Chapter Fifteen
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: Severus/Marvolo.
Warnings: Dark Harry, Dumbledore, Hermione, and Weasley bashing (excluding Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George).
Word Count: 6,374
Date Rewritten: 14/02/2021
"Father? I have a question about one of the books I was reading earlier."
Aldwyn states quietly, taking his designs from Bill's hands. He places them down onto the coffee table and wrings his hands in his robes. Glancing back up at his Father Aldwyn smiles at the encouraging nod from Marvolo.
"Well, the book was trying to explain the difference between what the Ministry classifies as 'Dark' and what they perceive to be 'Light' classifications of magic and how they have differed over the centuries. However, from what I had managed to understand from the information was that a spell cannot simply be classified by what it is or what it does…"
Aldwyn trails off his uncertainty shining through his eyes as he dips into thought recalling the information the author had revealed and attempted to explain away. He worries his lip between his teeth startling when a warm hand cards through his hair. Turning Aldwyn smiles shyly as he meets the kind gaze of his Father and relaxes his shoulders.
"What is your question, Snakelet?"
Marvolo coaxes gently, taking hold of Aldwyn's hands and tugging his Son towards him. He pulls Aldwyn into his lap as soon as he is close enough and cuddles him close dropping a kiss to his crown and smiles into his hair when Aldwyn relaxes.
"Well, why are spells classified the way they are? What makes a Dark spell Dark?"
"A very good question, Snakelet. Alright, I want you to listen very carefully and come up with your own conclusion as this answer ties in nicely with one of the main goals of our side. Something Lucius is overseeing to get pushed through in the Ministry."
Aldwyn nods his head, resting further into Marvolo's embrace as arms tighten around his waist a fraction, he sighs.
"Alright, well, Snakelet. Most Witches and Wizards would define Dark Magic as spells which have the potential or those which only cause deliberate harm to another person. Those which inflict pain purposefully on someone, creature or human. Others classify Dark Magic as those spells and rituals which include the use of blood, sacrifices of other bodily fluids and aspects such as hair as these are dubbed inhuman and unnatural. Necromancy as it were is seen as one of the Darkest branches of Magic still practiced in this day and age. Now, from this information and anything you have learnt from your book, what conclusions would you come to?"
Aldwyn sits silent for a moment pondering all the information he can recall from his reading, bringing all his knowledge together so that he could come to his own sound conclusions before speaking his findings to those in the room. When he is sure of his answer, he pulls slightly away from his Father, just enough so that he is able to twist himself round to look up at his Father easier. Looking into the man's eyes he smiles.
"Honestly? I believe there is no such thing as Dark, Light or even Neutral classifications, that it was just a way for the people in power to ban, disregard magics and control those they were afraid of or didn't understand completely. I mean 'Light' spells such as the Expelliarmus can harm some just as severely, intentionally if there is enough initial force put into it. The Wingardium Leviosa can be used to simply levitate someone high into the air before releasing them to fall from a great height resulting in a very deliberate death. The Diffindo which is taught to eleven-year olds could also be used to seriously maim or kill another person as well. While the Avada Kadavra could be used by MediWizards to put an end to someone's suffering in a humane way seen as it is one of the fastest and least painful ways to die. The ritual we used for my adoption used blood as do many legal Blood adoption potions; familial potions which can be bought in apothecaries across the country. Even inheritance tests use blood. Why are some of them legal while others are outlawed? They would all have the same results as their counterparts, the 'Dark' ones merely being slightly more in depth than the 'Light' ones. So, I do not think a spell can be classified as it stands. It would truly depend on the Casters intent which would mean the outcome would be Dark or Light rather than the spell itself."
Silence follows Aldwyn's explanation and he can feel his nerves firing up tingling up and down his skin as no one moves of speaks for a while. Except for his Father handing him his drink to sooth his slightly parched throat. Fidgeting in Marvolo's lap, Aldwyn startles when a voice breaks the silence.
"Wow! You have one smart kid, My Lord!"
The young wizard flushes hotly from the compliment spoken reverently by Charlie Weasley who merely succeeds his words with a jubilant thumbs up smiling widely at him. Aldwyn smiles in return feeling his nerves calming down slightly. Warily looking up at his Father Aldwyn is almost floored at the strong waves of pride he could practically feel rolling of the man. Tears sting at the corners of his eyes and Aldwyn cannot help but cuddle back into his Father's chest. Smile widening so much that his cheeks begin to ache.
"That is exactly correct, Snakelet. So, if I killed someone would it be right or wrong?"
Encouraged by his Father's and Charlie's words of praise, Aldwyn allows himself to relax completely, sighing as the familiar hand begins to card through his hair.
"Ummm. I think it all really depends on your own reasoning behind killing and what the person you are killing has done. It also depends on your perceptions of right and wrong. For example, to me it would be beneficial to the continuation of our World if someone were to kill Dumbledore because his goals and plans have caused significant damage to not only individual's lives but the balance within the Magical World by banning our traditions and replacing our celebrations with Muggle ones. Though to other people, Molly Weasley for one, would perceive that notion as the greatest act of evil to ever be committed; an act of pure devildom and truly Dark because she is so far up the man's arse…"
"Aldwyn."
The warning in his Father's voice has Aldwyn cringing even if he had mumbled the last bit he should have known that the man would still be able to hear him perfectly. Seriously, it was as if the man had a sixth sense or something for stuff like that. However, despite his disapproval, Aldwyn hears hints of underlying amusement breaking through meaning that his Father agreed with his statement just not his choice of language.
"Sorry Father. I also believe that the classification of 'Dark' and 'Light' Magic has no correlation to whether a Wizard or Witch is a Dark Wizard or a Light Wizard. A Dark Wizard, as the Ministry has defined recently refers to one who merely practices the 'Old Ways'; families who celebrate Yule instead of Christmas, Ostara instead of Easter. They refer to families, usually purebloods who follow the Wheel of the Year and its eight Sabbat holidays. Where this is somewhat true it doesn't include those who have greater ease when casting Magics incorporating blood, and emotional ties. The true Dark Arts are spells which require immense emotions, good or bad, to cast. The Cruciatus is an example of negative emotional intent while the Expecto Patronum is an example of positive emotional intent."
Aldwyn explains further mouth twisting and eyes rolling skyward as he sorts through his thoughts and memories. He startles when a rambunctious laughter echoes through the room.
"He's certainly got that right. I am seriously impressed with your knowledge Aldwyn but then I really shouldn't be all that surprised you are the Dark prince after all. Where was this knowledge last year? Ronald was always going on about how you and he would put off your homework until the last minute and how you were both barely passing your classes."
Bill's laughter tapers off into quiet chuckles and Aldwyn cannot help but smirk in response. He is glad that he hadn't offended either of the Weasley with his opinion on their overbearing Mother; it had been one of the main reasons why Bill and Charlie had decided to work out of the country instead of closer to home. They had wanted to get out from under her thumb and spread their wings so to speak.
"Yes Well I needed to put up a good front, a façade if you will because I went from poor little abused Freak who was unwanted by his only living blood relations to Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, Saviour of the Wizarding World practically overnight. Before my eleventh birthday I had no idea magic even existed beyond Muggle Fairy Tales, myths and legends. I had been continuously told that my accidental magic was just my freakishness ruining the Muggles 'normal' family. As soon as I found out I was a wizard, when that bumbling oaf Hagrid broke down the door to some rundown old cabin the Dursleys took us to; I did the only thing I could to survive. Everyone already have preconceived expectations of me according to Hagrid and the people I was mobbed by in the Leaky Cauldron. So, I pretended to be a dunce like your brother; persuaded the Hat to place me in Gryffindor, just like my 'perfect' parents instead of Slytherin and did everything old Dumbles expected of his 'Golden Boy'."
To say Bill and Charlie are shocked would be an understatement. This small child, who was the same age as their youngest brother, had been through so much through his short life and yet still managed to retain a bright, if a little vindictive, spirit about him. They are surprised by just how much Aldwyn had to hide, how many masks he has had to wear in order to keep himself safe in what everyone assumes to be the safest place in Wizarding Britain. They had read letters from Ronald dictating the Troll on Halloween, Harry's jinxed broomstick during a quidditch game, the Three-headed dog Fluffy, the DADA teacher (who they now knew to be their Lord) attempting to harm if not kill a student. The list went on and on and that had just been Aldwyn's first year. They dread to think what would have happened if Marvolo hadn't of saved him.
They felt small amounts of pride welling up in their chests as they think of Aldwyn and their chance to become some of his closest followers, members of the Dark Prince Cronus' own Elite faction within the Dark Sect. They stare in awe at Aldwyn knowing that Dumbledore and his Order were in deep trouble when Aldwyn jumps into the fight. He was the Son of the 'Dungeon Bat of Hogwarts' and the Evillest Dark Wizard in Wizarding Britain's history after all.
Before anyone can speak further the doors to the study are thrown open once more allowing Severus to stride into the silent room cloak billowing out behind him as he moves. He walks straight over to his small family lips upturning into a loving smile as he drops a kiss to Aldwyn's forehead and a surprisingly passionate kiss to Marvolo's stunned lips. Aldwyn scrunches his nose up at the blatant display of affection so close to his own face but can't keep the happy grin from shaping his features.
"I take it everything went well, my dear Sev?"
As an answer to the Dark Lord's enquiry, Severus turns to face the Weasley brothers, his smirk widening as he meets their anticipatory gazes steadily; a terrifying and highly vicious triumphant glint shines in his onyx eyes.
"I welcome Professor Weasley, overseer of the Care of Magical Creatures elective and Professor Weasley teacher of History of Magic."
"I didn't think he would actually give us the jobs that easily."
Bill considers, wondering what the old fool was plotting for him and his brother and by the look on Marvolo's face he wasn't the only one.
"He seemed quite pleased with the idea of having two more professors under his control on the faculty. He mentioned that the Board of Governors contacted him a few days ago with news on the impending exorcism of Professor Binns and he confessed himself quite startled. I, of course, agreed with his theory that Lord Malfoy was plotting something untoward for the school and that he used his money to convince his fellow governors. I also slipped in a little tease about this being the perfect opportunity to give the vacancy to someone of the same values. So, when he asked me for my opinion on the matter, I just happened to remember two of Molly and Arthur Weasley's son enquiring into positions in the school."
Everyone cracked up laughing at Severus' explanation. It was always nice to pull one over on the esteemed Headmaster of Hogwarts. It would serve him right for playing God when his plans came crashing and burning to his feet once they were through with him. Albus-long-name-Dumbledore was going to be in for a rude awakening once their plans came to fruition but that wouldn't be for a few years yet, much to the Dark Lord's chagrin.
"Wonderful, Love. You are conniving as you are beautiful, dear Severus. Now I must show you what our Son has been meticulously working on while you have been out."
Aldwyn runs through the corridors of Riddle Manor, awkwardly trying to pull on his dragonhide fingerless gloves while clutching his Nimbus 2000. His face splits into a wide grin at the prospect of finally being able to play a friendly game of pick-up Quidditch with Draco. Well, it was more a game of 'Who can catch the snitch first' seen as it was just the two of them playing. Draco had arrived at the Manor just a few minutes ago with his parents and immediately demanded that Aldwyn go put on his Quidditch gear and meet him the in the back garden where a full-sized quidditch pitch was situated.
Lucius and Narcissa had instantly disappeared out the Floo room in search of his parents, apparently, they were going to iron out some of the plans for Harry Potter's disappearance as well as discuss their ideas for Aldwyn's and Draco's upcoming joint birthday party. His Godparents had given themselves enough time to greet him and place soft kisses to his cheeks before they had hurried away, and Draco had accosted him. He had been so excited to play with Aldwyn that he was already decked out in his gear, waving a practice snitch above his head.
It was only a few moments later when Aldwyn skids to a halt, placing his hands on his knees as he pants heavily trying to catch his breath. Draco doesn't waste a second and quickly begins to explain the rules of their impromptu game of quidditch, Aldwyn nods along showing that he is listening to his friend and that he understands.
"Alright, so I am going to release the snitch and count to 3. Both of us are going to push off at the same time and the first person to catch the snitch is the winner. Your Father already told me that there are wards surrounding the grounds so that the snitch can't escape, and no Muggles can see us flying around."
"Are you sure you are going to be able to beat me Draco? I was the youngest seeker in the century and Gryffindor never lost a match with me as their seeker."
Draco sniffs, nose pointing skyward as he smirks down at Aldwyn, lips twitching when Aldwyn returns the stance with one of his own, crossing his arms over his chest for good measure.
"I think you need to prepare yourself Aldwyn, I have been trained on a broom since before I could walk so, I think if anyone is going to win here it will be me. Don't feel too bad though."
"I won't as long as you don't pout when it is me grabbing the snitch from under your nose."
Draco glares at his friend, eyes narrowing when Aldwyn breaks into breathless chuckles, eyes shining in mirth at the indignation Draco is emitting. He stands to his full height, swinging a leg over his broom and watches in silence as the other opens his hand to release the Golden Snitch into the air. They watch as it zooms off, Draco mounting his own broom as they glare competitively at each other.
"Are you ready, Slytherin?"
"Eat my dust, Malfoy."
"One. Two. Three. Go!"
Aldwyn and Draco push off as hard as they can the pair zooming up into the sky as fast as possible in order to cast their gaze across the entire quidditch pitch giving them both better vantage points and not for the first time Aldwyn is happy that he no longer needs his glasses. He turns his attention to Draco and smirks as his friend sits idly on his broom, lazily scanning the air. Aldwyn becoming bored of just hovering leans forward and urges his broomstick into a fast sprint weaving through the air side-to-side as well as up and down, he grins as wind wooshes past his ears.
Keeping his eyes peeled for any hints to the Snitch's location, Aldwyn begins to practice some of the quidditch manoeuvres he had been taught by wood last year while he had been training for his first quidditch game. He shrieks with laughter as his blood begins to pound in his ears, his blood rushing through his veins as adrenaline spikes. He had always loved the feeling of flying on his broom, not just while he had been playing quidditch either. The freeing feeling allowing him to release pent up frustration and stress throughout the year had become an addicting past time for him.
A glint of gold flashes in his peripheral and Aldwyn's eyes zeros in on the small flittering shape of the Golden snitch hovering a few feet in front of him. He quickly glances around to see Draco still languidly flying around the air occasionally sweeping his eyes around his surroundings in search of the Snitch and Aldwyn smirks. So much for his intense competition.
Lying down on his broom, pressing his chest as flat against the wooden handle as possible, Aldwyn urges his broom into a brisk sprint whooping loudly as his Nimbus zooms through the air pushed to the max by his repeated insistence. He nears Draco indignant yells as he hurriedly turns his broom in his direction and flies after him, but Aldwyn knows that his broom is not only better and faster than Draco's but he was indeed lighter and therefore could press himself into a seamlessly streamline figure allowing him to slice through the air, debilitating any resistance he may face.
He directs his broom with rapid precision making sure to keep in direct sight of the Golden Snitch which swerves through the air, taking a sharp right before flying straight up for a stretch. Aldwyn continues to trail the ball, glancing over his shoulder ever now and again to make sure that Draco wasn't gaining on his too quickly. As he turns his attention back to the small ball it quickly shoots upwards, flying higher and higher until the ground is a mere blur.
Just as he is about to give up and settle into wait for it to come back down the Snitch performs a sharp U-turn and begins to sail back down towards the ground. Its angle near impossible for Aldwyn to follow precisely as he turns on a knut and pushes his broom that much faster. He rolls out of the way of Draco who squeals in surprise at his rapid approach. His sharp shouts drowned out by the wind ripping past his ears as he flies towards the ground and a vertical incline.
His breath catches in his throat, hair flying around his head violently whipping his cheeks but Aldwyn pushes on, eyes narrowing as he closes the distance between himself and the allusive snitch. He stretches his hand out, arm shaking with exertion as he mutters encouragements to his Nimbus practically begging for the broom to fly just a little faster as his fingers brush the edge of the ball. Aldwyn's eyes narrow further distorting everything in his vision bar the snitch as he hurtles towards the solid ground.
Severus and Marvolo, along with Lucius and Narcissa, who walk out the back doors freeze in place when they catch sight of Aldwyn flying at the ground with unimaginable speed. Marvolo's eyes flicker up to Draco who is flying down towards his Son, one arm frantically waving in the air as he shouts words which don't reach Aldwyn's ears. Severus gasps audibly, one hand flying to his mouth while the other grasps blindly at Marvolo's as the ground closes in.
Aldwyn gives his broom one final push, smiling in relief when he feels the familiar sensation of cool metal against his exposed fingers tips. Slamming his hand around the Golden Snitch Aldwyn grips the end of his broom handle tightly and pulls himself to a halt, the tips of his shoes barely brushing the grass as he comes to a halt. His smile turns into a full-blown grin as he watches the practice snitch settle into his hand and looks up waving his hand over his head to show Draco.
"Draco, I got it. I got the Snitch!"
"Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin!"
The angered voice startles Aldwyn and he jumps. Spinning on his heels, Aldwyn is shocked to see his parents storming across the green towards him their faces twisted into disapproving frowns, eyes alight with fury and he can't help but shrink into himself. Had he done something wrong? Why were his parents so mad at him? Did they not want him to play Quidditch with Draco?
He takes a couple of hasty steps backwards, trying to put some distance between himself and his Father and Papa as they continue to close said distance. Aldwyn fights back the burning in his eyes, biting his lip to stop it from trembling as his shoulders hunch up, slack fingers dropping his broom and the Snitch to the ground as his knees begin to buckle.
Aldwyn's mind goes blank as his body begins to shake.
"What on earth were you thinking, young man? What on earth possessed you to perform such a dangerous stunt?"
His head bows, hands twisting in the fabric of his quidditch robes. His tears spill over, trailing over his cheeks as his hair falls in front of his face hiding his expression from his Father and Papa who halt in front of his hunched form. He sees a hand reaching for him from behind his hair and instinctively flinches out of reach hands flying up to cover his head as he collapses to the floor with a sob.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Please, I didn't mean to be bad. I'm sorry. I won't do it again. I promise. I'll be good. I'm sorry."
Severus and Marvolo freeze eyes widening in horror at the sight of their child curling up into a protective ball on the floor of the quidditch pitch. They watch as Aldwyn sobs into his arms, knees bending in front of his chest as he hands grip his hair in white knuckles. Guilt crashes over them. They had terrified their son with their actions and their raised voices. They had momentarily forgotten how Aldwyn responded to sudden movements and loud noises, but they had been so worried. So, scared that he would hurt himself if he had just pulled up a second too late.
They collapse to their knees in front of their quivering child debating what to do to calm him down and show him that they were not going to hurt him. Taking a deep breath, Severus reaches out and hesitantly places a hand on Aldwyn's shoulder ignoring the flinch his action results in. The rest of his anger dissipates as he slowly draws his Son against his chest, rocking him from side to side.
"Shhh. It is okay Aldwyn. We are not going to hurt you. You know this, Snakelet. Your Father and I love you so much. We were just worried about you."
Aldwyn wraps his trembling fists in Severus' robes, burying his face in the fabric as his small frame shakes with the force of his sobs. Marvolo is quick to wrap himself around both his Son and his partner, enclosing them in a warm embrace which serves to settle Aldwyn a little.
"Your Papa is right, Aldwyn. When we saw you flying at the ground like that, we were worried that you were going to get hurt and we were scared for you, Snakelet. I don't know what we would do if you were injured my little one. We love you so much snakelet."
"You're not going to punish me?"
Aldwyn whispers, hands tightening in Severus robes as his shoulder tenses. His parents relax a little when his cries taper off and they tighten their arms around him.
"No, we are not going to punish you, Snakelet. Nor are we ever going to hurt you. We are just glad you are okay."
Marvolo responds, voice cracking at the wavering in his Son's voice, his heart clenches painfully in his chest and he rests his head tiredly on Severus' shoulder. He didn't know how much more he could take; his child was so broken, and it was taking ever ounce of self-control he possessed to restrain from going after and torturing the Muggles within an inch of their sanity.
"Though, if we ever see you putting yourself in harms way like that again, I may just have to confiscate that broom, mister."
Severus puts in, voice light as he drops a kiss to Aldwyn's head drawing a watery chuckle from the boy. Aldwyn knew full well that his Papa was not joking about taking his broom from him, but he didn't understand why they had been so worried about him. No one else had ever gotten scared that he was going to hurt himself while he flew, and he had done that stunt in almost every game he had ever played back in Hogwarts. None of his teammates, friends, classmates of teachers had ever told him off for potentially putting himself in harm's way before. Heck, sometimes he had been encouraged.
"I'm sorry, Papa, Father."
"We know, Snakelet. We just don't want you to get hurt."
"Why though? No one cared before."
Aldwyn's voice is insistent but confused. He pulls his face away from Severus' robes and cracks a weak smile when Marvolo hands him a white handkerchief to wipe his eyes and nose while Severus cards his hands through his midnight locks gently untangling knots caused by the whipping winds.
"Yes, well we care for you, Snakelet. You are our Son; our precious Little Boy and we love you too much to see you being hurt when we could stop it."
"I love you too, Father, Papa. I promise I will be more careful."
Marvolo and Severus tighten their arms around Aldwyn, tension relaxing when Aldwyn cuddles into their chests with a deep sighs, his breathing still stuttering a little in his chest from his sobbing and near panic attack, but they would ensure that he was alright. Even if it meant staying with him for the rest of the day, they would prove to Aldwyn that he was deeply loved.
"That is all we ask, Aldwyn."
Severus places another kiss to Aldwyn's forehead releasing the breath he hadn't been aware he had been holding when Marvolo's head settles back down on his shoulder. He rests his head on top of Marvolo's happy that he had been able to find such a loving family of his own; Severus kisses Marvolo's hair.
Their happy embrace is cut short when Aldwyn pulls back, face red and blotchy but with a wide satisfied grin stretching his lips. He collapses against Severus' chest, eyes roaming his surroundings before they shine with pleasure.
"I still caught the snitch."
Marvolo and Severus glance over and chuckle when they spy Draco standing just behind them scowl down turning the corners of his mouth as he looks down at Aldwyn with arms folded.
"Yes, well I just didn't want to risk becoming a pancake on the ground, so I let you win."
"Uh huh, sure you did, Draco. What ever helps you sleep at night. I won because I am simply the better seeker and you know it."
"I know no such thing, but on a completely unrelated note, you are going to try out for the Slytherin Quidditch team when we go to school, right? We would win no problem with you as our Seeker. I was going to try out, but I think I would be better as a chaser anyone."
Aldwyn laughs at Draco, cheeks flushing in pleasure at the veiled compliment.
"We don't know that I am going to be in Slytherin yet, Draco."
Draco scoffs, looking down at his friend in disbelief.
"You are kidding right? You are like, the most Slytherin Slytherin I have ever met. You are the Heir of Slytherin for crying out loud, it would be a travesty if you were put anywhere else!"
Aldwyn smirks for a moment before forcing his lips to frown, eyebrows furrowing as he glances down at his lap despondently. His voice timid, quivering with apparent fear.
"Will you stop being my friend if I weren't in Slytherin?"
Draco freezes, mouth hanging open as he stares down at Aldwyn before he begins to fumble and stutter over his words, hands waving in front of his face.
"Don't be stupid, Aldwyn. You will always be my friend… even if you end up in… Gryffindor…"
Aldwyn almost laughs when he sees Draco physically shivering in revulsion at the mere idea of him being sorted into Slytherin. He glances up at his parents, biting his lip to keep his chuckles at bay, he opens his eyes wide.
"You two would still love me if I was sorted into a different house as well, wouldn't you?"
"That is a silly question, Snakelet. Your Papa and I will love you no matter what house you are sorted into, it doesn't change who you are. You would still be our Snakelet."
"Even if I ended up in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff?"
"Even then, Snakelet."
Bill and Charlie were round again. It was strange to say the least to be spending an excessive amount of time with the Weasley brothers, especially after having been forced to pay nice with the youngest male child for the past year. Aldwyn hadn't thought that any of the Weasley children, not after hearing Fred and George complaining about how overbearing and sycophantic their parents were to Dumbledore, would willingly come over to the Dark Sect. but he was glad.
The brothers were brilliant. They were surprisingly Dark in their humour and always found ways to make him laugh; they were even well seasoned pranksters, not as great as the twins but a close second. Bill was always willing to play with him and answer all his questions about Cruse-breaking, arithmancy and ancient runes while Charlie was all to happy to rant about the various Dragon species, they had in the Romanian Dragon reserve.
"So, I know you two are the oldest right Bill? And Charlie is second? Then you have Percival, Fredrick and Gideon, Ronald and then Ginevra. How does your Mother and Father manage with so many children?"
Bill smiles at Aldwyn, he can here the awe in his voice and knows that he longed for a big family of his own that he wanted siblings he could look after or even look up to. He ruffles Aldwyn's hair glancing up at Charlie who is watching Aldwyn with fond eyes.
"Our parents haven't had it easy, that I can assure you. However, it is also their own fault. Our Father's, Father Septimus Weasley held the title Lord Weasley and fought hard to provide for our Father while he was growing up. When Grandpa Septimus died, his will left the Weasley Lordship to Arthur who immediately denied his heritage; he and Molly claimed that it was all a set up into Pureblood propaganda and we not going to be apart of such a Dark Crowd. They rejected everything which was left to them, money, assets and even properties."
"That doesn't make sense though? Your Father could have taken up the mantle of Lord Weasley in order to support his growing family. He deliberately forced his children to grow up wanting for food, new clothes and school supplies that wouldn't fall apart for the sake of hating on Wizarding Traditions? As a Lord he wouldn't even need to abide by those strict traditions if he didn't wish to; the most he would have had to do is take his seat in the Wizengamot and attend Ministry Social Events. He wouldn't have to over work himself ever day of the year."
Bill and Charlie nod showing that they agreed with Aldwyn's statement. Their family had struggled so much due to their parents close minded and ignorant views on wizarding traditions. Bill, being the Heir apparent to the Weasley title had made sure to read up on everything pertaining to owning a Lordship, being established as head of a Household and anything else that would help him. He had been thinking of taking up the Lordship under his Father's nose, and now that he had joined the Dark Sect. his position may just assist the Dark Lord, even if by one extra vote.
"I agree with you, Parva Anguis. That is why I am currently debating taking up the Lordship myself, this way I would become head of the Weasley House and could either have ruling powers over our Parents, disown them completely or create a separate branch of the family for them to live through and therefore leave them be."
"That sounds like a good idea, though you may wish to speak to Father about it before you do anything concrete. He would more than likely wish to have a say in anything that could drastically change his current plans for the Sect."
"You are indeed correct, Aldwyn. I will speak to your Father and see what he wishes for us to do."
"It wasn't all bad, living with mum and dad though. There was never a dull day in The Burrow, not the with Twins around."
Charlie puts in, hand muffling his words holding in his chuckles at the thought of the devils who caused their Mother nothing but grief and stress with their hairbrained schemes, pranks and jokes. He could swear on his magic that their mum had been seconds away from tearing her hair out because of Fred and George, always finding something to blow up, charm or hex.
"That is true, those two are little terrors. Their pranks are brilliant though, I am surprised they are failing so many of their classes with what they are capable of coming up with."
"It is because they don't care about school or their grades. They are not going to need good N.E.W.T scores for what they are hoping to achieve once they graduate from Hogwarts."
Aldwyn adds in, expression thoughtful as he thinks on the twins, they had been good friends of his during his first year at the school always asking if he was okay, helping him with his homework when Hermione was being her usual prissy self. They had officially put him on their 'no-hit list', a privilege their own brothers hadn't been privy to and he had adored the pranksters. His face falls wondering if they would still want to be friends with him now, now that he had 'gone Dark' and been adopted by their enemy.
"Really? What do they want to do?"
"They told me that they were hoping to open up their own Joke shop in Diagon Ally when they graduate and wish to run Zonko's out of business. They are writing down recipes and ideas for prank products as they go so that they can begin making them in larger quantities. It is why they are selling their jokes and such to the students of Hogwarts. They are saving that money up so they can purchase a building for their store."
Charlie and Bill stare down at Aldwyn, eyes wide as they process al they had been told. They hadn't realised that their pranksters, never take anything seriously younger brothers were already planning for their futures and preparing themselves for their goals in life. It was sobering while awe-inspiring. Their mum would have a heart-attack if she knew just what they were planning to do after school, she would try to convince them to join a respectable career.
"The fact that they want to own a joke shop doesn't surprise me in the least. In a few years they would be perfect additions to the Dark Sect."
Charlie laughs, running a hand through his hair as he glances down at Aldwyn.
"I wouldn't even bat an eye if they did join the Dark; those two are pure Slytherin's. I was surprised when they were sorted into Gryffindor."
"Same. Sly, ambitious and cunning."
Aldwyn glances between Bill and Charlie for a moment, eyebrows furrowing as he slumps down in his seat deep in thought, he thinks back to what he knows of Fred and George, memories running through his mind at the tiny slips the pair had been unable to cover up quickly enough. He thinks back on some of the charms and potions ingredients they had used in their products. A slow smirk tugs at the corners of his lips and he sits up fully; Bill and Charlie eyeing him warily.
"I believe I may just have found more members for my In Dolus Intortis."