Chapter Sixteen – Welcome to The Dark Side
"That is one of the main reasons we called you down here today, Aldwyn. We wished to introduce you to two of my newest, and I will have to admit, most unlikely followers. They are children from a predominantly Light family, one with extremely tight bonds with Dumbledore and his cause. Yet they have chosen to go against their Family's propaganda teachings and join us. They have yet to be marked with the Dark Mark and I feel disinclined to do so if this meeting is favourable to you, my son. Despite their upbringing, they are truly dedicated followers, and I am sure you will enjoy their company, Snakelet."
Aldwyn looks from his father to his papa. His eyebrows furrowed further at their words. He prepares to question his father some more about these unusual followers when the door to the study is thrown open. Swiveling in his seat at the noise, Aldwyn stares as two figures stand in the doorway; two figures Aldwyn was sure he would never get to meet.
He watches with rising trepidation and awe as the two strangers walk confidently into the room, taking even strides as the doors swing closed behind them. Aldwyn is surprised. No one, death eater or otherwise has ever treated his father so candidly, well except for maybe his most trusted elite, and his papa and himself. However, these two were showing no signs of fear or hesitation as they continue to walk toward them, with easy smiles on their face.
The oldest of the pair is very tall with broad shoulders and muscles filling his clothes nicely, as a lazy smirk shapes his features. He has long, shoulder-length auburn hair which is tied to the nape of his neck by what looks like a dragonhide hair band. It reminds him of their Papa when they are brewing together. He is dressed casually, with no Death Eater robes in sight, with thick black dragonhide boots adorning his feet. The overall attire makes him look rugged and serious, though Aldwyn can sense a playfulness to the man.
His, what Aldwyn can only assume to be, younger brother is slightly short than the other, his hair incredibly short as he glances around the room in a carefree manner, rolling his eyes at his brother. His hair was also a shade lighter, a lovely bright ginger, and holds more waves than the straight locks of the other. Though Aldwyn does note that he is dressed in a similar fashion, a simple t-shirt, and jeans combination. He is also wearing dragonhide boots, and fingerless gloves giving Aldwyn the impression that this man was not to be messed with.
The two stopped just short of the desk, grinning down at the Dark Lord who merely shakes his head. They bow dramatically, hands sweeping across their chests drawing a chuckle from his parents much to Aldwyn's surprise. Two sarcastic 'My Lords' are murmured in greeting and Aldwyn watches the pair, amused by their antics, and utterly baffled by the prospect of these two individuals willingly becoming unmarked Death Eaters.
"Weasleys?"
The word rushes out of his mouth before he can even think about trying to stop it. His cheeks burn hotly and no doubt a vivid red as shame and embarrassment floods his veins knowing that he had most likely just earnt his father's disapproval with his lack of manners. Though Marvolo and Severus merely glance down at their son in amusement, having had similar reactions when the brothers had first requested to join. The newcomers, however, turn their gazes down to study the child, eyebrows furrowing in contemplation.
"I apologise, that was incredibly rude of me."
Aldwyn, not being able to stand the stares much longer drops his gaze to his hands, fingers twisting themselves into knots. Until a low chuckle breaks through the silence. Snapping his head up, Aldwyn narrows his eyes in indignation at the oldest Weasley, who continues to laugh at him, muffling the sound behind his hand. His fingers twitch towards his concealed wand, the temptation to practice some of his newer curses on the man for laughing at him. The younger one notices and attempts to calm his brother down, that child could death glare even the most hardened wizards into submission with one look.
"There is nothing for you to apologise for, Young Lord. I am honoured that you would even know who we are; or at least who we are related to. Even I have to admit to the unlikelihood of anyone from a family as close to Dumbledore as ours joining, so it is completely understandable."
The older sibling ruffles Aldwyn's hair, chuckling at the undignified squeak Aldwyn emits at the actions. Trying to smooth his hair back down again, he regrets not tying it up before leaving his bedroom. He could have at least bought down his hair tie.
His eyes widen, hand stilling when he registers what the other had just called him, and groans, no doubt his father had informed them of all adequate titles to refer to him by. His only reprieve is that they weren't calling him the 'Dark Prince'. Yet. Turning his attention back to the Weasley brothers, none of them looked old enough to be Weasley Senior. He studies them for a moment, recalling how many of the Weasley children are still within the Hogwarts age range; all except the oldest two sons. Smirk extending across his face, Aldwyn pushes himself from his seat, extending his hand to the youngest of the pair, he shakes his hand.
"It is a pleasure to finally be introduced to your officially, Charlie Weasley. How is the Romanian Dragon Reserve doing this time of year? I have heard that you have recently, or not so recently now as it were, acquired a baby Norwegian Ridgeback from your youngest brother, Ronald, correct? I believe you flew her out of the school in a basket connected to broomsticks from the top of the Astronomy Tower. Very inventive." Aldwyn feels his smirk widening as he glances up at Charlie who is gaping down at him, much like a fish out of water he muses. Charlie is quick to return his greeting.
"The pleasure is all mine, Young Lord. The reserve has been doing extremely well, as well as one can expect with the rising unease surrounding Dragon kind anyway, and yes, the young ridgeback is doing fine now but for the sake of my sanity I am not even going to question how you managed to know those last details."
Aldwyn's smirk widens further. He did so love baffling people with knowledge he shouldn't have and wouldn't have known if he had not been Harry Potter. Turning to face the eldest Weasley child, he extends his hand once again, grinning when Bill shakes his hand immediately.
"It is also a great pleasure to finally meet you, William. Or would you prefer I call you Bill? I have heard that you are one of the youngest one most well-established curse breakers working in Egypt under Gringotts jurisdiction, are you not? An impressive feat for someone your age. You must be a real credit to your occupation."
Once again, the Weasley brothers are stunned speechless by how much this apparent stranger knows about them, despite them never having met before. They exchange a look of astonishment, only their immediate family had been told some of the things this young child knew.
"Call me Bill, I hate William. Though I have to admit that curse-breaking is hard business; not all it has cracked up to be if I am truly honest, but I enjoy my work despite how difficult it can be. There is never a dull day, that I can assure you, Little Lord."
Aldwyn grins at Bill, startling out of his musing when he hears a throat being cleared from behind him. Turning his attention back to his father and papa, Aldwyn smiles, rubbing the back of his neck. His cheeks light up with a pale flush when he sees the soft smiles on his parents' faces. Marvolo gestures for Aldwyn to come to stand by his side, conjuring up another seat across the desk for the Weasley brothers to sit.
Bill and Charlie gratefully sink into the chairs watching as Aldwyn follows his the Dark Lord's silent instructions. Aldwyn wonders if he is going to get into trouble for his actions but is pleasantly surprised when he is lifted to sit on his father's lap. Strong arms wrap around his waist as he leans comfortably against the firm chest.
"Aldwyn, as you already know, this is William and Charlie Weasley. They have recently joined our forces and I have asked them to tutor you in your studies of Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, and Defence Against the Dark Arts."
Aldwyn nods as best as he can when resting against his father's chest. Lifting his head just enough to allow him to see the Weasley brothers fully, a smirk pulls at his lips. There was just one question he was burning to ask the pair before he got into his extra tutoring sessions.
"How did two Weasleys, ambassadors of the Light side, hear of the return of the Dark Lord when even old Dumbles hasn't yet?" He raises an eyebrow, gaze flicking from Bill to Charlie and back again.
"I can answer that one," Bill raises his hand, leaning forward in his seat. "The Goblins at Gringotts like to keep their employees up to date on anything which could affect the Banks business, whether negatively or positively. Therefore, each employee received a missive explaining the recent reactivation of the Slytherin Family Vaults through an Heir coming forward to claim the Lordship.
I grew up listening to stories of Tom Marvolo Riddle, the sole living Heir to the Slytherin line, and how he had become He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. I rightfully concluded that this new Lord Slytherin could be none other than the Dark Lord and immediately sent an owl to Charlie."
"Bill knew how I had become disillusioned from our parents' teachings as soon as I had moved to Romania where many of my colleagues introduced me to the Old Ways and Pureblood traditions. I found myself discovering that much of what our parents and Dumbledore had told us was in fact, untrue and wished to indite myself into the Dark Lord's Ranks." Charlie continues, glancing down at the serious expression on Aldwyn's face as he listens.
"Our Parents wouldn't listen to anything we tried to tell them about the traditions we both began to partake in. They became more incessant and controlling over what we would say and do while we were home, to such a degree that we rarely, if ever return home now. I told Charlie how I was going to speak to Professor Snape about possibly joining the Death Eater, or at least becoming a sympathiser and he insisted on coming along."
"Bill spoke to Professor Snape about us possibly joining and he then informed the Dark Lord of our decision. We were surprised at first when Professor Snape came back a few days later saying that we were to begin tutoring the Heir to the Dark Sect. as soon as possible."
Aldwyn listens to the brothers, amused by their back-and-forth storytelling, it kind of reminded him of their younger twin brothers, Fred, and George. Allowing a small smile to form, Aldwyn glances up at his papa wondering how they had managed to keep this a secret from him for so long. Or rather, not that long seen as they had only visited Gringotts a few days ago. The Weasleys, as well as his parents, worked incredibly fast to set this all up.
"Alright. Now, onto the most important matter of business. Professor Weasley, when are we going to get started?"
Bill and Charlie chuckle at the antics of the Dark Lord's son, spotting the mischievous glint shining in his eyes as he rubs his hands together. They honestly hadn't expected the child of the famed Lord Voldemort to be so adorable or friendly, but then again, they had been completely dumbstruck when they met the Dark Lord for the first time. They had expected a snake-human hybrid as headmaster Dumbledore had often spoken about. They had expected a term of servitude, of crucios and torture but what they had found was a charismatic gentleman no older than 30 with a young son and partner. Their only order had been to act as tutors.
"I can tell now that we are going to have our hands full with this one, Bill. Which Professor Weasley were you talking to, My Prince?" Aldwyn, much to the surprise of Bill and Charlie, drops his face into his hands, groaning as he shakes his head. He turns around to glare up at his father who merely smirks down at his son dropping a kiss on his hair. Aldwyn rolls his eyes and the Weasleys can feel themselves warming up to Aldwyn a bit more.
"I see you have been informed of that infernal title as well. I implore that you do not use it unless you wish for me to practice my curses on you instead of the training dummies in our training room."
Bill and Charlie share a quick glance, swallowing nervously at the threat. They relax a little when Severus and Marvolo chuckle in response, rolling their eyes. Though his parents wouldn't put it past Aldwyn to actually follow through with his words; he really wasn't keen on the title 'Dark Prince'.
"You are going to have to get used to the title eventually, my son," Marvolo responds, cuddling his son closer. Aldwyn merely huffs not responding to his father.
"Anyway, I was speaking to the Professor Weasley who has the absolute pleasure of teaching me Ancient Runes!" Aldwyn's frown drops, only to be replaced with excitement and enthusiasm at the prospect of actually learning a subject that fascinated him from the moment he had heard of it. He had read one of the introductory books in the Riddle Library, but it hadn't made much sense to him. Looking between the two Weasley brothers, focusing on the younger when he chuckles.
"Never, in all my years, have I ever seen someone this excited to learn Ancient runes… or any subject for that matter."
"There is nothing wrong with Ancient Runes."
Aldwyn watches Bill roll his eyes at Charlie, cuffing him round the back of the head for good measure drawing a yelp for his younger brother much to Aldwyn's amusement. He finds himself absolutely fascinated by the Weasleys, never had he felt so at ease in the presence of practical strangers before and he didn't know what it was about Bill and Charlie that set him so at ease. Maybe it was the candid way they treated himself and his father; not like they would explode with rage at the drop of a hat, but as normal people almost.
Contemplating his next move carefully. Aldwyn slips off his father's lap. Cautiously, he makes his way around the desk, eyes fixated on Bill and Charlie who are watching him just as closely. Halting at the side of the desk, Aldwyn glances back towards his parents who smile down at him before he continues until he is standing by Bill's side.
"I am guessing that you will have that pleasure, William?"
"That it would, Young Lord." Bill nods in confirmation, bowing as best as he can while still sitting. He offers a quick wink to the young wizards smiling when he pulls a snigger from him.
Clearing his throat, willing the pale flush on his cheeks to dissipate, he grins at the brothers. Shooting an anxious glance towards his parents, feet shuffling against the floor, he returns his parents encouraging nods with one of determination. Turning back to Bill, Aldwyn holds his hand out again, grinning when the other instantly grips his hand.
"Please, call me Aldwyn. I am sure you will only have to address me in such a formal manner when we are in the presence of father's Munchers, or discussing something related to the Dark Sect. Besides, I do not like the distance it can put between us."
Bill's grin softens, glancing down at Aldwyn before a quiet snort breaks their exchange. The pair turn toward Charlie with an eyebrow raised in question. Charlie, on the other hand, raises a hand to cover his mouth, an attempt to muffle his sniggers. His shoulders with the force of his laughter. It takes a moment for him to control himself, allowing him to look at the child who reminds him startlingly of his old potions professor.
"Munchers? Who calls the deadly followers of the Dark Lord, Munchers?" Charlie barely manages to stutter out his question before he breaks into laughter again. Failing to contain his mirth as he imagines the faces the Death Eaters would pull if Aldwyn were to refer to them as such in front of them. Marvolo merely rolls his eyes at his son's remark.
"Me! I mean, seriously they are a bunch of bumbling idiots most of the time and are not that scary when I have seen them around the manor. I like to watch some of them cower in fear when my father or I simply walk past them in the corridors. It is quite enjoyable. Though, I have no idea why they are so scared of me."
Bill shakes his head at the child, if he had glared at the Death Eaters as he had himself earlier then he could understand their slight fear. He ruffles Aldwyn's hair, surprise colouring his features when he leans into the touch before scowling as he goes about trying to fix his hair, muttering under his breath all the while. Marvolo sighs, shaking his head as he deadpans to his son.
"Aldwyn, you cast a Diffindo at one of my Death Eaters just the other day. I had to call Narcissa over to heal him and it took the House Elves hours to clean the blood from the carpets. I almost regret letting your papa tutor you in that spell."
The Weasleys stare down at the eleven-year-old in awe. Diffindo was a small severing charm taught to first and second years; it was a spell to be used to cut paper or fabric. Not against a living person. They had never heard of anyone besides fully trained, qualified Aurors or those holding significant levels of magic causing significant harm to another person before. Aldwyn shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, if he were, to be honest then the man had deserved it, and besides, his father had laughed about it for ages afterward.
"It was not my fault, father. He had the audacity to walk into me and then furthermore attempted to blame me for his lack of manners. I was merely establishing my rights as Heir Slytherin and the Dark Prince, as you have so affectionately dubbed me, father."
Marvolo once again rolls his eyes, the corner of his lips twitching at the complete change that could come over his son when someone riled his temper up. He had been immensely proud of Aldwyn for that impressive display of magic and vindictive sadistic streak which made an appearance. It also meant that he didn't have to inform his Death Eaters not to attempt to attack his son. News of Aldwyn's temperament and power had circulated rapidly through those he had chosen to call, and they now knew to avoid displeasing him.
"It would be a pleasure to call the great Dark Prince by his given name. As long as you cease to call me William. Mum only does that when I am in trouble or Professor Snape when I messed up yet another potion in class."
Aldwyn relaxes, sagging at Bill's immediate acceptance. He didn't know if he would survive their tutoring sessions if the brothers were still constantly referring to him as the Dark Prince, he would feel too awkward the entire time to concentrate properly. Shuffling closer to Bill, Aldwyn keeps his gaze riveted to his shoes as he leans into Bill's side.
Marvolo and Severus exchange a look of surprise at their son's actions. With his still skittish nature around strangers, they would have thought it would take Aldwyn a few meetings to feel comfortable enough in their presence to accept and seek out any form of contact. They thought it would take him much longer to drop his Slytherin mask, but they were relieved; Aldwyn was making strides each and every day.
Bill, however, notices Aldwyn's shy movements and his father's response to said actions. Slowly, so he doesn't startle the young wizard, Bill slips his hands under Aldwyn's arms and lifts him up, placing him on his lap. Wrapping his arms around Aldwyn's suddenly stiff form he cards a hand through his hair relieved when Aldwyn relaxes back into his embrace.
"It seems that we have adopted a little Snakelet, Charlie." Bill chuckles, dragging his hand through Aldwyn's hair again, his smile softening when he hears a quiet sigh at his ministrations.
"That is what father and papa call me as well." Aldwyn giggles, pressing himself back into the warmth surrounding him. Bill glances at Charlie, eyebrow raising in question at the information they had just learnt about their Lord's son. They hadn't known that the Dark Lord was in a relationship with someone, nor that Aldwyn had two fathers or two living parents for that matter.
"Papa?" Charlie asks and Aldwyn nods. He giggles again turning to glance over his shoulder at Bill, he winks before glancing over the desk toward his father.
"Papa?" He calls, raising his voice enough for the pair opposite to hear. Severus looks over to him instantly, eyes softening, lips raising into a gentle smile, "Do you think Uncle Luc would be willing to help me with the Daily Prophet article and about what information to leak in the Ministry?"
Severus frowns in thought, ignoring the gaping of the Weasley brothers, and he strokes his chin. Marvolo glances down at his son, a smirk growing when he understands what he is doing; deciding to play along, Marvolo wraps an arm around his partner's waist, drawing him into his side. Severus drops his hand, a pale flush painting his cheeks.
Bill and Charlie gape at the action. When they were students, they could never picture their snarky potions professor being in a romantic relationship with anyone and yet here he was, not only with a seemingly committed partner who just so happened to be the Dark Lord but an eleven, almost twelve-year-old child.
"The one about your disappearance?" Marvolo presses a kiss to Severus's cheek, smirking when his words stutter, the blush spreading to his ears. He glances towards Aldwyn, eyes alighting with affection at the sight of his son cuddled against the eldest Weasley son. He raises an eyebrow when Aldwyn nods his head in answer.
"Yes. I mean I am not all that good at this sort of thing and Uncle Lucius seems to be in a position where it would be easier for him to drop a few well-placed hints within the Ministry without raising suspicion. Possibly the Auror department and Daily Prophet Office as well. We will need at least one person from each department to go to the Muggle residence and find me 'missing'."
Aldwyn melts further back into Bill's embrace, his hand still dragging through his hair untangling some knots gently with his fingers. His eyes slide partially closed and he sighs. He was really glad that his parents as well as Lucius were going to help him with the article about Harry Potter's disappearance as well as planning the entire thing so he wouldn't be suspected of being anyone other than Aldwyn Slytherin. He didn't think he would have been able to pull it off on his own.
"I am sure that Lucius would be quite pleased that you would trust him with such sensitive information, Snakelet. You may ask him yourself during his next visit if you would like?"
Aldwyn nods his head, he was sure Lucius wouldn't mind helping him out. He had answered a lot of his questions while they had been waiting in Gringotts and he hadn't seemed annoyed. In fact, he almost seemed to encourage his questions. It was nice. He hums when Bill's fingers scratch lightly against his scalp soothing him. Pulling his lip between his teeth, Aldwyn ponders what sort of information he would want to expose; what he would want Lucius to 'drop'. It needed to be severe enough that people would insist on checking up on Harry Potter but not too serious because people would merely see it as a practical joke.
"Disappear, My Lord?" Bill asks looking down at the small child on his lap. He turns back to the Dark Lord trying to gauge the true identity of Aldwyn without blatantly questioning his Lord. He didn't want to infer that Marvolo would actually kidnap a child.
It was obvious from their conversation that Aldwyn was not, originally, the biological child of the Dark Lord despite his uncanny resemblance to both Marvolo and Severus. He was already fully aware of blood adoption potions and rituals that would make any child their biological son. Charlie, on the other hand, held no such qualms nor Slytherin tact.
"Just who on earth is this child, My Lord?"
Marvolo regards the two Weasleys for a moment, gaze steadily assessing the newest additions to his ranks before he glances down at his son sitting comfortably in the eldest's lap. He sighs, knowing that he is going to have to trust them with Aldwyn's secret if he wanted his son to feel completely at ease with the pair. Exchanging a glance with Severus, Marvolo smiles when Severus leans up to drop a chaste kiss on his lips along with whispered words of encouragement.
"This child, Messer's Weasley is the son of myself and Severus. Adopted though he may be, Aldwyn is our son in blood, magic, and spirit, nonetheless. With the assistance of Mother Magic herself, of course. Even the most advanced paternity potions will support this. However, Severus here is his biological father, though none of us knew this until recently. I succeeded in rescuing Aldwyn from a home where he was subjected to daily abuse, neglect, beatings, and starvation by the most deplorable of muggles. You have grown up hearing his name; heard stories depicting all the impossible adventures he has supposedly experienced. Though, you will better know him as Harry James Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived."
Marvolo smirks triumphantly, amused as Bill and Charlie slump down in shock staring down at the shy boy fiddling with the fabric of his robes. Aldwyn, Harry Potter, who was so unlike the descriptions their youngest brother had written about in his numerous letters home. They had, of course, heard stories of Harry Potter. How he was supposedly brash, loud, and a troublemaker who always disregards the rules. A boy who despised everything Slytherin and wished to defeat the Dark Lord to avenge his parents.
"As you well know Messer's Weasley,"
The brothers shake themselves from their stupor, heads still reeling with this newest information, questions spiraling through their minds about the less-than-stellar life of Harry Potter. Now Aldwyn Slytherin. They look thoroughly conflicted about believing their Lord. He had no real reason to lie to them and it would be more believable than the stories of a five-year-old Harry Potter traveling across the continent battling Vampires and the Fay. Bill gazes across at Severus Prince, the boy's biological father, not James Potter as everyone had thought and he could see the small spark of guilt he still holds over his treatment of Harry during their school year.
"Nothing you have heard nor seen today will be repeated outside these walls. Aldwyn will be enrolling in Hogwarts as a second year this upcoming September to continue his education under his new name. Under no circumstances is Dumbledore to realise who he once was."
Charlie and Bill nod. They lock eyes over Aldwyn's head, expressions shifting rapidly as they hold a silent conversation. It doesn't take long for them to come to a conclusion. Charlie speaks up, his voice is strong and determined.
"Do you think, My Lord, that there is any chance for one of us, or both of us for that matter, to gain a position in the school? It wouldn't hurt to have an extra pair of ears to the ground if trouble should arise. I am sure it would also make Aldwyn feel a little more secure if there were more familiar faces around that he knew he could trust."
Aldwyn is stunned. He turns in Bill's lap, a smile stretching across his lips. He throws his arms around Bill in a thankful hug, giggling when the arms around his waist tighten. He felt incredibly happy that these two people, who had known him for a little under an hour would do something like this for him. To help him be at ease and keep him safe. He fights back his tears.
"I certainly wouldn't mind taking a position at the school, My Lord. Unless you have another use for me during the school year?"
Marvolo looks from Charlie to Bill and then down to his son, his expression softening, his smile growing when he sees Aldwyn wrapped almost completely around Bill. He stiffens when Aldwyn turns sparkling hopeful eyes in his direction, and he knows that he is doomed. He could never resist giving in to such an expression on his son's face and Aldwyn knew it as well. He ignores Severus's snickers and nods his head.
"Very well, we will have to gauge Dumbledore's thoughts on the matter to see if he will allow the two of you to take up positions within the school. If you are able to teach, which positions would you prefer?"
"I believe that with my training at the Dragon Reserve, I would be best suited for the role of the Care of Magical Creatures Professor. I wonder if they are still asking Hagrid to teach?" Charlie answers, contemplating whether Dumbledore would actually allow himself and his brother to join the faculty so out of the blue like this. He prays to Merlin that because they are Weasleys, Dumbledore would think of them as sycophantic as their parents and not question their sudden decision.
"They are. He isn't the proper professor, that is someone called Professor Babbling but because she rarely shows up Dumbledore just asks Hagrid to fill in all the time. Even if he isn't actually allowed to do any magic," Aldwyn mumbles, turning in Bill's lap so he can talk to Charlie better. "I overheard some of the older students talking. They say Hagrid has an obscene definition of the words 'cute' and 'cuddly'. He often takes his class into the Forbidden Forrest and introduces them to dangerous creatures, some of which have not been trained to deal with humans."
Charlie nods, he had enjoyed Hagrid's lessons personally, but he couldn't deny that the Giant was pretty reckless when it came to allowing students in close vicinity of species who did not like trespassers. He also put the students in danger too many times for it to be ignored.
"It was the same when I was a student. I am surprised that the Governors haven't decided to fire him just yet. Though I suppose if Dumbledore is claiming him to just be a stand-in, they can't. It is disturbing to think about how many students have ended up in the hospital wing after one of his lessons. Or the number of complaints Dumbledore must have received from parents."
Marvolo considers Charlie's words. It did seem as if Dumbledore was using the Professor's absences as an excuse to get more of his supporters into teaching roles. He was sure if he played his cards right, then the board of governors would agree with himself, and Lucius that it would be better for the students to have a fully qualified full-time professor.
"I was thinking along the lines of Arithmancy or Ancient Runes for myself, but I wouldn't mind History of Magic either. With my work in Egypt and within Gringotts, I am well-rehearsed in my Historical knowledge."
Marvolo inclines his head. He contemplates his options for a moment. If Charlie took the Care of Magical Creature position, then it would be better for Bill to take the job as the History of Magic professor.
"I had already contemplated a new History of Magic professor for the school… and no Aldwyn I will not tell you who I was considering."
Aldwyn slumps back against Bill, closing his mouth with a snap. He smiles at how well his father knew him now that he could even predict what he was about to ask and sometimes what he was thinking. It was nice as if he truly did belong.
"I believe, however, that it would be more beneficial to have you, Mister Weasley to take up this station. This will not only ensure that the true history of the wizarding world is taught but, if Aldwyn has a need he will be able to come to you if he wishes without it looking too suspicious. Especially seen as he will not be selecting his electives until the end of this year."
Bill and Charlie nod in approval. It would look rather suspicious if Aldwyn kept visiting predominantly light professors of elective subjects as a second year. They can feel their excitement elevating at the prospect of going back to Hogwarts, walking down the familiar hallways, and taking their meals in the extravagant setting of the Great Hall again. The more vindictive side of themselves was looking forward to seeing the reactions of their younger brothers.
"Severus, Love, would you be so kind as to drop by the headmaster's office and speak to him about the two newest professors wishing to join his faculty?"
Severus slowly untangles himself from Marvolo, pushing himself to his feet he stretches out his stiff muscles before leaning over and dropping a quick kiss on Marvolo's cheek, smirking.
"Of course, Marvolo, I would be happy to." Walking around the desk, Severus places a kiss on Aldwyn's forehead and stalks out of the room leaving Bill, Charlie, Marvolo and Aldwyn watching after him with various expressions of surprise, amusement, and awe.