Hey you all! :)
Thank you lilyflower101 for your comment, and don't worry, Sal will be pissed :D
Can't believe this is chapter 8 already, halfway there! I am still planning to upload the rest of the story this year.
"Please…tell me…Tom's lying", Salazar's face was ashen, and Godric did not dare to look at him, "I…can explain", he tried, even though he really did not know where to start.
"You…locked Tom up? You…make the boys…work all day? They have…to call you…Father?", Salazar sounded angry now, furious even, "why? What…happened to...you?"
Godric let out a bitter laugh, "I wish I knew- I'm just…I thought I am doing the right thing. I failed you, and I cannot fail them, too."
"Why…would you think…that?"
"Because it's true! I did not realize Dumbledore was betraying us, and I let you meet him without anyone else there, and he had no problem poisoning you! I should have been at that meeting, but I sent you! It should have been me, not you! Not you!", his voice was pained, "it's all my fault."
"It is…Dumbledore's fault", Salazar replied, his voice surprisingly fierce, "you…could not…know. He…was…betraying everyone…not just…us. You…should have…told me you…are feeling…this way."
"I did not want to burden you with my stupid feelings", he was staring at the floor now, and Salazar slowly reached for his hand. It caused him quite some pain, but it was worth it, "your…feelings are not…stupid. I love…you, and I care…about you."
"I love you, too", Godric said quietly, "I just…after you got sick, I felt like my whole world was out of control, and I felt like…I needed my control back."
"So you…decided to control…the boys."
"I wanted to make sure I keep them safe- and I thought I help them by being so strict with them and keeping them home all the time. I…I can't lose them, too", he felt the tears welling up in his eyes, and Salazar softly caressed his hand, "you…did not…lose me. I will…get better. It's going to…be okay."
"You are so much stronger than I am", Godric sighed, "I messed everything up. The boys hate me, all three of them, and Dumbledore won- he destroyed my family."
"He can…only destroy it…if you let…him", Salazar told him softly, "he did not…destroy me. Or…my hope or…dreams. My body…might be…imprisoned, but my…mind is not."
Godric started to cry, hugging his partner, "I don't deserve you or the boys", he whispered, his voice cracking, "you are so full of love, and peace, and patience- and I will get you the cure, I…I just need three more weeks."
"Three…more weeks?"
"I made a deal with Dumbledore", Gryffindor blurted out, not able to keep that secret from his partner any longer, and he told him everything- about the bet, the training, and the deal- and Salazar listened quietly, a grave expression on his face.
"Talk…to him", he eventually said, "talk to…all three of them. Make it…right."
"I wasn't going to go through with it", he mumbled, feeling ashamed of himself.
"I…know. You need…to…tell Tom. Bring…him…back. And…talk to…the…boys. They… love…you", Salazar was taking longer breaks when he talked, meaning that he was exhausted.
Godric nodded, "I will. I'll make everything right. I will make our family happy again."
Salazar had closed his eyes, but there was a smile on his face, and seconds later, his breathing got more even, telling Gryffindor that he was asleep.
He quietly left the room, debating what to do first- his protection spell that he had placed on Tom showed that the boy was asleep in the barn, cuddling with Bacon. He would get him once he woke up, and before that, he would talk to his boys.
Dreading Aurelius' reaction the most, he made his way to the study of his oldest son, not surprised by the fact that Sirius was there as well, his head bent over some books.
They looked up when he entered, and for the first time, he was looking at them- really looking at them. Aurelius was pale, he had dark shadows under his eyes, and there was fear in his eyes- fear of him?
Sirius was even more pale, he looked like a little ghost, and there was no happiness in his face when he looked at him, his eyes seemed lifeless and dull.
What have I done…
How come he had never noticed this? Had he really been that self-absorbed and ignorant, only focusing on his work, the trials, and finding a cure?
The hard truth was, he had been- and now he was paying the price for it.
"Anything I can help you with, Father?", Aurelius said, his tone distant and professional. He sounded like he was talking to his boss, not his Dad.
His heart clenched, "yes, I…would like to talk to you, Aurelius", he answered quietly, "do you have a minute?"
"Of course- Sirius, please go and have your lunch- I'll be there shortly."
The younger boy instantly got up, "yes, Aurelius", he left the room without even looking at his father, and Gryffindor bit his lips.
I deserve this.
"Is this about the Newman file? I am almost done with it, there's just…"
"It's not about work", Gryffindor interrupted him, and Aurelius blinked, obviously surprised.
Is that really all I talk to him about? Those damn files?
"I…I need to apologize to you. I…messed up. The way I've been treating you and Sirius…and Thomas…I was wrong, I…thought I am doing the right thing, controlling you so much, but in fact, I just wanted to the control of my life back."
"I am not sure I understand, Father", Aurelius said politely, a blank expression on his face.
He grimaced at the word. Why had he thought it was a good idea for his boys to call him Father? It sounded so cold and distant.
"Please, will you call me Dad again?", he sat down, and then he started to talk. He left nothing out, he told Aurelius about the bet, the deal with Dumbledore, and his argument with Tom just a while ago- and he tried to explain why he had felt he needed control back, and he told Aurelius how guilty he felt about Salazar's poisoning.
And Aurelius listened attentively, not interrupting him once.
"I…I am sorry, Aurelius. I want to make this right, I just…I don't even know if…you let me. I was wrong, and I hurt you, and I left you in charge of Thomas and Sirius all the time…and I am sorry. I'm so sorry", he hid his face in his hands, too ashamed to look at his own son.
"I forgive you, Dad", Aurelius' voice was quiet, but firm, "I know you…meant well, in a strange way- and I love you, Dad."
"I love you, too, son", he got up, he had to hug his boy, "I'm sorry I treated you like my personal assistant for so long. That will stop."
"No more files, then?", Aurelius winked at him, and he gave his oldest son a hesitant smile, "no more Ministry work- and I will be more involved in taking care of Sirius and Thomas."
"They need you", Aurelius remarked quietly, "Tom does not want to admit it, but he needs a father- someone who cares for him."
That can't be me- I failed the boy in every way possible.
"You should talk to Sirius- and then go and get Tom back", Aurelius suggested, "he'll be happy if to let him play more. He has been working a lot."
"Yes, he has- and both of you are too pale. I want you to go and play in the snow after lunch, and I want you to go and play outside every day from now on, understand?", he kept his tone even though, and Aurelius grinned, excited to have his Dad back, "understand. We'll go and have a snowball fight later."
"Sounds like a plan", Gryffindor stepped back, releasing his oldest boy from the hug, "I am going to find your brother now- but I hope to see you later for that snowball fight."
Aurelius had to smile, "I hope so, too."
He went to the door, but before he left the room, he turned around one more time, "I am proud of you, Aurelius", he told his oldest, and the boy looked at him in surprise, "you…are?"
"I am- you are an amazing son, and you are an amazing brother- Sirius adores you, and you defended Thomas, even though you knew I would punish you for that. I'll never…forgive myself for caning you like that the other day. It was…cruel, and it won't happen ever again."
"You'll never cane me again?", now he sounded even more surprised, and Godric grinned, "that's right- next time you mess up, I'll simply put you over my knees again."
Aurelius groaned, but he did not seem upset- he actually looked relieved.
He's not an adult yet- he's sixteen. Don't forget that.
He winked at his boy, and then he left the room, determined to find Sirius. His youngest was eating lunch all by himself, quietly sitting in the huge dining hall, and it broke his heart to see his boy so lonely and miserable.
"Hey there, baby boy", he used the nickname he had given Sirius when he had adopted him, and the boy instantly stiffened.
"Can…I help you, Father?", his youngest whispered, and before he could answer, he had picked the boy up, pulling him close, "you can- by letting me tickle you all over right now."
Sirius shrieked in surprise when he started tickling him, and soon, he was laughing, "tickles, Daddy!"
"It's supposed to tickle, baby boy", he stopped, hugging his youngest, who was staring at him with bright, happy eyes, "you did not tickle me like that for a long time."
"And that was a mistake- I miss tickling my baby boy", he planted a soft kiss on Sirius' tousled hair, "I've been missing a lot of things- tucking you in at night, reading you stories, playing with you…your Dad has not been a very good Dad lately, hmm?"
"You are always busy, Dad", Sirius mumbled, automatically calling him Dad instead of Father, "and…I miss you."
"I miss you, too- and I am so sorry."
And then he told Sirius what he had told Aurelius- but he left out the deal with Dumbledore, not needing his youngest to know how evil the former headmaster really was.
Sirius was ready to forgive him, too, and Godric realized how lucky he was- and how much his boys must love him to forgive him so easily.
Well, at least they had forgiven him- Thomas would be another matter.
He promised Sirius to join them later for their snowball fight, and when Aurelius entered the dining room to have lunch, he decided to go get Thomas.
His protection spell showed him that the boy was still sleeping, but the puppy was awake, sniffling around in the hay.
Tom actually woke up seconds later as well, Bacon's rummaging around waking him up.
Their little nest out of hay was cozy, and the wind was still howling outside, and even though his ear had stopped hurting for the most part, he had never felt worse in his life.
"I should never have left the pub", he eventually whispered to himself, his voice hoarse from the cold and all the running he had done earlier, "no one's even gonna care if I freeze to death out there later…", and then he quietly started to cry, feeling completely and utterly lost.
"I would care, Thomas."
Gryffindor.
For a while, they just stared at each other, and the only sound that could be heard was the wind blowing snowflakes around outside, and Bacon's quiet whimpers.
"You're bleeding", Gryffindor eventually said, his voice quiet, "what happened? Can you get up?"
"I ran into a branch or something earlier", Tom answered, looking to the side, "my…head was hurting, so I just…wanted to rest before…", he swallowed hard, "before I get out of your way."
Another silence.
"The park is huge, Thomas", Gryffindor finally told him, "it would take you another three hours to leave this estate."
"I've got time", he still avoided to look at the Founder, therefore, he did not see the small smile forming on his lips, "you are the most stubborn boy I ever met- come on, let's get you back inside. Your hands are already turning blue."
The boy did not move, "I'm not going with you", it was whispered, but Gryffindor had no problem understanding him.
"I owe you an explanation, Thomas, and I am certainly not going to leave you out here in the barn."
"You gonna spank me", he sounded heartbroken, "and then you gonna lock me up in that cell again, and then…"
"I won't. I promise you, I won't. All I want to do is talk to you, Tommy- and I am sorry. I did this all wrong…and I am sorry."
The boy sobbed, and a single tear ran down his cheek, "just…talking?"
"Just talking- and maybe a nice, warm bath, hmm? You look like a little icicle."
That made the boy smile, "Bacon could need a bath, too", he pointed at the whimpering pup, "he's not used to the cold- this is his first winter. I don't think he even knows much about snow yet."
Gryffindor could not help it, he smiled right back at him, "he'll learn- he is a smart dog, right?"
"Yeah."
They smiled at each other, and it was nice- strange, but nice. And then Gryffindor gently picked him up, and Tom flinched, struggling.
"Shhh…you're safe", the Founder mumbled, holding the boy in his arms, "it's more comfortable for you this way, Tommy. Just relax."
Easier said than done.
Gryffindor carried him back to the house, holding him tight, and after a couple of minutes, Tom did relax- he carefully rested his head on Gryffindor's shoulders, watching Bacon trailing after them happily.
This is nice.
The walk back to the Manor did not take long- he had not gotten that far, and when Gryffindor opened the door and warmth and a smell of oranges and cinnamon hit him, he wanted to cry with relief.
"I know…it's going to get even colder within the next days- and there will be another snowstorm, too", Gryffindor told him, and it was obvious that talking about the weather relaxed him somehow- it was a safe topic to talk about.
"Enough snow for a snowman?", Tom asked quietly, and he could feel Gryffindor nod, "I believe so- it might even get cold enough to go ice skating on the lake."
That sounds fun.
They kept talking about the weather for a little longer, both of them relieved to have something safe and easy to talk about, but then they reached the bathroom, and the reality of what happened earlier hit him again- and he stared at the bathtub, thinking back to the first day when Gryffindor had forced him into the cold shower.
The Founder waved his hand, and seconds later, the tub was filled halfway with water and foam, and there were bubbles, too.
"In you get, Thomas", he was smiling at him, but he couldn't move.
What if it's cold again?
Bacon, who had followed them, let out an excited bark, and next thing he knew, the playful puppy had jumped into the tub.
"Bacon!"
The pup barked again, his snout covered in bubbles, and Tom did not even realize Gryffindor had started to undress him, "you are going to let him have all the fun by himself?", he winked at him, "in you get, Tommy", and then he gently picked him up, attempting to lower him into the tub, and Tom clung to him, trembling.
"N…no! It's cold!"
"It's not cold- it's all nice and warm for you", Gryffindor carefully splashed some water on his leg, "see? I wouldn't do that to you."
"But you did!", Tom blurted out, letting the Founder put him in the warm bath, "on my first day here! It was so cold, and…and I hated it, and you just kidnapped me, and…and…", he stifled a sob, hiding his face in his hands.
Bacon swam over to him, trying to lick his face, and he reluctantly removed his hands.
"I know…I can only apologize to you. As I said earlier, I did this all wrong. I…can explain it, but you won't like my explanations very much", the Founder sighed, sitting at the edge of the tub, "this was a mistake."
A mistake.
Tom's stomach clenched, "so…you really never wanted me here? To adopt me?"
"Not as much as Salazar did- he kept telling me how worried he was about you, and after all of the foster families had kicked you out, he wanted to adopt you."
He had expected as much- but it still hurt. It hurt a lot.
"I…I had so much going on at the time, with the trials, and finding a cure, and the boys- and that's why I said no. I just…did not think you wanted us to adopt you anyways after…after I had taken your magical powers away."
"You don't have to explain yourself- I understand", he hated how miserable he sounded, and Gryffindor looked at him silently, a thoughtful expression on his face. He seemed to say something a couple of times, but then he just sighed.
"There is…something else I need to explain."
"Yeah- why did you make me sign the contract? Why the training?"
"I was…betting", his voice had gotten quiet, and guilt was written all over his face, "betting about…you."
The boy stared at him for a while, and eventually, he let out a bitter laugh, "betting how long it would take you to turn me into your little slave?"
Gryffindor stayed silent, but the guilt on his face was answer enough.
He did not even bother to try forcing back the tears that were welling up in his eyes now, "for real? You and your other rich dinner party friends probably had a big laugh about that, right? That's why you said it was Salazar's idea? And that's why you taught me all that stuff, to show me off in front of some drunken snobs?"
"I am sorry, Tom", he sounded remorseful, "I was so angry…that night, about…everything, and there was no cure, and when Jones made a joke about you needing some training, they all went for it, telling me we should make a bet- giving me a month to turn you into an obedient little boy. They were going to come see the…results at the next meeting in three weeks."
"I should have just run away", his voice was trembling, "I can't believe…and I thought…", he bit his lips, he was not going to humiliate himself any further by telling Gryffindor how much he had enjoyed the chess games, and the wandless magic lessons…
"I was not going to go through with it", Gryffindor now said, and he blinked in surprise, "I had my doubts before, but after we played chess, I just…couldn't do it anymore. I couldn't do it to you anymore. I decided to go tell them that the bet was off."
The boy frowned, "what'd they say?"
"Well, before I even got the chance to speak to them, Dumbledore wanted to see me", his face darkened, "and he offered me a deal."
"What did he offer you?"
Gryffindor let out an unhappy laugh, "basically the same thing as Jones had- you on your knees in front of him and my inner circle- and in exchange, he offered me information about the poison, so I could get the cure."
"And you agreed", the boy's voice was soft, and to his surprise, he did not even sound upset, "yes, I agreed", he admitted, "but as I said, I was not going to go through with that, either- so I thought I would offer you a deal, since I know you hate Dumbledore as well, so I thought…you would be willing to pretend for the meeting, and that way, I would not even have to mention the bet to you."
"That's fucked up."
"You could say that, yes", Gryffindor agreed grudgingly, "I know I messed up, and I am sorry for hurting you, and for the training- it was a mistake."
"I am sorry for what I said earlier- I should not have let Bacon into the house, and yelled at you in front of Salazar…I know he needs it to be quiet", Tom mumbled after another long silence.
"You have no reason to apologize- I know he snuck into the house, and Salazar actually quite enjoyed the dog…and about what you said…well, I have to admit that you were right. Mostly. I have not been…a very good father, and I burdened Aurelius with too much work, and I've barely been paying any attention to Sirius. They deserve better than what I've given them."
Another silence.
"So…what was your plan for me for after the meeting? If I agreed?"
"I…I was planning to send you to a nice boarding school- somewhere you could bring the dog. Somewhere…where no one knew you, and would not judge you. God knows I am not what you need for as a…father, and…I understand that you don't want to stay here, so I thought…that would be the best choice."
Tom bit his lips. It would beat going back to Giles and the pub, and he knew he could not stay here. Not after everything that had happened.
They will get their Daddy back- and they will be fine.
He was sure Gryffindor would change- he seemed to honestly regret how he had treated his sons and him- but he had made it very clear that he had no interest in adopting him. Not that he should be upset about that, since Gryffindor had deceived him into coming here, used him, and not shown him any kindness until today.
Expect for when he played chess with me, and when he…
No. He was not going to think about that.
"I want to help Salazar", he finally said, his voice quiet, "I…am going to accept your deal, and pretend for them, so you can find the cure- under one condition."
"And what would that be?"
"You…let me pick the school."
"I can do that- any school you have in mind already?", he sounded so calm, so professional, and Tom swallowed, preparing himself for Gryffindor to laugh.
"Belvedere."
The Founder raised his eyebrows, obviously surprised, "that's…an art school, Thomas- and not the easiest to get into."
That was an understatement- Belvedere was the most prestigious, high-ranked school for art and design for wizards and witches in Europe, located on the border between France and Switzerland, overseeing a lake. The school was inside a castle, similar to Hogwarts, but much more luxurious. Tuition for one student for one year was as much as Hogwarts costs for all Weasley's combined- for all seven years.
"Could you get me in?"
Gryffindor studied him, "I could, yes- is there any…specific reason why you want to go there?"
"It's the best school for art- and…I like art", he mumbled, "and…since you let me pick…"
"You had to pick the most expensive school there is", Gryffindor sounded amused, "well, I will see what I can do for you, Tom."
Tom.
He kind of liked being called that- it sure beat the angry Thomas he had gotten used to hear.
"You should probably get out of the water now before it really gets cold", Gryffindor suggested after a while, "it's past lunch time, but I'll have a house elf bring you a tray to your bed- you need to take a nap."
He blinked, unsure how to respond to that- but he really was starving, and exhausted, so he decided to not worry about it, "okay."
Gryffindor got up, silently grabbing a towel, and then he carefully lifted Bacon out of the tub, who was shaking off water in every direction, barking with happiness.
Tom was surprised when Gryffindor went to grab another towel, and then he lifted him out of the bath, gently wrapping him into the fluffy towel, "I'll get you some pajamas", he told him, and Tom blinked again, looking after him.
He did not want to think how it made him feel that Gryffindor was so…caring, because then he would have to think about the chess games again, and…no. If he really got accepted at Belvedere, it would be huge- it would be a dream come true. Their acceptance rate was ridiculously low, but if anyone could make it happen, it was Gryffindor.
I help him get a cure for Salazar, and he helps me get into Belvedere- win-win.
Gryffindor appeared with a pair of cozy pajamas, and he silently got dressed.
A house elf had already put a tray with delicious smelling food on his nightstand, and he scrambled into the bed, his mouth watering at the sight of the food.
"Eat up, and get some rest, Tom", the Founder looked at him, and for a moment it looked like he was going to tuck him in, but then he stepped back, "I'll send the boys up later- and just so you know, you can visit Salazar anytime- he actually told me to tell you that. He would like to see the dog as well."
Bacon barked in agreement, enjoying the bread Tom was feeding him.
"Yeah…I can do that."
"Good- and if the weather stays like that, you will definitely be able to build a snowman tomorrow", he winked at him, and Tom could not help it, he liked this Godric Gryffindor- he was so nice.
God knows I am not what you need for as a…father.
Yeah, he should just forget about it- three weeks, and then he would be at Belvedere, and Salazar would be healed, and they could be a happy family again- without him.
That's best for everyone.
don't worry, he will change his mind ;)
and next chap will have spanking in it, so be warned :D
I'd loooove some feedback!
xoxo,
Antonie :)
