Chapter Eighteen
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: 5,727
Date Rewritten: 09/03/2021
Aldwyn wakes up with a loud yawn, his eyes slowly peeling open, rapidly blinking to chase away the rest of the sleep which tries to pull the young wizard back into unconsciousness. Sitting up against the headboard, he smiles at the bright golden light which warms his face pleasantly as he watches flocks of birds flying past his windows. The sound of his bedroom door opening cautiously brings Aldwyn out of his thoughts, jumping slightly as he turns to watch a familiar head of blond hair entering his room. He relaxes.
Draco had not realised Aldwyn is in fact away as he closes the door just as slowly, not wishing to make any noise. He turns around and frowns jerking backwards against the door he had just entered into when his eyes meet Aldwyn's much to his own amusement. Unable to remain annoyed or disappointed, even if it were just pretend, at Aldwyn for long Draco is quick to rush over, jumping on top of the covers and incidentally his friend causing the pair to break into giggles. Draco pulls himself upright as he attempts to curb his laughter, legs straddling Aldwyn's as they catch their breath. He pulls Aldwyn into a tight hug.
"Happy birthday, Aldwyn."
Pulling out of the embrace, Aldwyn cocks his head to the side eyes blown wide as he stares up at Draco a small smile slowly spreading across his face.
"It's my birthday today?"
Draco smirks at Aldwyn attempting to hide his sorrow for the younger boy who had never once celebrated his birthday before. He nods his head watching as Aldwyn's face breaks into an overjoyed grin, eyes sparkling with excitement in a matter of seconds. Draco prepares himself for what he knows is about to happen and manages to open his arms just as Aldwyn launches himself into Draco's chest knocking them both backwards onto the bed.
"It's my birthday, Draco! Father said that our party was today! I have never celebrated my birthday before this is going to be so much fun."
Aldwyn whispers excitedly, hands gripping Draco's pyjama top in tight knuckles. He pulls back from his friend cheeks aching slightly with how wide he is grinning an expression which Draco is reciprocating.
"Oh and – Aldwyn feels a flush creeping up his cheeks as he places a quick kiss to Draco's cheek voice melodic and timid as his grin shifts into a smile – Thank you, Draco."
Draco's cheeks colour at the action, willing it away as he ruffles Aldwyn's shoulder length hair smiling at how embarrassed the other is over his own actions.
"You are welcome, Raven. I wanted to be the first to wish you a happy birthday."
Aldwyn laughs at Draco having wondered why the other had decided to attempt to sneak into his bedroom so early in the morning. He slides off his bed and is about to make his way towards his wardrobe in order to begin getting dressed for the day when Draco captures his hand. Glancing over his shoulder, Aldwyn raises an eyebrow watching as Draco smirks in response before leading him out of his bedroom.
"In Malfoy Manor it is a tradition that on birthdays, Yule, Samhain and special occasions we all spend the day in our pyjamas unless we are expecting company or are going somewhere. I am sure Uncle Marvolo and Uncle Severus wouldn't mind if you borrow our tradition."
Aldwyn grins at his friend twisting his hand gentle so that Draco is now holding his writs instead of his wrist drawing a pale blush across Draco's face as he shots a shy smile over his shoulder to Aldwyn. They continue to make their way through the corridors towards the dining room, stomachs grumbling the closer they come.
Upon arriving Draco and Aldwyn push one of the large doors open before slipping into the fire-warmed room still hand-in-hand, they walk across the room towards their usual seats and are quick to sit down. Looking around the table, a frown is quick to form on his lips when Aldwyn notices his Papa's empty seat. Turning a questioning look towards his Father, pout clear on his face, Marvolo is quick to reassure his Son, carding a hand through his hair.
"Your Papa received a Patronus from Dumbledore earlier this morning informing him that his presence is requested for breakfast with the Hogwarts Staff today. Apparently for some traditional celebration of Harry Potter's birthday. He will return shortly, Snakelet. Do not worry so. He also apologises for his absence and promised to make it up to you when he comes home."
Aldwyn nods his head still having trouble with discarding the feeling of disappointment that curdles in his stomach at the fact that he couldn't share his birthday breakfast with his Father and his Papa, but he knew it wasn't his Papa's fault that Dumbledore had called for him. Bloody old codger always messing with his plans. Marvolo noticing his Son's still partially melancholic mood stands up from his seat at the head of the table and swings his child up into his arms, hugging Aldwyn close as he drops a soft kiss to his forehead drawing a giggle from Aldwyn.
"Happy birthday to you my Little Snakelet. Your Papa and I have everything set up and ready for you in the family sitting room for when you are through with your breakfast. The other children will be arriving later this afternoon for your party as well."
Nodding his head in understanding, mood lightening, Aldwyn wraps his arms around his Father's neck in return, legs curling around his waist to help the man with his weight. He rests his head against Marvolo's shoulder when a hand cards through his hair before he is placed back on the floor.
"Thank you, Father."
Scurrying around the table to his seat, Aldwyn feels his eyes widening in surprise when he finally takes note of his Father's attire. However, before he has a chance to comment on the immaculate pair of black, pure silk pyjamas the Dark Lord is wearing Mr and Mrs Malfoy stroll into the room, arm-in-arm and take their seats. Their own bed robes wrapped tightly around their frames covering finely crafted Pyjamas, slippers adorning their otherwise bare feet.
Draco smirks at Aldwyn's gobsmacked expression, finding such an expression amusing though he is a little put out by the fact that Aldwyn didn't initially believe what he had told him about the traditions of Malfoy Manor. Then again, looking at how his Parents acted on a typical day, he could understand his friend's reluctance. It didn't stop his smirk from widening, nor did it prevent him from whispering a very smug 'I told you so' to Aldwyn before greeting his parents.
Aldwyn, finally pulling himself from his shock of seeing such prestigious members of the wizarding world dressed in the night clothes, in the dining hall, during the day, flashes a bright smile towards the Malfoy patriarchs.
"Good morning Uncle Lucius, Aunt Narcissa."
Narcissa smiles softly at the young wizard sitting opposite her Husband.
"A good morning to you as well, Aldwyn. Happy birthday."
Aldwyn inclines his head in thanks towards the matriarch of the Malfoy family, excitement climbing at the prospect of getting to spend his birthday with his very own family instead of cooking, cleaning and slaving away over the Dursleys' gardens. He actually has the chance to relax and potentially make some new friends as well.
"Happy birthday, Aldwyn."
"Thank you Aunt Cissa, Uncle Luc."
"Aldwyn? What would you like for breakfast, Little one?"
"I can have anything?"
"Yes, Aldwyn, you can have anything you like. It is your birthday after all."
"May I please have some strawberry pancakes, a bowl of apple slice and grapes and a cup of pumpkin juice, then, Father please?"
Aldwyn smiles up at his Father batting his eyelashes subconsciously; the action making Narcissa wish to coo as she mutters how adorable the boy looks to Lucius causing Lucius to roll his eyes good naturedly at his wife's antics. Draco sniggers silently as he watches the supposed all powerful Dark Lord give in instantly, calling for a house elf. Marvolo orders Aldwyn's breakfast ordering the elves to ensure that it is the best they have ever made due to it being such a special day as a blush dusts Aldwyn's cheeks. The house elf pops back mere seconds later, a tray held securely in his quivering hands as he carefully places the plate of still steaming of pancakes and bowl of fruit in front of Aldwyn before clicking his fingers making a pitcher of pumpkin juice appear with two cups between the two boys.
Offering his thanks to the small creature, Aldwyn goes to reach for the juice just as the two cups are snatched up, shocked Aldwyn turns to look at Draco speechless who merely smiles at the Slytherin Heir and pours out both glasses, sliding one over to Aldwyn in offering.
"Thank you, Draco but I am perfectly capable of pouring my own drink."
Smiling softly at the indignant pout on Aldwyn's face, Draco ignores the silence surrounding them as the adults' stare at him with the same surprise on their faces. He takes a sip of his own drink.
"There is no need to thank me, Aldwyn and I know you are capable, but it is your birthday today and so I want you to enjoy it as much as possible which means no doing any menial work for the day."
Settling back into his chair, Draco is quick to follow the lead of the Dark Lord and his parents in ordering his own breakfast from the kitchens. The room descends into a contented silence as everyone digs into their meals. That is until Marvolo's and the Malfoy family owls fly into the room each with a copy of the Daily Prophet held within their beaks. The Paper is quickly dropped to the table, both owls flying out without a sound.
Having a vague idea as to the content of the newspaper, Marvolo is quick to untie the strings holding it closed, brown eyes scanning the front page quickly before he laughs. Passing the article over to his Son who takes his time reading through the words as Draco leans over his shoulder, smirks blossoming over their features.
Aldwyn exchanges a self-satisfied smirk with his friend as they both finish reading the very well-structured and thought-provoking piece. The room falls into silence once more as everyone takes their time to fully process the information and what this could mean for their side of the war. Marvolo, being the first to speak, addresses his Son.
"Well, I do believe that this can be considered your first present of the day, Aldwyn. What do you think?"
The young wizard glances up at his Father, smirk widening at the clear amusement shining in the man's brown eyes.
"I think that is a wonderful idea, Father – Aldwyn winks at his Father, turning in his seat to face Lucius who had made the article happen in the first place – Thank you for the wonderful present, Uncle Lucius!"
"You are most welcome, Aldwyn. I am glad you approve."
Draco and Aldwyn giggle softly, eyes drifting around the room and catching sight of the adoring expressions on their parents faces which draws pale blushes across their cheeks. Draco quickly turns his attention to his friend, a wide smile stretching across his lips as he grabs Aldwyn's hand gaining the younger boy's attention. His grin widens and his eyes shine with mischief.
"Speaking of presents…"
Eyes now sparkling in excitement at the suggestive tone, Aldwyn tightens his grip on Draco's hand and turns his jittery form towards his Father, slight puppy-dog pleading entering his expression when Marvolo rolls his eyes at his Son, sighing in resignation and ruffling Aldwyn's hair. Marvolo pushes himself from his seat, clicking his fingers to call a house elf to clear away their plates, he gestures for the rest to follow suit.
"I suppose you may open your presents now before your party guests start arriving. Let us make our way to the family lounge."
His excitement increasing, Aldwyn happily drags Draco out of the dining room, slippers skidding slightly on the marble floor as they wind their way through the corridors of the maze-like manor. Giggling and chattering with his friend about how they think the party is going to go as they wait for the adults to catch up.
Arriving at the lounge has Aldwyn halting in the doorway his eyes widening in disbelief at the small mountain of presents stacked neatly on one of the tables in the middle of the room. He feels tears brimming, obscuring his vision as his emotions overwhelm his senses; he had never really received much for his birthday, not including Hedwig his dearly departed owl, nor the odd boxes of Bertie Bott's Every Flavoured Beans from Ronald and his family. Draco, sensing his friend's thoughts, is quick to pull Aldwyn into his arms, rubbing a soothing hand down his back as he glances between Aldwyn and the gifts.
"It is alright, Snakelet. You deserve all this and so much more, my Little One."
Marvolo mutters as soon as he catches sight of the pleading look Draco shots their way when they finally make their own way into the room. He kneels down on the floor, settling a comforting hand on Aldwyn's shoulders, a sad smile coming to his lips.
Aldwyn nods his head, wiping his moist eyes on a handkerchief before drawing in a deep breath smiling at Draco and Marvolo in thanks once he manages to calm himself. His cheeks flush at his emotional state and he cautiously makes his way towards the large pile of presents. Casting a glance behind himself when the adults and Draco all move to seat themselves upon the available chairs around the room, all giving him gentle and encouraging smiles. He stops a few steps away from his gifts, eyeing each one before letting out a soft sigh.
"Aldwyn, is everything alright, Snakelet?"
Aldwyn nods his head, turning a sheepish expression towards his Father, rubbing the back of his neck as he glances back at the gifts shyly. He forces himself to meet his Father's gaze shoulders slumping as he drops his eyes to the floor.
"Yes Father, I just wishes to wait until Papa is home from Hogwarts before I begin to open my presents. It wouldn't feel right otherwise."
"Well then, it is a good thing that I am home now, then isn't it?"
Aldwyn jumps at the unexpected voice, spinning on his heels Aldwyn stares incomprehensively at the figure of his Papa leaning casually against the doorframe, arms crossed in front of his chest as a smirk dances across his lips. Upon seeing that he has his Son's attention, Severus pushes himself forward, grinning down at the stunned expression on Aldwyn's face. It takes another second for Aldwyn to snap into action, he runs across the room with a happy shout.
"Papa! Welcome home!"
Severus bends down in order to catch his child in a tight embrace, lifting Aldwyn up to allow him to rest his head atop Aldwyn's delighting in Aldwyn's pleasant giggles.
"A very happy birthday to you, My Son. I am so sorry that I wasn't home for your special breakfast."
Aldwyn pouts at the mention of his missed breakfast and clings to his Papa's shoulders tighter in response to the apology showing the man that he wasn't mad at him; that he doesn't blame his Papa for not being home. Severus chuckles, stroking the soft hair from his Son's forehead when he drops the boy back to the floor, brushing his lips against the smooth skin.
"Now, how about you open your gifts now that we are all present?"
Aldwyn nods happily, giving his Papa one final hug around his waist before he scampers off to his pile of presents, smiling when Severus settles on the sofa next to his Father. He loved being surrounded by his ever-growing family, now all they were missing were the Weasley brothers, but they wouldn't be arriving until later. Slowly, cautiously Aldwyn pulls a gift closer, looking at the incredibly neat wrapping paper and reading the tag tapped to the side. He takes his time in pulling the paper away from the objects inside, being extremely careful to not rip the wrapping too much.
Once all of the paper is off and moved to the side, Aldwyn looks down at the small white box sitting innocently in his hands, though he can feel the immense magical power radiating from within telling Aldwyn that whatever this was, was something special. Lifting the lid off the box, Aldwyn feels his breath catching as he glances down at the intricately decorated locket lying on a bed of deep green velvet. The locket, from what he can tell, has eight sides, all rising at steady angles to a small circle in the middle. What Aldwyn guesses to be protective runes had been carefully engraved into the golden centre of the entire thing, in a bright silver. In the central circle sits a beautifully cursive 'S' decorated with small emeralds and other green stones which he can't identify. Tilting it from side to side, Aldwyn grins when the gems glitter as the light reflects of them. Pulling the locket out of the box with a shaking hand, Aldwyn slides it around his neck, holding it reverently in his fist as his Father's familiar magic washes over him, caressing his skin before it settles back down.
"Thank you, Father."
Marvolo nods to his Son, wiping the few escaped tears from his own eyes at having someone to present the Slytherin Heirship pendent to after so long. He had been given it, or rather he had taken it, from his Uncles house before he had murdered the man as he was the Heir of Slytherin, and the locket rightfully belonged to him. He strokes a finger down the pale cheek of his child and smile softly.
"You are most welcome, Snakelet. That is the Slytherin Heir's Locket and is layered with not just my own magic, but the family magics as well. I may not always be around but this way I will always be able to protect you. I love you, my little one, I don't know what I would do if something were to ever happen to you."
After hugging his Father tightly, Aldwyn shuffles back to his presents, caressing the locket once more before he repeats the process of carefully unwrapping his gifts with such care. Moving on to one from his Papa, Aldwyn glances towards Severus before opening the soft and partially flat package. Pulling the wrapping paper out of the way, Aldwyn lets out a chocked sob at the deep blue robe sporting the Prince family crest as well as a small black box.
"Papa…?"
"The Prince Heirship ring. Aldwyn, you are my Son, in blood, magic, body and soul and I would be pleased and forever grateful if you would consent to becoming my Heir officially."
Severus asks quietly, taking the silver ring out of the box and holding it in offering to Aldwyn, the pair blinking away tears when Aldwyn offers his hand to his Papa. He watches as the ring is slipped onto his finger complimenting his Slytherin Heirship ring as they settle beside each other on his right hand. He grins widely at the sight before throwing himself at Severus with a laugh.
"I would be honoured to be your Heir, Papa. Thank you so much."
"You are most welcome, Snakelet. You will always be our Son, our child from now until forever. No matter what. Even if your Father and I eventually have more children you will be our Heir unless you wish to abdicate to one of your younger brothers. However, that will always be your choice, Snakelet. You are our Son first and foremost and your Father and I couldn't be happier."
"I love you, Papa. I promise I will make you proud."
"You already make us proud, Aldwyn. Never doubt that."
Aldwyn giggles, kissing Severus on the cheek before going back to his presents, subtly wiping his eyes free of tears as he pulls a small pile of presents towards him, all being tied together with thin strong and he can't stop the grin from stretching across his face when he reads that each of them are from his Aunt Cissa and Uncle Luc. Aldwyn slowly makes his way through the gifts, grinning widening when he pulls out multiple vials of rare and expensive potions ingredients along with a book 'Advanced potions for Potion Lovers'. When he shows his Papa, Severus promises that they could practice some of the simpler ones before the school term begins.
Opening another present from the couple, Aldwyn's cheeks begin to ache when his smile attempts to widen even further at the sight of brand new casual Quidditch robes in bright emerald green and black, a pair of dragon hide boots with matching gloves are folded within the robes. He giggles when he also receives a broom cleaning and sustaining kit. His uncle and aunt did know just how much he loved flying in the air, he and Draco had flown around the grounds of Slytherin Manor as often as they could. He stares at the presents for a second before jumping up to hug the couple, giggling when he is cocooned in two sets of arms.
"Thank you, Aunt Cissa, Uncle Lucius. I love it."
"You are very welcome, Aldwyn. It is hard pressed who is more obsessed with Quidditch, you or Draco."
Aldwyn giggles at his Uncle's words and plops back down onto the floor, piling his presents up by his side as he shifts the wrapping paper out of his way so that the house elves could tidy up later on. Reaching forward to grab another gift he sees that it is from his Papa once more. Aldwyn cocks his head to the side as he stares at the strangely shaped package; eyebrows furrowing as he looks over the cream coloured cloth hanging over his gift. Slowly, with shaking fingers, Aldwyn lifts the fabric, breath catching in his throat when he spots the small creature sitting calmly in a silver ornate cage.
Glancing over his shoulder at his Papa, Aldwyn carefully unlatches the cage door, holding his arm out in offering to the very small and oddly adorable blue feathered owl. He giggles quietly when the tiny creature flutters out and lands on his forearm, beaks dragging through his hair as if in greeting. Aldwyn strokes his fingers through the thick plumage of the owl's chest.
"Papa, this is fantastic. What is it?"
"This is a fledgling Philippine Blue Owl, I found him while I was perusing Diagon Ally for the perfect present for you, Aldwyn. I know that that Pig of a Muggle killed your Hedwig during the summer and at first I thought that you may be adverse to owning another so soon but as soon as I laid eyes on him I knew he was the perfect gift to you, My Son. He will only grow a fraction more, but he is strong, loyal and highly intelligent. I am sure he will be the perfect companion to you."
"Thank you, Papa. He is so cool. I didn't know you could get Blue Owls."
Aldwyn turns to Draco who is sitting on the floor next to him, grey eyes staring at the tiny owl in fascination and he shuffles closer to his friend. Draco looks from Aldwyn to the owl and slowly, after Aldwyn's nod of encouragement, lifts his hand to stroke down to creature's chest. The two boys break into giggles when the bird ruffles its features.
"Hello handsome, you are going to be my friend from now on and I am going to look after you and take good care of you."
Hello, young one, are you my master?
"What… did you just…?"
Aldwyn stares at the owl in confusion, eyes widening before he glances over his shoulder to look at his Papa.
"Ummm, Papa? I think my owl just spoke to me… in my head…"
Severus' eyes widen, gaze shifting between his Son and the small owl perched on his forearm before a large smile breaks out across his lips. Marvolo chuckles.
"It seems that you have found your destined familiar, Aldwyn."
"Destined familiar? What's that?"
"A destined familiar is a creature who, once found, will magically bond with their witch or wizard. They are creatures who are completely loyal to their bonded and can form a telepathic link in order to communicate easier with each other. Very few wizards actually find their destined familiars but those who do will live long and prosperous lives together. You see, your owls life will be elongated to match yours, he will not die until you do unless he is deliberately killed but you will not die if he does."
"Wow. Papa, that is amazing, thank you so much. I love him."
Aldwyn turns back to his owl, staring at the creature with a look of pure concentration on his face and Marvolo and Severus know that he is trying to test their telepathic link in order to communicate with his new familiar.
Can you hear me?
Of course I can, I am not deaf.
Sorry, I just didn't know if this was going to work or not. Do you have a name yet?
No, I have not been given a name. it is for my new master to gift me with one. Are you my master?
Yes, I suppose I am, but you can call me Aldwyn. That man there is my Father, next to him is my Papa. The blond boy here is Draco, my friend and the two sitting over there are my Aunt Cissa and Uncle Luc, they are my family.
Will I be staying with you?
Yup, you will be staying with me unless I need you to deliver a letter to someone or you are needed elsewhere. I just need to think of a good name for you.
Yes, I would like a name.
How about Phanex? A strong name for such a strong owl.
I like it, very regal. Thank you.
You are welcome, Phanex.
Aldwyn lifts a hand to scratch his owl behind his ears, delighting in the soft trill he gains in response. Smirking up at his Papa and Father, Aldwyn gestures to the blue bird.
"Papa, Father, this is Phanex."
"Phanex?"
Marvolo questions, a smirk of his own stretching across his lips at the very Slytherin-like deviousness he can see glittering in his Son's green eyes.
"God of Deception?"
The room fills with laughter as Aldwyn merely shrugs his shoulders in response, smirk never wavering as he glances back to his owl, stroking his plumage once again.
"I thought it was very fitting actually, Phanex seems to like it as well."
Turning back once more to the now much smaller pile of presents, Phanex flutters up to settle on Aldwyn's shoulder, his sharp talons gripping hold of Aldwyn's pyjama top to keep himself balanced as his owner leans forward carefully. Aldwyn grabs another squishy, flat parcel from his Father and smiles when he squashes it with his fingers before tearing the wrapping paper away. He picks up the soft fabric, holding it up so he can get a better look at the gift. He has a cloak in his hand, much like the one his papa had gifted him except this one was a deep emerald green, silver trimmings along the hem with the Slytherin family crest embroidered on the right breast. The clasp was ornate silver with small snakes engraved into the metal. He folds it back up carefully, lying it on top of his Prince cloak before turning pleading eyes towards his Father.
"Thank you, Father. May I wear one of my new cloaks to the party later, please?"
Severus raises a hand to his mouth in order to stifle his sniggers when he watches as Marvolo caves to their Son's wide-eyed innocent look in an instance, knowing that Aldwyn is going to be a spoilt child if Marvolo had anything to do with it. Hearing the quick 'of course, you can, Snakelet' had the potions master losing the battle and snorting aloud with the efforts of trying to supress his laughter. Choosing to ignore the chuckling man, Marvolo drops a kiss to Aldwyn's forehead, pushing him back towards his presents.
"Come, on Snakelet. Just a few more gifts to unwrap before you need to start getting ready for your party guest to arrive."
After giving his Father one more embrace, Aldwyn moves to sit back down by Draco's side and pulls another neatly wrapped gift towards him. He eyes the tag and grins when his Father and Papa's names are written there. Carefully peeling back the paper, Aldwyn feels his eyes widening, stinging with tears when he notices what is lying in his lap. Stroking his fingers down the white gold, green and deep blue ornate hand mirror he releases a joyous laugh.
"Thank you, Papa, Father. Now I can talk to the two of you whenever I want!"
"You are very welcome, Snakelet. We know that you are worried about going back to Hogwarts without any way to contact your Father and I we decided that this would be a perfect gift to give to you before you depart for the school. You can also contact Lucius and Narcissa if you have need of them."
Smiling towards his Godparents, Aldwyn places the mirror down on top of his new cloaks mindful of the breakable glass. He turns to the final few presents with a happy sigh; eyes being drawn to a decisively messier looking present and he grins. Glancing at the neat cursive on the tag, Aldwyn giggles as he begins to tear the paper away from the small white box. Flicking the lid open, Aldwyn gasps at the intricate pin he sees sitting inside the velvet cushion. Slowly, Aldwyn lifts the broach out of the box and brushes a tear from the corner of his eye as the light in the room catches of the Onyx stones. He strokes a finger down the ornate onyx and sapphire dragon pin, giggling when it releases a small purring sound at his caress. He sees the Latin word 'Praesidio' engraved into the animal's back causing his tear to trickle down his cheeks. Looking up at his friend, Aldwyn smiles through his tears.
"To protect."
His voice is barely above a whisper earning a shy smile and nod from Draco who shuffles closer to Aldwyn, as he wraps an arm around Aldwyn's shoulders, being mindful of Phanex who clicks his beak as he teeters slightly.
"I wanted to give you something that would remind you that I will always be there for you, even if we fight or for what ever reason I am not by your side, I will always be with you. I had it commissioned especially for you, Raven."
Aldwyn spins around in his seat, throwing his arms around Draco's shoulders, giggling when Phanex releases an indignant squark at being uprooted from his perch. He watches as Phanex flies to settle himself on the top of his cage, preening his rumpled feathers.
"I will wear it with my robes this afternoon. When we are at school, I will pin it to my school bag. That way I won't be able to lose it. I will have one of the older boy's spell it so that only I can remove it just in case someone tries to steel it."
Aldwyn places the pin down next to his two-way mirror, cushioning it on his robes as he turns back to the final present from his immediate family. He stares at the very thin and official looking envelop with an eyebrow raised wondering what on earth could be inside. Picking the envelop up, Aldwyn spies an official stamp of Gringotts printed in the top left-hand corner of the parchment and steals himself. Slipping his finger beneath the wax seal, Aldwyn carefully slips a hand into the envelop even as his eyes scan the small note written on the front.
Dear Heir, Aldwyn Salazar Prince-Slytherin,
All of us here at Gringotts bank would like to wish you a very happy birthday and hope that you enjoy this gift from both of your parents who have requested the creation of this document especially for you.
Nagnok.
Taking hold of the single sheet of parchment held within the envelop, Aldwyn carefully pulls the page out, holding his breath as he stares at the back of the parchment for a second steeling his nerves before he turns it around. He places the envelop onto the floor beside himself and Aldwyn slowly scans the document before promptly bursting into tears. His small hands tremble as his shoulder quiver with the force of his tears. Pushing himself up from the floor, Aldwyn launches himself at his parents, wrapping an arm around each of their necks careful not to crease the document.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
Hugging their emotional child tightly between them, Severus and Marvolo smile affectionately down at their overloaded Son, knowing that he had at least enjoyed the first part of his birthday celebration, despite being a little frayed emotionally.
"You are most welcome, Snakelet. We wished for you to have absolutely no doubts that you are our Son, our child no matter what and this document will prove that to everyone else as well."
"You are our precious little boy, Snakelet and nothing is going to change that."
Aldwyn nods his head, still happily crying into his parents embrace. He pulls back a little, wiping his eyes with his handkerchief as he settles himself between his Father and Papa who keep their arms wrapped around him, not wanting to release him just yet. So, they simply sit silently basking in the comfort of each other as Aldwyn rereads his new birth certificate.
Name: Aldwyn Salazar Prince-Slytherin
Father: Marvolo Slytherin
Papa: Severus Tobias Prince
Date of Birth: 21st July 1980