Chapter Twenty-One – Happy Birthday, Aldwyn
Aldwyn's eyes sparkle at Draco's suggestive tone, he curls his fingers around Draco's turning towards his father, slight puppy-dog pleading entering his expression. Marvolo rolls his eyes, sighing in playful resignation he leans forward to ruffle his son's hair and drops a kiss to Aldwyn's crown. Pushing himself from his seat, Marvolo clicks his fingers to call the house elves to clear away their plates before gesturing for the others to follow him.
"I suppose I can allow you to open your presents now before your party guests arrive, Snakelet. Let us make our way to the family lounge."
His excitement increasing three-fold at his father's acquiescence, Aldwyn drags Draco out of the dining room, slippers skidding slightly on the marble flooring as they wind their way through the corridors of the maze-like Mansion. Giggling and chatting with Draco, they discuss how they think the party is going to go, and what their parents have planned as they wait for the adults to catch up.
Arriving at the lounge, Aldwyn halts in the doorway, his eyes widening in disbelief when he catches sight of the small mountain of presents stacked neatly on one of the tables in the middle of the room. His distraction slackens his grip on Draco's hand and his arm slaps against his side. He can feel tears brimming, obscuring his vision as his emotions overwhelm his senses; he had never received much of anything for his birthday; not including Hedwig, his dearly departed owl. The most he could remember receiving was a long list of chores from Vernon. And the odd dirty sock.
Draco, sensing his friend's thoughts is quick to pull Aldwyn into his arms, rubbing a hand up and down his back as he glances between Aldwyn and the gifts. He had heard his parents talking with Marvolo and Severus about making this an extra special birthday for Aldwyn, and he had garnered from the conversations he had overheard that Aldwyn had never celebrated his birthday before. That Aldwyn had never even received so much as a 'Happy Birthday' from his previous guardians let alone any presents.
"It is alright, Snakelet. You deserve all of this and so much more, my little one." Marvolo mutters, his heart going out for his son when he catches sight of the pleading look on Draco's face. He kneels down on the floor, settling a comforting hand on Aldwyn's shoulder, a sad smile shaping his lips when he catches the red rimming Aldwyn's eyes and he knows that his son is keeping a tight lid on his emotions.
Aldwyn was expecting this. So as to not overwhelm him on the day, his father had told him that there would be some gifts waiting for him, that his family had wanted to shower him with the affection he had been starved with. It wasn't like he hadn't believed him; he just hadn't expected this much. He had thought they would buy him one maybe two gifts each but now. This pile almost rivaled that of Dudley's.
Managing to regain control over his wayward emotions by taking a deep breath and holding it for a few seconds, Aldwyn makes his way toward the pile of presents. He casts a glance behind himself when the Malfoys, his father, and Draco all move to seat themselves in the available chairs around the room. Each offering him gentle and reassuring smiles. He stops a few steps short of his presents, eyeing each one before he lets out a quiet sigh, wringing his hands.
"Aldwyn, is everything alright, Snakelet?"
Aldwyn nods his head, turning his sheepish expression towards his father. He scratches the back of his neck before he glances back at the gifts, eyes taking in the array of colours hiding his gifts from view. He forces himself to meet his father's concerned gaze, shoulders slumping, his eyes dropping to the floor.
"Yes, Father. I just wish to wait until Papa is home from Hogwarts before I begin to open my presents. It wouldn't feel right otherwise."
"Well then, it is a good thing that I am home now, isn't it, Snakelet?"
Aldwyn startles at the unexpected voice almost stumbling backward. He spins on his heels and stands staring incomprehensively at the figure of his papa leaning casually against the door frame, arms crossed as a smirk dances across his lips. When he sees that he has his son's attention, Severus pushes himself away from the doorway, grinning down at the stunned expression on Aldwyn's face. It takes a second or two for Aldwyn to snap into action. He runs across the room, voice elated.
"Papa! Welcome home!"
Severus bends down to catch his excitable child in a tight embrace, lifting Aldwyn up to allow him to rest his head atop Aldwyn's delighting in Aldwyn's pleasant giggles as his feet dangle in the air.
"A very happy birthday to you, my son. I am so sorry that I wasn't home for your special birthday breakfast, but I promise that I will make it up to you."
Aldwyn pouts at the mention of his missed breakfast and clings to his papa's shoulders tighter in response to the apology. He wanted to show his papa that he wasn't mad at him; that he doesn't blame his papa for not being home. Severus chuckles, stroking the soft hair away from his son's forehead when he drops the boy back to the floor, brushing his lips against the smooth skin.
"It's okay, Papa. I know it wasn't your fault. I'm just happy you are home again." Severus kisses Aldwyn's head again, smiling down at his son.
"Alright, now that we are all here. How about you open your gifts, Snakelet?"
Aldwyn nods, throwing his arms around his papa's waist in one final hug before he scampers off to his pile of presents. His smile widens when his papa settles on the sofa next to his father who immediately wraps an arm around the other's waist. He loved being surrounded by his ever-growing family, now all that was missing was the Weasley brothers, but they wouldn't be arriving until later on in the afternoon.
Slowly, cautiously, Aldwyn pulls one of the gifts close, eyeing the incredibly neat wrap job. He reads the tag stuck to the side and grins. Taking his time pulling the paper away from the small object inside, being extremely careful to not tear the wrapping too much. Once he has gotten all of the paper off and moves it to the side, he stares down at the small white box sitting in his hands. His eyes widen when he feels the immense magical residue radiating from within telling Aldwyn that whatever this was, was something special.
Lifting the lid, Aldwyn's breath catches when an intricately decorated locket is revealed lying upon a bed of deep green velvet. The locket, from what he could see, has eight sides, all rising steadily to meet a small circle. He strokes a finger across what he assumes are protective runes engraved into the golden crystal covering its surface, in a bright silver. In the central circle sits a beautifully cursive 'S' decorated with small emeralds and other green gems he can't identify. Tilting the box from side to side, Aldwyn grins when the glitter of the gems catches the light and reflects multicoloured patches across his pajamas. After he was sure he had inspected every inch of the locket, Aldwyn pulls it as carefully as possible out of the box with a shaking hand. He slides it around his neck, holding it reverently in the palm of his hand as he feels his father's familiar magic washing over him, caressing his skin before settling back down.
"Thank you, Father."
Marvolo nods to his son, wiping the few tears which had escaped his own eyes at finally having someone to present the Slytherin Heirship pendent to after losing hope so long ago. He had been given it, or rather he had taken it from his uncle's house before he had murdered the man ashewas the Heir of Slytherin, and the locket rightfully belonged to him. Leaning forward, he strokes a finger down the pale cheek of his child, his smile softening.
"You are most welcome, Snakelet. This is the Slytherin Heir's Locket, I used it as a holder for one of my Horcruxes and luckily for me, the locket was not damaged during the reabsorption ritual. It is layered with not just my own magic, but the family magic as well. I may not always be around, but this way I will always be able to protect you. I love you; my Little Snake and I don't know what I would do if something were to happen to you."
After hugging his father tightly, sniffling his tears away, Aldwyn shuffles back to his presents. He caresses the locket once more, appreciating such a precious gift given to him by his father, his father had trusted him with something which had once housed a part of his soul. He was going to protect such an important heirloom with his very life. Allowing the locket to rest against his chest, Aldwyn turns back towards his presents and repeats the process of carefully unwrapping his gifts. Moving on to one from his papa, Aldwyn glances towards Severus before opening the soft, and partially flat package. Pushing the paper out of his way, Aldwyn lets out a choked sob at the deep purple robes sporting the Prince Family Crest as well as a small black box.
"Papa…?"
"The Prince Family Heirship ring. Aldwyn, you are my son, in blood, magic, body, and soul and I would be pleased and forever grateful if you would consent to becoming my Heir officially." Severus asks quietly, taking the silver ring out of the box, he holds it out in offering to Aldwyn, the pair blinking away their tears when Aldwyn offers his hand to his Papa. He watches in awe as the ring is slipped onto his finger, complimenting his Slytherin Heirship ring as they settle beside each other on his right hand. He grins widely at the sight before throwing himself at Severus with a laugh.
"I would be honoured to be your Heir, Papa. Thank you so much!"
"You are most welcome, Snakelet. You will always be our son, our child from now until forever. No matter what. Even if your father and I eventually have more children you will be our Heir unless you wish to abdicate to one of your younger brothers. However, that will always be your choice, Snakelet. You are our son, first and foremost, and your father and I couldn't be happier."
"I love you, Papa, Father. I promise that I will make you both proud."
"You already make us proud, Aldwyn. Never doubt that."
Aldwyn giggles, kissing Severus and then his father on the cheek before he goes back to his presents. He subtly wipes his eyes free of tears wondering just how his papa knew one of the worries festering in his mind. The only person he had told about that had been Draco, but his friend wouldn't have told his parents. He knew that. It just goes to show how much his papa and father knew him already, they always seemed to just know things about what he was thinking, or what he was worrying about. It was nice.
He pulls a small pile of presents forward, all tied together with a thin string, and he can't keep the grin from his face when he reads that all of them were from his Aunt Cissa and Uncle Luc. Aldwyn slowly makes his way through the gifts, appreciating them all. His grin widens when he pulls out multiple vials of rare and expensive potion ingredients alongside a book 'Advanced Potions for Potion Lovers'. When he holds it up to show his papa, Severus promises that they could practice some of the simpler ones before the school term began.
Opening the next present from the couple, Aldwyn's cheeks start to ache as his smile tries to widen at the sight of a set of brand new casual quidditch robes in bright emerald green and black, a pair of dragonhide boots with matching gloves which are folded within the robes. He laughs delighted when he also receives a broom cleaning and sustaining kit. His aunt and uncle certainly seemed to know all about his love for flying. He and Draco had flown around the Slytherin grounds as often as they had been able. Staring at the array of gifts for a moment, Aldwyn jumps up to hug the couple, laughing when he is cocooned in two sets of arms.
"Thank you, Aunt Cissa, Uncle Lucius. I love them."
"You are very welcome, Aldwyn. It is hard pressed who is more obsessed with quidditch, you or Draco."
Aldwyn nods at his uncle's words and plops back down on the floor. He piles his opened presents up by his side, pushing the wrapping paper out of the way for the house elves to tidy up later on. Reaching forward to grab another present, he reads it is from his papa again. Aldwyn cocks his head to the side, staring at the strangely shaped package; eyebrows furrowing as he fingers the cream-coloured cloth hanging over the gift. With shaking fingers, Aldwyn lifts the fabric, breath catching when he spots a small creature sitting calmly in a silver ornate cage.
Glancing over his shoulder where his papa is cuddled up with his father, Aldwyn blinks before turning back to the cage. Unlatching the door, Aldwyn holds his arm out in offering to the very small and oddly adorable blue feathered owl. He giggles quietly when the tiny creature flutters out and lands on his forearm, beak dragging through his hair as if in greeting. Aldwyn strokes his fingers through the thick plumage of the owl's chest.
"Papa, this is fantastic. What is it?"
"This is a fledgling Philippine Blue Owl, I found him while I was perusing Diagon Ally for the perfect present for you, Aldwyn. I know that that pig of a Muggle killed your Hedwig earlier this summer and at first, I thought that you may be averse to owning another so soon but the moment that I laid eyes on him, I knew that he was perfect for you, my son. He will only grow a fraction more, but he is strong, loyal, and highly intelligent. I am sure that he will be the perfect companion for you."
"Thank you, Papa. He is so cool. I didn't know you could get blue owls." Aldwyn mutters, turning to Draco who has come to sit on the floor by his side, grey eyes staring at the tiny owl in fascination. Shuffling closer to his friend, Aldwyn gestures for Draco to stroke the owl which he carefully does. The two boys break into laughter when the bird ruffles its features.
"Hello handsome, you are going to be my friend from now on and I am going to look after you and take good care of you."
Hello, young one, are you my master?"
"What… did you just…?" Aldwyn stares at the owl in confusion, eyes widening before he glances over at his papa, "Ummm, papa? I think my owl just spoke to me… in my head…"
Severus's eyes widen, gaze shifting between his son and the small owl perched on Aldwyn's forearm before a large smile breaks out across his lips. Marvolo chuckles, dropping a kiss to Severus's cheek.
"It would seem that your papa has found your destined familiar, Aldwyn."
"Destined familiar? What's that?"
"A destined familiar is a creature who, once found, will magically bond with their witch or wizard. They are creatures who are completely loyal to their bonded and can form a telepathic link in order to communicate easier with each other. Very few wizards actually find their destined familiars, but those who do will live long and prosperous lives together. You see, your owl's life will elongate to match yours, he will not die unless you do unless he is deliberately killed, but you will not die if he does."
"Wow. Papa, this is amazing. Thank you so much, I love him!"
Aldwyn takes in what his father is saying, staring down at the little owl sitting on his arm. He bites his lip, eyes focusing completely on the creature and Marvolo and Severus know that he is trying to test their telepathic link.
Can you hear me?
Of course I am, I am not deaf.
Sorry. I just didn't know if this was going to work or not. Do you have a name yet?
No, I have not been given a name yet. It is for my new master to gift me with one. Are you, my master?
Yes, I suppose I am, but you can call me Aldwyn. That man there is my father, and next to him is my papa. The blond boy here is Draco, my friend and the two sitting over there are my Aunt Cissa and Uncle Luc, they are my family.
Will I be staying with you?
Yes, you will be staying with me from now on, unless you need to deliver a letter to someone, or you are needed elsewhere. I just need to think of a good name for you.
Yes, I would like a name.
How about Phanex? A strong name for such a strong owl.
I like it, very regal. Thank you.
You are welcome, Phanex.
Aldwyn lifts a hand to scratch his owl behind his ears, delighting in the soft trill he gains in response, Phanex butting against his hand. Turning to smirk up at his father and papa, Aldwyn gestures to the blue bird.
"Papa, Father, I would like to introduce you to Phanex."
"Phanex?" Marvolo questions, a smirk of his own stretching across his lips at the very Slytherin-like deviousness he can see glittering in his son's green eyes, "God of Deception?"
The room fills with laughter as Aldwyn merely shrugs his shoulders in response, his smirk never wavering as he glances back at his own, stroking his plumage once again.
"I thought it was very fitting actually, Phanex seems to like it as well. Now, just picture Dumbledore's face when he hears Phanex's name and thinks too deeply about the meaning behind his name. It will drive him crazier than he already is."
Aldwyn snickers, before turning back to his now much smaller pile of gifts. Phanex flutters up to settle on Aldwyn's shoulder, his sharp talons gripping hold of Aldwyn's pajamas to keep himself balanced as his owner leans forward. Aldwyn grabs another squishy, flat parcel from his father and smiles when it squidges beneath his fingers as he tears the paper away.
Picking up the fabric, Aldwyn holds it up to get a better look. He has a cloak in his hands. A cloak much like his papa had gifted to him, but this one was a deep emerald green, silver trimmings running along the hem with the Slytherin Crest embroidered into the right breast. The clasp was an ornate silver with two snakes carved into the metal. Folding it back up carefully, he lies it on top of the Prince cloak before turning pleading eyes toward his father.
"Thank you, Father. May I wear one of my new cloaks to the party later, please?"
Severus turns his face against Marvolo's shoulder, stifling his sniggers as he watches Marvolo cave to their son's wide-eyed innocent look in an instant. He knows that Aldwyn is going to be a spoilt child if Marvolo has anything to say about it. Hearing a quick 'of course you can, Snakelet' has the potions master losing it, snorting aloud with the effort of attempting to suppress his laughter. Marvolo rolls his eyes at his partner, he knew that Severus had the same issue he did when it came to denying their son anything. He drops a kiss on Severus's hair, tightening his arm around his waist.
"Come on, Snakelet. Just a few more gifts left to unwrap before you need to start getting ready for your party guests to arrive."
Aldwyn nods to his papa's words, settling back near Draco, he pulls another neatly wrapped small, gift forward. He eyes the tag and grins when his father's and papa's names are written there. Carefully peeling back the paper, Aldwyn feels his eyes widening, stinging with tears when he recognises what is lying in his lap. Stroking his fingers down the white gold, green, and deep blue ornate hand mirror he releases a joyous laugh.
"Thank you, Papa, Father. Now I can talk to the two of you whenever I want!"
"You are very welcome, Snakelet. We know that you are worried about going back to Hogwarts without any way of contacting your father and me, so we decided that this would be the perfect gift to give you before you depart for school. You may also contact Lucius and Narcissa if you ever have need of them."
Grinning from his parents to his godparents, Aldwyn places the mirror down on top of his new cloaks being mindful of the breakable glass. He turns to the final few presents with a happy sigh; eyes being drawn to a decisively messier-looking gift he grins. Glancing at the neat cursive on the tag, Aldwyn giggles as he begins to tear the paper away from the small white box. Flicking the lid open, Aldwyn gasps at the intricate pin he sees sitting inside the velvet cushion. Slowly, Aldwyn lifts the broach out of the box, brushing a tear from the corner of his eye as the light catches on the Onyx stones. He strokes a finger down the onyx and sapphire dragon pin, giggling when it releases a small purring sound. His eyes are drawn to the small Latin word 'Praesidio' carved along its back and grins.
"To Protect." He whispers, earning a shy smile and nod from Draco who shuffles closer to Aldwyn. Wrapping an arm around Aldwyn's shoulders, careful not to dislodge Phanex who clicks his beak when he teeters slightly.
"I wanted to give you something that would remind you that I will always be there for you, even if we fight for whatever reason and I am not by your side, I will always be with you. I had it commissioned especially for you, Aldwyn."
Aldwyn spins around at his friend's words, throwing his arms around Draco's waist he giggles when Phanex releases an indignant squark at being uprooted from his perch. He watches as Phanex flies to settle himself on top of his cage, preening his rumpled feathers.
"I will wear it with my robes this afternoon. When we are at school, I will pin it to my school bag. That way I won't be able to lose it. I will have one of the older boys spell it so that only I can remove it just in case someone tries to steal it. Or I could just ask Bill to do it, I am sure he would know the spells."
Aldwyn places the pin back in its box, setting it down next to his two-way mirror, cushioning it on his robes as he turns back to the final present. He stares down at the very thin, official-looking envelope with a raised eyebrow wondering what on earth could be inside. Picking the envelope up, Aldwyn spies the official stamp of Gringotts printed in the top left-hand corner and steals himself. Maybe this was something to do with his vaults? Slipping his fingers beneath the wax, Aldwyn slides his hand into the envelope even as his eyes scan the small note written on the back.
Dear Heir Aldwyn Salazar Prince-Slytherin,
All of us here at Gringotts Bank would like to wish you a very happy birthday and hope that you enjoy this gift that your parents have specially requested to be created especially for you.
Nagnok.
Taking hold of the single sheet of parchment held inside, Aldwyn carefully pulls the page out, holding his breath as he stares at the back of the parchment for a moment as he tries to gather himself before turning it around. Placing the envelope on the floor by his side, Aldwyn scans the document before promptly bursting into tears. His hands tremble as his shoulders quiver with the force of his sobs. Pushing himself up from the floor, Aldwyn launches himself at his parents, wrapping an arm around each of their necks, careful not to crease the document.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
Hugging their emotional child tightly between them, Severus and Marvolo smile affectionately down at Aldwyn who continues to cry into their shoulders. They were pleased that Aldwyn had at least enjoyed the first part of his birthday celebration despite being a little frayed emotionally.
"You are most welcome, Snakelet. We wished for you to hold absolutely no doubts that you areourson,ourchild no matter what and this document will prove that to anyone who questions it as well."
"You are our precious little boy, Snakelet and nothing is going to change that."
Aldwyn nods his head, still happily crying into his parents' embrace. It was nice to have his worries proven irrelevant now. He was Aldwyn Salazar Prince-Slytherin, Heir to the Noble House of Prince, Heir to the Ancient and Most Prestigious House of Slytherin and he couldn't be prouder. He pulls back a little, wiping his eyes with his handkerchief as he settles himself down on his parents' lap, sighing when their arms tighten around him as if they didn't wish to release him just yet. They simply bask in the comfort of each other as Aldwyn rereads his new birth certificate.
Name: Aldwyn Salazar Prince-Slytherin
Father: Marvolo Slytherin
Papa: Severus Tobias Snape
Date of Birth: 21stJuly 1980
Aldwyn doesn't speak, his mind whirling as he continues to stare down at the Gringotts' official document held in his lap, his eyes continuously flicking toward the relatively high pile of presents sitting on the floor by the sofa. He watches as one of the Slytherin House Elves pops into the room, cleaning up the used wrapping paper, as he smoothes his hands over the certificate reverently. His fingers trace the golden calligraphy, pleased with the way the letters seem to glow in the sunlight. He settles back against his parents' arms crossed against his back, sighing in contentment when he feels the warmth and love of their embrace blanketing him. He closes his eyes to savour the feeling.
Due to his contented distraction and his tender smile, no one comments when Aldwyn jumps, a small squeak escaping his throat when Geeney suddenly appears in front of the sofa, her round eyes blown wide in excitement as her ears flap against the side of her head. Aldwyn shakes his head, grinning down at the elf.
"Is Little Dark Prince Aldwyn wishing for Geeney to be taking his new things up to his bedroom for him?"
Aldwyn nods his head, glancing at the pile of presents once more, he smiles down again at his friend, settling further against his parents.
"Yes, please Geeney that would be perfect, thank you. Can you make sure to leave out the Slytherin Family cloak, my new dragonhide boots from Aunt Cissa and Uncle Lucius, and the pin from Draco. Please, leave them on my bed with some fresh clothes for me. Oh, and my new fingerless gloves if it isn't too much trouble?"
Geeney nods her head rapidly, her large ears once again slapping against the side of the face before she bows low enough to scrap them off the carpeted floor. She clasps her hands behind her back as she straightens up, bouncing on her toes.
"Of course, Little Dark Prince Aldwyn. It being no trouble at all. Geeney would also like to wish Little Dark Prince Aldwyn a very happy birthday and she makes you this!" Geeney grins widely at her master, hands holding out a small wooden carving of a snake, one that looked suspiciously like his father's familiar Nagini who he hadn't seen much of during his stay in the Mansion. Apparently, she liked to spend most of her time hunting for rats on the grounds, or other small creatures. Aldwyn takes the offered sculpture, eyeing the craftmanship in awe.
"Did you make this, Geeney? It is brilliant!"
"Geeney bes making it for Little Dark Prince Aldwyn, since little Dark Prince first bes arriving at the Manor, and Geeney being askes to bes your House Elf, Little Dark Prince Aldwyn."
"Thank you, Geeney. Would you mind finding somewhere special for it to go, maybe on one of the shelves in my bedroom? I want to be able to see it at all times."
Geeney takes the sculpture back from Aldwyn, ears flapping against her head as she once again nods in agreement. She clicks her fingers, the rest of his gifts floating over to her as she bows to Aldwyn.
"Geeney bes doing as you wish, Little Dark Prince Aldwyn. Leave it all to Geeney! Yours clothes bes ready for you when yous be getting ready for the party." With that said, Geeney disappears with a pop, the presents vanishing along with her, and the group is once again left in silence.
"Well Snakelet, I do believe that it is about time for you to begin the preparations for your and Draco's birthday party, don't you?"
Aldwyn manages to tear his eyes away from his birth certificate again at the sound of his papa's voice, not making a sound as his hands smooth over the document, his nerves spiking at the daunting prospect of meeting a group of children who, before now, wouldn't even give him the time of day. Except to pick on him and potentially ruin his potion work. His eyes flicker from his papa to his father, he sucks his lip into his mouth, eyebrows furrowing.
"Do not worry so, Snakelet. I am sure that Mister Malfoy will be needing to prepare as well. Why not invite him along with yourself while we go and prepare the back garden for the arrival of your guests?"
Almost immediately after the suggestion leaves his father's mouth, Aldwyn's wide eyes seek out the icy blue of Draco, pleading with his friend to come with him. To help him calm his nerves back down, to stick by him while he navigates the swarm of children who will likely be milling around outside in just a few short hours. His voice, barely above a whisper travels through the silent air.
"Draco…?"
Draco doesn't even wait for Aldwyn to finish his request before his gaze is directed at his parents, an identical look of pleading to shape his features which makes the Malfoy Lord and Lady cave instantly. It wasn't like they could leave Aldwyn alone when he was still so jittery around strangers, nor could they really say no to their son.
"Mother, Father, may I accompany Aldwyn, please?" His tone is polite in his attempt to remain regal as any Heir should and yet the adults are still able to detect the slight underlying sound of desperation. Malfoys do not whine, nor beg. Draco subconsciously widens his eyes; he really didn't wish to Floo back to Malfoy Manor in order to change only to have to return in a little over an hour. Besides, he didn't want to let Aldwyn worry by himself, he would work himself up into a state, something Draco didn't want Aldwyn to suffer through again.
Draco forces himself to wait patiently, watching in anticipation as his mother shifts. Her hand delicately pulled a tiny bundle from the pocket of her bedclothes, and he couldn't surpass the smile which grew. Taking the offered pile as soon as his mother had enlarged it, he presses his own dragonhide boots firmly to the top of the pile to ensure nothing fell. Jumping to his feet, Draco presses a kiss to his parents' cheeks, turning to Aldwyn he grins at the relief he spies in his friend's expression.
Severus, noticing that his godson is now waiting for Aldwyn to join him, gently picks his son up from his position across his own and Marvolo's laps. Placing his son on his knees, Severus drops a kiss on Aldwyn's forehead, smoothing his hair away from his face, he cuddles Aldwyn close.
"Geeney!" Severus calls, smiling when the small elf appears in a flash. Bowing towards the potions master, she wrings her hands; never had she been called by the Masters of the house, not since she had been promoted to Aldwyn's personal House Elf.
"Geeney, I would like for you to place Aldwyn's new birth certificate in one of our finest frames and hang it wherever he chooses in his bedroom."
Geeney nods her head, letting an almost silent breath of relief escape her throat. She had thought she had done something to displease her masters. Turning to her young charge, Geeney grins. Her little master didn't like when she referred to him as Master, even if she still used that title out of habit; he had said they were friends.
"Of course, Master Princey. Geeney bes more than happy to place Little Dark Prince Aldwyn's special paper in the prettiest frame shes can find." Geeney turns expectant eyes towards Aldwyn, hands thrusting out in preparation to take the document from her little master and find the perfect place to hang it.
Aldwyn, however, is quick to clutch the parchment to his chest, not wishing to part with the proof of his family lineage so soon. Not wishing to have such an important thing taken away from him, even if it was just to his bedroom where he would be going in just a few short moments. Aldwyn shakes his head, mindful that he doesn't crease the parchment. Startling when a hand lands on his shoulder, a comforting weight which drags his attention to his father who kisses his temple.
"You need not worry so, Aldwyn. Geeney is not going to damage your birth certificate. Your papa and I made sure that the Goblins warded and spelled it against any forms of accidents which may cause any damage to it. Your certificate will be perfectly safe, I promise."
Nodding reluctantly, Aldwyn hands the certificate over to his overexuberant house elf, chuckling softly when she bows so low that her large ears brush against the carpet again, her nose not far behind. He watches her go, popping out of the room with an audible crack and a small flash of smoke. His birth certificate being held delicately in her hands.
"Alright, Little Snakelet. Why don't you take Draco on up to your bedroom so that you may both begin preparing for your party?"
Twisting on Severus's lap, Aldwyn's gaze flickers from his papa to his father, head inclining in understanding. He didn't want to be late for his very first birthday party after all. Shuffling off his papa's lap, with the man's help, Aldwyn wraps his arms around his parents one last time.
"Alright, Papa. I will see you both in an hour or so. I love you both."
"And we love you very dearly, Snakelet. Now run along before Young Draco here explodes from all his pent-up excitement. Bill and Charlie will be arriving later today as well; once they have finally managed to get away from the old coot and hishighly important staff breakfast." Marvolo chuckles at the small pout shaping Draco's features at his jibe, though it subsides in the presence of Aldwyn's anticipation at seeing the elder two Weasley children once again, and so soon after they had left the Mansion.
Gently pushing his son in the direction of the door, Marvolo and Severus smile reassuringly at their child; his actions spurring Draco into movement as he appears at Aldwyn's side. Gripping his friend's hand, Draco proceeds to drag Aldwyn out of the family lounge, giving him just enough time to wave a quick goodbye to his parents before they are out of sight.
Draco continues to lead Aldwyn through the corridors, only stopping when they have made their way through the maze-like corridors, ending up outside Aldwyn's bedroom door despite the constant jostling and playful shoves they had exchanged along the way, working off some of their energy. Aldwyn is quick to push open his door, bowing lowly as he gestures for Draco to proceed him into the room with a quip of 'ladies first' which has them both collapsing into an undignified heap as another fit of giggles seizes them.
Aldwyn, after a few moments of struggling, is the first to regain himself, pulling himself to his feet, he takes a deep calming breath to regulate his breathing as he casts a cursory glance around his bedroom, grinning when he finds that Geeney had already sorted his presents out. Placing them with the utmost care in their rightful places. His new books are resting on one of his bookshelves, potions ingredients had been organised along one of his wall shelves, in alphabetical order by the looks of things. Turning to look towards his bed, Aldwyn grins wider when he spots his birth certificate hanging on the wall above his headboard, placed in a silvery frame, the intricately carved swirls making the document stand out all the more, especially with the addition of small green gems which had been sealed within the border.
Moving to sit on his mattress, Aldwyn absentmindedly strokes his fingers down the soft material of his new cloak, eyes taking on an unfocused sheen as he stares across the room at nothing sinking deep within his own thoughts. Anxieties rising minutely as his mind spins. Draco, who has finally managed to catch his breath notices the look shaping Aldwyn's features and is quick to push himself from the floor, silently making his way to his friend. He sits down on the edge of the bed, slowly wrapping an arm around Aldwyn's shoulders and pulling the unresisting form into a sidewards embrace.