Chapter Seven – Harry Potter, no more
Light streams through the curtains. Harry squeezes his eyes tighter, attempting to ward off the pull of consciousness. Shifting to his side, Harry freezes when he doesn't feel the scratchy sense of his blankets, but soft silken sheets brushing against his legs. The mattress felt comfortably light under his side. Mind coming up blank, Harry tries to recall the previous evening. He remembers his uncle's worse-than-usual beating, his memories fuzzy as his mind had been a muddle of pain. He recalls his Father turning up at some point, Severus and Lucius closely behind. He remembers drinking some potions before drifting off to sleep.
Eyes snapping open, Harry flies up, gasping when sharp pains shoot through his muscles as well as his head while his skin feels tight and uncomfortable from the rapid potion-induced healing it had been forced through during the night. Scanning the room around him for something, the tension building in his chest snaps like an elastic band when they settle on two blurry figures sleeping near the fireplace. Slowly, so as to not aggravate his still healing injuries, Harry climbs out of bed, moving across the room, his feet pad silently on the floor.
Creeping closer to the beds, Harry sighs when he sees both his father and Severus fast asleep happy that they had kept their promise to stay with him. Feeling much better than he had all summer, Harry carefully makes his way to the bathroom to freshen up for the day, brushing his teeth and relieving himself before making his way back into the main room.
"Good morning, Snakelet."
Jumping at the voice, harry stumbles. Spinning on his heels, Harry turns to face his father and Severus who are pushing themselves up, their hair in disarray. Smiling at them, Harry walks over, cuddling into his father's embrace when he is pulled up onto the camp bed, a soft creak echoing around the room at their movements.
"Good morning, Father, Severus."
"How are you feeling this morning, Snakelet?" Severus asks, eyes trailing Harry's frame to see any injuries which hadn't healed completely.
"My muscles ache and my head still hurts. My legs are a little shaky as well."
Severus nods and gets to his feet, pushing a hand through his hair as he walks towards the large box filled with potions, selecting two he turns to walk back towards Marvolo, who is brushing a hand through Harry's hair. Sitting back down on his own bed, Severus hands the glass vials over to Harry.
"Here, I need you to take this headache reliever and pain muscle relaxant potions now and there will be a strong nutrients potion by your plate at every meal which you will need to drink before eating, at least until we can get your weight up to a satisfactory level, alright? We will also have to rub a salve into your remaining cuts and scars before you get dressed."
Harry nods, happily downing to potions before handing the empty vials back to Severus who slips them into his pocket to wash later. He was excited at the prospect of being healthy again, of his scars healing completely so he wouldn't have any reminders of his time with the Dursleys, of getting to have a normal childhood for the first time in his life.
"Now Snakelet. Narcissa has given us strict instructions that you are to take it easy for the next couple of days because it will take a while for your muscles to fully heal and stop aching…" Marvolo bites his lips to prevent a chuckle from escaping at Harry's downtrodden expression, "However, after we get dressed for the day, I am sure there are some anxious people waiting to see you in the dining hall and I don't recall Narcissa saying you had to stay in bed for the next couple of days… Do you feel up to meeting the others?"
Harry's face lights up, nodding his head, Harry glances from his father to Severus and back again before his expression falls. Eyes down casting, Harry bites his lip, a frown overtaking his features.
"I haven't anything to wear, all I have are Dudley's old hand-me-downs."
Marvolo smiles down at his son, waving a hand in a grand sweep of the bedroom, he cards a hand through Harry's hair before slowly pushing himself up. He stands next to the camp bed, Harry held protectively, if a little awkwardly, in his arms. Harry squeaks, hands instantly wrapping around Marvolo's neck when he feels them moving across the room towards a door, further along than the en suite bathroom.
"Well then, it is a good thing that we are in your bedroom then, isn't it, Snakelet?"
Harry's eyes widen. Quickly looking around the room, his gaze takes in the elegance. He had thought that he had just been placed in a guest room. His bed was huge, bigger than anything he had slept in before, though he was pleased to see that it had a similar design to the one he had used in Severus's chambers. Deep green covers with regal silver patterns bordering the bottom; the pillowcases and curtains holding the same designs. There is a dark mahogany desk opposite, sitting pressed against the wall, parchment, quills, and inkwells lining its surface.
A matching bookshelf stands next to his desk, his schoolbooks already sitting on the shelves, neatly organised by subject and author name. A fireplace nestles snuggly against the adjacent wall, two armchairs placed in front of it with a deep fluffy rug lying on the floor between the three. Looking around feverishly trying to take in as much detail as he can, Harry is surprised to notice small snakes carved intricately into the marble of the fireplace, flakes of gold and silver weaving through the design.
He watches as his father stops in front of the second door, twisting the handle slowly almost teasingly so, his eyes widen, mouth dropping wide in his shock. Never had he seen such a large collection of clothes before, nor had he seen such a large room being used as a simple wardrobe.
"This is… this is all for me?" Harry's eyes shine with tears, looking as if all his Christmases had come at once.
"Of course, Snakelet. Plus, we have prepared a room for you at Slytherin Mansion as well." Marvolo states softly, a sad expression forming at the look of absolute delight on his son's face, all at the prospect of receiving a few new clothes and a bedroom he could finally call his own. His anger spikes for a moment because he knows that it is those despicable muggles' fault, as well as Dumbledore, for why Harry had never received any basic necessities he had the right to.
Carrying Harry further into the wardrobe, towards the racks which held his new shirts and trousers, all made from the finest materials he could find. Marvolo picks out a simple white acromantula silk shirt and plain black dress trousers. Walking towards the opposite wall where his casual robes are hanging, he reaches towards a plain black one, unaware of Severus watching the pair from the doorway. His onyx eyes narrow when he notices Harry shifting against his father's side, biting his lip.
"Is everything alright, Snakelet?"
Harry jerks, glancing towards Severus who is leaning against the door, a small smile on his lips. His gaze slips to something which had caught his eye with longing before glancing up at his father, worrying his bottom lip. His eyes widen, trying to mask the fear he can feel crawling up his throat which Marvolo still notices. Stroking the raven locks soothingly, Marvolo looks back towards the rows of cloaks.
"Which one would you like to wear, Aldwyn?"
Looking up at his father, wondering how the man knew what he wanted to ask, Harry smiles, eyes shining when he points towards a Slytherin green cloak accented in silver. He doesn't even question what he had been called when Marvolo picks the cloak from its hanger and passes it to him. Hugging the item to his chest, Harry's smile brightens. Marvolo strokes a hand through Harry's hair again, gaze shifting to Severus whose lips are upturned in a smile of their own, he mouths a quick thank you to his potion's master.
"Come now, Snakelet. Time to get dressed. Would you like some help, or do you think you can manage on your own?"
Carrying Harry back into the main room, Marvolo places him down on the edge of his bed. Crouching down so that he is at eye-level with Harry, Marvolo steadies himself by placing his hands on Harry's knees gazing at the flush crawling up to his ears.
"May you help me, Father? I still feel achy, and my legs keep shaking."
"Of course, I may, Aldwyn. I will always be here if you ever need help with anything."
Dropping a kiss on Harry's head as he pushes himself to his feet, Marvolo walks over to a chest of drawers and pulls out a pair of silk black boxers and black socks. Walking back over to his son, Marvolo smiles reassuringly as Harry slips his bathrobe down his arms. Severus and his father had already seen him almost naked before when they had been treating his wounds, so it wasn't anything new to them. Glancing down at his exposed chest, Harry is surprised to see not a single abrasion left, some of his scars still remained but they looked faded and less noticeable than before.
"It's alright, Snakelet."
Reassuring Harry as he helps him to stand, Marvolo slowly slips his underwear off before helping him to step into clean ones by encouraging Harry to grip hold of his shoulders for support. Stepping back a little, Marvolo allows Severus to apply another thin layer of balm to Harry's chest and back to further heal the remaining scars littering his skin. Pulling up his trousers and buttoning them at the waist, Marvolo and Severus watches as Harry carefully slips the shirts over his shoulders, asking his father to help him button it and tuck it in. Sitting Harry back on the bed, Voldemort and Severus put Harry's socks and shoes on, tickling his feet drawing breathless giggles from Harry. Pulling Harry back to his feet, Marvolo clasps the cloak snuggly around his shoulders.
Taking a few steps back, Marvolo looks over the image of his son with a proud smile, he truly did look like the son of a Noble household, and he couldn't feel happier at having Harry with him now. Taking a knee, Marvolo pulls Harry into a tight embrace, one hand moving around to cup the back of Harry's head.
"You, Snakelet, look just like the regal Heir of the Ancient House of Slytherin and I couldn't be prouder of you, my son." Stroking a hand down Harry's back for a moment, Marvolo stands back up, offering his hand to Harry who takes it without hesitation. Leading his son out of the bedroom, Severus following closely behind the pair.
"Thank you, Father. I am proud to call you my father as well."
Draco sits on one of the sofas in the Riddle family lounge, back leaning against the armrest with his legs outstretched. His eyes scanning the words of a large tome held securely in his hands, braining working hard to comprehend the information his mother claimed to be much too advanced for his age. So focused on the text in front of him, Draco ignores the quiet mutterings coming from his parents who are discussing various plots for revenge they could take against the muggles who hurt Harry and against the esteemed Headmaster Dumbledore.
He himself had been feeling furious when he had found out how Harry had been treated by both parties, though he was sure his father had hashed out the more gruesome details, he knows that revenge, while satisfying, wouldn't help him protect his friend in the future. That is what he wanted to do most of all. He wanted to be the one to protect Harry, help him when he is hurt, and stop his tears when he is sad. His parents had never been able to give him a younger sibling no matter how many times he had asked them to, so this was his chance to be a big brother to someone who had never really known the love of family.
So engrossed in his reading, Draco doesn't notice when the quiet mutterings cease, nor does he pay attention when his parents stand from their seats and make their way toward him. Eyes shining with concern, lips pressed together, Lucius and Narcissa seat themselves on the sofa beside their son. Draco only startles when his legs are lifted and placed over his mother's lap. Lowering his book, Draco raises his eyebrow at his parent's, a light blush dusting his cheeks when his father merely raises his eyebrow in return, gaze flicking down to the book now lying open in his lap.
"What has captured your attention so, Draco? You didn't answer when we called for you."
Lucius's voice is soft, and soothing as his mother smooths a hand down his leg, tapping his ankle absently. Shifting his eyes down to the tome, Draco bites his lip before meeting his father's gaze. Hoping to hide the deepening blush on his cheeks, Draco pushes himself up, settling against his mother's side. Sliding a spare piece of parchment into the page to keep his place, Draco lifts the book up showcasing the title to his father. Dropping his hands back to his lap, Draco doesn't see the amused expressions shaping his parents' features as he strokes a hand across the title, Healing spells for beginners.
"And why would you be reading a book on Healing Magics, Draco? You are not hurt, are you?" Draco rolls his eyes; he knows that his father knew that he hadn't injured himself. He hadn't really moved much since they had bought Harry back from his relatives' home.
"I didn't like seeing Harry hurting so much. I don't like knowing that while I was here acting like a selfish, immature brat, Harry was living through hell with his family. I want to help him if he ever gets hurt again."
His expression crumbles. He knew that he was selfish, that he wasn't mature enough nor magically developed enough at the moment to be of much use to Harry but at least if he began to study the theory behind healing magic then it would come that much easier when he reached his majority at sixteen. A soft squeak escapes his mouth when he feels himself being pulled into a tight embrace; glancing up Draco can't help but snuggle into his parents' arms, it had been a long time since he had been able to cuddle with both of them like this.
He knows that many people say that his family, the Malfoys were unfeeling, uncaring, and evil dark wizards and they probably couldn't imagine the aristocratic socialites acting like a normal, happy family but of course, he knew better. His mother was kind, caring, soft-spoken, and a genuinely loving mother. She was always there when he was upset and always gave him advice when he needed it. His father, though busy with his standing in the Ministry always made sure to make some time for him during the day. He had been the one to teach him how to play quidditch, how to play wizarding chess. They had had a lot of fun together roughhousing and playing in the back garden; even his magical theory and heir lessons had been enjoyable.
"We are so proud of you Son, harry is lucky to have such a good friend in you."
"Your mother is right as always, Draco. I am sure Harry will appreciate your efforts to keep him safe and happy."
Smile widening at his parents' praises, Draco takes up his book again, shuffling back to his previous position against the arm of the sofa. Focusing back on the words in front of him, Draco shakes his head when his legs are once again placed over his parents' laps, his ankle being petted by his father. He has only read a few sentences when the doors to the lounge open.
The Malfoy family turns their attention towards the doors, watching in silence as Lord Voldemort walks into the room, an arm wrapped securely around Harry's shoulders while Severus has a hand resting against Harry's other shoulder. The two chuckling softly at something Harry is saying.
"Oh, I am sure they would appreciate that very much, Snakelet. You could ask them later if you wish."
Harry laughs as well, his smile the brightest any of them had seen in months, especially for Draco and Severus who had spent almost every day during the final weeks of the academic year with Harry.
"Do you really think so?" Harry's laughter turns into a shy smile as he glances up at his father, his fist clenching into the material of the man's robes. His eyes shining with anticipation, and trepidation. So much so that he doesn't notice the Malfoy family listening in to their conversation trying to gauge what they were discussing.
"I am positive, Snakelet." The Dark Lord responds with a chuckle, brushing Harry's fringe away from his forehead. Glancing up from his son, Voldemort allows a smirk to stretch across his lips. "But for now, I think we have a few things to discuss with our audience, don't you?"
Gesturing in the direction of the Malfoys, Marvolo watches as Harry follows his direction and waves to his friend, his smile dimming marginally when nerves take hold. Tightening his arm around Harry's shoulders, Marvolo guides Harry over to a vacant sofa and settles his son down by his side. Gesturing for Severus to take the seat on Harry's other side, he is pleased when he does with only a moment's hesitation.
"Alright, now that we are all here, we can begin. I was hoping to catch you at breakfast, but it seems we were a little slow to wake up this morning. Oh well, never mind. As you all are already aware, the mission yesterday evening was a success. Aldwyn is here, he is safe and after our trip to Gringotts there will be no chance of anyone taking him away from me."
Draco drops his book back to his lap, head tilting to the side as he looks from Harry to the Dark Lord and back again eyebrows furrowing. He bites his lip before taking a deep breath and glancing back at Lord Voldemort.
"Aldwyn? Is that going to be Harry's new name? He isn't going to be Harry Potter anymore?"
Marvolo smiles over at Draco, ruffling Harry's hair. Before the ritual, before he had reabsorbed most of his soul shards, he would have cursed anyone who dared interrupt him while he was talking, but not now. Not when it was the Malfoy heir. He would not hurt his followers, especially those who his son had developed a close relationship with. It wouldn't be fair to Harry.
"Yes, I believe it would be for the best. I wish for Harry, Aldwyn to grow up as a normal wizarding child. He should never have, nor will he bare the weight of the war nor the entire wizarding world on his shoulders ever again. Dumbledore is a fool for putting it there. He will be known from now on as Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin, my Son, and Heir."
Lucius, Narcissa, Severus, and Draco nod along with their Lord's decision. It was for the best. If no one besides themselves knew that Aldwyn Slytherin had once been Harry Potter, then no one would be able to take advantage of him and try to force him to become the Saviour of the Wizarding World. It may not be a fool-proof plan (as soon as Dumbledore saw the name Slytherin he would know just whose son he was) but it was the best they could do under such circumstances. Besides, with Fudge as Minister, there was no way the Ministry would believe the old fool if he began to accuse a 12-year-old boy of being the Son of the Late Dark Lord.
"And as we are on the topic of name changes, I will be going by a version of my old name, Thomas Marvolo Riddle. Therefore, unless a meeting has been called or we are out on a mission I wish for you all to refer to me as Marvolo. As soon as I have claimed my Lordship, I will be legally changing it to Marvolo Slytherin." The Dark lord casts a cursory glance around the room, satisfied when he receives a nod from everyone.
"After Aldwyn is fully healed, or as healed as we can ensure besides the malnutrition which he will still need to take his potions for, I will be taking him to Gringotts to check his inheritance and his family vaults-"
"Vaults? But I only have one, don't I?" Aldwyn interrupts, eyebrows furrowing, biting down on his lip. He glances at his father then at Severus, memories of Hagrid taking him around Diagon Ally after their visit to the bank to collect some money for his school supplies. "What's an inheritance?"
Silence answers his question. Aldwyn doesn't know if he had said something wrong; asked something he shouldn't have. Shifting in his seat, he gazes around the room reading various expressions of shock-horror on the adults' faces. A sinking feeling lies heavy in his gut. Maybe he should have already known these things and his father was going to think he didn't take his studies seriously.
"If I may, Marvolo?" A hesitant voice breaks the tension. The Dark Lord brings himself back from his own memories of his early years at Hogwarts, going through his day-to-day schooling without knowing who he was or what he had until he visited Gringott's himself. Waving his hand for the Malfoy Lord to continue, Marvolo drapes an arm around his son, drawing the boy into his side. Lucius was well-versed in politics and the education of the Heirs of Ancient Households, more so than himself and Severus in any case.
"Aldwyn, you are the sole Heir to the Most Noble and Ancient House of Potter."
"Draco said something about that before. He said that the Potters had a similar wealth to the Malfoy and Black families and that Charlus Potter formed a 'Bond' with the Black family and by extension the Malfoys when Narcissa Black married you, Lord Malfoy."
"That is correct, Aldwyn. You are the sole Heir to this house and therefore will have access to all their vaults, properties, assets, and businesses when you come of age and accept your Lordship. The vault you are currently using is called a Trust Vault, it is a vault that many wizarding parents set up for their children to get them through their schooling. It is what is used to buy school robes, textbooks, potion ingredients, and for treats or new supplies when you are allowed to go to Hogsmeade."
Aldwyn nods, eyes wide as he soaks up the information. At least the mechanics of the wizarding world were becoming clearer to him now. Going over these titbits a second time in his mind to make sure he understands everything he is being told a small bubble of anger begins to surface in the pit of his stomach. He contemplates whether Headmaster Dumbledore and Hagrid knew about the Potter's wealth and Lordship.
"Aldwyn, who is your Magical Guardian?" Severus cuts in, his gaze gentle, and open as he gazes down at Aldwyn. His posture stiffens when Aldwyn's face crumbles, eyebrows dipping, lips down turning as he shakes his head. A heavy weight drops in his stomach.
"Aldwyn, do you know what a Magical Guardian is?" The Dark Lord questions, watching his son become tense the more questions he cannot answer. Aldwyn shakes his head in negative, he had never heard that term before today. The adults exchange looks of outrage, and with deep regret, they begin to realise who had been named Harry Potter's Magical Guardian and why they would try to keep Harry in the dark about his rightful heritage.
"Snakelet?" Turning his watery gaze to his father, Aldwyn sniffles, the gentle expression on the Dark Lord's face soothing some of his worries away. "Oh, Snakelet, it is not your fault. None of this is your fault, alright?"
Aldwyn nods, he didn't like not knowing these things and felt like his father may become impatient with him if he didn't learn everything he had to. He didn't want his father to be disappointed in him if he didn't know something the Heir to a Noble House is supposed to. Not only that but now he was finding out that not only did he have something called a Magical Guardian which he could hazard a guess what they were supposed to do for him. This person was also, most likely, the one keeping his heritage; his inheritance from him.
"A Magical Guardian is a person chosen, usually by the child's parents through their last will and testimonies, who is supposed to look after you. They are the ones responsible for overseeing your Heir Lessons when you are young before you go to Hogwarts, which I assume you never received?"
Aldwyn shakes his head.
"They are the ones who oversee your vaults, your seats in the Wizengamot, and other additional aspects which comes with being the Lord of your Household. Normally, they are the ones who hold onto your Gringotts Keys as well."
He wipes his eyes, looking up at his father, fingers twisting themselves in knots. His gaze sweeps the room, teeth sinking into his bottom lip before his eyes draw back to his father. Cuddling further into his father's comforting embrace, accepting the handkerchief Severus offers him, Aldwyn sighs.
"When Hagrid took me to Gringotts, he told me that Dumbledore was the one who gave him the key to my trust vault when he was delivering my acceptance letter. Does that mean Dumbledore is my Magical Guardian?"
Anger shoots through the Dark Lord, his muscles stiffen and his eyes flash red. He couldn't believe this; no that wasn't right, he could believe that Dumbledore would withhold an Heir's heritage from them. What he couldn't believe was that no one within the Ministry thought to check up on Harry to make sure he was receiving his rightful lessons growing up. The fire building in his veins fizzles out when a whispered 'I'm sorry' reaches his ears. Forcing himself to relax, Marvolo drags a hand through Aldwyn's hair, dropping a kiss on his head, and he smiles.
"Shhh. It is alright, Snakelet. I am not angry with you, Aldwyn. I could never truly be angry with you. I am furious with Dumbledore; he has been trusted by the Ministry and your parents to look after you. He has not only failed you in regard to your wizarding heritage but has also failed to keep you safe. Aldwyn, my precious son, you are such a sweet boy, none of this is your fault."
Severus scowls, hand coming up to cup his chin as he ponders the Dark lord's words for a moment, his eyes lift meeting the equally disbelieving expression of Lucius who shakes his head in agreement. Something wasn't quite right here.
"I am not entirely sure that the Potters would have wished for Aldwyn to be put under the guardianship of Dumbledore; he was and still is Headmaster of Hogwarts as well as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, he would not have the time to care for a child adequately. Besides, as far as I am aware, the Potters' Wills have never been read and therefore, no one knows who was supposed to care for Aldwyn. It seems that before anyone could get a hold of the situation that night, Dumbledore had already secured Harry in a safe location and refused to divulge that information to anyone."
With everyone's eyes staring at him, Severus clears his throat, hunching his shoulders minutely. He stares down at Aldwyn, heart going out to the little boy whose eyes are shining with unshed tears. It wasn't fair that he has been manipulated all this time by a man he thought he could trust, who cared for him. Marvolo indicates for him to continue.
"Aldwyn, were you ever informed of any will readings by Gringotts?"
"No, but if Petunia or Vernon saw any letters with my name on they would burn them straight away, but I never saw any owls around the house except when they tried to deliver my Hogwarts letter."
"My Lord, even if a child is underage, they would still have received a letter informing them of the will readings. If, said recipient had not responded to multiple correspondences from the bank then a team of Goblins would be deployed to visit said recipient to find out why they had been ignoring such correspondences. However, Harry did not receive any visitations from the Goblins and therefore someone must have responded to the Missive in his stead."
"Dumbledore redirected his mail to go straight to him." Narcissa breathes, eyes wide, face paling. Aldwyn didn't understand why everyone looked so stricken all of a sudden.
"What does that mean?"
"It means, Aldwyn, that Dumbledore has not only essentially and unlawfully kidnapped a magical child, you but illegally withheld your mail, inheritance, and family rights. If you had received a visit from the Goblins and revealed that you didn't know anything about the Wizarding World nor received any bank statements or correspondences from the Bank, then an investigation would have been launched and Dumbledore would have been arrested."
Aldwyn looks from Lucius to his wife, both looking at him with anger in their eyes, though he knows that they weren't angry with him. Glancing up at Severus and his father, Aldwyn feels himself relaxing a little when they offer him small smiles. He smiles back before his expression drops.
"But why would Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts and Head of the Wizengamot want to keep this away from me? It's not like I can use my Lordship or vaults until I turn seventeen anyway."
"I believe, Aldwyn, Dumbledore, despite all the power he already held, craved for more. Dumbledore fears that his influence over the Wizarding World is slipping since his defeat of Grindelwald and therefore by keeping your inheritance away from you, you would not know to claim them by the time you turn of age, and therefore he would keep proxy."
"Lucius is correct. Dumbledore is power-hungry, and he found a way to secure the Potter seats and possibly other dead seats which are connected to the Potter line. He was unable to use them until you were reintroduced to the wizarding world because it would be too suspicious."
Aldwyn nods along. It made sense in a way. Dumbledore thought his power and influence were stagnating due to the length of time which had passed from his unprecedented defeat of Grindelwald and therefore he was looking for his next power fix. He was the Boy-Who-Lived, the baby who had defeated the Dark Lord and therefore stole the limelight from Dumbledore who had worked for years in order to defeat Voldemort. By claiming Guardianship over Harry Potter, his fame and influential power would spread to Dumbledore by proxy, especially if the old man held his family seats.
The Dark Lord watches Aldwyn with a fond smile, eyes softening when he sees him slipping into his mind in order to process the information. Bringing a hand up to stroke his chin, Marvolo's eyes glaze over. This information, if found in the wrong hands would aid their side a great deal. He could almost picture the uproar that would ensue around the wizarding world if the public were to find out that Dumbledore had kidnapped a child, left said child with abusive muggles, and knowingly kept their heritage from them. Especially if that child were their precious saviour.
"It seems Aldwyn, that we will be making a stop to Gringotts much earlier than expected. Though I am sure with the Goblins' neutrality and all, they will keep quiet about your adoption if we so choose. They will not allow anyone to unseal any documents without ironclad proof. It will also mean that you will have no part in this war if you so wish."
Aldwyn draws out of his thoughts, eyes sparkling wide at his father's words, he couldn't wait for the adoption to take place and for him to become his father's son for real. Meeting his father's eyes, Aldwyn forces his bottom lip out, pouting up at the man.
"But I can help, right father? If I want to? I mean imagine what we could do to Dumbledore and his cohorts if this information were to be accidentally leaked to the Daily Prophet…"
Marvolo laughs, wrapping his arms around Aldwyn who squeaks at the unexpected movement, though he soon breaks into giggles when slim fingers press gently into his sides. The rest of the room joins in their laughter.
"You truly are a marvel, Snakelet. I was thinking the exact same thing. Maybe we could come up with some plans a little later to see what we could do with this information, alright?"
"Alright, father. I was thinking, if we were to keep my adoption secret for a while then wouldn't we need to make Harry Potter disappear and ensure, with the help of Lord Malfoy I am sure, that certain information pertaining to Dumbledore's involvement in Harry Potter's mistreatment gets out. The public would turn on the Light side so quickly that we would be able to take over the Ministry without much opposition at all." Aldwyn smirks at his father's expression, mouth dropping open minutely, eyes blown wide.
"Going one step further, if we can somehow make the Muggles think that Harry Potter ran away from home and the injuries, they gave him had most likely killed him, this would further implement Dumbledore as he would be the only one who knew of his placement with the Muggles," Draco adds in, grinning at Aldwyn's look of exuberance. It felt weird to be planning his friend's 'death' when he was sitting directly opposite him nodding along, but if it kept Aldwyn safe then it would all be worth it.
"I do believe that this is a masterful plan we have concocted together, Heir Malfoy."
"We are two highly intelligent individuals, Heir Slytherin. What else would you expect?"
"Truer words have never been spoken, Heir Malfoy. We are gifts for the wizarding society, they should be ever so grateful we were born where they can witness our greatness."
"I couldn't agree with you more, Heir Slytherin and when you go to Gringotts you can confirm whether Dumbledore has manipulated everything and if he has then you and your father, with the help of the Malfoy family and Uncle Severus will be able to plan the release of this information to the wizarding population. It would not only make him lose favour, but he may also lose his job as Chief Wizengamot and hopefully Headmaster of Hogwarts as well. I mean who would want a man who encourages abduction and child abuse to run a school full of impressionable children?"
Aldwyn settles back against the sofa cushions a large smile adorning his face, softening his features as he stares over at his friend, nodding along.
"I do believe you are correct, Heir Malfoy. When Father claims his Lordship, he with the help of your father no doubt will be able to influence the Laws forbidding 'magical creatures' from getting jobs and houses and gaining an adequate education. We may be able to convince some Hogwarts students into joining our cause if we don't mention them being aims of the Dark."
The adults sit back, fondness encompassing the room. Smirks shape their features as they listen to Aldwyn and Draco's enthusiastic plans coming to fruition, with some tweaking and adjusting, they don't see how they wouldn't work out in their favour. Marvolo chuckles when Aldwyn's smirk widens, eyes sparkling more than he had seen since he had woken up and it was heart-warming to see Aldwyn so comfortable and relaxed. He had been worried for a while that it would take them weeks to convince Aldwyn that this was his home as well, that they wouldn't abandon him. His laughter breaks through their conversation and he can't help ruffling Aldwyn's hair when the boy looks at him with a light flush dusting his cheeks.
"Sorry, Father."
"There is nothing for you to apologise for, Snakelet. I believe your plans would work perfectly. I am sure that we will be planning a trip to Gringotts for tomorrow if you are feeling up for it. We can see what your inheritance is as well as who your Magical Guardian should have been. Then we will get the documents for your adoption sorted. I believe we get it done through the Goblins rather than going through the Ministry as the Goblins would conduct it with the utmost discretion. This way no one would be able to find any information nor have any way of linking you and Harry Potter together." Marvolo glances toward Lucius who nods in agreement.
"I believe you are correct, Marvolo. The Ministry would insist that an inquiry be conducted to ensure the treatment of Aldwyn was deplorable enough to warrant him being taken away from his home. They would also insist on a trial hearing for the Muggle family, including the entire Wizengamot, including Dumbledore. Everyone would know that your adopted son is Harry Potter by the end of the day."
Inclining his head in thanks, Marvolo turns his attention to Severus who nods his head in understanding before Marvolo can utter a word.
"I will have the potions ready for the blood adoption to take place the day after we return home-"
"We, Severus?"
Marvolo's quiet enquiry causes Severus to flush, his ears turning ever redder under the scrutinising gaze of his Lord. He scratches the back of his neck, eyes dropping to his hands resting in his lap, fingers twisting around each other, foot shifting restlessly against the floor.
"Well, I do believe it is about time for me to claim my own Lordship, Marvolo. It is rather overdue."