Chapter 26

 

            Dumbledore,

 

I am allowing you to keep a hold of a very, very special gift.  You know exactly what I speak of.  Within the walls of your school is my own and he will join me when the time is right.  He may not know of his heritage now but mark my words he shall.  He’s a very intelligent boy, especially for managing to escape me.  I’m pleased with his instruction so far and look forward to seeing what he’ll do next, what he’s capable of.

 

Should you fail to keep him safe I will see to it that you suffer greatly for my loss.  He may be intelligent but he is still young.  I will hold you personally responsible for any harm that comes to him.  There are people watching you for me, if I find that you have pulled another stunt like the one you did when he arrived, putting him in Gryffindor tower, then I shall send you a little gift.  What it will be you’ll just have to wait and see.

 

On another note, I want him returned to his proper dormitory without delay.  I shall be keeping in contact with my people.  Watch yourself Dumbledore; you do not want to be on the wrong side of my wrath.  You of all people should know what happens when I become upset.  If you desire to tell him what you know no harm will come to you or anyone else.  He has the right to know all sides of the story.  I wish you luck Dumbledore, you’re going to need it considering from my understanding you have continually pushed him away.

 

If something happens you shall hear from me again,

            Lord Voldemort

 

            Atani was leaning against Draco as Sirius read.  The blonde’s fingers were threading themselves gently through his ebony locks, petting and touching the strands lovingly.  Atani sighed, half closing his eyes in thought.  He wasn’t sure what to think of what his father wrote.

            “Wow.” Draco said softly after a moment of silence.

            Atani nodded, “Well, as long as I play as though I don’t know he’s my father I’ll be fine and I can still play him for a fool.”

            “Let’s see what’s in your trunk now.” Draco said with a smile, changing the subject.

            He smiled and nodded, crawling off the bed and slinking over to the foot of his bed.  Popping open his trunk he looked inside, sifting through the various cloaks and robes within.  He blinked as he saw a package at the bottom of his trunk.  Carefully he took it out, holding it in his hands.  A letter was sitting on top of it with his name on it in flowing green script.

            “Open it!” Sirius said excitedly.

            Atani laughed, “Give me a minute!  I need to read the letter first.” He said, carefully breaking his father’s seal and pulling out the letter within.

 

            Atani,

 

Well, I see you found your present.  I was hoping you would but then again I was hoping you wouldn’t until this mess is settled and everyone knows who you are.  Within the package is your birthright, I ask that you hold off on wearing it until you are home or until it is known that you are my son and heir.

 

I hope you have a good year at school and I will see you over Yule.  Your OWLs are this year and I expect you to score high.  I know that you will do well, you have had plenty of instruction, but I still want you to study.  Keep me updated on how things are going and what’s going on.

 

With love,

            Your Father

 

            Atani smiled as he folded the letter back up and tucked it away, “Well, what did it say?” Draco asked with a smile.

            He smiled, “That’s for me to know.” He said, carefully opening the package.

            Inside there was an ornate box, their family crest was carefully carved into the lid.  Gently he ran his fingers over the top; he was going to take his time opening it.  Slowly he opened the lid.  Inside was a robe of green velvet, silken silver snakes adorned the sleeves and edges.  It was old, that was obvious, but very well taken care of.  It was open in the front with silver ties hanging loosely down.  Hesitantly he ran his fingers over it, touching it reverently.  A ring of silver sat in the center of the robe, carefully he picked it up, examining it carefully.  Small snakes were carved into the silver and their family crest was in the center.  Slowly he slid it onto his left middle finger.  Immediately it formed to his finger, he blinked at it, and showed Draco.

            “It’s your family ring.” He said with a smile, “I haven’t gotten mine yet.  You won’t be able to remove it until you have an heir to give it to.”

            “It kind of matches my necklace.” He smiled, “I’d put the robe on but I think I’m going to wait on that.  Wouldn’t be good for everyone to see me covered in snakes.” He laughed.

            Draco smiled, “I agree with that one.” He said, kissing him softly, “Snake prince.” He said against his lips, kissing him again, “My snake prince.”

            Sirius made a coughing sound from behind them, “I think this is my cue to leave.” He said, getting up, “Be careful.” He said cryptically before walking out.

            “You think he was talking about sex?” Atani asked, their lips still close together.

            Draco smiled, “I think he was.”

            Atani pulled back, smiling, “Give me another kiss and then let’s get some sleep, it’s getting late.”

            The blonde pulled him close, pressing their lips together sweetly; his fingers ran gently through his hair as they kissed.  When he pulled back both of them were panting for breath.  Draco licked his lips and purred, “You taste good.” He said, taking off his robe and crawling into bed, “Come on, I miss holding you while I sleep.” He said, pulling back one side of the blankets for him to crawl in.

            Atani pulled his robe off and jumped in bed, snuggling against him, “You’re so warm, I hated not having this in that tower.”

            “I hated not having you in my arms while you were there.  I’m glad to have you back love.” He held him close, petting his hair gently, “Let’s sleep, I’ll be here when you wake up.”

            Atani snuggled close and closed his eyes, “Night Drac.” He said with a yawn before falling asleep.