Chapter Twenty-Two
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: 7,715
Date Written: 30/03/2021
"Papa, are we going now?"
Severus chuckles, ruffling Aldwyn's hair watching as his child huffs, running his hands through his hair in an attempt to neaten it up again. He smiles when Aldwyn takes his leather strap from around his wrist and fixes his hair into a neat plait stretching down to his shoulders.
"We will be leaving in a moment; we are just waiting for your Father."
Aldwyn huffs impatiently, hands fiddling with the hem of his cloak sleeves, eyes watching the doorway to the Floo room. His eyes light up when the man comes into the room, smoothing his hands down his robes.
"Glad you could join us, Marvolo, before our Son jitters through the flooring."
"I apologise, Snakelet. Are we ready to go?"
Marvolo chuckles, pulling Aldwyn into a hug and dropping a kiss to his forehead before drawing Severus close as well.
"We've been ready for ages, Father. We have been waiting for you!"
"Oh? Well then, I humbly ask for your forgiveness, my little Prince. Would you like to Floo with us, or do you want to try it by yourself today?
Marvolo sweeps a low half-bow, dramatically dipping his head, pulling a whispered chuckle from Aldwyn covering his mouth and looking towards the fireplace. Theoretically, Severus and Marvolo had instructed him on what to do when he Floos by himself, but he had yet to try it. Staring at the fire intently, Aldwyn runs through their pointers quickly in his mind, ensuring himself that he can recall them all before he takes a deep breath and turns back to his Father.
"May I try by myself? If I get lost, I have my mirror on me so that I can call you. I also have my Heirship rings on so nobody will harm me if they were to try and take me."
Marvolo and Severus share a look; they knew the other was just as worried about Aldwyn, though he was already twelve and perfectly capable of looking after himself. They are glad that they had given Aldwyn those extra training sessions in Defence and the Dark Arts. Aldwyn was influential, both in magical strength and intelligence, and he knew it as well. They had spent weeks reiterating how brave and intelligent and cunning they thought their child was, trying to mitigate some of the damage still left behind by his childhood. They continuously told him how proud they were of him.
"You are most welcome to try, Aldwyn, but I feel like you are going to have no problems. How about we send your Papa through first, so he is there for when you arrive?"
"Okay, Father. Then we can go find Draco and Blaise?"
Aldwyn claims, bouncing on the balls of his feet, his excitement making itself know at the prospect of seeing his friends after few days, he had been missing them terribly. It would be nice to see them both again before they have to spend most of their time buried under schoolwork and homework. It was going to be interesting, a lot more fun than the previous year, that he was sure.
"Yes, then we can go meet up with the Malfoy's and Blaise."
"Okay, let's go!"
Severus and Marvolo laugh at Aldwyn's eagerness. Severus steps forward, dropping a kiss to Aldwyn's head as he walks past him; throwing a small handful of powder into the hearth, he calls out a clear 'Diagon Alley' before stepping into the green flames and disappearing in a flash. Aldwyn watches the fire for a moment. Turning to give his Father a tight hug, he to steps up to the fireplace.
"Remember what we told you, Snakelet."
"I know, Father. Keep my heels together, elbows and hands against my sides, take a deep breath before throwing the powder, and hold it as I travel. Don't panic and if I wish, keep my eyes shut to stop myself from getting dizzy on the journey. When I land, bend my knees and take a step instantly to prevent falling on my face."
Aldwyn recites with a smirk. He knows his Father is worried about hurting himself or, Merlin forbid, getting caught in the wrong fireplace. He also knows that his Father and Papa would let him try things again and again if it meant that he could learn from his mistakes and prove to them and himself that he was capable of doing anything he set his mind to achieve. It was how they had taught him so many spells over the past few weeks. It had bolstered his courage and self-confidence.
Grabbing a handful of Floo powder, Aldwyn grins over his shoulder at his Father. Throwing it into the hearth, he calls out for Diagon Alley and steps into the flames, tucking his hands tightly against his side, holding his breath as he begins to spin rapidly. He slams his eyes shut and forces himself to remain calm as he flies through the air, passing grate after grate. His feet crash into the floor, he bends his knees on automatic and takes a step forward, smiling when he doesn't stumble.
Blinking rapidly, Aldwyn glances around the dingy pub, noise levels assaulting his ears. His smile widens when he spots his Papa standing just off to the side, scowl firming in place as he glares around at the customers, some of which were drinking alcohol in the early hours of the day. Giggling, Aldwyn walks over to Severus, wrapping an arm around the man's waist; he looks up at Severus, smile widening when an arm wraps around his shoulders.
"I did it, Papa, and I didn't fall over."
"I am very proud of you, Snakelet. Not that I doubted you, of course."
"Of course."
Aldwyn returns, watching as Severus slips his wand out of his holster on his arm and aims it at his robes, eyes looking down at his clothes. Aldwyn giggles at the soot clinging to his clothes, his Papa's magic brushing it away, the sparks tingle as they dance across his skin. The Floo flared, and Aldwyn sees his Father stepping regally out of the fireplace, his robes as pristine as when he had arrived in the Floo room earlier, much to Aldwyn's chagrin. He would practice his Flooing and magic so he could be just like his Father in a few years.
"Well done, Snakelet. I am proud of you. Now, are you ready to go?"
Aldwyn grins at his Father, eyes sparkling with glee. He steps away from his Papa, slipping his hands into his parent's grip so he can drag them out of the pub and over to the entrance of the Alley, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he watches his Father tapping the bricks to create the archway. The Alley's noise doesn't bother him as much as it did the first time, not that he was paying much attention to his surroundings as he continues to drag Severus and Marvolo behind him, weaving between people as he makes his way towards Gringotts. Glancing around an abnormally large woman in his way, Aldwyn giggles when he spies Draco and Lucius' platinum blond hair; it was like a beacon.
"Draco!"
His friend turns when he hears his name being called, face splitting into a wide grin when he sees Aldwyn ducking between people towards him. He makes his way down the steps of Gringotts, waving a hand behind himself to gain the attention of someone else, who is quick to follow his line of sight. Blaise smiles, waving to Aldwyn as he follows Draco. The trio meets at the bottom of the steps, the older boys drawing Aldwyn into a tight embrace between themselves which causes Aldwyn to laugh.
"Aldwyn, I thought you weren't going to come!"
Draco pouts, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he draws back from his friend. Blaise smirks: cupping a hand over his mouth, he leans towards Aldwyn, eyes glittering with delight as he glances over at Draco, stage whispering.
"He was twitching."
"I was not!"
Draco immediately defends, arms falling to his side, finger poking Blaise in the chest while Blaise and Aldwyn laugh as his pout deepens. Aldwyn smiles, watching his two friends as they begin to argue back and forth. Before, he would have been worried that they two weren't friends or that they didn't really like each other and were just putting up with each other because Aldwyn was friends with them both, but he had realised pretty quickly that it was just the way Blaise and Draco were. They were constantly bickering, always trying to one-up each other. Aldwyn thought it was pretty entertaining to watch.
"Well, if the two of you have finished bickering like plebians, then I believe it is time for us to purchase our school supplies."
The pair stop mid insult, turning to eye Aldwyn incredulously. He smirks at them, sticking his nose in the air, and crosses his arms. He only has a second before Blaise and Draco dive on him, arms wrapping around his shoulders and waist as they begin to rib on him instead. Draco pokes his cheek, pinching it and cooing at him while Blaise tickles his sides.
A throat clearing in front of them has the three of them freezing, eyes widening as they turn to stare up at Lucius and Narcissa, who are looking down at them, faces blank while their eyes shine with amusement. Glancing over their shoulders, they find Severus and Marvolo watching them as well, and they cough, smoothing down their robes and hair and giggling quietly when they happen to catch each other's eyes.
"Alright, you lot, we best go buy Aldwyn's new school trunk before you get caught up again."
Marvolo smirks, ruffling his Son's hair to show that he wasn't at all annoyed or put out by their little by-play in the middle of the street. Aldwyn grins up at him before Draco and Blaise grab his hands, directing him through the Alley and leaving the adults to trail behind them. They can hear Aldwyn giggling as he lets himself be carted away and smile.
"You need to get a trunk like mine. It is black, green and silver. My initials and the Malfoy crest are on it as well."
"Mine is the same. Though mine has deep blue instead of green and the Zabini family crest on the top."
"I don't know. Father will already have a trunk in mind, and I don't want to be a bother."
"You won't Aldwyn, if your Father is anything like mine, then he would like to show off your house and status in everything. That means a crest on your trunk and your initials."
"Draco's right, Aldwyn. Besides, I have a feeling that you will be getting both the Slytherin and Prince house crests on your trunk. You are wearing both Heirship rings after all."
Aldwyn bites his lip, stepping into a dark, dusty-looking shop. When Draco holds the door open for him, he coughs a little, eyes taking in the array of trunks and backpacks hanging around the walls. Each one is sporting a different design, colour, and attribute. His eyes widen when he spies multiple trunks which advertise various compartments, including a potions laboratory, apartment complex, library, and many more. He turns around when his Father and Papa walk over to him, placing a hand on each of his shoulders and direct him towards the counter.
"Good morning. How may I help you?"
"Bright blessings, Sir. I require a new school trunk and backpack for my Son here."
"Of course, Sir, and what kind of trunk would you like?"
Marvolo glances down at his Son, the corner of his lip upturning faintly when Aldwyn gazes up at him, biting his lip nervously.
"We would like one with four compartments within. A library, a potions lab, one to store his school equipment, and the final to store his clothing. It will need to be equipped with a shrinking and enlarging charm, and a password-protected locking charm and a feather-light charm."
"I can have that made for you right away, Sir. I need to know what colours you would like and any designs you wish to be added?"
"Aldwyn? What colour do you want?"
Aldwyn glances from his Father to the man behind the counter, then up at his Papa. He thinks for a moment before glancing back up at his Father, worrying his lip.
"May I have a deep purple trunk? With silver and black?"
"Of course, you can, Snakelet."
Severus soothes, carding a hand through his Son's hair carefully, tugging at the end of his plait, drawing a giggle from his Son. Marvolo turns back to the assistant.
"May we have the body of the trunk in deep purple, please. Silver clasps and black accents. I would also like the initials A.S.P.S carved into the lid with the Prince and Slytherin family crests."
The assistant's eyes widen, glancing from Marvolo to Severus and down to Aldwyn, head-nodding rapidly as if trying to get over the revelation of just who his customers were.
"Of course, Lord Slytherin. I will be back momentarily with your purchase. You wished for a backpack as well. Did you wish for it to match your Son's trunk?"
Aldwyn nods, smiling at the clerk who blinks, a smile slowly creeping across his lips at the small boy. He glances back at his parents, who are nodding along.
"Yes, please."
"I will be back with both items, Lord Slytherin, Lord Prince. I will add feather-light charms and anti-tampering charms to the backpack to prevent any children from trying to damage it and anything inside."
"Thank you."
The man scampers off, almost tripping over his feet in his haste to prepare their order. Aldwyn turns around, leaning his back against the counter, and smiles at Blaise and Draco, waiting with the Malfoy's a few steps away. He rolls his eyes when they both smirk at him, and he can practically hear their smug thoughts of 'We told you so.' He smirks back at them before turning back around when something heavy thuds on the counter. Glancing up at the trunk, Aldwyn's eyes widen. It was perfect. His fingers brush against his initials, sitting regally on top of the two family crests sitting proudly in the middle of the lid. He sees four crystals stuck to the front and raises an eyebrow at them. The clerk must have seen his confusion because he clears his throat.
"These four gems are your password runes. Each one is connected to one of your trunks compartments and will require a different password to unlock it. All you will need to do is tap your wand to the gem and speak the code you have chosen to set the password. If you wish to shrink your trunk or enlarge it, you will need to tap anywhere on the lid three times. It will shrink and enlarge without the need of any spells."
"Thank you, Sir. It is perfect."
"You are very welcome, Heir Prince-Slytherin."
"Yes, thank you. This will do nicely. How much do we own you?"
"It will be 30 Galleons for the trunk and 11 for the backpack, Lord Slytherin."
Marvolo takes a small book out of his pocket, taking the quill which, the clerk offers to him, and signs the parchment with a flourish. He tears the parchment out of the book and hands it over to the man. Aldwyn cocks his head to the side as he watches the interaction. It reminded him of a muggle check book. Severus shrinks the trunk and backpack down, slipping them into his pocket. He settles his hand back on Aldwyn's shoulder, guiding him out of the store with the Malfoy's and Blaise following closely behind.
It doesn't take long for Blaise and Draco to migrate back to Aldwyn's side, arms wrapping around their younger friend as they make their way down the Alley.
"Alright, boys, we would like for the three of you to go off and get your new school robes. To cut our time here short, we will gather the rest of your supplies and meet you outside Flourish and Blotts to pick up your books."
"Alright, Father."
Draco mumbles, the three boys scowling at the thought of being pocked and prodded by Madam Malkin and her team as they are measured and fit for their new robes. Marvolo and Severus chuckle. They had hated being measured for robes as well when they were the boys' age.
"After we have purchased your books, we will go and buy your new wand, Aldwyn. Don't forget to ask Madam Malkin for the premium robes with all available charms on them."
Marvolo and Lucius hand a small pouch of galleons to their Son's ushering them across the cobble street to Madam Malkins' robes shop. Aldwyn glances over his shoulder, smiling when his parents' wave at him. He waves back before he is pulled into the shop, the tiny bell alerting Madam Malkin to their arrival.
"Ah. Hogwarts robes dears? If you want to step this way, we will get you all measured up in no time."
The three boys follow her directions, each stepping up onto one of the raised platforms. As soon as they are situated, two seamstresses scurry out of the back warehouse, arms ladened down with pins and material before converging on Draco and Blaise. Madam Malkin focuses her attention on Aldwyn, smiling at him as she begins to take his measurements.
Aldwyn was pretty glad that she didn't spell her tape measure to take his measurements as Ollivander did. It had made him uncomfortable last year. He glances to his right, watching as Draco fidgets as one of the seamstress's flitters around him, her high-pitched voice grating on their ears. Shifting his gaze to Blaise, Aldwyn rolls his eyes when the older boy looks bored, eyes glazing as he stares off across the shop.
"Alright, deary, all done."
"Thank you, Ma'am. My Father requested that I order the premium set of school robes if it isn't too much trouble?"
"Of course, deary. I will grab the materials, and we will start on your robes. Hang tight."
Aldwyn turns to glance at his friends, both of whom were still grappling with the seamstresses fluttering around them, something he finds quite amusing. He shuffles on his feet for a moment, relaxing when Madam Malkin comes bustling back to his podium. She indicates for him to raise his arms before throwing a much too large robe over his head.
Stroking the material around his chest as Madam Malkin starts to pin it into place, pulling the fabric around his body to ensure it was the perfect fit, he smiles at the silky material. It was much more breathable and comfortable than the stuff he had been forced to wear last year that Hagrid had directed him to purchase. Smiling at the material, Aldwyn moves his hands out to the side, lifting them out of Madam Malkins' way as he flitters around him with quick precision, cutting fabric and resowing it with incredible speed. Aldwyn is impressed. He hadn't paid much attention last year, too busy trying to figure out all of the things Draco had been talking to him about.
After a few more minutes of being tugged about and twirled in place, Aldwyn is allowed to hop down from his position, grinning at Blaise and Draco when they are released just a moment later, both with disgruntled expressions on their faces. He giggles. Directing them all back to the central part of the store, Madam Malkin smiles as she rings up all of their orders in turn, shrinking their bags down for them before waving them out of her shop with a large grin. Aldwyn waves back, hooking his arms through Draco's and Blaise's as they make their way through the thickening crowds traipsing along the cobblestone walkway.
"Papa, Father."
Aldwyn calls, giggling when the group of four adults all turns to look at them, invisible smiles on their lips as they watch the children. Aldwyn laughs joyously when he is tugged into a tight hug, two sets of arms wrapping around his waist while two kisses brush against his forehead. He hands the pouch of money back to his Father, smiling.
"How was your fitting?"
"It was good, a bit boring, but Madam Malkin didn't stick me with a pin once, and her tape measure didn't move on its own."
"Speak for yourself, Aldwyn. That woman stabbed me at least four times with her pins, and she wouldn't stop chattering either. I feared my ears were going to start bleeding."
"She did seem very excitable. Especially to be fitting the Malfoy Heir for his robes."
Blaise cuts in, fluttering his eyelashes at Draco, who jabs his friend in the side with a glare. Aldwyn merely chuckles at their behaviour, shaking his head. The adults laugh along, knowing just how infuriating the young apprentices could be, especially when facing predominant lords and society members. They had all had to deal with them at one point or another.
"Shall we head inside?"
Alwyn turns towards Flourish and Blotts, eyebrow-raising when the sound of several women screaming reaches his ears. He flinches away from the shop. They weren't going to go inside, were they? He glances through the murky windows, eyes narrowing at the large crowd of witches crowding around the front of the bookstore, each clutching multiple books in their hands as they twitter incisively with their friends or anyone close enough to hear them.
"What on earth…?"
"There is a book signing today. Gilderoy Lockhart is signing his books; apparently, it is because all of his books have been added to the Hogwarts supply list this year."
Blaise steps up behind Aldwyn, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder, eyes narrowing in disgust at the lack of decorum being shown by the store's multiple witches and wizards. It was going to take them ages to elbow their way through and collect their schoolbooks. Luckily for them, they had Lord and Lady Malfoy and Lord Slytherin and Lord Prince with them. If people didn't move out of their way, then there was going to be trouble. Especially with all the hype surrounding Lord Slytherin and his Son recently, it would be a surprise if people didn't give them a significant birth.
"Who's Gilderoy Lockhart?"
"A fraud of a man. His books are filled with lies and over-exaggerations. I have no idea what your new defence teacher is thinking using his books for their lessons."
Marvolo answers, his voice cold as he glares at the store. He hated people, large groups of people. He despised how pathetic people could become and how much of a fool they were willing to act in front of a celebrity, even one who was too stupid to have pulled off any stunts which he had claimed to accomplish.
"He is the new defence teacher. Dumbledore hired him not long ago, and because each professor is allowed to plan their lessons and use any textbook they chose, that fraud decided the children needed to read them."
"It is a good thing that we are going to be doing our own studying and practices, then isn't it."
Aldwyn drawls, mind whirling with questions. Why would Dumbledore hire a professor who was a stupid as everyone suspected? It was as if the man was deliberately refusing to give his students a decent education. It was as if he was trying to keep them as ignorant as possible. Though it wouldn't work out in his favour in the end, Pureblood families and many Half-blood families would teach their children what professors failed to. It would be the Mudbloods and half-bloods or purebloods who mainly followed Dumbledore who would suffer in the end.
Slowly, the group forces their way into the store, keeping the children close as they push past squealing women and men to get to their school textbooks. They collect the books for their other subjects before forcing themselves to face the crowds. Elbowing their way towards the front of the store where Lockhart's books are displayed, the adults are quick to grab one of each, skirting the line of people waiting to get their books signed. They direct their children towards the counter—paying for their purchases. The group breathes a sigh of relief when they move into the open space at the back of the store.
Aldwyn flinches when he feels a heavy hand gripping his forearm, the hand sweating slightly, making his arm feel disgusting. It takes all his training to keep his fear and disgust from his face as he turns on his heels, wrenching his arm from the stranger. His eyes narrow when he comes face-to-face with Gilderoy Lockhart, his smile stretching across his face, and Aldwyn sneers at the man.
"How dare you grab me like an uncouth heathen. Where are your manners?"
"Ah, Heir Slytherin. I have been dying to meet such a character as yourself since I first heard of you through the grapevine."
The man throws his arm around Aldwyn's shoulders, tightening his arm so he couldn't escape. Aldwyn glares at the wizard, biting the inside of his lip to prevent himself from cursing the man who had not only grabbed him and shoved him into a disgusting embrace but had the nerve to ignore him as well.
"It's Heir Prince-Slytherin, thank you, and I would be grateful if you release me before I am tempted to sue you for assault."
"Now, now, young Heir, there is no need for threats. How about we get a picture for the Daily Prophet? I am sure they would be pleased to see the two of us together."
Aldwyn glares over at the photographers and journalists, halting them from taking a step closer. He twists and turns, attempting to wriggle out of the man's grip; sure, he is going to have minor bruises decorating his shoulder tomorrow. He begins to panic when that grip tightens.
"It is not a threat, Mr. Lockhart. I would appreciate it if you did not grab nor maltreat me for your own purposes and gain. I do not know you, nor do I wish to. Now release me before I make you."
He hisses, eyes flashing with anger as the man merely laughs at him, patting his shoulder so hard that his knees almost buckle. His fingers twitch with the need to hex the man when a dark shadow befalls them. Glancing up, Aldwyn lets out a breath of relief when he sees his Papa standing over them, eyes glittering with malicious intent.
"Professor Lockhart, I do hope that you are not harassing one of your students. I suggest you release my Son before I make you. I am sure the Prophet would love to get a story of how you have been fired from your job for assaulting a minor before the term has even begun."
Lockhart drops his arm from around Aldwyn's shoulders, his face paling as the reporters step forward, their cameras poised to capture anything of interest that may happen. They had been close enough to hear the entire altercation, and many of them were looking at the author with scowls on their faces. It wasn't every day that a standard wizard, even a famous one, was caught grappling with an Heir from one of the most ancient households. It would be front-page news in a heartbeat.
"Are you alright, Aldwyn?"
Severus questions quietly, kneeling so he could search Aldwyn's eyes for any signs of pain or discomfort. He smiles when all he sees is annoyance. Aldwyn brushes his hands down his robes, smoothing out some creases, and smirks up at his Papa.
"I am perfectly fine, Papa. I was a bit rattled, but mostly I was perplexed how anyone could hire a man with such deplorable etiquette and social manners to teach children. Preposterous."
Severus chuckles, pushing himself to his feet. He pats Aldwyn's shoulder, steering him back towards their group. Glancing around, Severus finds that his partner and Lucius are missing, the smirk on Narcissa's face making him roll his eyes in exasperation. He turns back to his Son.
"It seems that your Father has gotten himself lost within the bookshelves, Aldwyn. Can you wait here with Narcissa while I go retrieve him?"
"Of course, Papa."
Aldwyn watches as Severus walks off through the hordes of people, elbowing his way through the crowds searching for his Father and Lucius. He rolls his eyes; his Father was ridiculous when it came to new books he hadn't seen or read yet. It was hard to drag him out of the library sometimes, and only his Papa could convince the man to leave his precious books behind.
"Can't go anywhere without being the centre of attention."
A snide voice reaches his ears. Aldwyn, Draco, and Blaise turn to face Ronald Weasley, an ugly snarl curling the corners of his lips up as he glares across the shop at them. Aldwyn raises an eyebrow at the boy. Had he always been this quick to start a fight? They hadn't even seen him nor his family entering the store, but a glance around shows that none of them were present at the moment. Taking a step forward, Aldwyn smirks over at his old friend.
"I am sorry. Do I know you?"
"I'm Ron. Ron Weasley."
Aldwyn's other eyebrow quickly joins the first, eyes flicking between Blaise and Draco, who merely shrugged in response.
"So, I don't know you?"
"No…"
He bites his lip, holding his chuckles back when Ronald Weasley flushes a bright red, his freckles disappearing as he glances down at the floor. Aldwyn takes another step forward, smirk widening when Weasley's gaze snaps back up to him.
"So, I don't know you, but you felt as if you had the right to make scathing comments about a stranger after witnessing said stranger being assaulted in the middle of a bookstore by an off-age wizard? Not very bright, are you?"
Aldwyn feels vindictive pleasure coursing through him when Weasley shakes his head, face flushing even further, out of anger or embarrassment, he isn't too sure, but it is amusing to him. Draco and Blaise step up beside him, glaring down at the red-head, eyes flashing with dislike.
"Is the Weasel bothering you, Aldwyn?"
"Can't seem to keep his nose out of other people's business, that one."
Ronald's head shoots around, eyes glittering with malicious glee as his gaze fixates on Draco, his lips curling into that now-familiar snarl. Aldwyn wonders if he managed to think anything through. From what he could recall about Ronald, the entire school had known him for being constantly overrun by his emotions, so much so that he couldn't think clearly. It was clear during their altercations with Draco the previous year; he hadn't been able to stop himself from trying to curse any Slytherin. It had been ridiculous.
"I'm surprised your family can still afford any of your school supplies this year, Weasel."
"Shut up, Malfoy!"
Aldwyn didn't think it was possible, but Weasley's face darkens, eyes going almost black with rage, and his fingers twitch towards his wand. Aldwyn narrows his eyes; surely, he wasn't stupid enough to draw his wand on them in a packed bookshop? He couldn't be that moronic.
"Wait, Weasley? Doesn't your Father work in the Department for the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts in the Ministry?"
Ronald doesn't notice the growing smirk on the boy's faces, nor does he see the approaching figure of Lucius Malfoy, who eyes the children for a moment deciding to hang back and watch the proceedings. He wished to know how the children would handle such a situation.
"Yea, he does!"
Weasley puffs his chest out, a proud smile shaping his lips as he gazes back over his shoulder in what they guess to be the direction his family had wandered off. They burst into peals of laughter, much to the Weasel's chagrin. His smile falls, scowl making itself known once again.
"Oh Merlin, he looks so proud of daddy, dearest!"
"I don't see why he is. I heard that Arthur Weasley is so dirt poor because he has been caught, on multiple occasions, stealing muggle artefacts bought in, and he studies them."
Aldwyn sniggers, leaning against Blaise's shoulder as his sides begin to pull with laughter. Draco wipes a tear from his eyes as Blaise responds.
"Yes, his experiments always do seem to backfire."
"How embarrassing."
"I think the word you are looking for is despicable, Draco. I wouldn't dare show my face in public if that were my family."
"Shut up, you Snakes!"
It seems that Ronald had finally had enough of their comments and snapped, though his reaction makes them laugh a little harder, their eyes watering as their breathing stagnates, struggling to draw enough oxygen into their lungs. This only serves Weasley to become more irate. In a second, Aldwyn is aware enough to pull Draco and Blaise backward, stepping out of range of Ronald's fist. The altercation brings Lucius and Arthur forward.
"Are you alright, boy?"
"We are fine, Father."
Lucius gazes down at Draco, gaze flickering to Aldwyn and Blaise, checking them for any signs of annoyance or aggravation. He nods when he finds nothing and turns to face the two red-heads. Raising an eyebrow at the pair, he smirks at them, eyes turning frosty and voice dropping to a soft undertone.
"Well, well, well. It seems, Mr. Weasley, that your Son has quite the violent temper on him. I would hate to have to press charges against him at such a young age."
Arthur's face quickly matches his Son, his fists clenching at his as he watches the smirk widening on Lucius' face.
"Your brats started it, Malfoy!"
"Oh? And how would you know this? You have just arrived on the scene and have not witnessed what cause the incident. Don't tell me that your prejudices extend to children nowadays? Is what Mr. Weasley says true, Draco?"
"Actually, Uncle Lucius, that boy came up to me and started insulting me; after that, Lockhart grabbed me, he waited until Papa was out of earshot."
Aldwyn answers in Draco's stead, shooting a wink towards Ronald, who snarls at him, lunging forward to catch him with a punch once more, until his Father grabs him around the waist and hurls him backward, face flushing this time in embarrassment at his Son's actions.
"Ah. That famous Gryffindor Bravery, I see. Arthur, it seems your Son who started this altercation and not only that but has attempted to attack my Son and my Godson twice. Why doesn't he apologise to the children, and we shall let this matter drop, hmmm?"
The reporters lean forward, anticipating the incident's resolution, their attention diverting from Lockhart for a moment. Neither of the Weasleys seems to notice as they continue to glare across at Lucius, who merely raises an eyebrow in question, never making a move against Arthur or Ronald. His eyes shift to the waiting reporters, quick quotes quills poised to jot down any action anyone takes against the others. He holds back a smirk when some are already writing frantically, eyes bright.
"He shouldn't have to apologise to Death Eater spawn."
Arthur spits, hands clamping on his Son's shoulders, his grip painful. Ronald winces, glare never once wavering. He bends his knees, twisting his shoulders in an attempt to relax his Father's hold or escape from it altogether.
"Now, now, Arthur. What example are you teaching to your children?"
Lucius frowns, tutting, head shaking as he lets out a put-upon sigh. Aldwyn, Draco, and Blaise glance around Ronald, and Arthur smirks, widening at the reporters' face's wide-eyed expressions. Clearly, they were just as surprised by the venom in Arthur's, a renowned light wizard, voice as the rest of them. They watch as the rest of the Weasley family make their way over, eyes narrowing at the sight of their group, already making up their minds to side with their Father and youngest brother. Strangely enough, bar the twins, Fred and George, who send subtle looks of disgust towards their Father. Aldwyn cocks his head to the side, eyeing the twins, frowning when, as one, they turn to him and wink. He makes a mental note to speak to Draco and Blaise later that day.
"Mr. Weasley, I find your comments highly offensive, seen as both the Prophet and the Ministry have proved that my Father was not a Death Eater, not has he ever been. It was merely rumours spread to discredit the House of Black. The only Death Eater in my family was my Grandfather, and surely you would not blame a child for the wrongdoings of their ancestors, would you?"
Aldwyn sniffs, lifting a hand to rub at his eyes. He glances up at the man, frown deeply embedded on his lips. He makes his bottom lip wobble, and his eyes water, fighting to keep the smirk off his face when the head of the house of Weasley visibly stutters. Expression becoming unsure as he stares down at the young child.
"Your Papa is a filthy Death Eater!"
"My Papa? He used to be one, yes, but he isn't anymore. Surely you aren't stupid enough to ignore the fact that he deflected before the end of the Wizarding War when He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was killed?"
"Why, you little…!"
Ronald fights against his Father's grip, snarling viciously when he can't escape, hands turning to scratch down Arthur's arms, his nails digging into the flesh, drawing blood. Even Lucius winces subtly, eyes widening in horror at such a lack of decorum and discipline within the child. If his child or any other Heir to noble households acted in such a way, it would be an embarrassment to their family.
"Ronald Billius Weasley! You will cease this despicable display this instant. I have not raised you to raise your hand to anyone in such a fashion. Now, you will apologise to this nice young boy before I make you!"
Aldwyn flinches, hand shooting out to grip hold of Blaise's cloak, knuckles turning white as the loud shriek assaults his ears. He feels Blaise and Draco shifting towards him, their arms pressing against his sides, comforting him without breaking from their pureblood masks, for which he is grateful. He would hate to draw too much unwanted attention to himself by being fussed over by his friends, especially in front of Dumbledore's lapdogs.
He does smirk when he faces the angry flush, as well as much of the blood draining from the youngest Weasley male's face. Eyes widening, his actions freezing, and if Aldwyn couldn't see him blinking, he would have suspected him of being a victim of a Basilisks stare. Gazing up at the ginger woman, Aldwyn fights to keeps his smirk from widening at the sight of her, he had never met Mrs. Weasley before, but according to Ronald and the Twins, she was a force to be reckoned with when angered. He would never wish to be on the receiving end of her wrath.
Aldwyn watches, hand still tight around Blaise's cloak, eyes sparkling with delight as Ronald fights against his fear of his Mother. Not wishing to apologise to whom he deemed a 'slimy snake' or the spawn of a Death Eater. Ronald turns to glare at Aldwyn and his friends, cheeks slowly flushing once again, and Aldwyn's smirk twitches. Mrs. Weasley takes a threatening step forward, face stony as he glares down at her youngest Son.
"I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted, Weasley. Though I do believe you also owe my Papa an apology for calling him a filthy Death Eater."
Aldwyn smirks, eyes blinking over at the red-head. He allows an invisible smile to upturn the corner of his mouth. His eyes are flickering between his Parents and Lucius, who push their way through the forming crowd around their congregation. Ronald flushes again, eyes narrowing, teeth clenching.
"Why would I apologise to that Dungeon Bat! He is a Death Eater. Everyone knows it!"
Aldwyn grins at Ronald, turning to the side. He lets an innocent smile take form as he waves his hand over his head, withholding the laugh that wants to break free at the pale paler of Weasley's face when he spots the figure standing a few feet away.
"Papa, you found Father!"
"I did indeed, Snakelet." Severus pats his Son's head, turning to glare down at the young Weasley. "I suggest you keep your insults to yourself, Mr. Weasley; otherwise, this year may be challenging for you."
"Severus, I didn't know you had a child."
Mrs. Weasley steps forward, her stony glare falling into a pleasant smile as she glances from the potion master to the small child by his side. Cocking her head to the side, she pulls out some remarkable similarities to the young professor and wonders how she hadn't noticed it before. Focusing on Severus, she blinks in surprise when a tall, brown-haired man comes to stand behind him, his hand resting on the potion master's waist. He smiles down at the child, stroking a finger down his cheek, Severus' Son leaning into the gentle touch.
"With how methodically your husband reads the Daily Prophet, Mrs. Weasley, I am surprised. My private life seems to be headline news as of late."
Severus responds, tearing his gaze away from Aldwyn. His lips upturned in an almost invisible smile, the proud gleam unmistakable in his expression. He leans into Marvolo's embrace, relaxing when the arm resting on his waist slips around to hold him more firmly, though out of view of the reporters.
"He is such a darling."
"Thank you. Mrs. Weasley, this is Aldwyn Prince-Slytherin." He gestures to the child, wrapping his arm around his shoulders before gesturing over his shoulder. "And this is my Partner, Marvolo Slytherin."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Madam."
Aldwyn responds, bowing his head in greeting. His cheeks flush when Mrs. Weasley coos softly, causing her Son to growl.
"Oh, you are a very well-mannered young man, aren't you? You are going to Hogwarts this year?"
"Yes, Ma'am. I will be joining the second years."
"Will you, I am sure you are going to have lots of fun and the Heir to the Founders? I hope you will become friends with my Ron. He will be in your year as well. I hope you won't hold this little meeting against him."
Aldwyn forces himself not to stare at the woman in surprise. Was she honestly trying to pawn her Son off on him after he had spouted off all those insults against himself, his friends, and his Papa? Did she believe that he would do as she said and became friends with such an unpleasant and violent person? He glances down at Ronald, inwardly smirking at the aghast expression on his face. Sending a subtle look of disbelief to Draco and Blaise, he smiles up at the Weasley Matriarch.
"Of course, Mrs. Weasley. I would be happy to put this altercation aside. As long as your Son ceases to insult my family, then I would be glad of his friendship. You see, I have very few friends due to my home-schooling and constant moving. It would be nice to have a wider circle of friends."
His agreement has a strange glint shining in her eyes, and he sighs. This is what his parents were cautioning him against. Due to his status within the wizarding world, she was interested in him, him being directly related to one of the four founders of Hogwarts. She was either after his money, his power (the founders were some of the most powerful witches and wizards of all time after all), or his status. Maybe she thought that if Ronald became friends with him or made it into his close circle, then his prestige would rub off on the Weasley family.
Though with her youngest Son's disagreeable nature, Aldwyn couldn't see them being friends in the least, not that he wanted to befriend the Weasley. He didn't want to be seen associating with Blood Traitors, Mudbloods, or people who turned their backs on the Pureblood traditions' intricacy. His eyes shift to Fred and George, smirk returning when they roll their eyes at their Mother, sending him yet another subtle wink. He would definitely be talking to Draco and Blaise about the possibility of recruiting them at some point during their time at Hogwarts.
"Oh, that is wonderful, Aldwyn." She claps her hands. "Well, we should let you get on with your shopping. We have a few more bits and pieces to buy ourselves. It was lovely to meet you, Marvolo, Aldwyn, and lovely to see you again, Severus."
The group watches as Molly Weasley ushers her hoard out of the shop, waving over her shoulder until the door closes. They let out a collective sigh of relief, glancing between one another before chuckling softly at the absurdity of the situation. Luckily, they had gotten away with a simple verbal attack. Arthur Weasley has been known to physically attack Lucius on numerous occasions in the past, going so far as to forget about his wand and leap straight into physical violence.
"Are you alright, Snakelet?"
"I am fine, Father. The Weasley didn't do anything to us. He was merely running his mouth."
"Not like that is new for Weasel."
"All too true, Draco. He never really understood the concept of thinking things through before jumping into action."
"He wasn't sorted into Gryffindor for the fun of it, Blaise."
"Fair point, Aldwyn. Foolishly reckless, the lot of them."
Marvolo rolls his eyes, his Son fine with the altercation if his banter with his friends was any indication. He pats his Son on the head a second time, arm loosening around Severus' waist as he begins to lead his family and friends out of Flourish and Blotts, directing them towards Ollivander's Wand Shop.
"Alright, the only thing we need to buy now is Aldwyn's wand, and we will be ready to head home."
A/N
Hey guys, thank you all so much for reading my story and sticking with it for so long (especially those who knew this as To Disguise a Disguise). I am so thankful for each review, favourite, and follow this story has been receiving. Honestly, it has been very difficult, for many people, this past year or so and my mental health has hit rock bottom a fair few times. So, thank you so much for not giving up on this story, it means so much to me. I was actually worried that I wouldn't get this chapter up in time... until I realised that I have up to chapter 24 written. The next chapter should be uploaded on 19th!