A/N:
Hello readers, welcome to chapter ten. I'm sorry this chapter is shorter than usual. I'll try to make the next one longer. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
When Severus walked into the kitchen for breakfast, he just stood in the doorway staring for a moment. There, hovering by the counter, was Marvolo in all his wraith like glory. Seeing that Sable was completely unperturbed by this, Severus decided to just go on as normal. 'Or as normal as it ever gets around here,' he mused.
Greeting both Sable and Marvolo with a deadpan 'good morning', Severus took his seat and began sipping the tea that appeared in front of him.
Sable and Marvolo shared an amused smirk before going back to their conversation about Hadrian.
"He may be shocked to see you in this form, but I can guarantee he's been looking forward to meeting you," Sable said, chuckling. "He's already dubbed you as 'Father'. I'm 'Dad' and James is 'Papa'. He's such a sweet kid despite his past with those Dursleys."
Smiling slightly, Marvolo spoke, "I can't wait to meet him. I've always wanted a son with you, Sable. I just hope I don't disappoint him."
Frowning, Sable said, "Marvolo Vasilios Slytherin, how could you ever think that he'd be disappointed with you? You're an amazing wizard who's done incredible things for our people and our world. He's already happy to be your son despite never meeting you. I can't imagine that ever changing."
Severus, watching this exchange, chuckled upon hearing Sable scold Marvolo. 'Just like old times,' he thought.
Holding his hands up in surrender, Marvolo spoke, "Alright, alright. I understand. I'm just worried is all. You know I didn't have the best childhood, I'm just afraid I'll screw up somehow. I want his new life to be as amazing as possible and I don't really know how to give him that."
Smiling softly, Sable said, "Marvolo, after my parents died when I was 11, you made sure I had everything I could ever need or want. You'll be an incredible father. All you have to do is be yourself. Isn't that right, Severus?"
Turning to face Sable and Marvolo, Severus added his agreement, "Yes, definitely. Don't start to doubt yourself now, after everything you've been through, Marvolo."
Nodding, Sable added, "And you'll have all of us there with you to help. You're not doing this alone. You'll never be alone again."
Gratefully, Marvolo spoke, "Thank you, both of you. I truly appreciate it."
"We know, dear. We know."
Hearing laughter coming from the open doorway to the kitchen, Hadrian walked in only to stop short at the sight that greeted him. He blinked once, twice. But nope, Marvolo was still there laughing the time away with Sable and a smirking Sev like he wasn't incorporeal.
Not sure what to do, Hadrian hesitantly walked up to the table. "Good morning."
Turning to face their son, Sable and Marvolo smiled warmly and repeated the greeting. Hadrian shyly nodded his head.
Taking the sudden silence as an opportunity, Sable spoke, "Hadrian, this is Marvolo. I know he's only a spirit right now and sort of see through. But, just treat him like you would any other person. Except for the fact that he can't touch or be touched." Getting a nod in acceptance, Sable continued, "Anyway, how did you sleep? Anymore nightmares?"
Shaking his head, Hadrian replied, "No nightmares. I don't remember ever sleeping that's well." Blushing, he looked down for a moment then spoke, "I haven't ever felt this safe, anywhere before."
All three adults smiled softly at the sight of the fidgeting child before Sable spoke up, "I'm glad you feel safe here. That's how it should be."
Nodding his head, Marvolo silently agreed. No child should ever have to go through what Hadrian did. He was glad Sable was able to get to Hadrian so early or the abuse could have much worse. Mentally shaking his head to clear it, Marvolo floated over to the space next to Hadrian's chair and started getting to know his son.
Hadrian, for his part, was thrilled to finally be able to meet Marvolo. His father was everything he had dreamed and more. Taking a peek at Sable, Hadrian saw that his dad looked happier than ever. He was delighted to see a genuine smile on Sable's face and love in his eyes. He knew that Sable had been feeling miserable being away from his Mate for so long. And now, with Marvolo back, even just in spirit form, Sable was practically glowing with joy.
For Severus, seeing this family of three interact in front of him was a joyous experience. Marvolo obviously cared very much about Sable. And though he was just now getting the chance to meet Hadrian, Marvolo definitely cared for the child like a father would. 'He may not realize it yet, but Hadrian fits into this family like he was meant to be there all along.'
Sable was so very happy to have Marvolo back and interacting with their son. The only thing that would make it better was if Nicholas wrote back saying he would help. 'One can only hope, right?'
And that's how the morning was spent, sitting 'round the kitchen table laughing and getting to know one another better. Hadrian wished the peacefulness of that moment would never end.
That afternoon, after lunch, a tapping was heard on the sitting room window. Only expecting a letter from one person, Sable got up and let the owl in as fast as he could. Carefully taking the letter and small package from the owl and giving it some treats, Sable brought the items over to the couch Hadrian was sitting on. Together, Hadrian, Sable, and Marvolo who was hovering nearby, read the parchment.
Dear Sable,
Attached, in the small package, is the solution to your problem. Both you and Marvolo have been great friends over the years. You should know by now that all you have to do is ask and I will assist. I wish you and your son happiness and success in your endeavors. Give your Mate my regards when you see him.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Flamel
Putting the letter down and opening the package, Sable was excited to see a fragment of the Philosopher's stone laying innocently in the bag. Looking at each other with beaming smiles on their faces, Sable thanked Mother Magic that Nicholas was willing to help. He placed the fragment of stone on the coffee table and moved over so Marvolo could get at it.
Holding his hand over the stone, Marvolo said an incantation. During his chanting, the stone started glowing and bathed Marvolo in a red light. The light got brighter and brighter until the point at which it was blinding. Hadrian and Sable were forced to turn their heads away from the light. When the glow faded, standing there was a seemingly 25-year-old, corporeal Marvolo Vasilios Slytherin. After conjuring a robe, Marvolo stood still and took a moment to just enjoy the sensation of breathing again.
Standing at 6'3" in a black robe with silver trim, Hadrian thought Marvolo made an intimidating picture. He had wavy, ear length, mahogany brown hair, a small, straight nose, and thin lips. His eyes were a sharp, crystal blue, seeming to ensnare everything within their sights but had enough warmth hidden within to thaw the Antarctic. He held himself with the confidence of a ruler but had the beginnings of laugh lines upon his face. To Hadrian, Marvolo's very being seemed contradictory. Marvolo, Hadrian believed, could go from glorious Lord of Olde, to loving father and Mate within seconds.
After a moment of silence, Sable threw himself at Marvolo and held on for dear life. Marvolo didn't even hesitate and pulled Sable into his chest tighter. They spent a few minutes just holding each other and basking in the presence of their Mate. Eventually, after a moment of thought, Sable pulled back a bit from Marvolo and beckoned Hadrian to join them. The family of three spent the next few minutes just enjoying the feeling of peace that surrounded them.
An hour later, Sable, Hadrian, and Marvolo were sitting around talking and joking with Lily and James. Sable looked thoughtful for a moment then turned to Hadrian to speak. "Hadrian, I think it's time we introduce you to my parent's portrait. What do you say?"
Nodding his head shyly, Hadrian agreed and the three people made their way to the portrait room in Dunmar Manor.