Chapter Fifteen – Repercussions?
Aldwyn shifts in his chair at the dining table, eye downcast. He had been feeling weird ever since he had woken up between his parents after his nightmare. He felt jumpy, on edge, waiting for one of them to pull him aside and tell him his punishment for waking them up so early in the morning. Even despite their reassurances that they were going to do no such thing. That they were there for him to depend on and go to when he was feeling scared or worried.
He casts a quick glance at his father, then his papa watching as the pair talk quietly between themselves, hands intertwined on the table. He jumps when the Malfoys walk into the room and take their seat. Mumbling a response when cheerful greetings are called out to him. His father takes this as his cue to call for 'Conpey', the House Elf Aldwyn had learnt was in charge of the kitchens and their meals. He smiles when the little elf clad in a white apron adorned with the Slytherin family crest appears.
Seconds later the dining table is groaning under the weight of the food, some of which Aldwyn hadn't seen since Hogwarts, while others he had never seen before in his life and wouldn't even know how to begin naming. His hands grasp the fabric of his robes, knuckles whitening as he watches everyone begin to fill their plates through his fringe.
He feels conflicted. His thoughts were a jumbled mess of memories from when he had been living with the Dursleys. He had never been allowed to just take things, and yes for the past few days he had been allowed to fill his plate along with the others. His father had even insisted that he didn't have to wait for everyone else to finish first. But that had been before he had woken them up. He didn't know if he was allowed to get his food now, or if that privilege had been revoked as punishment.
After a moment or two of companionable silence as everyone begins to eat, Severus glances across the table at his son, wishing to ask about the boy's plans for the day when he freezes. His lips are down turning into a frown when he sees the despondent expression crossing Aldwyn's features. He studies Aldwyn, noting his son's increased nervous energy and his empty plate. He watches as Aldwyn glances around the table, chewing his lip, and licking them when his eyes settle on the spread of food. So, he wasn't eating because he wasn't hungry, but because of something else.
Placing his cutlery down on his placement, ensuring that he doesn't draw attention to his son's predicament, Severus clears his throat. His eyebrows furrow trying to place the event which could have caused such a drastic change in Aldwyn's behaviour before his eyes widen. Aldwyn had woken them up because of a nightmare; he had apologised and cried because he feared getting punished. Clearly, the Dursleys had withheld food from his son on more than one occasion, most likely not always as a punishment either.
"Aldwyn?" He clenches his teeth, sucking in a deep breath to cool his rising temper when Aldwyn glances up at him with eyes filled with fear. He softens his expression, smiling in hopes of reassuring the nervous child, "You need to eat something, Snakelet. What would you like?"
He tries to tell Aldwyn, without using words that he was still allowed to eat with the rest of them, that they wouldn't withhold food from him just because of something so small; or at all for that matter. His blood boils when Aldwyn shakes his head, slamming his eyes shut as he drops his gaze back towards his lap, hands twisting together. Severus is surprised that Aldwyn hadn't just bolted from his seat with how wound-up he looked.
"No, I'll… I'll wait, sir."
The blood drains from Severus's face. Aldwyn hadn't referred to him in such a way since Hogwarts and it tugged at his heartstrings to think that such a small thing could set him back weeks. His gaze saddens, wondering just how he could convince Aldwyn that it was alright for him to eat, that he didn't have to wait for everyone else to finish. That this was his home and no one was going to punish him by disallowing him some much-needed nourishment, not after he had been starved for the last 9 years of his life. Severus was not going to allow it, and he knew Marvolo would agree.
"You do not need to wait, Aldwyn."
By this point, Marvolo becomes aware of the conversation between his partner and their son. Taking a look at Severus's distraught expression, Marvolo drops his cutlery and snaps his gaze down to Aldwyn, their child. He watches in silence as Aldwyn worries his bottom lip, noticing the empty plate in front of him and he understands. Shaking his head, he leans closer to his son's hunched form.
"Snakelet, we are not going to withhold food from you. Please have something to eat."
Glancing up at his father, Aldwyn flicks his eyes to Severus before focusing back on Marvolo's pleading expressions. He stops short. Maybe. Just maybe they really weren't going to prevent him from eating as a punishment. Were they really going to allow him to eat with everyone else? They didn't think he was a freak, a burden, or a weakling because he had gotten scared by a silly nightmare. He looks at Severus again, feeling his nerves calming when the man smiles at him.
"I'm allowed?" His voice comes out small and he hates how childish he is acting, but he could help it. He is so scared that his parents will one day think he is too much of a burden and throw him away. Or worse, give him back to the Dursleys. He worried that they would come to see him as unlovable. He hunches his shoulders, preparing himself for some form of tirade, for them to yell at him or insult him for his question.
"Of course, you are Snakelet. We would never make you wait for food, not even as punishment. Why would you not be allowed?" Severus answers immediately. His heart bleeding for the little boy sitting across the table from him looking so small and fragile. He can feel his eyes beginning to burn at the reminder of what Aldwyn had to endure at the hands of those muggles.
"At the Dursleys, I wasn't allowed to eat at the table with the rest of them. I wasn't allowed to eat at all unless they had finished and then only what was left over." Tears gather in the corner of his eyes, his throat clogging up with emotions cutting off anything else he had wanted to say. He is terrified. Scared that his family would start to treat him the same.
The Malfoys finally notice the situation, turning their attention to the conversation happening in front of them. Their hearts clench painfully when they hear the first sniffle and wonder what could have transpired to cause Aldwyn, the usually happy child to become so upset early in the morning.
"Aldwyn?" Attempting to subtly wipe his eyes, Aldwyn looks over at Severus and almost begins crying again when he sees the concern shining in his papa's eyes, "We are not the Dursleys, and you will never be treated like that again. We are your family now, and that means that you will be treated as such, treated correctly and with care, okay?"
Aldwyn nods his head, tears spilling over once more as a sob escapes his throat. He had never felt so loved before and really hoped that he could stay with his papa and father as long as possible. He watches as his father and papa share a glance. Severus places his hand over Marvolo's who nods his head. Turning back to their son, Aldwyn smiles minutely. Pushing his chair out, Severus holds his hand out to his son.
"Aldwyn, come here."
Aldwyn does. Sliding off his chair, Aldwyn makes his way around the table, nervous energy dispelling slightly when his father ruffles his hair as he passes. He lets out a squeak of surprise when Severus slips his hands under his arms and picks him up. He feels himself being placed on his papa's lap, thin arms holding him against Severus's chest.
"Now, what would you like to eat, Snakelet?" Severus's voice is soft, and soothing against Aldwyn's ear and he can feel him slowly relaxing in his embrace.
Aldwyn's gaze sweeps the array of food spread across the table and licks his lips, his stomach grumbling in quiet complaint. His eyes widen, sparkling in delight when he sees something he hadn't been able to have since Hogwarts, and even then, he had only tried them once. Ronald and the other Gryffindor boys always seemed to manage to grab them before he had the chance. Turning to glance at Severus, Aldwyn worries his lip between his teeth, eyes flickering back to his food of choice.
"May I have some chocolate pancakes, please?"
"Of course, you may, Aldwyn."
His eyes widen when his papa carefully lifts two of the requested food, placing them onto his own half-filled plate before he cuts a small piece off. Offering the slice to Aldwyn who leans forward, pausing halfway to make sure it wasn't about to be taken away from him again. Seeing his papa nod towards the food in reassurance, Aldwyn takes the bite between his teeth, humming at the taste. These were even better than he remembered.
Aldwyn allows his gaze to wander around the room as he takes another bite. He knows he should feel embarrassed about sitting on his papa's lap and being fed like a child, but he couldn't bring himself to care. He had had so few adults willing to be near him, let alone touch him for any length of time. So, to have his father and papa willingly cuddling him, treating him like their son, Aldwyn was going to take full advantage of it. No matter that he was almost twelve years old.
Glancing over the spread of food once more. Aldwyn's gaze flicks to his father, watching the man eat his own breakfast before he looks down at his papa's plate chewing thoughtfully. He wanted to ask if he could have something else, but he didn't want to disturb his father. Stealing another surreptitious glance at Marvolo pondering on his request, pondering if he should just leave it. Though his decision is made for him when Marvolo catches Aldwyn's eye.
"Snakelet, is there something else you would like?"
He pauses for a moment. Chewing his bottom lip. His father didn't seem bothered that he wanted something else, he relaxes at the warm tone.
"Do we have any strawberries?"
Marvolo sits back in his chair, stroking his chin in an overly exaggerated show of contemplation. He covers his smirk by scratching his chin when Aldwyn releases a near-silent breathy giggle. Sitting forward after a second, Marvolo calls for Conpey to bring him a small bowl of freshly washed strawberries, and to ensure some are placed on the table every morning from now on. Aldwyn brightens when Conpey hands him the bowl of fruit, humming as he quickly takes a bite.
"Thank you, father."
Severus tightens his arms around Aldwyn's waist when he shifts in his lap. Avada green eyes meet his own when he finally settles back down, legs hanging at Severus's side. He watches Aldwyn pick up another fruit, looking over it carefully before he presents it to his papa, holding it delicately between his fingers. Smiling down at his son, Severus takes the strawberry, hugging Aldwyn to his chest.
"Thank you, Aldwyn. How did you know these were my favourites?"
Aldwyn giggles, popping another into his mouth. He really did love the bright red colour of the fruits, even if it did remind him of the Gryffindor common room a little too much.
"I didn't. They are my favourites as well. I have only ever tried them once before when they were in one of the desserts before at Hogwarts. I have always wanted to have them again but whenever we had something with them in, the boys in Gryffindor would eat it all too quickly."
"I thought your favourite dessert was Treacle tart?" Draco questions from his seat, watching his godbrother with a raised eyebrow. It had spread through the school grapevine that the Harry Potter was obsessed with treacle tart and ate it every day.
"No, I ate it most of the time because I liked to wait until everyone else had gotten their dessert before picking mine. It was usually the only thing left." Aldwyn responds with a shrug, he hadn't minded the treacle tart but the thing that had made his mouth water had been the strawberry sponge cake he had been able to try once.
"Oh. That makes sense. I suppose you will be able to try it a lot more when you get sorted into Slytherin, I will make sure you get a piece if you want it." Draco offers with a grin. He is sure that his godbrother was going to end up in the same house as him, and if he did then he would make sure Aldwyn didn't want for anything. If he wanted a dessert covered in strawberries then Draco would get it for him.
"You don't have to do that, Draco. I don't want to be a bother."
"You are not being a bother, Aldwyn. I offered to get it for you, but you didn't ask me to and besides, there is always plenty of strawberry cake left at the Slytherin table." Draco smirks.
"Hey, I have a question." Aldwyn raises an eyebrow, staring at Draco for a moment, "How did you know I always ate treacle tart, the Slytherin table is on the opposite side of the Great Hall."
"Ah. That is simple. The Harry Potter fan club was well-informed about your habits. What you ate at mealtimes. When you went out flying. When you spent time in the library. They practically had your daily schedule memories. I, of course just had to keep informed so I could know how best to rile you up." Draco's smirk grows at the growing horror stretching across Aldwyn's face.
"I had a fan club…"
"Of course, you did, Aldwyn. Did you not notice just how many people would go to watch the Gryffindor team practice? Or why so many people would suddenly end up in the library when you were studying in there?"
"I didn't really pay attention to stuff like that. I was too busy trying to act like the perfect little Gryffindor and focus on who was trying to steal the stone. Did I ever tell you that the Mudblood and blood traitor actually thought it was papa who was after it?" Aldwyn snickers, chewing another piece of pancake held in front of his face.
"No. Why would they think Uncle Sev was after the stone? He is a professor."
"He always turned up wherever we were, and they thought he was suspicious. They thought he was after me because I was 'the boy-who-lived' and he was the 'evil, dungeon bat' hell-bent on destroying all Gryffindors." Aldwyn lifts his hands up, wiggling his fingers at Draco who breaks into peals of laughter at his evil impersonation. Severus shakes his head, dropping a kiss on Aldwyn's head.
"Besides, I knew papa wasn't trying to hurt me. When Quirrell was jinxing my broom, I thought that papa was casting a counter to save me. It made more sense than when he became the referee for my next Quidditch game. It gave him a bigger advantage over whoever was trying to hurt me. He got scratched by Fluffy because he was trying to prevent Quirrell from going through the trap door when he let the troll in during Halloween. Even when I thought papa hated me, he still went out of his way to protect me." Aldwyn finishes, cuddling into Severus's chest when the man tightens his arms around his son.
He already knew his son hadn't suspected him of trying to steal the stone, despite his suspicious behaviour during the last year, but he never knew Aldwyn had been aware of his subtle protections. That he had been watching over Harry, despite his apparent dislike of the boy. No wonder it had been so easy for Aldwyn to forgive his actions.
Ensuring that Aldwyn had eaten as much as he could handle, Severus hands him his nutrients potion for the morning, chuckling when Aldwyn swallows the vial in one mouthful, nose scrunching up in disgust at the taste. He drags a hand through his son's hair, kissing his head before he allows Aldwyn to get down from the table.
Marvolo and Severus glance up from their reading when they hear Aldwyn muttering under his breath, too quiet for them to make out his words but when they look up, they cannot help but smile. Aldwyn is curled up in one of the cushioned armchairs, his old phoenix wand held between his fingers as he stares down at the book in his other hand intently. His eyes move rapidly across the page before he glances down at his wand. He waves his hand, muttering under his breath, frowning down at the text.
"Are you alright, Snakelet?" Marvolo questions, closing his book.
"I think so. I just can't seem to get this spell right."
"Which one are you working on?" Severus drops his book down on his lap, slipping a spare piece of parchment between the pages to save his place.
Aldwyn continues to stare down at the textbook, his tongue pocking out the side of his mouth as he goes over the description of the wand movements once again. He looks over to his parents, sighing. He was getting nowhere by himself; deciding to show them what he was trying to complete. Taking up his book, Aldwyn walks over to the sofa his father is sitting on with his papa and hands the text pointing to the correct spell.
"I am trying to practice this spell here, but I don't think I am doing to movements right. My wand is just spitting out silver sparks instead of a stream."
"Ah, the Severing Charm. A favourite of mine when I was in school. I have never understood why the Ministry allowed this hex to be taught in Hogwarts when it is practically a Dark Arts spell."
Aldwyn glances down at the spell. Reading through the effects of the spell; he looks up at his father, debating his words before he agrees. How come the Ministry allowed the Professor at Hogwarts to teach a hex which, if used incorrectly or with too much power behind it, could seriously maim or kill someone? He knew it was one of the first Dark Arts spells pureblood families taught their children when they received their wands. It was the favourite spell of Avery, as far as he could tell anyway. Uncle Lucius and his papa had spoken about the 'good old days' a few times.
"Why don't you show us how you are doing it and we will give you some pointers?" Aldwyn nods, turning away from his parents; he didn't want to accidentally hit one of them if he managed to do the spell right this time. Straightening his arm out, he aims towards the armchair he had been sitting in before taking a deep breath. Flicking his wrist in a small, controlled circle, Aldwyn violently swipes his arm down in a vertical line before incanting,
"Diffindo!"
His wand fizzles for a second, silver sparks spitting out the tip before it goes silent. Aldwyn sighs at his lack of success before turning to his parents so they could tell him what he is doing wrong."
"Ah, I see what the problem is. When you are swiping your arm down across your body, you need to remember to flick your wrist back up to direct the spell at the object you desire to strike. At the moment your magic is flowing from your core to your wand but without a proper focus it cannot go anywhere and therefore fizzles out at the tip of your wand."
Aldwyn furrows his eyebrows, listening to Severus's explanation. Sorting through the instructions before he turns his attention back to the armchair across from them. Taking a deep breath, Aldwyn once again aims his wand and, discarding the circle at the beginning slashes his wand from his left shoulder to his right hip, he flicks the tip of his wand towards the chair, mentally willing the magic to slash through the target.
"Diffindo!"
Two silver curves of light shoot from Aldwyn's wand, landing perfectly parallel slashes across the back of the armchair, much to his delight. Staring in amazement at the destruction he had caused, Aldwyn spins on his heels, beaming down at his papa and father.
"I did it! Thank you, papa. You are a really good teacher."
"Thank you, Snakelet. You are a quick learner. No wonder you were always being praised by your professors last year."
"But I wasn't top of my classes. Granger was at the top of our year in every class. Well, except for Defence, but she and Draco were better than me."
"Be that as it may, Aldwyn. All the faculty agreed that although you were not receiving the top spot in all your subjects you were showing great initiative in your classes. There is a difference, Snakelet between being book smart, being intelligent, and being wise, and you, Aldwyn are a highly intelligent young wizard."
Aldwyn ducks his head, his cheeks heating up. A pleased smile stretches across his lips at the compliment from his father. He was still going to try his very best to become top of his year in most of his subjects this year, but he knew that his parents would be disappointed if he did make it. Instead of responding, Aldwyn turns back to the armchair, cocking his head to the side in thought. He had read about another spell he wanted to try as well and, remembering his papa's instruction, he aims his wand once more.
"Reparo!" The damage he had caused to the armchair knits itself back together, leaving no evidence of his spell practice.
"Well done, Snakelet. I have never seen someone so young perform such a clean-mending charm before. You truly are a powerful wizard."
Aldwyn glances at his father, blush deepening at the continuous praise of his spell work. Shyly, he takes his textbook back from Severus. Making his way back to his seat, he casts his eyes down to the written words not wishing to heighten his flush. He just knew that his father and papa were smirking in the way they do when they knew something, they weren't supposed to.
"Ah, that reminds me. We will have to buy you a new wand when we go to Diagon Ally to purchase your school supplies."
"Why?" Aldwyn glances down at his phoenix holly wand, the one that had chosen him at the beginning of his first year; the one which proved that he was indeed a wizard and not a freak. He had noticed that it hadn't been working as proficiently as it had for him before, but he had just put that down to a lack of practice. Now, however, he believes something else is at play. Raising his head, he looks from Marvolo to Severus and back again.
"Due to the blood adoption, and the charms blocking your traits of magics from your papa being made void, your magical signature and core have changed. Not only to incorporate the Slytherin family magics but also a larger portion of your Prince family magics. Your magical core has also expanded, meaning that you hold more power than you did previously This means that your current wand is not best suited for you anymore, and therefore, to perform at your best you will need a new wand."
"Oh okay, that makes sense. When will we be going to Diagon Ally?"
"Not for a while yet. Your papa and I thought it would be best to wait for a bit. That way both yourself and Draco, and any other friends you wish to invite, will have received your Hogwarts letters and we will be settled in Slytherin Mansion. Does this sound agreeable to you, Snakelet?"
Aldwyn nods his head, he was a little disappointed that he wouldn't be able to get his brand-new wand sooner but what his father said made more sense. He ponders on getting another wand for a moment, with his new looks finally coming in and his parents with him, no one should associate him with Harry Potter. The only thing left tying him to the speckled Gryffindor Golden Boy was his wand, so it would be best to get rid of it.
"Anyway, Snakelet, I hear that it is someone's birthday soon…"
Severus begins leadingly, eyes fixed on his child who tilts his head to the side, eyebrows furrowing as he glances from his papa to his father. Marvolo and Severus shouldn't be all that surprised at the confusion shaping their child's features, but they had hoped.
"Really? Whose?"
Severus and Marvolo's expressions forcibly soften when Aldwyn bites his lower lip, eyes glazing over as he sinks into his thoughts. It was as if he didn't know when his own birthday was. They had a sinking feeling that those despicable muggles wouldn't have told Aldwyn when his birthday was; it was clear that they had never celebrated it before. They hadn't even seen fit to feed their nephew, so why would they spend any money, even if it was the boy's own money, on presents? They barely spent money on clothes for him.
"Yours, Snakelet. It is the 22nd today and we were going to plan a small party for you. A joint one with Draco so you won't feel too overwhelmed with all the attention. Would you like that?"
Aldwyn chews his lip, nodding his head, eyes fixating on the tome resting in his lap as thoughts swirl through his mind. He had never had a party before, heck he had never even really celebrated his birthday before. Besides the numerous times, he had sat awake counting down the minutes to midnight by himself so he could welcome his birthday in. Well, he had started to do that once Petunia gave in and told him when his birthday was. It wouldn't do well for the Dursleys to send him to school if he didn't even know his own birthdate.
"I would like that, but you don't have to do this. I have never celebrated my birthday before, so I don't want you to go out of your way for me or anything. I don't want to be a burden to you."
"You will never be a burden to us, Aldwyn. You are our precious child, and we wish for you to experience a normal wizarding childhood. You have never had a party before and so we wish for you to have one if you so choose. There will only be a few chosen people in attendance."
Severus nods along with Marvolo's words. He had informed the Dark Lord of how well Aldwyn had wished to get along and befriend the then first-year Slytherin students and suggested that those be the children invited to celebrate Aldwyn's 12th birthday. Not only would it give Aldwyn the chance to make some friends, but it would also help him be more at ease when he attends Hogwarts.
Though, they had debated that, if by accident, something is revealed to the children about who Aldwyn used to be then they would ensure nothing would make it back to the headmaster and his sycophantic followers. They would rather keep the fact that Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin was once Harry James Potter as quiet as possible, at least for the time being.
Aldwyn nods as well, excitement welling in his chest at the thought of having children his own age, besides Draco to finally play with. Not that he disliked his godbrother's company, but it would be nice to have a few more friends. If he knew his father, then he would definitely be spending time with the children of some of his most loyal followers. He grins at his parents.
"Thank you, father. Thank you, papa."
"You are very welcome, Snakelet."
It had been a few days since the adoption ritual had taken place and Aldwyn had never felt better in his entire life. He was no longer feeling any pain or lingering aches from the Dursleys' treatment of him, and Severus had even lessened the strength of his nutrient potions, claiming that he was gaining much-needed nourishment faster than he had anticipated. He still had to take them at every meal, but his papa had stated that he would definitely be off them by the time September came around which he was immensely glad about. He didn't want to start his second year by drawing too much attention to himself.
He had finally become accustomed to seeing his new looks reflected back at him in the bathroom mirror, even if it did still bring a smile to his face. Aldwyn turns the page of his book, reflecting on his current teasing against the Malfoy Heir about his now lack of height advantage, much to Draco's chagrin. Though with his strengthening friendship with Draco he had also lost a great deal of his nervousness and anxiety, especially around his family, permitting him to laugh more freely and not stutter through his questions.
Aldwyn curls his feet under him, lounging in a plush armchair in his bedroom deeply engrossed in reading a large tome dedicated to the fine arts of defensive spells, more specifically Dark Arts defense. His gaze flickers from left to right, absorbing as much information as he could. Just the day before, Aldwyn had overheard his father and papa discussing the possibility of him undergoing a few extra tutoring sessions for the remainder of his holiday which, strangely enough, had excited him greatly. He could admit that before the adoption ritual, he had never enjoyed studying but now he couldn't wait to begin. Not only had he been unable to show his interest in studying last year due to the expectations forced upon him by the wizarding world, but also, he hadn't wished to spark the suspicions of the headmaster. He really didn't want to embarrass his parents by seeming incompetent to his tutors.
So, here he is, sitting comfortably in his bedroom, back leaning against one of the arms as light streams through the open window washing his parchment scrolls in a soft yellow hue. Aldwyn, now completely determined to make his parents proud of him as much as he is capable, is trying to learn as much as he could to ensure that he achieves the highest grades he could. He was determined to, with the help of Draco, wipe Granger out of the top two.
He is reading a long-winded passage describing the differences between 'Dark Arts', 'Light Arts', and 'Grey Arts', the defensive spells within each category, and how they are classified. However, the further he reads the more confused he becomes at the author's rambling and contradictory facts. He couldn't even begin to understand the difference between Dark magic and Light magic as the descriptions given were not substantial nor detailed enough to make much sense.
From what he had read and understood thus far, much of what people had classified as 'Light Magic' could be used to harm or even kill another person; especially if one was creative as the Lestrange brothers had been before they had ended up in Azkaban. He loved listening to his father's explanation of their use of mundane 'light' spells in order to torture their victims. He couldn't wait to finally meet them hoping they wouldn't mind teaching a thing or two. But according to the book he was reading, if a spell was used to create chaos and death then it was eligible to be classified as 'Dark' magic.
So deeply enchanted by the words on the page in front of him and his own entertaining thoughts on how easy it would be to kill someone using spells taught to first years, Aldwyn startles when a small crack echoes through his bedroom. He jumps from his chair, the book falling to the floor. His eyes are blown wide as his right-hand pulls his wand from his robe pocket, aiming the weapon at the figure standing beside his bed. It takes a second for his mind to process what his eyes were seeing, and for his heart rate to slow down before he grins sheepishly. Lowering his wand, Aldwyn bows his head in apology to Geeney.
Slipping his wand back into his robes, Aldwyn bends down to retrieve his book, checking the pages for any damage before he collapses back into his seat. Dragging a hand through his hair, he places his tome on the arm next to him.
"Good afternoon, Geeney."
The small elf smiles, breathing a silent sigh of relief as she bows so low that her ears brush against the carpet showing her respect for her young master. Despite Aldwyn's constant reminders that she needn't practice such displays unless they were in the presence of his father and papa, Geeney insisted.
"Good afternoon, Little Dark Prince Aldwyn. Yours, father and papa, bes asking Geeney to inform little Dark Prince that he is to be going to see masters Slytherin and Princey. Theys be having something very important to speak to the little master about."
Aldwyn nods his head resignedly, shooting a mournful glance at his half-finished book wishing that he could just ignore the summons and continue to read, but he knows it wouldn't be a smart move to make when his father had something important to tell him. He turns back to Geeney.
"Alright, thank you, Geeney. Is father in his study?" Aldwyn isn't quite sure why he asks. Every time his father or papa wished to speak to him about something they would always call him to the study. No matter if it was something to do with the Dark Sect. or some mundane information he needed to know.
"Yes, little Dark Prince Aldwyn. Theys be waiting for you. Says being very important. Would little Dark Prince want me to walk with him?"
Releasing a small sigh, Aldwyn pushes himself back to his feet, closing his book completely after glancing at the page number to remember his place. He makes his way across his room, sliding his tome back into its place on the bookshelf so he could pick it up later. Aldwyn walks towards Geeney.
"No, thank you, Geeney. I will be alright on my own. I shall call you later if I need anything."
With one final bow, Geeney disapperates from the room leaving Aldwyn on his own once more. Glancing wistfully at his bookshelf, Aldwyn turns on his heels and begins to make his way towards his father's study wondering what his parents wished to speak to him about today.
Undeterred by the seemingly out-of-the-blue summons, Aldwyn makes sure to close the door to his bedroom behind him, before he sets off at a brisk walk easily navigating the maze-like halls of Riddle Manor. His mind wanders, thoughts slipping back to how he had been when he had first been bought home. He had been so timid, so jittery that it still surprised him how the Malfoys, as pristine and proper as they are, would be willing to put up with him for as long as they did. Now, however, he ponders on their continuous visitations debating with himself whether they actually ever truly went home. He chuckles.
Within a few short moments, Aldwyn finds himself standing outside the ornate doors to his father's private study, weight shifting from foot to foot as he steels his nerves with a deep breath. Drawing himself up as Narcissa had shown him, his head tilting slightly as he brings his knuckles up to knock softly on the doors. He waits for the call from his father, bidding him entrance. Pushing open the door, Aldwyn slips inside, ensuring that they click shut behind him. Bowing slightly out of respect, again as Narcissa had instructed, he waits for his father to motion him forward.
"I apologise for the delay, father. You wished to speak with me?"
Ghosting a subtle glance around the room, Aldwyn feels a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth before he regains his collected pureblood mask. He had no idea what this meeting was about, but if it was Dark Sect. business or something equally as serious then he was going to need it. His eyes lighten when he sees both his father and papa sitting behind the desk, bookshelves providing a beautiful backdrop as they stretch from ceiling to floor, highlighted by the natural light streaming through the windows.
"It is fine, Aldwyn. Do you remember me telling you of our main residence, Slytherin Mansion?"
Aldwyn nods his head, mind casting back to the day after his father had rescued him, when he had informed him, along with the Malfoys and his papa of his plans to move them into the founder's home as soon as he was healed enough. Walking across the study when his father indicates for him to take a seat in the vacant chair in front of the desk. Placing his hands neatly in his lap, Aldwyn meets his father's gaze steadily.
"Yes, Father. You informed me that we would be moving to the keep once the adoption ritual had been completed and all relevant matters attended to."
"Good. Yes, I would like for you to begin packing your belongings, Aldwyn. Geeney will be at your service if you should require assistance, of course. I have scheduled for us to leave within the next two days. This should give us plenty of time to become accustomed to our new home before your birthday party and before our trip to Diagon Ally to purchase your school supplies."
Marvolo looks down at his son, fingers interlacing with Severus's when Aldwyn inclines his head in understanding. Smiling proudly at the young wizard who had come such a long way from the frightened little boy he had picked up from the muggles' residence just a week or so prior. A collected, yet confident 'yes, father,' follows his orders.
After a few days, especially since the adoption had taken place, Marvolo and Severus had noticed a vast change in their son's behaviour and were exceedingly pleased with the progress of his recovery both mentally and physically. Though he still had frequent nightmares, he had begun to seek his parents out whenever they occurred sleeping in their bed some nights to help ward them off. Sometimes going back to sleep in his own room after a mug of soothing hot chocolate.
They had concluded that it was most likely due to his close friendship with Draco Malfoy. It had occurred to both sets of parents during one of their usual evening meetings that the two young wizards were beginning to rub off on each other. While Draco was beginning to bring Aldwyn out of his shell, forcing him out of his comfort zone with his loud antics; Aldwyn was helping to mellow out some of Draco's attitude. His parents had commented on how his 'brattish' and 'obnoxious' tendencies had greatly diminished recently. Though they weren't discounting their own efforts in helping their son overcome his reluctance to bother them with his daily needs and questions.
Aldwyn's speech had also vastly improved over the course of the week, and he seemed to be carrying himself with a completely different aura. They had found Aldwyn on numerous occasions hurled up in the Manor's extensive library, surrounded by books and tomes of all kinds. It appeared that the adoption ritual did more than unlock their son's passion for potions.
"Aldwyn?"
Aldwyn shifts his gaze to his papa, shuffling in his seat so he could give his full attention to Severus who smiles down at him.
"Your father and I have had a long discussion about your magical education thus far, even though you have only been in the wizarding world for a year. We have contemplated everything you should have been taught while growing up and what has been denied to you. Therefore, we are proposing some extra tutoring sessions during your breaks from school. They will not occur every day and you will still have plenty of free time for leisure activities, but we want to ensure you receive the best education we are capable of providing."
Aldwyn tilts his head, gaze switching from his papa to his father and back again as he contemplates what is being suggested. He knows he is doing a poor job at concealing his glee, and his rising anticipation when his parents smirk down at him, but he doesn't care much at this point.
"Of course, papa. I would appreciate that very much. What would I be studying during these sessions?"
"We have devised something of a schedule for you to follow while you are still here for the summer. It is subject to change depending on your needs of course, and you are free to put a stop to certain sessions if you feel you do not wish to continue. As I mentioned before you will still have plenty of time for reading and any other recreational activities; I know how much you have been wanting to play quidditch with Draco. We will be going over some of the subjects taught at Hogwarts, including Arithmancy and Ancient Runes and if you are agreeable, we will begin your Parselmagic and Dark Arts sessions as well." Marvolo responds, amusement rolling off him in waves as he watches his son trying to restrain his growing excitement.
Marvolo slides a roll of parchment across the desk, smiling at the ear-splitting grin growing across his son's face as he drinks in the sight of his new schedule and session breakdowns. Hands shaking with repressed elation.
"Of course, father!" Aldwyn exclaims, his voice louder than he intended due to his heightening glee at having so much to study during his holidays from now on. His face flushes in embarrassment when his parents just chuckle. "Who will be teaching these sessions?"
Aldwyn tears his eyes away from the parchment to ask, eyebrows furrowing when his parents exchange a glance he can't quite interpret.
"Your father will be taking responsibility for everything you should have been taught while you were growing up, meaning your Heir lessons. He will also be teaching you Parselmagic as well, seen as he is the only other Parsel-speaker. Lucius will be overseeing your charms and transfiguration sessions, and Narcissa will be assisting you with your etiquette and how to act in various social situations. Though I doubt very much that you will need them." Severus's smile transforms into a smirk when Aldwyn looks down, a pale flush dusting his cheeks at the praise.
"Fenrir Greyback, you haven't met him yet, but he is an Alpha werewolf, he will be teaching you History of Magic and Astronomy. He will not have any knowledge of who you previously were, so we do not have to worry about that. Finally, I will be taking you in potions and herbology, naturally."
Aldwyn giggles at his papa's self-assured tone, doing a very good impersonation of Lord Malfoy when he is being a pompous git as his father likes to say. He takes a few moments to process the information, gaze flickering across his schedule. Glancing back up, he grins at his parents, raising an eyebrow in question.
"What about the other subjects?" His voice drops to a whisper as he scratches the back of his neck, worrying his bottom lip as he drops his gaze back to the parchment clenched in his hands. If his parents hadn't told him the names of his tutors for the rest of his subjects, then that meant he hadn't met them yet and they would be complete strangers to him. He hadn't felt this nervous in a long time.
"Well, I mean, according to the timetable, I will be learning Defence Against the Dark Arts, Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes, and Arithmancy. I was just wondering if I would be having different tutors for these subjects and if so, who they would be? I am assuming it is neither of you otherwise you would have told me." He is rambling and he knows it, but he couldn't help himself, he was anxious.