Chapter Eleven
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters nor the scenery which you could recognise, the only thing I take credit for is the plot.
Pairings: None for this chapter.
Warnings: DarkHarry, Dumbledore, Hermione, and Weasley bashing (excluding Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George).
Word Count: 7,663
Date Rewritten: 08/02/2021
Aldwyn is a nervous wreck. His thoughts a whirl of conflicting emotions as he stares wide-eyed at the small army of House elves standing at the foot of his bed. Their grins unnerving him as son as he had opened his eyes and caught sight of them. Though a smiles tugs at his lips when he spies Geeney standing at the front of the group. He slowly slips out of bed, cautiously eyeing the elves he starts to make his way to his bathroom before he is stopped by Geeney who runs in front of him with her hands out.
"Good mornings to you, Little Master Aldwyn. Geeney been instructed to give Little Master his breakfast in his room before yous been having a bath. Lord Master Marvolo bes telling us that you need special bath to cleanse yous for the adoption."
Aldwyn glances down at the small elf eyebrows furrowing in confusion as he allows Geeney to lead him to his desk where a steaming plate of eggs, bacon, sausages, toast and beans is waiting for him. He blushes slightly when his stomach grumbles as soon as the smell assaults his senses, mouth watering he begins to eat while listening to the happy chatter of the House Elves.
He studies his bedroom for a moment, eyes flitting from one bustling elf to the next. He watches in silence as the little creatures' race around his room, bumping into one another in their haste; some carrying potions into the bathroom, for his bath he surmises while other have arms full of cloth. He rolls his eyes as the made hustle his life now being so unlike the Dursleys it was almost like a dream.
As soon as he finishes his meal his plate is vanished before he can swallow the last mouthful. Aldwyn rolls his eyes when he is instantly pulled up from his chair and all but pushed into his bathroom his eyes widening at the steam filling the air. Geeney runs in front of him and grins, her teeth on full display as she gestures to the filled tub.
"Wes been preparing the bath for Little Master Aldwyn. Please bes undressing so wes can be cleaning you up for this afternoon, Little Master."
Despite his trepidation, Aldwyn can't help but soak up the sense of excitement flowing off the House elves in waves and he can feel his own nerves at the up coming ritual fading away. He peels his sleepwear from his thin form, dropping them to the floor only to watch in bemusement as another elf, slightly smaller than Geeney, pops in, snatching them up before it disappears with a small pop. They must really be anticipating this adoption. He had never seen the little creatures work with such vigour before.
"Thank you, Geeney."
Aldwyn carefully climbs into the warm water, Geeney holding her hands out to support him in case the young wizard slips. Aldwyn releases a content sigh as the potions added to the water tingle across his skin, washing away not only the dirt clinging to him but also his trepidation. The water soothes his muscles, chasing away the last of his lingering aches from his weeks with the Dursleys and calming his already soften nerves.
"You is being welcome, Little Master. Geeney and other elves are always happy to serve the Great Slytherin family."
It takes all of 25 minutes for Aldwyn to be suitably clean and 'cleansed', though he doesn't know just how Geeney knows such a thing, maybe it had something to do with House Elf magic. He doesn't complain much when he is instructed out of the warm water, nor does he voice his objections when Geeney dries him off with a quick click of her fingers. He does protest a little when she grabs his hands and drags him out into his bedroom without so much as a towel to cover his unmentionables from the hoards of House Elves still lingering. His breath catches however, cutting off his complaints, when he takes notice of the garments, he suspects he is to wear today.
The robes laid out on his bed is a pure white silk reaching down to his ankles, delicate swirls decorate the hem and sleeves in a rich golden colour which makes the cloth sparkles and twinkle beautifully in the flickering candlelight. His cloak was made of a similar fabric this time however with dark green and silver detailing swirling and curling around his collar and waist, the silver forming small snakes which slither around the cloth with a practices ease. Aldwyn assumes they are to represent the family he is being welcomed into and his heart swells.
He notices the lack of socks and shoes and questions Geeney about the details, nodding his head in understanding when she explains how many of the Pureblood families believe that it holds one closer to Mother Magic and grounded the many participants through powerful rituals such as this one.
The surrounding elves were all too eager to assist their young Prince (great even they had heard of the new name) in dressing in his fine robes, making sure each layer sits just right on his small, thin frame, meticulously trying to tame his uncontrollable hair before they all disappear. Exclamations of his appearance echoing throughout the room long after they leave. He brushes his hands down his clothes and smiles happily knowing that he is going to treasure these robes for the remainder of his life.
Aldwyn chuckles when a few of the young House elves grin at him, waving with quick mutterings of 'Good Luck' before they too pop out with low bows leaving Aldwyn alone in his room with Geeney. Aldwyn could have sworn that he had seen a few shedding tears, but before he can contemplate on the matter more, Geeney once again grips his hand a begins to drag him through the deserted hallways.
"The Riddle – Slytherin Family House Elves bes very excited for this afternoon, Little Master. Theys bes saying how Master Slytherin has been happier now that Little Master is being here. Geeney agrees, she does. Lord Master Slytherin has been gentler to us house elves since Young Master Aldwyns bes staying with us at the Manor."
Aldwyn doesn't know how to respond to Geeney as she continues to pull his through the corridors. His throat closes up a little at the flood of emotions filling his chest at the implication but his nerves spike as well as they near the ritual chamber. He lets his mind wonder as he trusts Geeney to deliver him to his Father safely as her happy vice washes over him. His thoughts drift to the Muggles.
The harsh treatments at their hands will finally stop. The insults, daily beatings and days of being locked in such a small dark space with no food no longer waiting for him; no longer looming over his head in anticipation of him making another 'mistake'. The realisation that it is finally over making it feel as if a huge weight is being lifted from his shoulders and Aldwyn had to force himself not to cry. No longer would his life be in the hands of a manipulative old coot who thinks of him as nothing more than a weapon. A pawn to play in his chess game.
So lost within his own startling realisations, Aldwyn doesn't realise that Geeney has pulled him to a halt out a set of large wooden ornate doors, nor is he aware when the elf disappears with an almost silent pop and whispered words of encouragement. Dragging himself from his spiralling mindscape, Aldwyn takes a few seconds to remember what he is supposed to be doing standing in the middle of the corridor by himself before his gaze settles on the doors.
Aldwyn feels his nerves fluttering twice as fast as before, his stomach doing flips as he studies the intricate details on the doors, two large beautiful snakes intertwined are hissing to each other as they slither around the flowers and vines bordering the doors.
It was finally time.
Stealing his nerves, Aldwyn takes a deep breath before slowly reaching out a trembling hand towards the handle; pushing gently he opens it just enough to allow his small frame to slip through as quietly as he possibly can.
Shutting the doors behind him, Aldwyn allows his gaze to sweep over the large room in front of himself, gasping at the sight laid out. Aldwyn gapes in amazement at the deep beauty and inviting air which he can feel swirling around, what he recognises as one of the many training rooms within the manor. The elves must have worked all through the night to get it cleared up and set for their use. He casts a cursive glance around making a mental note to thank the House Elves the next time he sees them as he doesn't spot any weapons nor anything to suggest what the room had been previously used for.
The white walls are cast in shadows laying emphasis on the black translucent fabric which hangs along the four walls much like quidditch banners, small silver snakes attached and curling around the fabric at equal intervals. There is a large magically secured window on the adjacent wall to his right which has dark Slytherin green curtains pulled tightly closed blocking out the remaining natural light emitting from the midday sun. Candles, he could see flickering in the darkened room, each being placed carefully inside its holder; each holder carrying two candles which flicker arithmetically. Almost as if they are taking part in an intricate dance as such; shadows floating across the walls like there is unheard music moving softly through the air.
Aldwyn allows a small smile to form at the corners of his lips as his eyes move slowly around the room taking in as much detail as he can from his vantage point. He watches as Lord Malfoy kneels on the floor, his black robes glistening in the candlelight, his hair almost glowing an ethereal white as he moves elegantly. A small piece of chalk is held in his hand, dragging across the floor to make complicated runic patterns in perfect circles in the centre of the room.
Aldwyn spies six explicitly drawn circles spread around the room; there are three which he can see closest to the door about a metre from each other. Another drawn between two tables on the opposite wall to the three, this one slightly bigger and another two, more detailed than the others are situated directly in the middle of the spacious room. Their designs much more delicate and Aldwyn assumes that this is where him Father and he will be standing during the enchantments.
Eyes drifting once more, Aldwyn spots Lady Malfoy and Draco standing together each wearing similar robes to Lucius; the fabric glistening in the candlelight as if magic itself was woven into the material. The two Malfoy's seem to Aldwyn to have already taken their places, standing in the centre of two of the three circles off to the side as they speak animatedly to each other.
Aldwyn, so caught up in his observations of the room, watches as Severus hums quietly under his breath while playing around or rather merely arranging two identical looking potion vials onto the two tables. A small silver dagger held loosely in his right hand. So engrossed in his observations, Aldwyn doesn't notice his Father staring at him from his place near Severus before the man makes his way over to him. Nor does Aldwyn notice when his Father stops by his side until a hand is placed on his shoulder causing him to jump slightly. Looking up, Aldwyn feels much lighter than before, then apprehension and butterflies all but dissipating as he meets the familiar gaze of his Father.
"You look marvellous, Aldwyn. Are you ready?"
Nodding his head slowly, Aldwyn takes his Father's offered hand and allows himself to be directed and guided across the room towards Severus who, much to Aldwyn's delight, is still humming cheerfully under his breath. Though he stops as soon as he sees the pair approaching him. Severus offers a gentle smile to Aldwyn as he speaks in a soft, reassuring tone.
"Aldwyn, you look stunning. Now before we can begin the ritual, I need you to put seven drops of your blood into this potion for me."
Aldwyn feels himself flushing at the compliment and watches as Severus picks up one of the vials of liquid before holding it out to him. He glances as the deep red liquid and swallows thickly. Seeing Aldwyn's hesitation, Severus crouches down so that he is eye level with the nervous child, placing a gentle kiss to his forehead he whispers.
"Do not worry so, Snakelet. This potion doesn't taste as bad as the others, I promise. You just need to drink it during the ritual in order to mix your blood with your Father's."
Taking a deep breath Aldwyn nods his head and takes hold of the silver knife he is handed. He drags the point across his palm, carefully holding the cut a little shakily over the potion vial. He smiles gratefully when Severus holds his wrist steady, counting the drops of blood under his breath which strangely puts the boy at ease. Finally allowing his hand to be taken away, Severus quickly heals the cut before dragging Aldwyn into a tight embrace.
"Well done, Aldwyn, almost there now."
Wrapping his arms just as tightly around Severus' shoulder Aldwyn buries his head in the man's neck as he feels the cut on his hand being healed, most likely by his Father. He takes comfort from Severus' embrace before he pulls away a little to watch as his Father allows his blood to drip into the other potion vial. After watching the Dark Lord mix his own blood with his potion, Severus pulls away from Aldwyn, pushing himself to his feet he glances between Aldwyn and Marvolo, his voice and face taking on a serious lilt.
"Now as I have said you will both need to drink these potions during the ritual but don't worry you will both know when you need to take them. Aldwyn, this ritual combined with the potion will essentially burn away all your Potter blood and replace it with the Slytherin/Riddle blood. Your appearance will chance sometime during the ritual and you will no longer be the child of Lily and James Potter."
Marvolo bites the inside of his cheek at Severus' words, hand slipping into his robes to grasp hold of the letter from Lillian Rosier. He glances between his Son and Severus and knows that the secret which had been protected for close to twelve years will be revealed in a little under and hour. He once again ponders how Severus will take the news before shaking his thought clear, he needed to focus on the ritual for now. He will deal with that when the time came.
Aldwyn nods his head, his face the perfect picture of determination and confidence as he turns to survey the room one final time.
"Alright, what do I have to do?"
Marvolo walks over to his Son, kneeling on the floor he places his hands on Aldwyn's shoulders allowing his to look directly into his Son's mesmerising emerald eyes, giving his shoulders a reassuring squeeze as he smiles lightly.
"You, Snakelet, will not have to do anything. All I ask is that you remain relaxed as much as possible and if you feel a tug or a slight pull of magic then you follow it and allow for it to run its course. Do not try to fight back otherwise it will be painful for you and I couldn't stand to see you hurt."
"Alright Father, I understand. Where do you want me to stand?"
Aldwyn watches as his Father stands back up, carefully taking his much smaller hand in his own and allows Marvolo to lead him, as he had first assumed, to one of the main circles in the middle of the room. Aldwyn carefully steps over the chalk drawn runes being mindful to not smudge them as he turns around to face the opposite circle. Severus now stands to his left while the Malfoy's stand to his right. Watching his surroundings with rapt attention, Aldwyn sees the Malfoy's joining hands all smiling over at him in reassurance as he is pulled into another tight hug. Aldwyn wraps his arms around his Father's neck and takes a deep breath, inhaling the familiar soothing scent of his Father.
"I am so proud of you, My Son. Just remember that no matter what, I love you, nothing could ever change that. Nothing in this world will ever make me love you any less."
Aldwyn tightens his arms around his Father for a moment, surprised by the strong conviction behind Marvolo's voice as he holds onto the man with all his strength, nodding his head which is hidden in the crook of his Father's neck.
"I know. I love you too, Father."
Marvolo stands to his full height, carding a hand through Aldwyn's wavy locks before he turns on his heels situating himself in his own circle. He stands with his back ramrod straight, his head tilting upwards towards the ceiling.
Aldwyn watches, marvelled at the confidence and raw power flowing from the man in such intense waves, he feels the air within the room all but halt before swirling around his body as if gentle hands were caressing his frame, soothing him. He watches as candles flicker in time with each other as shadows along the walls strengthen and darken as magic begins to crackle through the air. Aldwyn feels the rest of the tension spill from his muscles, leaving his body as he watches his father slowly bring his hands up, the winds now becoming filled with small sparks of magic, gliding over his skin as if it were sentinel.
The room goes silent, the only sounds being the slight rustle of the fabric hanging from the walls and their cloaks, the candle lights flickering in and out as if dancing to a forbidden dance, which Aldwyn supposes they are really. He knows that the ritual they are using had been classified as 'Dark Magic' simply for that fact that it uses blood, but it is still beautiful watching his father's aura mix with the air.
A few moments pass by with only the spiralling winds travelling through the room before they are joined by whispering words. Marvolo's voice carries, though quiet, around the room, no doubt assisted by the magical whirlwinds. Confidence and assertion lacing his tone as his hands are lifted above his head, his eyes closing in concentration.
"Ego Marvolo Slytherin, propítius réspice Ave Domina auxiliaris et consanguineus et Iacobum Harrius Potter mutuum accipere virtutem ut filio et heredi meo iure in Magia, corpus et anima nostra in viis stirpis antiquae." (I, Marvolo Slytherin, call upon thee, Lady of Magic and her kin to grant assistance and lend me strength so that I may adopt Harry James Potter as my rightful son and heir in Magic, Body and Soul, through the old ways of our ancient race.)
Aldwyn startles as he feels a sudden tingling sensation drifting across his skin, his hairs standing on ends as he feels a warmth wash over him, like a tidal wave. He feels, almost hears, his own magical core calling out to the forces within the room. His eyes fluttering closed of their own accord, his hands clenching tightly at his sides as the rest of his body seems to melt almost, never had he felt such a relaxing sensation before. So, at peace. He is surprised and stunned to find himself still on his feet.
Marvolo's words drift slightly out of focus, as if an invisible wall has been constructed between the two of them, but he knows that is not the case. It was probably just the influx of magic in the atmosphere.
"Suscipiam eum in domo mea, et in domo sua, et in hoc ei Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin heres in domo fani antiquissimi et nobilissimi Slytherin." (I accept him unto my family and household, and dub him Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin, Heir to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Slytherin.)
The young wizard starts to notice a slight haze around his mind, all thoughts seeming to halt, his senses seeming to be working in overdrive even if they appear to have dulled. The increasing strange caresses on his arms legs and face working them harder. Aldwyn's eyes squeeze shut, his limbs shaking with a force, the strength of the winds surrounding him completely, cocooning him, blanketing him in a feeling of safety and tranquility.
"Da ei veram acceptianem de patris nostri, Slytherin Salazar, qui habitabant super terram M annis prius." (Allow him true acceptance from our great ancestor, Salazar Slytherin who lived upon this earth 1000 years ago.)
Suddenly, as opposed to the nothingness surrounding him, an array of different sensations seep through Aldwyn's skin, travelling through his veins, warming him from the inside out, though he is surprised to note that it isn't an uncomfortable temperature. His limbs begin to shake worse, knees buckling as an omnipotent aura fills the room, mixing with his father's; a dark aura so strong, Aldwyn falls to the floor.
His father's voice now even more muffled then before, not being able to make out a single word even when he strains his senses, trying to shake his head clear of any thoughts he focuses instead on the strange new presence.
"Et cum sanguis eius speciem mutant; hoc sanguine extinguant, urere anteacta vita, et repone cum novo genere veteremque." (With this blood let his appearance alter; let this blood extinguish, burn away his past life, his old blood and replace it with this new lineage.)
He downs the potion, seeing his father's blurry outline doing the same. His mind goes blank, the temperature in his body shoots up at an alarming rate, feeling as if his blood was physically boiling, burning and bubbling within his veins. Aldwyn squeezes his eyes shut tightly feeling a scream building up in his lungs, he prepares himself for the worse pain.
And yet, just as suddenly as it had appeared, it disappears; Aldwyn feels a hand caress the side of his face, soothing the pain when a soft voice speaks deep within his mind, drowning out all other sounds, everything else that is happening around himself.
"Aldwyn, be strong, young one. The pain won't last, I promise. I welcome one so young, one such as yourself, with much strength and power into my house, into my line. I welcome and accept you dear Little Aldwyn, take your place by your father's side and become the powerful wizard you were always destined to be. My Heir, my treasure."
"Ego te, dub, Lucius Malfoy Abraxan, eorundem. Ut serves, dilectio et cura in omni opera et sermane Slytherin heredem. Ut diligas dominum deum tuum et tu." (I dub thee, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, his godfather. May you protect, love and care for Heir Slytherin in all you do and say. May you love him as your own.)
While Aldwyn concentrates on the new voice, Marvolo shifts his body away from the centre of the room, his eyes snapping open, glowing red pupils catching Lucius' blue-grey ones as he speaks once more. His voice wavering slightly with the amount of magic the ritual was taking up but he holds strong, knowing his son is safe as he spots the Spectre of Salazar Slytherin watching over him. He watches disjointedly as Lucius' eyes widen before he nods in understanding, opening his mouth to respond in an equally strong voice.
"Ego, Lucius Malfoy Abraxan, munera mea suscipiet Slytherin in heredem et patronus." (I, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, accept my duties as godfather to Heir Slytherin.)
Nodding in satisfaction, the Dark Lord quickly shifts his body to the left a few degrees, his glowing eyes now fixating on Narcissa, her hands noticeably tightening around her husbands and son's before she draws herself up, listening to Marvolo's appointment of herself.
"Ego te, dub, nec Narcissa Druella Malfoy nee. Black, susceptrice nominator. Ut serves, dilectio et curain omni opera et sermone Slytherin heredem. Ut diligas dominum deum tuum et." (I dub thee, Narcissa Druella Malfoy nee. Black, his godmother. May you protect, love and care for Heir Slytherin in all you say and do. May you love him as your own.)
Instantly, tears gather in the corner of her eyes as they drift to Aldwyn's form for a brief moment, who is still shaking slightly on the floor, though he seems to have calmed down drastically. His eyes are closed loosely appearing to have fallen asleep, if not for the small moans and muttered words escaping his mouth, as if speaking to someone she could not see. Snapping her eyes back to her Lord she nods her head in acceptance.
"Ego, Narcissa Druella Malfoy nee. Black, accipe munera quae in heredem vel matrinae Slytherin." (I, Narcissa Druella Malfoy nee. Black, accept my duties as godmother to Heir Slytherin.)
Nodding his head in relief, Marvolo twists towards Draco Malfoy, offering a small smile as he notices the worry in the youngest Malfoy's eyes as they flicker towards his son every so often. Though they focus on his own as soon as he faces the blond heir. He watches as Draco draws himself up, much like his mother, his gaze unwavering as they lock with his own red ones.
"Ego te, dub, Lucius Malfoy Draconis, protector, ad heredem amicum et socium Slytherin; Ut maneas in tribulationibus suls, per calles et auxilium abiis tueri valens nocuisse. Malfoy faveat eum heredem Commendo tibi filii et heredes mei." (I dub thee, Draconis Lucius Malfoy, protector, friend and companion to Heir Slytherin. May you stay by his side through his troubles, aid him through his trails and protect him from those wishing to bring him harm. Cherish him Heir Malfoy, I entrust my son and heir to you.)
The further Marvolo goes through his chant, the wider Draco's eyes become; his face the picture of perfect shock as he tries to rapidly translate the spoken words, nodding his head as soon as he was able; wording his answer in much the same way as his parents before him.
"Ego, Lucius Malfoy Draconis, accipe official protectorem Slytherin amices et sodalist in heredem." (I, Draconis Lucius Malfoy, accept my duties as protector, friend and companion to Heir Slytherin.)
Finally, Marvolo shifts to his right-hand side, setting his gaze upon his resident potions master; a small smile playing on his lips as he, himself, takes a deep breath, stealing himself for the words he is about to mutter and preparing the dour man for the words he added to personalize this ritual.
"Deinde, ego te, dub, Tobias Severo Principe, ut tutore suo, in eius disciplina est. Tu cura commissa fillo et heredi; cum alia non potest esse parens. Tu dilige eum, protegam eum in omni possession tua in omnibus dictis et factis… filli nostril amu ut debeo." (Finally, I dub thee, Severus Tobias Prince, as his guardian during his schooling terms. You are entrusted to the care of my son and heir, his other parent when I cannot be. May you cherish him and protect him with all you have, in all you say and do. Love my son… Our Son as he deserves.)
Severus gasps out loud at the enchantment, drawing the attention of everyone, except Aldwyn, who are all completely shocked at the sight before them. One of Severus' hands flies up to cover his mouth, tears which had been gathering in his eyes before are now flowing down his cheeks in rapid succession. They watch as Severus nods his head frantically, his mouth stretching into the biggest smile anyone had ever seen before as he takes a deep breath. His eyes locking with Marvolo's.
"Me, et Tobias Severo Principe, ut officio meum in heredem tutoris Slytherin. His mea muneribus secundum quod est amor, et parentes diligere Slytherin heredem." (I, Severus Tobias Prince, accept my full duties as guardian to Heir Slytherin. My responsibilities as his second parent to love and cherish Heir Slytherin.)
Marvolo smiles back lovingly, his own eyes filling with tears as he finally turns back to his son, his chest feeling tight with all new emotions. His son is now his son in every way, shape, and form, with the acceptance of both Lady Magic and Salazar Slytherin, no one could take Aldwyn away from him now. Looking down at the trembling figure of his precious little boy, Marvolo feels his smile widening as love fills his core. Drawing in one final breath, Marvolo begins the chant to close the ritual.
"Ave Domina tueris teque ad fortitudinem. Gratias ago tibi, quia accipiendo Salazar Slytherin filius meus, hæres meus erit usque ad nostram familiam nobilem et antiquam. Marcus ista religio quia aenigma clausero Salazar Slytherin protegatur caritas cara sui familiares dilectus, oportet numquam rediit." (I thank you Lady of Magic for lending me the strength. I thank you Salazar Slytherin for accepting my son, my heir unto our noble and most ancient household. I close this ritual knowing that Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin will be protected, love, cherished and cared for by his family and friends, he will never need be afraid again.)
Marvolo lowers his arms slowly, waiting for the sparks of magic to evaporate and the winds to die down completely before he steps out of the runic circle. As soon as he is clear of the chalk drawings, Marvolo runs across the room and drops to his knees. Pulling his child into his lap, Marvolo wraps his arms around his child in a tight embrace, shoulders trembling with elation. The tears which he had been holding back fall down his cheeks, but he doesn't pay much mind. He is holding his Son in his arms; his precious child who is now his in every way.
"Hello Father, is it over already?"
A small, wavering voice brings Marvolo out of his thoughts. Pulling back slightly he gazes down in wonder and awe at the young wizard sitting contently in his arms, cuddling into his chest. Letting a small chocked sob/laugh escape his throat, Marvolo nods his head.
"Yes, my Son, it is over now. I am so proud of you, Snakelet. You were so brave. So, so brave."
As Marvolo fusses over Aldwyn making sure that he was indeed alright, Severus makes his way over to the pair, his own tears still running freely down his face as he watches the interaction between Marvolo and Aldwyn, his Son. Carefully Severus sits down next to the Dark Lord, smiling down at Aldwyn who turns his head to look up at him, eyebrows furrowing and eyes narrowing as his eyes shift between the two adults.
"Sev, are you alright? Why are you two crying?"
Severus chuckles breathlessly looking towards Marvolo; the two exchange a delighted smile before Severus ruffles Aldwyn's hair, which he can't help but notice is longer that it had been before, now reaching the boy's shoulders. His eyes soften as he takes in the dramatic changes to the boy's features.
"I am just fine, Snakelet. Just happy, My Son."
Severus and Marvolo watch as Aldwyn's tired eyes widen in surprise, his head shooting over to look at his Father, their eyes burn once more with fresh tears at the look of pure hope sparkling within his deep green and red speckled eyes.
"Is it true? What happened? How?"
Marvolo chuckles at the questions fired off by his Son, carefully pulling Aldwyn into a siting position and seating him between himself and Severus, both adults wrapping their arms around the child in a warm and comforting embrace.
It is true, Snakelet. During the ritual I had to assign certain roles to the participants of the ritual, and I asked Severus if he would be willing to become your second parent. He agreed. We are not bonded or anything yet but because of this ancient and magically binding ritual he is legally your other Father. However, that is not the only reason…"
Aldwyn's eyes alight with joy, his face lighting up with the brightest smile any of them had seen since he had arrived at the Manor, which he aims at both adults hugging him making them pull him closer. Though his eyebrows furrow a second later at his Father's words.
"What was the other reason?"
Aldwyn questions as he and Severus turn inquisitive expressions towards Marvolo who, in turn, shifts nervously. He licks his lips as his hands slips into the pocket of his robes, hand clenching around the piece of parchment there. He glances at Severus and then towards Aldwyn before slowly extracting the letter. Silently he hands it over to Severus and Aldwyn watching as they sit and read through the words.
"Is this… this can't be… I mean it was one time…"
Severus stumbles over his words, his mind a jumble of thoughts as memories of his one night with his Lily spring into his mind. He hadn't even considered the idea that the boy he had known as Harry Potter, now legally Aldwyn Slytherin could be his child. He hadn't even entertained the thought of him having a child with Lily, but the truth was written in Lily's own familiar cursive letters.
"James never was my dad… I never was a Potter… and mum was never related to Petunia… I didn't have to go there… I never was related to them… there were no blood wards to keep me there… You didn't know?"
Aldwyn asks, eyes gleaming with unshed tears at the prospect of having no reason to have been abandoned at the Dursleys' house every year since Lily and James had passed away. He didn't have to suffer through all those years of abuse because his Mother hadn't been an Evans and his Papa, his dad had been alive this whole time. Severus glances down at the distraught child, his heart clenching painfully at the distress he could hear coming from Aldwyn.
"No, Aldwyn, I swear to you that I had no idea… I didn't even think… I mean there was no way that we could have… but we did…"
Severus looks up at Marvolo who is smiling down at him, eyes gleaming with tears and Severus cannot help but tug the older man into a tight embrace. He pulls Aldwyn into their hug as well, holding his family close to his chest as he takes a deep shuddering breath.
"So, I have a Father and a Papa now?"
Aldwyn tilts his head to the side drawing a chuckle from Marvolo and Severus. They pull back, Marvolo ruffling Aldwyn's hair.
"Yes, Aldwyn. You have a Father and a Papa now and as I said before, we may not be bonded or anything yet, but we are both legally your parents. The magic from this ritual has already created a birth certificate for you with Severus and I as your biological parents."
"But I thought this ritual would have gotten rid of my blood along with Lily's. I wonder why mine is still within him."
"That is because while I was performing the ritual I stated for the Potter blood, which includes Lillian's to be purged but I never asked for his Prince blood to disappear and besides when I asked you to be his second parent Mother Magic recognized the blood flowing through his veins as your own and left it alone. Aldwyn is now our Son."
Severus chokes out another sob, onyx eyes turning to take in the visage of his and Marvolo's child, the idea alone warming his chest. Aldwyn grins at his parents before he freezes. Eyes widening is realization before a mischievous smirk dances across his lips. Severus and Marvolo exchange an unsure glance knowing that nothing was safe when Aldwyn had that glint in his eyes. They were going to have their hands full now that Aldwyn was releasing his inner Slytherin, not helped by the predominant Slytherin blood running through his veins.
"What are you thinking now, Snakelet?"
Aldwyn sends an innocent look towards his Father, slapping a hand against his chest in mock offense which only causes the man to raise an eyebrow.
"You said yet…"
Aldwyn's smirk returns as Severus and Marvolo exchange confused expressions before turning to face their Son once more, both asking for elaboration with their gazes.
"Father, you said that you and Papa were not bonded or anything… yet."
Aldwyn giggles, delighting in the pale blushes which his parents are now sporting at his quick observation though they soon to laughter as his Father smirks as Severus.
"I did say that, didn't I? Well, I guess that is something we will need to look forward to then, don't you think?"
Marvolo's smirk soon falls into a warm smile filled with affection for his partner which causes Severus' breath to catch in his throat at having such a look directed at himself. He can feel his own smile widening as he brings his hand in front of Aldwyn, interlacing his fingers with Marvolo's effectively trapping their Son between themselves.
"I know I definitely will be."
Aldwyn leans back into his Parent's warm embrace, smiling softly.
"What about the others?"
His parents look down at him, face still smiling as they gaze at the silky shoulder length mess of raven hair on top their Son's head before Marvolo directs Aldwyn's attention towards the three approaching figures, each one smiling brightly.
"Why don't you ask them yourself?"
Turning his head, Aldwyn watches silently as the Malfoy family approaches stopping to stand in front of the three of them. Aldwyn is pleased to see the ecstatic facial expressions everyone is sporting; the ritual having gone better than expected.
"What are we supposed to be being asked?"
Lucius questions as he gazes down at the raven-haired child, eyes widening at the familiar features Aldwyn now sports.
"What did Father ask of you during the ritual. I mean, I couldn't really hear any of it because Grandpa Sal was talking to me and everything else was muffled."
The group stare down at Aldwyn their expressions indicating varying degrees of shock and awe as he gazes between them all in confusion.
"What?"
Shaking his head slightly, Marvolo cards a soothing hand through Aldwyn's hair hoping to relax his Sons confusion.
"You are a very powerful Wizard Snakelet. Never in the history of our world has it been reported that the recipient of such a ritual has been able to speak to the founder of their Household, let alone someone as powerful as Salazar Slytherin. Seeing them, yes but never holding a conversation with them. What did he say to you?"
Aldwyn looks at his Father for a few seconds, searching his eyes for something, his face an expressionless mask as he stares before he shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly.
"Nothing much. At first, he was just muttering words to stop the pain, stuff like how it will go away soon and how he was proud to welcome me into his Family. He told me that I was very brave and strong and said that now I was able to take my rightful place by my Father's side and become the powerful wizard I was supposed to be. He called me his treasure."
Everyone stares open-mouthed at the calm way Aldwyn reiterates his conversation with one of the strongest Wizards of their times, a wizard all of them would kill for the chance to see, let alone converse with.
"Oh! He also told me that if I ever need to speak to him then I can visit him in the Chamber of Secrets. He told me where it is and everything! He even gave me permission to use his study and I can even bring certain people with me. There is a stasis charm of the Chamber so his pet Basilisk should still be alive and well and should not attack me because I wear the Slytherin Heir ring. Grandpa Sal said that if you want Papa, feel free to harvest some of her scales and stuff for potions ingredients, all you need to do is ask her."
"He also told me that Proserpina, that's the name of his Basilisk, has some eggs down there as well and I am free to keep one as a familiar if I so choose…"
Aldwyn looks up at his Father from the corner of his eyes, catching the pout the Dark Lord is sporting, he leans into his Father's side drawing the man's attention to his smirking expression.
"You know what… I almost forgot… Grandpa Sal also said that the Chamber of Secrets has a completely different set of Wards than the main castle, which is why Dumbles can't sense who is there and what is being done down there… it means that certain people can apparate into the Chamber whenever they wish. I believe he mentioned something about an old friend… a past student who hasn't visited in a while is more than welcome to accompany me there as much as they want…"
Marvolo's face lights up at the prospect, he could visit his old friend Proserpina while also being able to check on his Son more often. He glances down at his Son once again, his smile turning into a frown when he spies the widening smirk on Aldwyn's face. He ruffles the boy's hair.
"That was not funny, that was just mean."
Aldwyn couldn't help but laugh at the face his Father is pulling, Severus soon joining him in his mirth and is quickly followed by the Malfoy family as Marvolo, the Dark Lord of Wizarding Britain sits pouting, as much as he is capable of when cuddled next to his family.
"Well, I am the Son of the Dark Lord. I am supposed to be mean."
Severus chuckles at that, shaking his head in exasperation. He drops a quick kiss to Aldwyn's hair before reaching over to angle Marvolo's face towards his own, leaning forward, Severus places a quick, chaste kiss to Marvolo's still pouting lips effectively turning it into a smile.
"Wait just a moment."
The group focuses their attention on Draco who drops to the floor unceremoniously, crossing his legs in front of himself, ignoring his Parent's grimaces of disgust. He rests his elbows on his knees and stares at Aldwyn with incredulous eyes, gaze narrowing as he shifts slightly.
"What did you just call Salazar Slytherin? Greatest of the four Founders of Hogwarts?"
Aldwyn stares at his friend for a few moments, head tilted to the side before realization dawns and he shrugs lightly.
"Grandpa Sal."
His carefree flippant attitude has the entire Malfoy family staring down at him in disbelief as if they couldn't quite believe their own ears.
"You just called Salazar Slytherin, one of the founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Founder of our House and your Family, Grandpa Sal? Merlin help us all. Marvolo, I think there is something wrong with your Son!"
Lucius points out as he cautiously sits on the floor next to his Son, no matter if the House Elves had cleaned the room moments before they entered Malfoys did not sit on the ground. A bad decision on his part as Aldwyn shoots him an offended look for the remark and makes his displeasure known by kicking the Malfoy Lord in the shin. Harder than he had expected given that they were all sitting cross-legged on the floor, though the shout of 'hey' from Lucius makes him feel a little better.
"What? I don't have my wand with me down here because the House Elves said it may interfere with the magic of the Adoption ritual; otherwise I would have tried a cutting curse. I have read all about its theory but haven't been able to try it out yet."
Aldwyn mutters the last part more to himself that the others but everyone hears him. Lucius pales at the small glint in the young wizard's eyes, reminding him remarkably of the Dark Lord when he is torturing Muggles and those followers who have displeased him.
"Dear Merlin, he really is your Son Marvolo, are you sure you did not lose him at birth or something? The likeness is uncanny."
Marvolo chuckles at the remark from Lucius, dragging a hand through Aldwyn's hair smiling at the contented sigh he manages to pull from his Son. He glances at Severus.
"No, I did not lose him at birth seen as his birth Father is sitting beside me."
"Wait? Would you mind repeating that, Marvolo?"
Narcissa questions glancing from Marvolo, to Severus and then to Aldwyn who is grinning up at his parents snuggling back into their embrace. Severus smiles sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well, it turns out that the letter Marvolo received from Lily Potter was in fact a confession of sorts. It seems that the one night Lily and I spent together results in the child we all knew as Harry Potter. James was never his Father, but I was unaware of this fact. It is why Aldwyn here has a mix of Marvolo and my features. He is now the perfect blend of his two biological parents."
"Now that you mention it, Aldwyn does look remarkably like the both of you, it is easy to tell who his parents are."
Aldwyn tilts his head to the side.
"Do I?"
Marvolo summons a small handheld mirror and silently hands it over to Aldwyn, watching as Aldwyn's eyes widen as he takes his first glance at his new appearance. His smile stretches across his lips.