Chapter Eleven – Their Last Will and Testament
Nagnok leads the group through the halls of Gringotts once more, the air turning solemn as they enter a fairly small, white room which reminds Aldwyn a little too much like the concession stands in the church Mrs. Figg used to take him to whenever he was left with her. He shudders at the memories, sliding closer to his father and Severus who place comforting hands on his shoulders. Why couldn't they have listened to the wills in the office they had been in before?
Nagnok gestures for them to take their seats while he instructs another goblin to collect the will of James and Lily Potter. The guard is back within a few moments, two glass-like orbs swirling with smoke clasped tightly in his clawed hands, each wrapped in bright red velvet. Aldwyn watches as the orbs are handed over to Nagnok before the guard scurries out of the room.
Aldwyn shifts in his seat between his father and Severus, glancing around the dimly lit room with nervous energy while Nagnok prepares for the last-minute will reading. He brings out a small crystal ball stand, placing it on the podium with the two glass orbs resting next to it. Aldwyn swings his feet back and forth, hands clenching in his robes; he jumps a little when Nagnok clears his throat.
"We are gathered here today for the readings of the late Lord James Potter and Lady Lily Potter nee Evans's last will and testaments. If there is anyone here who is not permitted, then I will kindly ask you to leave otherwise you will be escorted out." Aldwyn swallows, glancing from Lucius, to Severus, and then his father, relaxing minutely when none of them move.
"Very well, we will begin. Firstly, the Will of Lord James Potter." Nagnok places one of the glass orbs into the stands and steps back. A shimmering visage of James, mere weeks before his death appears in the room and Aldwyn can feel his breath catching in his throat. This was his dad. It was upsetting that the only time he was seeing a moving, talking image of his dad was through his last will and testament.
I, Lord James Fleamont Potter of the Most Noble House of Potter, of sound body and mind dub this my last will and testament.
I name Remus John Lupin as executioner to the Potter Manor if it still stands and the small Villa house in Castor, along with 100,000 Galleons to help you overcome the laws and to assist you with Moony. I name Sirius Orion Black a close trustee for 100,000 Galleons in hopes that he will continue to look after Moony for us, looks like I beat you to the grave mate! I leave my sincerest apologies to one Severus Tobias Snape; I was a right git to you during our Hogwarts years and for that, I am truly sorry. I was one of the reasons why your friendship with Lily ended and I hope you can find it somewhere in your heart to forgive me. There is also a collection of my Father's old potion notebooks for you Severus, I know how dedicated you are to your potions! I name Thomas Marvolo Riddle another close trustee of this will, I know that we have never seen eye-to-eye Tom, but I would like to apologise for my closemindedness. I would like to let you know that Lily and I were considering aiding you in your cause, but it seems like we were too late in the matter. I have enclosed a letter here for your eyes only, along with the contents of vault 59 which has close to 153,654,48 Galleons in.
Finally, to my precious Harry, my little boy. I am sorry that I have left you alone my son. I am sorry that you must grow up without the love of your parents but believe me when I tell you that we both loved you dearly, my son. You were our whole world. I leave the rest of the Potter fortune, properties, and heirlooms to you, Harry, and hope that you are happy. We would like to appoint the following guardians for Harry James Potter in case we depart too soon. He is to go to one Severus Tobias Snape or Lord and Lady Malfoy. Never is my son to go to Petunia Dursley nee Evans. I fear she will not care for Harry as she should.
Aldwyn stares up at the fading image of his dad, tears streaming down his cheeks at the words he had been told. He wipes them away, shaking his head at the overwhelming feeling of belonging settling in his chest. Petunia and Vernon had always told him how his parents hated him, how he was unloved and abandoned. That Lily and James were lazy, layabout drunks who tried to kill themselves in a car crash just to get away from him because he was a freak. He sniffles lightly, leaning into his father's side when the man cards a hand through his hair, and he can't help but melt.
He had a new family now. One who had decided to take him in, who had wanted to call him their son. He was so relieved because he was starting to see that everything Petunia and Vernon had told him over the years living with them, years he shouldn't have been subjected to, was not true. He was not a freak; he was not a burden, and he was loved.
Aldwyn glances up at Marvolo, smiling at the stunned look on his father's face. Clearly, he hadn't been expecting to hear his name coming up in the will of James Potter, light wizard extraordinaire but then again, no one would have guessed that the Potters had been thinking of defecting either. Maybe if they had gotten that information to Lord Voldemort sooner, they would have been alive now. They would be living with their son, and he wouldn't have had to live with the Dursleys for 9 years.
"Well, that was an interesting twist. I would never have guessed that I would be named in the will of Lord Potter, though this does put an interesting spin on things."
Severus and Lucius nod in silence to their Lord's words, both their eyes wide at the information they had just heard. Severus glances down at Aldwyn and shudders, he should have been the one to raise Harry; he should have been taking care of Aldwyn these past 9 or so years but Dumbledore, for whatever reason disallowed him that chance. He could have stopped the harsh abuse if only he had known.
"I will have your belongings and concessions bought up after the will readings if you would like Lord Slytherin, Lord Prince?"
"Yes, that would be acceptable, thank you Nagnok," Marvolo answers, while Severus merely nods his head, still reeling. Aldwyn, noticing the others' melancholy slips his hand into Severus's smiling when the man glances down at him, hand tightening around his own. Aldwyn could easily guess what was running through Severus's mind.
Nagnok nods his head, clicking his fingers to call in two goblins who Aldwyn realises must have been stationed just outside the room, as they come running in. There is a small, whispered conversation in Gobbledegook before they are exiting the room just as quickly. Nagnok returns his attention to the congregation and clears his throat.
"Now, we will proceed with the will reading of Lady Lily Potter nee Evans."
I, Lily Jane Potter nee Evans of the Noble House of Potter, of sound body and mind declare this to be my last will and testament.
I name Remus John Lupin, known to a few as Moony, trustee, and leave the contents of Vault 56, there are many books in there for you Remus, I know you will make use of them. I leave 5000 Galleons to Sirius Orion Black, keep an eye on Moony and Harry for me, and try to keep yourself out of trouble. Though I am sure that is too much to ask. I leave my deepest and most sincere apologies to my best friend Severus Tobias Snape along with 150,000 Galleons. I am sorry that I left you, my dearest Severus, you needed me, and I turned my back on you. I just hope you can find it in yourself to forgive me. I had also forgiven you many years ago. I name Thomas Marvolo Riddle a close trustee, I am sorry we had to disagree with Tom, but we never wanted to, I am unsure if James has already mentioned this, but we were under compulsion potions and obliviated on more than one occasion. As an apology for all we have put you through, I leave you the entire content of Vault 57, I think there may be a few things in there that you will find useful.
Finally, to my precious little angel, Harry. I hope you can forgive your father and me for leaving you so early on, but I can promise you that we both love you deeply. I am currently watching you play on the floor with a miniature potion cauldron designed for children, much to James's displeasure. Harry, my sweat boy I leave you everything belonging to myself, and I hope you can find happiness, my child. We would like to appoint the following guardians to Harry James Potter in case we depart too soon. He is to go to Severus Tobias Snape, or the Lord and Lady Malfoy. Never is my son to go to Petunia Dursley nee Evans as I fear she will not treat Harry as she should.
By the end of the reading, Aldwyn's shoulders are shaking with sobs, his tears trailing down his cheeks in quick succession. He collapses back against Marvolo, small hands clenching into the soft fabric of his father's robes. Marvolo pulls his son close to his side, gesturing for Severus, who has silent tears running down his own face, to join them. Aldwyn cuddles between the two men, burying himself in their security as he allows himself to cry for the parents he never really knew; to lament the loss of a loving home and a caring family of his own. He glances up at Marvolo and Severus, a small smile flitting across his lips when Marvolo gently wipes a tear from Severus's cheek.
He had a new family now.
"It looks like I was a potions enthusiast when I was little," Aldwyn comments drawing a chuckle from Severus, his face flushed as he draws back from Marvolo and ruffles Aldwyn's hair, affection shining in his eyes.
"It appears you were," Severus's smile drops, and he turns his gaze away, "I apologise if I quelled that passion during the last school year Aldwyn, but if you would like I could help you this summer. We could brew some potions together?"
Uncertainty fills the potions master as Aldwyn contemplates his offer. He watches with rising trepidation while Marvolo sits back and watches the scene play out, his arm still wrapped around the two. A shy smile erupts across Aldwyn's features.
"I would like that. I have always liked potions, it reminded me of cooking in a way, and I do enjoy cooking and baking from time to time."
Marvolo smiles down at his son, tightening his arms around Severus and Aldwyn, pulling the two back into his embrace. He drops a kiss on Aldwyn's head before repeating the gesture to Severus.
Nagnok clears his throat breaking up the domesticity of his clients, claw tapping on the podium to draw their attention back to the front of the room. Severus and Aldwyn settle back into their seats, still pressed as close to each other as possible while Marvolo slips his arm around his son's back, fingers interlacing with Severus's. They watch as Nagnok takes a small box of items from another goblin, placing it on the podium he reaches in and draws out a pile of black notebooks, tied together with string.
"Lord Prince, these are the notebooks, journals, and notes of the late Fleamont Potter which have been given to you through his son, Lord James Potter. The owed Galleons will be transferred directly to your account by the end of the day, as will yours Lord Slytherin."
The notebooks are handed to Severus who strokes his free hand down the embroidered covers reverently, he couldn't deny that Fleamont had been one of the greatest minds of his time when it came to potions creations, and he couldn't wait to get home to begin reading such valued knowledge. Maybe it could even assist him in the creation of his own potions.
"Lord Slytherin, this is a letter written for you by the Late Lady Lily Potter alongside the key to your new vaults left to you by the Potters. You will be able to visit these at any time or have its content moved to the main Slytherin family vault if you prefer." Marvolo takes the letter and vault key, inclining his head in thanks.
"No, thank you Nagnok. I believe I will keep these vaults separately; I would like to do a full inventory on the Potter vaults before anything."
"The rest of the trustees will be receiving their vaults and assets once we have agreed on a set date for the will readings. Heir Slytherin, you will have access to the Potter and Gryffindor vaults and possessions once you come of age on your 17th birthday. Until then your vaults will be inaccessible to all unless you give express permission."
"Thank you for your help today, Nagnok." Aldwyn incline his head to the goblin pleased with how well the day had gone so far, and he didn't even feel that tired or achy yet. He glances from his father, who is looking down at the letter in thoughtful wonderance, to Severus who is still staring down at the pile of potions notes. He turns to look at Lucius who is watching them with a gentle expression, one which Aldwyn can't help but smile at before he is pushing himself from his seat.
"If that is all, then this meeting is called to a close. I believe after such an emotional day, Heir Slytherin is eager to return home," Nagnok smirks when Aldwyn nods in agreement, "I thank you for your patronage, Lord Slytherin, Lord Prince, Lord Malfoy, and Heir Slytherin."
"It has been a pleasure, Nagnok. Thank you."
Nagnok bows his head when Aldwyn turns to smile brightly at him, waving in farewell before he turns to follow his father out of the room. Travelling back down the corridors of Gringotts, Aldwyn grins when he spies Draco waiting for them with his mother by the entrance. Skirting around his father and Severus, Aldwyn giggles as he jumps on his friend's back causing the older boy to stumble forward a couple of steps before he manages to catch himself.
"Hello Dragon, how was your shopping trip?" Aldwyn links his fingers, hands resting just below Draco's chest, chin leaning on Draco's shoulder as he presses himself against the other's back.
"It was alright, pretty fun. Mother even let me buy a few things from the Quidditch store and I also restocked some of my potion's ingredients so I can practice some more over the summer. But I bet it wasn't as fun as what went on in your meeting. You must tell me everything!"
Aldwyn releases Draco from his grip once the adults reach their side. They walk towards the doors leading out of the bank, large smiles stretching across their features. Once they make it back onto the streets of Diagon Ally, Aldwyn slips his hand into Draco's.
"Oh, it was pretty interesting," Aldwyn confesses flippantly, flashing his right hand in front of Draco's face, whose eyes widen comically when he catches sight of the Slytherin crest adorning his slim finger. Taking an overly dramatic, mock bow Draco glances up at Aldwyn, a smirk adorning his lips.
"Oh, forgive me my rudeness, Great Heir-Lord Slytherin."
Rolling his eyes at Draco's antics, he uses the grip he still has on his friend's hand to pull him upright as they continue to weave their way through the crowded streets, the adults following closely behind, watching their antics with smiles of their own. Aldwyn sniffs, pushing his nose into the air.
"I will forgive your plight, Heir-Lord Malfoy."
"Prat."
Aldwyn really didn't want to have this conversation.
He knew it was going to come up at some point, but he didn't want it to be now. Couldn't they speak about this after the adoption ritual? When his father couldn't throw him away or hand him back to the Dursleys and Dumbledore. He was terrified. Petrified that the group in front of him, the people he was quickly coming to think of as his family would not want him anymore. Not when they found out everything he had done and what his relatives had put him through.
He casts a cursive glance around the room, eyes wide. His hands clenching in his lap, he takes in the pitying expressions on Lord and Lady Malfoy's faces, the sad smile on Draco's face. He looks from his father to Severus, who have sandwiched him between them. He begins to tremble, so much so that he jumps when a hand rests on his own.
"I know this is hard for you Aldwyn, and we don't want you to feel trapped or pressured into telling us everything. We love you and care for you, Snakelet. We wish to know so that we can protect you from something like this happening again."
"Your father is right, Aldwyn. You are already a part of this family and anything you say now is not going to change that. Nothing you do or say is ever going to change how much we love you. You are our Snakelet, and we love you so much."
Aldwyn takes a deep breath, he knew this. Deep down he knew that they wouldn't send him back, but he can't help but fear it. Vernon had always told him to keep it quiet, that if people found out then he would be sent to an orphanage where they would treat him even worse. He hadn't wanted that. Closing his eyes, centering himself, Aldwyn forces some of the tension to bleed from his frame. He will try to trust his Father and Severus. They wouldn't send him away; they would still want him.
As Aldwyn is steeling himself, calming his frayed nerves, Marvolo summons a house elf and orders a small tray of tea, hot chocolate, and biscuits. He has a sinking feeling that this conversation is going to be hard to get through, for everyone; he knows that he is going to wish for the muggles, as well as Dumbledore's death. Stroking a hand through Aldwyn's hair, he smiles down at his son when bright eyes filled with resolve look up at him.
Severus leans forward, preparing a small mug of hot chocolate and two cups of tea before gently trying to coax Aldwyn into taking it.
"Here, Snakelet. Would you like a drink before we begin?"
Aldwyn nods his head, looking from Severus to his father who answers the silent question with an encouraging smile and nod toward the potions master. Aldwyn cautiously reaches for the steaming mug, the sweet smell of chocolate filling his nose. His hands freeze for a moment, eyeing Severus before finally taking the drink, curling his hands around the mug to soak up its warmth. Taking a tentative sip, Aldwyn cuddles into the back of the sofa.
"I remember that Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Hagrid left me on the doorstep of Petunia's house the same night Lily and James died."
"Left you on their doorstep…?" Lucius chokes out, pale face paling further at Aldwyn's words. He remembered that night, remembered the crowds of wizards teeming the streets wrapped in winter cloaks, scarves, and gloves. If this was just the beginning, he wasn't sure he would make it to the end. Who in their right mind would leave a 15-month-old baby on the doorstep in an unknown neighbourhood in November? It was barbaric.
"Yes, I was apparently taken from Godric's Hollow by Hagrid, who then, on Headmaster Dumbledore's orders took me to Privet Drive on a flying motorcycle."
"A flying motorcycle?" Narcissa questions, eyebrow raising delicately at the strange detail. She could vaguely recall hearing about someone in the wizarding world owning such a contraption.
"Yes, I was told that it once belonged to a friend of the Potters, Sirius Black I believe… I remember it because I used to draw pictures of a giant man carrying baby me through the sky on a flying motorbike. Petunia and Vernon always used to shout at me when they saw the drawings. They always told me it was stupid, that I was wasting my time because magic wasn't real." Shaking his head, Aldwyn blushes, he had never told anyone about his memories of that night, mainly because he hadn't realised until recently that they had been actually memories. He thoughts they had just been dreams. Not the events following his parents' deaths. He shivers at the memory of a brilliant green flash of light.
"Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore were waiting for us; it was Dumbledore's idea to leave me at the Dursleys because of something called Blood Wards? Despite McGonagall telling him that she had observed the to be the 'worse kind of muggles'. He took me from Hagrid and lay me on the doorstep, placing a letter he had written in the basket before they all left me. I was lying on the doorstep all night until Petunia opened the door the next morning and found me."
The group watches Aldwyn with sorrow deep in their eyes. The old man had even been warned about the muggles before he had handed Harry over; he had been informed that the Dursleys were unfit guardians for the young saviour and yet he had disregarded it. He had still left an Heir to a prominent family in their care. Marvolo sighs, hugging Aldwyn close, rubbing small circles along his lower back.
"Well done, Snakelet. You are doing so well. I am so proud of you my brave little snake. We love you so much, Snakelet. So much." Aldwyn nods his head, taking a shuddering breath, he takes another sip of his hot chocolate. Glancing to his side, Aldwyn holds his hand out, pulling Severus into their embrace as soon as his hand wraps around his own.
"I love you too, Father. You as well, Severus."
"And I love you as well, Snakelet." Severus whispers, his conversation with Marvolo holding true as he rests his head against Marvolo's shoulder. Pulling Aldwyn into his lap, Severus rearranges the boy's legs to drape over Marvolo's lap allowing them both to hold him close. He drops a kiss to Aldwyn's hair, smiling when Marvolo repeats the action with himself.
"My aunt Petunia made me start cooking when I was young, I can't remember how old I was, but I had to drag a chair over from the dining table so I could see what I was doing. She told me that I needed to start earning my keep. She would often hit me with her frying pan if I made a mistake when preparing the meals and she would scream at me a lot and… knock me to the floor… if I burnt the food." Aldwyn takes another breath, running a finger over the side of his hand where a faded pink scar sits, "She would grab my wrists and hold my hand or arm on top of the hob, burning them before throwing me in my cupboard…"
Narcissa gasps, her hand flying up to cover her mouth. She stares, horrified. Her eyes shining with tears at the treatment of such a young child. Lucius takes hold of her hand, squeezing. His grey eyes flashing silver in his anger. He glances at Marvolo and Severus, his closest most trusted friends, and notes their lack of surprise or shock at the information and concludes that they must already know, to some extent, the abuse Aldwyn suffered.
"Your cupboard?" Lucius's voice is forced out between gritted teeth. He guides Draco to rest against his side as tears spill over his son's cheeks at the information and for a moment, he contemplates sending Draco out of the room before quickly disregarding such ideas. Draco would refuse him anyway.
"The cupboard under the stairs was where I slept up until I received my Hogwarts Letter a week before my eleventh birthday. I am sure at least some of the Hogwarts faculty knew this already thought seen as my letter was actually addressed to 'Mister Harry Potter, The Cupboard Under the Stairs."
Lucius nods numbly, he gives in and tugs Draco into his lap, cuddling his child close when uncontrollable sobs emit from him. It was heartbreaking to know that this had been happening right under their noses and yet no one had been any the wiser.
"My cousin Dudley, he's around the same age as me, used to bully me in school all the time. He used to steal my lunch if I was ever given any which wasn't that often. He would scare away anyone who would try to talk to me or play with me. They weren't allowed to be my friend, or he would beat them up. I was always on my own. He used to lie to the teachers just to get me in trouble both at home and at school; saying that I stole his homework, or I was the one bullying the other children… The teacher never liked me much to begin with because Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon always told them I was a liar and a delinquent, so they always believed Dudley over me."
Aldwyn swipes at his eyes, staving off the encroaching tears. He takes a shuddering breath, swallowing around the lump forming in his throat. His emotions calm when two sets of arms wrap around his shoulders and waist: entrapping him in a secure embrace. Sighing at the love he feels washing over him, Aldwyn cuddles closer to his father and Severus.
"Dudley and his friends made up a game they liked to play, called 'Harry Hunting'. They would chase me around the streets and sometimes the playground at school. I would run away; I was so scared. Whenever they would catch me, they would beat me up, kicking me, punching me. I tried to protect myself at first, but I always ended up with broken bones. If I stayed quiet and didn't move, then they would eventually get bored and leave me alone. Once when I was running away, I somehow ended up on the school roof and I couldn't tell anyone how I got there or why I was there. The school had to call the fire service to get me down."
Aldwyn inhales, holding his breath for a moment in hopes of slowing down his heart rate, he always got like this when talking about his home life. His hands shake, a few traitorous tears trailing down his cheeks as the atmosphere becomes heavy. He can almost feel the sorrow, worry, and pity flowing from his new family at his revelations. He buries his face in Severus's neck, shoulders shaking as he allows himself to break down. He tries to get his emotions back under control, feeling a warm hand stroking down his back while another cards through his hair. He needs to tell them the rest. Needs to tell them everything so he never has to speak about it again.
The room remains silent. The adults are lost in their own thoughts as they wait patiently for Aldwyn to calm down. They couldn't quite fathom how anyone could treat a child, especially an innocent child in such a deplorable manner. It wasn't as if Aldwyn had been a troublesome child, nor had he been a delinquent as the muggles had often claimed. He was sweet, shy, hardworking if a little vindictive and sneaky at times but he didn't deserve even a fraction of what the Dursleys had done to him. He didn't deserve to suffer as much as he had.
After another moment, Aldwyn pulls his face back, cheeks red and blotchy from crying, his face shining with the dampness of his tears. The Malfoys watch fondly as Severus cuddles Aldwyn close, while Marvolo brushes the tear tracks away with the pad of his thumb. Both smile down at the child who, in response, wraps his arm around Severus's shoulder and grips his father's hand.
"Uncle Vernon was always the worse…" Aldwyn's voice is scratchy as he continues, "He doesn't like anything that isn't normal and, in his eyes, I was a freak, a waste of space, a burden, and a parasite that had invaded and was trying to contaminate his 'perfectly normal family'. He always told me how I had disrupted their perfect lives with my freakishness. That I had to earn my keep if I didn't want to end up on the streets."
He raises his gaze, staring over at the Malfoys who smile at him. Draco sniffles, dragging the back of his hand over his face to stop his own tears. Aldwyn attempts to smile back at his friend.
"It started with little shoves here and there when I had just learnt to walk. Then he would hit me or slap me round the back of the head and stuff like that by the time I was three. That was mostly because I dared to ask questions, or I was caught 'talking back'. He would always give me long lists of chores to do while he was at work when I turned five years old; if I failed to complete even one of those tasks then it would turn into a beating. He would kick me, and punch me before locking me in my cupboard. I was never allowed to see a doctor when I was ill, nor when the beatings resulted in broken or fractured bones. I was still expected to complete my chores the next day as well." A shudder runs through Aldwyn's body as more tears fall helplessly down his face. He turns his gaze away, staring down at his hand clenched tightly around his father's.
"It got worse every time I did something 'freaky', something they didn't deem normal. He would beat me and lock me up without any meals for days at a time as punishment. He wanted to… wanted to… He wanted to beat the… the freakishness out of me…" Silence descends after his whispered confession. Aldwyn grips his father's hand in a vice-like grip as if trying to ground himself or prevent his father from leaving him. As if he is trying to prevent himself from delving into a panic attack. Just managing to force the last of his words out.
"It was much worse this summer. Before I received my Hogwarts letter Uncle Vernon would leave me alone as soon as I would fall semi-conscious. But this time he didn't. I would pass out from the pain and when I woke back up, he was still there. He used his belt… and it hurt… it hurt so much. He just kept… kept hitting me… I could feel the leather… it slashed my back… and chest. I was so… so scared… I thought I was… I thought he was going to… I thought he was going to kill me… I wanted him to… I just wanted it to stop… I didn't want… didn't want to be there anymore… I wanted… I just… I couldn't…"
Aldwyn couldn't continue. His shoulders shaking as he reveals his deepest, darkest secret, something he hadn't even told his father before. His tears burst forward, streaming down his cheeks in rapid succession, his breathing picking up frighteningly as he struggles to force breath through his contracting airway. His eyes widen in fear when he fails to regulate his breathing, his lungs extending painfully.
Marvolo watches as his son finally breaks down, he knew snippets of what Aldwyn had told him and knew about some of the worst of the abuse before he had gone home for the summer, but he never would have guessed. He stares down at his little boy, his child, heart clenching painfully at the admission. It was absolutely disgusting; despicable behaviour and he lamented the fact that he couldn't just dispose of them now.
A few seconds go by and Marvolo begins to worry when Aldwyn's breathing shows no signs of slowing down, no it seems to be getting shorted, sharper. Glancing down at his son, Marvolo watches as Aldwyn's face slowly becomes red both with panic and lack of oxygen it strikes him hard. Aldwyn was having a panic attack.
Swearing softly under his breath, Marvolo quickly extracts Aldwyn from Severus's embrace, resting the boy against his arm so his head is tilted backward, opening up his airway. Smoothing a hand down Aldwyn's hair Marvolo rubs his free hand in soothing circles against Aldwyn's stomach.
"Aldwyn?" Marvolo makes sure to keep his voice steady, and calm. He doesn't wish to raise his son's panic any more than it was. He ignores the Malfoy family; the quiet sobs coming from Draco and focuses completely on retaining Aldwyn's attention. "Aldwyn, come on little one."
Lord and Lady Malfoy sit rigidly in their seats, staring with wide eyes as Aldwyn becomes redder, his hands and legs becoming almost slack as he continues to struggle. Their hands grip hold of each other, trapping Draco between them as they can do nothing but watch. Hearing the wheezing breaths of the child rapidly becoming an invaluable part of their family.
"Come on, little one. I need you to calm down for me." Marvolo coaxes again, now rocking Aldwyn gently from side to side, as he continues to card his hand through Aldwyn's hair. His worry grows when Aldwyn shakes his head, eyes blown wide with fear as he stares up at his father. Knowing that he needs to calm Aldwyn down as soon as possible in order to alleviate his erratic breathing Marvolo turns to Severus and startles.
Severus, as soon as he realised what was happening, shoves his hand into his robe pockets, slim fingers grasping and releasing potion vials with such rapid precision. He drops to his knees in front of Marvolo one hand poised above Aldwyn but too afraid to touch the child in case he startles the panicking boy. He continues to search until his hand brushes across a crystal tear-shaped vial. Shaking the potion up, he holds it up to Marvolo just as the man turns to him.
Marvolo sighs in relief at seeing Severus all ready with the potion in hand. Nodding his head in thanks, Marvolo leans Aldwyn further over his arm, head tilting backward in order to fully open his airway and throat. He grips Aldwyn's hand over the boy's chest, gaining his son's attention.
"Aldwyn? I need you to take this potion for me. It is just a calming draught. It will help you breathe a little easier. Can you do that for us, Snakelet?"
Aldwyn slowly, shakily nods his head, watching with wary eyes as Severus tips the potion vial towards his mouth, the warm liquid slinging effortlessly down his throat. His eyes follow Severus's movements as he drops the glass to the floor, hand carding through his hair, brushing it away from his forehead. He drops a kiss on the clear skin.
Sighs of relief echo around the room when Aldwyn's breathing begins to slow down, regulating. His tears slow to a trickle, but the fear continues to shine as he turns to look back at his father. Throwing himself forward, Aldwyn buries his face in Marvolo's robes, a shaking fist clutching the soft fabric tightly as his other blindly reaches behind him searching for Severus. He relaxes fully when a warm appendage slips into his own squeezing in reassurance. His voice wavers, croaking.
"Thank you, Father. Thank you, Papa." His eyes slip closed, body going lax as he falls into a deep, emotionally exhausted sleep, missing the surprised expression flitting across his father's features. While Severus stares down at him delighted, yet shy. Marvolo smiles brightly, eyes shining as he locks gaze with the man still kneeling in front of him.
"Well, my dearest Severus, it seems as if you no longer have to worry about Aldwyn's reaction when you gift him the Prince Heirship ring."
The potions master glances down at the sleeping child, wondering just how Marvolo knew that he had still been worrying about his decision to offer Aldwyn his own family's heir ring or not. His eyes widen slightly, gaze shifting from Aldwyn cradled lovingly against Marvolo's chest, breathing deep, a peaceful look crossing his face to his long-term friend and Lord. Severus's lips upturn.
"I suppose not, Marvolo. I just hope… I mean I won't if you mind… I just…" Marvolo continues to gaze down at Severus. Taking hold of the other's hand, Marvolo pulls Severus close enough to allow him to drop a kiss on his cheek. "This is the second time he has called me-"
Marvolo's smile makes way for a smirk when Severus breaks off, a light blush dusting his cheeks making him ponder whether it was from embarrassment from their sudden proximity or from the sheer joy of having Aldwyn refer to him as his 'papa'. It could simply be a mix of the two. Severus's gaze drops once again to the sleeping child, lips upturning further while his expression softens. Only breaking out of his flurried thoughts when he feels a light pressure on his head. Looking up, Severus's heart flutters when he catches the affection glittering in his Lord's gaze.
"I know, Severus. I am pleased that Aldwyn has someone he feels he can rely on. Someone he can trust, and I am exceedingly pleased it is you, Severus. I don't think I could have chosen anyone better and if you would do me the honours of allowing me to court you…?"
"You… You wish us to court?" Severus stutters, mouth hanging open in his surprise. He had known that the Dark Lord had been flirting with him these past few days, but he never would have dreamt that the man had been serious in his affections. Though he shouldn't be all that surprised.
"If you would have me, Severus."
"Of course, Marvolo. You really want me?"
"I really do, Severus. I adore how you are with Aldwyn. I have always found you intriguing, ever since you entered my ranks fresh out of Hogwarts. You have always been my most loyal, my most favour follower and now I would be honoured if you would consent to becoming my partner?"
"The honour is mine, Marvolo. I would love nothing more than to enter into a courtship with you."