Chapter Twenty-Four – A Day in the Life Of

Aldwyn is running through the small enclave of trees toward the rear of Slytherin mansion, his feet moving as silently as he is capable of making them as he dodges branches, jumps over roots, and tries not to slip on fallen leaves. He doesn't look around, not when he hears snapping twigs coming from behind, nor when he hears the sound of a large body crashing into a tree.

He doesn't slow down and fixes his eyes on the rapidly approaching light shining in front of him. It wouldn't be much longer before he was in the open field and would have a clear path to the house. His wand had been left in his room as per his instruction and so he was defenceless. There was no way he could defend himself, nor could he attack if the person chasing him caught up to him. He veered to the left, circling around every tree that got in his way before he ran off toward the right. Hoping to throw his pursuer off his trail.

Pausing just shy of the treeline, Aldwyn finds a sturdy-looking tree and after laying down a couple of false trails around the area, he begins to climb. Hoping against hope that they would merely pass beneath him without a glance in his direction. Aldwyn winces when he slips a little and his hands scramble for purchase scraping against the wood, his knees throb painfully when they crash into the trunk, but he keeps going. He takes it step at a time, branch by branch, pulling himself up as high as he is capable without the branches threatening to snap under his body weight.

He sits down, arm wrapped around the trunk of his sanctuary, and lies in wait. He tenses, even slowing his breathing as much as he is capable when he hears footfalls closing in. Leaves crunch under the heavy footsteps of his pursuer, their breathing laboured and rough. He flinches, grabbing hold of the tree tighter when a twig snaps less than a few meters away. They were close.

His eyes widen when a figure steps into his line of sight, almost standing directly beneath him and he holds his breath. Aldwyn watches as the figure lifts his nose into the air, tongue hanging out and he knows that the man is trying to discern his location. Luckily for him, it isn't close to the full moon, or he wouldn't have even gotten this far. He watches as the man takes a step forward, turning to face the Mansion then takes a step in the opposite direction. It seemed that his diversion is working.

Aldwyn reaches towards a stick that is barely hanging onto the branch he is sitting on and carefully pulls it free. His movements are slower than he is comfortable with, Aldwyn reels his arm back and launches the stick to the left, behind the man standing beneath him.

A smile stretches across his lips when the man spins around on silent feet, eyes narrowing before he takes off in the direction of the noise. Staying where he is for a moment longer, Aldwyn keeps his eyes and ears peeled for the retreating figure ensuring that he really was gone before he begins his slow descent to the ground.

Choosing not to run this time round, Aldwyn picks his way through the undergrowth, rolling his feet from the outside until they lay flat to ensure he made no noise as he walked through the woodland. He knew that his pursuer was still close by, that his diversion wouldn't last for long, and that he needed to get to the open plain before he was caught.

He wipes a hand across his brow, sighing when he finally comes to a gap in the treeline. Hurrying his steps Aldwyn gasps when hands grab him from behind and lift him off his feet. He struggles for a moment trying to break free before he slumps down in the tight grip, hanging his head as he tries to settle his breathing.

"You couldn't have let me have this one, Fen?" He breaks the silence drawing a chuckle from behind.

"Of course not, Little Prince. I was entrusted with your training by your father, and I would rather not meet his wand because I went too easy on you."

Aldwyn rolls his eyes, brushing his hands down his robes when he is placed back on his feet. Turning around he shoots a grin at his stealth and survival teacher who was anything but lenient when it came to chasing him down through the woods and catching him at every opportunity. It was infuriating, yet highly entertaining at the same time. At least he was getting his daily exercise in while he was outside.

"But I was so close this time!" Aldwyn whines, pointing towards the treeline which was less than a metre away. Another two paces and he would have made it.

"Be that as it may, Little Prince. You did well. I was surprised when you tried to use your scent trail to throw me off but remember that won't work on a normal wizard." Fenrir instructs gesturing for the young wizard to settle down on the ground.

"I know that Fenrir. I wouldn't use a tactic revolving around scent tracking to fool a wizard. I was just using my knowledge of my pursuer to my advantage. Though not very well it seems." He sighs, shaking his head. He was sure that was going to work.

"Don't beat yourself up, Little Prince. You did very well. Better than some of the cubs in my pact and they are supposed to be naturally better at silent manoeuvring than normal wizards. Though you did get me when you threw that stick. Where were you hiding? You laid so many false trails that I couldn't pinpoint you at all." Fenrir drops to the floor, watching the young wizard rubbing the dirt out of some nasty-looking scraps on his palms.

"I was in the tree. You were standing right under my feet, and I was afraid you would look up and spot me so I threw the stick so you would move away. Though I was thinking of just trying to drop on your head." Aldwyn shrugs his shoulders, muttering that last sentence though Fenrir still hears him and slaps him around the back of the head. His hands and knees are throbbing with pain now that he is sitting down to rest.

He startles when his hand is gripped in a firm hand. He watches as Fenrir takes his own wand out of his jacket pocket and slowly knits the skin of his palm back together before he moves on to the next. Thanking the wolf, he grins.

"Of course, no wonder I couldn't locate you. Werewolf senses may be ten times stronger than that of a normal human, but it is still fairly difficult to determine whether a scent is coming from above us or not Especially when your scent was filling the entire enclave. I am impressed, Little Prince."

"Thank you, Fenrir. It has all been thanks to your teaching. I am really looking forward to going back to Hogwarts now…"

"I do not have to remind you that the Forbidden Forrest is still going to be off-limits to you, Little Prince. It is filled with dangerous creatures that will still track you down even if you tread silently."

"I know… but what if I-"

"I don't think so. Your father would skin me alive if he knew what you were thinking about, Little Prince. Promise me that you will not go into the Forrest unless absolutely necessary."

"I promise that I won't go into the Forrest unless I have to." Aldwyn declares, crossing his finger over his heart much to Fenrir's amusement. He knows that Aldwyn was going to still try to get into the Forbidden Forrest, whether he told him to or not. It was just something Aldwyn wanted to do. He wasn't too sure why the young child was so fascinated with the dangerous woodland, but he wouldn't question it.

"I guess that is as much as I can hope for, for now." Fenrir rolls his eyes at Aldwyn's grin and pushes himself back to his feet. "Now come on, I want to try that again but this time I want you to try and use all the knowledge you have acquired about werewolves to your advantage. I am sure you will win if you do."

Aldwyn groans but drags himself to his feet. He was determined to beat Fenrir, determined to become a wizard who didn't always rely on his wand and magic to save him. He follows Fenrir back to the outer edge of the forest and settles himself to go. He decides for once that he isn't going to run as straight as he is capable. No, he is going to zigzag through the woodland, twisting and turning, veering off in the complete opposite direction before looping back around. He knows that Werewolves were able to follow sounds and scents as well as any other creature, but they were unable to keep track of something which crossed back over itself so often the scents, old and new, all mixed together.

He straightens his robes, untying and retying his hair as Fenrir slumps back against a tree to sit in wait. He always gave Aldwyn a 4-minute head start. Planting his feet, Aldwyn takes a deep breath.

"Go!"

He takes off.

Wizengamot Set to Change

We here at the Daily Prophet Office are pleased to inform you all, the citizens of wizarding Britain that despite the bleak news we have been plagued with in regard to the recent disappearance of our very own Harry Potter, we have some news which will shed some light into our lives.

Now we are sure you all are aware of the mysterious occurrences which happened a few short weeks ago within the confines of Gringotts Bank. A long thought dead bloodline was not only revived by the return of a direct descendant, but the Lordship and Heirships were claimed as well as its Wizengamot seats being activated once more. That is right, our dear readers, not only has Lord Slytherin reopened his family's dormant vaults and re-established his family within the wizarding elite, much to the delight of the Goblins at Gringotts, but he has now confirmed in an interview that he will be taking his seat full-time in the Wizengamot and has he got some interesting plans for this upcoming term.

A few days ago this reporter spotted Lord Slytherin walking through Diagon Ally seemingly looking for something particular when I managed to convince him to answer a few of our burning questions as well as give us a short statement. I was fascinated, as I am sure are most of you, by this gentleman and found myself not disappointed.

D.P: Thank you for agreeing to speak with me today, Lord Slytherin.

L.S.: Thank you for seeking me out, Miss Skeeter.

D.P: I believe it is best to start with the question everyone is asking themselves first, Lord Slytherin. Just what made you come back to England when you did?

L.S: Well, that is a pretty interesting story to tell, if I am honest, Miss Skeeter. I was living in Albania as I had been for the past few years when I received a correspondence from an old friend whom I regretfully lost contact with quite some time ago. His letter informed me about the goings on within Hogwarts the past academic year and I was undoubtedly concerned for the children. It is safe to say that when I found no charges being bought against those responsible for such oversights, nor was there to be an investigation into the Health and Safety policies regarding the children I thought it only prudent that I return to my home country and finally take up my Lordship as my family had bee pushing for, for many years. So, packing my belongings I moved myself and my son to England.

D.P: And this old friend of yours?

L.S.: Severus Prince was a close friend of mine while he was still attending Hogwarts and we kept in contact with each other until I fled the war with my newborn son. We sadly lost contact during the rising conflict but I was inordinately pleased when I received a letter from him, despite the context.

D.P: And why did Lord Prince think to send you a missive about the issues Hogwarts was facing?

L.S.: Because he knew how much I wished to be a professor within the school. I have always loved the idea of educating the next generations. To be the one to teach them about our culture, our traditions, and how to protect and defend themselves out in the world.

D.P: Thank you, Lord Slytherin. Now, you mentioned your son. He will be attending Hogwarts this year?

L.S.: Yes, that is correct.

D.P: I see that you have activated your seats in the Wizengamot. Do you have any plans you are willing to share with us?

L.S.: Well, my dear, my partner and I have decided to try and sort out the outdated and medieval laws that our nation seems to be having a little trouble regulating or getting rid of altogether. I have plans to fight for equal rights of all beings, whether they be Magical creatures, Pureblood, or Muggleborn. I do not feel right in living in a world where people are treated better than others because they happened to be born into the 'correct family'. People do not choose who they are related to, not blood-wise anyhow, so I do not think Muggleborn or Half-blood wizards and witches should be punished for such. My partner is a half-blood and yet he is one of the most powerful wizards I know, he is by no means less significant to our society than anyone else. In fact, I believe he has had more impact with the potions he created and published than many magical folks in this country. It is not right.

D.P: You are planning to fight for Creature rights?

L.S.: I am indeed. There are many, less inhumane ways in which we can assist those labelled Magical Beings instead of ostracising them and demeaning them simply for their way of life. Werewolves are so suppressed nowadays that they cannot hold a decent job, they do not get financial support either. Yet, they are slated by the wizarding world for not taking the Wolfsbane potion every day for three days before the Full Moon. A potion that is one of the most expensive in our world. How are these people expected to pay for things if we block them at every turn from gaining employment? It is not fair for us to treat them in such a way for something which happens once every month.

D.P: I have a feeling that the wizarding world is set for a big change, Lord Slytherin, and that you will be at the forefront.

L.S.: I only hope that Wizarding Britain will see the harm they are bringing to innocent people and help me make a significant difference. I do not want to be the one to inform my son that we are alone in our fight against inequality.

D.P: Your son is a supporter of your work?

L.S.: My son is the main driving force behind my work. Aldwyn is a very kind and caring soul, he hates to see anyone, no matter their species or classification, suffering if there is something he is able to do to help them.

D.P: And your Consort, Lord Prince, does he agree with your goals?

L.S.: He is not my Consort, my dear, not yet at least. We are merely courting and yes, he does. Despite what many seem to think about Severus, he is much like our son, he is kind and very soft-hearted. He is the kind of man who despises any form of unfair treatment, especially against children. Severus hates anything to do with Child Abuse and the mistreatment of children and he believes that the Wizarding World is doing just that to Werewolf cubs and Vampire fledglings. He wishes to fund a primary school of sorts for all children within the magical community. Including Muggleborns, Half-blood and Pureblood children, Werewolf cubs, and Vampire fledglings.

D.P: It sounds like you have a very united and determined family unit Lord Slytherin, you seem to have everything planned out. I would like to be the first to inform you that you will have the backing of myself and many reporters here at the Daily Prophet.

L.S.: Thank you, Miss Skeeter. Your support is appreciated.

The wizarding world as we know it, dear readers, is set to change and from what I can tell from Lord Slytherin's words, these changes will only bring about positive results and unity between our varying communities. I pray that many of you will not only back these new developments but also actively attempt to implement them. I for one am looking forward to seeing what is to come. With the Prince and Slytherin seats now openly fighting for inequality against all magical creatures and species, things are going to become interesting. Stay tuned and we at the Daily Prophet promise to keep you all informed.

Rita Skeeter.

Dumbledore throws the Daily Prophet down with a heavy scowl. He would not let this happen. He could not let this continue. He has tried for too many years to shape the wizarding world into what it was today, and he would not let Voldemort ruin his carefully laid plans. Yes, he knew exactly who this newly found Lord Slytherin was, who else would have strong enough blood to claim the Slytherin seats? He would not let Tom win this time either.

As soon as everyone had left the Great Hall after the celebratory staff breakfast on Harry Potter's birthday, he had run to the underground corridor where he had thought the Philosopher's Stone was still resting as he had yet to give it back to Nicolas. He had had no reason to check before. After all young Harry held no memories of Quirrell having figured out how to get the Stone from the Mirror of Erised, let alone get his hands on it.

Severus, once questioned, had insisted that he hadn't seen the Stone anywhere within the Chamber, and by the time he had managed to get to Harry, the boy had been unconscious from Magical exhaustion with a pile of ash sitting a few meters away. It had been obvious that the boy had once again saved them all from the disastrous consequences if Voldemort were to get his hands on the Stone.

It hadn't taken him long to lift the charms and protections he had layered over the Mirror and what he came face-to-face with had angered him greatly. He had stood staring at the obviously fake Stone for what seemed like hours, question after question racing through his head onhowhe hadn't noticed that this rare artifact, this ridiculously powerful magical artifact had been stolen and replaced. Just how had Voldemort managed to get a hold of the Stone and escape while Quirrell's body had been turned to ash?

His mind contemplates for a brief moment whether Severus had somehow managed to lie to him, to trick him with his occlumency shields. He ponders just how Severus would have been able to help the phantom of the Dark Lord possessing Quirrell to acquire the Stone before almost immediately brushing the thought aside. Severus may have been accomplished in Legilimancy, but his Occlumency wasn't good enough to trickthe Albus Dumbledorewith false memories. Besides, Severus wouldn't betray him like that.

Then again, Severus was allegedly being courted by Marvolo Slytherin, and not only that, but he had also admitted that it was very possible that the two of them would become engaged soon enough. Once Aldwyn had settled back into England and Hogwarts. Thinking of Slytherin's son, Severus had also already started referring to him as his own child. Which only bought about more questions for the aged headmaster.

If Voldemort indeed had a child, one of eleven almost twelve years of age, then who was his mother and where had this boy been hidden for the past ten years or so? Did the child know that his father was the Evilest Dark Lord in British history? Why would Voldemort send his son to Hogwarts when he knows that Dumbledore is fully aware of who he is? Is Tom so overconfident in his abilities to defeat him that he doesn't think that there will be any consequences to sending his child to his own territory? Maybe he could turn the child against his father.

All of his current plans were falling through, and he didn't have any idea on how to stop it. First of all, Voldemort's brat had been enrolled in his school without his knowledge and he couldn't do anything to outwardly harm the child without drawing unwanted attention from, not only the Faculty and Ministry but from every single member of the Wizengamot as well. Not to mention that the Daily Prophet would most likely get hold of the story and soon the entire wizarding world would turn against him. He also couldn't harm the child himself because it would turn his only spy against him, and he couldn't have that. Not when Voldemort had a body back and was walking the streets.

The laws he had worked so hard to pass through were all going to be undone as well. He was going to have to increase his influence over some of the more neutral Lords and Ladies to ensure that Voldemort's policies are blocked at every turn. He wouldn't have Werewolves and vampires, or any other magical creature mixing in with the everyday witch and wizard. It would be too dangerous, and goodness knows how much more influence he would lose with them being incorporated into every lick of society.

To top everything off as well, Harry Potter had been reported missing and was suspected dead at the hands of his relatives. The muggles he had placed young Harry with and paid to make the boy malleable to his wishes from the boy's own vaults. He had needed Harry to be the boy-who-lived, to be seen as the Gryffindor Golden Boy, Saviour of the Wizarding World; he had needed the world to look up to the boy and look to him for salvation against the rising Dark powers that were plaguing their world.

He had wanted Harry to be willing to sacrifice himself in order for him, Dumbledore, to swoop in and take the glory for himself. He would have done it all himself if that crazy bat hadn't come out with the Prophecy. If that prediction hadn't gotten out to the public then he would have been the one everyone looked to, to save them. He had already protected them against one Dark Lord, after all.

Dumbledore glances back down at the Prophet, teeth gnashing together at the subtle way Voldemort had planted the seeds of doubt against their current ways of living. It was almost like he was trying to manipulate the public into agreeing with him and that didn't sit right with Dumbledore. Tom was trying very hard to manipulate the public by using a topic most people despised to think about. Child Abuse and Neglect and with the recent articles surrounding Harry Potter's suspected death through concealed abuse it would hit home more than ever. He wouldn't be all that surprised if Voldemort had planned this all out from the very beginning. If he hadn't killed Harry and then somehow managed to frame the muggles in order to give his own agendas a boost.

Voldemort had planned it well. He had spoken about the poor defenceless children who were being shunned and neglected due to the difficult financial situations they are being forced through because of the difficulty their parents face finding work. He pointed out the injustice of punishing people for the parents they are born to and how he wishes to change it, a far cry from his views during the Wizarding War. No one would believe Dumbledore now if he stated that Lord Slytherin was the crazed, evil, mass-murdering Dark Lord who had terrorised their nation just over a decade ago.

He would have to keep an eye on the situation and maybe call the old crowd together just in case Voldemort tried any of his old tricks. First, however, he needed to see to Aldwyn Slytherin. He needed to get the child alone so he could question him and maybe find some way to persuade him to join the Light side.

"So, I have Bill as my second in command, then there is Charlie, Draco, and Blaise so far. The rest of the Slytherin children from my year are going to go through a trial period while we are at school, not that they will be aware of it, of course, but I will debate who else to invite afterward. Possibly after Yule." Aldwyn mutters to himself, tapping his chin with a quill as he sits on the floor, parchment sheets spread across the coffee table.

Marvolo and Severus are curled against each other on the sofa content to just watch their son as he muddles his way through his own thoughts. He would ask them if he wished for their input. Marvolo chuckles at Aldwyn's quiet mumbles, wondering just how he is going to cope with being away from the boy for an entire three months. His mood sours minutely at the thought of the rapidly approaching beginning of terms, a frown tugging at the corner of his mouth. It seemed like he hadn't spent any time with his son in comparison. At least Severus was getting to see him every day when he was in Hogwarts; he was one of Aldwyn's professors after all.

"You do what you think is best, Aldwyn." Severus offers a chuckled response which draws Marvolo back into the conversation and he smiles. Tightening his arm around Severus's waist, Marvolo drops a kiss on his head before smiling down at his son who is scowling down at his notes, eyebrows furrowed deep.

"I think that I will wait until Yuletide. That way I do not add too many people at once. I will be able to get used to having a faction of four people, besides myself before I add another group. I don't think I am going to be adding all of the Slytherin children however, it will depend on how well they do in the probation period. During the first couple of months Draco, Blaise, and Bill can help me sus them out and find out where their best talents lie."

"I am very proud of you Snakelet, you are really putting a lot of thought into planning this." Marvolo compliments, smile dropping when Aldwyn bites his lips, hand freezing in place allowing a drop of ink to blot his parchment and his parents are instantly alert. Something was bothering their child. Aldwyn sighs, drags a hand through his hair, and places his quill down. He turns to glance up at his parents, eyes bright with trepidation.

"I just don't want to let you down. I really want my faction to be good and helpful, but I am not sure if I will be able to do it. I mean, what if I don't make a good leader? What if I mess up and end up just making things worse? What if I accidentally expose myself and put the members of my faction in danger?"

Marvolo looks down at Aldwyn and holds his hand out, he gestures for their son to come to them. Aldwyn is quick to jump to his feet, pushing his parchment closer together on the table before he rushes across the room and throws himself into his parents' waiting arms. Sighing he cuddles closer when he feels two sets of arms wrapping around him and tugging his closer. Two kisses brush his crown and he cannot contain his giggles, the sensation tickling.

"You could never let us down, Snakelet. No matter what you do. You have thought through every little detail, everything you could possibly think of to keep your In Dolus Intortis safe from discovery and injury including blood-contracted half masks, wards to prevent the imperious and other mind control spells and curses from affecting them, and even a block to prevent harmful potions from being ingested."

"You have also made plans to create various jobs for your members depending on their individual strengths and weaknesses. You have written up areas of improvement that you are going to be working on together throughout the upcoming years. Aldwyn, you are preparing them and helping your team to become strong enough to protect themselves. You have already proven you are capable of being a great leader, just like your father." Severus adds, smiling up at Marvolo who presses a kiss on Severus's forehead for his compliment.

Aldwyn watches his parents with a smile. He loved seeing his father and papa acting so romantic with each other, something which many children his age would find disgusting. Like Draco. Yet, he found it really nice. It reminded him that he really was part of a happy, loving family and it always filled him with warmth when he noticed these little acts of affection from his father to his papa and vis versa. He wished he could find something like this when he was older.

"Really?"

"Truly, Snakelet. Besides, your father and I are always going to be here if you need to talk to us or if you need help coping with leading your own faction. You are our son after all; our little boy and we will always be there to give you a helping hand."

"Not that you will need it, of course, you are just too smart for that, but just in case…"

His father lifts him off the floor, dragging his pliant body into his chest. Aldwyn giggles and settles his legs out across Severus's legs. His smile widens when a hand settles on his leg, patting his ankle a few times before resting against him to keep him in place. He cuddles into his father's chest, allowing his eyes to slip closed for a moment.

"Thank you, Father, Papa. I am going to try hard."

"We know you will, Snakelet and we will be proud of anything you come up with and accomplish. Just do not forget to keep up with your schoolwork."

"I will, Papa. I promise. I get to choose my electives this year!" Aldwyn grins, his eyes sparkling as he looks from his father to his papa. He rests his head against his father's shoulder, his smile settling when his papa pats his ankle again.

"Oh? Do you have any idea on which subjects you are likely to pick?" Marvolo questions, if he knows anything about his son, it is that he already had a strong idea, if he didn't already know, which electives he was going to take.

"Ancient Runes and Arithmancy for definite. Maybe Care of Magical Creatures as well. I do not think Divination is for me as I do not possess the third eye nor any form of fortune-telling abilities and I lived with Muggles for ten years. I do not need to study them, nor do I particularly wish to."

"It sounds like you have it all planned out, Snakelet."

"Yes. Bill has been a great help in helping me to understand the very basics of Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, so I don't think I will have any trouble in those classes. Plus, with your lessons in Parsel Runes, I am going to be the envy of all, Father." Aldwyn smirks at his father, "Charlie has been telling me all about the dragons he looked after and about any other creature he found interesting to learn about in school as well."

Aldwyn sits up, almost bouncing on his father's lap drawing a soft chuckle from his parents at his exuberance. They were pleased that their son was enjoying his extra tutoring sessions so much, not only had they seen vast improvements with his written calligraphy and legibility of his words, his work, and therefore his confidence in himself had skyrocketed. It was lovely to see.

"Also, I get taught by Fenrir Greyback. A notorious Werewolf who has fully integrated with his wolf; he has been teaching me all sorts of things about Werewolves and even Vampires! I almost managed to sneak up on him during our last session before he caught me." Aldwyn pouts, settling back down against his parents with a sigh.

Marvolo and Severus knew Aldwyn wasn't that put out about having been caught. He always came back inside after his sessions with Fenrir covered in mud and foliage but grinning from ear to ear, his cheeks flushed. Despite his constant complaining about Fenrir's strict, non-lenient teaching methods he always enquired after the wolf and about his next tutoring session with the man.

"Right, Snakelet. In a day or two we will be taking a trip to Diagon Ally."

"We will?"

"Yes. Albus mentioned that the Hogwarts letters have been sent out and will be arriving in the next couple of days. Your father and I have already arranged the trip with the Malfoys, and Blaise's mother had asked for her son to tag along while she is otherwise occupied. We will be collecting your school supplies as well as your new wand."

"Brilliant. I cannot wait. I haven't seen Blaise since my party. It would be nice to see him again before we all get swept up in the madness of Hogwarts."

"I am pleased that you are looking forward to it, Snakelet. However, I must stress that you remain alert while we are in the Ally. With news of our plans for the Wizengamot now out in the open and your Papa and I's pending courtship people may begin to approach you."

"What? But I'm just a child. What would they want with me?" Aldwyn tilts his head, eyebrow rising as he glances from his father's grim expressions to his papa's serious frown. No one would want to do anything to him, not if they wanted to ask about his father's political career, he was just twelve. What would he know? He was just a child. What would anyone want from an inexperienced member of their society? It wasn't like he was old enough to be taken seriously anyway, he had learnt that the hard way during his last term at Hogwarts.

"It is not what they would want from you, Aldwyn. It would be more like what they could get from you. Many people would like a chance to fawn over new high-standing members of society, especially those who are young and inexperienced. These types of people will assume that if they can get on good terms with the children of such high-standing Lords, then the parents will be easier to manipulate and gauge. You are the Heir to the Slytherin House, one of the most prominent houses on the Wizengamotandthe Prince house. If anything, many people will proposition your papa and I for betrothal contracts for their children to you."

Aldwyn listens with mounting horror, he didn't want to think about marriage or betrothals just yet, he wasn't old enough. The only wedding he wanted to think about was when his father married his papa. He didn't want to be trapped in a loveless marriage because some stranger fancies their hand at his family's monetary value and assets. He worries his lip. If his father and papa did decide to sign a betrothal contract then he wouldn't have much say in the matter, not until he was of age and could break the contract on his own.

"I don't want to be shipped off to the highest bidder. I don't want to marry some money-grabbing witch or wizard. I don't want to marry someone who wouldn't come to love me for me." Aldwyn whispers, his voice cracking.

Marvolo pulls Aldwyn tighter against his chest, smoothing a hand down his back. Severus slides closer, wrapping his arm around Aldwyn as well. They could see the melancholy settling around their son as he thinks of a future where he was stuck in a loveless marriage.

"Aldwyn, your father and I would never force you through any of that. We would never wish for you to be stuck in a marriage or even a betrothal like that. You are going to be free to choose your own partner, be they male or female when the time is right. As long as you are happy, that is all that matters to us."

"Really?"

"Really, Snakelet. Now, what do you say that we go practice some more potions?"

Severus clears his throat when Marvolo's hand slips from his waist to his hip. Patting Aldwyn's back, he is quick to push himself to his feet, fighting against the flush coating his ears when Marvolo chuckles. Carefully settling Aldwyn on his feet, Marvolo draws Severus against his chest and drops a light, teasing kiss on his lips.

"I think that sounds like fun."

Aldwyn giggles at his parents. He slips his hand into his papa's as they make their way out of the lounge, his father falling into step beside them a second later.