Chapter Ten
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: 6,452
Date Rewritten: 07/02/2021
Aldwyn didn't want to have this conversation. He knew he had to at some point, but he didn't want it to be now. Couldn't they speak about this after the adoption ritual, when his Father couldn't throw him away or hand him back to Dumbledore and the Muggles? He was terrified that the group in front of him, the people he was coming to think of as his new family would not want him anymore. Not when they found out everything he had done and what his relatives had put him through.
He casts a cursive glance around the room, eyes wide, his hands clench in his lap as he takes in the pitying expressions on Lord and Lady Malfoy's faces, the sad smile of Draco's face. He looks up at Severus and Marvolo who have sandwiched himself between them and can feel himself beginning to tremble. Aldwyn jumps when a hand is placed over his own and he gazes at his Father.
"I know this is hard for you Aldwyn and we don't want you to feel trapped or pressured into telling us everything. We love you and care for you Snakelet. We wish to know so that we can protect you from anything like this happening again."
"Your Father is right, Aldwyn. You are already part of our family and anything you have to say now is going to change that. Nothing you do or say is ever going to change how much we love you. You are our Snakelet and we love you."
Aldwyn takes a deep breath, he knows that they won't send him back, he knows this, but he can't help but to fear it. Vernon always told him to keep it quiet, that if people found out then he would be sent to an orphanage where they would treat him even worse and he didn't want that. He closes his eyes, centring himself and allowing some of the tension to bleed from his frame. He will try to trust his Father and Severus' words. They won't send him away; they will still want him.
As Aldwyn is calming himself down, Marvolo summons a house elf and orders a small tray of tea, pumpkin juice and hot chocolate and a plate of assorted biscuits. He has a sinking feeling that this conversation is going to be a long one and he is going to wish certain Muggles as well as Headmaster dead by his own hand. He strokes a hand through Aldwyn's hair and smiles down at his son when bright emerald eyes filled with determination look up at him.
Severus leans forward, preparing a small mug of hot chocolate before gently trying to coax Aldwyn into taking it.
"Hey Snakelet, would you like a drink before we begin?"
Aldwyn shyly nods his head, looking towards his Father who answers the silent question with an encouraging smile and nod towards the potion master. Aldwyn cautiously reaches for the steaming mug, the sweet smell of chocolate filling his nose. His hands pause for a moment, eyeing Severus before carefully taking the drink into his hands smiling as he takes a tentative sip of the warm liquid. Lowering the cup down onto the coffee table in front of him, Aldwyn cuddles close to Marvolo's side.
"I remember that Dumbledore, McGonagall and Hagrid left me on the doorstep of Petunia's house the same night Lily and James died."
"Left you on their doorstep…?"
Lucius chokes out, pale face paling further at Aldwyn's words, if this was just the beginning, he doesn't know how he is going to keep his calm through the rest of the story. Who in their right mind would leave a small 15-month-old baby on the doorstep in an unknown neighbourhood in November? It was barbaric.
"yes. I was taken from Godric's Hollow by Hagrid, who then, on Headmaster Dumbledore's order took me to Privet Drive on a flying Motorcycle."
"A flying Motorcycle?"
This time Narcissa questions, eyebrow delicately at the strange detail. She didn't know anyone in the wizarding world who drove such a thing.
"Yes, I was told that it once belonged to a friend of the Potters, Sirius Black I believe… I remember it because I used to draw pictures of a Giant man carrying baby me through the air in a flying motorbike. Petunia and Vernon always used to shout at me when they saw the drawings. They always told me that it was stupid because Magic wasn't real."
Shaking his head Aldwyn blushes lightly, he had never told anyone about his memories of that night, mainly because he hadn't realised that he had been actually remembering a real memory, he had assumed they were just dreams. Not the events of his Parents deaths. He shivers at the memory of a brilliant green flash of light.
"Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore were waiting for us; it was Dumbledore's idea to leave me at the Dursleys because of some Blood Wards? Despite McGonagall telling him that they were the 'worse kind of Muggles'. He took me from Hagrid and lay me on the doorstep, placing a letter he had written in the basket before they all left again. I was lying on the doorstep all night until Petunia opened the door the next morning and found me."
The Malfoy family look at the young child with sorrow and deep sympathy in their eyes, the old man had even been told about the muggles being unfit guardians and yet he had still thought it okay to leave a magical child, the Heir to the Potter house in their care. They watch as Marvolo hugs Aldwyn close, rubbing small circles along his lower back, brushing his hair from his face.
"Well done, Snakelet. I am so proud of you, Little one. So proud of you. You have done a very brave thing, Aldwyn. We love you, Aldwyn."
Aldwyn nods his head slowly, taking a deep shuddering breath before turning to cast a glance around the room, he looks up at Severus holding a small hand out to the man and pulling him into their embrace as soon as the large potion stained hand wraps around his own.
"I love you too, Father. You too Sev."
"And I love you as well, Snakelet."
Severus whispers resting his head against Marvolo's shoulder as he pulls Aldwyn into his lap, draping the boy's legs over Marvolo's lap so they could hold him close. He drops a kiss to Aldwyn's hair and smiles when Marvolo repeats the action on himself. Aldwyn reaches forward and takes another deep mouthful from his drink letting the warmth sooth his frayed nerves before he cuddles back against his Father and Severus, he takes a deep breath.
"My Aunt Petunia made me start cooking at the age of four, apparently I needed to begin earning my keep and so I would drag a chair over from the table and place it near to stove so I could reach it properly. She would hit me with her frying pan if I ever made a mistake when cooking the meals and she would scream at me and… knock me to the floor sometimes… If I burnt the food."
Aldwyn takes another deep breath wishing for his voice to remain steady as he ploughs on.
"She would grab my wrists and hold my hands or arms on top of the hob burning them before throwing me into my cupboard."
Narcissa gasps loudly a hand flying up to cover her mouth as she stares horrified at Aldwyn, tears shining in her eyes at the treatment of such a sweet boy. Lucius takes hold of her hand and squeezes, his grey eyes flashing silver with anger. He glances over to Marvolo and Severus noticing their downtrodden expression with no hint of shock or surprise and surmises that the pair already knew, to some extent, the abuse Aldwyn had gone through.
"Your cupboard?"
His voice is forced out between gritted teeth, holding Draco to his side as tears spill over his Son's cheeks at the pain his friend must have gone through while he was still so young.
"My cupboard under the stairs was where I lived and slept up until I received my Hogwarts letter a weeks after my eleventh birthday. I am sure some of the Hogwarts faculty knew that though seen as my letter was actually addressed to 'Mister Harry Potter, The Cupboard Under the Stairs."
Lucius nods numbly, pulling his Son into his lap when the boy begins to sob soundlessly. Draco buries his face into his Father's chest, hands gripping his fine robes in white knuckles.
"My Cousin Dudley, he's around the same age as me, used to bully me in school all the time. He used to steal my lunch, if I was ever given any which wasn't very often. He would scare away anyone who would try to talk to me, play with me or want to be my friend; he would make sure that I was always on my own. He used to lie to the teachers just to get me in trouble both at home and at school; saying that I stole his homework, or I was being mean to the other children… The teachers never liked me much to begin with, Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon always told them that I was a liar and a delinquent."
Aldwyn quickly wipes his eyes free of the escaping tears, his breath increasing as a lump begins to form in the back of his throat; he feels two strong pairs of arms wrapping around his shoulders and waist in a comforting embrace. Sighing in contentment, he tries to take as much comfort as possible from his Father and Severus. Taking a deep drink when his mug is held in front of his lips.
"Dudley and his friends made up a game as well, they called it 'Harry Hunting'. They would chase me around the streets and sometimes the playground at school. I would run away; I was so scared. Whenever they caught me, they would beat me up, kicking me and punching me. I tried to protect myself, but I only ended up with a few broken bones and found that they would eventually get bored if I stayed quiet, if I didn't move… Once when I was running away, I somehow ended up on the school roof and I didn't know how I got there or anything. The school had to call the fire service to get me down."
Aldwyn takes another deep breath, a few more traitorous tears tracking down his cheeks as the atmosphere in the room becomes heavy with sorrow, fear, worry and a small amount of awe at the hint of such powerful accidental magic. Burying his face in Severus' neck, Aldwyn's shoulders shakes with the force of his silent sobs, tears streaming down his face as he tries to keep his highly-strung emotions under wraps. Knowing he needs to finish this, needs to tell his family about the rest of his home life so that he never has to speak about it ever again. He feels his Father stroking his back comfortingly.
The room stays silent as they wait patiently for Aldwyn to calm down slightly, the Malfoy family watching as the small child breaks down completely at exposing all that had been done to him. They watch the scene of Severus and Marvolo comforting Aldwyn and a small smile tugs the corners of their lips.
After a few seconds Aldwyn pulls his face back up, his cheeks red and blotchy from crying, his face shining with the dampness of tears. Everyone watches fondly as Severus cuddles the child close while Marvolo brushes away the tear tracks with the pad of his thumb, both smiling lovingly down at the child who, in turn, tightens his grip around Severus shoulders and his Father hand.
"Uncle Vernon was always the worse…"
Aldwyn's voice is scratchy from crying. Reaching for his mug, he doesn't notice the Malfoy family's eyes widening in disbelief at his statement.
"He doesn't like anything that isn't 'normal' and I was a freak, a waste of space, a burden and a parasite that invaded and was trying to contaminate his perfectly normal family, disrupting their lives with my freakishness. I had to earn my keep."
He raises his gaze to look at the Malfoy family, smiling at Draco who drags a hand over his face trying to stop his own tears. He attempts to smile back at his friend.
"It started with little shoves here and there when I had just learnt to walk. Then he would hit me or slap me round the back of the head and stuff like that when I got to the age of three. That was most for asking questions or 'talking back'. He would always give me a long list of chores to do while he was at work when I got to the age of five; if I failed to complete even one of those tasks then it would turn into a beating. He would kick me, punch me and other such things before locking me in my cupboard. I never saw a doctor when I was ill or when the beatings resulted in broken or fractured bones and I was still made to complete my chores the next day."
Shuddering slightly, Aldwyn feels helpless as more tears trickle from his eyes, looking down towards the floor, his voice wavering and cracking as he forces the words past his lips.
"It got worse every time I did something freaky, something not normal. He would beat me and lock me up without any meals for days at a time as punishments… he wanted to… wanted to… beat the… beat the freakishness… out of me…"
Silence rains down after his quiet confession. Aldwyn grasps his Father's hand in a vice-like grip as if trying to ground himself. Preventing himself from going into a full-blown panic attack in the middle of the family lounge. He barely manages to force the rest of his words out.
"It was much worse this summer. Before I got my letter he would leave as soon as I would fall semi-unconscious but this time… this time he… he used his belt and… and it hurt so much… he just kept… kept hitting me, slashing my back… and chest… I was so scared… so scared I thought I was… I thought he was going to kill me…"
Aldwyn can't continue after his admission, his shoulders shaking rapidly as he reveals a fact, he hadn't even told his Father. His tears burst forward, streaming down his cheeks in rapid succession, his breathing picking up frighteningly as he struggles to draw in breath. His eyes widen in fear as he attempts and fails to regulate his breathing. Marvolo watches as his Son finally break down, already knowing most of the actions taken against the small eleven-year-old from when he had viewed some of his memories down in the chamber, but this new information is shocking. It was despicable and he lamented the fact that he could just dispose of them.
A few seconds go by and Marvolo is broken out of his thoughts by a sudden, sharp intake of breath, his eyes widening in horror as Aldwyn struggles to breathe, his face slowly turning red with both panic and lack of oxygen. Swearing softly under his breath, Marvolo quickly reaches over, lifting his Son carefully from Severus' lap, he places Aldwyn in his own, his small legs swung over his left side so Aldwyn is facing the potion master.
"Aldwyn?"
Marvolo makes sure to keep his voice calm, quiet not wishing to raise the boy's panic. He hugs Aldwyn to his chest, brushing soft locks from his forehead as he rubs small circles on his Son's lower back. He ignores Draco's quiet sobs at the sight of his friend and focuses on easing Aldwyn's worry.
"Aldwyn, come on Little One."
Lady and Lord Malfoy sit rigidly in their seat, staring with eyes wide at the small child whose face is turning a brighter red, legs and hands going slack in their struggles. Their hands grip tightly around each other, holding their Son between them as they sit and watch the scene helplessly. Hearing the wheezing breaths of Draco's best friend.
"Come on, Little One. You need to calm down for me."
Marvolo tries once more, now rocking Aldwyn gently from side to side still running a hand through the short raven hair; his worry growing as his son shakes his head rapidly in panic, his green eyes wide with fear as he stares up at his Father. Knowing that he needs to calm Aldwyn down as fast as possible in order to alleviate the erratic breathing Marvolo turns his head towards his friend.
"Severus, please."
Hearing his own voice heavy with emotions, Marvolo pleads with his eyes for the potions masters to have something to help his Son.
As soon as the older wizard had uttered Severus' name, the dour name is on his knees in front of Marvolo, right hand digging deep within his cloak pockets, hand grappling and releasing vial after vial of potions before finally pulling a small glass vial out. Shaking it quickly he hands it to Marvolo who grips the bottle releasing a small breath. Marvolo inclines his head before leaning Aldwyn back so he is resting bodily against the crook of his arm, head tilting backwards further, opening his airways and his throat.
"Aldwyn?"
Wide green eyes lock onto dark brown.
"I need you to take this potion for me. It is just a calming draught. It will help you breathe a little easier. Can you do that for us, Snakelet?"
Aldwyn slowly, shakily nods his head, watching his Father warily as the older man tips the potion vial towards his mouth, the warm liquid sliding effortlessly down his throat. Marvolo passes the now empty glass vial to Severus, watching his Son's face closely. Anxiously waiting for the potion to take effect.
Sighs of relief are heard throughout the room when Aldwyn's breathing slows down, regulating. His tears begin to slow down as well but the fear shines in his wide eyes. Looking back up at his Father, Aldwyn quickly buries his face in the man's robes, one hand clutching the soft fabric tightly while his other slowly extends out to his side, searching for the potion master. He sighs happily when he feels a warm appendage wrap around his own squeezing in reassurance. His voice wavers and croaks as he whispers.
"Thank you, Father. Thank you, Papa."
His eyes slip closed, his body going lax as Aldwyn falls into a deep sleep missing the shocked expression his Father sends him and the delighted, yet shy smile Severus aims at his Father. The Malfoy's smirk at the exchange, their own nerves calming. Marvolo smiles back at the man still kneeling in front of him, reaching forward with his left hand he takes hold of Severus' free one.
"Well, Severus it seems as if you no longer have to worry about Aldwyn's reaction when you gift him the Prince Heirship ring. You really have made a deep impact in his life."
The potion master looks up in surprise, wondering how Marvolo knew that he was still worrying about his decision to offer Aldwyn his own family Heir ring. His eyes widen slightly as his gaze shifts between his long-term friend and Lord to the small child cradled lovingly against said Lord's chest, eyes closed, breathing deeply, a peaceful look shaping his soft features. Severus smiles affectionately.
"I suppose so, Marvolo… I just hope you don't mind…"
Marvolo looks deep into Severus eyes, tightening his grip on the younger man's hand he pulls Severus closer, brushing his lips against the other's cheek.
"This is the second time he has called me…"
Marvolo feels a smirk shaping his lips when Severus breaks off, a light blush dusting his pale cheeks making him wonder if it were from embarrassment from their sudden proximity or from the sheer joy at what Aldwyn had referred to him as. It could be a simple mix of the two. The Potion master's gaze lands once again on the sleeping child, lips upturning as his expression softens. Only breaking out of his awe-inspired thoughts when he feels a feather-light kiss on his head. Looking up sharply, Severus' heart stutters in his chest when he catches the affection glittering withing speckled brown eyes.
"I know, Severus. I am glad that Aldwyn has someone else he can rely on. Someone he can trust, and I am pleased it is you Severus. I don't think I could have chosen anyone better."
Marvolo sends a quick wink towards Severus before turning his attention to the Malfoy's who, much to his embarrassment, are smirking at himself and Severus.
Aldwyn groans as he wakes up, his eyes stinging and feeling dry, his cheeks itch and his throat aches as he attempts to push himself into a semi-seated position. His cheeks flush in remembrance of his break down over the Muggles treatment of him but he has to admit that he does feel a little better now that he knows his family is fully aware of how they treated him. His blush deepens when he recalls what he had accidentally called Severus, for the second time that day.
Severus and Marvolo glance down at Aldwyn, their expressions softening when green eyes blink rapidly open and Marvolo assists his Son in sitting up. The pair chuckle softly at the bright red hue coating his cheeks as his gaze sweeps the room in embarrassment. Marvolo cuddles his Son closer, pulling Severus into the embrace as well showing Aldwyn that nothing he had revealed to them had changed how they felt about him.
Aldwyn looks up at the two, the corners of his lips upturning as he cuddles into their embrace, sighing as his muscles relax. He leans against his Father, giggling when Severus pats his shins.
"How are you feeling, Snakelet?"
Marvolo questions, dragging a hand through Aldwyn's hair.
"I am feeling much better now, Father. Thank you."
"I am pleased. Now, I wish to speak to you about the Adoption ritual, if you are agreeable?"
Aldwyn nods hesitantly wondering if his Father had somehow changed his mind about doing the ritual with him. If he had changed his mind about taking him as his Son but the tender upturn of his lips halts his downward spiralling thoughts in an instant.
"I believe it has been an emotionally strenuous day for all of us and so I believe it would be best if we hold the ritual tomorrow afternoon. This will give all involved a chance to recuperate and prepare for the Adoption as well as give the Elves more time to clean up the ritual chamber. I know you were looking forward to doing the ritual this evening Aldwyn but I don't want you being hurt more so than you already are, you are still recovering from the Muggles treatment and I know you are almost healed but I would rather know that you are going to be a safe as possible before we do this. Tomorrow afternoon is as early as I will allow, Aldwyn."
Aldwyn stares at his Father for a moment, processing his words before he inclines his head. He is still feeling tired from his emotional lapse and doesn't think he is up for taking part in such a taxing ritual no matter how much he wants to. He glances around the room and takes note of the multiple sets of red rimmed eyes staring down at him, he isn't the only one in need of some decent sleep.
"Alright, Father. I know I am in no state to take part. I am a little disappointed that we can't do it tonight, but I understand. We are definitely doing it tomorrow though, right?"
"Yes, Snakelet we will definitely be performing the ritual tomorrow. I promise you that."
Marvolo chuckles, ruffling Aldwyn's hair while rolling his eyes at his child's obvious excitement for the adoption to take place. He turns to gaze at Severus who is watching them with bright eyes and Marvolo pulls him closer, wrapping his arm around Severus' waist. Aldwyn grins up at the Potion master, flushing a little still in embarrassment but Severus merely drops a kiss to his head.
"There are a few things I need to tell you about the ritual before we take part in it though. Firstly, you and I will need to be 100% sure that this is what we want. If even a little doubt seeps into our thoughts, then the ritual may not take root and it may cause pain to both of us."
Aldwyn nods his head and Marvolo knows that this will cause them no issues whatsoever, Aldwyn wanted to belong to a loving family so desperately that he would willingly partake in a ritual with the Weasley's if it meant never going back to the Muggles. Besides, he already saw Aldwyn as his own Son, no matter that they weren't blood related; that was going to change with the adoption.
"Second, this ritual may be a little painful for you, Snakelet. Not a lot but you may feel a bit of pain when your old blood is burnt out of your veins and is replaced with the Slytherin/Riddle blood. I promise you this though, Snakelet, we will have a pain relief potion ready for you and as soon as the ritual is over the pain will stop."
"Okay Father."
"Thirdly, Severus is going to be working on the potions tonight and tomorrow morning to ensure that they are complete and ready for us to use in the Ritual tomorrow afternoon and the Malfoy's will be there as both witnesses and participants. We will need a certain amount of people to take part in order to make and hold a magical circle open in order for the adoption to take hold properly."
Aldwyn glances over at the Malfoy family, smiling at them before he grins up at his Father.
"Does the ritual take a long time?"
"No, it doesn't Aldwyn. The Adoption ritual, the one we have chosen to do in any case, can take anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour depending on how willing the participants are in accepting their new roles and the bond developing between Father and Son. It will also depend on how long our ancestors deliberate on your acceptance into the family."
Aldwyn nods his head in understanding, bringing a hand up to cover a yawn which breaks through, his eyes blinking rapidly as he tries to clear the exhaustion from his clouded mind.
"The final thing, Aldwyn, is that you will need to be 100% fully rested physically, I have ordered the House elves to allow you to sleep until 10 am tomorrow morning. If you wake up naturally before hand that is fine but they are to leave you alone until 10 unless you call for Geeney. The rest of us will be doing to same as well, as it will give us 2 hours to gather everything we will need for the ritual and prepare. Do you have any questions, Snakelet?"
Aldwyn ponders for a moment, shaking his head when he can't immediately think of any questions he wanted to ask. If he thought of any later, he could always ask them tomorrow before they actually began the ritual. Marvolo cuddles his Son close to his chest, pressing a kiss to his forehead pleased that Aldwyn was indeed feeling much better after his retelling. His eyes catch Severus and they share a smile before turning to glance down at Aldwyn.
"Alright, Snakelet it has been a long and tiring day for us all and so, off to bed with you."
Marvolo calls jubilantly, standing up from the sofa with Aldwyn curled in his arms, a small squeal of surprise coming from the young child which draws a chuckle from both Marvolo and Severus who is pulled up as well due to his hand being clasped tightly in Marvolo's. Aldwyn wraps his arms around Marvolo's neck resting his head on his Father shoulder as he is carried out of the lounge. He waves goodnight to Draco who is being guided up from his seat as well but his Mother and Father and can't help but wonder if that's what he, Severus and Marvolo look like.
"I think that's a good idea."
Aldwyn mumbles, head nuzzling into Marvolo's shoulder as he feels himself being carried out of the room with Severus at their side. He smiles at the man pleased that he hadn't been told off or that he hadn't angered his Father nor Severus for letting slip his thoughts of the other. He yawns, feeling his eyes slipping closed as his body fully relaxes in his Father's arms.
"Good night Snakelet."
"Sleep well, Son."
"Night, Father, Papa."
The Dark Lord collapses tiredly into his seat in his study, he had tucked Aldwyn into bed and bid a good night to Severus who had wondered off in order to begin the potions preparations for the Adoption ritual tomorrow afternoon. He chuckles when he thinks back on him calling after the man to make sure he doesn't stay up too late, that he wouldn't become lost in his potions work like he is prone to doing. Marvolo had delighted in the flush which had painted itself across Severus' pale cheeks.
Marvolo leans his head back against the head of his chair and takes a deep breath. It has indeed been a terribly exhausting day but there was something he needed to do before he could allow himself to go to bed for the night. Marvolo slips his hand into his pocket, fingers wrapping around a roll of parchment. He draws the letter from his pocket and unties the ribbon staring down at the parchment for a moment he debates on what Lily Potter could have possibly written to him, the Dark Lord Voldemort, about.
Shaking his head, Marvolo slowly unrolls the letter, closing his eyes to pray to Merlin for no more surprises for the time being he glances down at the neat cursive writing and sighs. Best to get this over with.
Dear Thomas Marvolo Riddle,
Though I suppose that by now you will be going by Marvolo Slytherin, right? You see I knew that you wouldn't receive this letter until you had been informed about the sealing of James' and my wills from our Son after you had met him in the chamber under the third floor corridor in Hogwarts School. I knew this would only happen if you acquired the Philosopher's Stone from Harry and agreed to his terms of exchange. I knew this would only happen after you had rescued Harry (Aldwyn?) from my vile sister's house and took him away from their abuse and violence. Therefore, you wouldn't have the opportunity to open this letter and gaining significant information until the time was right. You must be wondering how I knew all of this and I will tell you. Though be warned that no one, not even my husband James knows this safely kept secret of mine. Well all except a very dear friend of mine. A friend you will not meet until the time is once again, right.
Everyone knows, or rather knew me as Lily Jane Potter nee Evans but what I found out during my Seventh year at Hogwarts was a serious shock to the system; my Parents really didn't understand the concept of appropriate timing. I wasn't their daughter. Apparently an old and rather strange character came to their doorstep one day with me in his arms. He explained to them that I was the child of a relative of theirs, that I had no other living family left to look after me. 10 galleons as to who that old man was. None other than the esteemed Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. It took me months to find who I was actually related to and after searching the hall of records I finally found what I had been looking for. It helped that they hadn't changed my birthdate. My real name was Lillian Druella Rosier. I was the missing daughter or rather unknown daughter of Evan Rosier, one of your devoted Death Eaters during the First Wizarding War.
This is probably a lot for you to take in and you probably don't even believe it to be true but I found evidence sitting in the Vault I gave to you in my Will. In this vault you will find memories, diary entries and my original birth certificate. It was a shock to me when I found out the truth. I was not a muggle born witch, I was pureblood and my child, Harry Potter is also.
The other reason I am writing this letter to you, Marvolo Slytherin is because I saw the adoption between my Son and yourself and I cannot explain to you how happy I am or pleased I was when I had this vision. Ah, I probably should explain this to you as well. As far back as I could remember I have been plagued with visions of the future, not full events or anything substantial but small snippets of the future. I am unsure whether this was a trait passed down in the Rosier family or not.
Anyhow, I saw the adoption and I know that you are going to be perfect in taking care of Aldwyn. Yet before you go through with it, I have some information that you need to be aware of. James Potter although my husband is not the biological Father of my Son. His real Father doesn't know this however, but I was wondering if you would tell him? If what I saw was correct then you will be exceedingly happy with this development and my visions are rarely, if ever, incorrect.
I didn't want James to treat Harry any differently and so I Glamoured Harry to look like James, however when the ritual takes place it will discount my parentage from Harry, but his Father's features will come through more predominantly. Do not despair however, your features will be undeniable. Aldwyn will be your Son in magic, body and soul. He will just have unlocked traits and features from his Papa. His true Father you know very well, and I know you will both take care of Aldwyn in my stead.
His true Father's name is Severus Tobias Snape. Or should I say Lord Prince?
You do not even need to tell him, but it would make myself and Aldwyn, not to mention yourself Lord Slytherin happy to share this information with your new family. I can understand if you would like to wait for the appropriate timing to unveil this however and so I will leave the decision up to you.
I will not take up much more of your time Lord Slytherin, but I beg of you to keep Aldwyn safe, he will need your support in the upcoming years, especially while he is under the supervision of Albus Dumbledore in Hogwarts.
Lilian Rosier.
Marvolo reads the letter through a second time, his mind whirling frantically as he tries to process the excessive amount of information, he had been presented with in such a short correspondence. His eyes trail down the writing, head throbbing at the untold secrets the woman had been keeping to herself for many years. He admits to himself that he is rather impressed at the young witch for being able to live her life knowing the things she did.
So, according the Lily Potter, she was not in fact related to Petunia Dursley nor was she a Muggleborn, the witch was instead the lost daughter of one of his most loyal followers Evan Rosier who had been murdered by Alastor Moody at the close of the First Wizarding War. He recalls all he knew about Lily Potter and finds the information not too difficult to believe. Even as a young witch the girl had been incredibly comfortable with magic, her powers exceeding her classmates easily. Someone that in tune with Magic must have some strong magical blood running through their veins and that usually wasn't found in Mudbloods.
Furthermore, his soon-to-be-Son, Aldwyn was not the child of Lily and James Potter but of Lily Potter and Severus Prince. He didn't know how to feel about that except a small amount of relief. Aldwyn would surely be ecstatic to receive such news, especially when he had already begun seeing Severus as his Papa. What he couldn't account for is Severus' reaction if he found out that Aldwyn was his child. That he had conceived a Son with his dear Lily. That the child he had, for lack of a better term, bullied through his first year. Yes, Aldwyn had forgiven him but Severus may feel added guilt at the information.
Marvolo drags a hand through his hair, thoughts conflicted as he stares down at the letter in his hands, he wasn't worried that Severus would wish to take his Son away from him. Far from it in fact. He knew that Severus was smitten with Aldwyn and had all but confirmed a relationship between himself and Marvolo by expressing his intent to proclaim Aldwyn Heir to the House of Prince. It had made Marvolo the happiest he could ever remember being when Severus had confided in him that he saw Aldwyn as his own Son and now Marvolo had a good idea how their relationship had changed so easily. It had been their familial bond calling out to each other.
He wouldn't inform Severus of the information he had discovered yet, no he would indeed wait until the opportune time to tell the man that he was the biological Father of his Son. Though he has a sinking feeling that he isn't going to have to wait long before this information comes to light. Not if what Lillian Rosier has stated was the truth. He would have to explain why Aldwyn looked so much like Severus after the ritual takes place.
Marvolo sighs once again, dragging his hand down over his face before he folds the letter up and places it into the top drawer of his desk. He would come and retrieve it before the ritual just in case he would need to explain anything to Severus and Aldwyn earlier than he anticipated.