Chapter Ten – Those Who Take, But Do Not Earn
The doors at the back of the office, hit the walls with a resounding crash drawing the groups attention to a large, stocky goblin, muscles protruding from his uniform as he walks through the office, two other goblin standing guard by entrance. He seats himself behind the large ornate desk, eyeing the wizards across from him. He bridges his hands under his chin.
"Ah, Mister Potter. I was wondering when I would be hearing from you. We here at Gringotts have been trying to contact you since your eleventh birthday. As you were rather rushed during your last visit to us. I was surprised by your inability to attend your parents will reading, though it is safe to say that we accepted your proxy in this case and will allow for them to stand in your place."
Nagnok begins, staring down at the young wizard. Aldwyn's eyes widen, he had never known that the goblins had been trying to contact him, nor did he have any idea about the will readings of Lily and James Potter. He didn't even know that they had written a will, let alone have a reading held. Folding his hands in his lap, fingers twisting around each other, Aldwyn meets Nagnok's gaze levelly.
"I regret to inform you, Nagnok but there seems to be a major infraction taking place against me in this matter as it would appear that I have receive no such correspondence with the bank; nor have I received but one letter from your establishment. Therefore, it would be quite impossible for me to have authorised a proxy to attend the will readings."
Nagnok's face drops, sweat appearing on his brow as he stares at Aldwyn, it would appear that the child was not lying in this case. His mouth twists, eyes narrowing, hand dropping down to the table with a resounding thud. Malice and rage shape his wrinkled features and Aldwyn can feel the hairs at the back of his neck standing on ends, goosebumps forming up his arms.
"I must apologise to you, Mister Potter. It would seem that we have indeed mishandled your accounts here at Gringotts. I find it most curious how you have never received any of our past correspondences. This would, however, explain why you have never responded to our proposals for an arranged meeting to discuss your heritage before. We had assumed that your Magical Guardian, Albus Dumbledore would have informed you." Nagnok's gaze falls thoughtful, scratching his chin.
A shocking silence wills the room, stretching out, blanketing each member of their group. It would appear that their assumptions had been correct. Albus Dumbledore, was indeed Harry Potter's Magical Guardian and therefore was responsible for all the misconducts against the child since the death of his parents. Tension builds in the air and Aldwyn shifts in his seat, sighing.
"We have been led to believe, Nagnok, that Albus Dumbledore is not Mister Potter's legal magical guardian. As you have just clarified to us, the Potter wills have never been read which indicates that no one knows just who the late Potter's appointed as their child's guardian… Also, I believe that Dumbledore may have place a ward around Mister Potter to prevent any and all letters from reaching him before he re-entered the wizarding world." Severus points out, his voice collected and calm while his eyes shine with fury at having proof of the headmaster's manipulations.
"What would make you believe this, Mister Snape. That is quite an accusation to make." Nagnok questions, eyes gleaming with hidden glee at having some new information against the esteemed headmaster.
"Mister Potter just stated that he has never received any correspondences from this establishment. However, he was completely unaware of the existence of the wizarding world and his status as the Boy-Who-Lived until he was bought her this time last year. For a child celebrity, I find it hard to believe that Mister Potter would not have received even one 'fan letter' or thank you gift from the wizarding population. Therefore, a ward to prevent any and all letters, sans his Hogwarts acceptance would be a likely explanation."
"Yes, you are indeed correct, Mister Snape. I will assign my best Goblins to this matter and see that we can have it rectified by the end of the week. I assume Albus Dumbledore would have protected the tributes sent to Mister Potter somewhere secure and we will endeavour to find them for you as well. I can only hope you accept our deepest apologies, Mister Potter, this is a major slight on our part. If you and your companions are agreeable, I will be able to read the wills of the Late Lord and Lady Potter this morning?"
Nagnok offers, eyes filled with regret and Aldwyn truly feels bad for the goblins. It wasn't their fault that Dumbledore was a manipulative old codger who loved one upping everyone he came across. It wasn't their fault that he had managed to trick not only them but the entire wizarding world into believe every word that falls from his mouth as if he were the next Merlin incarnate. It wasn't their fault, not entirely.
"But I thought you said that there is a will reading scheduled for the Potter wills."
"Yes, that is correct. However, as the main beneficiary and with the possible transgressions being made against you through this Bank, I will be able to reveal the contents of the Wills to you know and still hold the reading for others involved at a later date."
Aldwyn nods his head, a small smile stretching across his lips as he thinks of hearing his parents' wills. He glances from his father to Severus, grin stretching when they both nod down at him, telling him that they would support his decision. He knows that this is also a way for the goblins to reach out and show their remorse for allowing such things to happen.
"Alright Nagnok, thank you. Do you believe we may save the will readings for the end of our meeting today? There is a lot we need to discuss."
Nagnok steeples his fingers, eyes roaming from the eleven-year-old, so different from the timid child who had walked these halls a little under a year ago. His eyes skirt towards Lord Malfoy, Mister Snape and the man who claimed to be the lost Lord Slytherin and understands. These men must have discovered the slights against the young heir and taken him under their wings.
"This was one of the many reasons we are here today, Nagnok. You see, Aldw- Harry here has never been informed who his Magical Guardian is, nor did he have any idea what a Magical Guardian was. He has never received any of his monthly bank statements, nor any form of communication with the bank. We were hoping that you could help… clear the air so to speak. Ensure that there has been no mishandling of funds…"
Even with the mounting tension permeating the air, Aldwyn is impressed with Lucius's ability to hold himself with a constant air of supremacy as he speaks to the goblin. His voice is smooth, clear, and concise, getting his point across while emphasising the importance of such matters. He allows himself to wonder briefly if the Malfoy Lord would mind teaching him a thing or two in the future.
Nagnok's eyes narrow, glancing from Lucius, to Marvolo, to Severus and then down to Harry studying their grim expressions. He sighs. Clicking his fingers, Nagnok ignores the small flinch from Aldwyn as a large folder shoots across the room, landing neatly on the desk. Flicking through the aged parchment, he catches Aldwyn watching with fascination, eyes flicking over the copious rows of numbers covering each page.
"It would seem Mister Riddle…" Nagnok pauses, glancing between Aldwyn and Marvolo with a raised eyebrow, "You are the boy's current guardian?"
Marvolo inclines his head, looking at the goblin with eyes shining bright, his expression lightening. He turns to glance down at his son, wrapping his arm around Aldwyn.
"The muggles he had been abandoned with left much to be desired in raising Aldwyn, so I took it upon myself to rescue him. We are planning on performing an ancient blood adoption ritual soon." Aldwyn feels himself preening at the pride shining in his father's eyes, and if he didn't know any better, he was sure his father was bragging.
"Alright. It seems that there have been some major misconducts happening with our establishment. We will deeply apologise for any inconvenience these may bring you. On our records, Mister Albus Dumbledore is recorded as Har- Aldwyn's current magical guardian and has been informing us of Mister Potter's consent for him to hold complete control over the Potter accounts and family assets, until Mister Potter claims his lordship."
Aldwyn huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. He glares across at the goblin, wouldn't the banks have tried to verify Dumbledore's claims before just handing over complete access to his family's belongings. They didn't have his signature on record, nor should they have accepted Dumbledore as his guardian seen as the Potter wills hadn't been read. It was fraud. Illegal.
"I did no such thing! I thought I only had one vault until Lord Malfoy informed me that it was merely my trust fund and yet that is what I was told when I came here for the first time last summer. I have never been informed of my heritage; not my accounts; not my family vaults, assets, or inheritance. How was I supposed to claim back my family accounts of Lordships if I knew nothing about them in the first place. He was planning on staying head of the Potter family!"
Nagnok nods in agreement, he could understand the fury the young wizard was feeling. He had been swindled, manipulated, kept in the dark his entire life and was now finding out that his family legacy had been deliberately kept from him. He smiles sympathetically, as sympathetically as he could look. He glances from Aldwyn to the adults around the room, knowing that this child's fortunes were about to change for the better.
"I truly apologise, Mister Potter. Here is a copy of your complete bank statement dating back to your parents passing. Please read through them carefully and inform me of any… repercussions you wish to infringe."
The glint shining in his beady eyes, and the evil smirk stretching across his features should have made Aldwyn cringe back in fear, but he feels elation sparking in his chest, a sense of vindictive pleasure spreading through his veins. Slowly, Aldwyn reaches forward and picks up the pile of parchment holding the records of his vault income and outcome. Settling against his father's side, Aldwyn holds them so Marvolo could read them with him.
Transfer to Dumbledore Family Vault:
P. Month – 836g 12s 20k
P. Year – 10040g 16s 11k
Transfers from Gringotts to the Muggle accounts of the Dursley's:
P. Month – 351g 6s 25k
P. Year – 4216g 14s 21k
Transfer to the Vaults of Mr & Mrs Weasley:
P. Month – 100g 6s 23k
P. Year – 1204g 13s 26k
Transfer to Ron Weasley's Trust vault:
P. Month – 30g 2s 1k
P. Year – 361g 7s 16k
Transfer to the Trust Fund Vault of Hermione Granger:
P. Month – 30g 2s 1k
P. Year – 361g 7s 16k
Transfer to Ginevra Weasley's Trust Fund:
P. Month – 20g 1s 10k
P. Year – 240g 16s 11k
Single Withdrawal of 4216g 14s 21k, August 1991
Total Withdrawn per month:
1,368g 14s 22k
Total Withdrawal per Year:
16426g 8s 14k
Total Withdrawal since activation (10 years 9 months)
180801g 11s 11k
Marvolo glances down at Aldwyn, shock and disgust shaping their expressions at the substantial withdrawals made from the Potter family accounts dating all the way back to November 1981. He watches as Aldwyn reaches the bottom of the statement and passes the sheets of parchment to Severus whose eyes narrow the further he reads. Marvolo sighs, squeezing the bridge of his nose, he hadn't thought Dumbledore would go this far. Reaching over, he takes Aldwyn's shaking hand in his own, carding a hand through his son's hair. It wasn't fair for Aldwyn to suffer through all this.
"He has been stealing! That good for nothing old coot has been stealing from my family vaults! I cannot believe- no actually, I can believe that. What have I ever done for him to do this to me?" Aldwyn flops back against his chair, hand tightening around his father's. He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath, voice dropping to a strained whisper.
"Nothing Aldwyn. You have done absolutely nothing wrong; nothing to deserve this and I do not want you to think otherwise. Albus Dumbledore is nothing more than a manipulating old codger who doesn't care for anything nor anyone aside from furthering his own agenda."
Aldwyn nods his head, he knows that this wasn't his fault. Knows that he hadn't actually done anything against Dumbledore for the man to do this to him. He was just an easy target; an oblivious child with no support system and no knowledge of the world he was born into. He opens his eyes, tears escaping as he glances up at his father, then at Severus. At least he didn't really have to worry about that anymore, he wasn't going to be Harry Potter for much longer and then Dumbledore will have no access to his accounts anymore.
"Severus is correct, Aldwyn. You have done nothing wrong. You do not deserve to be treated like this and with the help of Gringotts, we will make this right for you, alright?"
Marvolo doesn't know what else to say. Doesn't know what else would offer comfort to a child who has lived through hell only to discover that everything has been coated in lies and manipulations. For a child who had lived through so many incidences without much love to receive, only to have that one figure who gave you what you most craved for torn away from you. It was heart breaking.
Aldwyn's face sets in stone, mouth pulling tight. His eyes burn with an ice-cold fury as he pulls himself up in his seat, back almost painfully straight as he turns to gaze at Nagnok causing the goblin to swallow. It wasn't often he was intimidated by a wizard, let alone a child.
"I want it back! I want it all back. Every single Knut, no matter the means. If you must evict them, do it. Sell their belongings? I don't care. Just make sure they return all my money and possessions to me. They had no right to take it and I am going to make their lives a living hell until they realise that!" His voice is cold, almost completely devoid of emotions.
Nagnok smirks, teeth on full display as he nods along with the young child who had been wrong his entire life. He did so love it when wizards became vindictive and vengeful against their own kind, it certainly made for good business for them."
"I will add the highest interest rate I am able to for you Mister Potter, if you are agreeable?"
"Of course, thank you Nagnok. I will not allow that old codger, nor the Weasley family to squander my family's monies for their own selfish purposes. Disgusting, muggle-loving blood traitors!" Aldwyn smirks, resembling the Dark Lord remarkably much to the amusement of the adults around him.
"And we will ensure that this is achieved, Snakelet. We will guarantee that no one will be able to connect Harry Potter with Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin while we retrieve your money and assets back. I promise you, Snakelet."
"I don't even really care about the money. It is the fact that they thought it was okay to steal from an orphan who didn't understand the world he was thrown into. A child who had no idea who he was. I just wanted to belong somewhere, and they used that to their advantage. I want them to pay."
"And they will, Aldwyn. Your father and I will make sure no one can lay a finger wrong on you again. They will never be able to hurt you again."
Aldwyn smile at his father and Severus, relaxing into his father's side once again. The thought that he is now surrounded by people who would stand by his side instead of hiding behind him was comforting. It made him truly believe that he had found the family he had craved since he knew what one was. He knew it would be difficult to demand his money back from Dumbledore once the disappearance of Harry Potter comes to light, but he knows he can trust Nagnok on this matter. The goblin race was notorious for their greed in regard to money, and maybe he could reward them later for their assistance…
"A very Slytherin move as well, Heir Slytherin, I commend you. You have successfully bankrupted your fellow classmates' families."
Aldwyn turns towards Lord Malfoy, eyebrow raised in question. Lucius smirks down at the child before he clears his throat. He knew he would need to explain the extent of damage Aldwyn has just dealt to those who have wronged him.
"The highest rate of interest Gringotts can demand from a patron is 30% per month in which these transactions have been active. In other words, each month's payment will be increased by a total of 30% for the 10 years and 9 months these transactions have been happening. Now the Weasley's, as you know, are incredibly poor and as it is they are going to have trouble merely paying off their debt. They alone will need to pay back 22,639g 25s and 15k."
Nagnok nods along gleefully, this would be the biggest return in Gringotts history and would send their ratings through the roof. It would be his pleasure and a great honour to be the goblin aiding one of their wealthiest clients with such a huge upheaval. He quickly scribbles on a spare piece of parchment, already drafting the collection notifications for the thieves.
"I will see to this matter personally. Mister Potter."
Aldwyn feels his eyes widen. He didn't realise just how much he would amount from requesting the maximum interest rates. Glancing back down at the statement in his hands, he rereads the total withdrawal from his accounts 180,709g 8s 5k with the 30% interest being calculated for each individual month separately, he is going to amount to well over 200,000g by the end of it. He was going to crush them all.
"But won't Dumbledore and the Weasleys find it suspicious? I mean we don't just want Harry Potter to disappear, it would be better for us if everyone thinks he is dead. Therefore, wouldn't it be strange that the bank is fighting so hard to recall the stolen money?" Aldwyn questions, head tilting to the side. He glances up at his father who cards a hand through his hair shaking his head.
"Not at all, Son. We will simply have you write a will in Harry Potter's place and have it in your old bedroom at the muggle residence. It can allude to some of the abuse you have suffered through and how you innocently suspected that you wouldn't last much longer. We can claim that you received a notice from the bank suggesting illegal transactions happening on your account, you responded asking the Bank to retrieve the money. To honour your parents."
Aldwyn nods along, it made a lot of sense. He knows that Dumbledore will use Harry Potter's death as a means of stalling the return of his family possessions and money, but with the entire wizarding world being aware of their battle, curtesy of the Daily Prophet, then he wouldn't have a leg to stand on.
"Will someone help me write one? I don't want there to be any loopholes or anything, though I still want it to seem as if I wrote it myself."
"Of course, Snakelet. If you are agreeable, then I am sure that Lucius here would be all too happy to aid you. He has, out of all my loyal followers, the most experience with such matter." Glancing over at Lucius, Aldwyn smiles brightly, pulling away from his father's side when Lucius bows his head in consent, sending a small smile towards Aldwyn.
"It would be my pleasure to help the Dark Prince." Aldwyn wrinkles his nose at the address, rolling his eyes with a sigh when he spies the pleased glint shining in his father's eyes.
"Please, no. I don't want everyone calling me the Dark Prince."
"I think it is a rather fitting name. The Dark Lord and his son, the Dark Prince." Marvolo chuckles, dropping a kiss to Aldwyn's hair when the boy groans his denial. Though Marvolo is sure he spots a tiny, pleased smile at the corners of Aldwyn's lips, and he knows that his son doesn't really mind.
"Does this that Severus is going to be the Dark Queen or just your Dark Consort?" Aldwyn giggles, watching the twin blushes creeping up his father's and Severus's cheeks at his question. He widens his eyes, forcing his laughter back as he tries to look as innocent as possible, glancing from his father to Severus as they steal glances at each other. He giggles again when his father attacks his side.
"Cheeky brat." He doesn't deny it though, much to Aldwyn's amusement.
"Was there anything else I could do for you today, Mister Slytherin?" Nagnok's voice breaks through the domestic scene causing Aldwyn to spin around. He may have forgotten that the goblin was present for a moment.
"Yes, Aldwyn would like a copy of all his inheritances, properties, and assets. Plus, if possible, then Severus and I would like to claim our Lordships."
Marvolo wraps an arm around Aldwyn, offering a fond smile to his son when the boy relaxes against his side once more. Nagnok nods again, glancing from Marvolo to Severus, scrutinising them before he clicks his fingers. He knew that both the Prince and Slytherin rings had been long awaiting their Heirs to show and claim them. It was time to reopen some long-sealed vaults.
"Of course, Mister Slytherin, Mister Snape. I will return with the requested items shortly."
Nagnok jumps up from his seat, making his way towards the doors only to be halted by Marvolo clearing his throat.
"I request the Slytherin Consort ring as well if you will, Nagnok?" A short nod is the only answer he receives before Nagnok leaves the room. Returning a few moments later with another large file in his hands which he hands straight to Aldwyn. He places seven small boxes on the desk, carefully before turning to Severus first. Gesturing for the man to come forward.
"Now Mister Snape, all you need to do to claim your Lordship is allow three drops of blood to fall onto your ring and then place it on your finger."
Inclining his head, Severus picks up the offered small, silver knife and pricks his finger watching as the blood gathers on the tip before he allows the allocated droplets to splash the small black gemstone. The stones soak up the blood, glowing from the infusion of new magic before dimming back down. Taking the ring out of the box, Severus slips the cool metal over his finger, smirking when it shrinks down to fit his slim digit.
"Congratulations, Lord Prince. You are now the head of the Noble House of Prince. Will you be leaving your name as it is or changing it?"
"Changing it. I no longer wish to have anything to do with the name Snape. It has never been anything to do with me and I would rather not have anything associating myself to that name, nor the people behind it any longer." It is an immediate answer to which Nagnok just nods. He had a feeling the other would wish to disregard his current surname. His smile is unnerving, to such a degree that Aldwyn reaches out a hand to grip Severus's when the man settles back in his chair.
"Very well, you are now legally Lord Severus Tobias Prince."
Severus nods his head in thanks, pulling Aldwyn against his side, carding a hand through his hair when Marvolo moves forward in order to claim his own Lordship. Aldwyn sighs, eyes slipping closed as he cuddles closer to Severus, leaning into his ministrations.
Alright, Mister Slytherin because of your house being one of the founding families holding specialised abilities, I must ask if you have an heir who can speak Parseltongue. Otherwise, the ritual you spoke of earlier will have to gift this ability to your chosen Heir and it may be excruciating for the recipient."
Marvolo freezes, wide eyes staring at the goblin for a moment. His mind whirls with the implications this could spell for Aldwyn. Terrified of the prospect of having to inflict more pain deliberately and knowingly upon the child in order for his family magics to accept him completely. Reluctantly he shakes his head, expressions downtrodden.
"Yes." Aldwyn mutters from Severus's side causing Marvolo to spin around to look down at him in surprise, he sighs inwardly in both relief and exasperation.
*I didn't know you could speak Parseltongue.*
Aldwyn shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, as he feels a grin tugging at his lips.
*Neither did I. Not until I accidentally spoke to a snake in front of my aunt the other summer. When I found out I was a wizard, I just assumed everyone could understand snakes, but once I got to Hogwarts I did some research and found it was an incredibly rare ability.*
Aldwyn smiles sheepishly at his father, scratching the back of his heck. He feels a slight rush of relief when Marvolo chuckles, ruffling his hair at his explanation. Love radiates through his chest as he glances down at his son, his child still cuddled against Severus's side who is also looking down at Aldwyn in awe.
*I am glad you do not have to go through this added pain then, my little Snakelet.*
*Me too. I wonder why I can speak it though. According to the book I read, it is supposed to be an ability passed down through bloodline, but the Potters are not related to Salazar Slytherin as far as I could find out.*
Marvolo contemplates this for a moment. It is true. Parseltongue is a talent passed down through family magics, for all intense and purpose, Aldwyn shouldn't be able to speak it with his Potter, Evans blood, but somehow, he could. Glancing down at Aldwyn once more, his eyes skirt to the hidden scar on his son's forehead, a scar he had given the boy all those years ago… 1q1Maybe…
*How about we look into it together another time, Aldwyn?*
Aldwyn nods his head, excitement spreading across his face at actually being able to help his father research something. Maybe he would be able to learn a little more about the family he was about to be added to, more about his father. Marvolo inclines his head before turning to face Nagnok, just catching sight of Severus drawing Aldwyn into an embrace out the corner of his eye which makes him smile.
"Aldwyn is to be my son and Heir. The adoption ritual, as I said, is to be scheduled for tomorrow afternoon and he has, indeed been blessed with such a gift."
"Very well, please allow three drops of blood to fall on the ring and the Slytherin Lordship will be yours. Mister Potter, this is the Slytherin Heirship ring if you would also claim it."
The room falls silence as Marvolo and, after some silent prompting from Severus, Aldwyn allows their blood to soak into the rings. They slip them onto their fingers as the light fades, watching as they both shrink down to fit their fingers. The ancient family accepting the pair as magic saturates the air, swirling around the room in waves of silver and green.
Severus leans forward as the magic settles down, healing Aldwyn's lightly bleeding finger with a flick of his wrist. Aldwyn watches with interest as the small nick on the tip of his finger seals, leaving no indication that it had been injured moments before. Thanking Severus, Aldwyn smile softly.
"Congratulations, Lord Slytherin, Heir Slytherin. Once more I must ask if you would like to change your names or keep them as they are?"
Aldwyn exchanges a glance with his father, identical smirks shaping their features as they turn back to the goblin at once, replying simultaneously. They drag a muffled chuckle from Lucius and Severus who shake their head in exasperation at the duo.
"Changing them."
"Alright, what would you like to change them to?"
"Marvolo Slytherin for myself and for my son, Aldwyn Salazar Riddle-Slytherin or just Slytherin. Which would you prefer, Snakelet?"
"Just Slytherin. I can't wait to see the look on old Dumbles face when my name gets called out in my sorting come September." Jumping to his feet, Aldwyn gives a dramatic 360 turn, cloak wrapping around his ankles before he bows with flair. Smirking in true Slytherin fashion, Aldwyn glances around at the adults in the room, "the Heir of Slytherin has returned to Hogwarts!"
Lucius, Severus and Marvolo smirk in return, shaking their heads at Aldwyn's antics. The teaching staff at Hogwarts were going to have to keep on their toes if they were going to survive the next academic year.
"Very well," They return their attention back to Nagnok, "I congratulate you both, Lord Marvolo Slytherin. Heir Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin."
The room descends back into silence once again as Aldwyn turns towards the two remaining ring boxes on the table, his expression falling. Opening them up to reveal the bright red gems of the Potter heirship ring and a burgundy and gold ring he doesn't recognise. Turning to stare up at Nagnok, the goblin grins down at the young heir.
"The Potter family have always been rumoured throughout the wizarding world to be the last living descendants of the Ancient House of Gryffindor. This is the Gryffindor Heirship ring. As you are named and recognised as the last living Potter, you are also recognised as the last living descendant of Gryffindor and therefore, their Lordship will fall to you once you come of age if you so choose."
"Thank you, Nagnok. I have never really felt like a Potter. I mean, I didn't even know my name was Potter until I went to primary school. I didn't know James or Lily and have virtually no memories of them at all. Plus, I have a new family here. I would much prefer not to claim these rings until I am at least of age…"
Aldwyn looks back down at the rings, he didn't want to claim them just yet, not when it would tip Dumbledore off that he was, in fact, Harry Potter or at least someone very closely related to the Potter family. He didn't want to throw too many spanners into the works so early on. At least if he held out until he was of age, then Dumbledore would have fallen so far out of public opinion that he wouldn't be a threat anymore.
Marvolo glances down at his son, a loving smile shaping his features when Nagnok nods his head. He picks up the two ring boxes, snapping them closed again and hands the to a guard stationed by the door. Speaking in Gobbledegook again, the guard quickly disappears.
"Your rings will be placed back into the Potter Family vault and all transactions besides your trust fund will be frozen from here on so no more transactions can take place. This will, unfortunately, mean that you will need to visit us here whenever you need to make a withdrawal."
Recognising a dismissal when he hears one, Severus stands up from his seat, stretching his arms above his head. The others follow suit, easing their muscles after siting for so long. Nagnok watches them for a moment, before picking up the last ring box from the desk, holding it out to Severus who stares down at it in confusion.
"This, Lord Prince, is the Prince Family Heirship ring. Do you wish to take it with you now, or would you rather leave it in your family vault?"
Severus stares down at the innocent looking box, before his gaze shifts first to Marvolo and then down to Aldwyn who is happily chatting to Lucius about his new Heir ring and from what he can catch, asking the Malfoy Lord about his inheritance folder. He turns his attention back to Marvolo who, noticing the hesitation, walks over to Severus, dropping a kiss to Severus's cheek.
"It is yours to do with as you wish, Severus. However, if you are thinking what I believe you to be then you are all but securing yourself to me."
Severus feels his cheeks heating at the Dark Lord's silky words, his warm breath brushing against his ear. A shiver travels down his spine. Glancing back over to Aldwyn, he allows a smile to shape his lips before locking his gaze back with Marvolo. He slips his hand into Marvolo's.
"If you will have me, then I couldn't think of anything better, Marvolo."
"Aldwyn will be thrilled that you hold him in such high regards, Severus. He is quite taken with you."
"And you would not mind? That I wish to make Aldwyn my Heir as well?"
"Not at all Severus. As long as you love him and care for him then I couldn't ask for anything more. I would trust no one but you with Aldwyn, Severus. You must know this by now." Marvolo takes a step closer to Severus, watching as the man bites his lip.
"He called me Papa earlier, back in the Leaky Cauldron. I think it was accidental, but I cannot begin to tell you how happy it made me, Marvolo. I know he is your son, and I am not trying to take him away from you, I promise, but I…" Marvolo cups Severus's cheek with his hand, gaze softer than Severus had ever seen it before.
"I know Severus. I know and it makes me exceedingly happy. Do you think you could…" Marvolo's gaze is intense as he searches Severus's gaze for something. Severus can feel himself flushing but he doesn't look away, feels enraptured by the other. He is not ashamed to admit that his knees buckle a little.
"I feel like he is my son as well, Marvolo. It is strange, I have never felt so proud or so connected to a child before, but Aldwyn is special."
"He really is, Severus. Now, why don't we follow Nagnok to hear the Potter wills with our son?"
Severus chokes out a laugh, raising his hand to cover Marvolo's he presses it tighter against his cheek for a moments, savouring the warmth before tilting his head to place a kiss to his palm. Pulling back, Severus and Marvolo turn to make their way towards Aldwyn who is still chattering away to Lucius who is chuckling. Though Marvolo does slip the consort ring into his pocket.
"Alright Snakelet, let us go hear these wills, and then you can meet up with Draco and tell him all about your meetings." Aldwyn spins around, a large grin stretching across his lips, an expression which widens when he catches sight of Severus and Marvolo's clasped hands. His eyes sparkle as he runs towards the two, wrapping his arms around their waists.
"Let's go!"