Chapter 2
The room buzzed with quiet conversation, warmth radiating from the fire crackling in the hearth. Harry glanced around, soaking in the unexpected calm. Erebus was huddled with Fred and George, their whispers and mischievous grins promising trouble. Harry wasn’t sure what they were scheming, but knowing those three, he doubted it was anything less than spectacular.
Nearby, Erus listened attentively to Voldemort, who was explaining the intricate theory behind an advanced shield charm. The Dark Lord’s tone was measured and precise, and Erus clung to every word, absorbing the lesson. Across the room, Salazar sat on Hermione’s lap, enraptured by whatever story she was reading, his little fingers gripping the pages like they held the secrets to the universe. Ares, on the other hand, had dragged Ron into a corner, pointing excitedly at pages in a book, his wide eyes shining with ideas that likely involved chaos.
This wasn’t the life Harry had expected when he’d agreed to follow Voldemort for the sake of his children’s safety — but as strange as it was, he couldn’t bring himself to complain.
Suddenly, a loud thump shook the room. A tangled pile of bodies appeared only feet away from Erebus, Fred, and George. At the edge of the mess stood Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, both wearing expressions of fond exasperation.
“Get off,” a familiar voice grumbled from the heap. “You’re heavy!”
“Are you calling me fat, Moony?” Sirius’ indignant tone rang out, and Harry couldn’t help but smile.
“If he isn’t, I am,” another voice chimed in — Bill, the eldest Weasley brother.
“Uncle Bill!” Salazar’s voice shrieked with joy as he bolted across the room and flung himself into the pile. Groans rose from the heap of unfortunate souls.
“Grandma Molly!” Erebus cried, latching onto Mrs. Weasley, who teared up as she embraced him.
“Grandpa Arthur!” Ares wasn’t far behind, clutching Mr. Weasley’s arm in an enthusiastic hug.
“Sal,” Erus called with an exasperated sigh as he crossed the room. He carefully extracted his younger brother from the pile, earning a few gasps of relief from the men who scrambled to their feet. Once they were standing, Erus gave Sal a nudge. “Now you can jump on him.”
Salazar didn’t hesitate, pouncing on Bill with a triumphant giggle.
Erus turned next to Remus, wrapping his arms around him in a rare show of affection.
“Hi, Uncle Moony,” he said softly, leaving Remus visibly touched.
Harry stood from his seat, noticing Voldemort rising beside him. They both paused a few steps away from the scene.
“Little princes,” Harry called, smiling warmly. “Let them breathe.”
“Besides,” Voldemort added, voice serious but eyes glinting with amusement, “it’s only polite to introduce yourselves first before you hug them to death.”
Erus stepped forward first, straightening his back proudly. “I’m Erus Hadrian Potter-Riddle. I’m thirteen, the eldest child of Harry Potter and Tom Riddle.” Voldemort placed a hand on his son’s shoulder, pride clear in his gaze.
“I’m Erebus Thomas Potter-Riddle. I’m ten,” Erebus added, flashing a grin. Harry noticed Sirius’ eyes lock on Erebus, clearly struck by how much he resembled a younger Harry.
“I’m Ares Orion Potter-Riddle. I’m six,” Ares chimed in. “I’m named after Uncle Paddy!” Sirius’ startled expression melted into a grin.
“I’m Salazar Jameson Potter-Riddle. I’m four, and I’m named after Grandpa James,” Salazar said in his usual rapid chatter. “Daddy says we need another brother so we have all the Marauders. Papa says Hogwarts couldn’t survive it.” He turned to Sirius. “Do you think that’s true, Uncle Paddy?”
Sirius barked a laugh. “If you’re half as bad as we were, your papa’s absolutely right.”
Salazar’s face turned serious. He scampered closer to Sirius, tugging on his sleeve. When Sirius crouched down, Sal leaned in and whispered — loudly enough for everyone to hear — “We have to behave, or Daddy doesn’t give us dessert. He’s mean like that.”
Bill snorted while Sirius laughed openly.
“The trick,” Sirius whispered back, eyes twinkling, “is not getting caught.”
“Don’t go leading my children astray,” Harry warned, scowling playfully.
“See?” Salazar turned to Sirius, his voice conspiratorial. “Daddy’s really mean. Even Papa’s afraid of him.”
“Is that so?” Sirius asked with a mischievous grin.
Salazar nodded solemnly. “Uncle Ron says Papa’s whipped. Aunt Ginny says so too.” He paused thoughtfully. “Uncle Paddy, why would Daddy whip Papa?”
Sirius’ laugh broke free before he could even try to suppress it. Laughter rippled through the room, some of Harry’s friends doubling over. Even the Death Eaters, normally stoic, struggled to contain their amusement. Harry caught Rabastan turning away to hide his face — but his shaking shoulders gave him away.
Harry sighed, shaking his head. Well, all things considered, this could have gone much worse.