasn't as much of a freak as the Dursleys always told him.
"I am pleased to hear that Severus; now shall we head off? Aldwyn, how are you feeling?"
"I am feeling much better now, Father."
Aldwyn reluctantly releases the two men from his grip, slipping his hand into Marvolo's and hides his grin when he notices the tightening grip around Severus hand. The trio follow the Malfoy family out of the Leaky Cauldron towards the entrance to Diagon Ally. Draco still happily tucked against his Mother's side as Lucius steps forward to open the brick archway.
They wait patiently for the bricks to shift out of the way permitting them access to the bustling cobble street filled with witches and wizards of all ages shouting, shopping and racing through the crowds bumping into each other as they rush by.
Marvolo looks down at his son squeezing his hand gently in reassurance when he spies the apprehension shining in Aldwyn's expression as he watches the chaos. Just as they are about to step off, Marvolo feels Severus grip loosening around his own, his hand slipping from his grasp. Glancing sharply at Severus, Marvolo quickly strengthens his own grip, watching in veiled amusement as Severus looks over in surprise a blush coating his cheeks before he turns his face away looking shy. Marvolo smiles, bringing their conjoined hands up to his mouth he brushes his lips against the back of Severus' knuckles.
"I will not allow for you to escape me now, my dear Severus."
Severus quickly turns back to Marvolo at the whispered words looking into sparkling eyes, Severus shifts his gaze down to Aldwyn who is offering him a timid smile making him relax ever so slightly. Severus had never been one for public displays of affection, but he could accept this. He tightens his own grip around Marvolo's hand as they exchange adoring smiles before heading towards the banks imposing building. Making their way through the crowd Marvolo is fully aware of the painful grasp hand the only outward indication of the child's nervousness.
As they near the white marble building, Lucius kisses his wife goodbye as she directs Draco off towards the Quidditch shop while the blond waves frantically over his shoulder to Aldwyn.
"See you later, Aldwyn. Tell me all about it when you get back!"
Waving back Aldwyn watches as his friend disappears into the crowd, not paying much attention to their direction until they arrive outside the tall white building at the beginning of Diagon Ally. Aldwyn looks up at the doors feeling more intimidated by them now then when he had first arrived. The golden scripture above the doors glittering in the midday sun.
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So, if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
Aldwyn feels another reassuring squeeze on his hand as Lucius pushes open the double doors allowing them passage before he follows closely behind the trio almost as if he were guarding them. Walking through the bank passing the different teller, Aldwyn sticks close to his Father's side his nerves coming back full force at the stares they receive from the creatures behind the counters. Reaching the head teller, Marvolo's voice rings out strong and confident.
"We would like to check in with the Potter account Manager as soon as possible, along with the Slytherin account manager."
The Goblin nods his head in understanding, eyed widening at the names given. He glances down at Aldwyn with a frightening smile showing off his many pointed teeth before he turns to one of the other Goblins shouting in what Aldwyn assumes is Gobbledegook. Aldwyn watches as one walks around the desk, looking at their party before gesturing for them to follow him through the corridors.
"Nagnok will be with you momentarily."
Marvolo nods his head in thanks to the Goblin seating Aldwyn between himself and Severus while Lucius takes the seat vacant on Severus' left each waiting patiently for Nagnok to arrive so they may begin.