Chapter Eighteen – A Permanent Home
Bill and Charlie were round again. It was strange to think that he would enjoy spending so much time with the Weasley brothers, especially seeing as he had been forced to play nice with their incessant youngest brother previously. Aldwyn hadn't thought that any of the Weasley children, not after hearing Fred and George complaining about how overbearing and sycophantic their parents were to Dumbledore, would willingly come over to the Dark Sect, but he was glad.
The brothers were brilliant. They were surprisingly dark in their humour and always found ways to make him laugh. They were even well-seasoned pranksters, not as great as the twins, but they were a good second. Bill was always willing to play with him and answer all his questions about Curse-breaking, Arithmancy, and Ancient Runes while Charlie was all too happy to rant about the various Dragon species, they had in the Romanian Dragon Reserve as well as anything creature related. It was nice to ask him for his opinions about the creature laws. Besides, Charlie was an exceptional Seeker and helped Aldwyn hone his skills with pickup games of Quidditch.
"So, I already know that you are the oldest, Bill. And Charlie is the second. Then you have Percival, Fredrick and Gideon, Ronald, and then Ginevra. How do your mother and father manage with so many children?"
Bill smiles down at Aldwyn, he can hear the awe in his voice and knows that Aldwyn longed for a large family of his own, that he wished for siblings he could look after or look up to. He ruffles Aldwyn's hair glancing up at Charlie who is watching Aldwyn with fond eyes.
"Our parents haven't had it easy, that I can assure you. However, it is also their own fault as well."
"How so?" Aldwyn questions, throwing a de-activated practice Snitch at Charlie.
"Our father's father, Septimus Weasley held the title of Lord Weasley and fought hard to provide for our father while he was growing up. When Grandpa Septimus passed away, he bequiffed the Weasley Lordship to our father who immediately denied his heritage. He and mum claimed that it was all a setup into Pureblood propaganda and they were not going to be a part of such a dark crowd. They rejected everything which was left to them; money, assets, and even properties."
"What? That doesn't make sense though. Your father could have taken up the mantle of Lord Weasley in order to support his growing family. He deliberately forced his children to grow up wanting for food, new clothes, and school supplies that wouldn't fall apart for the sake of hating wizarding traditions? As the Lord of his household, he wouldn't even need to abide by those strict traditions if he didn't wish to. The most he would have had to do is take his seat in the Wizengamot and attend Ministry Social Events. He wouldn't have had to overwork himself every day of the year. He allowed his children to be ridiculed and bullied for something that he could have put a stop to with a simple trip to Gringotts."
Bill and Charlie nod showing that they agreed with Aldwyn's statement. Their family had struggled so much due to their parents' close-minded and ignorant views on 'pureblood propaganda' which was really just traditions held in the wizarding world. Bill, being the Heir apparent to the Weasley title had made sure to read up on everything pertaining to owning the Lordship, being established as head of a household, and anything which would assist him in the future. He had been contemplating taking up the Lordship right under his father's nose, and now that he had joined the Dark Sect his position may just aid the Dark Lord, even if by one extra vote.
"I agree with you, Parum Anguis. That is why I am currently debating taking up the Lordship myself. This way I would become the Head of the Weasley family and could either have ruling powers over our parents, disown them completely from the household or create a separate branch of the family for them to live through and therefore leave them be."
"That sounds like a good idea, though you may wish to speak to Father about it before you do anything concrete. He would more than likely wish to have a say in anything that could drastically change his current plans for the sect."
"You are indeed correct, Aldwyn. I will speak to your father and see what he wishes for us to do. I may even offer our siblings a chance to join mum and dad or stay with me in the main branch."
"It wasn't all that bad living with mum and dad though. There was never a dull day in the Burrow, not with the twins around." Charlie puts in, hand muffling his words as he chuckles at the thought of the devils who caused their mum nothing but grief and stress with their hair-brained schemes, pranks, and jokes. He would swear on his magic that their mum had been seconds away from pulling her hair out because of Fred and George. They always managed to find something to blow up, charm, or hex."
"That is true. Those two are little terrors. Their pranks are brilliant though, I am surprised that they are failing so many of their classes with what they are capable of coming up with."
"It is because they don't care about school or their grades. They are not going to need good N.E.W.T scores for what they are hoping to achieve once they graduate from Hogwarts. I asked them about it last year when I caught them selling some of their inventions to the younger years. They seemed really happy to just have someone talk to them about their dreams without being laughed at or berated." Aldwyn contributes, expressions thoughtful as he thinks about the twins.
Fred and George had been good friends of his during his first year at the school, always asking him if he was okay, helping him with his homework when Hermione was being her usual prissy over-bearing self. They had even officially put him on their 'no-hit list', a privilege that their own brothers hadn't been privy to, and he did adore the pranksters. His face falls wondering if they would still wish to be his friends, now that he had 'gone dark' and been adopted by their enemy.
"Really? What do they want to do?"
"They told me that they were hoping to open up their own Joke shop in Diagon Ally when they graduate and have plans of running Zonko's out of business. They are currently writing down recipes and ideas for prank products as they go, so they can begin making them in larger quantities. It is why they are selling their jokes and such to the students of Hogwarts. They are saving that money up so they can purchase a building for their store."
Charlie and Bill stare down at Aldwyn, eyes wide as they process all they had been told. They hadn't realised that their prankster, never take anything seriously, younger brothers were already planning for their futures and preparing themselves for their goals in life. It was quite a sobering thought while also being awe-inspiring. Their mum would have a heart attack if she knew just what they were planning on doing with themselves after school. She would try to convince them to join a respectable career.
"The fact that they want to own their own joke shop doesn't surprise me in the slightest. In a few years, they could be perfect additions to the Dark Sect." Charlie laughs, running a hand through his hair as he glances down at Aldwyn.
"I wouldn't even bat an eye if they did join the Dark; those two are pure Slytherins. I was surprised they were sorted into Gryffindor."
"Same. Sly, ambitious, and cunning."
Aldwyn glances from Bill to Charlie, eyebrows furrowing as he slumps down in his seat becoming lost in thought. He thinks back on what he knows about Fred and George, memories running through his mind at the tiny slips the pair had been unable to cover up quickly enough. He thinks back on some of the charms and potions ingredients they had used in their products. A slow smirk tugs at the corner of his lips and he sits up fully. Bill and Charlie eye him warily.
"I believe I may have just found two more members for my In Dolus Intortis.
It was finally the day. With the dedicated assistance of the Riddle House-elves, all of their belongings had been packed up, organised, and prepared for transportation to their new home and Aldwyn was both anticipating the change and dreading it. It had taken Aldwyn a while to get comfortable with the concept of having a permanent home; a place he was always going to be welcome. Sometimes he still thought that his father and papa were going to get sick of him and give him up. He has become used to having his own family, one who loves him and cares for him unconditionally; people who would become upset and angry on his behalf if he were hurt or put in danger. People who worried about him. It was nice.
He can't; doesn't want it to stop. He doesn't want it to disappear from his grasp. He doesn't wish for the warm, fuzzy feeling in his chest whenever Severus insisted on him drinking his nutrition potion every day, to stop. Nor can he help the blush which dusts his cheeks every time his father gives him praise for his vast mental, physical, and emotional improvements as he becomes more comfortable in his own skin.
His mind recalls the conversation he had with his parents about their departure from Riddle Manor and although he feels sad to say goodbye to his first home, he is also excited to catch the first glimpse of his permanent home. The home he will be allowed to come to during his holidays from school. The home where he will always belong. He finds himself disappointed that he hadn't been able to begin some of his extra tutoring sessions yet, even though Bill and Charlie had taken to answering all his questions about their relative subjects. They had even given him a few recommendations to add to his ever-growing collection of reading material.
A smile blossoms across his features, happy that his father had decided to allow him some time to get to know the eldest Weasley brothers beforehand. He had come to see them as invaluable members of his extended family as well as his most trusted followers. He loved having them around; loved teasing them. One of his favourite past times was telling both Bill and Charlie that they were his favourite causing many playful arguments and roughhousing to transpire between the two. He was even beginning to see them as older brother figures even if not by blood, much to their delight.
Aldwyn stands between his parents, nerves causing his hands to sweat as he forces himself to take a few deep, calming breaths to soothe his churning stomach at the feeling of side-along apparition. Feeling his insides settling, Aldwyn raises his head, eyes widening as they flicker around the large, lustrous entrance hall of his father's ancestral home, Slytherin Mansion. He finds himself awestruck, rooted to the floor at the intricate details and surprising colour scheme scattering around the vast open space. Obviously, a lot of time and effort had been spent planning, designing, and building such an exquisite building. He thought it may even be more extravagant than Malfoy Manor.
Large, black ebony doors stand proudly behind the three wizards, warding off any unwanted visitors who would otherwise be tempted to approach such an impressive mansion. Aldwyn allows his eyes to trail up the door frames, spying the Slytherin Family Crest and coat of arms carved delicately into the thick wood proudly on display in the centre of each door. Turning his attention to the entrance hall spread out in front of him, Aldwyn notes that it is layered, quite skilfully with dark wooden floorboards which he can feel are surprisingly soft underfoot. He wonders if there has been an extensive cushioning charm placed upon the floor.
Avada green eyes gaze over toward the left of the room and widen in astonishment when he catches sight of a large, white marble fireplace standing about five feet tall, with small trinkets and magical artefacts being displayed smartly across its surface. A large mirror hangs on the wall mere inches above the fireplace, a silver frame adorning the glass. Walking closer, Aldwyn is stunned to see engravings in Slytherin green swirling through the metal entwining. To his right stands a large Victorian-styled Grandfather clock, various breeds and sizes of snakes can be seen slithering up and down the body. He smiles softly at the magical carving, wondering what it would be like if they could hiss to him. He watches them for a moment until something in his peripheral vision catches his eye. Along the wall, just a small way down from the front door is a large portrait.
Cautiously, Aldwyn makes his way down the room, ensuring to keep his footsteps as quiet as possible so as to not disturb the serious-looking figure. He startles when the man still turns to face him, watching in veiled confusion as the stranger sends him a soft smile. Glancing down at the man's attire, Aldwyn notes that he had lived several centuries ago and therefore shouldn't know who he is, even if they were family.
"Ah, if it isn't the young Heir Prince-Slytherin. It is a pleasure to see you again so soon my young grandson." The smooth voice washes over Aldwyn. His features sparkle in recognition and he quickens his pace; he would always remember the voice which has soothed away his pain all those days ago. A delighted smile tugs at his lips as he offers a polite bow to his grandfather.
"Good morning, Grandpa Sal. How have you been these past few days?" Aldwyn watches in amusement as the Salazar Slytherin shrugs his shoulders in what his father would deem a very un-Slytherin-like manner. He giggles when Salazar merely winks down at him with a smirk stretching across his lips, most likely knowing where his thoughts had gone.
"As well as one could ever hope to be when one is stuck within the confines of their painting, my dear little snake. Though I don't suppose being completely dead would be much better."
Aldwyn giggles again, a hand coming up to cover his mouth. He doesn't suppose being dead would be all that much fun either, living forever in a portrait seemed a little more amusing to him, but then again what did he know? He glances over his shoulder to seek out his parents frowning when he doesn't spot them anywhere.
"You need not worry, Little Snake. Your parents have simply apparated back to Riddle Manor to retrieve more of your belongings. They will return to you shortly." Salazar reassures bringing Aldwyn's attention back.
Aldwyn cocks his head, he can feel his worry subsiding marginally as he regards his thousand-year-old grandfather, the Greatest of the Hogwarts founders. He inclines his head. He would need to get used to not having his parents around all the time if he were going to survive at Hogwarts. They wouldn't always be just a short walk away.
"How is it that you know that they apparated? Or where they went off to?" Aldwyn questions, his hair falling over his shoulder as he stares up at Salazar Slytherin. He shakes his head when his grandpa's smirk widens. Salazar crosses his arms, sticking his nose into the air in an odd reminiscent of Lucius and Draco Malfoy when they are being deliberately pompous.
"Because my young Heir, I am Salazar Slytherin, Greatest of the Founding Four and the most supreme wizard to ever live upon this decrepit earth."
Aldwyn snorts, rolling his eyes at his grandfather. At least he could hazard a guess as to where his father got his arrogance from and as if summoned by their conversation, Aldwyn hears two quiet pops of apparition signifying the return of his parents. He watches through the staircase railings as they drop a couple more boxes to the floor, inclining their heads in thanks when multiple house elves succeed them.
"Aldwyn?" His father calls for him, voice carrying around the entrance hall as his parents glance around to spot him. Turning to glance back at his grandfather, scratching the back of his neck. He wanted to go and greet his parents, but he didn't want to cut his conversation with his grandpa short. He didn't know when he would get a chance to talk to the man again.
"Do not worry so, Aldwyn. I will always be here if you should ever find yourself wishing to converse with me in the future. For convenience's sake, I also have a portrait in the family library, just tap on the frame with your wand and I shall appear."
Aldwyn feels himself sagging in relief, he grins up at his grandfather knowing that he would be able to talk to the older man whenever he wished he giggles. Bowing at the portrait, Aldwyn throws a quick 'thank you, Grandpa Sal' before he scurries away. Rounding the corner, Aldwyn's grin stretches when he spots his parents waiting for him, smiling down at him with their hands intertwined.
"Ah, there you are, Aldwyn. We were wondering where you had gone off to. Exploring the house already?" Severus asks teasingly bringing a light flush to their son's cheeks. Aldwyn, even as Harry Potter had always been a highly curious child, and nothing would stop the boy from exploring something which caught his interest. Aldwyn nods, forcing his hands to remain by his sides, his father had informed him the previous day how it was unbecoming of an Heir to one of the Most Prestigious and Ancient Houses to be seen twisting their fingers in their clothes.
"Yes, I found one of Grandpa Salazar's portraits hanging on the wall just down the hall and we started talking. I didn't want to leave the entrance hall…"
Marvolo and Severus's smiles sadden at the connotation behind their son's words, they could almost hear the unspoken 'without your permission' tagged at the end of his sentence. Even though they were immensely proud of how much progress Aldwyn had been making, there were still so many aspects that needed to be healed after his almost ten-year stay with the abusive and controlling Muggles.
"That is perfectly fine, Snakelet. You are more than welcome to go off exploring the rest of the house if you so wish. This is, after all, your home as well Aldwyn. Your Papa and I only called for you because we wished to inform you that we will be apparating back and forth between here and Riddle manor for a few hours to help the House Elves move our belongings. A small task force is already stationed here to begin unpacking the boxes while we transport the rest over."
As Marvolo attempts to ease their son's worries with a quick explanation, Severus watches as Aldwyn tries to mask the growing apprehension shaping his features; most likely from the prospect of being left virtually alone in such a large, old, unfamiliar setting. Kneeling down in front of his son, Severus places his hands carefully on his child's shoulders, squeezing the thin frames in reassurance.
"You do not have to worry so much, Snakelet. The Malfoys should be waiting for you in the East Wings' study, and I am sure that Bill, if not Charlie as well, is wandering around here somewhere. They would be more than happy to spend time with you and explore the house if you wish."
"Alright, Papa. May I ask Uncle Lucius to assist me in writing Harry Potter's 'Last Will and Testament'? And help me plan out the newspaper article which will reveal a few things about his home life. And if I have time, may I also visit the library?" Chewing his lower lip, Aldwyn twirls a strand of hair between his fingers glancing from his papa to his father and back again. His hand drops when he feels a soft kiss brushing against his forehead.
"As your father has mentioned, Aldwyn this is your home as much as it is ours. You are welcome to explore the house to your heart's content. However, I do ask that if there is somewhere you wish to go then please have someone accompany you, so you do not get lost. Also, I ask that you remember, if you find a locked door then you do not try to open it as there is a reason for it to be locked."
Aldwyn sniggers at his papa's words, "I promise that I won't go unlocking any doors, Papa. I wouldn't want to face something worse than a Cerberus this time."
"I doubt you will encounter any such creatures here, Snakelet but we are better safe than sorry," Marvolo comments with a roll of his eyes. He had heard so many tales of his son's adventures during his first year, both while he had been posing as a professor and afterward.
"Also, I am certain that Lucius would be delighted to help you develop your devious little plot, Son. Your father and I will show you to your new room when we have finished the move, alright?"
"Alright, Papa." Aldwyn hugs Severus tightly, burying his face in the crook of his neck for a moment. Taking a deep breath, he allows the familiar scent of potions and smoke to calm him before he pulls away only to throw his arms around his father. When he steps backward, he offers a nervous smile hoping to convey that he would be alright by himself for a while.
"That's our brave boy."
"We will be back with you before you know it, Snakelet." Marvolo brushes a kiss to Aldwyn's hair, ruffling the soft strands causing his child to squeak in protest which only serves to widen his parents' smiles. Running his fingers through his hair in an attempt to straighten them again, he really should start bringing his hair tie with him. It may just dissuade everyone from always messing his hair up every time they saw him.
Taking another step back, Aldwyn waves as his parents disapperate back to Riddle Manor. He stares at the empty space for a second, taking a deep breath to calm himself before turning sharply on his heels. Thoughts of heading straight to the east study floated through his mind. As he makes his way towards the East corridor, Aldwyn ponders on whether he should ask Lucius for his assistance straight away or whether he should try and leave it for a while. He shakes his head. No, he wanted to get this out of the way as quickly as possible.
"Aldwyn!"
Aldwyn stops when a familiar voice calls out to him. Glancing over his shoulder, a wide smile stretches across his lips even as he tries to hide his surprise. For some reason, Bill had been wandering around down the west corridors, most likely nosing around the large mansion. He rolls his eyes when Bill waves frantically over his head as he makes his way across the entrance hall, it wasn't like the curse-breaker was hard to spot. Though it doesn't stop him from waving back just as frantically.
"It is so good to see you again, Parum Anguis. How have you been?"
Aldwyn chuckles as the hyperactive wizard closes the distance between them, throwing his arms around Bill's waist as soon as he is close enough. He buries his face in Bill's robes, a familiar warmth settling in his chest when his embrace is immediately returned. His squeak of surprise is therefore muffled when he is lifted off his feet, Bill swinging in a circle as laughter echoes in his ears.
"I have been doing well in the whole two days since I last saw and spoke to you, Bill. How have you been doing? Why are you even here? Is Charlie here as well?"
Bill pouts at the underlying teasing lilt behind Aldwyn's words, he is unsure whether it was due to the quick dig about their short parting or whether it was because he enquired after Charlie. It always amused him at just how far he could push the brothers. Bill settles Aldwyn back on his feet, holding him as he steadies himself before he ruffles his hair, grinning when Aldwyn glares up at him with a huff. He really was going to start tying his hair up from now on.
"I have been doing well. Work has been as interesting as ever and we have even managed to excavate one of the larger tomes this year thanks to my efforts, of course. Though it is the smaller one which is giving us the most trouble now. My boss was sad when I handed him my letter of resignation, but he understands when I said that I have found a place where my talents are needed more. He wished me the best especially when I promised to offer my assistance during the holidays if they were still struggling. Charlie traveled to Romania this morning saying something about handing in his own notice and transporting his belongings to Hogwarts ready for the new year."
Aldwyn grins up at Bill, he honestly couldn't believe that he was going to be going to Hogwarts with not only his papa but Bill and Charlie as well. Dropping his hand from his hair, Aldwyn pulls the other into another hug.
"Nonsense, Bill. I do hope you are aware that you and your brother will be residing with us here between the terms of Hogwarts. I have taken the liberty of informing the House Elves that you and Charlie will be requiring rooms to be set up immediately, within the family wing no less. I do hope that you feel inclined to accept my humble offer, Mister Weasley? I am sure Aldwyn would appreciate the added company."
Bill gapes at his lord, eyes wide as he stares across at the Dark Lord; the man he had been warned against his entire life. A man he had been taught was evil, insane, deranged, and yet here he was, that same Dark Lord offering him and his brother a permanent home outside Hogwarts. He ignores Aldwyn's chuckles, knowing that this wasn't a humble offer, nor a kind suggestion. It was a nicely worded order; one he wouldn't mind fulfilling.
He glances down at the child still wrapped in his arm and startles a little when he sees the boy's features lighting up in pure, unadulterated joy. His eyes sparkle in the candlelight, lightening the brown speckles swimming in his green eyes; a large smile stretches across his lips which, in all honesty, makes Bill's heart melt instantly. Not being able to deny such an expression, Bill sighs. Turning back to the Dark Lord, Bill scowls when he sees the knowing smile on his face, it seems Marvolo had just as much trouble denying Aldwyn anything as well.
"Of course, My lord. Charlie and I would be honoured to accept such a gracious offer. Thank you for accepting us into your home, Marvolo." Bill utters, carding a hand through Aldwyn's hair as he bows his head to his Lord.
Marvolo claps his hands together, elated at the prospect of having more company to keep his son both more comfortable and to keep him entertained during the holidays away from school. He knew just how much Aldwyn wished to be surrounded by a large family, and now he was.
"Perfect. Severus, my dear, would you mind sending a Patronus to Charlie informing him of these recent developments?"
Severus smiles at Marvolo, inclining his head in acknowledgment, squeezing his partner's hand. His smile widens when he sees that look of pure unadulterated joy on his son's face. He brushes a kiss on Marvolo's cheek.
"I would be happy to, Love."
After bidding farewell to his parents once more, Aldwyn walks hand in hand with Bill into the East Study, their eyes widening at the sheer number of books lining the walls. If this was a mere study, then they couldn't wait to get their hands on the library. A large room stretches out before them, and a single fireplace carved from shimmering black marble adorned with small crystals stands against the right-hand wall. Five comfortable-looking armchairs, each one a lovely emerald green accented with silver and deep purple circle the fire, making an inviting place for anyone to curl up with a good book in the evenings.
A large mahogany desk, which is where Aldwyn assumes his father or papa would sit to complete their paperwork; either plans for raids or lesson plans, is situated against the opposite wall. Huge open windows covered the outer wall, glass shining in the midday sun as they stretch from floor to ceiling allowing a full view of the Slytherin gardens below. Aldwyn grins at the sheer amount of natural light which fills the room, he had always preferred rooms with a lot of light in them after spending so much time locked in his little cupboard. Green and silver curtains are drawn back against the wall, held firmly in place by thin pieces of purple silk.
Aldwyn stands nervously in the doorway, hand tightening around Bill's when the other makes to release his grip and wander off. He shifts from foot to foot, gaze panning the room. His eyes settle on Draco and Narcissa, both sitting in the armchairs in front of the fireplace, both curled up deeply engrossed in their own reading to notice much of anything going on around them. Bill raises an eyebrow down at Aldwyn, noticing his reddening lip, and squeezes his hand; crouching down in front of the child, Bill keeps his voice low and soothing so as to not draw the others' attention.
"What's wrong, Parum Anguis?"
Glancing into Bill's worried gaze, Aldwyn smiles. His eyes flick to the bookshelves when he catches sight of Lucius who is making his way through the shelves, walking stick rhythmically clicking against the wooden floor in a practiced melody. Aldwyn watches as his free hand comes up, brushing along the spines of the books he passes, eyebrows furrowed in thought. His gaze returns to Bill who glances over his shoulder and smiles.
"Did you need to speak to your Uncle Lucius? Would you like me to come with you?"
Aldwyn nods his head, grip tightening around Bill's hand when he pushes himself to his feet. Taking a deep breath, Aldwyn leads Bill across the room, making sure they remained silent so they wouldn't draw much attention from Draco and Narcissa. The pair walk to Lucius, stopping a few feet behind the man who seems to be too deep in his own thoughts to have noticed their approach. Aldwyn draws in another breath, relaxing when Bill squeezes his hand again.
"Uncle Luc?" His voice is soft, barely above a whisper but it is enough to have the blond aristocrat spinning on his heels. Hand snatching away from the bookshelf in his surprise. His pureblood mask slams down across his features, trying to hide the fact that he had been caught so off guard. His expression softens instantly when he sees his godson shuffling his weight, green eyes fixated on his shoes as his hand tightens around Bill's who is smirking at the man.
"What can I do for you, Aldwyn?"
"I was wondering if you would be willing to assist me with something…?" Aldwyn trails off, glancing up at Bill who gestures back to Lucius who is smiling down at Aldwyn, trying to put him at ease.
"Father, Papa, and I were discussing more about our plans to make Harry Potter disappear and I was wondering if you would be willing to help me. With your position in the Ministry, it would be easier and less suspicious for you to whisper into the ears of the Ministry and the Auror department. Not a lot, just enough to get some rumours circling. Enough for them to feel inclined to send an agent to check up on Harry Potter."
"I see. The Aurors would arrive, only to find Harry Potter missing and his relatives acting as if nothing were out of the ordinary. It would appear as if he had vanished without a trace as his belongings would still be within the house. This would rule out the possibility of him running away from home, so they would believe young Harry had been kidnapped or that something more sinister had happened?"
Aldwyn nods, agreeing with his uncle, worrying his lip between his teeth as he watches with veiled confusion as Lucius turns on his heels, muttering under his breath. Bill guides Aldwyn away from the bookshelves when Lucius gestures for them to follow. They make their way to the desk.
"Well, Aldwyn, I believe I will be able to assist you with this deliciously diabolical plot of yours. Was there any information you wished for me to hint towards more so than others for the Aurors and Ministry to get a hold of?"
Bill sits down on the chair in front of the desk, while Lucius takes the seat behind. He pulls Aldwyn into his lap easily, ignoring the inquisitive glances aimed their way by Draco and Narcissa who are quick to go back to their books. Aldwyn leans back against Bill's chest, sinking into his warmth as he ponders Lucius's question.
"I thought it would be enough if we sugar-coated a few incidences; brush over how bad the injuries actually were. If we make it too graphic, then suspicion would be cast on the story, and the Auror department would most likely brush it off as a poorly played prank. However, if we are too subtle in the details then they won't think it serious enough to investigate. If we drop subtle hints of small unexplainable cuts and bruises, broken bones which haven't been treated correctly. Maybe a report or two from multiple anonymous sources about how Harry had been seen outside for hours in the sun without so much as a drink or break, him swaying on his feet. This would worry people enough to want to check on the boy."
Aldwyn's voice is quiet as he begins to list a few things he wouldn't feel too uncomfortable with the Ministry of Magic, and the entire wizarding world for that matter, knowing. Not if it meant getting the Aurors to investigate his questionable homelife. He feels Bill's arms tighten around his waist, a hand carding through his hair, and realises that neither Bill nor Charlie knew the extent of his treatment at the hands of the Muggles. Aldwyn places his hand on top of Bill's and pats it, trying to assure the other that he was alright now.
Lucius is quick to summon a few rolls of parchment, a quill, and an inkwell; his hand working quickly to jot down a few notes on what he was going to drop when he goes to work over the next few days. Maybe he could ask some of his colleagues to put in some official reports as well. He needs to ensure that none of this would be traced back to him and his fellows, however.
"Is there anything else you are wishing for me to plant, Prince Corvus?"
Aldwyn tenses at the sudden address not expecting his uncle to refer to him by his Dark Sect guise name in the company of their close family. His head shoots up, eyes widening as he stares fearfully at Lucius, maybe the man had decided that he doesn't want to associate with him now because of the reminder of his abuse. Aldwyn's hands tighten around Bill's, only relaxing when Lucius smiles and winks over the desk at him.
"I apologise if the title makes you uncomfortable, My Prince. However, I feel that due to the severity of this discussion, it would be prudent and appropriate of me to refer to you as such."
Aldwyn nods, he understood that, but he still wasn't used to being referred to as such. He relaxes back against Bill. It did make a lot of sense, and he knows that his father is informing every single follower and sympathiser of the Dark Sect about his title and guise name meaning he is going to be hearing it a lot more in the future. He lets his pureblood mask fall much to the approval of his uncle and Bill.
"That is perfectly acceptable, Lord Malfoy. I suppose I will have to become comfortable with such an address for when my team and I are formally introduced to the rest of Father's followers. I appreciate your efforts in this endeavour. In answer to your previous inquiry, I would very much approve if you were to include intricate details pertaining to the minor infractions made against Mister Potter through the actions of his illegal Magical Guardian. Possibly referring to his placement of young Harry with the muggles against his parents will?"
Lucius smirks at Aldwyn, his chest filling with pride at just how far the young wizard had developed within such a short time frame that he had been under the care of his parents. A feral, gleeful glint shines in his grey-blue eyes being the only outward sign of his enjoyment at being trusted to fulfill such an important task for his Prince.
"Leave everything to me, my Prince. I will see to it that your wishes are fulfilled to the best of my abilities in the shortest period of time." Aldwyn returns Lucius's smirk, bowing his head graciously.
"I thank you, Lord Malfoy. I appreciate your efficiency on such an important matter and if I may enquire about the possibilities of a certain reporter or a specific newspaper's ability to hear a word of such information and the pending investigation?" Aldwyn raises a sly eyebrow. His expression completely innocent except for the mischievous glint shining in his eyes drawing a chuckle from Lucius and Bill, their own smirks spreading across their faces as Bill runs a hand through Aldwyn's hair.
"I will ensure to accidentally drop some notes indicating to such an occurrence and investigating pertaining to the treatment of one Harry James Potter, My Prince."
Aldwyn inclines his head in thanks to his Godfather. His smirk widens when he reaches a hand across the table in order to consolidate their plans with a handshake.
"Much appreciated, Lord Malfoy." Lucius's smirk melts into a soft smile. He would never have believed that this was the same boy he had helped rescue from near death just a few short weeks ago if he hadn't witnessed the transformation with his own eyes.
Dumbledore and his Order were going to have to keep themselves on their toes, their eyes peeled and ears to the ground if they were going to stand even the slimmest chances at winning this upcoming battle. Not that they were going to; Marvolo was completely devoted to his course, to changing the Wizarding World for the better and his son was his biggest support. It was only a matter of time before they would take the Ministry and then Hogwarts.
"I will always be available and quite happy to offer you my assistance whenever you find yourself in need of it, Aldwyn. You are my godson and the son of the Dark Lord, and I only wish to see you happy and healthy. You are family now meaning that I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe and where you belong."
Aldwyn grins at his Godfather, eyes filling with tears at the soft-spoken words. His chest expands with warmth as Lucius's eyes lighten. Bill tightens his arms around his waist as if he were agreeing with Lucius's words and Aldwyn has never felt more grateful that the Dark Lord had accepted his compromise in the chamber.
"Thank you, Uncle Lucius. Are you able to teach me how to write a will?"
Lucius raises his eyebrow, wondering why Aldwyn would need to be able to write a will when he glances down at the parchment of notes. He looks up in realisation. Aldwyn would need to write a Will like Harry Potter, to further convince the Aurors of his deplorable treatment.
"Well, Father and I thought it would make our story seem a little more convincing. Would tug at the heartstrings of the wizarding population if a Will was found in the family home of Harry Potter when he is discovered missing. It would insight more anger in the population towards the person behind their Saviour's placement with the Muggles and therefore cause Dumbledore more grief as he tries to cover up his input." Aldwyn looks down at his lap, eyes fixating on Bill's fingers as he brings one of his hands up, absently playing with the long appendages. He feels a hand brushing through his hair and glances up to Bill who drops a kiss on his forehead. Chancing a glance toward his Godfather, Aldwyn startles when the man pushes himself up, grasping his cane in his hand.
"I believe that I am capable of doing more than just teaching you how to format and structure a Will, Aldwyn. How about Bill, yourself and I write it together? If you do not mind Bill coming with us, that is?"
Aldwyn stares at Lucius before gazing over his shoulder at Bill, both of whom are smiling down at him. He feels a blush rising up his cheeks as he ponders the offer for a moment, a large smile stretching across his lips.
"Of course. Where would I be without my second in command, Arete?"
"Second in Command?" Bill questions, awe in his voice as he squeezes Aldwyn tighter against his chest drawing a giggle from the young boy.
"Every leader needs a second and I think you would be perfect. It would mean that if we were sent on a mission then I would trust you to command your own section if we were to split up or if I were taken down and unable to lead."
"I would be honoured to accept, Prince Cronus. I can't wait to tell Charlie. I always knew I was your favourite, Parum Anguis."
Aldwyn laughs, rolling his eyes at Bill's response. He knew that Charlie was going to have a few choice words about his choice, playfully mind you, and he couldn't wait to watch it all play out in front of him. Their arguments about who was his favourite still going strong and it always managed to bring a smile to his face. Bill lifts Aldwyn to the floor, pushing himself from his seat, he takes Aldwyn's hand again as they follow Lucius out of the study, him leading the further down the hallway.