Chapter Nine – Gringotts Bank
Aldwyn awakens to the sight of soft sunlight streaming through his bedrooms thin curtains casting a beautiful golden hue around the room. Squeezing his eyes shut for a moment, Aldwyn tries to block out the light which had pulled him from his sleeping state. Feeling consciousness chasing away any chance of him falling back to sleep, his eyes snap open when he becomes aware of a warm pressure stroking through his hair.
Shifting slightly, Aldwyn groans, stretching his muscles out. He notices a comfortable weight resting against his stomach meeting with a firm presence beneath his head. Relaxing into the warmth cocooning him, Aldwyn presses closer to the security he feels, sighing as he continues to lose his battle against consciousness. A breathy chuckle brushes against his head, while the firm presence under his head vibrates in time forcing his eyes to open.
Lifting himself up to his elbow, Aldwyn rubs the sleep from his eyes, feeling his glasses being slipped onto the bridge of his nose. Once his vision comes into full focus, Aldwyn glances to his left, a smile tugging the corner of his lips when he meets familiar grey-blue eyes, a span of white-blond hair spilling out across his pillows.
"Good morning, Aldwyn."
Pushing himself up to rest against the headboard, Aldwyn yawns, stretching his arms above his head. He winces when a lingering of pain flares up through his ribs and abdomen, muscles in his arms and legs pulling uncomfortably. Though he is happy to note that most of his aches have faded to a dull throbbing.
"Good morning, Draco. Thank you for staying with me last night."
Following Aldwyn's example, Draco pushes himself up. Though instead of resting back, he swings his legs over the edge of the bed and slides down until his feet touch the floor. Standing to his full height, Draco turns around to smirk down at Aldwyn, pulling to covers back into place before he crosses his arms, nose pointing to the air.
"No problem, Aldwyn, I told you that I would always be here for you." A chuckle escapes his chest when he sees a light blush coating Aldwyn's cheeks. He reaches over to ruffle Aldwyn's hair, making the strands stick up in all directions.
Aldwyn quickly follows his friend, scowling as he tries to flatten his untameable hair back into some semblance of order. Traipsing across the room, Aldwyn retrieves some underwear and socks from his chest of drawers. Opening the doors to his walk-in wardrobe, he wanders through the racks picking clothes similar to the outfit he had worn the day before. He chooses a smooth silk, black shirt with a pair of matching black dress trousers before locating his Slytherin green cloak which was quickly becoming his favourite. Satisfied with his outfit, Aldwyn makes his way back to his bed, placing the clothes over the edge to prepare for the day.
"Molry!" Draco's voice draws his attention back to his friend. Aldwyn watches with wide eyes as a small male house elf appears in the middle of his bedroom, handling a pile of clothes to Draco without having been asked. Draco drops the on the bed, opposite Aldwyn's and smirks.
"Your clothes, Heir Malfoy, sir."
"Thank you, Molry. That will be all." With a small bow the elf pops back out of the room.
Keeping a small smile on his face, Aldwyn walks into his bathroom to get changed for the day not entirely comfortable with the idea of dressing in front of anyone but his father and Severus. His body was still showing signs of his relatives' delightful treatment, along with the malnourishment. Brushing his teeth and washing his face before relieving himself and washing his hands, Aldwyn finishes his morning routine and walks out into the bedroom. He grins over at Draco when the boy glances up and meets his gaze, the other having almost finished dressing as well.
Settling down on the edge of his bed, Aldwyn grabs his socks and slips them on. His excitement for the upcoming days growing as he recalls his father mentioning their plans for the adoption ritual were set for the following day, if his body was healed enough. He would finally have a real family, a loving family in magic, blood, and soul. He couldn't wait. He tries to ignore the rising apprehension which bubbles just below the surface.
What if Marvolo realised he really was worthless? That he really was a freak and that he didn't want him around anymore? What if he only wanted to adopt him so he could get the Stone, would he throw him away now that he got it? Was all this to lull him into a false sense of security before he was sent back to his relatives? Shaking his head, Aldwyn tries to push his negative thoughts to the recesses of his mind. He didn't want to doubt his father; didn't want to seem ungrateful for all the things the man had done for him already.
Stroking the creases out of his cloak, he wouldn't need it until they were preparing to leave so didn't wish to carry it down to breakfast with him just yet. Aldwyn pulls on his new dragonhide boots and laces them up. Jumping back down from his bed, Aldwyn pauses in the doorway, waiting for Draco to catch up before they make their way through the corridors, pulling the door closed behind them. Picking up speed when his stomach makes itself known, Draco grips Aldwyn's wrist pulling him through the hallway.
"So, did you see Marvolo and Severus yesterday?" Draco begins, a smirk stretching across his features as he glances over his shoulder at Aldwyn who nods.
"Yes, I know. Do you think they are going to really end up together? I mean do you really think they could like each other?" Aldwyn returns, his voice reaching a higher octave even as his eyebrows furrow. He had never really seen anyone flirting before; even Petunia and Vernon hadn't been all that romantic or lovey-dovey. He wasn't sure what being in love looked like, nor how people acted when they had a crush on someone. He glances at Draco; he was sure that the older boy would know more than him; his parents did seem a lot more intimate than anyone he had met before.
"Don't fret so much, Aldwyn. I am pretty sure Uncle Severus and Marvolo like each other a lot. I mean did you not see how much they were blushing when you said your father wouldn't mind sharing his room with Severus? Even Father was laughing."
Aldwyn and Draco break into laughter, breath stuttering as images fill their minds of Severus and Marvolo bantering back and forth throughout the entire day. It had amused them greatly to witness the alleged darkest Dark Lord in all wizarding history turn as red as the Gryffindor common room.
"Yes, but if they really do like each other…" Aldwyn trails off, his face drooping as he is pulled down the hallway, "…Do you think they would forget about me?"
Draco stops in the middle of the corridor causing Aldwyn to crash into his back. Eyes widening, he spins around to stare down at his friend, what shook him to his core more than the question was the insecurity he could hear in Aldwyn's tone. It hurt him to hear it. Draco watches Aldwyn shuffle from foot to foot, eyes flitting around the corridor, refusing to meet Draco's eyes. Shaking hi head, Draco grips Aldwyn's chin guiding his gaze to meet his own.
"Aldwyn. No matter what happens between Marvolo and Uncle Severus, your father will never forget about you. Your father has gone through too much to turn his back on you now; he loves you too much for that. Besides, think of it this way; if your father did really end up with Severus, then you would have two parents. They couldn't forget about you. Even if Severus isn't dating your father now, he still loves you very much and neither of them are going to abandon you. Okay?"
Aldwyn stares at Draco for a moment, his words circling through his mind. Pulling his face out of Draco's grip, Aldwyn drops his gaze back to the floor. He wanted to believe Draco, he really wanted to believe that his father would never abandon him; forget about him but something was weighing on his mind and he couldn't stop thinking about it.
"But what if they do end up getting together, they will eventually have a child of their own. They wouldn't want me anymore and would love that child more because it would be their own. I am just going to be adopted, they would forget about me!"
Draco feels his heart breaking for Aldwyn. He watches as his friend has an internal battle with himself. He knows that Aldwyn truly wished to believe everything he had been told, but the years of abuse at the hands of those muggles had destroyed whatever worth he felt. He knows Aldwyn doesn't want to let himself believe that he truly has found a family to call his own; a family who will never abandon him to protect himself from being hurt. Pulling Aldwyn into a tight embrace, Draco drags a hand through his hair, rubbing his other up and down his friend's spine.
"Aldwyn, I want you to listen to me very carefully, okay? You father will never, could never forget about you, even if he were to have a child of his own. He already loves you and see you as his own child. The blood adoption ritual is just to ensure that no one can take you away from him. It will make you his biological son in every way possible. You would be his child in magic, blood, body, and soul, even a paternity test will show Marvolo as your birth Father. If Marvolo does have a child of his own, then I think you are going to make a brilliant big brother and he would be so proud of you. Your father, nor Uncle Severus, will never forget about you, nor will they send you away."
Aldwyn clings to his friends, knuckles turning white as he fists the back of Draco's robes. He nods his head against Draco's shoulder, though Draco knew Aldwyn wouldn't fully believe him, not yet at least. Not until he saw it all for himself. Pulling back, Aldwyn smiles dropping a thankful kiss to Draco's cheek.
"Thank you, Draco. I think I needed to hear that. It is just so hard to think that anyone would actually want me. I have never had a parent, not one I could remember at least, who loved me before. I just don't want to let them down and disappoint them." Pulling his friend back into another brief hug, Draco smiles.
"I understand that, Raven. Even I feel like that sometimes. I worry whether I am going to disappoint my parents or not if I don't make the right grades, or if I make a mistake sometimes. It is normal to feel like this when you love someone. But I can assure you that both your father and Severus love you. You don't have to worry about that. Now come on, breakfast." Draco pulls back from Aldwyn, grabbing the other's hand once again.
The boys continue down the hallway in silence, each becoming lost in their own thoughts at the revelations of their morning conversations. Draco tightens his grip around Aldwyn's hand, resolving with himself that he would do his best to make Aldwyn feel loved, cared for and safe when his father wasn't around to do it. He would never let anyone hurt Aldwyn, not while he was around. He was going to support his friend in everything he did, especially when they get older and Aldwyn begins to act like the Heir to the Dark Sect. properly.
The group congregate in the Floo room later that morning sorting out last-minute preparations for their trip into Diagon Ally. They knew that many people were going to be staring at them and gossiping about their group. Especially about who Marvolo was and the child with him, as well as how they knew the Malfoy's and Severus Snape. Marvolo had told Aldwyn to stay by his side at all times so he wouldn't get lost in the streets or approached by lone reporters trying for a scoop.
Just before they are ready to leave, Severus hands over a small pain potion for Aldwyn to take, he doesn't wish for the child to suffer while they were out, it was a precaution to stave off any aches and pains from walking too much. Watching in satisfaction as Aldwyn downs the vial in one swallow without so much as a grimace; banishing the empty glass back to his lab to be washed later. Marvolo watches the interaction before he steps up behind Aldwyn, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder he squeezes the joint gently.
"Geeney!" A small female house elf pops into the room, bowing lowly to the Dark Lord. "Geeney, you are going to be Aldwyn's personal house elf. You are to follow all his orders. Do I make myself clear?"
The small elf nods her head, a small squeak escaping her mouth as a large smile forms. She glances from Marvolo to the small child standing in front of her master. Marvolo inclines his head, turning Aldwyn around he crouches so he is eye-level, brushing his fingers across his son's cheek, Marvolo smiles.
"Aldwyn, whenever you need something; whatever you need, call for Geeney, and she will be there to help you. If you ever wish to find me or want to know where I am then she will show you where to go, alright?"
Aldwyn nods, eyeing the small creature over his shoulder as she continues to beam at him, bouncing on the balls of her feet seemingly awaiting her first order. He takes a deep breath, turning in his father's grip he holds his hand out. Allowing the corner of his mouth to upturn when he sees Geeney hesitating. Her large eyes flicking to his father before she shakes his hand.
"Hello Geeney, my name is Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin. It is nice to meet you."
"Geeney is being happy to meet the little master, as well."
"Thank you, Geeney. Would you mind fetching the cloak I left on my bed for me, please?" Aldwyn questions quietly, he didn't really want to order the little creature around but even he knew that house elf magic thrived on the following of direction, and he didn't want to jeopardise her livelihood.
"Of course, Little Master Aldwyn. Geeney bes getting yours cloak for yous!" Within a split second Geeney pops out of the room returning with the green cloak in her hands which she passes over to Aldwyn before disapparating presumably to finish whatever job she had been called from by the Dark Lord. Glancing down at the material in his hands, Aldwyn turns to his father who is still kneeling behind him.
"May you help me put it on please? I have trouble with the clasps."
Marvolo takes the cloak from his son's hands, dropping a feather-light kiss on his forehead as he secures the fabric around his son's shoulder draping the cloak so it flows around his ankles elegantly. Pushing himself back to his feet, Marvolo gives Aldwyn a once over, chuckling when he takes note of the remarkable resemblance his son holds to someone he knew very well.
"You know son…" Marvolo trails off waiting for Aldwyn to glance up at him, "…looking at your outfit, you look like someone we both know. Are you sure you are not related to them?"
Aldwyn raises his eyebrow in question to his father's teasing. He looked similar to an acquaintance that both he and his father knew? He didn't think he resembled anyone. Besides, everyone always used to tell him how alike James Potter he looked, surely his father was not going to say the same.
"Lucius, don't you see it also? The outfit, the facial expression. He reminds me of a very dear friend of ours, don't you think?"
Lucius glances at Marvolo before turning his gaze towards Aldwyn. He pans the boy's stature for a moment before his eyes widen, gaze flickering to his old friend, Lucius raises a hand to muffle his sniggers.
"I do believe you are correct, Marvolo. Aldwyn does remind me a lot of someone we know. A certain snarky potions professor, if I remember correctly."
Severus and Aldwyn raise an eyebrow at Marvolo and Lucius, their matching expressions and synchronisation causing Marvolo, Lucius and Narcissa to break into laughter. While Draco just glances from his friend to his godfather and back again trying to pick out these similarities. Aldwyn, on the other hand, walks over to Severus, arms crossing just as Severus's lift to do the same. Their mouths downturn, eyebrows furrowing as the three continue to laugh.
A minute or two pass by as the three attempt to regulate their breathing again, chuckles still escaping every no and again when their eyes cast over the pair standing off to the side. Lucius, finally gathering his composure, takes Draco's hand and leads him towards the fireplace, Narcissa close behind. Aldwyn watches, eyes blown wide as the family of three disappear in a swirl of green flames, his fascination and trepidation of wizarding travel increasing. He watches as the flames die down to a normal flicker before turning his gaze to stare at his father and Severus.
"This Aldwyn, is known as the Floo System. It is a type of magical transportation which most wizarding houses and establishments are connected to. You simply call out the Floo address while throwing down this powder and it will transfer you to the correct fireplace."
Aldwyn nods, nervousness witling away slightly when he turns to watch Severus disappear through the flames much in the same way as the Malfoy family did, leaving himself and his father left standing in the Manor. He slips his hand into his Father's.
"You need not worry so, Aldwyn. Seen as it is your first time using the Floo, I thought it would be best that you travel with me. Come along." Marvolo escorts Aldwyn to the fireplace, carefully directing his so to wrap both arms tightly around his waist and bury his face in his chest to avoid getting ash in his eyes. Ensuring his son is secure, Marvolo grabs a handful of powder and throws it to the floor. Wrapping both arms around Aldwyn, Marvolo pulls him close.
"Diagon Ally!"
Aldwyn buries his face deep in his father's cloak, fists gripping the fabric in white knuckles when he feels his feet lifting from the floor. His body feels as if it is being squeezed through a much too small space. He can feel himself spinning for a second, wind ripping past him before his feet slam back into solid ground. Taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart, Aldwyn waits for his stomach to settle before he pulls himself away from his father's embrace. His eyes widen when he glances around the cramped pub, looking just as decrepit and dank as it had the year.
Marvolo feels the tension building through Aldwyn's frame as the noise from the crowd reaches them. He is quick to run a soothing hand up and down his spin, holding his child close as he tries to regain his bearings. Sending a wandless cleaning charm over himself and Aldwyn, releasing their clothes of ash and soot from their travels. Marvolo smiles down at Aldwyn when his grip slackens, though he still refuses to release his father form his grip.
"Shhh. It is alright, Snakelet." The Dark Lord glides out of the fireplace, moving to stand with the Malfoys and Severus who smiles down at the young child. Marvolo's hand never ceasing its soothing patterns as he casts a quick glance around the pub, examining their surroundings and how much attention they had garnered from their entrance. Luckily not many people seemed to be paying them much mind.
Aldwyn, after realising that he is surrounded by his family, loosens his grip on his father's robes, shifting so he is standing between Marvolo and Severus, arm wrapping around the top of Marvolo's thigh. His wary eyes travel around the Leaky Cauldron, hand flattening his fridge over his forehead praying to Merlin that no one would recognise him. He didn't want a repeat of last year, thank you very much.
Sighing softly, Marvolo crouches down, dislodging Aldwyn from his side. He pulls his son into a tight embrace, smoothing his hair down. He knows just how unnerved Aldwyn must be feeling standing in such a crowded place, and that he would wish to leave as soon as possible, but he needed to inform the owner of their use of the gateway. Pulling back enough to drop a kiss to Aldwyn's head, Marvolo glances up at Severus relieved to see the man already gazing in his direction. He gestures to Aldwyn, smiling when the other nods in response. Pushing himself to his feet, Marvolo cards another hand through Aldwyn's hair.
"Aldwyn? Severus is going to be here with you. Do you mind waiting with him for a moment while I speak to the owner? I will be back in a few minutes. I promise."
Raising his gaze to look from his father to Severus, Aldwyn nods his head slowly. His eyes shift to his surroundings, watching the raggedy witches and wizards stumbling around each other, shouting and downing mouthfuls of alcohol in rapid succession. He shuffles closer to Severus, wrapping an arm around the man's waist, pressing himself as close to Severus's side as he could. Marvolo smiles, dropping one more kiss to Aldwyn's head.
Aldwyn watches as his father and Lucius disappear into the crowd, their pureblood air almost forcing people to move out of their way as they navigate the crowds. He flinches, eyes widening when a stranger stumbles a little to close to his person, fists tightening in Severus's robes. Severus, noticing the young boy's discomfort, gently pulls Aldwyn behind him before he turns to crouch in front of him blocking him from the crowds.
"How are you feeling, Aldwyn?"
Narcissa glances down at Draco as the crowd thickens. She wraps an arm around his shoulders, pulling him close when she notices him staring dishearteningly at Aldwyn, concern shining in his eyes despite his Pureblood mask being in place. She feels a strong rush of pride spreading through her chest and drops a kiss to his head, a rare show of public affection.
Draco's eyes widen, gazing snapping to his mother when he feels the gesture, his arms automatically wrapping around her waist in response. Leaning into his mother's side, Draco allows a small smile to tug up the corner of his lips; he hadn't been cuddled like this in a few years, at least not in public. His mother was usually highly reserve when in the public eye, as was required of the social elite.
"Mother?"
"It is nothing dear. I am just so proud of you. You really are such a good friend for Aldwyn. He is lucky to have you by his side, Draco. You must make sure to treasure him."
Draco doesn't respond, just tightens his arms around his mother's waist. He buries his face in her side in hopes of hiding the widening grin stretching his features, as well as the pale blush he feels creeping up his cheeks at his mother's praise.
"I am okay. It is just too noisy and busy in here. I don't like it."
Lifting his hand to rest against Aldwyn's head, Severus pulls Aldwyn forward, so he is standing between his bent knees, guiding his head to rest against his shoulder in an attempt to block out the rising noise around them. Aldwyn sighs, nuzzling the junction of Severus's neck, hiding himself from view. Bring his hands back up to wrap around Severus's shoulders.
"I know Snakelet. It will not be too long now. Your father and Lucius will be back soon and then we can be on our way. You are doing so well." Severus smiles when Aldwyn relaxes against him, his head nodding against his shoulder to show that he had been heard. Severus wraps his arm around Aldwyn's waist, expression brightening when more tension bleeds from the child's frame.
"I know." Aldwyn's voice is a whisper, "No one will hurt me. Not when I have father, Draco, and you with me."
"That is right, Aldwyn. None of us will let anything happen to you again, and do you know why?" Severus questions, his hand moving up and down Aldwyn's back as Aldwyn shakes his head. Pulling back slightly, Severus guides Aldwyn's gaze to meet his own for a moment. "It is because we all love you dearly, Aldwyn. You are, and always will be, a part of our family. No and always, Snakelet."
Severus's expressions softens when the arms around his shoulders tighten; small tremors rake Aldwyn's small frame as tears glitter in his sparkling emerald eyes. He stares at Severus for a moment before a large smile stretches across his features. Severus chuckles when Aldwyn throws himself forward, arms tightening around his neck as he buries his face in his shoulder. He wraps his arms tighter around the child, teetering on the balls of his feet for a moment from the force.
"Thank you, Papa. I love you too."
The pair stand for a few moments in silence, basking in the feelings of love and security surrounding them like a blanket as they wait in the rundown old pub. Severus casts a quick glance around the pub, dropping a soft kiss to Aldwyn's temple, his throat clogging up with emotions he hadn't felt in years. He strokes a hand repeatedly through Aldwyn's hair, watching as Lucius and Marvolo make their way back through the crowds towards them.
As Marvolo steps up to them, his eyebrows furrow, lips down turning at the gleam of tears gathering in Severus's eyes and the tight grip he has on Aldwyn. He watches the interaction for a moment, smiling when Aldwyn sighs, cuddling closer to Severus.
"Severus, is everything alright?"
Whatever the Dark Lord is expecting to receive from the dour man, it is not for Severus to smile up at him so brightly, nor for his to shift Aldwyn to his side as he stands to his feet. He is further surprised when Severus slips his hand into his own. Though not one to question his friend's actions, Marvolo tightens his grip around Severus's hand, placing a kiss to Aldwyn's hair before brushing a soft kiss to Severus's cheek. When he finally responds, Severus's voice is soft, filled with emotions Marvolo couldn't even begin to describe.
"Yes Marvolo, everything is perfect."
The Dark Lord wraps his free arm around Aldwyn, when the boy comes running to his side, drawing Severus into a three-way embrace. Aldwyn grins, cuddling between the two men feeling much happier than he could ever remember feeling before, since he had found out he was a wizard. Maybe he wasn't as unlovable as the Dursleys always led him to believe…
"I am pleased to hear that, Severus. Now, how about we head off? Aldwyn, how are you feeling?"
"I am feeling much better now, Father."
Aldwyn giggles, slowly releasing his father and Severus from his grip. He spins around, slipping his hand into Marvolo's and hides his grin when he sees his father tightening his grip around Severus's hand as well. The trio follow the Malfoy family out of the Leaky Cauldron, towards the entrance to Diagon Ally; Draco still happily tucked against his mother's side as Lucius steps forward to open the brick archway for them.
The group wait patiently for the bricks to shift out of the way, permitting them unrestricted access to the bustling cobble streets of Diagon Ally filled with witches and wizards of all ages shouting, shopping and racing through the crowds, bumping into each other as they rush by.
Marvolo glances down at Aldwyn when the grasp around his hand tightens almost painfully. He squeezes Aldwyn's hand back in reassurance especially when he sees the barely concealed apprehension fighting to break out in Aldwyn's expressions as he watches the chaos. Just as they are about to set off after Lucius, Marvolo snaps his attention to Severus whose grip loosens around his hand. Reenforcing his hold on the dour man, watching in amusement when Severus looks over in surprise a delightful flush dusting his cheeks before he quickly turns his face away. Marvolo's smile widens. He brings their conjoined hands up to his mouth and brushes his lips against the back of Severus's knuckles.
"I will not allow for you to escape me now, my dear Severus."
Severus whips his head back to stare at Marvolo at his whispered words. He shifts his gaze down to Aldwyn who is offering him a timid smile from around his Father making him relax a little more. Severus had never been one for public displays of affection; seen as he had never received such things from his parents during his childhood, nor had he taken a lover before. But he supposes he could accept this. Tightening his own grip around Marvolo's hand again, he smiles timidly at Marvolo dropping their hands to swing between them before turning back to the imposing building of Gringotts.
Weaving their way through the bustling crowds, Marvolo is fully aware of the painful grasp on his hand, the only outward indication of Aldwyn's nervousness with his expression holding flat. As they near the white marble building, Lucius kisses his wife and Draco goodbye as they split off from the group. Narcissa directing Draco towards the Quidditch shop while he waves frantically over his shoulder to Aldwyn.
"See you later, Aldwyn. Tell me all about it when you get back!"
Waving back, Aldwyn watches as his friends get swept up by the crowd not paying much attention to their direction until he is halted outside the tall white building signifying the beginning of Diagon Ally. Aldwyn looks up and up at the doors feeling more intimidated by them now then when he first arrived. The golden scripture above the door glittering threateningly in the midmorning sun.
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits to sin of greed
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So, if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
Aldwyn feels another reassuring squeeze on his hand as Lucius pushes open the double doors allowing them passage before he follows closely behind the trio almost as if he were guarding them from the customers in the bank. Walking past the tellers' counters, Aldwyn sticks close to his father's side, nerves reaping havoc on his body at the numerous stares they receive from the creatures behind the counters. Reaching the end of the hall, Aldwyn stares up at the Head teller just as Marvolo's voice rings out strong and confident.
"We would like to check in with the Potter account manager as soon as possible, along with the Slytherin and Prince account manager."
The goblin nods his head, eyes widening at the names given. He glances down at Aldwyn, a frightening smile pulling at his lips showing off many of his pointed teeth before he turns towards another goblin shouting in what Aldwyn can only assume is Gobbledegook. He watches as a larger looking goblin walks around the desk, gaze sweeping their party before gesturing for them to follow him through the backdoors and down a winding corridor.
"Nagnok will be with you momentarily."
Marvolo inclines his head in thanks to the goblin, gesturing for Aldwyn to sit between himself and Severus while Lucius takes the seat vacant on Severus's left-hand side, each waiting not so patiently for Nagnok to arrive so they may begin.