Chapter Twenty-Four
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: 6,030
Date Written: 12/07/2021
Aldwyn wakes up nice and warm. More content than he had felt in the past week or so and he wasn't too sure why, that is until he shifted under the covers. A soothing touch pulled gently at his hair, his hands clenching tightly in silken material, a slightly different texture than the bedding he was wrapped in. Snuggling further into the welcoming warmth, Aldwyn whines when the touch to his head halts, chuckling informing him that he wasn't alone. That the hand carding through his hair, which quickly returns to its ministrations belongs to a different person to the clothing he is clutching.
Huffing as morning light assaults his eyes when one of the figures moves, he slowly peels his eyelids open, a scowl on his lips. Blinking to allow his sight to adjust to the increase of light, Aldwyn shifts onto his back, staring up as the picture of his Papa and Father comes into his view. His cheeks flush, memories of the previous night assaulting his mind. Recollections of him coming into his parents' room because he couldn't sleep and wished for their comfort.
Looking from his Papa to his Father, Aldwyn feels his embarrassment ebbing away when all they do is smile down at him, expressions understanding. He knows that they are not looking forward to having him in the territory of Dumbledore and his followers, but not having much choice in the matter. Besides, his Papa, as well as Bill and Charlie were going to be there with him. He would be safe as safe as he could be within the walls of Hogwarts Castle.
"Good morning, Snakelet."
"Good morning, Papa, Father."
"Did you sleep well, Son?"
"Much better than I have been the past few days. Thank you for letting me stay with you."
Severus leans over, dropping a soft kiss to Aldwyn's forehead, helping his Son to sit up, covers pooling around his waist as he cuddles between his parents. He smiles when he feels his Father following his Papa's affections.
"You never have to thank us for something like this, Snakelet. You will always be welcome to come to either of us when you wish to." Marvolo responds, ruffling his Son's tangled locks, running small sparks of magic through his fingers to detangle the knots. "Now, how about some breakfast. You have a big day ahead of you."
"Breakfast sounds good."
Aldwyn grins, slipping off the bed along with his Papa and Father, he slips his hand into theirs as they make their way through the quiet hallways. He didn't want to waste any time he had left with his parents, despite being able to have dinner with them on the weekends and seeing them on occasion when he invited them to his meetings in the Chamber of Secrets. He particularly was going to miss his Father terribly, glad that he now had a two-way mirror in order to speak with the man whenever he wished.
He smiles up at Severus when the man holds the door leading to the dining room open for himself and his Father, skipping through the door. He calls a bright 'good morning' to the Malfoy family who are seated around the table already, bedroom robes and slippers adorning their sleepy figures. He waves to Draco who returns his gesture, bouncing in his seat.
"You seem a little excited there, Draco."
"Well, of course I am, Aldwyn. We get to go to Hogwarts today!"
"You know, it is only when I was introduced to the Wizarding World that I saw children excited to go to school. Many children in the Muggle World hated school and always dreaded the first day at the end of the Summer Holidays."
Aldwyn comments slipping into his seat, he smiles wider at Draco, chuckling when the older boy merely sticks his nose into the air, a haughty smirk on his lips.
"Yes, well those poor deprave children do not know what they are missing out on. We get to learn Magic and all about exciting creatures. They do not. I bet their lessons are really boring compared to what we get to learn about."
"It is. I remember learning about stuff that wasn't very interesting at all. Except maybe some of the science aspects and some of the lessons on Geography were interesting, but most of it was boring."
Aldwyn agrees, bringing forth his recollections of muggle primary school, he had hated Mathematics and English, those subjects always boring him despite his high grades. He didn't find anything about school fascinating, not really. He spent most of his time with his head down, not drawing attention to himself and hiding out in the library when lessons were not going on. It hadn't been a very enjoyable time for him and he didn't like thinking about it if he could help it.
Thanking the House elves when a large spread of food appears on the table, Aldwyn is quick to pile his plate high with an assortment of food, favouring a bowl of fruit with a small serving of sausage and eggs. Pouring himself a glass of milk he talks with his parents, the Malfoys and Draco, his friend's excitement rubbing off on him as the morning slowly escapes them.
Soon. Much too soon in Aldwyn's opinion, he is being ushered out of the dining room in order to dress for the day. He deliberately choses one of his less formal robes in a deep purple. His plain white school shirt and black dress trousers on underneath with his generic Hogwarts tie. He didn't wish to have to undress completely in front of everyone. Clipping a black travelling cloak around his shoulders, Aldwyn tightens the laces of his Dragonhide boots before meeting up with his family in the Floo room. Brushing a hand over the Prince and Slytherin crests on his cloak.
"Alright, are we all ready?"
Marvolo calls, clapping his hands to gather everyones' attention as Aldwyn quickly taps his trunk with his wand, smirking in satisfaction when his belongings shrink down to a more manageable size. Slipping the trunk into his pocket, Aldwyn walks closer to the group, grinning at Draco when they all nod their affirmations. Gathering around the fireplace in order to Floo straight onto the platform. They were not going to run at any wall, especially not in full view of Muggles.
The Malfoy family goes first, calling out their destination as they disappear one by one; the Slytherin family following closely behind. Aldwyn flinches at the sudden increase of volume. Children were running through the crowds, squealing and shouting while Adults attempted to keep sight of their own kids, shouting and screaming when they got too far away. He watches the chaos with distain.
"You know, for this being a Wizarding Platform, you would think that someone would add an extension charm on it. Wouldn't that lead to less crowds?" He mutters, scowling when a young brat almost ploughs straight into him and Draco.
"One would assume, then again many wizards are not born with much common sense." Draco drawls in response.
"Alright boys behave this year. We do not want to receive any missives home informing us of any rule breaking. If you are going to break the school rules, then I would rather you not be caught. If you are…"
"We know, Father. Do not get caught, but if you are, then deflect the blame onto someone else. Do not admit to anything."
Aldwyn rolls his eyes, smirking up at his Father who scowls down at him, cuffing him round the back of his head for his cheek. Aldwyn giggles, drawing his parents into a tight embrace, the train ride would hopefully go quickly so he would be able to see his Papa soon and so he could inform his Father about his sorting. He pulls back, smiling.
"Cheeky brat, I just worry about you."
"I know you do, Father and I get that but Bill, Charlie and Papa are going to be with me as are Draco and Blaise. By Christmas I am going to introduce more people into our study group, I am going to be fine."
"Also, Uncle Marvolo, if anyone on Dumbledore's side does try anything against Aldwyn, it will give you a good excuse to fight against him even more. He will regret harming Aldwyn when he is facing you."
Marvolo chuckles, ruffling Aldwyn's hair much to his Son's chagrin. Pressing one final kiss to the boy's forehead, and bringing Draco into a hug, Marvolo watches as the others take it in turns to say their final goodbyes to the two children.
"Behave you two."
"You know us, Father." Aldwyn shrugs.
"That doesn't reassure me in the slightest, Aldwyn."
"Father, you need to stop worrying so much, we will be fine, and I will see you at Christmas. Before that actually."
"The Manor is going to seem quiet without you there to cause havoc." Marvolo whispers, pushing Aldwyn towards the train just as the warning whistle sounds through the platform.
Aldwyn grins, grabbing Draco's hand the pair quickly make their way onto the train, turning in the doorway to wave at their parents before they disappear along the corridor in search of their friends. It takes them a moment of searching for them to catch sight of Blaise who is sitting with his nose stuck in a book. Sharing a smirk, Draco throws open the compartment door, sniggering alongside Aldwyn when Blaise jumps up from his seat, book falling to the floor as his wand appears in his hand. He scowls furiously at his friends when he realises just who is standing in front of him. Huffing, Blaise slips his wand back into his holster, bending down to pick up his book he collapses back onto the bench.
"Good morning, Blaise!"
"That was not funny, Draco."
"Hey, how do you know it wasn't Aldwyn?"
Draco exclaims, pouting at Blaise as he throws himself down opposite Blaise, Aldwyn quietly slipping into the seat by his friend's side, grinning when Blaise wraps a friendly arm around his shoulder, scowl still firmly in place.
"Because Aldwyn isn't a moron, unlike yourself, Draco."
"I resent that." Draco denies, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
Blaise ignores Draco, opening his book back up to the passage of text he got to much to Aldwyn's amusement, he settles back against the chair, smirking when Draco huffs indignantly. Before the blond can retort in kind the door to their compartment slides open allowing the rest of their Slytherin friends entrance. Aldwyn breath a sigh when the compartment magically expands to allow them all to sit. Though that does give him pause, he frowns.
"What's wrong, Aldwyn?"
"Nothing. Just something that happened to me last year." At seeing the expectant gazes, Aldwyn feels his cheeks flushing. "It really is nothing, Dray. I will tell you later. It's not something I can say in front of just anyone."
Draco and Blaise instantly understand, it had something to do with his past life, something to do with Harry Potter and until he was 100% certain that none of the Slytherin students were going to go against him, to betray his trust he wasn't going to mention it in front of them. Despite their suspicious expressions. Aldwyn wished to wait until at least Christmas before he offered anyone an invitation to his In Dolus Intortis.
"Alright, Aldwyn. So, how was everyone's Summer Holidays?"
Blaise directs the conversation, silencing any questions about their conversation or any inquiries into Aldwyn's need for secrecy, more so than the rest of them all. Their friends take the hint and begin to take turns in describing what they had been up to during the last few weeks of their holidays. Aldwyn was slightly jealous of some of their trips, many taking off for a week or two to countries in mainland Europe. Maybe he could ask his Papa and Father if they could go away for a while next year, he had never been on a holiday before.
Only an hour or two pass from when their journey had begun when the door to their compartment is thrown open once again, silencing their conversation as they all turn towards the corridor, scowls instantly forming when Granger and Weasel stand in the doorway.
"Can we help you?" Draco drawls, not lifting his eyes from his book.
"I'm here for Aldwyn."
The compartment descends into silence, the Slytherin students staring incredulously at Weasley and Granger, the two Gryffindors looking so self-assured as they continue to block the doorway, smug smiles shaping their lips. Aldwyn scoffs, he should have seen this coming, especially from the look Molly Weasley had given him in Flourish and Blotts. By her Son's actions he had clearly been told to befriend him or more likely pretend to be his friend in order to score some status for his family. Whether monetary or social he couldn't be sure.
"Oh? And why would that be. I think I made it pretty obvious in Flourish and Blotts that I do not know you, nor would I wish to know you."
Aldwyn smirks, vindictive pleasure coursing through his body when Ronald and Hermione faulter, their grins dropping from their faces as they stare over at him in confusion. Clearly, they hadn't expected him to outright reject them. It baffled him how people could say that Slytherins were arrogant. Did they honestly believe that he would go with them willingly, after his display? After the Weasel had insulted his Papa and almost attacked himself.
"You told my Mother…"
"I told your Mother that I would consider the possibility of us being friends if you bucked up your Gryffindor bravery and apologised to not only myself, but my Papa as well and seen as you have neglected to do the latter than we have nothing more to talk about."
Weasley bristles at the thought of apologising to Professor Snape, the greasy haired git being nothing but spiteful and cruel against himself and his housemates, Harry Potter in particular, all throughout their first year within the school. Though what Ronald didn't know is that Severus is one of the most involved heads of Houses within Hogwarts, always ensuring that he had time to spend with his Slytherins every day, with office hours to provided extra support. A far cry from Professor McGonagall.
"I'll tell my Mum…"
"Tell her what exactly? That I refused to be your friend because you wouldn't apologise for insulting my Dad or that you constantly belittle my decisions on how to live my own life. If I wish to be friends with Draco, my Godbrother, then I will. If I wish to hang out with children, my own age who just happen to be placed in Slytherin then so be it. The House does not make the Wizard, Weasel, nor do their parents. As soon as we graduate, what house we were sorted into won't even matter anymore. No, employers will readily hire someone with immaculate N.E.W.T scores than a Hufflepuff, solely based on a House they were sorted into during their adolescents."
Granger and Weasley stand rooted to the spot after his words, eyes blown wide as they stare at him, he ignores the looks from his friends, not sure how they would take his thoughts, but it had been something his Father had mentioned to him before. An off-handed comment which had stuck with him, just a little reassurance from his Father when he had been having one of his episodes to calm him down. His Father was completely assured that he could get into any job he wished based on his grades alone, though his social and blood status would give him an advantage over others.
"Exactly, Weasel. So, unless you can find some of that Gryffindor courage and apologise to Professor Snape, your presence here is no longer required, nor wanted."
"Not that it was wanted in the first place."
"Very true, Blaise. So, Granger, Weasley are you going to leave of your own accord, or do we have to escort you out of our compartment?"
"You can't threaten us! We will stay wherever we wish. This isn't your compartment."
Hermione scowls, eyes narrowing at the group of Slytherin students, fists clenching into the material of her school uniform, the girl having already gotten changed from her muggle clothes. Aldwyn found that fact highly amusing as, despite how the girl continuously paraded how proud she was to be Muggleborn, the first Witch in her family, she was quick to discard her muggle clothes and such as soon as she stepped onto the Hogwarts express. It was funny to watch, something which provided him with endless entertainment.
"Oh no, I think you misunderstood Tracy, Granger. She wasn't threatening you. It was a promise."
"Besides, Granger, this compartment is ours, for the sole reason that it is the compartment we always sit in whenever we are going home or to the school."
The Slytherin students' smirk, flicking their wrists to release their wands from their holsters, their parents didn't want them walking around with them in their pockets or even in their robes like the rest of the school too much could go wrong. They watch as Weasley snarls, ripping his own wand out of his pocket, though his face quickly pales when he is instantly on the receiving end of over 5 wands. Taking a step back, Ronald growls clenching his fists around his wand, looking as if he were about to throw the thing away and resort to physical violence.
"I wouldn't if I were you, Weasel. I don't think my Papa would be overtly impressed if I turned up at the sorting ceremony with bruises and a bloodied nose and I would inform him of this little altercation upon my arrival."
Ronald clenches his teeth, the bones grinding together and Aldwyn smirks he always enjoyed winding up Weasley, it was quickly becoming one of his favourite past times. He watches as Granger quickly grabs Ronald's arm, dragging him down the train corridor before her friend actually leaped at the Slytherin students, knowing that they wouldn't stand a chance against all of them.
Aldwyn collapses back against the chair, resting his head on Blaise's shoulder, they could have at least waited until they had arrived at the castle before starting anything. Despite sleeping in his parents' bedroom, the previous night, he hadn't actually gotten that much sleep and it was starting to catch up with him. He sighs, slipping his wand back into its holster when Blaise wraps an arm around his shoulders.
"You alright there, Aldwyn?"
"Yea, just a little tired."
"Well, why don't you rest a little; we can wake you up closer to the school."
"No, if I fall asleep now, I wont be able to sleep properly tonight and then I will just be as exhausted for our first lessons."
Aldwyn sighs, pulling himself away from Blaise' comfortable warmth, if he stayed there for much longer then he would drift off to sleep and he really didn't wish to be this tired for his lessons tomorrow morning, it would be difficult enough to try and practice his magic while fighting to keep his eyes open, let alone listen to drab lecturers. Scrubbing a hand over his face, Aldwyn smiles when a knock sounds on their compartment door. Leaping to his feet, he opens the door reaching into his pocket for some money that his Father had given to him.
"Anything of the trolley, dears?"
His friends quickly follow suit, requesting various sweats, treats and drinks to tide them over for the extensive train journey into the Highlands of Scotland. Settling back into their seats, the students are quick to fill the silence with chatter, laughter and the occasional arguments. Sweats being exchanged between them as various games begin to make an appearance and Aldwyn can't help but smile at the explosion of noise. It was nice to sit with such a large group of people, ones he knows will stick by him for a while, even if for just his Father's sake. He would rather have friends who he knows will have his back, then people who he would have to continuously keep track of. His year mates had shown him just how willing they are to follow him, put their faith in him and protect him if the need arose by their actions during the altercation with Weasley.
Glancing up from his chocolate frog, Aldwyn meets Blaise and Draco's eyes, each boy raising an eyebrow at their friend's contemplative expression. They relax a little when he smiles at them, gaze flittering around the compartment before he nods, a small incline of his head and they know; they instantly know what he is trying to tell them. Blaise and Draco smile back, smirking between the three of them before they are pulled into a game of exploding snaps by Theo.
Aldwyn was nervous, he didn't like it. Not one bit. After being dropped off at Hogsmeade Station, he had followed his friends towards the carriages, there was no way he was going to be ushered along with the first years. Being the only one older than eleven to be sorted was embarrassing enough, he wasn't going to be lumped together with them. No, what really bothered him was how Minerva McGonagall had practically demanded for him to stay standing in an anti-camber of sorts and wait. No explanation as to what was happening, nor what he was supposed to be waiting for. If he hadn't been to the school the previous year, he would have been close to having another episode, luckily for him he had been a student previously and knew what to expect.
He jumps startled when the door slams open and McGonagall walks back into the room, looking down her nose at him. He tries to resist the urge to squirm and instead aims a charming smile towards her, smoothing his robes down as he follows her out of the chamber. Aldwyn raises an eyebrow, was she not going to explain anything to him? He had thought that she would, for the sole reason that he was one of her colleague's children. Oh well, he would make sure to pay her back for that little slip. He wonders what she would do if he let slip a little of his Slytherin side before the actually sorting took place.
Following the Professor down the long aisle between the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables, Aldwyn glances around the room, sending a subtle wink to Blaise and Draco who snicker. McGonagall gestures for him to stop at the bottom of the steps and he frowns, was it so hard for her to actually speak to him, he hadn't done anything to warrant such behaviour, from a head of house no less. For all she knew, he could end up in her house, no matter how unlikely.
"Slytherin, Aldwyn."
So, she wasn't going to tell him anything then. Aldwyn remains where he is ignoring the Professor's call choosing instead to glance along the staff table, withholding a smirk when the teachers stare down at him with confusion written across their features. Except his Papa. Severus shakes his head, smirking down at his Son who grins back. Severus knew just what his Son was up to and he merely rolled his eyes. His eyes trail the table further, sending a subtle wink to the Weasley Brothers, who by the silence permitting from the Gryffindor table, hadn't been spotted by their younger siblings yet.
"Mr Slytherin?"
Aldwyn glances back up at Minerva, raising an eyebrow at her disgruntle expression.
"Are you referring to me, Professor?"
"Of course, I am, who else would I be speaking to?"
"That is what I am confused to as well Professor. For one you never informed me as to what we were doing, nor did you give me any insight as to what this sorting may in tale. I understand that my Papa is part of the faculty, but it is your job to explain the Houses and the Sorting to any new students. Second, I would appreciate it if you used my correct name."
The hall is silent, many students staring down at the young child in awe, no one, not even seventh year students had the confidence to speak to Professor McGonagall like that. Many of them were glancing from Aldwyn to their Professor, staring at her with incredulity in their expressions. She hadn't given him the usual run down of the sorting. How was he supposed to know what to do? Severus scowls at his colleague.
"I thought your Papa would have explained it all to you."
"Why? Is it not part of the Hogwarts experience to be unaware of the sorting until you arrive at the gates? Is it not tradition for the Deputy Headmistress to give the typical welcome speech to any new students?"
"Alright, I apologise. Now, if you will allow me to proceed before the first years arrive."
"Of course, Professor."
"Prince-Slytherin, Aldwyn."
"Yes, Professor?" Aldwyn has to cast his eyes to the side to prevent from smirking outright when the vein in McGonagall's face twitches at his audacity.
"When I call your name, you are supposed to come up here, so I may place the sorting hat onto your head."
"Oh, my apologise, Professor. I was unaware of such a thing."
Aldwyn slowly, carefully walks up the steps, keeping his face as impassive as possible, settling himself down on the rickety stool. He stiffens when the Hat is dropped over his head, coming down to cover his vision partially.
"Ah, interesting. A brilliant mind here I see and a lot of hidden secrets too. Welcome back to Hogwarts Mr Potter."
"It's Aldwyn Prince -Slytherin now, actually."
"Yes, yes, I see that, my apologise Heir Prince-Slytherin. It has been long overdue since a founders Heir graced our halls, I am excited to see what you bring to our castle, young one."
"Thank you."
"Now, where to put you. I will assume that you will allow me to sort you correctly this time, yes?"
"Yes, it was a grave error on my part to think I knew more than such an intelligent magical artefact."
"Yes, quite indeed. An intelligent child, you would do well in Ravenclaw, but I fear those poor Claws would not survive long with you in their ranks. You value Loyalty, though I feel it is not quite the same as our dear Hufflepuffs. Plenty of courage and bravery, but again, different from Godric's. I know the perfect place for you, Little Slytherin. Welcome Home."
"Better be, Slytherin!"
Aldwyn feels relief wash through him, he was going to be in his Papa's house, he wasn't going to be separated from his friends. It would be much easier for him to control and train alongside his In Dolus Intortis now that he was definitely in the same house as them. He hops off the stool, hands the hat back to McGonagall with a shy smile before turning to walk to his new table. He smirks when half the house climbs to their feet, clapping and cheering, the most uncouth he had seen the Slytherin students acting. Baring the Troll incident.
Sliding into a seat between Draco and Blaise, Aldwyn glances up at the Staff table, smirking when his Papa raises his goblet in congratulations, a proud smile stretching across his lips. He had known that his parents had silently wished for him to be placed in Slytherin, if only so Severus could keep a closer eye on him while he was under the scrutiny of Albus Dumbledore and now, it seems McGonagall. Bill and Charlie grin at him as well, holding their thumbs up in congratulations. He grins in return.
"I knew you could do it, Aldwyn!"
"Oh come on, Draco. You make it seem like he passed some sort of test."
"Well, we all do during the sorting, if you think about it, Daphne."
"Ignore Tracy, Aldwyn. Welcome to Slytherin."
"Thank you. It would be quite the family embarrassment if I were to have been sorted anywhere else, don't you think?"
The Slytherin's in earshot chuckle at his comment, nodding their heads in agreement. It would be mortifying for the young Slytherin Heir to be sorted into Gryffindor or Hufflepuff especially. Though he would have gotten away with Ravenclaw. Aldwyn grins at his housemates, already feeling more at ease and welcomed than he had in Gryffindor; they had only wanted him for his name; his fame and fortune. That much had been obvious in their chants of 'We got Potter'. Before their conversation can continue, the doors of the Great Hall are thrown open once more; Professor McGonagall strolls in, face set in a firm scowl as she leads the small First Years through the centre aisle. Their little faces dropping in awe and pleasure as they gaze around the intricacy of the Great Halls décor, even the Pureblood Heirs. Not that he can blame them. He had been even more awestruck at the beautiful fixture; it had been so different from his dreary, cobweb-ridden cupboard or the Dursley's pristine, normal house.
"I am sure your Father and Papa wouldn't have minded having a Ravenclaw Heir, Prince Slytherin." A much larger, possibly Sixth year student comments, a smirk playing on his lips as he gestures towards the staff table.
Aldwyn follows his gaze, cheeks flushing visibly in pleasure at the proud sparkle still shining in his Papa's eyes, it truly made him feel wanted and loved.
"I'm Marcus Flint, by the way."
"I have heard of you, Mr Flint. A whizz on the Quidditch Pitch I am led to believe?"
"Nah, just know how the bend the rules in our favour is all and with that Potter brat out of the running for Gryffindor Seeker we have a chance of stealing back the Quidditch Cup this year,"
Aldwyn laughs at Marcus' smirk, there was nothing friendly in the older boy's gaze, not that he was complaining, if what he had heard (and witnessed last year on the Pitch) Marcus is a force to be reckoned with when it came down to Quidditch.
"Speaking of Quidditch. You are on the look out for a new seeker, are you not Flint?"
"Is that you offering, Malfoy?"
"It would have been if Aldwyn hadn't transferred here this year. I think with him in the running my talents are best saved for that open Chaser position…" Draco hints, smirking when Marcus' eyes widen, glancing down to Aldwyn in surprise.
"You play?"
"He puts Harry Potter to shame, Flint. I have seen it myself." Blaise jumps in, chuckling softly at the pale blush dusting Aldwyn's face at the praise. The rest of his friends nod in agreement. Marcus' grin is frighteningly fierce as he turns to Aldwyn.
"You are going to be at try-outs in a few weeks right, Prince-Slytherin?"
"I was contemplating it."
"Come on, I think if you are as good as your friends seem to think then you are practically guaranteed the position. We can't lose to those Gryffs again! Not with that bull-headed Wood in charge."
"Wood?" Aldwyn questions, knowing that he shouldn't know who these people are.
"I heard that last year he almost ran his team to exhaustion with the amount of time he forced his team to practice. That boy is too anal about his Quidditch." A boy with dark blond hair puts in from opposite Marcus. "Adrien Pucey, nice to meet you."
"And Marcus isn't?" Another Sixth year adds in, smirking. "Graham Montague."
"Nice to meet you both. How did his team win if they were exhausted all of the time? Wasn't Potter just a first year? That would have seriously effected his abilities on the pitched wouldn't it?"
"It seems that Wood, while training his team up as best as he could during the early hours of the morning and get his Chasers to score as many points as possible, or merely keep possession of the Quaffle, his team heavily relied on Potter to catch the Snitch in order to win."
"That's terrible. They are supposed to work as a team, not rely on one member. What if Potter would have been injured and taken off. They would have panicked too much to concentrate on winning."
"Exactly, which is why many teams would order their Beaters to constantly aim for Potter. If they took him out, then they would win hands down. The Gryffindor reserve Seeker was shockingly bad."
"I heard Potter almost swallowed the Snitch in his first game…"
"No… Don't…" Adrien and Graham share exasperated looks when Marcus's scowl deepens.
"I know right? That is not how you play Quidditch, but obviously McGonagall who was in charge of the scoring counted it as a save only because it was one of her own. I bet if Terrence caught the Snitch in his mouth we would have been done for a forfeit or even a penalty shot!"
"Now you've done it, kiddo!" Aldwyn watches in veiled amusement. He hadn't really thought much about his first Quidditch game, not for a long time at least. He hadn't realised how fixed the game seemed to have been in his favour. Seen as he had only been on a broom a handful of times previously, barely knew the rules of the game and had still won against students who had years of experience on him. The Slytherin team clearly having been taught from a very young age.
"Freakin' McGonagall. She just wanted to finally win the Quidditch Cup. Gryffindor hasn't won it since Charlie Weasley played that one game in his second year in 1985. She was really upset when he refused to join the team officially in favour of studying his Care of Magical Creature texts."
"He became one of the world's best Dragon Tamers I heard."
"Yea, he did. In Romania, I hear."
Aldwyn exchanges amused glances with Draco and Blaise, the only two of his friends who he had informed about the new staff members at Hogwarts that year. Though before anyone can question their brief silent conversation, Dumbledore is climbing to his feet, hands spread wide as the food disappears. Aldwyn feels his smirk widening as a hush settles along the hall.
"Welcome back to our returning students, and to our new I merely greet you in welcome. There are a few last minute notifications that I must inform you off before I can send you all off to bed as I am sure you are all tired from the long journey. First of all, I would like to congratulate our own Potions Master, Professor Severus Prince on the acquiring of his Lordship and for the exciting news of his growing family."
The hall stutters to life, clapping and cheering, calls of congratulations coming from all around the room, though the Gryffindor table remains stubbornly quiet, silent mutterings passing up and down their bench as to who in their right mind would wilfully partner up with their greasy dungeon professor. Subtle glances flicker over to Aldwyn who is smirking in evil delight at his Papa's embarrassment.
"Yes, yes, a big congratulations to Professor Prince. Now, I would like to also introduce three brand new faculty members to our ever-changing family. Please put your hands together for our new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, Professor Gilderoy Lockhart. Our new Care of Magical Creatures Professor, Professor Charlie Weasley and our new History of Magic Professor, Professor William Weasley!"
Aldwyn claps and cheers along with the rest of the school, the Slytherin students taking their ques from him as many of them knew who his Father was, and if Aldwyn was pleased with their appointment as their new professors then it must have something to do with their Lord's future plans. Loud exclamations of shock echo through the hall and Aldwyn, Draco and Blaise can't help but snicker at the pale, open-jawed expressions of Ronald, Ginevra, Fred and George Weasley as they continue to stare up at the Head table frozen in surprise.
A/N
Hello again my lovelies. How are you all doing this fine day! I have to apologise once more for the late releases of these chapters, these past few months have been ridiculously hectic with the store reopening back in Mid-April and my taking almost 45 hours every week since then! It has been a very busy couple of months, but my hours have decreased now so I should be able to pump out a few more chapters for you! I honestly have been missing just sitting at my computer for hours on end writing.
Please write and review what you think!
ALSO IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAD FOR PRANKS THAT ALDWYN AND DRACO CAN PULL OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS, FACULTY MEMBERS OR EVEN THE ENTIRE SCHOOL THEN I AM ALL EARS!