Chapter Twenty – Kidnapped?
Albus Dumbledore, now staring slack-jawed at the newspaper in his hands, sends a cursory glance up and down the table swallowing nervously at the reveal of some rather sensitive information. His hands clench into tight fists to prevent them from visibly shaking as he tries to keep a lid on his bubbling anger at the veiled information. He knew that few members of the faculty knew that it was him who had left Harry Potter on the doorstep of Petunia's house back then, but it wouldn't stay that way for long. Not if the distraught expressions shaping Minerva's features were anything to go by. Especially seen as his deputy had been with him while he had left Harry Potter outside Petunia Dursleys' house.
His eyes widen marginally in horror at the prospect of Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived disappearing without a trace, throwing all his current plans into the air. How was he supposed to train the boy and guide him into battles against Voldemort now that he had gone missing? How was he supposed to mold the wizarding world into his ideals if no one revered him enough for his takedown of, not only Grindelwald but Lord Voldemort as well?
He scans the article once more, teeth clenching at the announcement of the 'lost' Slytherin Heir returning to England to claim his Lordship; a Lordship which he knows there is only one living Heir left. A person who couldn't possibly be back in his physical form, at least not enough to step out in public. He makes a mental note to thoroughly check the Philosopher's Stone once again once the staff breakfast has concluded. Maybe he would also need to question Severus about this new Lord Slytherin and his supposed son. How had he never heard of his potion professor having a child before? He knew everything that happened in his employees' lives, as he knew everything which happened in the wizarding world.
Throwing the paper down onto the table, Dumbledore racks his brain for ways he could brush off the insinuations behind Rita Skeeter's words. How he could stop any doubt from forming in his staff's minds about him condoning child abuse? He was certainly glad at the lack of incriminating evidence pointing to himself surrounding the mistreatment of Harry Potter. He steeples his fingers, usually cheery disposition crumbling as annoyance flares.
So deeply engrossed in his own worries, Dumbledore doesn't notice the subtle smirk tugging at the corner of Severus's lips, nor the look of amusement shared between the Weasley brothers as they silently watch the shifting atmosphere. Maybe this would teach them to not rest all their hopes on a child who had little to knowledge of their world and to actually pay attention to their students when they are being spoken to.
Taking a few moments to process the article, Minerva tries to dry her eyes as thoughts continue to assault her mind. She had been a close family friend of the Potters, had been close to James while the boy had been growing up and now… now she had failed to protect their son. She turns toward the headmaster, hand held over her trembling lips, the other clenching around the newspaper. She shakes her head in denial, not wanting to believe that little Harry Potter was missing and potentially fatally wounded.
As more professors place their copies down, the hall fills with the quiet sounds of sniffling and grieving, each individual holding thoughts of the bright-spirited little boy they had all gotten to know over the past year. None of them had suspected that he had been the victim of severe abuse.
"Albus? How could something like this happen? You told me that he would be safe there; that he would be loved and cared for." Minerva mumbles, her words cutting through the air like a knife, every professor turns to Dumbledore, expressions a mix of horror, disbelief, and denial.
"I am terribly sorry, my dear. I honestly thought that Lily's sister would care for the boy as if he were her own son. I had no idea of the abuse young Harry was being subjected to." There it was a confession. The Goblins nor the Dursleys had revealed just who it had been to leave Harry at his relatives' house, but here Dumbledore was, implementing himself in the case. A move no one would have expected of the old codger, especially not when this information could be made public knowledge with a quick letter to the Daily Prophet office.
"Why didn't he tell any of us?" Minerva asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
Severus inwardly sneers as he watches their display. For that is what it was. He is not the least bit fooled by Dumbledore's grief-stricken act, not when he catches the dangerous glint hidden behind the old man's expression. He scoffs.
"Please. It isn't surprising that Harry never thought he could come to any of us with this. The one time he thought to go to a professor about an important topic, he was essentially called a liar and told to go back to his dorm room, isn't that right, Minerva.? You refused to believe Harry and his friends when they told you that someone was after the Stone and when he told the headmaster about his abuse at the end of the school year, Albus told him virtually the same thing! That it wasn't as bad as Harry was making out, that he was merely exaggerating his abuse, but I am sure that he must have been sugar-coating it if anything!"
"Severus is correct, I am afraid. Headmaster you have just admitted that you were the one to place Harry Potter with his relatives' therefore you had the responsibility to ensure that he was being looked after despite your personal thoughts on the matter. Especially seen as the Potter Wills have never been read and therefore his true guardian was never informed of such a responsibility. You even saw fit to inform all of us that you knew young Harry was being loved and cared for." Filius puts in, dabbing his eyes with a napkin.
"Filius, I would never have left Harry with his relatives if I knew he was being mistreated, but it was the safest place for him at the time. What with the remaining Death Eaters still at large and the Blood wards erected to protect him."
"Safe from what, Headmaster? The only threat Harry truly faced was the beatings from the Dursleys!" Minerva adds, voice raising at the headmaster's audacity.
"Albus! You did leave him in an abusive setting after you found out about it. Harry told you; begged you to allow him to stay at the school for the summer holidays, or better yet the Burrow with the Weasley Family, and yet you told him that he was exaggerating his abuse! You called him a liar and sent him straight back into that hell hole without so much as a second thought! You didn't go to check his living arrangements out, nor did you bother to have the Aurors investigate his claims!" Severus feels his temper rising with each deflection. His composure cracks as images of Harry, of his little boy lying in his bed bloodied, bruised, and broken. Of how scared Aldwyn still is when someone raises their voice in his proximity. His teeth clench, fingers tightening in his robes when Albus merely sighs at him.
"Severus, I truly thought that Lily's sister wouldn't harm her nephew like that. That young Harry was, as most children do, overly exaggerating the harshness of some punishments because they feel their guardians are too strict on them. I never would have suspected that Mister and Mrs. Dursley would have abused their nephew."
"I don't care what you thought nor what you simply chose to believe, Albus. If a child comes to you at the end of the school year and practically begs you to allow them a safe haven within the school or literally anywhere that is not their permanent residence, then it should be looked into! That child was beaten, starved, neglected, and so terrified for their own life that they wrote a Will, Albus! A Will before they were even twelve years old!" Severus snarls, eyes gleaming with tears at the thought of his child being hurt to such a degree, much to the surprise of his colleagues. Luckily, however, he and Marvolo had gotten to the boy before the damage had become irreversible.
"You not only told a small, abused boy that no one would believe him of the abuse he suffered, but you also inexplicably informed him that he wasn't even worth the effort to look into. To protect, or assist. You made sure he knew that he was alone, not only in the Muggle world but in this new world that he had just become a part of. Not only that, Albus but you illegally kidnapped Harry Potter, your Golden Boy, and stuck him in some remote part of the country with no contact with our world for the entire summer holiday!" He takes a deep drink from his coffee, praying to Merlin that he will be able to leave sometime soon. He missed his son and wished to spend the rest of the day spoiling Aldwyn as much as he could. It was his first real birthday after all. His teeth grind when Albus tuts at him like a child.
"Now, now Severus, kidnapping is a bit harsh, don't you think? I merely did what I thought was best for the boy who had just defeated Voldemort. The Blood Wards would have protected him from any harm someone would wish upon him…" Smiling softly down at the dour man, Dumbledore shakes his head as if wondering why Severus was becoming so irate at the conversation. He allows small tears to run down his cheeks and Severus can feel his temper flaring. How dare this man pretend that he cared for Harry when he did nothing for the child and only wished to spend time with him when it was related to Voldemort's return. It was disgusting.
"No, the Blood Wards would have protected the family from any harm wished upon them by Death Eaters and followers of the Dark Lord wishing to exact revenge against Harry for defeating their Lord! It would have done absolutely nothing to prevent Harry from being deliberately harmed by anyone inside the house. Albus, you should have at least listened to Harry when he spoke to you about it, or at least sent someone to check up on the boy every now and again."
Dumbledore's eyes blaze with fury, just long enough for Severus to catch it and he can barely suppress his smile. The headmaster was losing control, losing hold of his omnipotent power and he wasn't taking it too well. Minerva, who was beginning to take Severus's side, crosses her arms in front of her chest, eyes narrowing as she stares up at her employer. Something wasn't quite adding up here, and it wasn't Severus's sudden affection for the young wizard.
"I find myself disappointed that you would choose to believe Rita Skeeter's article, a journalist you all know has a nasty habit of spinning the truth to create the most interesting and least logical stories. The Ministry and I have never truly seen eye-to-eye and they would do anything to oppose me."
The professors shift uncomfortably in their seats. Thoughts conflicted between believing that Dumbledore had no knowledge of the abuse, or whether the Daily Prophet was actually telling some semblance of truth this time. Magic saturates the air around them, growing thicker as sparks race across the polished wood. Goblets and plates rattle violently, when Severus's scowl deepens, his eyes shining with disgust and anger even while his expression remains passive; controlled in the face of such a bald-faced lie.
"You seemed to have forgotten, Headmaster, that I was there. That I was standing outside the Dursleys' house when Potter's inquiry was taking place. That I saw the ratty blanket he had been forced to use for warmth; the dingy cot he slept on which they crammed into the small cupboard under the stairs. You forget that I saw the harmful chemicals lining the shelves above his pillow interspersed with broken toys Harry had managed to salvage from the bins. I saw the blood-stained walls, floors, and windows of the bedroom upstairs where he was practically tortured! He never should have had to suffer through any of that, Headmaster. He should have come to me! He should have been mine!"
Minerva places a comforting hand on Severus's shoulder when he slumps back into his seat. Tears fall from his eyes, his face pale. He could have been living all these years with a son; a child to call his own and yet the headmaster, for reasons unknown, refused to give him that one reprieve from his hellish, uneventful life. Harry could have been cared for from the very beginning, not knowing what abuse was first-hand; only hearing such stories from the television or newspapers.
"My boy…"
"No, Headmaster. There is nothing you could possibly say that would ever justify what you did. You left a poor defenceless little boy with disgusting pigs who cared more about appearing 'normal' to their neighbours and their overly obese son than even putting a second thought to their own nephew! There was nothing in that house to even suggest Harry even lived there! He went days at a time without food and slept in a broom closet with the only source of light being a crack at the bottom of the door. He didn't even have any clothes to call his own and certainly no toys. Harry was nothing but a slave for them to use as and when they pleased!"
Gasps echo around the room at Severus's words, and he knows now that many of them would become sceptical of the headmaster. Though he doesn't spare them a glance. He continues to stare up at Dumbledore, daring the man to try and defend himself now. He wondered what his colleagues' reactions would be if they knew that the headmaster had actually been paying the muggles to beat and starve their nephew; that he had wished for the young boy to be broken beyond repair before he even stepped foot in the castle.
"What I don't understand Headmaster, is why you took Harry in the first place. According to the Goblins Severus was to be Harry Potter's legal guardian. He is a very capable man and could have bought Harry up in the wizarding world, could have cared for him, and loved him as he should have been. You-Know-Who had been vanquished so he would have been safe there as well." Charlie sends a sly wink towards Severus who responds by rolling his eyes at the younger wizard before they turn their attention back to Dumbledore. They valiantly try to keep their grins from showing when a flash of annoyance glimmers in his eyes. They knew that Dumbledore wasn't a fan of having people, especially those who were supposed to revere him, question his authority and choices.
"Why Charlie, I simply didn't want to burden Severus with such a task, so I took it upon myself to place Harry with his only living relatives."
"That wasn't your call to make, headmaster. Not only did you ignore the Wills of the late Lord and Lady Potter, but you also wilfully and knowingly disregarded a legally binding contract entrusted to the Goblins' care. They would not have appreciated this slight against them headmaster, and now because of your actions, the Saviour is dead. Who is going to defeat You-Know-Who when he returns?" Bill questions.
He had been working for the Goblins of Gringotts since he had graduated school and knew for a fact that what the headmaster had done, despite the passage of time, was something that would not be taken lightly by the goblins at all. It was their duty to follow through with all wizarding kinds' last requests through Heirships, property distribution, and the allocation of guardians for their children if they were still underaged as Harry had been. The fact that Dumbledore not only undermined their responsibilities but also disregarded the last requests of two highly commendable magical users was an insult to the nation.
"Ah but Bill, my dear boy, this may be just the sign we have been looking for. Fate has decided to smile down upon us during this sad time." Dumbledore responds without missing a beat, his tone jovial despite the sombre air.
Severus cringes when the twinkle shines brighter than ever within the depths of the old man's blue eyes, and the Weasley brothers shift in their seats, wary of what Dumbledore was planning this time. The three watch as Dumbledore glances down the table ensuring that he holds everyone's attention, as it should be.
"When the prophecy had been spoken all those years ago, it stated that a boy 'born as the seventh month dies', which at the time I had assumed to be Harry Potter due to him being born in the evening of 31st July and being a half-blood just as Voldemort had been making Harry his equal in more ways than one. I surmised that Harry had to be the Boy-Who-Lived. However, there was a second child thought to be the prophecy child as well, a child born just one day prior to Harry, and with Harry no longer with us, it seems that he was not the child the prophecy spoke of."
The room falls into disbelief, silence blanketing the air as everyone tries to process what Dumbledore was trying to infer. How could such an error have been made? If Harry wasn't the child of prophecy, then how did he survive the killing curse sent at him by the Dark Lord? How had he managed to vanquish the Lord Voldemort? How was Harry able to defeat Quirrell and prevent him from getting the Stone the previous year if he wasn't the child of prophecy?
"What do you mean, Albus?" Pomona stares up at her employer conflicted. Her mind was a swirling mess of thoughts, not being able to comprehend such a suggestion. Harry Potter had been the child of Prophecy, the Boy-Who-Lived. He had been specifically targeted by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named who had also known about the two boys. Lord Voldemort had chosen to go after Harry and had decided that Harry was the cause of his downfall.
"Well Pomona, these events have certainly proven to all of us that I have made a grave error. Harry Potter was never the child of prophecy, despite his seemingly unexplainable survival of the Killing Curse. I feel that if he were then he would still be with us to aid in the fight against Voldemort when he rises again. So, I believe that Neville Longbottom has been the child of prophecy all along."
This time Severus cannot help it and scoffs harshly at the insinuation behind the headmaster's words. How could Dumbledore even contemplate that boy as the rightful prophecy child when he could barely hold a wand, let alone perform any spells at an adequate level? How could he simply brush aside his Golden Boy without so much as a by-your-leave? His colleagues all turn to glance at him incredulously as he seems to be battling between amusement and deadly rage.
"I cannot believe you, Headmaster! How could you brush it all off like that? Because you were so sure of yourself all those years ago that Harry Potter was the chosen one, Lily and Potter died! They were hunted down and targeted because of you! Now because things haven't gone the way you expected, you have decided to toss Harry aside as if he were nothing! A small child that you wished to mold into being your perfect weapon, with Neville Longbottom! A child who is, at the moment at least, no better than a squib! He is an incompetent klutz who needs to be told which way to hold his wand!" He knows he is probably being overly harsh, but he doesn't care at this point. Not when Dumbledore is trying to throw his son away like a broken toy.
Several teachers reluctantly nod their agreement. Each Professor conjures up memories of incidences within their own classrooms involving the Longbottom Heir and the hospital wing on several occasions merely due to the fact that Neville had been, as Severus put it, incompetent. They were gobsmacked to hear Albus brushing Harry Potter off like he had as if he were nothing more than an insignificant bump in the road.
"Severus, my boy, I am sure that with a little extra training and the right guidance, then Neville Longbottom will be able to aid us in our battle against Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters better than many Aurors would be able to."
"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named vanished years ago. He hasn't been seen nor heard from in over a decade, Albus, and there has been no evidence to suggest that he is even still alive somewhere. How do we even know he is definitely going to return soon if at all?" Filius, true to his position as the Head of Ravenclaw questions. He was not one for arguing moot points unless he was engaging in a deep meaningful discussion. The small charms professor settles back in his seat, as Severus watches the argument unfold in front of him. He ignores the headmaster's last comments, laughing inwardly as he ponders the chances of Neville Longbottom ever going up against the Dark Lord.
A few seconds tick by without anyone saying more. So, most present decide to slowly return to their own conversations, though small mutterings continue to whisper about the most recent news on Harry Potter's suspected demise or at least his fatal injuries at the hands of his relatives. That is until Minerva rereads through the article, smirking at some hidden details Rita managed to slip in. She chuckles softly, an amused glint shining in her eyes as she turns her attention to Severus who is staring forlornly at the doors.
"So Severus, how come none of us have heard about your recent relationship change?"
The Head of Slytherin chokes on his coffee, turning to glare sharply at his colleague, a single eyebrow raised in question. He had been hoping with the news on Harry Potter, no one would have remembered or noticed that little details. Praying to Merlin that he would be able to leave the castle without having his personal life aired to the hall, he sighs. Placing his mug down, he wipes his mouth with his napkin, if only to stall his answer, especially when the table goes completely silent.
"Well, Minerva, I didn't see how it was any of your business what I do outside term times but yes, I am in a romantic relationship with Lord Slytherin if you must know."
Minerva's face lights up at the confession, her previous grief disappearing for a moment at the very prospect of one of her colleagues, the one who she had never seen truly smile nor relax much before, entering into a relationship that had, by the gentle smile on his lips, done him some good.
"Oh Severus, I am so happy for you! What is your son's name, the article said you had a son with your partner! How old is he? What does he look like? Is he really coming to Hogwarts?" Spewing off a plethora of questions, Severus sighs in exasperation. He knows that Minerva was not going to allow him to leave unless he answers all of her questions to her satisfaction. He rubs the bridge of his nose, valiantly trying to ignore the snickers coming from the Weasley brothers.
"Aldwyn's full name is Aldwyn Salazar Prince-Slytherin. He wished to change his name as soon as his father and I began our courting process, seeing as he already refers to me as his Papa. He looks much like his father did when he was a child with many of my own traits mixed in as well. He is twelve years old and will therefore be transferring to Hogwarts as a second-year student this academic year. He wished to experience a formal educational setting instead of being home-schooled once more. Now would you be kind enough to keep your nose out of my personal life?"
Minerva, unfazed by Severus's glare and backed up by their colleagues leaning forward to get a better view of the conversation, smirks. She hadn't seen such a soft expression adorning Severus's features before and she knew that his child was loved exceptionally well. It was nice to see the younger man finding some happiness for once.
"But Severus, you cannot expect me to just leave this alone! What is the name of your partner? How did the two of you meet? How long have you been together?"
Narrowing his eyes at the invasive witch, Severus subtly glances up and down the table sighing when he notices that all his colleagues were just as eager to hear more about his partner and his life away from Hogwarts. He isn't all that surprised either because he would normally spend the majority of his holidays within the dungeons of the school, working on his potions and avoiding everyone. This was the first summer since he started teaching that he had spent elsewhere.
"My partner's name is Lord Marvolo Slytherin. He was a close friend of mine while I was in school, though he had already graduated, and no he had not been a student at Hogwarts before you ask. He left this country at the beginning of the Wizarding War in order to escape the conflict and avoid being dragged into the fighting. He recently returned from Romania, after I had been in contact with him about the previous school year due to the goings on in Hogwarts and I wished for his advice. He, therefore, contacted me as soon as he arrived in England. We spent most of our time together catching up and getting to know one another again. I met his son, Aldwyn at the beginning of the Summer and we entered into an official relationship around a month ago now. It has all been a recent development."
Without waiting for anyone to respond to his answers, nor give them enough time to question him any further, Severus pushes himself to his feet and inclines his head towards the headmaster. He turns in a swirl of black material and makes his way toward the doors of the great hall.
"I must apologise for my sudden departure, but I really must be getting back home to my partner and our son. We are celebrating Aldwyn's birthday belatedly today and I have already missed his special birthday breakfast. I will be seeing you all again shortly."
With that said the doors close with a resounding thud as Severus makes his way, as calmly as he is able through the grounds of Hogwarts and out of the gates before he is able to apparate straight back to Slytherin Mansion excited to see his son and partner again.
Aldwyn wakes with a loud yawn, his eyes slowly peeling open, rapidly blinking to chase away the rest of the sleep attempting to pull him back into unconsciousness. Sitting himself up against the headboard, he smiles at the bright golden light which warms his face, watching the flocks of birds flying past his windows singing to one another. The sound of his bedroom door opening cautiously as if the one behind it was worried about waking him, brings Aldwyn out of his thoughts. Jumping, he turns to watch a familiar head of blond hair enter. He relaxes.
Draco, having not realised that Aldwyn was in fact awake as he closes the door just as slowly, not wishing to make any noise. He turns around, jerking backward against the door with a deep frown when his eyes meet Aldwyn's much to the younger boy's amusement. Unable to remain annoyed or disappointed, even if it was just pretend, at Aldwyn for long Draco is quick to rush over with a shout. He jumps on top of the covers, and incidentally on top of his friend causing the pair to break into giggles. Draco pulls himself upright as he attempts to curb his laughter, legs straddling Aldwyn's catching their breath. He pulls Aldwyn into a tight hug.
"Happy birthday, Aldwyn!"
Pulling away from the embrace, Aldwyn cocks his head to the side, eyes blown wide as he stares up at Draco, a small smile stretching across his features.
"It's my birthday today?"
Draco smirks at Aldwyn. He tries valiantly to hide his sorrow for the younger boy who had never really celebrated his birthday before. He nods his head, watching as Aldwyn's face breaks out into an overjoyed grin, eyes sparkling with excitement in a matter of seconds. Draco prepares himself for what he knows is about to happen, just managing to open his arms just as Aldwyn launches himself at Draco's chest knocking them both back onto the bed.
"It is my birthday, Draco! Father said that our party was going to be today! I have never had a birthday party before; this is going to be so much fun!" Aldwyn whispers excitedly, hands gripping Draco's pajama top in tight knuckles. He pulls back from his friends, cheeks aching slightly with how wide he is grinning, an expression which Draco cannot help but reciprocate.
"Oh and," Aldwyn feels a flush creeping up his cheeks and he places a quick kiss on Draco's cheek, voice melodic and timid, his grin dimming to a shy smile, "Thank you, Draco."
Draco's cheeks colour at his action. Willing it away, or to distract himself Draco ruffles Aldwyn's hair smiling at just how embarrassed Aldwyn is with his own actions.
"You are welcome, Aldwyn. I wanted to be the first to wish you a happy birthday."
"By sneaking into my bedroom and scaring me half to death?"
"Well… yes. It is what friends are for after all."
Aldwyn laughs at Draco, it was nice to know that he wouldn't be counting down the minutes to his birthday all on his own anymore. That he was surrounded by people who wanted to celebrate with him. He slides off his bed, about to make his way towards his wardrobe in order to begin getting dressed for the day when Draco captures his hand. Glancing over his shoulder, Aldwyn raises an eyebrow watching when Draco smirks in response, leading the other out of his bedroom.
"In Malfoy Manor, it is a tradition to spend birthdays, Yule, Samhain, and other special occasions in our pajamas unless we are expecting company, or we are going out somewhere. I am sure that Uncle Marvolo and Uncle Severus wouldn't mind you borrowing our traditions."
Aldwyn's smile widens, twisting his hand gently to allow Draco to hold his hand instead of his wrist, his expression stretches further at the pale blush dusting across Draco's face as he shoots a shy smile over his shoulder at Aldwyn. They continue to make their way through the corridors, stomachs growling the closer they come to the dining room.
Upon arriving, Draco and Aldwyn push one of the large doors open, slipping into the fire-warmed room still hand-in-hand. They walk across the room to their usual seats and are quick to sit down. Looking around the table, a frown is quick to form on Aldwyn's lips when he notices that his papa's seat is still empty. Turning to look at his father in silent question, a pout clear on his face, Marvolo is quick to reassure his son, carding a hand through his hair.
"Your Papa received a Patronus from Dumbledore early this morning informing him that his presence is required for breakfast with the Hogwarts Staff today. Apparently, it is for some traditional celebration of Harry Potter's birthday. He will return shortly, Snakelet. Do not worry so. He apologises for his absence and promises to make it up to you when he comes home."
Aldwyn nods, still feeling a little disappointed that his papa wouldn't be home to share his special birthday breakfast, but he knew it wasn't the man's fault. Dumbledore just had to stick his nose in yet again, he just had to take his papa away today of all days. Again, he understands. It was Harry Potter's birthday today and even if they didn't send a card or letter or present to the Saviour himself, it was nice that they acknowledged his birthday in some way.
Marvolo, noticing his son's still partial melancholy stands from his seat at the head of the table and swings his child into his arms. Hugging Aldwyn close, he drops a kiss on his forehead drawing a tiny giggle from the boy. He tightens his arms around his son, holding him close.
"Happy birthday to you my Little Snakelet. Your papa and I have everything set up and ready for you in the family sitting room for when you are finished with your breakfast. The other children will be arriving this afternoon for your and Draco's party as well."
Aldwyn nods again, mood lightening. He wraps his arms around his father's neck in return, legs curling around the man's waist to help a little with his weight. He couldn't believe how much he had filled out in the past few weeks, he even felt healthier. Dropping his head to Marvolo's shoulder when he feels a hand carding through his hair before he is placed back on the floor.
"Thank you, Father. I can't wait."
Giggling behind his hand, Aldwyn's eyes widen when his father makes his way back to his own seat and he finally takes notice of Marvolo's attire. However, before he has a chance to comment on the immaculate pair of black silk pajamas the Dark Lord is wearing, Mister and Mrs. Malfoy stroll into the room, arm-in-arm, and take their seats. Their own bed robes wrapped tightly around their frames covering finely crafted pyjamas with slippers adorning their otherwise bare feet.
Draco smirks at his friend's gobsmacked expression, he was a little put out by the fact that Aldwyn hadn't initially believed him when he had told him of the Malfoy family traditions, but he couldn't really blame Aldwyn. He wouldn't have believed his friend if Aldwyn suddenly told him that the Dark Lord like to wander around the house in his bedclothes either. Not until he saw it with his own eyes. This didn't stop his smirk from widening, nor did it prevent him from whispering a very smug 'I told you so' to Aldwyn before he greeted his parents.
Aldwyn finally pulls himself out of his shock of seeing such prestigious members of the wizarding world dressed only in their night clothes. In the dining hall. During the day, flashes a bright smile towards the Malfoy patriarchs.
"Good morning, Uncle Lucius, Aunt Narcissa."
Narcissa smiles softly at the young wizard sitting across the table, his eyes sparkling.
"A good morning to you as well, Aldwyn. Happy birthday."
Aldwyn inclines his head in thanks towards Narcissa, excitement climbing at the prospect of getting to spend his entire birthday with those he considered family, instead of cooking, cleaning, and slaving away over the Dursleys' garden. He actually has the chance to relax and potentially make some new friends as well.
"Yes, Happy birthday, Aldwyn."
"Thank you, Aunt Cissa, Uncle Lucius."
"Alright then, Snakelet. What would you like for breakfast?"
Aldwyn turns his attention to his father before his gaze sweeps the still-empty table. Raising an eyebrow, he turns back to Marvolo only to spot Conpey standing by his side, the elf's eyes blown wide with excitement, hands wringing as he bounces on the balls of his feet as if waiting for something. Then it clicks.
"I can have anything?"
"Yes, Aldwyn. You can have anything you would like today. It is your birthday after all."
"Then, may I please have some strawberry pancakes, a bowl of apple slices and grapes, and a cup of pumpkin juice, please Father?" Aldwyn grins up at his father, batting his eyelashes subconsciously. The action makes Narcissa wish to coo as she mutters just how adorable Aldwyn is to Lucius who merely rolls his eyes at his wife's antics.
Draco sniggers behind his hand, watching the supposed all-powerful Dark Lord give in to his now twelve-year-old son in an instant. Gesturing for Conpey to fulfill the order with a demand of it being the absolute best they had ever prepared due to it being such a special day. Aldwyn's grin widens, even as a blush coats his cheeks.
Conpey pops back mere seconds later, a steaming tray held securely in his quivering hands. Carefully placing the plates of fluffy pancakes in front of Aldwyn, alongside the bowl of fruit before he clicks his fingers, and a pitcher of pumpkin juice appears with two glasses between the two boys. Offering his thanks to the small creature, Aldwyn reaches for the juice just as the glasses are snatched up. Shocked, Aldwyn turns to stare at Draco speechless, the Malfoy Heir merely smiling his him as he pours out both glasses, sliding one over to Aldwyn in offering.
"Thank you, Draco but I am perfectly capable of pouring my own drink."
Smiling at the indignant pout on Aldwyn's face, Draco ignores the silence growing around them as their parents watch on with the same surprise on their faces. He takes a sip of his own drink.
"There is no need to thank me Aldwyn, and I know that you are capable but it is your birthday today and so I want you to enjoy it as much as possible which means no doing menial work at all."
Settling back in his chair, Draco is quick to follow the lead of the Dark Lord and his parents by requesting his own choice of breakfast from the kitchens. The room descends into a contented silence as everyone digs into their meals, small spattering conversations whispered through the air. That is until Marvolo's and the Malfoy's owls fly into the room, each holding a copy of the Daily Prophet's emergency edition in their talons.
Having a vague idea as to the content of the newspaper, Marvolo is quick to untie the strings his breakfast forgotten as he scans the front page quickly before he releases a gleeful laugh. Passing the article over to his son who takes his time reading through Rita Skeeter's words, Draco leans over his shoulder, a smirk blossoms over his features.
Aldwyn exchanges a self-satisfied grin with Draco as they both finish reading the very well-structured and thought-provoking piece. Everyone falls into their thoughts, taking their time to fully process the information and what this could mean for their side. They knew that despite the article not mentioning Dumbledore by name the staff at Hogwarts would know, or most of them would at least suspect that it had been Dumbledore to leave Harry outside the Dursleys' house. What they would give to be a fly on the wall at the staff meeting this morning.
"Well, I do believe this could be considered your first present of the day, Aldwyn. What do you think?"
The young wizard glances up at his father, smirk widening at the clear amusement shining in the man's brown eyes.
"I think that is a wonderful idea, Father," Aldwyn winks at his father, turning in his seat to face Lucius he beams up at his uncle, "Thank you for the wonderful present, Uncle Lucius!"
"You are most welcome, Aldwyn. I am glad you approve!"
Draco and Aldwyn giggle softly, eyes drifting around the room they catch sight of the adoring expressions on their parents' faces which draws pale blushes to their cheeks. Draco quickly turns his attention to his friend, willing his cheeks to return to normal. A wide smile stretches across his lips as he grabs Aldwyn's hand gaining the younger boy's attention. His grin widens, eyes shining with mischief.
"Speaking of presents…"