Hey again! :) Already at chapter 19 now, getting closer to the (happy) ending ;)
Thank you for your loyalty and your awesome feedback, Gypsyrose98! :) and joffrey: I put plenty of warnings up before every chapter, and the story is rated M for a reason. I never attempted to portray Aurelius as a saint, since he is not. None of the characters in my story are saints, let alone Tom ;)
WARNING: Some CP/ Humiliation.
"Are you ready, Tommy?"
Tom swallowed hard, and then he took a deep breath, "I…am scared", he eventually whispered, "he…he was so mad at me last time, he…he said…", he had to force back the tears remembering it, "he said…he's dis…disappointed in me."
"I know, Tommy- but that was a long time ago, hmm? And I think my boy is ready to show him that there's no reason to be disappointed anymore", Aurelius kept his voice soft, "you'll do great, Tommy. You have worked hard, and I am so proud of you. So, so proud", he ruffled his hair affectionally, "now, when we go inside, you will hold my hand, keep your head down, and walk next to me silently, just like we practiced, alright?"
"Yes, Aurelius."
"Good boy. Come on then- let's show my father how hard you've worked", and then Aurelius knocked on the door, the door to Gryffindor's office- and after a few seconds, Gryffindor's voice told them to enter. Tom felt his heart beating faster when he walked into the office next to Aurelius, holding his hand and staring on the ground in surrender. The position was standard for training- but still, it was embarrassing, given the fact that he was three whole years older than Aurelius.
"Good afternoon, Father", he heard Aurelius say calmly, and since he was not allowed to talk without being addressed, he stayed silent.
"Good afternoon, son", Gryffindor's voice was even, and Tom felt a sudden pang in his heart when he heard the Founder talk after all these weeks, all the weeks where he had basically blocked out everything that had happened the day of the fire from his mind.
"You going to say hi to me, Tommy?", he sounded amused, and Tom could not stop his body from starting to tremble slightly. He blinked back the tears, and then he slowly looked up, coming face to face with Gryffindor, who was standing by the window next to his desk, a warm smile on his face.
"Hi…Sir", he croaked out, standing frozen to the spot, his hand nervously tightening around Aurelius' hand, needing his assurance and safety.
Gryffindor smiled at the motion, pride in his eyes, "I've missed you, my sweet boy", he said softly, and then he opened his arms- and Tom forgot everything about presenting, and training, and behaving appropriately, he just…reacted. Seconds later, he was in Gryffindor's arms- and the Founder easily picked him up, holding him close.
Tom sobbed, pressing his face into Gryffindor's chest, and then his sobs turned into cries, "mis…missed you, too!", he finally blurted out, crying harder, "missed…you so…much! So…sorry for…what…the…I didn't…"
"Shhh…easy there, my boy- take a deep breath, Tommy. There you go…there's my good boy", Gryffindor slowly walked over to the couch, sitting down, Tom safely snuggled into his chest, "Aurelius told me what a good boy you have been- and how proud you made him", he started to gently caress his hair, the feeling so familiar that Tom let out a relieved little sniff, snuggling closer. He felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders when Gryffindor had called him his sweet boy and now all he wanted to do was close his eyes and stay snuggled like this forever.
"Getting sleepy there, baby bear?", he could hear Gryffindor laugh softly, and then the Founder switched his attention to his oldest son, "did he not nap today?"
"He did- I put him down after lunch like I usually do, but he was agitated about seeing you and worried about one of the owls, so it took him a while to settle down."
"Did you have to swaddle him?"
"No, I just held him for a while, and told him a story…that always helps, right, baby bear?"
Tom just nodded, his face flushing with embarrassment at listening to Gryffindor and Aurelius talk about him like he wasn't right there.
"He's probably going to take another nap- do you want to get your things done and then come back later to get him ready for bed?", Gryffindor now asked, and Aurelius nodded, "sure, I can do that", and then he leaned down to Tom, "you are going to be the sweetest boy while I am gone, obeying nicely, understand?", he kept his voice calm, needing Tom to know though, that even though Gryffindor was holding him now, he was still the one in charge.
"Yes, Aurelius", came the muffled reply, and Aurelius smiled, "good boy. Tell me what's going to happen if you decide to misbehave."
He saw Tom's ears turning red, but he was not going to spare the boy of the embarrassment to admit it- and Tom had been trained well enough to know that he did not like to ask him something twice.
"You…gonna…discipline me", Tom mumbled, hiding his face in Gryffindor's chest, his voice thick with shame, "and…I get…the…the…", he closed his eyes, forcing himself to say it, "I get the switch when…I am being bad", he finally choked out, "and…you…you're disappointed in me", he sounded miserable now, making it clear to both Gryffindor and Aurelius which part of the punishment was the worst one for him. Gryffindor shot Aurelius a proud glance, letting him know how pleased he was with him, and Aurelius smiled, and then he planted a soft kiss on Tom's head, "I might be disappointed with how you act sometimes, little bear- but then you'll get disciplined, and you'll be all forgiven after. I am going to leave now, and I will have a reward for you later if you have been good."
"I…be good", Tom whispered, "I want…my reward."
Aurelius had to laugh, "I know you do", it sounded fond, "have a good nap, Tommybear- I think you are going to sleep very well while I am gone."
"I'll make sure of that- he's going to take a nice long nap now, and then he'll have some quiet time while I work", Gryffindor's voice was calm, "and he'll be a very good boy, showing me how well he's been trained."
Tom nodded quickly, he did want to proof to Gryffindor that he could be good, and when Aurelius left and Gryffindor started to slowly rock him, he had to yawn quietly, closing his eyes.
"Sleepy boy…you still need your naps, hmm?", Gryffindor sounded amused, "get some rest, little bear", and then he started to hum something, and Tom sighed in content, snuggling even closer. He was safe- Gryffindor would always keep him safe, and he was warm and tightly snuggled, and minutes later, he was fast asleep. His full bladder woke him up about an hour later, and he blinked drowsily, "nnmmpp…"
"Hey there, little bear", Gryffindor, who was sitting at his desk now, smiled at him, "had a good nap?"
"Mmmhhh…"
"You're still tired, hmm?", Gryffindor let out a small laugh, "just go back to sleep, Tommy. It's all good."
Tom just shook his head, kicking his legs, and then he started to squirm on Gryffindor's lap, and the Founder understood, "looks like someone is ready to use the bathroom, hmm?", he winked at him, "are you going to be a big boy and go by yourself or do you need Daddy to help you?", he knew he was taking a risk by asking that, but he had seen the look in Tom's eyes when he had woken up, the same look he always had when he was regressing.
"Daddy…help", the boy whispered back, "but…I'm big boy."
"I see", Gryffindor just smiled, and then he carried the boy to the bathroom, gently putting him down on his feet. Tom immediately marched over to the toilet and peed, not seeming to care at all that Gryffindor was in the same room. He flushed the toilet, and then walked over to the sink, starting to wash his hands.
"Relius…check", he told the Founder, stretching out his wet hands after he had washed them, "check if hands are sparkly clean!"
"Dry your hands off first, and then you can come over here and show me how clean your hands are, Tommybear", Gryffindor told him calmly, "good job for acting like a big boy just now- and using the toilet all by yourself."
Tom's face lit up at the praise, and then he proudly showed off his clean hands, beaming with pride when Gryffindor announced that they were indeed sparkly clean. After that, Gryffindor took him back to his office by his hand, and then he sat down in the chair behind his desk again, pulling him on his lap. Tom instantly nuzzled into him, desperate to show him that he accepted him as being in charge, and that he wanted to be his good boy, and Gryffindor had to smile, "such a sweet boy…making me so proud…my sweet baby bear."
"Stay like this…forever, Daddy", Tom mumbled, and Gryffindor's heart got light at the boy calling him Daddy.
"Why don't you close your eyes and try napping a little longer? Daddy has to work for a little bit longer now."
"Yah. I nap, and Daddy…work."
Godric laughed softly, "that's right. Quiet time now- let me see how well you can obey me."
Tom instantly got quiet and closed his eyes, beaming when he got praised for being a good boy. He napped for a little longer, and when he woke up, Gryffindor was still working. Tom stayed silent, watching his Daddy writing something that looked very important, and he was proud of his Daddy for being such a hard worker. He could be very quiet and not disturb his Daddy.
I am being good for Daddy, so he can work. He needs me to be quiet to work.
"You are being very good right now, Tommy", Gryffindor told him, amusement in his voice, "you are my little helper, aren't you? Helping Daddy with his work by being so nice and quiet."
I am helping Daddy!
He felt his chest swell with pride, there was definitely no better job in the whole wide world than being Daddy's helper. Not even being the Owlery Organizer was this great! Tom snuggled closer again, a happy, content smile on his lips. He stayed silent, listening to Gryffindor's low words of praise while he worked, enjoying being so close to his Daddy. Aurelius came back twenty minutes later, carrying a bag in his hands.
"How's my sweet boy?", he came closer, giving Tom a quick kiss on his hair, "have you been behaving for me?"
"He has- he's been a very good boy", Gryffindor sounded pleased, "and he went to use the toilet all by himself, and washed his hands sparkly clean after."
"Did he, really?", Aurelius sounded amused, "I had a feeling my boy would make me proud today- so I got him something very special at the store", he took a package out of the bag, and Tom, who had been listening attentively, let out a small, excited gasp.
"Do you like it, Tommybear?"
Yes, yes, yes!
He nodded quickly, extending his hands for his present, and it made both Godric and Aurelius laugh.
"You have permission to speak now, sweet boy", Gryffindor said in his ear, "I am so proud of you, Tommybear. You are making Daddy very proud today."
Tom blushed with pleasure, "thank you, Daddy. May I please play with my present now? I want to draw a picture for you", he held on tight to the big art kit Aurelius had gotten him, filled with different sorts of crayons, pencils, and markers.
"Yes, you may, Tommy. I would love a picture from you, sweet boy", Godric carried him over to a rug in front of the couch, "now, I want you and the drawing set to stay on the rug the whole time while you play- and when you want to go somewhere, you will politely ask permission, understand?"
"Yes, Daddy."
"Good boy. Have fun drawing, my little artist", he placed him on the very comfy rug, and Tom carefully placed the pencils next to him, making sure everything stayed on the rug.
"This will be helpful when you want him to stay in one spot sometimes", Gryffindor explained to his son in a low voice, "especially when you have work to do. Look how careful he is at keeping all his toys on the rug- you really did a great job training him, Aurelius. He's finally content."
They were both watching Tom happily babbling to himself while he was drawing, his tongue sticking out in concentration.
"He's a lot happier now", Aurelius stated, "he loves his job at the owlery, and cooking, and drawing- and he enjoys reading now, too. It has given him plenty of confidence, the same confidence he always got from being Lord Voldemort."
Godric nodded, "and he will need that confidence- you still haven't told him what we are going to do to him, have you?"
Aurelius sighed, "I wanted to- but…I felt like there was never the perfect moment. He's finally accepting me as being in charge, he does not even protest his punishments anymore, when he was acting out a few days ago, he actually brought me the switch when I asked him to without another word."
"You are worried it will affect your relationship with him if he knows the truth."
Aurelius sighed again, it sounded tired, "yes, Father, I am. I love Tom, and I want him to be happy, and to be safe."
"Well, tell him that- and tell him soon, Aurelius. We cannot keep him inside this Manor for the rest of his life, and Dumbledore is at a point of obsession now that is not even bizarre anymore- it's dangerous. He wants Tom, and he is doing everything he can to get him. I actually just had to get rid of another house elf who had been bribed by Dumbledore to spy on me. He's too far gone now to even negotiate with anymore."
"I'll tell him tomorrow", Aurelius promised, "we are safe here though, right? And Dad is as well?"
"We are- and I just spoke to your Dad yesterday. He's doing well, helping Hagrid with reaching out to the creatures inside the Forbidden Forest. They managed to convince Firenze to join us, which is a big deal, since centaurs are usually pacifistic."
"Are you…talking, though? I mean, about anything else than the army?"
Godric grimaced, "I probably could do a better job at that", he eventually admitted, "but don't worry about that, Aurelius- just concentrate on Tom for now."
"Daddy!"
"Yes, baby?"
"I am done!", Tom announced enthusiastically, holding up a picture of a snake which was drowning in a dark pile of mud, surrounded by very grim looking trees. The picture was black and white, the only colored part a golden lion who came running with a robe between his teeth from the forest.
"That's…very nice, Tommy", Godric said, his voice flat, and Aurelius had to grin, "that's how he processes what's been happening- most of his pictures are like this. There's always a snake which is gruesomely dying, and a lion coming to the rescue. I am quite certain he does not even realize that he's drawing himself as the snake and me or you as the lion."
"You should become a psychologist, Aurelius", he sounded amused, "you might are on to something here- and that would mean that he's finally understanding that the training was supposed to help him."
"Subconsciously, I think he does, yes."
"Do you want another picture, Daddy?", Tom now interrupted them, excitement in his voice, "I could draw Beagle for you!"
"That would be fantastic, little bear- but it is getting late. It's time for dinner and bed now, Tommy."
The boy just nodded, carefully packing up his art set, and then he stretched out his arms, "carry me, Daddy?"
"Of course, sweet boy. Are you hungry?"
"Yah. I can eat a whole pizza with dessert all by myself", the boy bragged, and Godric and Aurelius had to laugh. Gryffindor carried his boy in the dining room, and he ended up feeding him his dinner since Tom refused to get off his lap. The boy ate hungrily, not minding at all being fed, and Gryffindor was amazed once more how much Aurelius had achieved in such a short amount of time. After dinner, he carried Tom upstairs to the bedroom he had stayed in before. He had made a few changes though and turned the room into a little boy's dream bedroom- with bookshelves full of books, a huge amount of stuffed animals, toys, blocks, a gigantic train set, and a little play kitchen for him to cook in. Tom was over the moon with excitement when he saw it, wanting to play right away, and it took some calm reprimands and a couple swats on his butt to make him understand it was too late to play now. He got swaddled, and then Aurelius read him a story while Gryffindor snuggled him, and Tom sighed with content, feeling happy, and full, and loved.
"Goodnight, my boy- Daddy loves you", he got his goodnight kiss, and it made him smile, "love…Daddy."
"Sleep tight, baby bear- tomorrow we'll play, hmm?", he got another goodnight kiss, and yawned softly, "play…with Relius. Love…you…", he was already asleep before Godric and Aurelius had it made back into the hallway. The next day, sunlight shining in his face woke him up- for the first time in several weeks. There had been light in his cell, but not as bright as this light. He blinked, trying to wiggle his body away from the sun, but the swaddle was as tight as always, forcing him to stay in his position.
"Poor baby- let's get you out before you turn into a little lobster over there", Aurelius sounded amused when he walked over, "how did you sleep?"
"Slept…good", Tom mumbled, "I…regressed yesterday, right?"
"You did- for the whole afternoon and evening basically. You were happily drawing for some of the time, I got you an art kit in Diagon Alley."
"I…remember that. Thank you", Tom carefully stretched his limbs once he was free, blushing slightly at the memory of what had happened- he had called Gryffindor Daddy for crying out loud, and he had let him carry and fed him, acting like...he was really his son.
This regressing stuff is so damn embarrassing- and why the hell did I call him Daddy?
"There's…something I need to talk to you about, actually", Aurelius now said, looking somewhat uncomfortable, "something I should have…told you a while ago. About…why I trained you."
Tom blinked, sitting up in his bed, "I thought…the training was supposed to be my punishment? For…going after Dumbledore?"
"Well, for some part, it was- but mostly, it was…to get you ready for your…new life, Tommy."
He tensed, "what…new life? What are you talking about, Aurelius?"
"We want you to stay here with us, Tommy", Aurelius began carefully, "as…part of the family. I know the family is not as…close as it should be right now with my Dad staying in Slytherin Manor at this time, but we still all- including my Dad- want you to become part of our family."
"You mean…I would be your older brother?", Tom asked, confusion in his voice, "and…Gryffindor and Salazar would be my…parents?"
"They would be your parents, yes", and now came the hard part, "but I would be your…older brother, Tommybear. We have decided that it is best to deage you."
What. The. Fuck.
"Deage me? Like, to a toddler or something?", Tom had gotten out of bed, his eyes sparkling with anger, "you…you can't decide about my life like this!"
"I can, actually", Aurelius kept his voice soft, "and there has no decision made on your actual age yet- because we thought we could discuss that with you once your training is done."
"Does that mean…you were planning to deage me this whole fucking time? Even before the training?"
"Language, Tommy- and yes. My parents discussed it sometime after Dumbledore captured and tortured Bellatrix. They were concerned for your safety, Tommy."
"There's no need for that", the boy sounded defensive.
"There is, Tommy- first of all, Dumbledore has seen you without your snake persona, he knows how you look like, and since he managed to somehow record that sick maze race he forced you to do, everyone out there now knows as well."
"So? I can just…stay here now til the war is over. I am safe here."
"And how long are you planning to do that, Tommy? Dumbledore is winning the war, baby bear- and we don't know how much longer it is going to take until we are not safe here anymore."
"It's…that bad?"
"Yes, unfortunately. The world out there has changed since your attack- and I am sorry to tell you, but it has not changed for the better. Dumbledore was able to successfully use your attack on him for his propaganda- and the Slytherins at Hogwarts are the ones paying for that right now, along with anyone who his army suspects is affiliated with dark magic", Aurelius told him, his voice even, "and Dumbledore has started a personal vendetta to get you back, to keep you as some sick trophy for his depraved fantasies."
"I still don't want to get deaged", Tom eventually responded, "I could just...fight Dumbledore."
"And get captured again?"
Tom scowled, "I would make a plan this time, and then I would…"
"No, Tommy", Aurelius' voice had gotten firm, "the fact alone that you still think it's a good idea to attack shows me that you are nowhere ready to act like a responsible adult. You will get deaged, which is going to allow you to start fresh, and have a somewhat normal childhood without having to worry about Dumbledore finding you, as he simply won't recognize you anymore."
"The hell I will."
"You are asking for a punishment, my boy."
"I don't care."
"Last warning, Thomas- I know this all came as a shock, but you know better than to use that kind of tone with me. Fix the attitude, or I am going to fix it for you."
"Fuck you."
"Alright, that's it. Let's go", Aurelius knew that Tom was just testing his limits again, but he would not have him speak to him like this. Tom refused to move, so he simply grabbed him by the shoulder and dragged him over to the bathroom, "I think someone needs to get his head cleared- and I know just the way to do that", he forced him over to the shower, "in you get, naughty boy."
"No! I won't!", Tom howled out when Aurelius' hand hit his backside, hard, but he made no attempt to run away or fight back- knowing very well what that could mean for him, "just…leave me alone!"
"Not going to happen, naughty boy- now in you get", he made Tom walk into the shower fully dressed, and the boy sobbed, "this isn't fair!"
"Are you telling me right now that you do not deserve to get disciplined for how you are acting?", and now Aurelius' voice was dangerous, and Tom started to sob louder, "I…I don't", he whispered, not daring to say it out loud, and Aurelius had enough.
You'll learn that you'll have to obey me outside of the basement as well, naughty boy.
"If I see you move, it's another five minutes, understand?", and then he turned on the water- the cold water- and drew back the shower curtain, and Tom instantly started to howl louder, "it's cold! Turn this off! Turn it off!"
"I will- once you have calmed down, Thomas", Aurelius simply answered, walking over to the wall and leaning against it. He knew this would take a while- but he had all the time in the world.
Tom was screaming now, and Aurelius could hear him stomping his feet in frustration inside the shower, "not fair! You are not being fair! I hate this! I want out!", and the cold water kept running down mercilessly, soaking his pajamas.
"I let you out once you are acting like the sweet boy I know you are, Tommy."
A sob, "it's fucking cold! I am gonna get sick and it's your fault!"
"That's a minute extra for cursing, naughty boy."
"DON'T CARE!"
"And that's one extra for screaming at me- keep it up and you'll stay in there all morning."
He could hear Tom crying now, the water constantly running in the background, "let me out! Let me out now!", he stomped his feet again, and Aurelius could hear him bang his fists against the tiles in the shower, having a full temper tantrum.
"Not gonna stay in here any longer! This is bullshit!"
"One more for cursing- and you will stay in there, Tommybear. I'll know if you move or try to adjust the temperature, and if you do, you'll get a switching you won't forget for a week, are we clear on that?", he kept his voice hard, needing to make sure the boy understood what the consequences of his actions were, and then he heard the boy cry, the sound miserable, and desperate, "ye…yes, Aurelius."
"Good boy. Now, you earned three extra minutes- and then I'll let you out."
No response, all he got was a sad little sniff, and the cold water kept running, and after another minute, he could hear Tom crying quietly.
"Are you ready to behave now, Tommy?"
"Ye…yes!", the boy choked out, "please…it's so cold…Relius…so cold…"
Sweet boy.
Aurelius smiled, and then he walked over to the shower, carefully drew the shower curtain back and turned the water off. Tom was just standing there, a picture of misery: His pajamas soaked, his hair wet, his eyes red from crying and his lips blue from the cold.
"Hey there, Tommy", his voice was soft, and then he held up a big, fluffy towel, "let's get you warmed up again, hmm?"
Tom just sobbed, still not moving though, so Aurelius gently took him by the hand and led him out of the shower, "sit down, baby bear", he helped Tom get out of his wet pajamas, and then he carefully wrapped him in the thick towel, pulling him close, "do you have anything to tell me, Tommy?"
"I…I am sorry", Tom whispered, his voice thick with tears, "sorry for…being rude", he pressed his wet face into his chest, but Aurelius did not mind it, enjoying holding the boy close, "you are all forgiven, sweet boy", he told him calmly, gently drying him off with the towel, "you know, if you were my baby brother already, I would pick you up now and carry you", he started to caress his wet hair, "I'd just carry you everywhere."
"Every…where?"
Aurelius had to laugh, "well, not to the bathroom of course- but I'd carry you around and show you off, show everyone how lucky I am."
"Why…are you lucky?"
"Lucky to have you as my brother, Tommy", Aurelius was smiling now, "I've been thinking of you as my baby brother from the first time I met you, actually."
"I never…thought you…I mean…I'm always…trouble. I can't be…what you want", Tom's voice had gotten quiet, "I get…angry too much."
"I think this was just you pushing the boundaries again, hmm?"
Tom turned dark red, and Aurelius had to laugh, "that's perfectly normal, Tommy. Come on now, let's get you ready. Breakfast's waiting."
Fifteen minutes later, Tom and Aurelius entered the dining hall, where Gryffindor was already sitting, the Daily Prophet in his hand, "good morning. Did anything happen? I expected you a little sooner than this."
"Good morning, Father. We just had a little matter of discipline to attend", Aurelius answered calmly, walking closer, and Tom followed him, his face still red with shame.
"Come over here, Tommy."
Tom closed his eyes in defeat for a second, expecting another punishment, but he did walk over to the Founder, his body tense and anxious.
"Shhh…all good, baby bear", Gryffindor carefully pulled him on his lap, and then he stood up with him, walking towards the door. Tom had not expected that, and he let out a small, frightened little whimper.
"I am just taking you outside, sweet boy. It's a beautiful morning", he kept walking, with Tom kicking his legs in distress, but once they got to the huge patio of Gryffindor Manor, Tom stilled, his eyes widening in wonder. He'd only been up at the owlery, mostly around the smell of the owls and their excrements, but this was…different. The air smelled fresh and clear, a little like grass and leaves, and the sun was shining brightly, making it a gorgeous fall day indeed. Gryffindor sat down with him, holding him close, and seconds later, a house elf appeared, putting down a plate next to him. The Founder thanked him, and Tom carefully turned his head towards the mouthwatering smell.
"Pancakes?"
"With syrup and ice cream", Gryffindor confirmed, "and some fruit- just to pretend this is actually healthy", he winked at him, and Tom had to smile. He did love pancakes.
"Open wide, hungry bear."
He did, automatically, after having been fed by Aurelius for weeks, this really was nothing- and then he snuggled up to Gryffindor while looking at the park and the lake, slowly munching on his pancakes.
I could get used to this.
"Did Aurelius tell you what we are planning to do with you, Tommy?", Gryffindor eventually asked, feeding him another piece of pancake, soaked in syrup.
"Yah, he did", Tom mumbled, chewing carefully, "made me…upset. I don't…want to be…a kid. It would be awful."
"Why's that?"
He shrugged, looking down, "would just…disappoint you."
"Even if you did something that disappointed me, I'd still love you, Tommybear."
He froze.
"You…you love me? Me?"
"I do, Tommy- or why do you think I warned you from Dumbledore, rescued you from the maze, hid you here and want to deage you so you can have a happy childhood?", Gryffindor said, snuggling him closer, "technically, you should be in Azkaban, you do know that, right?"
"Can't be worse than training was", Tom mumbled, even though he knew it would have been- and training had not been that bad lately, and he had figured out what he enjoyed doing, he had learned so many new things, and the discipline and structure had helped calming him, even though he'd never admit that to Aurelius.
"Silly bear", it sounded fond though, and then Gryffindor fed him another piece of pancake, patiently waiting for Tom to figure this out.
"I…if I agree to it, you would be…you would be my…my father right?"
"That's not what you called me yesterday, Tommy."
There was a silence.
"Do you really…mean this? You'd want this? Want me? As your…son?"
"Yes, my boy. I really do- and Salazar does, too. And Aurelius…well, he's been calling you his baby brother for a while now."
Another silence.
"I…might be bad sometimes, though", he finally croaked out, "and…rude."
"And then you'll get disciplined and you will be all forgiven after, sweet boy- and I'd still love you just as much."
"Just…as much?"
"Just as much, baby bear."
"And…we'd snuggle?", he sounded embarrassed, "and…you'd carry me?"
"You like that, hmm?", he kept his voice soft, "yes, Tommy- and when you have been deaged, you won't have to worry about acting like an adult anymore. You would just have to be happy."
"I want that", Tom blurted out before he could think about it more, "I want…to be happy. And…Relius to be my brother, and you…to be my…my Daddy", the last word was whispered, but Gryffindor had no problem understanding him, and he pulled him close, "my sweet boy", he was smiling, "you have no idea how happy that makes me, Tommybear."
And Tom was smiling right back at him, feeling happy enough he'd thought he might burst. He had a family now- and a Daddy.
yep...things are getting better for Tom (mostly haha). There will be more Tom/ Relius along with Harry/ Snape in the next chap ;)
I'd love some feedback from you!
stay safe!
xoxo,
Antonie :)