Chapter Twenty-Three

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: 6,217

Date Written: 02/04/2021

Meandering through the crowded streets, Aldwyn falls back with Draco and Blaise, keeping their eyes on their parents in case they get swept away in the throngs of people. Aldwyn glances at the adults before clearing his throat. The look in his eyes and the contemplative expression shaping his features draws Draco and Blaise close, curious to hear what is playing on their friend's mind.

"What do you think of the twins?"

"Which twins?"

Blaise and Aldwyn stare over at Draco, raising their eyebrows at the stupidity of his question. Draco looks between them, mouth twisting into a frown.

"The Weasley twins, you dolt. What other twins do you know?"

"Hey, he could have been talking about the Patel Twins!"

"Why would he be talking about them when we were just in the presence of the Weasley family?"

"I don't know. Aldwyn's mind works in mysterious ways sometimes."

Aldwyn giggles, looking from Blaise to Draco and back again, feeling a little dizzy from watching the quidditch match of their conversation. It always amused him how the two could turn anything into a friendly argument. Clearing his throat again, he is amazed when they instantly quieten down; maybe he will make a good leader.

"What do you guys think of Fred and George?"

"I am not sure. Their pranks are perfect, very vindictive as well."

Blaise contemplates tapping his chin with his finger as he glances towards the sky as he thinks. Aldwyn raises an eyebrow at him; he would have never used the word vindictive to describe the twins before.

"How so?"

"Well, they only really every prank people who have insulted one of their siblings or friends, or someone who has wronged them in some way. They set prank wars on those who bully others or anyone who spouts their views on stupid things like 'all pureblood traditions being propaganda and dark.'"

"Yea. I heard that they once pranked a Ravenclaw sixth-year Muggleborn students for two weeks straight because they attacked a second-year Slytherin. Professors sent them to the hospital wing several times due to minor injuries, hexes, and curses which Madam Pomfrey couldn't remove."

"Really? I didn't know they did that."

"Why do you ask, Aldwyn?"

Aldwyn sighs, fingers twisting the end of his plaited hair. He glances at Blaise, then Draco. His eyes drop to the floor, watching his feet tapping against the cobblestone ground as another sigh escapes his lips. His gaze shoots up when he feels a hand capturing his own, long fingers tracing his palm as their fingers interlace. Blaise smiles down at him.

"In Flourish and Blotts, Fred and George were different than what I can remember. They looked at their family with disgust and disdain. It was almost as if they didn't want to be there with them. When they caught my eye when their younger brother was insulting Papa, they winked at me and smirked; I don't think they share their family's views, not as much as we assumed…"

"You want to try and recruit them, don't you?"

Aldwyn nods his head, hand tightening around Blaise's hand; he glances up at Draco, a smile beginning to form on his lips, and his friend sighs.

"Yea. Not right away. I want to induct the rest of the Slytherin students first, but maybe next year or even Fourth Year. I want to scope them out first, maybe team up with them for a few pranks on the school or something first. Get their opinions on the War and the Dark Sects agenda before I think about inviting them to join our club."

"That sounds good. When are you thinking of inviting the others?"

"Sometime during or after Yule. I want to have enough time to assess their strengths and weaknesses first. That way, I will have a good idea of where to put them and what jobs and missions they would carry out. I want your help as well."

"Of course, Aldwyn. You know we would help you with anything. We are going to begin our training once we get to school?"

"Yes, I have already had Father purchase some equipment for us. I have a great plan for the Chamber; it is going to be brilliant!"

Draco smiles down at his friend, Aldwyn smiling, his eyes shining with excitement at the ideas he had come up with for their secret training grounds. However, he was upset that Aldwyn refused to share any of his thoughts with anyone, not even his Father. He had wanted it to be a surprise for everyone, even going so far as to invite his Father and Papa for when he completed it.

"We can't wait to see it, Aldwyn."

The adults come to a halt in front of them, cutting their conversation short, eyeing the three children suspiciously when they fall silent, staring up at their parents with innocent smiles on their faces. Marvolo shakes his head at his child.

"Alright, Snakelet. We are here."

The bell above the door jingles at their arrival, alerting Ollivander to the presence of customers entering his store; Aldwyn scrunches his nose up, holding back a sneeze as dust billows up from the floor when the door swings closed behind them. He glances around the store, still a dingy and disgusting as the year previous. Wand boxes piled precariously on the shelves lining the walls, he briefly wonders if there was a spell of sorts holding them all in place.

"Ah, what can I do for you today?"

Turning towards the counter, Aldwyn walks towards the greying older man, following his parents to approach the wandmaker.

"We are here to find a wand for our Son."

"Of course, of course. Which is your wand arm?"

"Ummm. My right."

Aldwyn tenses to prevent a reflex flinch when the tape measure flies out of nowhere, measuring his arm from elbow to wrist, his shoulder width, around his head, and for some reason around his throat. He fights down the urge to waft the thing away when Ollivander clicks his fingers, making it fall to the floor lifeless. Releasing a breath of relief, Aldwyn eyes Ollivander with trepidation, watching as he flitters around the shop, pulling out a pile of wands. He drops them on the counter, gesturing for Aldwyn to step forward, handing him one of the wands.

Waving the wand in front of him, Aldwyn drops it onto the counter when a vase explodes. Shaking his head, he takes another, feeling his gut twisting at the dread which begins to grow. He wishes that this trip wouldn't take as long, or longer, than his trip the previous year. He didn't think he could retake the disappointment and anticipation. Waving the second wand, Aldwyn's eyes widened in horror when the window behind his family shattered, spraying his parents and the Malfoys with glass. Marvolo laughs, patting his Son on the shoulder when he sees the stricken look on his face. Lucius pulls out his wand, repairing the window with a quick flick of his wrist, and Aldwyn relaxes a little, eyes trailing along their figures to ensure that the flying glass hadn't injured any of them.

Handing the wand back to Ollivander, Aldwyn wraps his shaking fingers around the third wand, eyes widening when he feels a warmth trailing across his skin, his body warming, his magic singing as he caresses the wood. He flicks his hand, smiling, shoulder relaxing when green and purple sparkles shower down on him from the tip of the wand.

"Ah, just as I thought. A wand of Elder wood, 13 ¼ inches with a thestral hair core. There is just one other wand in existence today that holds such a core, and no one has seen it for many centuries. In fact, many have speculated that the wand is a piece of myth only. This Elder wand is extremely rare and one of the most powerful wands I have ever created. They have stated that the person to wield this wand fears nothing and stands strong in the face of danger."

"Wow." Aldwyn breaths, staring down at his new wand in fascination.

"It is a replica of the Elder Wand? One of the Deathly Hallows?"

"As close as I am capable of crafting, yes. I see you are familiar with the tale."

Aldwyn turns to look at his Father, wondering what was so special about this original Elder Wand Ollivander had fashioned his wand after. Did it mean that he was powerful? That he would be able to be as powerful as his Father and Papa if he kept training his magic; that he would be able to help them in the War much more than he had anticipated? He walks over to Draco and Blaise, the pair glancing down at his new wand in awe; they both reach out to run a finger over the wood gasping in shock when their hands tingle with magic and they smile at their friend—wrapping their arms around his shoulders.

"That will be eight galleons."

"We would also like a dragonhide, arm holster."

Marvolo states, handing over the necessary galleons when Ollivander gathers the requested item, which Severus hands straight to Aldwyn. Aldwyn takes the holster, slipping his cloak off his shoulders to strap the leather to his right forearm. He would have to spell it against summoning later or instead ask Bill toward it for him. Sliding his wand into the holster, Aldwyn takes his cloak back from Draco, following his parents into the streets as he throws it back around his shoulders.

Aldwyn and Draco are lounging on Aldwyn's bed at Slytherin Manor. Draco sighs, flicking through Quidditch through the Ages for the umpteenth time while Aldwyn is reading one of Gilderoy Lockhart's books. The only sound permeating the room is the occasional turn of pages and Aldwyn's chuckles as he points out fault after fault with the facts presented. He had already read through some of his school textbooks and was pleased to note that he had not only understood all of the information but could perform most of the spells as well. His Father and Papa had taught him well.

He flips to the next page, interested in reading just how the 'incredible Gilderoy Lockhart' managed to escape the dangerous, blood-thirsty vampire chasing him in broad daylight, no less. He sneers at some of the descriptions, the man using no spells designs to use against rogue vampires, but simply spells which many third years can learn. His sniggers turn to full-blown laughter.

"He beat a vampire so hard that he could only eat salad!"

His chortles catch Draco's attention. He glances at his friend from over his book, raising an eyebrow at the bright flush covering his cheeks and the tears streaming down his face, his chest heaving with much-needed breaths as he tries to get himself back under control.

"I don't see why you are reading those books at all; you know they are utter rubbish."

"I know, but they are great for a good laugh. Even Weasel would know that Vampires would die if they ate nothing but salad for any length of time. This guy is such a fraud."

"And Dumbledore hired him to teach us."

Draco shakes his head, focusing back on his book when Aldwyn finally manages to pull himself together. Closing Lockhart's book, he throws it down on his bed, collapsing onto his back; he gazes up at the ceiling, releasing a sigh.

"I can't wait for our first defence lesson of the year."

Aldwyn pushes himself up onto his elbows, glancing over at Draco, who sighs and puts his book down on the table. Getting up out of his seat, the blond walks over to Aldwyn and throws himself onto the bed, bouncing a second before sprawling out next to Aldwyn. He shudders at the sparkle in Aldwyn's eyes.

"You know, I almost feel sorry for our new Professor."

"It is his fault. He thought it was a good idea to not only grab me but attempt to maltreat me into taking a picture with him to heighten his prestige. He should count himself lucky that I didn't have a wand on me at the time."

"You could have just ignored him."

"I could have, but I also could have cursed him seven ways to the Founder's Era. If Papa hadn't intervened when he did, I was going to kick him in the unmentionables and strangle him."

Draco shivers again, inching away from his friend. The younger pre-teenager could be terrifying when he wanted to be. He had seen Aldwyn angry before, never genuinely losing his temper, but it had been enough for him to make a vow with himself. He was never going to get on Aldwyn's bad side if he could help it. His friend had a twisted sense of humour and an even twisted sense of torture. Whereas his Father and Papa favoured purely magical methods, Aldwyn tried to incorporate mundane muggle items as well as magic when planning to get information out of anyone. Not that they had tortured an actual person before, but Marvolo, Severus, and Lucius had explained some of the best methods of gaining the information you are looking for in the quickest time possible.

"It is a good thing Uncle Severus was there then."

"A real shame. I will have to satisfy myself by imagining his screams."

"Sadistic Git."

Aldwyn props himself up on his elbow, leaning over Draco with a malicious smirk shaping his features, and Draco feels sorry for their new professor. Aldwyn was not going to let this go, and if Lockhart was as stupid as they all assumed, then he wasn't going to stop annoying Aldwyn until he either got what he wanted or Aldwyn killed him.

"I don't know what you mean, Draco dear."

"Of course not, Aldwyn. So, what are you planning for the Weasel?"

"What do you mean?"

Draco rolls his eyes, pouting at his friend, who is smirking down at him, his hair falling over his shoulder as he chuckles softly before collapsing back onto the bed.

"Don't give me that look. I know you well enough, Aldwyn, to know that you won't let the Weasel get away with what he said about Uncle Severus."

"Of course, he isn't going to get away with it. He insulted my family.

Aldwyn falls silent. Draco grits his teeth, taking a deep breath as he knows his friend is deliberately trying to wind him up. He sits up, crossing his legs, glaring down at Aldwyn, who smirks over at him. Cuffing his friend round the back of the head, Draco scowls.

"Well?"

Aldwyn pushes himself up, raising an eyebrow at Draco, who clenches his fists. Aldwyn knows his friend is mere moments away from diving on him in an attempt to pin him to the bed and force the answer out of him. Snickering to himself, he smiles maliciously, eyes sparkling with glee.

"Well, what?"

"What is the plan?"

"The Plan?"

Draco growls; diving across the bed at Aldwyn, he grips the boy's shoulders, pinning him to the bed while Aldwyn laughs. Sitting with his legs framing Aldwyn's waist, Draco frowns down at his friend, hating how the other knew how to push his buttons to get him to react. Maybe he had been spending too much time with Blaise.

"I swear, Aldwyn, what are you planning to do with the Weasel? If you don't tell me, then I am going to get Blaise. He will get it out of you."

Aldwyn giggles but nods his head in consent. He knows Blaise would stop at nothing to get his plans out of him, and he didn't want that. He would inform the other of his plan when they are in Hogwarts, safely secreted away in their dorm room, besides there was someone he wished to speak to beforehand.

"Well, I was going to try my hand at making the Nightmare potion."

"The one which makes the drinker see their worst fear?"

"Yea. I am going to ask Papa to help me make it the day before we are due to get the train, that way, we can persuade the Elves to drop it into his food on the morning of the first day of term."

"What if Uncle Sev doesn't let you make it?"

"Then I will just have to make it at school," Aldwyn comments with a nonchalant shrug, but Draco can see the slight trepidation in his green speckled eyes.

"Won't Severus be furious at you if you make it on your own after he told you no?"

"Maybe, but I am not going to let that little blood traitor insult my family. I will tell Papa that, and if he punishes me, then so be it."

Draco rolls off Aldwyn, helping the boy to sit up again. He takes Aldwyn's hand in his own.

"He will have to punish Blaise and I as well then. There is no way we are going to let you do this alone, Aldwyn. We are going to help you make the potion and go with you to ask the elves; that way, all three of us will have to be punished together."

Aldwyn glances up at Draco, eyes widening at the offer; he had never had someone willing to go through punishment with him or even implement themselves in something they knew would get them into trouble. They will be in a situation if his Papa told him not to make the potion, and they all decided to do it anyway.

"Thank you, Draco."

"Do you know what the Blood Traitor's worst fear is?"

"No, but I know two people who would. I was going to try and talk to them when we are back in Hogwarts; hopefully, they will be happy to assist us in pranking their younger brother."

"The Twins?"

"Yup. With how they were acting at the bookstore and their love of pranks, I am hoping that they will be happy to team up with us and get Lockhart."

"I am sure they will. I don't see them turning down an opportunity to prank anyone."

"Yea, that is what I am hoping. It would be brilliant if we could get them involved. They have more experience with spell work as well, so we wouldn't have to limit ourselves to only performing pranks around our arsenals."

"What are you two planning?"

Draco and Aldwyn startle heads whipping towards the open doorway, eyes wide. Aldwyn jumps up, shock turning to delight as he dives off the bed, jumping up at the man who chuckles, swinging the twelve-year-old up off the floor. He brings him into a hug.

"Bill! What are you doing here?"

"Charlie and I came to see you before we head over to the castle."

"You're going already?"

"Yea, Dumbledore wants us settled in before the school term begins and before you, little terrors arrive. Your Papa refused, stating he was going to spend as much time with his family as he could."

Bill places Aldwyn on the floor, ruffling his hair when his younger brother comes into view, smiling down at the young wizard when he smiles blindingly and throws himself at him. Much like his brother, Charlie lifts Aldwyn from the floor, wrapping him in a tight embrace as small arms wrap around his neck.

"Hello, little Snake. You been behaving?"

"Of course, I have."

"Not. Charlie, I heard these terrors plotting something and correct me if I am wrong, but I do believe our devilish little brothers may find themselves on the receiving end of Aldwyn's propositions for a prank."

Bill responds, raising an eyebrow as he glances from Aldwyn to Draco, both of whom merely smiles up at him, an air of innocence surrounding them. He snorts, not believing it for a second. Charlie glances down at the boy in his arms, smirk dancing at the corner of his mouth.

"And who is the unfortunate victim of such a team?"

"I do not know what you are talking about, right Draco?"

"Indeed. We are planning nothing."

"This wouldn't have anything to do with our youngest brother, would it? Your Papa and Father told us what happened in Flourish and Blotts the other day…"

Aldwyn huffs, crossing his arms over his chest when Charlie places his down on the floor by his bed. Ruffling his hair like Bill had done, causing the scowl to deepen. Draco pouts up at them as well.

"You adults are worse gossips than Pansy," Draco mutters, drawing a laugh from Bill and Charlie.

"Are our dear little brothers being indited into your In Dolus Intortis, Aldwyn?"

"I am not sure yet; I will need to investigate further before I can make a decision, though we have high hopes for the pair. I am sure they would work well under your tutelage, Bill; you are my second in command after all."

"I am beginning to regret agreeing to that."

Bill states, scratching the back of his neck while the other three break into joyous laughter at his reluctant expression. Charlie slaps Bill on the back, almost sending his brother into the bed.

"Better you than me, eh Bill?"

Laughter picks up in volume as Bill glares at Charlie, jumping on his brother. The two wrestle around the floor for a few minutes, flailing limbs making Aldwyn and Draco yelp before they jump onto the mattress to escape the thrashing bodies. Their laughter never faltering.

"Papa, Father, would you still love me if I didn't get sorted into Slytherin?"

Severus and Marvolo glance over at their Son. They had been relaxing in the family lounge after dinner, letting their food settle before they started preparing for bed. A melancholy mood settled over the room as the dawning prospect of Aldwyn heading off to Hogwarts the following day dawns in all their minds. They stare at their Son, watching him fidget in his seat as he tries for nonchalant. His fingers fiddle with the corner of the page he pretends to read, lip reddening under the sharp teeth worrying it. They exchange a glance before closing their books.

"Aldwyn, what bought this on?"

Marvolo questions, watching his child with growing trepidation; Aldwyn hadn't had an episode for over a week now, something which they had continuously praised him over. He hadn't let his worries plague his mind for long periods for a while currently but looking at the slightly pale pallor of his Son's face, he knows these thoughts have been festering for a few days at least.

"I just… Well, I am the Heir to Slytherin; I am supposed to go to Slytherin. What if I get sorted somewhere else? Would you be disappointed in me?"

"Of course, we wouldn't, Aldwyn. You are our Son, our child before you are the Heir to our houses. If the Hat doesn't sort you into Slytherin, that means you are best suited somewhere else. We will not be disappointed in you, nor will we love you any less."

"Really?" Aldwyn glances up at his parents, eyes nervous, hesitating to believe his Papa's words.

"Truly, Snakelet. You are our Son; if you do not go into Slytherin, then so be it. Just because you are the Heir of Slytherin does not mean you are best suited for Slytherin. We will be proud of you no matter where you end up."

Aldwyn remains quiet for a moment, mulling over their words, his mind processing them before he nods his head, allowing himself to believe their words. He didn't know why he had been worried; he knew that his parents loved him and wanted what was best for him. He was their Son, in blood, magic, and soul. He was as much their Son as Draco was his parents' child, despite him not being birthed by them. Marvolo and Severus had adopted him, welcomed him into the Prince and Slytherin families with open arms, and he was proud of such a fact. He was proud of his Papa, youngest potions master in the world, and of his Father, Evilest Dark Lord in British history; yes, he was very proud of them just as they were of him.

He smiles to himself, settling back down into his armchair, content to sit back and read now his parents had dealt with his main worries. Aldwyn still had a few concerns niggling at the back of his mind, small anxieties which always came when he was about to face an unfamiliar situation, but he couldn't do much about them until he faced them. He would be getting on the Hogwarts's Express tomorrow with Draco and Blaise and the rest of their friends, and hopefully, the journey would pass without incident. He wasn't looking forward to being away from his Father for three months, but nobody could help it. At least he had his mirror so he could talk to the man whenever he needed to. He was also going to call the man into the Chamber when he had it all set up.

Aldwyn doesn't notice the two sets of eyes watching him, nor does he see the relieved smiles shaping his parents' expressions as they content themselves with settling back against each other. Severus leans his head on Marvolo's shoulder, opening his book to where he had left off. Marvolo wraps his arm around Severus' waist, drawing the man tighter against his side while his other hand cracks his tome back open. The room descending back into a calm silence. Until Aldwyn speaks once more.

"Oh, Papa. I have a request for you."

Severus lifts his eyes from the page, not moving from his comfortable position against his partner; he smiles across at his Son. The Weasley brothers had warned him that Aldwyn and Draco had been plotting something to try and recruit the Twins to help them. He dreaded to think what they could have been planning and against whom, but he would help his Son seek his revenge if needs be.

"What is it, Snakelet?"

"Well, Draco and I were thinking of pranking someone, and I needed your help brewing the Nightmare Potion?"

Severus and Marvolo arch their eyebrows, watching Aldwyn as he begins to fidget again. They felt they knew who this potion was for, and they couldn't bring themselves to care much, not if Aldwyn and his friends didn't get themselves caught. If someone other than Severus or the Weasley brother saw them, there was nothing he could do to stop them from being punished.

"Alright, I think I may have some in storage if you would like to take those with you, or would you prefer to brew it?"

"I would have liked to brew it myself, but if we wish to stick to our timeline, then I think it would be best if I were to take the premade ones."

"Alright, I will bring them to your room just before you go to bed; that way, you can have them packed and ready for tomorrow morning."

"Why are you just giving them to me? Aren't you going to at least ask me what I want it for?"

Severus shares an amused look with Marvolo before they turn to their Son, who is staring between them with his eyebrow raised, a slight frown down, turning his lips.

"Well, Snakelet. If I would have refused to help you make them or give you the ones I have in my stores, you would go behind our backs, with Draco and Blaise no less, and do it regardless. Am I correct?"

Aldwyn's mouth opens in surprise, his cheeks colouring at having been caught out of his plans, especially when he had only just come up with them with Draco the other day; they had only discussed it the once and with no one else in hearing distance. He didn't know how either did it, always knowing what he was thinking or planning.

"How did you know?"

"We were once young as well, Snakelet, and I know that this has something to do with our trip to Diagon Alley the other day. We will not push you for details, but I will ask you to be careful."

"I will be, Father. I have people helping me, and if all goes my way, then I may have some unusual candidates for my In Dolus Intortis."

"Oh?"

"Yes."

"You are not going to tell us who they are, are you Snakelet?"

"Nope, that would ruin the surprise when I announce them. You will not be disappointed, Father, that I can promise you."

"Your Papa and I will look forward to it then."

He couldn't sleep. He was much too excited. His heart is pounding in his chest as he lies there, eyes staring into the abyss, the darkness intruding his vision that he couldn't tell whether he was genuinely looking up at his bedroom ceiling or not. That was always the thing about the darkness that baffled him; despite his knowledge of gravity (thanks to muggle primary school) and that he was sure that he would stand up on his own two feet, he was always confused in the darkness. He had memorized the distances as soon as he arrived at the Manor dissolved into fiction; it always seemed to make him second guess himself, pondering how far the bathroom was from the bed.

He shuffles around, unable to find a comfortable enough position to sleep in, and it frustrates him to no end. Knowing that he will pay for it dearly tomorrow if he couldn't drop off to sleep soon. He sighs, rubbing his tired eyes. He was tired, exhausted even. His eyelids felt heavy, his mouth felt stuffed with cotton wool, and his muscles were lethargic, yet he still couldn't fall asleep. He had tried every trick he could think of as well, and still, nothing seemed to be working. He sighs again.

Glancing towards his bedroom door, Aldwyn bites his lip, contemplating his next move. He could. He was sure it wouldn't be much of a problem, but still. Would he get into trouble for such a thing? He didn't just want to assume he was allowed, but they had said. It had been explained to him that he could if he needed to, and his sudden bout of insomnia seemed like a good enough reason to him. Steeling his nerves and making up his mind, Aldwyn slips to the end of his mattress, placing his feet on the cold floor; he shivers as he pushes himself to his feet. Reaching out to slip his sleep robe over his shoulders, his slippers onto his feet, he slips out of his bedroom. Walking through the darkened corridors of the Manor was creepy, not in a fear-inducing way; Aldwyn hadn't been scared of the dark for years but in a more anticipation-inducing way. He felt as if something would happen any minute, and his muscles tense as he waits for something to pop out at him.

Halting outside his parents' bedroom door, Aldwyn takes a deep breath before he twists the handle, making sure not to make much noise; he slips through the tiny crack. Standing with his back pressed to the door, Aldwyn glances around the room, eyes narrowing as he tries to see through the darkness, trying to locate where his parents' bed is. He had never been in their room before, never having much of a need for it. When the sound of rustling sheets reaches his ears, and a soft light floods the room. Aldwyn lifts a hand, covering his eyes from the assault.

"Aldwyn? Are you alright, Snakelet?"

Peering through his fingers, Aldwyn blushes when he meets the sleepy-ridden gaze of his Papa, the man having just woken up. Guilt instantly fills his gut, stones forming in his stomach at the thought of waking either of his parents up. Though it was probably too much to hope for that, he could slip into their bed without either of them waking up. He nods his head, shuffling across the room when his Papa holds a hand out to him.

"I couldn't sleep. I didn't mean to wake you up."

Severus leans over, picking his Son up and settling him between himself and Marvolo, who rolls over, brown eyes opening slowly at the movement. He drags a hand down his face when he spots Severus holding Aldwyn in a loose embrace, brushing his tangled hair from his face.

"There is no need for that Snakelet; we will always want you to come to us if you are having troubles. Even if you have to wake one of us up."

"Your Papa is right, Snakelet. We would rather you wake us up than suffer on your own."

Marvolo pushes himself up, placing a kiss on Aldwyn's forehead as he joins the embrace, hand resting on the small of Severus' back. He draws them both in closer. Aldwyn settles back, relaxing into his parents' warmth and the feeling of safety that envelops him.

"I'm nervous."

"I know, Snakelet. Many things have happened in the last couple of months. Some have turned your life on its head completely. It is alright for you to seek comfort, especially when you will be away from your Father for the first time since coming to us. You are allowed to feel this way, Snakelet."

"I won't be that far away, Aldwyn. We have the mirrors; I know it won't be the same, but you can still talk to me whenever you wish. And I will be able to apparate into the Chamber of secrets if you wish to see me. I am coming to see what you do to the Chamber of Secrets when you finish it."

"You will also have Bill and Charlie there with you. Despite Bill being the Ancient runes Professor, you may still speak to him if you wish, and Charlie will be one of your teachers anyway. If anyone questions how you know Bill and Charlie, inform them they were two of your tutors over the holidays to ensure you were up to speed with the rest of your peers."

"Alright, Father, Papa. I think I am feeling a little better now, but may I stay here with you tonight, please?"

Aldwyn looks imploringly from his Papa to his Father, eyes widening as he bites his lower lip. He had never been allowed to sleep next to someone before, not when he had nightmares, nor when he was feeling sick or needed comfort. Not like Dudley had been allowed to with his parents. He would always get shouted at and punished if he were even to try to receive some form of comfort from his Aunt and Uncle. His parents smile down at him, however, and he relaxes.

"Of course, you can, Snakelet. You need not ask."

He settles down, letting his parents' fuss over him as they all settle down on the mattress, Marvolo securing the covers around them as they cuddle close. He closes his eyes, feeling his exhaustion hitting when his head hits the pillow, but a sudden thought snaps his eyes open.

"Will I be able to stay in your quarters with you occasionally, Papa?"

"I don't see why not. Dumbledore will have no say in the matter, and I can ask Hogwarts to add a bedroom to my private quarters. As long as it is not all the time."

"It won't be. I will feel better if I know I have somewhere to go if things get a little much. I have never liked crowds or a lot of children. May we have dinner together at the weekends as well?"

Severus chuckles, shifting onto his side so he could wrap his arm around Aldwyn's waist, hand brushing against Marvolo's side as he does. His cheeks light up in the darkness when he feels one of Marvolo's hands slipping his fingers through his own.

"I think I will be able to arrange that, Snakelet."

"You are making me jealous, my dears. Am I to be left out of these entertaining family meals?"

"Oh, I am sure someone will find a way to persuade me into allowing you to use my fireplace, Marvolo. If our Son is agreeable to you intruding on our Papa and Son bonding times."

Aldwyn giggles at the playful teasing from his Papa. He had never expected the man to be so animated, not from what he had learnt of the man during his first year in Hogwarts. Still, then again, Dumbledore had been watching them both closely, controlling their moves through manipulations and harsh expectations. In the case of Severus, small amounts of blackmail as well.

"Hmmm. I don't know. What will I get out of the deal?"

"Ah. Our little Slytherin is bargaining with me. Is seeing your favourite Father not enough of a reward for you, my little Snakelet?"

"Nope. I demand one hug and one kiss per visit."

"You drive a hard bargain, Snakelet, but I think I may be able to manage that."

Marvolo answers, dropping a kiss to his Son's forehead as Severus manages to switch off the bedside lamp, plunging them into darkness.

A/N

Hiya guys,

Oh My Goddess! Guys, I am so sorry for the late publication of this chapter. It has been uploaded in my Document manager for ages and I honest to Hecate thought that I had already uploaded it! It wasn't until I went to upload Chapter 24 did I realise that this one hadn't actually be added to the story! Can you ever forgive me? I am so sorry!