Chapter Thirteen – Welcome to the Family
Marvolo stands back up, carding a hand through Aldwyn's hair before he goes to stand in his own circle. He stands with his back ramrod straight, his head tilting towards the ceiling. Taking a deep breath, his eyes slip closed.
Aldwyn watches, marvelling at the confidence and raw power flowing from the man in such intense waves, he feels the air within the room halting before swirling around his body as if gentle hands were caressing his frame, soothing him. He watches as the candlelight flickers in time with each other, the shadows along the wall darken as magic begins to crackle through the air. Aldwyn stands still, eyes fixated when his father slowly brings his hands up, the wind also filling with sparks of magic, gliding over his skin as if sentient.
The room falls silent. The only sounds being the rustle of fabric from the hangings on the wall and their cloaks, the candle lights flicker in and out, as if dancing to a forbidden dance, which he supposes they are. He knew that the ritual they were using had been classified as 'Dark Magic' by the Ministry because it used blood, but he didn't care. It was still beautiful to watch his father's aura mix with the air.
A few moments pass by as the magic saturating the air gets stronger and stronger before carefully whispered words join the winds. Marvolo's voice carries around the room assisted by the magical whirlwinds. Confidence and assertion lace his tone as his hands are lifted above his head, eyes squeezed shut.
"Ego Marvolo Slytherin, propítius réspice Ave Domina auxiliaris et consanguineus et Iacobum Harrius Potter mutuum accipere virtutem ut filio et heredi meo iure in Magia, corpus et anima nostra in viis stirpis antiquae." (I, Marvolo Slytherin, call upon thee, Lady of Magic, and her kin to grant assistance and lend me strength so that I may adopt Harry James Potter as my rightful son and heir in Magic, Body, and Soul, through the old ways of our ancient race.)
Aldwyn startles when he feels a sudden tingling sensation caressing his skin, hairs standing on ends when warmth washes over him like a tidal wave. He feels, almost hears his own magical core calling out to the forces in the room. His eyes flutter closed of their own accord, hands clenching tightly at his sides as the rest of his body seems to melt; he had never felt such a relaxing sensation before. So at peace. He is surprised to note that he is still on his feet.
Marvolo's words drift slightly out of focus as if an invisible wall had been constructed between the two of them. He knows this isn't the case, it was probably just the influx of magic saturating the atmosphere.
"Suscipiam eum in domo mea, et in domo sua, et in hoc ei Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin heres in domo fani antiquissimi et nobilissimi Slytherin." (I accept him unto my family and household, and dub him Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin, Heir to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Slytherin.)
Aldwyn is only just aware of a slight haze blanketing his mind, all thoughts seeming to halt, sensing working in hyperdrive even if they appeared to be dulled. The increasing caresses on his arms, legs, and face work them even harder. Aldwyn's eyes squeeze shut, limbs shaking with a strange force. The strength of the wind picks up surrounding him completely, cocooning him, blanketing him in a feeling of safety and tranquility.
"Da ei veram acceptianem de patris nostri, Slytherin Salazar, qui habitabant super terram M annis prius." (Allow him true acceptance from our great ancestor, Salazar Slytherin who lived upon this earth 1000 years ago.)
Suddenly, as opposed to the nothingness surrounding him, an array of different sensations seep through his skin, travelling through his veins, warming him from the inside out. Though it isn't an uncomfortable temperature. His limbs shake harder, knees buckling as an omnipotent aura fills the room, mixing with his father's. A dark aura so strong that Aldwyn falls to the floor. His father's voice is more muffled than ever. He isn't even able to make out a single word even as he tries to strain his senses, shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he focuses on the new presence.
"Et cum sanguis eius speciem mutant; hoc sanguine extinguant, urere anteacta vita, et repone cum novo genere veteremque." (With this blood let his appearance alter; let this blood extinguish, burn away his past life, his old blood and replace it with this new lineage.)
The presence urges him, making him aware of the potion vial sitting in his hand and he downs it. His mind goes blank, the temperature in his body shooting up at an alarming rate. It feels as if his blood was physically boiling, burning, and bubbling within his veins. Aldwyn squeezes his eyes shut, feeling a scream building in his lungs, he prepares himself for an even worse pain.
And yet, just as suddenly as it appeared, it disappears. Aldwyn feels a hand caressing his cheek, chasing the pain away just as a soft voice speaks deep within his mind, drowning out all remaining noise, blocking out everything happening around him.
"Aldwyn, be strong for me young one. The pain won't last, I promise. I happily welcome one so young, one such as yourself, with much strength and power into my house, into my line. I welcome and accept you dear little Aldwyn; take your place at your father's side and become the powerful wizard you were always destined to be. My Heir, My treasure."
"Ego te, dub, Lucius Malfoy Abraxan, eorundem. Ut serves, dilectio et cura in omni opera et sermane Slytherin heredem. Ut diligas dominum deum tuum et tu." (I dub thee, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, his godfather. May you protect, love, and care for Heir Slytherin in all you do and say. May you love him as your own.)
While Aldwyn is concentrating on the new voice, Marvolo shifts his body away from the center of the room, eyes snapping open, glowing red pupils catching Lucius's blue-grey ones as he speaks once more. His voice wavers slightly with the amount of magic the ritual is taking up, but he holds strong. Knowing that his son was safe when he spots the spectre of Salazar Slytherin watching over him. He watches disjointedly as Lucius's eyes widen, nodding in understanding he opens his mouth to respond in a voice equally as strong.
"Ego, Lucius Malfoy Abraxan, munera mea suscipiet Slytherin in heredem et patronus." (I, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, accept my duties as godfather to Heir Slytherin.)
Nodding in satisfaction, the Dark Lord turns to his right, glowing eyes now fixating on Narcissa, her hands noticeably shaking when she draws herself up, back straightening. She focuses completely on her Lord.
"Ego te, dub, nec Narcissa Druella Malfoy nee. Black, susceptrice nominator. Ut serves, dilectio et curain omni opera et sermone Slytherin heredem. Ut diligas dominum deum tuum et." (I dub thee, Narcissa Druella Malfoy nee. Black, his godmother. May you protect, love, and care for Heir Slytherin in all you say and do. May you love him as your own.)
Tears gather in the corner of her eyes as they drift to Aldwyn, who is still shaking on the floor, though he seemed to have calmed down significantly from before, for a moment. His eyes are closed loosely as if he had merely fallen asleep, and she would have believed that too if it weren't for the muttered words escaping his mouth, as if he were speaking to someone she couldn't see. Turning back to her Lord, Narcissa nods her head.
"Ego, Narcissa Druella Malfoy nee. Black, accipe munera quae in heredem vel matrinae Slytherin." (I, Narcissa Druella Malfoy nee. Black, accept my duties as godmother to Heir Slytherin.)
Inclining his head in acceptance, Marvolo turns towards Draco, offering a small smile when he notices the worry shining in the young Malfoy's eyes as they flicker towards his son once more before offering Marvolo his full attention. He watches Draco draw himself up, much like his mother had, gaze unwavering as they lock with his own red ones.
"Ego te, dub, Lucius Malfoy Draconis, protector, ad heredem amicum et socium Slytherin; Ut maneas in tribulationibus suls, per calles et auxilium abiis tueri valens nocuisse. Malfoy faveat eum heredem Commendo tibi filii et heredes mei." (I dub thee, Draconis Lucius Malfoy, protector, friend, and companion to Heir Slytherin. May you stay by his side through his troubles, aid him through his trials and protect him from those wishing to bring him harm. Cherish him Heir Malfoy, I entrust my son and heir to you.)
The more Marvolo says, the wider Draco's eyes become. His face is the picture of complete shock as his brain tries rapidly to translate the words, he doesn't even wait for Marvolo to finish speaking before he is nodding his head. Wording his answer in much the same way his parents had before him, though he stumbles over the unfamiliar language.
"Ego, Lucius Malfoy Draconis, accipe official protectorem Slytherin amices et sodalist in heredem." (I, Draconis Lucius Malfoy, accept my duties as protector, friend, and companion to Heir Slytherin.)
Finally, Marvolo completes the circle by turning his closest companion, his most loyal and trustworthy follower. Setting his gaze upon his resident potions master and courting mate, a smile plays on his lips as he, himself takes a deep breath. Steeling himself for the words he is about to utter and preparing the others for the words he added to personalize the ritual more to themselves as a family.
"Deinde, ego te, dub, Tobias Severo Principe, ut tutore suo, in eius disciplina est. Tu cura commissa fillo et heredi; cum alia non potest esse parens. Tu dilige eum, protegam eum in omni possession tua in omnibus dictis et factis… filli nostril amu ut debeo." (Finally, I dub thee, Severus Tobias Prince, as his guardian during his schooling terms. You are entrusted to the care of my son and heir, his other parent when I cannot be. May you cherish him and protect him with all you have, in all you say and do. Love my son… Our Son as he deserves.)
Severus gasps aloud at the offered words, drawing the attention of everyone, except Aldwyn, who stands completely bewildered by the sight before them. Severus's hand flies up to his mouth, tears which had been gathering in his eyes, spilling over, flowing down his cheeks. They watch as Severus nods his head frantically, mouth stretching into the biggest smile anyone had ever seen before. He takes a deep breath, eyes locking with Marvolo's.
"Me, et Tobias Severo Principe, ut officio meum in heredem tutoris Slytherin. His mea muneribus secundum quod est amor, et parentes diligere Slytherin heredem." (I, Severus Tobias Prince, accept my full duties as guardian to Heir Slytherin. My responsibilities as his second parent to love and cherish Heir Slytherin.)
Marvolo smiles back lovingly, his eyes filling with tears when he finally turns back to his son, chest tightening with a surge of new emotions. His son was finally his son in every way, shape, and form, with the acceptance of both Lady Magic and Salazar Slytherin. No one would be able to take Aldwyn away from him now. Looking down at the trembling figure of his precious little boy, Marvolo feels his smile widening, love filling his core. Drawing a breath to steady his voice, Marvolo begins the chant to close the circle.
"Ave Domina tueris teque ad fortitudinem. Gratias ago tibi, quia accipiendo Salazar Slytherin filius meus, hæres meus erit usque ad nostram familiam nobilem et antiquam. Marcus ista religio quia aenigma clausero Salazar Slytherin protegatur caritas cara sui familiares dilectus, oportet numquam rediit." (I thank you Lady of Magic for lending me the strength. I thank you Salazar Slytherin for accepting my son, my heir unto our noble and most ancient household. I close this ritual knowing that Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin will be protected, love, cherished, and cared for by his family and friends, he will never need be afraid again.)
Marvolo lowers his arms slowly, waiting for the sparks of magic to evaporate completely and the winds to die down before he steps out of the now fade runic circle. As soon as he is clear of the chalk drawings, Marvolo runs across the room and drops to his knees. Pulling his child into his lap, Marvolo wraps his arms around Aldwyn in a tight embrace, shoulders trembling with elation. Tears that he had been holding back now fall down his cheeks, but he doesn't pay them much mind, He is holding his son in his arms; his precious child who is now completely his.
"Hello Father, is it over already?" A small, wavering voice brings Marvolo from his circling thoughts. Pulling back, he gazes down in wonder and awe at the young wizard sitting contently in his arms, cuddling into his chest. A small, chocked sob/laugh escapes his throat and Marvolo nods his head.
"Yes, my son, it is over now. I am so proud of you, Snakelet. You did so well." As Marvolo fusses over Aldwyn, checking him over for any injuries from his fall, Severus makes his way his own tears still running down his face. He watches the interaction between his partner and son. Sitting himself down next to the Dark Lord, smiling down at Aldwyn who turns to smile at him only for his expression to fall.
"Sev, are you alright? Why are you two crying?"
Severus chuckles breathlessly glancing over at Marvolo; the two share a delighted smile before Severus ruffles Aldwyn's hair, which he can't help but notice is slightly longer than before. His eyes soften as he takes in the subtle changes in the boy's features and knows that they are going to be more prominent in the next couple of hours.
"I am perfectly fine, Snakelet. Just happy, my son." Severus and Marvolo watch as Aldwyn's tired eyes widen in surprise, his head shooting to look over at his father/ Their eyes burn with a fresh wave of tears at the look of pure hope sparkling in his eyes.
"Is it true? Really? What happened? How?" Marvolo chuckles at the questions fired at him, carefully pulling Aldwyn into a seated position between himself and Severus. Both adults wrap their arms around their son in a warm embrace, smiles never dimming.
"It is true, Snakelet. During the ritual, I had to assign certain roles to the participants to completely solidify our familial bond, and I asked Severus if he were willing to become your second parent. He agreed, of course. We are not bonded yet but the other day he did agree to enter a courtship with me and therefore, because of this ancient and magically binding ritual, he is legally your other father. Though that is not the only reasoning…"
Aldwyn's eyes light up with joy, his face brightening with the biggest smile they had seen on his features since he had arrived at the manor. He pulls both his parents into a tight embrace. When he pulls back, he furrows his brows, staring up at his father.
"What was the other reason?" Aldwyn questions as Severus turns an inquisitive gaze towards Marvolo who, in turn, shifts nervously. It was now or never.
Licking his lips, Marvolo slips a hand into the pocket of his robes, hands clenching around the piece of parchment resting there. Glancing at Severus, then Aldwyn before he extracts the letter. Silently, he hands it over to Severus and Aldwyn watching as they read through the handwritten words.
"Is this… this can't be… I mean it was the one time…" Severus stumbles over his words, his mind a jumble of thoughts as memories of his one night with Lily spring to his mind. He hadn't even considered that the boy he had known as Harry Potter, now legally Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin could be his child. He hadn't even entertained such thoughts in his mind, but the truth was written in front of him in Lily's own hand.
"James never was my dad… I was never a Potter… and mum wasn't ever related to Petunia… I didn't have to go there… I was never related to them… there were no blood wards keeping me there either… You didn't know?" Aldwyn asks Severus, eyes gleaming with unshed tears at the prospect of having no reason to have been abandoned at the Dursleys' house ever since Lily and James had passed away. He didn't have to suffer through all those years of abuse because his mother hadn't been and Evans and his Papa, his dad had been alive this entire time. Severus glances down at the distraught child his heart clenching painfully at the thought of Aldwyn thinking he had intentionally deserted him.
"No! Aldwyn, I swear to you that I had no idea… I didn't even think… I mean there was no way that we could have…. If I had known, I would have taken you away from there as soon as possible!" Severus looks up at Marvolo who is smiling down at him, eyes still gleaming with tears, and Severus cannot help but tug the older man into a hug. He pulls Aldwyn into their embrace as well, holding his family close as he takes a shuddering breath.
"So, I really do have a father and a papa now?" Aldwyn tilts his head, drawing a chuckle from Marvolo and Severus. They pull back, Marvolo ruffling Aldwyn's hair.
"Yes, Aldwyn. You have a father and a papa now and as I said before, even though we are not bonded yet, and we are only courting, we are both legally your parents. The magic from the ritual would have already created a birth certificate for you with Severus and I as your biological parents. Even a paternity test would show us both."
"But I thought this ritual would have gotten rid of both his parents' blood and replaced it with yours. I wonder why mine is still within him?"
"That is because every child needs two sets of magical blood running through their veins. Magic would have recognized Lily's blood as his mother because I had been recognized as his father. However, when you accepted to become his father, magic changed its target. Mother Magic recognized your promise and burnt out Lily's blood instead. Aldwyn is now our son, biologically, Severus."
Severus chokes out another cry, onyx eyes turning to take in the visage of his and Marvolo's child, the idea alone warming his heart. Aldwyn grins up at his parents, tears threatening to fall before he freezes. Eyes widening, Aldwyn allows a mischievous smirk to dance across his lips as he glances from his father to his papa and back.
Marvolo and Severus exchange an unsure look knowing that nothing is going to be safe when Aldwyn has such a glint in his eyes. They were going to have their hands full now that Aldwyn was releasing his inner Slytherin, not helped by the prominent Slytherin blood running through his veins.
"What are you thinking now, Snakelet?" Aldwyn sends an innocent look toward his father, slapping a hand to his chest in mock offense which only causes the man to raise an eyebrow.
"You said yet…" Aldwyn's smirk returns as Severus and Marvolo exchange another glance before turning back to their son. "Father, you said that you and Papa are courting but not bonded… yet."
Aldwyn giggles, smile widening. He delights in the faint blushes dusting his parent's cheeks at his observation, though it soon turns to laughter when his father turns to smirk at Severus.
"I did say that, didn't I? Well, I guess that is something we will need to look forward to then, don't we?" Marvolo's smirk soon falls into a smile filled with love and affection for his partner which causes Severus's breath to catch in his throat. He can feel his own smile widening when he brings his hand in front of Aldwyn, interlacing his fingers with Marvolo's effectively trapping their Son between themselves.
"I know I definitely will." Aldwyn leans back into his parents' warm embrace, smiling softly. "What about the others?"
His parents look down at him, faces still fond as they gaze down at their son's mess of raven hair before Marvolo directs his son's attention towards the three approaching figures, each one smiling brightly at the small family on the floor.
"Why don't you ask them yourself?"
Following his father's instruction, Aldwyn turns to watch the Malfoy family stop just in front of them. He is pleased to see the bright expressions stretching across their features; it was clear to tell that everyone had been happy with the outcome of the ritual.
"What are we supposed to be being asked about?" Lucius questions, gazing down at the small child being cradled between his friends. His eyes widen a little at some of the subtle familiar features.
"What did father ask of you during the ritual? I mean, I couldn't really hear anything because Grandpa Sal was talking to me and everything else was too muffled." Aldwyn shrugs his shoulders, his gaze crumbling slightly when the others merely stare down at him with varying degrees of surprise. "What?"
Shaking his head, Marvolo smoothed Aldwyn's hair.
"You are a very powerful wizard, Snakelet. Never in the history of our world has it been reported that the recipient of such a ritual has been able to speak to the founder of their Household, let alone someone as powerful as Salazar Slytherin. Seeing them, yes but never holding a conversation with them. What did he say to you?"
Aldwyn turns to look up at his father for a moment, his facial features not giving anything away about this new information before he turns back around, resting against his parents once more. He shrugs.
"Nothing much. At first, he was just muttering words to make the pain go away, stuff like how it will stop soon and how he was proud to welcome me into his family. He told me that I was very brave and strong and said now I was able to take my rightful place by my father's side and become the powerful wizard I was always supposed to be. He called me his treasure."
Everyone stares openmouthed at the calm disposition Aldwyn is portraying while reiterating his conversation with one of the strongest wizards in their history; a wizard all of them would kill for a chance to see, let alone converse with.
"Oh! He also told me that if I ever need to speak to him then I can visit him in the Chamber of Secrets. He told me where it is and everything! He even gave me permission to use his study and I can even bring certain people with me. There is a stasis charm on the Chamber so his pet Basilisk should still be alive and well and should not attack me because I am wearing the Slytherin Heirship ring.
Grandpa Sal said that if you want Papa, then feel free to harvest some of her scales and stuff for potion ingredients. All you need to do is ask her. He also said that Proserpina, that's the name of his Basilisk, has some eggs down there as well and I am free to keep one as a familiar if I so choose…" Aldwyn looks at his father, catching the pout on the Dark Lord's lips, and smirks. Leaning further against Marvolo's side, enough to catch the man's attention his smirk widens.
"You know what… I almost forgot… Grandpa also said that the Chamber of Secrets has a completely different set of wards than the main castle, which is why Dumbles can't sense who is there nor what is being done down there… it means that certain people can apparate into the Chamber whenever they wish. I believe he did mention something about an old friend; a past student who hasn't visited in a while is more than welcome to accompany me there as much as they wish…"
Marvolo's face lights up at the prospect. He could visit his old friend Proserpina while also being able to check up on his son more often. He glances down at Aldwyn, his smile turning into a slight frown when he catches sight of the amusement dancing in the boy's eyes. He ruffles Aldwyn's hair.
"That was not funny, Aldwyn. That was just mean."
Aldwyn couldn't stop his laughter when his father begins to pout again. Severus joins him in his mirth which is quickly followed by the Malfoy family. None of them had really witnessed the Dark Lord pouting before.
"Well, I am the Son of the Dark Lord. I am supposed to be mean." Severus chuckles at that, shaking his head in exasperation. He drops a quick kiss on Aldwyn's head before reaching over to angle Marvolo's face towards his own. Leaning forward, Severus places a quick, chaste kiss on Marvolo's pouting lips turning it into a soft smile.
"Woah. Woah. Woah. Wait just a minute." Draco drops down to the floor, crossing his legs. He ignores his parents' grimace of disgust, resting his elbows on his knees, and stares at Aldwyn with incredulous eyes. Gaze narrowing in thought, "What did you just call Salazar Slytherin? Greatest of the four Founder of Hogwarts?"
Aldwyn stares at his friend in return for a second; head tilted to the side before realization dawns, and he shrugs lightly.
"Grandpa Sal." His carefree, flippant attitude has the Malfoy family staring down at him in disbelief as if they couldn't quite believe their own ears.
"You just called Salazar Slytherin, one of the founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Founder of our House and your Family, Grandpa Sal? Merlin, help us all. Marvolo, I think there is something wrong with your son." Lucius points out as he cautiously sits on the floor next to his son. No matter if the House-elves had cleaned the room moments before they had entered, Malfoys did not sit on the ground.
It was a bad decision on his part after all when Aldwyn shoots him an offended look for the remark and makes his displeasure known by kicking the Malfoy Lord in the shin. Harder than expected given he was sitting cross-legged on the floor, but the shouted 'hey' from Lucius makes him feel better.
"What? I don't have my wand on me down here because the House Elves said that it may interfere with the magic of the Adoption ritual otherwise, I would have tried a cutting hex. I have read all about its theory, but I haven't been able to test it out yet." Aldwyn mutters the last part more to himself than the others, but everyone hears him. Lucius pales at the glint shining in Aldwyn's eyes and thanks Merlin that the young wizard didn't have his wand to hand. Though Aldwyn's expression did remind him remarkably of the Dark Lord when he was torturing a muggle.
"Dear Merlin, he really is your son, Marvolo. Are you sure you did not lose him at birth? The likeness is remarkable."
Marvolo chuckles at Lucius, dragging a hand through Aldwyn's hair. He smiles at the sigh he manages to pull from his son. Glancing at Severus his smile widens.
"No, I did not lose him at birth seeing as his birth father is sitting beside me."
"Wait… Would you mind repeating that for us, Marvolo?" Narcissa questions, glancing from Marvolo to Severus and then to Aldwyn who is grinning up at his parents, snuggling even close to their embrace. She startles when Severus grins sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well, it would seem Narcissa, that the letter Marvolo received from Lily Potter was in fact a confession of sorts. It appears that the one-night Lily and I spent together, after she had a spat with James Potter, resulted in the child we all knew as Harry Potter. James Potter was never his father, but I was unaware of this fact. It is why Aldwyn here is beginning to look more like myself and Marvolo. He is now the perfect blend of his two biological parents."
"Now that you mention, even before the ritual, Aldwyn did share a few features with yourself, Severus. It is going to be easy to tell who his parents are when the changes are complete."
Aldwyn tilts his head to the side, staring around the room for a moment.
"I look like you two?"
Marvolo nods his head, summoning a small handheld mirror. He hands it to Aldwyn, watching as his son's eyes widen as he takes a glance at the small changes taking place. A smile stretches across his lips.
Aldwyn stares down into the little mirror trying to take in as much of his newly changing appearance as possible. His eyes move from the top of his head all the way down to his shoulders taking in every change he can spot. His hair had darkened from its originally raven-black to a more midnight black, like Severus's he notes. It had lengthened so it now sits in manageable waves just below his shoulders. His face had sharpened, looking more regal than the heart shape it had been previously. His nose was smaller and thinner, and his eyes had darkened to an Avada green as opposed to the emerald green they had been. Though he does smile when he sees small brown flecks within and a ring of black circling the outside making the green stand out that much more.
Feeling extremely satisfied with the beginning of his change, Aldwyn beams brightly up at his parents who return the look with ones of intense pride, their eyes shining as they think about what Aldwyn is going to look like by this time tomorrow. They couldn't wait.
"It seems that Lillian's prediction was indeed correct."
Aldwyn tilts his head, tucking his hair behind his ear; he would need to get used to having hair this length now. He raises an eyebrow at Marvolo who merely drops a hand to his shoulder and squeezes. He glances at Severus whose eyes hadn't moved from their son.
"I believe that your hairstyle, as well as colour are not from my side of the family; neither is your facial expressions. That black rim around your eyes is not from me either. Your Prince features have been unlocked by the ritual and the Glamour you were forced under has been broken. You are now going to become the perfect mix of your Papa and I."
Aldwyn grins, bringing the mirror up to gaze at his eyes. He traces the black rim around his iris before his eyes widen. He gapes at his reflection, free hand lifting to feel the side of his face, behind his ear, and across his face. Glancing around the floor, Aldwyn giggles when he finds what he had been looking for.
"What is it, Snakelet?"
Aldwyn focuses back on his papa, one hand pointing towards his glasses on the floor before rubbing his eyes. He blinks rapidly, staring up at his parents in wonderment as he tries very hard not to jump to his feet in his excitement.
"I can see! I can see perfectly without my glasses!"
Marvolo and Severus chuckle at their son's digression, both nodding their heads as they each lay a hand on his shoulder. The pride in their eyes shone brighter; neither of them had noticed the lack of glasses or rather hadn't remembered that Aldwyn as Harry Potter had needed his glasses to see.
"I am guessing that Mother Magic and/or Salazar Slytherin decided to fix your eyesight for you during the Adoption, Snakelet. You shouldn't need your glasses to see at all from now on. Make sure to thank him the next time you see him."
"I will. It is going to be one less thing tying me to Harry Potter. I really am Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin now, I really am your son!"
Marvolo chokes up. Lifting Aldwyn, places his child back on his lap, stretching his legs out along Severus who shuffles closer, resting his head against Marvolo's shoulder. Wrapping one arm around Aldwyn and the other around Severus's waist, Marvolo holds the two close.
"You have always been our son, Aldwyn. Nothing was going to change that, Snakelet. You are mine and Severus's perfect little boy and you always will be."
Aldwyn melts into his parents' embrace, loving that he was now surrounded by people who loved him and wanted him around. He wraps his arms around Marvolo, smiling up at Severus, and sighs in contentment when a hand rests against his knees. Glancing to his side, Aldwyn smiles when he catches sight of Draco watching him, the expression returned. A thought occurs to him then, and he sits up as much as his father and papa would allow and stares over at the Malfoy family.
"You never told me what roles father gave you during the ritual!" Aldwyn exclaims, voice rising a decibel in his excitement before he collapses back against his parents' frames. He couldn't get enough of the security he was feeling. He had a feeling that they were going to become more protective of him now, but he wasn't complaining. It meant that they cared enough about him to not want him to get hurt or put in harm's way.
"I was asked to be your Godfather," Lucius answers, his voice a little hoarse, and Aldwyn knows that the older man had been crying. Pulling Lucius into a hug, Aldwyn giggles when Narcissa quickly follows, placing a kiss on his cheek.
"I was asked to be your Godmother."
Nodding his head, he had guessed as much. Turning his gaze towards Draco, Aldwyn slips his hand into the offered one, tightening his hand around Draco's when the older boy grins at him.
"I was asked to be your friend and companion. Your father entrusted your safety to me, and I promised not to leave your side."
Aldwyn giggled, he didn't even mind that his father had essentially made Draco his bodyguard in a sense, it would be nice to have a constant companion around him and Draco had been his very first friend. Tugging Draco forward into the embrace, Aldwyn feels his eyes stinging once more with tears, a large grin stretching his lips impossibly wide. His tears roll down his cheeks when arms wrap around him from all angles, laughter filling the air as he is surrounded by his family. His own family who would love him and look out for him.
"I love you all so much. I can never begin to thank you all enough for everything you have done for me in such a short period of time. I don't even know how I could begin to repay you." His tears spill faster, laughter bubbling over as he extracts himself from the Malfoy's hug, before he finds himself sandwiched in another one between his parents
"We love you just as much, Snakelet. Never forget that." Severus drags a hand through Aldwyn's hair, kissing his head. He tightens his grip around his son, ensuring not to hurt Aldwyn when his own emotions threaten to overwhelm him.
"You don't have to repay us, son. We all love you as well. Besides, you have given all of us something much more precious than anything else we could have wished for. Something more special than some material objects we can purchase."
Aldwyn glances up at his father, a questioning gleam in his eyes. Marvolo drops another kiss to his forehead, smiling down at Aldwyn, he brushes the tears from his cheeks.
"Your love, Aldwyn. You love each of us unconditionally, no matter what we may have done previously and that is the most precious gift of all."