Chapter Fourteen
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: 6,918
Date Rewritten: 11/02/2021
"That is one of the main reasons we called you down here today Aldwyn. We wished to introduce you to two of my newest, and I will have to admit, most unlikely followers. They are the children from a solely Light family, one extremely close to Dumbledore and his cause and yet they have decided to go against their family's propaganda teachings and join us. They have yet to be marked with the Dark Mark and I am disinclined to do so if this meeting is favourable to you, My Son. Despite their upbringing, they are truly dedicated followers and I am sure you will enjoy their company, Snakelet."
Aldwyn looks between his parents, eyebrows furrowing further as he prepares to question his Father some more about these unlikely followers when the doors to the study are thrown open. Swivelling in his seat at the sound, Aldwyn stares as two figures are revealed; two people whom Aldwyn was sure he would never get to meet. He watches with rising trepidation and awe as the two strangers walk confidently into the room, taking even strides as the doors swing closed behind them. Aldwyn is surprised, no one, Death Eater or not usually treats his Father this candidly, well except for his most trusted Elite factions. These two however were showing no signs of fear or hesitation as they continue to walk towards them, easy smiles on their faces.
The oldest of the pair is very tall with broad shoulders and muscles filling his clothes nicely as he smirks at the occupants within the room. He has long, shoulder length auburn hair which is tied to the nape of his neck by what looks to be a leather or dragon hide hair bobble. It reminds him of his Papa when they are brewing together. He is dressed casually with thick black dragon hide boots adorning his feet. The overall attire making him look rugged and serious, though Aldwyn can sense a playfulness to the man.
His, what Aldwyn could only guess to be, his younger brother is slightly shorter than the other, his hair is incredibly short as he glances around the room in a carefree manner, rolling his eyes at his brother. His hair was also a lighter shade, a lovely bright ginger and is more wavy than the straight locks of the other. Though Aldwyn does note that he is dressed in a similar fashion, a simple plain t-shirt and jeans combination. He is also wearing dragon hide boots, and finger-less gloves giving Aldwyn the impression that this man was not one to be messed with.
The two stop just short of the desk, grinning down at the Dark Lord before bowing dramatically earning a chuckle from Marvolo much to Aldwyn's surprise. Two sarcastic 'My Lords' reach Aldwyn's ears as he watches the pair closely, amused by their antics while still feeling gobsmacked at the prospect of them being unmarked Death Eaters. Their voices manage to jump start back into actions.
"Weasleys?"
The word rushes out of his mouth be Aldwyn can even think about trying to stop it. His cheeks burn hotly and no doubt a vivid red as shame and embarrassment flood his veins knowing that he has most likely earned his Father's disapproval. Though Marvolo and Severus simply look down at their Son in amusement having had similar reactions as well when they had first requested to join. The newcomers, however, turn their gazes to study the small child, eyebrows furrowing in contemplation.
"I apologise, that was incredibly rude of me."
Aldwyn, not being able to stand the stares much longer looks down at this hands, fingers twisting themselves into knots, that is until a low chuckle breaks the silence. Snapping his head up, Aldwyn narrows his eyes in indignation at the oldest Weasley who continues to snigger behind his hand. His fingers twitch towards his concealed wand, the temptation to practice some of his curses on the man rising with each chuckle. The younger of the pair notices and attempts to calm his brother down, the child could death glare even the most hardened wizard into submission with that look.
"There is nothing for you to apologise for, Young Lord. I am honoured that you would know who we are; or at least who we are related to. Though it does make me wonder if you do in fact know our names?"
The older sibling ruffles Aldwyn's hair affectionately chuckling at the undignified squeak Aldwyn emits at the actions. Trying to smooth his hair down again, he regrets not tying it up before leaving his bedroom. His eyes widen when he realises what the other had just called him and groans, no doubt it was another title his Father deemed adequate for people to call him. At least they weren't calling him the 'Dark prince'. Yet. Aldwyn turns his attention back to the Weasley brothers, none of them looked old enough to be Weasley Senior. Studying the two of them for a moment he remembers that most of the Weasley children for of Hogwarts age; all but there oldest two Sons. Smirk expanding across his face, Aldwyn pushes himself out of his chair and makes his way towards the youngest of the pair. Holding out his hand, he shakes his hand.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you officially, Charlie Weasley. How is the Romanian Dragon Reserve doing this time of year? I heard that you have recently, or not so recently I should say, acquired a baby Norwegian Ridgeback from your youngest brother, Ronald, right? Flew him out of the school in a basket connected to broomsticks from the top of the Astronomy tower. Very inventive."
Aldwyn feels his smirk widening as he glances up at the man who is gaping at him, much like a fish out of water he muses. Quickly shaking himself out of his stupor, Charlie returns the child's greeting.
"The pleasure is all mine, Young Lord. The reserve has been doing extremely well, as well as one can expect with the rising unease surrounding Dragons anyway and yes, the young Ridgeback is doing fine and for the sake of my sanity I am not even going to ask how you managed to know those last details."
Aldwyn's smirk widens even further at the look of befuddlement on Charlie Weasley's face before he turns to face the eldest Weasley child. He offers his hand once again, grinning when he shakes his hand instantly.
It is also a great pleasure to finally meet you, William. Or would you prefer I call you Bill? I do believe you are one of the youngest and highly established curse breakers working in Egypt under Gringotts jurisdiction, are you not? An impressive feet for someone your age. You must be a real credit to your occupation."
Once more the Weasley boys are stunned speechless by how this apparent stranger knows so much about them despite it being their first meeting. They exchange a look of astonishment, though Bill quickly turns to glance down at Aldwyn, amusement shining in his blue eyes.
"I have to admit that it is hard business, not all it cracked up to be if I am truly honest, but I enjoy my work despite how difficult it can be. There is never a dull moment, that I can assure you."
A throat clearing brings Aldwyn's attention back to his Father and Papa, along with Bill and Charlie's. Aldwyn smiles sheepishly, a pale blush dusting his cheeks at the soft smiles he sees shaping his parent's features at his actions. Marvolo gestures for Aldwyn to come and stand by his side as he conjures up another seat across the desk indicating for the Weasleys to sit down.
As William and Charlie gratefully sink into the chairs, Aldwyn follows his Father's silent instructions wondering if he is in trouble. He is pleasantly surprised when he feels himself being lifted off the ground and being seated in his Father's lap strong arms wrapping around his waist as he allows himself to lean comfortably against the firm chest.
"Aldwyn, as you already know, this is William and Charlie Weasley. They have recently joined our forces and I would like for them to tutor you in your studies of Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures and Defence Against the Dark Arts."
Aldwyn nods his head as best as he can when it is resting against his Father's chest before he forces himself to lift his head up enough to glance at the brothers sitting opposite himself. A smirk pulls at his lips and he can tell his excitement is back gleaming in his eyes.
"So, Professor Weasley, when are we going to get started?"
Willian and Charlie chuckles lightly at the antics of the Dark Lord's son spotting the mischievous glint in his green eyes reminding them oddly of their younger twin brothers. They honestly hadn't expected the Son of the famed Dark Lord to be so adorable, or friendly but then again, they had been dumbstruck when they had first met Lord Voldemort himself. They had expected a snake-human hybrid like Headmaster Dumbledore had spoken about, they had expected a term of servitude, of Crucios and torture but what they found was a charismatic gentleman with a young son and partner. Their only order had been to tutor his Son.
"I can tell now that we are going to have our hands full with this one. Which Professor Weasley were you talking to, My Prince."
Aldwyn, much to the surprise of Willian and Charlie, drops his face into his hands, groaning before he turns to glare up at his Father who simply smirks down at his Son, dropping a soft kiss to his hair. Aldwyn rolls his eyes and Bill can feel himself warming up to the kid even more.
"I see you have been informed of that title as well. I implore that you do not use it unless you wish for me to practice my curses on you instead of the dummies in our training room."
Bill and Charlie share a quick glance, swallowing nervously at the threat. They relax a little when Severus and Marvolo chuckle in response, though they wouldn't be surprised if Aldwyn actually followed through with his threat, he really wasn't keen on the title Dark Prince.
"Anyway, I was speaking to the Professor Weasley who has the absolute pleasure of teaching me Ancient Runes!"
Aldwyn drops his frown as his excitement and enthusiasm builds once more at the prospect of learning the subject that had fascinated him since he had heard about it. He had read one of the introductory books in the Riddle Library, but it hadn't made all that much sense to him. Aldwyn looks between the two Weasley brothers, focusing on Charlie when chuckles.
"Never, in all my years have I ever seen someone that excited to learn Ancient Runes… Or any subject for that matter."
Aldwyn watches as Bill rolls his eyes at his younger brother, cuffing him round the back of his head for good measure resulting in Charlie yelping much to Aldwyn's amusement. Contemplating his next move for a moment, Aldwyn slowly slips off his Father's lap, walking hesitantly around the desk and towards the young man who is watching his movements just a closely, if a little confused. Aldwyn pauses for a second, glancing back at his Parents before continuing until he is standing by Bill's side.
"I am guessing that, you will have that pleasure, Bill?"
Bill nods his head in confirmation bowing as best as he could while still sitting in his seat before he offers a subtle wink towards the eleven-year-old who blushes lightly, giggling.
"That it would, Young Lord."
Clearing his throat Aldwyn smiles at the eldest brother's antics. He shots another anxious glance towards his parents, shuffling his feet when they send him small nods of encouragement. He inclines his head in response and extends his hand once again determination sparking as he grasps Bill's outstretched hand in his own.
"Please, call me Aldwyn. I am sure you will only have to address me in such a formal manner when we are in the presence of the Munchers, or discussing something relating to the Dark Sect. Besides, I do not like the distance it puts between us."
Bill smiles gently down at Aldwyn before a quiet snort breaks their exchange. Aldwyn and Bill turn to their left and stare at Charlie with their eyebrows raised in question. Charlie raises a hand to cover his mouth in an attempt to muffle his sniggers, shoulders shaking with the force of his laughs. It takes a moment for him to control himself allowing him to look over to the small child who reminds his startlingly of his old Potions professor who is sitting across from him.
"Munchers? Who calls the deadly followers of the Dark Lord, Munchers?"
Charlie barely manages to stutter out as he breaks into laughter again, failing to contain his mirth at the looks on the Death Eaters faces if Aldwyn were to call them that to their faces. Marvolo merely rolls his eyes at his Son's remark.
"Me! I mean they are seriously a bunch of bumbling idiots most of the time and are not that scary when they are with us in the Manor. I like to watch them cower when my Father or I simply walk past them in the hallway. It is quite enjoyable to see. I don't know why they are so scared of me though."
Bill shakes his head affectionally exasperated at the Dark Lord's son. He ruffles Aldwyn's hair and is surprised when the boy leans into his touch before he scowls and goes about trying to fix his hair muttering under his breath all the while. Marvolo sighs, shaking his head as he gives Aldwyn a level, deadpan stare.
"Aldwyn, you cast a Diffindo at one of my Death Eaters just the other day. I had to call Narcissa over to heal him and it took the House Elves hours to clean the blood from the carpets."
The Weasley stare down at the eleven-year-old in surprise. Diffindo was a small severing charm they had learnt in their first year, something which was supposed to be used to cut paper, or fabric not to be used against a person. They had never heard of someone besides fully trained and qualified wizards or strong magical power being able to put enough power behind the spell to cause significant harm. Aldwyn nonchalantly shrugs his shoulders, if he were honest the man had deserved it and his Father had laughed for ages when he first found out.
"It was not my fault. He had the audacity to walk into me and then furthermore attempted to blame me for his lack of manners, I was merely establishing my rights as Heir Slytherin and the Dark Prince, as you so affectionately dubbed me, Father."
Marvolo once again rolls his eyes, the corner of his lips up turning at the complete disregard his Son shows to those beneath him. He had been immensely proud of his Son for that impressive display of magic and it just meant that he didn't have to inform his followers not to attack his Son. News of Aldwyn's temperament had circulated rapidly and now all his Death Eaters knew to avoid displeasing him.
"It would be a pleasure to call the Great Dark Prince by his given name. As long as you cease to call me William. Mum only does that when I am in trouble or Professor Snape when I messed up yet another potion in class."
Aldwyn relaxes, sagging at Bill's comforting smile. He was pleased that his little story hadn't made the older wizard wary of him. He sneaks closer to him, glancing down to his feet as he subtle leans into Bill's side. Marvolo and Severus exchange surprised expressions at how quickly Aldwyn was taking to the older Weasley brother, they had assumed it would take him a little longer to become comfortable enough in their presence to drop his Slytherin mask but looking at him now they are relieved. Aldwyn was making strides each and every day. Bill, on the other hand, notices Aldwyn's shy movements and slowly, as if not to startle the young child, slipes his hands under Aldwyn's arms, lifting him up and places him on his lap. He wraps his arms around Aldwyn's suddenly stiff form and worries that he has overstepped when he feels the body on his lap relax against him.
"Seems like we have adopted a little Snakelet, Charlie."
He chuckles, dragging a hand through Aldwyn's hair listening as Aldwyn releases a quiet sigh. Giggling into his hand as he cuddles closer.
"That is what Father and Papa always call me as well."
Bill glances over at Charlie, tightening his arms around Aldwyn at the little piece of information, eyes flickering up to Severus and Marvolo before looking back down at Aldwyn.
"Papa?"
Aldwyn nods happily at the question, turning his head to allow him to wink at Bill he turns his attention back to the pair behind the desk.
"Papa?"
He calls raising his voice enough for the potions master to hear him and he isn't disappointed. Severus looks over to him instantly, a soft smile of his lips. Aldwyn grins.
"Do you think if I ask Uncle Luc he would be willing to assist me with the article for the Daily Prophet and the leak of information?"
Severus frowns in thought, stroking his chin. Marvolo glances from his Son to Severus, wrapping his arm around his partner's waist drawing him into his side as they both ponder their Son's question. Severus breaks his pose at the feeling, a pale blush dusting his cheeks causing Bill and Charlie to gape. They couldn't even imagine their snarky potion master in a relationship with anyone but here he was, with not only a partner who just so happened to be the Dark lord but an eleven-year-old, almost twelve=year-old child.
"The one about your disappearance?"
Marvolo presses a kiss to Severus cheek smirking when the flush deepens. He glances towards his Son, eyes sparkling with affection at the adorable sight of Aldwyn cuddled up to the eldest Weasley child. He raises an eyebrow in question and Aldwyn nods his head in answer.
"Yes. I mean I am not all that good at this sort of thing and Uncle Lucius seems to be in a position where it would be easier for him to drop a few well-placed hints within the Ministry, possibly the Auror department and the Daily Prophet office as well. We need someone in one of these departments to go to the Muggle residence and find me 'missing'."
Aldwyn melts further into Bill's embrace when he continues to card a hand through his hair, untangling some knots gently with his fingers making Aldwyn's eyes slide partially closed in contentment. He is glad that his parents, as well as Lucius were all going to be helping him with this article and Harry Potter's will writing because he doesn't think he would have been able to do it on his own. He doesn't want there to be any connections left between himself and Harry Potter.
"I am sure that Lucius would be quite pleased that you would trust him with such sensitive information, Snakelet. You may ask him during his next visit if you would like?"
Aldwyn nods his head from where it is resting against Bill's shoulder, humming happily when he feels the hand in his hair digging into his scalp a little. He falls silent as he pulls his lip between his teeth as he ponders on what information he would be willing to leak and what he would want Lucius to 'drop' in order to make sure Harry Potter was indeed checked up on and found missing or, better yet, presumed dead. The voice of the Weasley brothers breaks Aldwyn from his content bubble, drawing his attention away from his thoughts and back to his surroundings.
"Disappear, My Lord?"
Bill asks with cation, looking down at the small child in his lap and the Dark Lord trying to gauge the true identity of Aldwyn while not wishing to blatantly question his Lord, not wanting to infer that Marvolo had outright kidnapped the child. It was obvious from their conversation that Aldwyn was not the biological child of the Dark Lord despite his uncanny resemblance to both Marvolo and Severus, though he was fully aware of blood adoption rituals which would make the child their biological Son. Charlie, on the other hand, held no qualms or no Slytherin tact at all as he gazes at Marvolo.
"Just who on earth is this young wizard, My Lord?"
Marvolo regards the two Weasley's silently for a moment, gaze steadily assessing the newest additions to his ranks before he glances down at his son sitting comfortably in the eldest's lap. He sighs knowing that he is going to have to trust them with Aldwyn's secret. Exchanging a glance with Severus, Marvolo smiles when Severus drops a chaste kiss to his lips offering him a small whisper of encouragement. Bill and Charlie tense at the sudden tension palpitating the air.
"This boy, Messer's Weasley is the Son of myself and Severus. Adopted he may be, but he is our Son in Blood, Magic and Spirit nonetheless, with the assistance of Mother Magic herself, of course. However, Severus here is his biological Father, though none of us knew that until just before the ritual. I succeeded in rescuing him just over a week ago now from a home where he was subjected to daily abuses, neglect, beatings and starvation by the most deplorable of Muggles. You have grown up hearing his name; stories depicting all the amazing things he had supposedly achieved. Though, you will likely know him better as Harry James Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived."
Marvolo smiles triumphantly, amused as both Bill and Charlie slump down in shock staring wide-eyed at the shy boy fiddling with the fabric of his robe. Aldwyn who was so unlike the descriptions their youngest brother had described him to behave in his multiple letters. They had of course, heard stories of Harry Potter. How he was supposedly brash, loud and a troublemaker who always disregarded the rules; a boy who apparently despised everything Slytherin and wished to defeat the Dark Lord to avenge his parents.
"As you well know Messer's Weasley,"
The brothers shake themselves out of their surprise, heads still reeling with the information they had just been told, questions spiralling through their minds about the previous life of one, Harry Potter. Now Aldwyn Slytherin. Looking thoroughly conflicted about believing their Lord, he had no reason to lie to them and believing what they had grown up with for ten years. Bill glances up at Severus Snape, the boy's biological Father, not James Potter who everyone thought; he can see the small spark of guilt he holds and knows that the man fully regrets how he had treated the child during the school year. Ronald had been very detailed in those descriptions.
"Nothing you have heard nor seen here today will be repeated outside these walls; Aldwyn will be enrolling in Hogwarts as a Second Year this upcoming September to continue his education under his new name, this time he will be under our protection."
Charlie and Bill nod their heads, locking gazes with each other over Aldwyn's head, seemingly having a silent conversation as their rapidly shifting expressions suggest. After a few moments of Aldwyn watching the brothers curiously, Charlie speaks up, voice strong and determined, matching the light reflecting in both their eyes.
"is there anyway for one of us, or both of us for that matter, to gain positions at the school? I mean, it wouldn't hurt to have an extra pair of eyes and hands to the ground if trouble should arise. I am sure it would make Aldwyn feel a little more secure as well if there were more familiar faces around that he knows can be trusted. Dumbledore has spies everywhere."
Aldwyn glances between Bill and Charlie a smile stretching across his lips and he twists around so he is able to wrap his arms around Bill's waist, cuddling as close as he can to the older wizard. He felt so happy that these two people who had only know him for a little under an hour would do something like that just to ensure that he was kept safe and at ease. He blinks rapidly trying to fight back tears.
"I certainly wouldn't mind taking a position at the school, My Lord. Unless you have another use for me during the school year?"
Marvolo stares at the brothers for a second, gaze switching down to Aldwyn who is still wrapped around the eldest Weasley child and he can't help the affectionate smiles nor the softening of his features at the sight of his Son so happy. He stiffens when Aldwyn turns sparkling, hopeful eyes in his direction and he knows that he is doomed; he could never resist giving in to such an expression which Aldwyn was fully aware of by this point. He ignores Severus' snickers and nods his head.
"Very well, we will have to gauge Dumbledore's thoughts on the matter to see if he will allow the two of you to take up positions within the school. If you are able to teach, which positions would you prefer?"
The room lapses into a comfortable silence as Bill and Charlie ponder the question, each contemplating which subjects they were best at during school and what N.E.W.T scores they had achieved which would allow them to teach. Bill tightens his arms around Aldwyn, praying to Merlin that Dumbledore wouldn't find their sudden interest in the school suspicious. He prays that because they were Weasleys and their parents were so sycophantic when it came to anything Dumbledore that he would be all too pleased to allow them onto the faculty. Charlie is the first to answer.
"I believe with my training at the Dragon Reserve I would be best suited for the role of Care of Magical Creatures Professor. I wonder if they are still asking Hagrid to teach?"
"They are. He isn't the proper professor, but I heard that the actual professor is rarely there, so Dumbledore just asks Hagrid to fill in for her despite him not being allowed to do any magic and such."
Aldwyn mumbles shifting so that he is sitting sideways in Bills lap, resting his head against his shoulder as he glances up at Charlie.
"I overheard some of the older students talking. They were saying how Hagrid has an obscene definition of the words 'cute' and 'cuddly'. He often takes his classes into the Forbidden Forest introducing the students to dangerous creatures, some of which have not been trained in dealing with encroaching humans and some which do not deal well in close vicinities of other species."
Charlie nods his head in agreement. He had enjoyed Hagrid's lessons, but he couldn't deny that they were reckless and put the students in danger too often to ignore.
"It was the same when I was a student. I am surprised that the Governors haven't decided to fire him just yet, though I suppose if he is only a stand in then I don't suppose they could really. It is disturbing how many students ended up in the Hospital Wing after one of his lessons, or the amount of complaints Dumbledore received from parents."
Marvolo considers Charlie's words for a moment before turning to Severus who in turn nods knowing exactly what his partner was asking him to do. He had an owl to send to Lucius tonight asking him to persuade the School governors to disallow Hagrid from teaching, even if Charlie was given the position. It would be for the best. Bill cuts in.
"I was thinking along the lines of Arithmancy or Ancient Runes, but I wouldn't mind History of Magic either, with my work in Egypt and within Gringotts bank I am well-rehearsed in my Historical knowledge."
Marvolo inclines his head, thinking through which positions would be preferable for the oldest Weasley to be granted if given the chance. He had already had an idea, himself really, for the position of History of Magic however he would need to oversee his Death Eaters.
"I had already contemplated a new History of Magic professor within the school… and no Aldwyn I will not tell you who I was contemplating…"
Aldwyn sighs heavily, closing his mouth with a small smiles, his Father knew him too well sometimes if he could predict what he was going to ask and when. It makes his feel like he truly belongs.
"I believe though it may be more beneficial to have you, Mr Weasley take up this station. This will not only ensure that the true history of the Wizarding world is taught but, if Aldwyn has need he will be able to come to you if he wishes without it looking too suspicious. Especially seen as he will not be choosing his electives until the end of this year."
Bill and Charlie nod in approval both secretly looking forward to their possible new jobs and not so secretly looking forward to going back to Hogwarts; walking down the familiar hallways and taking their meals in the extravagant setting of the Great hall. The more vindictive side of themselves was looking forward to seeing the looks on their younger siblings faces when they spot them for the first time sitting at the staff table. It would be pensive worthy.
"Severus, Love, would you be so kind as to drop by the Headmaster's office and speak to him about the two newest Professors wishing to join his faculty and get his views on the matter?"
Severus slowly untangles himself from Marvolo much to the man's displeasure and pushes himself to his feet stretching out his stiff muscles. He leans over and presses a quick kiss to Marvolo's check smirking softly as he speaks just above a whisper.
"Of course, Marvolo. I would be happy to."
With that said, Severus walks around the desk placing a soft kiss to Aldwyn's forehead and walks out of the study making his way to the Floo room leaving Bill, Charlie, Marvolo and Aldwyn watching after him in awed silence.
Marvolo, after basking in the silence for a moment stands up, gesturing for the others to follow him towards a group of cushioned chairs surrounding an ornate fireplace. Sitting down elegantly in one of the armchair, Marvolo smiles as Aldwyn walks behind Bill and resettles himself in the eldest Weasley's lap without much of his previous hesitation as the brothers settle onto the sofa. Sending a wordless Incendio towards the fireplace which sparks to life in a split second, Marvolo calls for a house elf to bring mugs of hot chocolate for them to enjoy.
"Aldwyn, there is one finally thing I wished to speak with you about."
Aldwyn takes a sip from his mug of hot chocolate, pulling a handkerchief from his robes to dab his upper lips as he turns to gaze at his Father questionably.
"There was a reason why I didn't mark Bill and Charlie as Death Eaters. I would like for you, My Son, to have your own Inner circle much like my Elite."
"You want me to have my own followers?"
Marvolo nods his head, it had been a long and difficult conversation between himself and Severus but in the end, they thought it would be better for Aldwyn to have his own circle of trusted followers. He could give them a name, guises, uniforms and a mark of his own if he so chose. They would be his to order, his to punish and his to rely on. Aldwyn stares at his Father for a moment, wondering if they man was joking or not before he glances up at Bill, then over to his brother.
"Would you guys want to? I don't want to make you if you don't want to."
Bill immediately tugs the shy child against his chest, carding a hand through the silky midnight locks, something which he is beginning to enjoy as much as Aldwyn. He shares a quick smile with his little brother before pulling Aldwyn back, catching his Avada gaze.
"We would be happy to accept a place in your circle, Aldwyn. We are honoured that you would trust us enough to allow us such a privilege."
Aldwyn nods, biting his lip in thought, he glances at his Father knowing that he was going to have to come up with a name for his followers, something ironic and yet subtle. Something that would strike fear into the hearts of their enemies while leaving some ambiguity. He sinks deep into thought absently sipping on his hot chocolate as he contemplates and discards ideas as quickly as they come before his eyes widen.
"In Dolus Intortis."
Marvolo raises his eyebrow at the choice, a smirk making its way across his face.
"A perfect choice, Snakelet."
Bill and Charlie look at each other before turning to gaze between Aldwyn and Marvolo.
"What does it mean?"
Charlie questions.
"It can be directly translated into 'The Guise' which can be defined as 'The Cunning Intelligence'. I thought it would be amusing to name my own circle, the followers of Heir Slytherin a version of Slytherin's Intelligence. Seen as Slytherin House is known for their ambition and cunning nature. An ironic play on words if you will."
Bill and Charlie think it over for a moment before they burst out laughing, it really was an overtly obvious while also being decisively subtle and they loved it. It really was a Slytherin choice in both name and nature which wasn't at all surprising considering Aldwyn was indeed the Heir of Slytherin and the Son of the famed Dark Lord Voldemort and Severus Prince.
"I think I will go by Cronus when with my followers, on raids and missions and in meetings. It is the name of the Leader of the Gods in Greek Mythology."
Aldwyn adds thoughtfully, gazing at Marvolo who nods his head. He liked it, a very strong noble name for his Son and Heir. He was a little surprised with how fast Aldwyn was coming up with such choices but didn't want to throw his thoughts in question by asking him about it. He smiles at his Son and couldn't wait until Severus returned home so he could hear all about it as well. The potion master would not miss the irony behind it either.
"Alright, what about Bill and Charlie? Will you be choosing their guises or are they choosing their own guise names?"
Aldwyn shifts in his seat, looking up at Bill then Charlie, then back again, raising his eyebrow in question.
"Whatever you decide is good with us Aldwyn. Or should I say Prince Cronus?"
Bill chuckles at the dark scowl which shapes Aldwyn's features at his teasing and he tugs the small child back against his chest.
"How about Arete for Bill; God of Bravery and Military Strategy and Ares for Charlie; God of war? I think they suit the two of you well."
"Alright."
"Nice, I like it."
Aldwyn grins.
"I think it would be good to have a uniform, similar to the Death Eater robes but a little different. I think it would be good to have a colour sewn into either the hem of our uniforms or a group emblem in our designated colours sewn to the right breast area. That way it would be easy for us to identify each other by name and it will set us apart from the Death Munchers. What do you think, Father?"
Marvolo smiles at his child awed by Aldwyn's ability to take charge in such a manner. He lets himself relax back into his armchair wishing Severus was here to see their Son acting like the Dark Prince of the Sect. he had no doubt that Severus would be immensely proud of him, just as he is.
"They are your followers, Snakelet. You are in charge of them all. It is completely up to you, if you wish to have colour designations and your own emblem then I will support you in it. We can go to Knockturn Ally at some point so we can pick up your required supplies."
"That would be nice, Bill and Charlie should come with us as well. That way we can have their equipment blood linked to them. It would stop other people being able to summon or use their kit if it were to get lost or stolen."
Aldwyn mutters. He slides of Bill's lap and summons a piece of parchment and a quill before collapsing to the floor in front of the coffee table. The room falls into a comfortable silence, the only noise being the sound of Aldwyn's quill scratching across his parchment and his occasional mumbles. The remaining three occupants settle back watching Aldwyn while he works on his ideas for what they suspect to be his new In Dolus Intortis.
Eventually Aldwyn sits back grinning triumphantly. He grabs three separate sheets of parchment and holds them up in turn to showcase his ideas and designs with his Father and the two Weasley brothers, he would show his Papa as soon as he returned home. The first picture was of an outfit composed of a black fold-over shirt with green accents on the hems of the sleeves and triangular overing. It was partnered with a pair of black trouser with a green strip down the outer side of the legs and a silver belt with a green circle acting as the buckle. A pair of black dragonhide boots adorned their feet. Aldwyn looks down at the page and points to the flashes of colour.
"These bits will be done in the specific colours of each member; it will make it easier for us to tell each other apart on the battlefield and such if we can see them."
He flips to the next page and the adults suck in a breath at the intimidating, yet elegant garb. It is an outer cloak one they assume would go over the previous outfit. It was of a similar design as the t-shirt where it was held together down the right-hand side of the model's body by ten silver buttons allowing it to flow open around the legs and halting mere centimetres from the floor to prevent tripping. A black hood is drawn up over their head. As they look over the impressive design, they notice a small green emblem positioned in the left-hand side of the cloak which must have been the emblem Aldwyn had settled for.
"I was thinking of having each member wear a full, black mask to cover their eyes and nose with blood seals installed so that, if captured in their guise, no one other than themselves will be able to remove the mask. They will also have built in voice distortion charms along with protection charms to ward off the Imperious and compulsions which would in turn prevent someone from forcing them to reveal their identity."
He reveals the final page to show a circle consisting of a singular snake entwined and twisting around itself completing the circle by seemingly biting its own tail.
"These are our marks. We will have them sewn into the front of our uniforms, as you saw but I also want a larger print of it on the back of our robes. This would not only allow us to identify each other at any angle but will etch our emblem into the minds of everyone we fight. It will also ensure that the Death Eaters know just who you are and who you belong to. They will, of course, be in your own colours."
Aldwyn places the pages down in his lap, smiling up at his Father as the man nods his head in agreement pride shining in his eyes. He holds a hand out silently asking to have a closer look at his Son's designs and is immensely impressed by the detail and thought Aldwyn had put into crafting such ideas in such a short amount of time. He truly had thought through everything that could potentially endanger his followers, a true Slytherin method of thinking. Severus would enjoy looking them over as well.
"They look brilliant, Aldwyn."
"Charlie is right, they are fantastic. I can't wait to see the look on Dumbledore's face when he catches sight of them for the first time. Imagine him learning about the In Dolus Intortis in the middle of a raid, or from the Daily Prophet; it would throw him through a loop for sure."
Bill chuckles, taking the sheets from Marvolo when the man passes them over. His eyes trail over the complete outfits, eyes shining at the anticipation of actually owning one of them. Charlie leans in, looking over his shoulder and whistles at the images. If Dumbledore and his Order didn't quake at the sight of their mark it would be much to their disappointment. They were going to do their Leader, despite his young age, proud.