Chapter Thirteen

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: Marvolo/Severus

Warnings: Dark Harry, Dumbledore, Hermione, and Weasley bashing (excluding Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George).

Word Count: 6,774

Date Rewritten: 10/02/2021

Aldwyn shifts in his chair, eyes downcast on his hands, he had been feeling weird ever since he had woken up between his parents after his nightmare. He felt jumpy and on edge waiting for one of them to pull him aside and tell him his punishment for waking them up so early in the morning. Despite their reassurances that they were going to do no such thing, that they were there for him to depend on and go to when he is feeling scared or worried. He cast a quick glance at his Father, gaze flicking over to his Papa watching as the pair talk softly between themselves.

He watches in silence as the Malfoy's walk into the room and take their seats, calling out cheerful greetings as they do so. Marvolo takes this as a prompt to call for 'Conpey', the House Elf Aldwyn had learnt was in charge of the kitchen and all their meals. He smiles as he watches the little elf clad in a white apron adorned with the Slytherin family crest.

Seconds later the table is filled with an array of delicious looking breakfast foods, some of which Aldwyn hadn't seen since Hogwarts while other he had never seen before in his life and wouldn't even know how to begin naming them. His hands grasp the fabric of his robes, knuckles turning white as he glances through his fringe watching as everyone else begins to fill their plates.

He feels conflicted. His thoughts a jumbled mess of memories from when he had been living with the Dursleys. He had never been allowed to just take things and yes for the past few days, while staying with his Father and Papa he had filled his plate along with the others, his Father had insisted that he didn't have to wait for everyone to be done. That was before he had woken them up, however. He didn't know if he was allowed to get his food now or if that privilege had been revoked as a punishment.

After a moment or two of companionable silence Severus glances across the table to his Son and instantly freezes, his lips down turning in a frown at the despondent expression crossing Aldwyn's face. He studies Aldwyn for a moment trying to figure out why he was suddenly filled with such nervous energy. Severus watches as Aldwyn subtly glances around the table biting his lip, licking his lips once he glances across at the spread of food. So, he wasn't eating not because he wasn't hungry but because of something else.

Severus places his cutlery down on his placemat making sure to not alert anyone else to his Son's predicament. He furrows his eyebrows trying to place the event that could have caused such a dramatic turn in Aldwyn's behaviour before his eyes widen in realisation. Aldwyn had woken them up from a nightmare, he had apologised and cried because he feared getting punished because of it. Clearly the Dursleys had withheld food from his Son on more than one occasion and most likely not always as a punishment of sorts but because they dubbed him a freak.

"Aldwyn?"

He clenches his teeth, sucking a deep breath in to keep his anger in check allowing a small smile to shape his features when Aldwyn glances up at him, eyes wide with fear and trepidation.

"You need to eat something, Snakelet. What would you like?"

He tries to sound encouraging, informing his child that he was allowed to eat with the rest of them, that they wouldn't withhold food from him just because of something so small. He feels his blood boiling even more when Aldwyn shakes his head quickly, slamming his eyes shut as he looks back down at his lap, hands clenching together tighter. Severus is surprised Aldwyn hadn't bolted from his seat with how wound-up his muscles looked.

"No, I'll… I'll wait sir."

The blood drains from Severus' face at the title, Aldwyn hadn't referred to him as such since Hogwarts and it pulled at his heart strings to think that such a little thing could set him back weeks. He gazes sadly at Aldwyn pondering on how he could convince him that it was alright for him to eat, that he didn't have to wait for everyone to finish. That this was his home, and no one was going to punish him by disallowing him some much-needed nourishment, not after he had been starved for the last 9 or so years. Severus was not ging to allow it and he knew Marvolo would agree.

"Wait for what, Aldwyn?"

By this point Marvolo has taken notice of the conversation happening across the table in front of him and pauses with his own breakfast. He takes one look at Severus' distraught face before snapping his gaze to look down at Aldwyn, their child. He watches in silence as Aldwyn worries his bottom lip between his teeth before noticing the empty plate in front of him. It takes a moment before he understands what is happening and places his cutlery down.

"Snakelet, you do not have to wait for others to finish, please have something to eat."

Glancing up at his Father, Aldwyn quickly gazes to Severus before fixating on Marvolo's pleading expression and he stops short. Maybe, just maybe they weren't going to prevent him from eating as a punishment. Were they really going to allow him to eat alongside everyone else? They didn't think he was a freak, a burden or a weakling because he had gotten scared from a silly nightmare? He looks to Severus again and can feel his nerves calming down a little at his gentle expression.

"I'm allowed?"

His voice comes out small and he hates how childish he is acting but he can't seem to help himself, he is scared that his parents will one day think he is too much of a burden and throw him away. That they come to the conclusion that he isn't worth their love and abandon him. He hunches his shoulders a little preparing himself for some sort of tirade, for them to yell at him or insult him.

"Of course, you are, Snakelet. We would never make you wait for food, nor will we withhold it from you. Why would you not be allowed?"

Severus answers instantly his heart going out to the little boy sitting across the table from him looking so small and fragile in that moment. He can feel his eyes beginning to sting at what Aldwyn had been forced to endure at the hands of despicable muggles. Vowing to himself that they will pay for what they have done maybe not anytime soon but they will pay.

"At the Dursleys' I wasn't allowed to eat at the table with them. I wasn't allowed to eat at all unless they had finished and then only what was left over. What they didn't want."

Tear gather in the corners of his eyes, his throat clogging up with emotion cutting off anything else he was going to say. He is scared that his family, his true family would start to treat him the same as the Muggles had; they had thought he was their blood relation and it hadn't stopped them from starving him and beating him.

The Malfoy's finally notice the situation and stop eating in order to watch the events playing out in front of them, their hearts clenching painfully for the young boy. Their eyes widen at the sound of the first sniffle wondering what could have happened to cause Aldwyn, the usually happy child to become so upset first thing in the morning.

"Aldwyn?"

Attempting to subtly wipe his eyes in hopes that now one had seen him crying, Aldwyn looks up at Severus and almost begins crying again when he sees the concern shining in his eyes. Concern for him, something he had never seen before; not directed at himself anyway.

"We are not the Dursleys and you will never be treated like that again. We are your family now and that means that you will be treated as such, treated correctly and with care, okay?"

Aldwyn nods his head, his tears spilling over once more as they flow rapidly down his cheeks as a sob escapes his throat. He watches as his Father and Papa exchange an indecipherable glance, seemingly having an entire conversation in the space of a second as Severus places his hand over Marvolo's who nods his head in agreement. Severus pushes his chair out slightly, smiling over at his overwhelmed Son and gesturing to his side, calling softly.

"Aldwyn, come here."

Aldwyn does. Slowly sliding off his own seat, Aldwyn makes his way around the table nervously wringing his hands as he steps towards his Papa. He lets out a quiet squeak of surprise when Severus quickly picks him up and places him on his lap, holding Aldwyn securely against his chest while he manoeuvres Aldwyn to face the dining table.

"Now, what would you like to eat?"

Severus' voice is soft, still calming against Aldwyn's ear and he can feel himself slowly relaxing into his Papa's chest. His gaze once again sweeps the array of food laid out on the table and licks his lips, his stomach grumbling in quiet complaint. Aldwyn's eyes widen, sparkling in delight when he spies something, he had only been able to try once during breakfast at Hogwarts; Ron and the other Gryffindor boy's always seeming to eat them before he had the chance. Turning to gaze up at Severus, Aldwyn's voice comes out soft and timid as he glances back at the food choice he wants. Worrying his lip between his teeth before he takes a deep breath forcing himself to gather his courage.

"May I have some chocolate pancakes, please?"

Aldwyn watches as Severus nods. His eyes widen happily when his Papa slowly lifts two of the required foods and places them onto his half-filled plate before cutting a small piece. He offers the slice to Aldwyn who cautiously lean forward; pausing halfway as his eyes flicker to Severus as if to ensure that it wouldn't be taken away from him. Seeing his Papa nod towards the food relaxes Aldwyn and he quickly takes it between his teeth, chewing with a content hum.

Aldwyn glances around the room knowing that he should probably feel embarrassed about being sat on his Papa's lap being feed but he couldn't bring himself to care very much. He had had so few adults willing to be near him, let alone touch him for long periods of times; they only did when they absolutely had to. So, to have his Papa and Father willingly cuddling him, treating him like their Son, Aldwyn was going to take full advantage of it. No matter that he was almost twelve years old.

He looks over the table once more, taking the next offered piece of his breakfast with less hesitation. Aldwyn glances over to his Father watching him eating his own food before he looks down to his Papa's plate chewing thoughtfully. There was something he wanted to ask but didn't want to disturb his Father, not at the moment anyway. He steals another surreptitious glance at Marvolo pondering on his question, wondering if he would mind if he asked. Though his decision is made for him when Marvolo catches Aldwyn's eye.

"Snakelet, is there something else you would like?"

He pauses for a second, chewing his bottom lip at the warm, inviting tone.

"Do we have any strawberries?"

Marvolo sits back in his chair, stroking his chin in a mock overly exaggerated expression of contemplation, he covers a smirk by scratching his cheek when Aldwyn releases a near silent breathy giggle. Sitting forward after a second, Marvolo calls for Conpey and orders him to bring a small bowl of strawberries and to ensure that some are placed on the table every morning from now on. Aldwyn grins when Conpey hands him the bowl of deliciously sweet fruits, humming as he quickly bites into the berry.

"Thank you, Father."

Severus tightens his arms around Aldwyn's waist as he shifts and twists in his lap, his Avada green eyes meeting his own when he finally settles, his legs now dangling at Severus' side. He watches as Aldwyn picks up another piece of fruit, looking it over carefully before holding it delicately between his fingers and holding it up in offering to Severus. Severus takes it gratefully, chewing the red berry as he hugs Aldwyn to his chest swallowing before he verbalises his thanks.

"Thank you, Aldwyn. How did you know these were my favourites?"

Aldwyn giggles, quietly offering one to Lucius who takes the offered fruit quickly, popping it into his mouth just as fast thanking the small child as well.

"I didn't. They are my favourites as well. I have only ever got to have them once before when they were in one of the deserts at Hogwarts. I always wanted to have them again but whenever we had something with them in, the boys in Gryffindor would eat it all too quickly."

Aldwyn stretches across the table handing another fruit to Narcissa who smiles fondly down at him, patting his hand as he delicately takes it eating the strawberry before finishing her own breakfast. Finally, Aldwyn turns to his Father offering yet another fruit up to the man as he chews on his own, laughing as Marvolo eats it straight out of his hand.

"Ew. Father, you just ate my fingers."

Aldwyn squeals jubilantly when Marvolo reaches out, swiping his fingers up and pretends to eat them once more. The Malfoy family sit back and watch as Aldwyn is subsequently cheered up by his Father and Papa after his set back. After rescuing his fingers from his Father, Aldwyn manages to finish the rest of his strawberries including the one and a half pancakes Severus feeds him. He scrunches his nose when Severus hands him his nutrients potion but swallows it in one mouthful before he is allowed down from the table.

Marvolo and Severus glance up from their reading when they heard Aldwyn muttering under his breath too quiet for them to make out but when they look up they cannot help but smile; Aldwyn is curled up in one of the cushioned armchairs, old phoenix wand held between his fingers as he stares down at the book in his other hand intently. His eyes move rapidly across the page before glancing down at his wand. He waves his wand muttering once again under his breath frowning down at the text.

"Are you alright, Snakelet?"

"I think so, I just can't seem to get this spell right."

"Which one are you working on?"

Severus places his book down in his lap. Aldwyn stares down at the textbook his tongue pocking out the side of his mouth as he goes over the description of the wand movements once more. He looks over to his parents deciding to show them what he had been trying to complete. Taking up his book, Aldwyn walks over to the sofa his Father is sitting on with his Papa, handing over the text he points to the correct spell.

"I am trying to get this spell here, but I don't think I am doing the movement right, my wand is just spitting out silver sparks instead of a stream."

"Ah, the Severing charm. A favourite of mine while I was in school. I never understood why the Ministry allowed this hex to be taught when it is virtually a Dark Arts spell."

Aldwyn glances down at the spell, reading the effects of the spell, he looks up at his Father debating his words before agreeing. How come the Ministry allowed the teachers of Hogwarts to teach a hex which, if used incorrectly or with too much power could seriously maim or even kill someone? He knew it was one of the first Dark Arts spells Pureblood families taught their children when they received their wands. It was a favourite spell of Avery, as far as he could tell anyway. Uncle Lucius and his Papa were always talking about the good old days.

"Why don't you show us how you are doing it and we will give you some pointers?"

Aldwyn nods his head, turning away from his parents, he didn't want to accidentally hit one of them if he managed to do the spell right. He straightens his arm aiming towards the armchair he had been sitting on before taking a deep breath. Flicking his wrist in a small controlled circle, Aldwyn violently swipes his arm down in a vertical line before incanting.

"Diffindo!"

His wand fizzles for a second, silver sparks spitting out the tip before it goes silent. Aldwyn sighs at the lack of success before turning to his parents so they could tell him what he is doing wrong.

"Ah, I see. When you are swiping you arm down across your body you need to remember to flick your wrist up to direct the spell at the object you desire to strike. At the moment you magic is flowing from your core to your wand but without a proper focus it cannot go anywhere and therefore fizzles at the tip of your wand before snuffling itself out."

Aldwyn furrows his eyebrows as he listens to Severus' explanation, sorting through the instructions before he turns his attention back to the armchair across from them. Taking a deep breath, Aldwyn once again aims his wand and, forgetting the circle at the beginning slashes his wand from his left shoulder to his right hip, ensuring that he mentally and physically focuses on the object he wants to severe.

"Diffindo!"

Two silver curve of light shots from Aldwyn's wand and lands perfectly parallel slashes across the back of the armchair. Aldwyn stares in amazement at the destruction he caused, spinning on his heels he beams up at his Father and Papa, eyes shining.

"I did it! Thank you, Papa. You are a really good teacher."

"Thank you, Snakelet. You are a quick learner. No wonder you were top of your classes."

"But I wasn't? Granger was top of the year in every class. Well, except for Defence but she and Draco were the top students."

"Be that as it may, Aldwyn, all the faculty agreed that although you were not receiving the top place in all of your subjects you were showing great initiative in your classes. There is a difference, Snakelet between being book smart, being intelligent and being wise and you are a highly intelligent young wizard."

Aldwyn ducks his head when he feels his face heating up at the compliment his lips stretching into a pleased smile. Instead of responding to his Papa's words, Aldwyn turns back to the armchair, cocking his head to the side in thought he aims his wand at it once more much to the confusion of his parents. Taking a deep breath Aldwyn forces himself to focus his magic through his wand, rotating it in a clean circle.

"Reparo."

"Well done, Snakelet. I have never seen someone so young perform such a clean mending charm before. You truly are a powerful Wizard."

Aldwyn glances at his Father, blush still firmly in place at the continuous praise to his spell work. Shyly taking his text back from Severus, Aldwyn makes his way back to his seat, casting his eyes down as he didn't wish to deepen his blush. He just knew that his Papa and Father were smirking him in that way they do, especially when they know something they shouldn't.

"Ah, that reminds me. We will have to buy you a new wand when we go into Diagon Ally to purchase your school supplies."

"Why?"

Aldwyn glances down at his phoenix holly wand, the one that had chosen him at the beginning of his first year; he had noticed that it wasn't working as well as it used to for him anymore but he had just put that down to lack of use. Now, however, he believes that something else is behind the issue. He raises his head looking from Marvolo to Severus and back again.

"Due to your adoption and the charms blocking your traits and features from your Papa your Magical signature and core have changed. Not only to incorporate the Slytherin family magics but also the magic from the Prince line as well. Your magical has also expanded, meaning you hold more power within you then you did previously. This means that your current wand is not the best suited for your type of signature anymore and therefore, to perform at your best you will be needing a new wand."

"Oh okay, that makes sense. When will we be going to Diagon Ally?"

"Note for a while yet. Your Papa and I thought it would be best to wait for a bit. That way both yourself and Draco, and any other friends you wish to invite, would have received your Hogwarts letters and we will be settled in Slytherin Mansion. Does that sound agreeable, Snakelet?"

Aldwyn nods his head, wand absently twisting around his fingers as he ponders the thought of getting a new wand. With his new looks and his parents with him no one should recognise him as their 'Saviour', Harry Potter. Not that he looked like the speckled Gryffindor Golden Boy anymore.

"Anyway, Aldwyn, I hear that it is someone's birthday soon…"

Marvolo begins leadingly, eyes fixed on his child whose head tilts to the side, eyebrows furrowing as he looks between himself and Severus and Marvolo clenches his fist at the confusion shaping his child's features at the simple sentence. Glancing at Severus he can see his partner coming to the same conclusion just as Aldwyn's voice reaches them.

"Really? Whose?"

Severus and Marvolo's expressions forcibly soften when Aldwyn bites his lower lip, eyes glazing over as he sinks deep into thought. They had a sinking feeling that the despicable muggles had never celebrated Aldwyn's birthday before; it wasn't that hard to figure out in the end. They hadn't even seen fit to feed their Nephew, why would they spend any money, even if it was the boy's own money, on presents and such. They barely spent money on clothes for him. It made their resolves strengthen; they were going to make the Muggles pay when the time was right. Maybe give it a few years.

"Yours Snakelet. It is the 22nd today and we were going to plan a small party for you; a joint one with Draco so you won't feel overwhelmed with all the attention. Would you like that?"

Aldwyn bites his lips, nodding his head eyes fixating on the tome being held in his lap as his thoughts whirl around his head. He had never had a party before, heck he had never even celebrated his birthday before not really. Besides the numerous times he had sat awake counting down the minutes to midnight so he could welcome his birthday in. Well, he had started to do that when Petunia thought it prudent enough to tell him when his birthday was. It wouldn't do well for the Dursleys to send him to school when he didn't even know his own birthdate.

"I would like that, but you don't have to do this. I have never celebrated my birthday before, so I don't want you to go out of your way for me or anything. I don't want to be a burden to you."

"You will never be a burden to us Aldwyn. You are our precious child and we wish for you to experience a normal wizarding childhood. You have never had a party before and so we wish for you to have one if you so choose. There will only be a few chosen people in attendance."

Severus nods his head along with Marvolo's suggestion. He had informed the Dark Lord of how well Aldwyn had wished to get along with the then first year Slytherin students and suggested that those be the children invited to celebrate Aldwyn's 12th birthday. Not only would it give Aldwyn the chance to make some friends, but it would also help him be more at ease when he attends Hogwarts. Though, if by accident, something is revealed to the children about who Aldwyn used to be then they would ensure nothing made it back to the Headmaster and his sycophantic followers. They would rather keep the fact that Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin was once Harry James Potter as quiet as possible, at least for the time being.

Aldwyn nods his head as well, excitement welling in his chest at the thought of having children his own age, besides Draco to finally play with. If he knew his Father, then he would be spending some time with the children of some of his most loyal followers. He grins at his parents.

"Thank you, Father. Thank you, Papa."

It had been three days since the adoption ritual had taken place and Aldwyn had never felt better in his entire life. He was no longer feeling any pain or lingering aches from the Dursleys treatment of him and Severus had even lessened the strength of his nutrition potions. He still had to take them with every meal but his Papa had said that he would definitely be off them by the time September came around which he was immensely glad about, he didn't want to start his Second year drawing attention to himself.

He had finally become accustom to seeing his new looks reflected back at him in the bathroom mirror, even if it did still bring a smile to his face. Aldwyn turns the page of his textbook reflecting quite pleasantly on his teasing of the Malfoy heir about his now lack of height advantage much to Draco's chagrin. He has also lost a good deal of his nervousness and anxiety around his family, permitting him to laugh more freely and not stutter through questions.

Aldwyn curls his feet under himself, lounging in a plush armchair in his bedroom deeply engrossed in reading a large tome dedicated to the fine arts of defensive spells, typically Dark Arts defence. Dark Avada eyes flicker from left to right taking in as much of the information as he could. Just the day before, Aldwyn had overheard his Father and Papa discussing the possibility of him undergoing a few extra tutoring sessions during the remainder of the holiday which, strangely enough had excited him greatly. He had never particularly enjoyed studying before but now, since his adoption he finds himself enjoying it much more. It had sparked his interest because, not only had he been curbing his grades and academic potential last year due to expectations forced upon him, but he didn't want to gather the suspicions of the Headmaster.

So here he is, sitting comfortably in his bedroom, back leaning against one of the arms as light streams through the open windows washing the parchment pages in a soft yellow hue. Aldwyn, now fully determined to make his parents proud of him as much as he was capable is trying to learn as much as he could to ensure that he achieved the highest grade possible. He was determined to, with the help of Draco, wipe Granger out of the top two.

He is reading a long-winded passage describing the differences between 'Dark Arts', 'Light Arts' and 'Grey Arts', the defensive spells and how they are classified. However, the further Aldwyn reads the more confused he becomes at the Authors rambling and contradictory facts. He couldn't really understand the difference between Dark magic and Light magic as the description given was not substantial nor detailed enough to make much sense.

From what he had read and understood thus far, much of what people had classified as 'Light Magic' could easily be used to harm or even kill another person; especially if you were as creative as the Lestrange brothers had been before they ended up in Azkaban. His Father had explained all about their use of mundane 'Light' spells in order to torture their victims, he had found it fascinating and couldn't wait to meet them maybe they would teach him a thing or two. Anyway, according to the book, if a spell was used to create chaos and death then it was eligible to be classified as 'Dark' magic.

So deeply enchanted by the words on the page in front of him and his own thoughts on how easy it would be to murder someone using a spell taught to first years as it was to fire the Avada Kadavra Aldwyn startles when a small crack echoes through his bedroom. His head shots up as his right hand pulls his wand out of his pockets and aims it at the figure standing besides his bed. It takes a second for his mind to process what his eyes are seeing and Aldwyn grins sheepishly lowering his wand when he meets to wide-eyed stare of Geeney, his house elf.

Aldwyn is quick to slip his wand back into his robe pocket, muscles relaxing from his defensive position as he smiles apologetically at the trembling house elf. Closing his book with a soft thump, Aldwyn traps his left index finger between the pages to serve as a temporary bookmark as he turns bodily towards Geeney.

"Good afternoon, Geeney."

The small elf smiles, breathing an almost silent sigh of relief as he bows lowly ear brushing against the carpet showing her respect for her young Master, no matter how many times he had tried to persuade her there was no need for such a display.

"Good afternoon, Young Master Aldwyn. Yours Father and Papa bes asking Geeney to inform Little Master that he is to be going to see Master Slytherin. Hes be having something very important to speak to the Little Master about."

Aldwyn nods almost resignedly as he shots a mournful glance at his half-finished book wishing that he could just ignore the summons and continue reading, but knowing that it wouldn't be the smartest move to make when his Father has something important in tell him he glances to Geeney.

"Alright. Thank you, Geeney. Is Father in his study?"

Aldwyn isn't quite sure why he asks, every time his Father or Papa wished to speak to him about something, they were always in the Study waiting for him. No matter what it was they wished to talk about.

"Yes, Young Master Aldwyn. Theys be waiting for you. Says it being important. Would Little Master want me to walk with him?"

Releasing a small sigh, Aldwyn slowly uncurls himself and pushes to his feet, closing his book fully after glancing at the page number to remember his place. He makes his way across his room in order to slot the tome back into its rightful place so he could pick it up again later. Aldwyn walks back towards Geeney.

"No, thank you, Geeney. I will be alright on my own. I will call you later if I need anything."

With one final bow Geeney disapperates from the room leaving Aldwyn on his own once more. Glancing mournfully at his bookcase Aldwyn turns on his heels, making his way to his Father's study wondering just what he wanted to speak to him about.

Undeterred by the seemingly out-of-the-blue summons Aldwyn makes sure to close the door to his bedroom before setting off at a brisk walk easily navigating the maze-like corridors of Riddle Manor. His mind wanders thoughts slipping back to how he had been when he had first come to home, he had been so timid, so jittery that it was a surprise the Malfoy's, as pristine and proper as they are, would willingly put up with him for so long. Now, however, he ponders their continuous visitations debating with himself whether they actually ever went home with how often they were present. He chuckles.

Within a few short moments Aldwyn finds himself standing outside the ornate doors to his Father's private study, weight shifting from foot to foot as he steals his nerves with a deep breath. Drawing himself up as Narcissa had shown him, his head tilting slightly as he brings his knuckles up to knock softly on the wood. He waits for the call of his Father's voice bidding him entrance. Pushing open the door, Aldwyn slips inside ensuring they click shut behind him. He bows slightly in respect, again as Narcissa had instructed and waits patiently for his Father to motion him forward.

"I apologise for the delay, Father. You wished to speak to me?"

Ghosting a subtle glance around the room, Aldwyn feels a small smile to tug at the corners of his mouth before regaining his collected Pureblood mask, he had no idea what this meeting was about but if it was 'Dark Sect.' business or something equally as serious then he would need it. His eyes lighten when he catches sight of both his Father and Papa sitting behind the desk, bookshelves providing a beautiful backdrop as they stretch from ceiling to floor.

"It is fine, Aldwyn. Do you remember me telling you about our main residence, Slytherin Mansion?"

Aldwyn nods his head, mind casting back to the day after his Father had rescued him, when he had informed him along with the Malfoy family of his plans to move them into the Founders home as soon as he was healed enough. Walking cautiously across the room when his Father indicates for him to take a seat in one of the vacate chairs in front of the desk. Placing his hands neatly in his lap, Aldwyn meets his Father's gaze steadily.

"Yes Father, you informed me that we would be moving to the Keep once the adoption ritual had been completed and all relevant matters attended to."

"Good. Yes, I would like for you to begin packing your things, Aldwyn, Geeney will help you of course. I have scheduled for us to leave within the next two days or so. This should give you enough time to accommodate yourself with the dwelling before your birthday party and before our trip to Diagon Ally to purchase your school supplies."

Marvolo looks down at his Son, fingers interlacing with Severus' when Aldwyn inclines his head in understanding. Smiling proudly at the young wizard who had come such a long way from the frightened little boy he had picked up from the Muggles residence just a week or so prior. A collected, yet confident 'yes, Father' is quick to follow his orders.

After a few days, and especially since the adoption, Marvolo and Severus had noticed a vast I change in their Son's behaviour and were exceptionally pleased with the progress of his recovery both mentally and physically. Though he was still having frequent nightmares, he had begun to seek his parents out whenever they had occurred sleeping in their bed some nights to help ward them off. Something which they welcomed as much as possible.

They had concluded that it was mainly due to Aldwyn's deepening friendship with Draco Malfoy; it had occurred to both sets of parents during one of their usual evening meeting sessions that the two young wizards were beginning to rub off on each other. Where Draco was beginning to bring Aldwyn out of his shell, forcing him out of his comfort zone with his loud antics; Aldwyn is seemed was also helping to mellow Draco out. His parents had commented on how much his 'brattish' and 'obnoxious' tendencies seemed to have diminished recently.

Aldwyn's speech had also vastly improved over the course of the week and he seemed to be carrying himself with a completely different aura. They had found Aldwyn on numerous occasions hurled up in the Manor's extensive library, surrounded by books and tomes of all kinds; it appeared as if the adoption ritual may have unlocked some hidden or blocked qualities within their Son and he was happily praying on them.

"Aldwyn?"

Aldwyn shifts his gaze to his Papa when he calls his name shifting in his seat so that he could give Severus his full attention.

"Your Father and I have had a long discussion about your education at Hogwarts thus far, even though it has only been a year, and everything you should have been taught while you were growing up which you have been denied. Therefore, we are proposing some extra tutoring sessions during your breaks from school, they will not occur every day and you will still have plenty of time for leisure activities but we just want to ensure you receive the best education we are capable of providing you with."

Aldwyn tilts his head, Avada green gaze switching from his Papa to his Father and back again as he contemplates what is being suggested; knowing that he is doing a poor job of concealing the glee and rising anticipation which he knows is shining in his eyes. His parents' smirk at him.

"Of course, Papa. I would appreciate that very much. What would I be studying during these sessions?"

"We have devised something of a schedule for you to follow while you are here for the summer. Your Yule and Spring breaks will be much less formal of course but we wish to ensure you are completely prepared for your second year. Not that we have anything to worry about. As I mentioned before you will have plenty of time for reading and other recreational activities; I know how much you have been wanting to play Quidditch with Draco. We will be going over the subjects taught at Hogwarts, including Arithmancy and Ancient Runes and, if you wish we will begin your Parselmagic and Dark Arts sessions as well."

Marvolo responds, amusement rolling off him in waves as he watches his Son trying to restrain the urge to jump and cheer from excitement. He slides a piece of parchment across the desks surface, smiling at the ear-splitting grin growing on Aldwyn's face as his eyes drink in the sight of his new schedule hungrily, his hands almost shaking in repressed elation.

"Of course, Father!"

Aldwyn exclaims, his voice louder than he had intended it to be due to his heightened glee at having so much to do during the holidays from now on. His face flushes in embarrassment but Marvolo and Severus merely chuckle.

"Who will be teaching these lessons?"

Aldwyn tears his eyes away from the parchment to ask, eyebrows furrowing as his parents exchange a glance he can't interpret because Severus takes over smiling down at him.

"Your Father will be taking responsibility for everything you should have been taught while you were growing up meaning your Heir lessons. He will also be teaching you Parselmagic as well seen as he is the only other Parsel-speaker. Lucius will be overseeing your charms and transfiguration sessions, Narcissa will be assisting you with your etiquette and how to act in various social situations, though I doubt very much you will need it."

Severus' smile transforms into a smirk when Aldwyn looks down, face flushing brighter at the praise.

"Fenrir Greyback, you haven't met him yet but he is an Alpha werewolf, will be teaching you History of Magic and Astronomy and he will not have any knowledge of who you were previously so you need not worry about that. Finally, I will be taking you in Potions and Herbology, naturally."

Aldwyn giggles at his Papa's self-assured tone at the end, doing a very good impression of Lord Malfoy when he is being a pompous git as his Father would say. He takes a few moments to process the information, gaze flickering across his schedule. Glancing back up at his parents Aldwyn contemplates for another second before he sighs.

"What about the other subjects?"

His voice drops to a near whispers as he scratches the back of his neck, worrying his bottom lip as he drops his gaze back to the parchment clenched in his hands. He hadn't felt this nervous for a while.

"Well, I mean, according to my schedule I will be learning Defence Against the Dark Arts, Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes and Arithmancy as well. I was just wondering if I would be having different teachers for these subjects and if so, who they would be? I am assuming it is neither of you otherwise you would have already said."