Chapter Eight – Plots of Demise
Marvolo couldn't believe how well everything was falling into place now, Severus was here beside him and willing to take up a Lordship he promised to have absolutely nothing to do with as long as he lived. Reaching over to the dour man, Marvolo turns his face towards himself allowing his eyes to take in the emotions flickering through Severus's eyes. When he sees nothing which would indicate Severus feeling uncomfortable with the idea he smiles, releasing the potion's master from his grip.
"Very well, Severus. I was hoping you would agree to come with us, but this works out for us all. Now, onto another matter of business; Hogwarts. Does anyone know if there are any teaching positions available? I would feel a lot more at ease if we had more allies stationed within the school to ensure Aldwyn's safety. Not that I don't trust you, Severus."
"I know, Marvolo."
Glancing down at Aldwyn when he feels him shifting against his side, Marvolo rolls his eyes, the corners of his lips up turning when he sees a series of raised eyebrows, shoulders shrugging, and quirks of lips being passed between Aldwyn and Draco seemingly holding a silent conversation. Wrapping his arm back around Aldwyn's shoulders, Marvolo drops a kiss to the top of his head, smile widening at the grin stretching his son's lips.
"What are the two of you up to this time?" Narcissa questions, raising an eyebrow she glances between the two children delighting in the innocent expression they encompass instantly. If she didn't know her son as well as she did then she would have fallen for it, however, she knew Draco well enough to spot the mischievous glint in his eyes. Chuckling at the boys, Narcissa ruffles Draco's hair, smirking at his shout of protest, he could be so much like his father at times.
"Now, my little Snakelet, what were the two of you planning?"
Pulling his son tighter into his side, Marvolo glances between the two children who drop their innocent fronts for a more devilish smirk. Draco turns to the Dark Lord.
"Well, we were thinking that if we were able to get rid of the History of Magic professor then you could put someone in his place. I mean anything would be better than a professor who doesn't know how to teach anything but the Goblin wars and rebellions."
"Most people use Professor Binns's lessons as an excuse to take a nap or catch up on work for their other subjects."
"If I may intervene, Marvolo. It is not a bad idea. Professor Binns is unfit to teach. I remember having him as a student and he was indeed too monotonous to keep his students engaged for more than a few moments. I am sure we will be able to convince the Ministry and Board of Governors to exorcise him. If needed, we can direct them to the History of Magic O.W.L and N.E.W.T scores of the past few decades to validate our claim."
Marvolo looks from the two children to his most trusted friends and followers, eyebrows furrowing deep in thought, he couldn't really make much of a comment on the teachings of Professor Binns because he was after his time as a student, but if what Aldwyn and Severus are saying was true then there was much history which is not being taught to the future generations. Significant history which needs to be known for people to understand magic fully.
"You say this Professor focuses solely on the Goblin Rebellions and wars and nothing else?" Severus and Lucius nod. "What about the founders? The first wizarding war? Grindelwald? The witch hunts? Is none of this being taught?"
Once again Lucius and Severus shake their heads, glancing nervously at their Lord when his eyes flash red at the information. How was Dumbledore allowing this imposter to teach the younger generations of the wizarding war such tripe instead of the history of their world? Their traditions and where they came from. How the Statute of Secrecy came about and why. It was infuriating. They needed to know about the First Wizarding War and why it was started in the first place.
Aldwyn sees the shifting emotions flickering in his father's eyes, he sees the anger rising, his brown eyes mixing with burgundy red, his magic crackling through the air in small sparks and he knows the man is angry at their lack of adequate education. Thinking back to how his father and Severus would make him feel better, Aldwyn shuffles along the sofa cushions, cautiously pushing himself to his knees. He smiles when he feels a hand pressing against his back steadying him. Wrapping his arms around his father's neck, Aldwyn pulls Marvolo into a tight embrace. He giggles when the magic saturating the air draws back, arms wrapping around his waist.
Pulling back slightly, Aldwyn grins, giggling. His father is smiling down at him and drops a kiss on his forehead before tugging him back into another brief hug.
"What was that for, Aldwyn? Not that I mind at all."
Aldwyn's smile stretches further, eyes shining with joy when he is drawn onto his father's lap, arms wrapping around his waist tighter. Sighing when fingers card through his hair, he leans further into the solid form bracing him up.
"You and Severus always give me a hug when I am unhappy and I didn't want you to be angry and I thought it would make you feel better as well, Father."
"Thank you, Son. I am a lot happier now." Dropping another kiss on his son's head, Marvolo turns to glance at Lucius. "Lucius, I want you to try and get the Board of Governors to Exorcise Professor Binns. What of the Defence position?"
Marvolo turns towards Severus knowing that the dour man would be kept in the know by Dumbledore as to the goings on of the school despite Severus not being the deputy.
"So far Dumbledore has received but one application from Gilderoy Lockhart and unless he receives another, we will be stuck with that fraud."
Nodding his head, Marvolo furrows his eyebrows, absently stroking to raven locks of Aldwyn making the child close his eyes in contentment, sighing as he leans further into the ministrations.
"Hmmm. I believe we shall leave that as is for the meantime. I will ponder who we shall put in the History of Magic position; I hear the professors have control over what they teach and how?"
"Yes, although it will need to cover what will be tested on the O. and N.E. but other than that Dumbledore gives his staff the freedom to teach whatever they like."
"Very well, I will take that into consideration when debating who to appoint. Right, so that is all sorted for now. What is next?" Marvolo mutters to himself, he had debated taking the History position for himself but, no matter how reluctant he was to have Aldwyn away from him for such a long time, it would be too much for him to deal with lesson plans and h marking while trying to further his agenda within the Ministry.
"Alright, so we have covered Aldwyn's adoption and inheritance as well as both of our name changes. The changes we will implement at Hogwarts this upcoming year and within the Ministry. Severus, both you and I are going to claim our Lordship rings. Lucius, I would like for you to come with us when we check Aldwyn's inheritance. The more witnesses we have, the better it will be in the end. Depending on what we find, will lead to whether we tip Rita Skeeter and the Daily Prophet off or not. Is there anything else? Ah, yes…"
"Aldwyn, I was wishing to inform you that we will be moving into the Slytherin Mansion in a week or two. I have already sent a few house elves ahead to get the place ready for use and hoped it to be ready for us once we have recovered from the ritual. Now, Slytherin Mansion is going to be where we take up permanent residence and it is where, if you are agreeable, you will be coming home to during the school holidays."
Aldwyn turns around, resting his legs on the sofa cushion between his father and Severus, lips stretching wide. His eyes glitter with happiness.
"Home? I get to come home for the holidays?"
Marvolo nods down at Aldwyn, tightening his arms around Aldwyn's waist for a moment, he drags a hand through Aldwyn's hair, who responds by releasing a quiet squeal, his lips stretching impossibly wider before he scrambles to his knees, arms wrapping around his father's neck in a tight embrace.
"Will Severus and Draco be allowed to come to visit us there as well? Mister and Mrs. Malfoy also?"
"If they wouldn't mind, then I don't see why not." Marvolo agrees instantly to his son's request, dropping another kiss on Aldwyn's head as the boy turns to settle himself back down on his father's lap.
Severus, who is watching the interaction between newly reunited father and son, covers his mouth as he attempts to smother his chuckles. He had never seen the Dark Lord, the most feared wizard in Wizarding British history cave to anyone's wishes before. Not that he could blame Marvolo, if that hopeful gaze was directed his way, he wouldn't stand a chance either. Glancing up at Marvolo's face, Severus loses the fight and snorts at the glare he is receiving from his Lord; though unlike during the wizarding war, he doesn't find it frightening this time.
"Is there something you find amusing, Severus?" Marvolo smirks at Severus, lips twitching with the urge to laugh along with his potions master. Though he tries to keep up his act of 'Dark Lord' for a moment longer, secretly pleased that Severus isn't cowering away from his gaze.
"Nothing of importance, Marvolo. I would be delighted to join you and Aldwyn at the mansion for the holidays unless Dumbledore finds some need of me…"
Severus sighs, his words drifting off, eyes dropping to his lap. The Dark Lord smiles gently at Severus knowing of the man's reluctance to stay in such close proximity to the old wizard. Glancing down at Aldwyn for a moment, he drags a hand through his son's hair noticing that his attention is drifting and that he would need to find something to entertain Aldwyn soon. He drops a kiss on Aldwyn's hair in silent promise.
"Do not worry so, Severus. I am sure that I can come up with an excuse to ensure Dumbledore cannot keep you within the school grounds during the holidays." Marvolo grins, his insides twisting pleasantly, emotions he hadn't allowed himself to feel since he had established himself as a Dark Lord re-emerging. Severus raises an eyebrow, wondering what Marvolo could be planning. His cheeks heat up minutely, eyes flickering away.
"Oh? And what excuse would this entail, if you don't mind my asking, Marvolo?"
Lucius and Narcissa, forgotten through the exchange, sit silently watching the byplay with growing smiles. They had never really noticed the chemistry forming between the pair before, though they were probably too terrified of their Dark Lord's anger to look too closely at his actions. Now that they thought back on their time within Marvolo's ranks before his disappearance, the Dark Lord had always favoured Severus in a way, his punishments had never been as harsh as anyone else's and despite him being a spy within Dumbledore's Order, the Dark Lord's trust never wavered once.
"Well, we could inform Dumbledore that you would hate to spend the holidays away from your family and that you would like to spend more time with them due to the distance between you and them during the school term."
"I don't believe that would work. Dumbledore knows I have no family left; he would never allow me to leave using such an excuse."
Marvolo's smirk widens. He watches as Severus cocks his head to the side, hair falling over his shoulder, eyebrows furrowing.
"Well, I never mentioned anything about blood family, Severus. We could imply to the headmaster that you have a partner you wish to spend more time with." Aldwyn hears the change in his father's tone and tunes his attention back to the conversation, eyes widening when he sees the slight blush dusting his father's ears, a matching one painting Severus's cheeks.
"And who am I to say my partner is, Marvolo?"
"Exactly." Marvolo doesn't say anything more, settling against the back of the sofa, his lips stretch into a wide smirk when Severus's blush deepens.
Severus searches the Dark Lord's gaze, looking for a sign that Marvolo wasn't serious, that he was just joking around. He doesn't see that however, all he sees is open honesty hidden behind a carefully constructed mask of confidence, alongside a hint of challenge in the deep brown eyes. He glances across the room shifting in his seat when he notices Lucius and Narcissa watching them with avid attention.
"And you would not mind? That I would be implying to the headmaster, and no doubt the entire Hogwarts staff that I am in a relationship with the esteemed Lord Slytherin?" Severus licks his lips, hands clenching the material of his robes in trembling knuckles. He tries to keep his voice level as he matches the Dark Lord's smirk with one of his own, but he knows the other can hear it trembling.
"Severus, there is nothing that would make me mind the entire Hogwarts faculty knowing or thinking that we are in an exclusive courtship or relationship. If it were something you wouldn't mind either?" Marvolo follows his question with a wink to Severus. Sliding Aldwyn back onto the sofa, Marvolo stands, brushing his robes down before focusing back on Severus whose ears had darkened once again.
"I wouldn't mind that at all, Marvolo." Severus breathes out, heart stuttering in his chest.
"Good. Though your colleagues may be surprised to note that the 'evil dungeon bat' has entered into a courtship with someone who has an eleven, almost twelve-year-old child."
"Well, this particular man has an exceptionally adorable child. How could I say no to such a courtship?" Severus chuckles, drawing Aldwyn into his side, and ruffling his hair. Brushing his hands down Aldwyn's sides, he draws a quiet giggle from the child.
"As much as I am enjoying you flirting with Severus, father. Can we go do something now? I am bored." Aldwyn's smirk quickly turns into a shriek of laughter when Severus and Marvolo pounce on him, their skilled fingers attacking his sides. Aldwyn twists away from their pair, squirming against the back of the sofa to avoid their advances.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Stop. Please." Words forced out through giggles, face heating up, and breath stuttering. Aldwyn wriggles, rolls, kicks, and shifts to get away from the merciless tickling. Marvolo and Severus share a glance, lips stretching into delighted grins. Feeling merciful, they stop their attack on Aldwyn; all three chuckling softly as Aldwyn works on calming his breathing down. Eyes sparkling, mouth stretched wide.
"Seriously though father, have you finished flirting with Severus now?"
"For the moment, Snakelet."
Another blush explodes across Severus's cheeks at Marvolo's words. Aldwyn giggles, shaking his head at the self-satisfied smirk shaping his father's features and slips from the sofa before they can decide to attack him again. Slipping his hand into Marvolo's Aldwyn turns towards Severus holding his other hand out which is taken with only a second of hesitation.
"Lunch and then we can do something fun. How does that sound, Snakelet?"
"Okay, Father."
Marvolo gestures for the Malfoy family to join them as he makes his way through the halls of the Manor, leading the group toward the informal dining room. He directs Aldwyn to sit at his right-hand side while Severus takes the seat to his left. Lucius and Narcissa sit down beside Severus while Draco takes the seat on Aldwyn's side. Seeing everyone seated, Marvolo clicks his fingers, and a house elf appears by his side in a second. He requests for lunch to be bought out as the elf disappears to be replaced by a feast of sandwiches and snacks spreading across the table.
Aldwyn's eyes widen at the array of food in front of him, but before he can reach for any Severus slides a small vial across the table. With a deep sigh, Aldwyn nods his head, takes the potion, and downs it in one swallow. His nose scrunches up at the awful taste assaulting his tongue, reaching over to his glass of pumpkin juice, Aldwyn drinks half before releasing a large sigh.
"Ewww. I don't think I will ever get used to that taste. Ever."
The occupants chuckle at Aldwyn's reaction as he hands the empty vial back to Severus. His nose still scrunching in displeasure. Marvolo ruffles his son's hair, gesturing to the spread of food for him to choose from.
"It won't be for too long, Snakelet. You only have to take them until you are back to full health again. I am sure time will pass in the blink of an eye."
Aldwyn nods his head, it would be nice to not have to drink a potion at every meal. He reaches for a sandwich, filling his plate, and he digs in when his stomach grumbles at the smell. The group chats amicably between bites of food, laughing and joking, making plans for the remainder of the summer holidays with the boys. Meanwhile, Draco and Aldwyn discuss the different games they could play and what they are expecting to learn when they get back to Hogwarts come September, making sure to not mention any plans of mischief they are planning on getting up to.
It doesn't take long for them all to finish eating and Aldwyn jumps down from the table, a large grin shaping his lips as he grabs for his father's hand. Dragging the man towards the hallway, Aldwyn releases a laugh when the others follow his lead.
"Where are we going, Snakelet?"
"I saw a chess set in the family lounge. May we play Father? Please."
Marvolo grips his son's hand tighter, rolling his eyes at the pleading look Aldwyn is directing his way as he feels himself giving in. If he wasn't careful, his son was going to become the most lovingly spoilt child in the wizarding world. Not that he minded indulging the child at all.
"Of course, we may, Aldwyn."
"Yay! So, Severus and I against you!"
Severus, who is walking by Marvolo's side sniggers. It may have been his fault that Aldwyn became obsessed with the game. It had been one of the only things in his chambers that a child Aldwyn's age could play and so he had begun teaching Aldwyn how to play. The young boy had taken to the game instantly and loved learning about the various moves and strategies, especially as he would indulge Aldwyn with stories of his mother while they played.
"And why would it be fair that you and Severus gang up on me?"
"Because you are too smart to lose against us and besides, I am not very good. Severus has been teaching me, but I haven't won a single game yet."
"Alright, I will allow you and Severus to team up, just this once."
Aldwyn nods in agreement, skipping along at his father's side. Severus rolls his eyes knowing that if Aldwyn wished, then Marvolo would definitely give in to his son's wishes in a heartbeat if it meant keeping the smile on Aldwyn's face. He smirks knowing that Aldwyn isn't as bad as he is claiming to be which serves him for further amusement. With the two of them working together they could lead the Dark Lord into a false sense of security and win easily. As if Aldwyn is thinking along the same lines, he leans around his father, catching Severus's eyes, and winks. It was going to be an amusing afternoon.
It had been a long and exhausting day for Aldwyn. He had played multiple games of chess with Severus and his father, sometimes winning but mostly losing. It had been the most fun he had had all summer. So much so, that he didn't want the day to end. They had all sat down for dinner and then retreated to the library where everyone had spent a few hours reading. Aldwyn had found it peaceful, cuddled between Marvolo and Severus; he had even been allowed to ask for explanations when he came across something he didn't understand. In fact, Severus and his father encouraged him to ask.
They hadn't thrown a dictionary at his head when he asked what certain words meant, nor had they shouted at him for asking too many questions. He had been so happy learning new things that he had even scheduled a day for Draco to come around so they could spend the entire day working through their homework together with his father, Severus, Lucius, and Narcissa on hand to help if they got stuck. He couldn't stop beaming for ages afterward.
Though it hadn't been much longer before his eyelids began to feel heavy, the grip on his book slackening as his eyes droop. He was still healing from his stay with his relatives after all. He had been surprised, eyes snapping open when his father had put down his own book and gently guide him off the sofa. He allows the tight grip around his hand to keep him steady and on his feet. Rubbing his eyes, Aldwyn smiles up at Marvolo, holding back a yawn.
Marvolo ruffles Aldwyn's hair, smiling down at the teetering child. He ponders, not for the first time, what he had done to deserve such a sweet child of his own. Turning to the other sofa where Draco is sprawled, the Dark Lord's smile softens, even more, when he sees the young heir also on the verge of sleep. Crouching down at Aldwyn's side, Marvolo wraps an arm around his shoulders while the other hooks under Aldwyn's knees. Easily lifting Aldwyn up, Marvolo draws him against his chest, shifting him a little so he could offer his free hand to Draco.
Aldwyn mumbles against his father's chest, wrapping his arms around the man's neck. He buries his face against Marvolo's shoulder allowing himself to rest fully against his father's chest. He couldn't remember ever being held in such a secure embrace before and he was going to make the most of it. He tilts his head to the side, watching as Draco drops his book on the arm of the sofa and reaches out to grasp the Dark Lord's outstretched hand. The hesitation causes Aldwyn to snigger, burying his head against his father's neck even as Marvolo shakes his head at his son, rolling his eyes. He mutters a quiet 'brat' under his breath.
"But you love me anyway," Aldwyn mumbles, words slurring together. Marvolo chuckles, dropping a kiss on his son's head, tightening his grip around the boy.
"That I do, my son. Very much so."
"Love you too, Father." Aldwyn sighs, eyes drifting closed as he snuggles closer to his father's chest not seeing the softening expression on his father's face. Tightening his hold once again around Aldwyn, Marvolo glances from his son to Draco.
"Come on, let's get the two of you to bed."
Draco rubs his eyes, hand tightening around the Dark Lord's as he is led out of the library. Glancing over his shoulder he sees his parents and Severus following them and he knows that this is most likely the last night he is going to be allowed to stay over. His parents made him promise that he would come home once they had made sure Aldwyn was no longer injured, and with how well his friend was doing now, his father was going to take him home the next day.
"You are all welcome to stay the night as well if you wish, seeing as we are all going to be up early tomorrow morning. Sans having us meeting up outside the bank."
Severus nods his head, it made sense. He keeps an out on the two children, watching how gently Marvolo guides Draco down the corridors and how secure his grip is around his son, and he can't withhold his smile. His mind casts back to their back-and-forth in the lounge that morning and feels his cheeks heating up. He didn't know if Marvolo was just joking with him about being in an exclusive relationship, if he truly wished for it just to be a cover to allow him out of the school for the holidays, or whether the Dark Lord truly wished to begin a courtship with him. He wished to ask Marvolo about it but didn't wish to embarrass himself if the answer was less than favourable.
"I believe I shall take you up on your offer Marvolo. I have no desire to return to the school, nor is my family home suitable for human occupation. Is my usual room set up?" Severus lengthens his strides until he is walking beside Marvolo who nods his head.
"I am sure Father wouldn't mind you sharing his room if it wasn't…" Aldwyn's voice rings out.
Draco clasps a hand over his mouth, watching as Marvolo glares half-heartedly down at his son, who in turn offers a wide-eyed innocent expression in return. He leans forward, dropping a kiss on his father's cheek as Lucius and Narcissa snigger. The Malfoys smirk at the blushes exploding across Severus's and Marvolo's cheeks at Aldwyn's words.
"Aldwyn, I thought you were asleep?" tilting his head to the side, Aldwyn smiles up at his professor choosing to ignore his father's question. Reaching a hand out, he pats Severus's shoulder in a show of reassurance.
"Don't worry, Severus. I don't mind. We can share Father."
The three Malfoys snort with laughter when Aldwyn, smirking to himself, lays his head back down on Marvolo's shoulder and closes his eyes once again. He ignores the gobsmacked expressions on Severus and Marvolo's faces and doesn't notice them staring down at him.
"Oh, he is precious, isn't he dear?" Narcissa stutters out between her laughter. Looking over at her husband who is shaking his head at the small child curled up against his Lord's chest. The manor certainly was going to be interesting now that Aldwyn was around, he couldn't wait to witness the chaos he would bring in the coming months. He watches as Aldwyn's breath evens out, his injuries finally getting the best of him as he slips into sleep.
"I have to agree with you, Love. I do believe his father and dad are going to have their hands full."
Severus chokes, breath forcing itself out of his lungs. His cheeks explode in a violent blush, eyes narrowing at his best friend who merely smirks in return. His chest constricts painfully at the insinuation behind Lucius's words, fear bubbling deep in his gut. He chances a glance at Marvolo, worried how the other would take Lucius's comment, his heart flutters when he meets a pale flush and shy smile. The tension in his stomach melts away.
"Anyway, let us get these two off to bed, we have a busy day tomorrow." Severus quickly intervenes, diverting the attention away from such topics of conversation. He averts his gaze to the floor, willing his flush away.
"I am sure you all remember the way to your usual rooms, if not I can call for one of the house elves to escort you?" Marvolo questions gaze sweeping over to Narcissa, and Lucius an eyebrow raised. Narcissa quickly gaining the silent urge, takes her husband's hand and begins to lead him down the corridor.
"There is no need, Marvolo, we know the way. Good night, Marvolo, Severus. Sweet dreams Aldwyn, Draco." A chorus of responses follows the Malfoys down the hallway as they turn the corner and disappear from view.
"I will assist you in escorting the children to bed, Marvolo."
Nodding his head in thanks, Marvolo and Severus make their way down the corridors, a comfortable silence blanketing them until Draco stumbles when a yawn breaks out. Severus, barely breaking stride, slips his arm around his godson, hoisting him into his arms. Drawing Draco against his chest, Severus cards a hand through his hair before letting it drop back to his side.
Following Marvolo through the halls of Riddle manor, Severus startles when a warmth surrounds his hands, caressing the appendage like a soft blanket. Glancing down at his hand, he is surprised to see Marvolo interlacing their fingers. Whipping his head up, Severus finds the Dark Lord looking anywhere but himself, it brings a smile to his lips, especially when he spies a faint dust of pink decorating Marvolo's ears. His breath catches in his chest, he had never seen the Dark Lord looking nervous before. Ever, and here he was chewing his bottom lip because he had initiated them holding hands. It was endearing. Severus smiles, squeezing the hand wrapped around his own watching Marvolo relaxing.
"Draco?" Marvolo whispers, not wishing to wake the child if he were sleeping. Draco turns his head towards the Dark Lord, eyes slightly glazed. "Would you like to stay in your own room tonight, or would you prefer to stay with Aldwyn?"
"May I stay with Aldwyn? He might have a nightmare and I don't want him to wake up alone if that happens." Severus smiles down at his godson while Marvolo nods. Dropping Severus's hand slowly, Marvolo turns to open a door he stops in front of, gesturing for Severus to follow him. They carefully place the children under the covers, spelling their clothes into pyjamas, watching as Draco wraps his arms around Aldwyn who curls into the older boy's side.
"Good night, Son. Good night, Draco." The Dark Lord drops a kiss on both boys' heads, turning to exit the room as Severus follows his lead and brushes a kiss on each child, ensuring the covers are wrapped around them securely before he finds himself back in the hall with Marvolo.
"Thank you, Severus." Severus looks up at the Dark Lord, his Slytherin mask falling completely as he stares up at his Lord in shock. Marvolo offers him a sheepish smile, eyes flickering down and around the darkening corridor.
"Whatever for, Marvolo?" Severus's voice is a whisper, hands clenching into his robes as they begin to sweat lightly. His heart rate picks up speed when his gaze meets the brown and red eyes of his Lord.
"For keeping your promise to look after my son. I don't think I would trust anyone else with Aldwyn's well-being as much as I trust you, Severus. Your healing potions and nutrient potions you sent home with Aldwyn are probably what saved his life this summer and I can't thank you enough for everything you have done for him. He has really taken to you, you know." Marvolo's gaze falls back to Aldwyn's bedroom door, his smile fond before he turns back to Severus.
"He really is a special child. He is so shy, so timid, and yet so very sly and cunning, and with Draco by his side he is going to get up to all sorts of mischief this upcoming year." Severus chuckles, looking up at Marvolo he feels his heart skipping a beat when Marvolo's eyes sparkle with amusement.
"I hope you are ready for that." Marvolo continues, laughter ringing out. His expression softens again the longer he looks at the easy-going smile on the usually dour man's face.
"I am sure I will manage somehow. However, I somehow doubt that they will ever be caught. There is no doubt that part of the faculty will know it was the pair of them, but I am sure they will find no evidence to prove it. Real Slytherins the pair of them." Severus shakes his head, sighing softly. He gestures down the corridor, falling into step with Marvolo Severus can't help the soft chuckle. "I have a feeling that I must keep on my toes this year. Will Aldwyn be getting resorted? He enquired about it before, but I wasn't too sure. He told me how the Hat wished to sort him into Slytherin last year, but he asked it not to, knowing that he would need to play a role even back then."
Marvolo regards Severus in his peripheral vision, watching his mind wander with thoughts of Aldwyn being sorted into his house, no doubt. It would definitely make it easier for him to remain friends with Draco and his Snakes, while also protecting him from Dumbledore all the more. He saw no reason why Aldwyn wouldn't be sorted into the House of Snakes. Plus, it would distance Aldwyn from Harry Potter.
"Due to a variety of circumstances, Aldwyn has been worrying about whether Harry Potter will completely disappear or not. As I said earlier, I would like to give him the chance of being a normal wizarding child. You have already hinted to the headmaster of Aldwyn's transfer to Hogwarts, so I am sure he will be 'resorted' when he arrives."
Severus nods. He knows how worried Marvolo is about sending Aldwyn to Hogwarts where he will be under the tutelage of Dumbledore and his supporters. They knew that Dumbledore would try to pry into Aldwyn's parentage when he hears his family name being called during his sorting and will try all sorts of tricks to either 'turn Aldwyn to the light' or harm him to prevent him from growing up to become a dark lord like his dad.
"I will make sure to put him in a room with Draco. I have a feeling those two are going to become inseparable."
Marvolo hums, he knows that Severus is most likely correct in his assumption about the boys. Walking down the corridors, Marvolo glances over at Severus before slipping his hand slowly back into Severus's. Squeezing the appendage, offering a slight twitch of lips when Severus turns to glance at him, hand tightening around his own in response.
"I wouldn't mind. I have a feeling that Draco is going to become fiercely protective over Aldwyn. It will be good for him; will make him feel safer when neither of us is around. It will hopefully mitigate the thoughts of him being unwanted and unlovable."
Severus slides closer to Marvolo, intertwining their fingers as he contemplates Marvolo's words. He knows that it is going to take a while before Aldwyn will believe completely that they are not going to give him up and turn their backs on him. And with Draco's fierce protectiveness alongside Marvolo's tendency to spoil Aldwyn even if he is not aware he is doing so, Aldwyn will surely believe that he is wanted.
All too soon, Severus finds himself standing outside his bedroom door. Withholding a sigh of disappointment, Severus turns towards Marvolo who, he is pleased to note, is trying to hide his own downtrodden expression. Warmth spread through his chest.
"Thank you for walking me back, Marvolo. I will see you in the morning." Dropping his hand, Severus takes a step back, biting his lip he opens his mouth before snapping it shut. Turning on his heels, Severus finds his hand being grabbed again, fingers tugging his arm until he turns back around to face Marvolo. He opens his mouth to question the Dark lord when his mouth snaps closed. His eyes widen when he feels a soft, feather-like kiss brushing against his cheek.
Marvolo pulls back, a soft smile dancing across his features. He brings his free hand up, stroking the back of his fingers down Severus's cheek as he whispers a quiet, "Good night, Severus."
Severus is then left alone. His hand dropped, the warmth of Marvolo's body fading as the man in question turns around without another word, walking off down the corridor. Severus doesn't know how long he stands in the hallway for, staring off in the direction the Dark lord had disappeared, his hand pressed to his cheek, a giddy breath-taking smile stretching across his lips.
"Good night, Marvolo." The whispered words echo through the empty corridor, following behind Severus as he slips into his room with a wistful sigh.